THE 


TWENTY-FOUR  BOOKS 


OF    THE 


HOLY   SCRIPTURES 

CAREFULLY    TRANSLATED 

ACCORDING  TO   THE   MASSORETIC   TEXT,   ON   THE   BASIS   OF   THE 

ENGLISH  VERSION. 

AND     sri'I'MEI)    WITH 

SHORT    EXPLANATORY    NOTES. 

BY 

ISAAC    LEESER. 


'For  it  shall  not  be  forgotten  out  of  the  mouth  of  his  seed."— Deut.  xxxi.  21. 


M 


EDIIION 


1891. 

FROM   THE    AMERICAN    HEBREW    I'flil.ISHINC    IIOf.SK. 

THE     BLOCH     PUBLISHING    ANH    PRINTIX*;      COMPANY. 

CiNriNNATI.  C'lIIf  Aliu. 


L-i 


PREFACE. 


L\  presenting  this  work  to  the  public,  the  transhitor  wouW  merely  remark,  that  it  is  not  a  new  notion 
by  which  he  was  seized  of  late  years  which  impelled  him  to  the  task,  but  a  desire  entertained  for  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century,  since  the  day  he  ([uitted  school  in  his  native  land  to  come  to  this  country,  to  present 
to  his  fellow-Israelites  an  English  version,  made  by  one  of  themselves,  of  the  Holy  Word  of  God.  Fi-om 
early  infancy  he  was  made  conscious  how  much  persons  differing  from  us  in  religious  ideas  make  use 
of  Scripture  to  assail  Israel's  hope  and  faith,  by  what  he  deems,  in  accordance  with  the  well-settled 
opinions  of  sound  critics,  both  Israelites  and  others,  a  perverted  and  hence  erroneous  rendering  of  the 
words  of  the  original  Bible.  Therefore  he  always  entertained  the  hope  to  be  one  day  permitted  to  do  for 
his  fellow  Hebrews  who  use  the  English  as  their  vernacular,  what  liad  been  done  for  the  Germans  by  some 
of  the  most  eminent  minds  whom  the  Almighty  has  endowed  with  the  power  of  reanimating  in  us  the  al- 
most expiring  desire  for  critical  inquiry  into  the  sacred  te.xt.  So  much  had  been  done  by  these,  that  the 
translator's  labours  were  rendered  comparatively  easy ;  since  he  had  before  him  the  best  results  of  the 
studies  of  modern  German  Israelites,  carried  on  for  the  space  of  eighty  years,  commencing  with  Moses 
Mendelssohn,  Herz  Wesel,  or,  as  he  was  called,  Ilartog  Wesscly,  and  Solomon  of  Dulmo,  down  to  Dr.  L. 
Zunz,*  of  Berlin,  whose  work  appeared  in  183i>,  Dr.  Solomon  Herxheinier,  Rabbi  of  Aidialt-Bernburg, 
whose  woi'k  was  completed  five  years  ago,  and  of  Dr.  Lewis  Philippson,t  Rabbi  of  Magdeburg  in  Prussian 
Saxony,  whose  work  is  not  yet  quite  conipletedj  while  writing  this.  In  addition  to  these  entire  Bible  trans- 
lations, the  translator  has  had  access  to  partial  versions  of  separate  books,  by  Ottensosser,  Heinemann, 
Obernik,  Ilochstiitter,  Wolfson,  Lciwenthal,  and  some  anonymous  writers,  referred  to  occasionally  in  the  notes 
appended  to  this  work  ;  besides  which  he  has  had  the  advantage  of  the  copious  notes  of  Dr.  Philijipson's 
and  Dr.  Herxheimer's  Bibles,  in  which  these  learned  men  have  collected  the  views  of  the  investigators, 
both  Israelites  and  others,  in  the  path  of  biblical  criticism.  The  ancient  versions,  als( ,  of  Onkclos,  Jona- 
than, and  the  Jerusalem  Targumist  have  been  carefully  consulted ;  and,  wherever  accessible,  the  comments  of 
the  great  expounders  Rashi,  (Rabbi  Shelemoh  Yizchaki,)  Redak,  (Rabbi  David  Kimchi.)  Aben  Ezra,  (Rabbi 
Abraham  ben  Mei'r  ben  Ezra,)  Rashbam,  (Rabbi  Shelemoh  ben  Me'ir,  the  grandson  of  Rashi,)  Ralbag, 
(Rabbi  Levi  ben  Gershom,)  and  Rabbenu  Sa'adyah  (Saadias)  Gaori,  as  also  the  Michlol  Yo]ihi,  and  the 
modern  Biurim,  have  been  sedulously  compared,  so  as  to  insure  the  utmost  accuracy  of  which  the  translator 
is  capable.  His  library  is  not  vci-y  extensive;  but  he  trusts  that  the  foregoing  catalogue  of  auxiliary 
works  will  prove  that  he  has  had  at  hand  as  good  materials  as  can  be  obtained  anywhere  to  do  justice  to 
his  undertaking.  It  must  be  left  to  those  acquainted  with  the  subject,  to  decide  whether  he  has  taken  due 
advantage  of  the  materials  in  his  hand :  but  he  trusts  that  the  judgment  will  be  in  his  favour,  at  least  so 
far,  that  he  has  been  honest  and  faithful. 

The  translator  is  an  Israelite  in  faith,  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word  :  he  believes  in  the  Scriptiu'cs  as 
they  have  been  handed  down  to  us  ;  in  the  truth  and  authenticity  of  prophecies  and  their  ultimate  literal 
fulfilment.  He  has  always  studied  the  Scriptures  to  find  a  confirmation  for  his  faith  and  hope ;  neverthe- 
less, he  asserts  fearlessly,  that  in  his  going  through  this  work,  he  has  thrown  aside  all  bias,  discarded 
every  preconceived  opinion,  and  translated  the  text  before  him  without  regard  to  the  result  thence  arising 
for  his  creed.  But  no  perversion  or  forced  rendering  of  any  text  was  needed  to  bear  out  liis  opinions  or 
those  of  Israelites  in  general ;  and  he  for  one  would  place  but  little  confidence  in  them,  if  he  were  com- 
pelled to  change  the  evident  meaning  of  the  Bible  to  find  a  support  for  them.  He  trusts,  therefore,  that 
to  those  who  agree  with  him  in  their  religious  persuasion,  he  has  rendered  an  acceptable  service;  as  they 
will  now  have  an  opportunity  to  study  a  version  of  the  Bible  which  has  not  been  made  by  the  authority 

*  Dr.  Zunz,  whose  work  is  often  quoted  in  the  notes,  only  translated  the  two  books  of  Chronicles;  but  ho  was  aided  by  Rabbi 
Chayim  Arnbeim,  of  Glogau,  with  Genesis,  Exodu«,  Leviticus,  Numbers,  the  Hooks  of  Kings,  Ezekiel.  Ilosoa,  Obadiah,  Jonah,  Miclin, 
Nalium,  Zechariah,  Proverbs,  .Job,  Ruth,  Ecclesinstes,  Esther,  and  Neheuiiah  ;  by  Dr.  Michael  Sachs,  then  of  Prague,  but  now  of 
Berlin,  with  Deuteronomy,  Joshua,  Judges,  the  Books  of  Samuel,  Isaiah,  Joel,  Amos,  H.abakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Haggai,  Malachi. 
Psalms,  the  Song  of  Solomon,  and  Lamentations,  (Jeremiah  was  translated  by  both  conjointly:)  and  by  Dr.  Julius  Fiirst,  of 
Leipzig,  with  Daniel  and  Ezra.      Occasionally  in  the  notes,  "Zunz"  is  named;   at  other  tim^,  the  special  translators. 

f  The  merit  of  the  later  translators  consists  tlierein  that  tliey  liave  adhered  to  the  letter  of  the  text,  and  not  rendered  it  freely, 
to  avoid  difficulties  and  to  improve  the  style,  as  was  done  by  Mendelssohn  apd  bis  immediate  follo-jvefg,  ^  close,  literal  rendering 
will  be  found  to  characterize  this  version  also. 

J  Only  t9  1  Chronicles  vi,  16,  iii 


0505 


IV  PREFACE. 

of  churches  in  which  they  can  have  no  confidence  ;  and  that  to  those  also  who  arc  of  a  different  persua- 
sion, his  hibours  will  not  be  unacceptable,  as  exhibiting,  so  far  as  he  could  do  it,  the  progress  of  biblical 
criticism  among  ancient  and  modern  Israelites — a  task  utterly  beyond  the  power  of  any  but  a  Jew  by 
birth  and  conviction. 

As  regards  the  style,  it  has  been  endeavoured  to  adhere  closely  to  that  of  the  ordinary  English  version, 
which  for  simplicity  cannot  be  surpassed ;  though,  upon  a  critical  examination,  it  will  readily  be  perceived 
that  the  various  translators  differed  materially  in  their  method,  and  frequently  rendered  the  same  word 
in  different  ways.  In  the  present  version,  great  care  has  been  taken  to  avoid  this  fault ;  but  the  translator 
does  not  mean  to  assert  that  he  has  succeeded  to  as  great  an  extent  as  he  could  have  desired.  He  will  not 
enumerate  what  he  has  done  ;  but  let  any  one  who  is  desirous  to  investigate  this  point  compare  the  two 
translations,  and  he  will  readily  convince  himself  that  this  may  be  called  a  new  version,  especially  of  the 
Prophets,  Psalms,  and  Job ;  and  he  confidently  hopes  that  the  meaning  has  been  rendered  more  clear  by 
the  version  itself,  and,  where  this  was  not  altogether  practicable,  by  the  notes  appended  at  the  foot  of  the 

He  found  great  difficulty  about  coming  to  a  satisfactory  resolution  with  regard  to  tlie  spelling  of  the 
proper  nouns.  Any  one  the  least  acquainted  with  the  manner  they  are  presented  in  the  common  versions 
and  the  languages  of  Western  Europe,  must  know  that  they  are  very  much  corrupted ;  but  tliey  have  in 
this  shape  become  so  much  interwoven  with  the  language  of  history  and  of  daily  conversation,  that  it 
would  have  produced  endless  confusion  to  spell  them  after  the  original  manner.  Hence  the  ordinary  method 
had  to  be  retained  for  words  in  constant  use  ;  but  where  this  was  not  the  case,  a  spelling  more  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  original  has  been  resorted  to.  The  j  should  always  be  pronounced  as  y,  to  accord  with 
the  Hebrew ;  and  ia  as  ya.  A  sliould  be  sounded  as  long  ah  ;  c  as  long  a  ;  i  as  long  ec  ;  and  u  as  oo. 
Cli  stands  for  the  Hebrew  H  j  where  J7  occurs  in  the  Hebrew,  an  apostrophe  '  has  been  used  for  the 
most  part ;  but  there  are  no  English  letters  to  represent  these  sounds  exactly.  For  instance,  "  Zecha- 
riah,"  pronounce  Zecharyah  ;  "Jehu,"  as  Yay-lwo,  &c. 

The  translator  will  not  ask  that  his  errors  and  misconceptions  shall  be  excused ;  but  he  trusts  that  any 
fault  which  may  be  discovered  will  be  kindly  pointed  out  to  him,  so  that  he  may  be  able  to  make  use  of 
all  such  remarks  to  correct  his  work  in  a  future  edition  ;  and  he  for  his  own  part  will  not  be  satisfied  with 
what  he  has  done,  but  endeavour  to  improve  hy  future  experience. 

Whenever  words  have  been  supplied  which  are  not  in  the  text,  but  requisite  to  make  the  sense  clear, 
they  have  been  placed  in  parentheses;  for  instance,  1  Chron.  iii.  9,  "(These  were)  all  the  sons  of  David," 
where  there  is  no  equivalent  in  Hebrew  for  "these  were,"  though  no  sense  could  be  made  of  the  phrase 
without  supplying  these  two  words.  The  parenthesis  is  also  used  occasionally,  but  very  seldom,  to  denote 
a  construction,  where  an  actual  parenthesis  of  a  whole  sentence,  or  of  one  or  more  verses,  occurs. 

The  whole  work  has  been  undertaken  at  the  sole  responsibility,  both  mercantile  and  literary,  of  the 
translator.  No  individual  has  been  questioned  respecting  the  meaning  of  a  single  sentence ;  and  not  an 
English  book  has  been  considted,  except  Bagster's  Bible,  a  few  notes  of  which  have  been  incorporated 
with  this.  The  peculiarity  of  the  style  will  readily  indicate  them.  The  author's  name  would  have  been 
appended,  had  it  been  known  to  the  translator. 

Althougli  about  the  sixth  part  of  the  contents  of  this  volume  are  notes,  still  he  did  not  mean  to  write  a 
commentary  on  the  Bible,  nor  must  the  notes  1)0  regarded  as  any  thing  else  tlian  a  mere  slight  aid  for  the 
explanation  of  grammatical  and  other  difficulties.  For  this  they  are  ]irobably  ample  enough  ;  otherwise 
they  must  appear  very  defective  in  quantity  and  manner. 

With  these  few  remarks  the  translatoi'  surrenders  a  labour  in  which  ho  has  been  engaged,  occasionally, 
for  more  than  fifteen  years,  to  the  kindness  of  the  public,  trusting  that,  by  the  blessing  of  the  Father  of 
all,  it  may  be  made  instrumental  in  diffusing  a  taste  for  Scripture  reading  among  the  community  of  Is- 
raelites, and  be  the  means  of  a  better  appreciation  of  the  great  treasures  of  revelation  to  many  who  never 
have  had  the  ojiportunity  of  knowing  what  the  Hebrews  have  done  for  niankin<l,  not  alone  in  preserving 
the  sacred  books,  but  by  labouring  to  make  them  intelligible  to  the  world  at  large. 

„  (  Klnl  ]7lh,  .WIS. 

I'lnr.AIlEI.l'lllA,  ■     „      ,    or.,;      IQT') 

'  (^  iiejit.  ZUth,  1853. 


V. 


GENERAL   REMARKS. 


According  to  Dr.  Zunz,  the  creation  of  tlie  world  dates  3988  before  the  eoiumoii  era.  The  flood  in  1656  after 
the  creation.  Abram  born  at  Ur,  1948.  Jacob  goes  to  Egypt,  2238.  Moses  born,  2413.  Exodus,  and  giving  of 
the  Decalogue,  2493.  Entrance  into  Palestine,  2533.  Deborah  and  Barak's  victory,  2653.  Death  of  'Eli,  2877. 
Saul  made  king,  2900.  His  death,  2930.  David  acknowledged  king  by  all  Israel,  2937.  Temple  commenced, 
2973,  in  the  year  480  after  the  Exodus.  Division  of  the  kingdom  between  Rehobo'am  and  Jerobo'am,  3010. 
Elijah,  about  30(58,  when  Achab  became  king.  Elisha'  becomes  Elijah's  successor,  3090.  Hoshea',  the  last  king 
of  Israel,  3259-3268,  when  Shalmenesser  conquers  Samaria,  and  carries  the  people  into  exile,  while  the  kingdom 
of  Judah  yet  continues  under  Hozekiah  (3262)  to  Zedekiah  (3402)  in  which  year  Nebuchadnezzar  conquers 
Jerusalem,  and  carries  the  people  mostly  to  Babylon,  while  a  few  fly  to  I^gypt,  taking  Jeremiah  with  them. 
Babylon  conquered,  3450,  and  two  years  later  Cyrus  permits  the  Jews  to  return  to  Palestine  under  Zerubbabel  and 
Jeshua'.  The  new  temple  is  completed,  3472,  that  is,  516  before  the  common  era.  History  of  Ilanian,  3514. 
'Ezra  comes  to  Palestine,  8530,  and  Neheraiah,  3544 ;  returns  t«  Persia,  3556,  and  arrives  again  in  Palestine,  3564. 
Jaddua'  high-priest,  3656,  and  under  him,  two  years  later,  Palestine  is  conquered  by  Alexander  of  Macedon. 
These  few  dates,  it  is  hoped,  will  cluciilute,  with  the  ]?ible  text,  the  history  of  the  Scriptures. 

The  various  ^  marks  used  in  this  work  indicate  the  ^lassoretic  sections,  the  only  ones  in  use  in  the  Hebrew  MSS. 
without  points,  where  neither  chapter  nor  verse  divisions  are  otherwise  marked  oft',  except  that  between  one  verso 
and  the  other  there  is  a  little  more  space  than  between  two  ordinary  words. 

The  books  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  divided  into  the  following  classes  :  the  Law,  Pentateuch  or  Torah,  Xebiim 
Kishonim,  the  Earlier  Prophets,  Nebiim  Aeharonim,  the  Later  Prophets,  and  Kefubim,  Ilagiographa,  or  Holy 
Writings. 

The  order  of  the  books  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  according  to  the  usual  Hebrew  text  is.  Genesis,  J^xodus, 
Leviticus,  Numbers,  and  Deuteronomy,  comprising  the  Pentateuch. — Joshua,  Judges,  the  First  Book  of  Samuel, 
the  Second  Book  of  Samuel,  the  First  Book  i^f  the  Kings,  and  the  Second  Book  of  the  Kings,  comprising  the 
Earlier  I'ropiiets. — Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezokiel,  and  the  twelve  minor  prophets,  (to  wit,  Hosea,  Joel,  Amos, 
Obadiah,  Jonah,  31icliah,  Nahum,  Habakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Haggai,  Zechariah,  and  Malachi,)  comprising  the  Later 
Prophets. — Psalms,  Proverbs,  Job,  the  five  rolls,  (to  wit,  the  Song  of  Solomon,  Ruth,  Lamentations,  Ecclesiastes, 
and  Esther,)  Daniel,  Ezra,  Nehemiah,  the  First  and  Second  Books  of  Chronicles,  comprising  the  Hagiographa, 
or  Holy  Writings. 

The  Jews  also  divide  the  Law  in  fifty-four  sections,  which  are  called  after  the  first  distiiictivi^  word  in  each 
section.  For  instance  :  the  first  of  these  sections  is  called  Bere.shitii,  from  the  first  word  of  the  Bible,  signifying 
"  in  the  beginning."  The  name  of  the  first  section  in  each  book  of  the  Pentateuch  is  also  applied  to  that  book  ; 
thus.  Genesis  is  called  Bocsliitli  ;  Exodus,  S/icriwt/i  ;  Leviticus,  Yai/ikra  ;  }\  umhcrs,  Brm  id  bar  ;  and  ]1cuteronomy, 
DcJxirim.  Ijcviticus  is  also  called  Tora/h  Cohcniim,  and  Deuteronomy,  MUltnrh  Torah.  The  whole  law  is  read 
once  every  year  in  the  Synagogue  and  families,  together  with  a  corresponding  section  (HAPnTiiRAll)  of  the 
prophetic  books — that  is,  excluding  the  Hagiographa,  the  third  division  of  this  work.  Occasionally  two  weekly 
sections  are  read  together,  when  mostly  the  Haphtorah  of  the  second  to  the  exclusion  of  the  first  is  recited.  So 
also  arc  the  especial  Haphtoroth  for  Sabbath  New-Moon,  or  when  new  moon  is  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  first 
and  second  Sabliath  Chanuckah,  Parshath  Shekalim,  Zachor,  Parah,  and  Hachodesh,  as  also  Shim'u  for  Mattoth, 
likewise  'Aniyah  So'arah  for  Keay,  and  Soss  Assiss  for  Nizabim  and  Vayelcch,  read  instead  of  the  usual  ones 
indicated  for  the  respective  occasions.  The  name  of  each  weekly  section  is  placed  at  its  commencement,  as  also  at 
the  head  of  the  pages  embracing  the  same,  and  the  Haphtorah  is  indicated  at  the  end  of  each.  The  weekly 
sections  ai'C  divided  oiF  in  seven  subdivisions  called  Parashiyoth,  or  Parassahs,  whieli  are  marked  off'  in  this  work 
with  a  *;  so  also  the  few  verses  read  for  the  M(ipliteri\  or  the  one  who  reads  the  Haphtorah,  as  will  apjicar  from 
inspection. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  first  division  of  nest  week's  section  is  read  every  Sabbath  afternoon  and  iMonday 
and  Thursday  morning,  unless  on  these  days  some  other  portion  should  be  read,  because  of  there  being  a  fast,  ot 
half  or  entire  holiday. 


VI 


GENERAL   REMARKS. 


The  subjoined  is  a  table  of  tlic  Law  scetions  and  Haphtorotli  for  the  various  occasions  : 

Parasuau.  Haphtorah. 

1st  day  of  New  Year Genesis  xxi.  1-34.  1  Sam.  i.-ii.  10. 

2d        "        "        "    "       xxii.  1-2-1.  Jeremiah  xxxi.  2-20. 

On  both  days  also Numb.  xxix.  1-6. 

Sabbath  Teshubah The  weekly  section.  As  given  after  Vayelech. 

T^        „  .  .  ,  f  Leviticus  xvi.  1-.34.  )  ^    .,,...,.,...,  , 

Day  01  Atonement,  morninu »  .j      ,         .      „   ,,      y  Isaiah  Ivii.  14-lviii.  14. 

•'  '  ^         (  JNumb.  XXIX.  7-11.    J 

f  Book  of  Jonah. 

"  "  afternoon...     Leviticus  xviii.  l-.'50.  -'       Portuguese  add  three  last  verses 

(      of  aiieah. 

T   ,    ,        !•  m  1  1  (  Leviticus  xxii.  26-xxiii.  44.  ]  r/     i      •  i      • 

1st  day  of   labernacles <  -.j      ,         .       ,,,   ,^  ]■         /jecliiinali  xiv. 

•'  (  Numb.  XXIX.  12-1/.  ) 

2d        "  "  the  same  as  first  day.  1  Kings  viii.  2-21. 

■.,.  1 11     J  f.  J  f  from  Numb.  xxix.  17-34, 

Middle  days  of  do J.       .,  ' 

•'  [      the  proper  verses. 

i  Exod.  xxxiii.  12— xxxiv.  20.  "| 

Sabbath  of  do -  from  Numb.  xxix.  17-34,       [-         Ezckicl  xxxviii.  18-xxxix.  16. 

(  the  proper  verses.  ) 

Tj,.  ,  ,,   J  (  Deut.*  xiv.  22-xvi.  17.  1  Kings  viii.  54-60. 

Jliighth  day -^  at      u        •      oc  -i 

'^  •'  (Numb.  xxix.  35-xxx.  1. 

(^  Deut.  xxxiii.  1-xxxiv.  12.  Joshua  i.  1-18. 

Rejoicing  of  the  Law <  Gen.  i.  1-ii.  3.  Portuguese  only  1-0. 

(  Numb.  xxix.  35-xxx.  1. 

nx  \    1  i  Numi).  vii.t  each  day, 

Chanuckah <       ^,  '  •" 

(      the  proper  verses. 

On  Sth  day  end  with  viii.  1^. 

f  Usual  weekly  section,  and  the  ") 
Sabbaths  of  do -'       proper  passages  from'Nun.b.  [-      See  end  of  Genesis. 

(      vi.  vii.  and  viii.  ) 

Shekalim See  end  of  Exodus.  "  Exodus. 

Zaclior 

Purim Exodus  xvii.  8-15.  "  " 

Parah See  end  of  Exodus.  "  " 

Ilaehodesh "  "  " 

Haggadole  Weekly  section.  "  Leviticus. 

1st  day  of  Passover Exod.  xii.J  21-50.  Joshua  v.  2-vi.  1. 

2d        "  "       Levit.  xxii.  20-xxsiii.  44.  2  Kings§  xxiii.  1-25. 

On  both  days  also Numb,  xxviii.  10-25. 

1  Middle  days  of Exod.  xiii.  1-16. 

2  "  "     "      xxii.  24-xxiii.  19. 

8       "  "     "      xxxiv.  1-26.11 

4       "  "     Numb.  ix.  1-14. 

Sabbath  of  M.  I),  of  Passover...     Exod.  xxxiii.  12-xxxiv.  26.  EzekielT[  xxxvii.  1-14. 

7th  Day  of  Passover Exod.  xiii.  17-xv.  26.  2  Samuel  xxii.  1-51. 

Sth     "     "  "         Deut.**  xiv.  22-xvi.  17.  Isaiah  x.  32-xii.  6. 

On  all  six  days  read  also Numb,  xxviii.  19-25. 

1  of  Pentecost Exod.  xix.  1-xx.  23.  Ezckiel  i.  entire,  iii.  12. 

2"  "        Deut.ft  xiv.  22-xvi.  17.  Hab.  ii.  20-iii.  19. 

On  both  days  also Numb,  xxi.x.  26-31. 

New-moon  days "        xxviii.  1-15. 

Sabbath  of  do See  end  of  Genesis. 

i''ast  days Exod.  xxxii.  11-14,  In  the  afternoon. 

xxxiv.  1-10.  Isaiah  Iv.  6-lvi.  8.|:|: 

Fast  of  Ab,  morning )  Pent.  iv.  25—40.  Jeremiah  viii.  13-ix.  23. 

"        "     .'inernoon (  .\s  on  other  fasts.  As  on  other  fasts. 


*  This  is  if  on  Sabbath,  otherwise  xv.  19-xvi.  17. 

■f  Tho  Poringnei^e  n(M  on  tlic  first  day  vi.  22-27. 

t  ICon  Sabl>.atti.  Vortu^iicso  oouunenco  veree  14. 

a  Portuguese  leave  out  It  lo  20. 

I  Jf  Sabbiith  be  on  tiie  third  day.  the  order  is  changed, 


f  Others  commence  x.\vi.  37. 
"'  On  wecli  days.  xv.  lil-xvi.  17. 
ft  On  week  day?,  xv.  19-x\'i.  17. 

jj  Povtufrueso  "say  no  llaiititor.ib  on  Fast  days'  aflcrnoon.  cxicpt 
on  itth  of  Ah,  wlicn'they  say  JJoseft^iy.  2-10,  and  Mi<'hali  vii.  18-20, 


r- 


C  (J  N  T  E  N  T  S. 


PAGE 

I'AHT  I— TlIK   I'KXTATI'irCII 1 

Genesis o 

p]xci(liis (i(i 

Leviticu.s IIS 

Numbers If)!) 

Iti'Utcrnrioiiiy  21(1 

PART  IT— THE  PROPHETS: 

Division  I. — Tjie  Earlif.r  Prophets  ...  255 

Joshua 257 

Judges 286 

1  Samuel 315 

2  Samuel 353 

1  Kincs 385 

2  Kings 423 

Division  II. — The  Latkr  Prophets 459 

Isaiah 461 

Jeremiah    522 

Ezekiel .590 

The  Twelve  iAIinor  Prophets  : 

Hosea 654 

Joel 664 

Amos 668 


PAOH 

The  Twelve  Minor  Phciphet.s — contimied. 

Oliiidiah  675 

Jonah 677 

Micah (■)79 

Nalniui 685 

llal^kkiik 687 

Zephaniah 690 

Haggai 694 

Zechariah 696 

Malachi 707 

PART  III.— THE  IIAGIOGRAPHA 711 

The  Psalms 713 

The  Proverbs 794 

Job 824 

The  Song  of  Solomon 860 

Ruth 864 

Lamentations 868 

Eccle.siastes 874 

Esther 884 

Daniel 893 

Ezra 912 

Neheuiiah 924 

IClironieies 941 

2  Chronicles 973 


D^mnm  D^N^nj  mm 


THE    HOLY    SCRIPTURES 

PART  FIRST, 


CONTAINING 


THE  PENTATEUCH;    OR,  THE  FIVE  BOOKS  OF  MOSES. 

nvT2  ^)'^^^) 

GENESIS,   n'^'Nnn  exodus,  mjDtr 

LEVITICUS,    Nipn  NUMBERS,    -\21D2 

DEUTERONOMY,     OnDI- 


THE  r,OOK  OF  GENESIS, 

BERESlilTH,'   n'u'NID, 
CONTAINING    THE    HISTORY    OF    THE    CREATION    AND    PATRIARCHS. 


SECTION  I.     BERESHITH,  n^:;*NnD. 
CHAPTER  I. 

1  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven 
and  the  earth. 

2  And  the  eai'th  was  withont  form  and 
void,  and  darknes.'^  was  upon  the  face  of  the 
deep ;  and  the  spirit  of  God  was  waving  over 
tlie  face  of  the  waters. 

8  And  God  said,  Let  there  be  light ;  and 
there  was  hght. 

4  And  God  saw  the  Hght  that  it  was  good; 
and  God  divided  between  the  light  and  the 
darkness. 

5  And  God  called  the  light  Day,  and  the 
darkness  he  called  Night.  And  it  was  even- 
ing and  it  was  morning,  the  first  day. 

G  iy  And  God  said.  Let  there  be  an  expan- 
sion'' in  the  midst  of  the  waters,  and  let  it 
divide  between  waters  and  waters. 

7  And  God  made  the  expan.sion,  and  di- 
vided between  the  waters  which  were  under 
the  expansion  and  the  waters  which  were 
above  the  expansion :  and  it  was  so. 

8  And  God  called  the  expansion  Heaven. 
And  it  was  evening  and  it  was  morning,  the'^ 
second  day. 

9  T[  And  God  said,  Let  the  waters  under 
the  heaven  be  gathered  together  unto  one 
|)lace,  and  let  the  dry  land  be  visible :  and  it 
was  so. 

10  And  (iod  called  the  dry  land  Earth  ; 
and  the  gathering  together  of  the  waters  he 
called  Seas:   and  God  saw  that  it  was  "ood. 


"  This  word  is  the  D;nue  of  the  Jirsl  weekly  section,  also  ! 
of  the  first  book  of  Moses,  from  the  first  word  thereof, 
which  is  Berishith,  i.  e.  "  In  the  beginning.'" — It  must 
be  understood  that  the  whole  law  is  divided  into  fift3'- 
foiir  sections,  appointed  to  be  read  during  the  course 
of  the  year,  so  that  each  Sabbath  one  or  two  conjointly 
are  read.  Each  of  these  sections  bears  a  natno  derived 
fnirn  the  A'/'s/  distinctive  word  thereof,  and  this  will  bet 
found  indicated  throughout  the  Pentateuch  of  this  edition. 

'  I  have  preferred  this  term  to   (he  usual    translations, 


11  And  (Jod  said,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth 
grass,  herbs  yielding  seed,  fruit-trees  yielding 
fruit  after  their*  kind,  in  which  its  seed  is 
upon  the  earth  :   and  it  was  so. 

12  And  the  earth  brought  forth  grass,  herbs 
yielding  seed  after  their  kind,  and  trees  yield- 
ing fruit,  in  which  its  seed  is  after  their 
kind  :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

13  And  it  was  evening  ;ind  it  was  morn- 
ing, the  third  day.'^" 

14  ][  And  God  said,  Let  there  be  lights  in 
the  expansion  of  the  heaven  to  divide  be- 
tween the  day  and  the  night ;  and  let  them 
be  lor  signs,  and  for  seasons,  and  for  days, 
and  years ; 

15  And  let  them  be  for  lights  in  the  ex- 
jjansion  of  the  heaven,  to  give  light  upon  the 
earth  :  and  it  was  so. 

IG  And  God  made  the  two  great  lights ; 
the  greater  light  to*^  rule  the  day,  and  the 
lesser  light  to  rule  the  night;  and  the  stars. 

17  And  God  set  them  in  the  expansion  of 
the  heaven  to  give  light  upon  the  earth, 

18  And  to  rule  by  day  and  by  night,  and 
!  to  divide  between  the  liglit  and  the  darkness  : 

and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

19  And  it  was  evening  and  it  was  morn- 
ing, the  tburth  day. 

20  ^  Antl  God  said,  Let  the  waters  bring 
i  forth  abundantly  moving  creatures  that  have 
||  life,  and  fowl  that  may  fiy  above  the  earth  in 

the  open  expansion  of  the  heaven. 
■       21  And    God    created  the    great  sea-mon- 

because  it  expresses  more  correctly  the  idea  of  the  Hebrew 
word,  from  |'p"i  to  crptuid ;  therefore,  the  expansion  of 
the  atmosphere,  not  the  fixed  vault  of  the  skies. 

"  Properly,  "a  second  day,"  the  definite  article  being 
wanting;  and  so  with  all  the  otiiers,  up  to  the  fifth  day. 

''Properly,  "it.s  kind,"  referring  to  y_j'  true,  collec- 
tive singular,  rendered  here  with  the  plural  trees. 

'  The  stars  are  used  to  denote  the  verses  where  the  por- 
tions of  the  various  sections  end. 

'  Hob.  "  fnr  llie  rule  of." 


GENESIS  I.  II.     BERESHITH. 


sters,"  and  every  living  creature  that  moveth, 
which  the  waters  brought  forth  abundantly 
after  their  kind,  and  every  winged  Ibwl  after 
it,s  kind :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 

22  And  God  blessed  them,  saying,  Be  fruit- 
ful, and  multiply,  and  fill  the  waters  in  the 
seas,  and  let  the  fowl   multiply  on  the  earth. 

23  And  it  was  evening  and  it  was  morn- 
ing, the  fifth  day.* 

24  ^  And  God  said,  Let  the  earth  bring 
forth  living  creatures  after  their  kind,  cattle, 
and  creeping  things,  and  beasts  of  the  earth 
after  their  kind  :  and  it  was  so. 

25  And  God  made  the  beasts  of  the  earth 
after  their  kind,  and  the  cattle  after  their 
kind,  and  every  thing  that  creepeth  upon 
the  earth  after  its  kind :  and  God  saw  that  it 
was  good. 

26  And  God  said,  Let  us''  make  man  in 
our  image,  after  our  likeness  ;  and  they  shall 
have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea, 
and  over  the  fowl  of  the  heaven,  and  over 
the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over 
every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth . 

27  And  God  created  man  in  his  image, 
in  the  image  of  God  created  he  him;  male 
and  female  created  he  them. 

28  And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said 
unto  them,  Be  fruitful  and  multiply,  and  fill 
the  earth,  and  subdue  it;  and  have  dominion 
over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl 
of  the  heaven,  and  over  every  living  thing 
that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 

29  And  God  said.  Behold  I  have  given 
unto  you  every  herb  bearing  seed,  which  is 
upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth,  and  every  tree 
on  which  is  the  fruit  of  a  tree  yielding  seed  ; 
to  you  it  shall  be  for  food. 

30  And  to  every  beast  of  the  earth,  and 
to  every  fowl  of  the  heaven,  and  to  every 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  wherein 
there  is  life,  (I  have  given)  every  green  herb 
lor  food  :  and  it  was  so. 

.SI   And    God    saw"    every  thing    that    he 


*  Meaning,  all  the  greater  animals  that  inhabit  the  seas, 
in  contradistinction  to  the  smaller  creatures  afterwards 
described. 

''  This  phrase  is  employed  here,  as  in  other  places,  to 
express  the  purpose  of  the  Deity  to  eflcct  his  will.  This 
construction  is  called  "  the  plural  of  majesty." 

°  "  Looked  over;"  meaning,  that  when  all  had  been 
completed,  the  Creator,  so  to  s:iy,  cast  his  view  over  all, 
and  then  saw  that  there  was  nothing  defective  in  the  whole 
4 


had  made,  and  behold,  it  was  very  good. 
And  it  was  evening  and  it  was  morning,  the 
sixth  day. 

CHAPTER  n. 

1  ^  Thus  were  finished  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  and  all  their  host. 

2  And  God  had  finished  on  the  seventh 
day  his  work  which  he  had  made,  and  he 
rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  all  his  work 
which  he  had  made. 

3  And  God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and 
sanctified  it ;  because  thereon  he  had  rested 
from  all  his  work  which  God  had  created  in 
making  it.*" 

4  ]y  These  are  the  generations"  of  the  hea- 
vens and  of  the  earth  when  they  were  created, 
on  the  day  that  the  Lord'  God  made  earth 
and  heaven. 

5  And  every  plant  of  the  field  was  not  yet 
on  the  earth,  and  every  herb  of  the  field  had 
not  yet  grown ;  for  the  Lord  God  had  not 
caused  it  to  I'ain  upon  the  earth,  and  man 
was  not  yet  there  to  till  the  ground. 

G  But  there  went  up  a  mist  froui  the 
earth,  and  watered  the  whole  face  of  the 
ground. 

7  And  the  Lukd  God  formed  the  man  of 
dust  from  the  ground,  and  breathed  into  his 
nostrils  the  breath  of  life ;  and  the  man  be- 
came a  living  being. 

8  And  the  Lord  God  planted  a  garden  in 
Eden  to  the  eastward,  and  he  put  there  the 
man  whom  he  had  formed. 

9  And  the  Lord  God  caused  to  grow  out 
of  the  ground  every  tree  that  is  i)leasant  to 
the  sight  and  good  for  food;  and  the  tree  of 
life  in  the  midst  of  the  gai'den,  and  the  tree 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

10  And  a  river  went  out  of  Eden  to  water 
the  garden,  and  from  there  it  was  })arted,  and 
became  four  principal  streams. 

11  The  name  of  the  first  is  Pishon,  the 
same  which  compasseth  the  wliole  land  of 
Havilah,  where  there  is  gold. 

system  of  outward  nature,  produced  by  his  creative  power 

"  After  PiULiPl'soN. 

'  "  The  history  of  the  creation." — iMemjELSsohn. 

'  The  proper  signification  of  this  word  is  the  Eternal, 
which  term  will  be  used  when  absolutely  required,  but 
generally  the  usual  word  will  be  employed;  but  its  proper 
sense  will  be  indicated,  as  is  customary  in  all  the  English 
Bibles,  by  printing  it  in  what  is  technically  called  small 

OAl'ITALS. 


GENESIS  II.  III.     BERESHITH. 


12  And  the  gold  of  that  land  is  good ;  there 
IS  the  bdellium  and  the  onyx  stone. 

13  And  the  name  of  the  second  r'ner  is 
Gihon,  the  same  which  compa.sseth  the  whole 
land  of  Cush. 

14  And  the  name  of  tlie  third  river  is  Hid- 
dekel,  the  same  which  tloweth  towards  the 
east  of  Assyria;  and  the  fourth  river  is  the 
Euphrates. 

15  And  the  Lord  God  took  the  man,  and 
put  him  into  the  garden  of  Eden,  to  till  it, 
and  to  keep  it. 

16  And  the  Lord  God  commanded  the 
man,  saying,  Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  thou 
mayest  freely  eat; 

17  But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  for  on  the  day 
that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

18  And  the  Lord  God  said.  It  is  not  good 
that  the  man  should  Ijc  alone;  I  will  make 
him  a  help  suitable  for  him.* 

19  And  the  Lord  God  had  formed  out  of 
the  ground  eve r}' beast  of  the  field,  and  every 
fowl  of  the  heaven,  and  he  brought  them  unto 
the  man  to  see  what  he  would  call  them  ;  and 
whatsoever  the  man  would  call  every  living 
creature,  that  should  be  its  name. 

20  And  the  man  gave  names  to  all  cattle, 
and  to  the  fowl  of  the  heaven,  and  to  every 
beast  of  the  field  ;  but  for  man  there  was  not 
found  a  help  suitable  for  him. 

*21  And  the  Lord  God  caused  a  deep  sleep 
to  fall  upon  the  man,  and  he  slept ;  and  he 
took  one  of  his  ribs,  and  clo.sed  up  the  fiesh 
instead  thereof 

22  And  the  Lord  God  formed''  the  rib 
which  he  had  taken  from  the  man  into  a  wo- 
man, and  brought  her  unto  the  man. 

2o  And  the  man  said.  This  time'' it  is  bone 
of  my  bones,  and  flesh  of  my  tlesh  ;  this  shall 
be  called  Wouum,  [Isliah.]  because  out  of 
Man  [Ish]  was  this  one  taken. 

24  Therefore  doth"  a  man  leave  his  father 
and  his  mother,  and  cleave  unto  his  wife,  and 
thev  become  one  flesh. 


'After  the  Hebrew,  "built." 

■*  In  opposition  to  the  otber  animals  named  before,  they 
being  unlike  man,  consequently  not  like  the  woman,  bone 
of  his  bone,  and  flesh  of  his  flesh. — 1'iiilippson  gives  it : 
"  This  one,  at  this  time,  is,"  &c. 

'  The  Hebrew  future  employed  in  the  text  represents 
not  a  command,  but  the  habit;  and,  in  this  manner,  the 
future  tense  is  frctjuently  used,  where  a  constant  prnetiee 
or  habit  is  alluded  to 


25  And  they  were  Ijotli  naked,  the  man 
and  his  wife,  and  were  not  ashamed. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  Now  the  serpent  was  more  subtle  than 
any  beast  of  the  field  which  the  Lord  God 
had  made  ;  and  he  said  luito  the  wonum,  Ilath 
God  indeed  said,  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  every 
tree  of  the  garden  ? 

2  And  the  woman  said  unto  the  serpent, 
We  may  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  trees  of  the 
garden ; 

3  But  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in 
the  midst  of  the  garden,  God  hath  said,  Ye 
shall  not  eat  of  it,  neither  shall  ye  touch''  it, 
lest  ye  die. 

4  And  the  serpent  said  luito  the  woman. 
Ye  will  surd}'  not  die  ; 

5  For  God  doth  know,  that,  on  the  day  ye 
eat  thereof,  your  eyes  will  be  opened,  and  ye 
will  be  as  God,  knowing  good  and  evil. 

6  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree 
was  good  for  food,  tnid  that  it  was  pleasant  to 
the  eyes,  and  the  tree  was  desirable  to  make 
one  wise,"  she  took  of  its  frint,  and  did  eat, 
and  gave  also  unto  her  liusliand  with  her,  and 
he  did  eat. 

7  And  the  eyes  of  both  of  them  were 
opened,  and  they  felt  that  they  were  naked ; 
and  they  sewed  fig-leaves  together,  and  made 
themselves  aprons. 

8  And  they  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  God 
walking  in  the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day; 
and  the  man  and  his  wife  hid  themselves' 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst 
the  trees  of  the  garden. 

9  And  the  Lord  God  called  unto  the  man, 
and  said  unto  him,  Where  art  thou? 

10  And  he  said,  Th\-  voice  I  heard  in  the 
garden ;  and  I  was  afraid,  because  I  am 
naked;   and  I  hid  my.self. 

11  And  he  said,  Who  told  thee  that  thou  art 
naked?  Hast  thou  eaten  of  the  tree,whereoI 
I  couimanded  tliee  that  thou  shoiddest  not  eat? 

12  And  the  man  said.  The  woman  whom 

•^  Here  is  shown  the  danger  <if  adding  to  the  command- 
ment; God  had  not  ordained  them  not  to  touch  the  tree, 
only  not  to  cat  of  the  fruit;  hence  she  was  less  able  to 
withstand  the  cunning  of  the  serpent. 

'■  "To  contemplate." — Mkndelssohn. 

'  In  the  text  the  verb  is  used  in  the  singular,  and  ought 
therefore  to  be  properly  given,  "and  the  man  hid  iiimself 
with  his  wife."  This  constrnefioii  is  very  fr''(|uent  in 
Hebrew. 


GENESIS  III.  IV.     BERESHITH. 


thou  gavest  to  be  Avith  me,  she  gave  me  of 
the  tree,  and  I  did  eat. 

1."  And  the  IiORD  God  said  unto  the  woman. 
What  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ?  And  the 
woman  said,  The  serpent  beguiled  !ne,  and  I 
did  eat. 

14  And  the  Lord  God  said  unto  the  ser- 
pent, Because  thou  hast  done  this,  be  thou 
cursed  above  all  the  cattle,  and  above  every 
beast  of  the  field  ;  upon  thy  belly  shalt  thou 
go,  and  dust  shalt  thou  eat  all  the  days  of  thy 
life: 

15  And  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee 
and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and 
her  .seed  ;  he  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou 
shalt  wound  his  heel. 

16  ^1  Unto  the  woman  he  said,  I  will  greatly 
multiply  thy  pain  and  (the  suffering  of)  thy 
conception  ;  in  pain  shalt  thou  bring  forth 
children  ;  and  for  thy  huslmnd  shall  be  thy 
desire,  but  he  shall  rule  over  thee. 

17  ^  And  unto  Adam"  he  said.  Because 
thou  hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy 
wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree  of  which  I 
connnanded  thee,  saying.  Thou  shalt  not  eat 
of  it:  cursed  be  the  ground  for  thy  sake;  in 
pain  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy  life. 

18  And  thorns  and  thistles  shall  it  bring 
forth  to  thee ;  and  thou  shalt  eat  the  herbs 
of  the  field." 

19  In  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat 
bread,  till  thou  return  unto  the  ground,  for 
out  of  it  wast  thou  taken  ;  tor  dust  thou  art, 
and  unto  dust  shalt  tliou  return. 

2U  And  the  man  called  his  wife's  name 
Eve"  [Chavvah]  ;  because  she  Avas  the  mother 
of  all  living  [Chay]. 

'11  And  the  Lord  God  made  unto  Adam  and 
to  his  wife  coats  of  skins,  and  clothed  them.* 

22  Tf  And  the  Lord  God  said.  Behold,  the 
man  is  become  as  one  of  us,  to  know  good  and 
evil ;  and  now,  lest  he  put  forth  his  hand, 
and  take  also  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  eat,  and 
live  for  ever'' — 

23  Therefore  the  Lord  God  scut  him  forth 

"  Adam  signifies  "  man,"  as  one  taken  from  the  ground ; 
Adam,  man,  being  derived  from  A(/iiin<i/i,  ground. 

''  The  curKe  was  direeted  to  A<lain,  that  he  shoidd  be 
(•()tn|K-lled  to  obtain  his  food  by  eon.stant  toil,  whereas  be- 
fore sinning,  only  slight  exertions  were  riM|uired  to  gather 
what  gn^w  spiintaneously  from  the  ground. 

"  Signifying  "  living." 

''  Evidently  an  elliptieal  .sentenee ;  meaning,  that  since 
man  njighl  [iiirtake  of  the  fruit  of  the   tree  of  life  should 


from  the  garden  of  Eden,  to  till  the  ground 
from  which  he  was  taken. 

24  So  he  drove  out  the  man  ;  and  he  placed 
at  the  east  of  the  garden  of  Eden  the  Cheru- 
bim, and  the  flaming''  sword  which  revolveth, 
to  guard  the  way  to  the  tree  of  life. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  And  the  mati  knew  Eve  his  wife;  and 
she  conceived,  and  bore  Cain,  and  said,  I  have 
gotten*^  a  man  from  the  Lord. 

2  And  she  bore  again,  his  brother,  Abel  f 
and  Abel  was  a  keeper  of  sheep,  but  Cain  was 
a  tiller  of  the  ground. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass  in  process  of  time, 
that  Cain  brought  of  the  fruit  of  the  ground 
an  offering  unto  the  Lord. 

4  And  Abel — he  also  brought  of  the  first- 
lings of  his  flock,  and  of  the  fattest''  thereof; 
and  the  Lord  had  respect  unto  Abel  and  to 
his  offering; 

5  But  unto  Cain  and  to  his  offering  he  had 
not  respect ;  and  it  was  very  displeasing  to 
Cain,  and  his  countenance  fell. 

6  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  Why  art 
thou  wroth  ?  and  why  is  thy  countenance 
fallen? 

7  If  thou  doest  well,  shalt  thou  not  be  ac- 
cepted ?  and  if  thou  doest  not  well,  sin  lieth 
at  the  door;  and  unto  thee  is  its  desire,  but 
thou  canst  rule  over  it. 

8  And  Cain  talked  with  Abel  his  brother: 
and  it  came  to  pass  when  they  were  in  tlie 
field,  that  Cain  rose  up  against  Abel  his 
brother,  and  slew  him. 

9  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Cain,  Where  is 
Abel  thy  brother  ?  And  he  said,  I  know  not ; 
am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ? 

10  And  he  said,  What  hast  thou  done  ?  the 
voice  of  thy  brother's  blood  crieth  unto  me 
from  the  ground. 

11  And  now  be  thou  cursed  from'  tiie 
I  ground,    which    hath    o})ened    its    mouth    to 

receive  thy  l)rotlier's  blood  from  thy  hand: 

12  When  thou  tillest  the  ground,    it  shall 

he  remain  in  Eden,  it  was  the  intention  of  the  Deity  to 
banish  him,  wliieh  banishment  is  then  recorded  in  the 
ne.\t  verses. 

°  Literally,  "  the  flame  of  the  sword,"  A:c. 

'  I'p  Kill/ill,  from  njp  Kditiih.  I'hii.U'Pso.n,  after  ll.V- 
sHl,  renders  riN  by  "  with,"  /'.  r.  "  the  aid  of" 

«  Correctly,  "  Habel." 

'  Eng.  ver.  and  others,  "the  fat,"  &c. 

'  "  More  than  (he  ground." — Salomon. 


GENESIS  IV.  V.     BERESHITH. 


not  henceforth  jield  its  strength  unto  thee ; 
fugitive  and  vagabond  shalt  thou  be  on  the 
earth.  ] 

13  And  Cain  said  unto  the  Lord,  My 
punislnnent  is  greater  than  I  can  bear. 

14  Behold,  thou  hast  driven  me  out  this 
day  from  the  face  of  the  ground ;  and  from  ^ 
thy  face"  shall  I  be  hid  ;  and  if  I  shall  be  a 
fugiti\e  and  vagabond  on  the  earth,  it  will 
come  to  pass,  that  every  one  that  findeth  me 
will  slay  me.  | 

15  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Therefore 
whosoex'er  slayeth  Cain,  vengeance  shall  be 
tiiken  on  him  seven-fold.  And  the  Lord  set 
a  sign  unto  Cain,  that  any  one  finding  him 
should  not  kill  him. 

10  And  Cain  went  out  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Nod,  on 
the  east  of  Eden. 

17  And  Cain  knew  his  wife,  and  she  con- 
ceived, and  bore  Enoch ;''  and  he  built  a  city, 
and  called  the  name  of  the  city  after  the 
name  of  his  son  Enoch. 

18  And  unto  Enoch  was  born  Irad;  and 
Irad  begat  Mechujael ;  and  Mechijael  begat 
Methushael  ;  and  Methushael  begat  Lemech.* 

19  And  Lemech  took  unto  himself  two 
wives,  the  name  of  the  one  was  Adah,  and  the 
name  of  the  other  Zillah. 

20  And  Adah  bore  Jabal ;  he  was  the 
fother  of  such  as  dwell  in  tents,  and  have  cattle. 

21  And  his  brother's  name  was  Jubal ;  he 
was  the  father  of  all  such  as  play  on  the 
harp  and  guitar." 

22  And  Zillah,  she  also  bore  Tubal-cain, 
an  artificer  in  every  article  of  copper  and  iron  ; 
and  the  sister  of  Tubal-cain  was  Naamah. 

23  And  Lemech  said  unto  his  wives,  Adah 
and  Zillah,  hear  my  voice ;  ye  wives  of  Le- 
mech, hearken  unto  my  speech ;  for  I  have 
slain  a  man  to  my  own  wounding,  and  a  young 
man  to  my  hurt. 

24  If  Cain  shall  be  avenged  seven-fold, 
truly  Lemech  seventy  and  seven-fold. 

*  ('.  e.  Thy  protection  will  be  withdrawn. 

"  Correctly,  "  Chanoch." 

°  Others  render  this  with  "  pipe,"  making  Jubal  the 
the  inventor  of  stringed  and  wind  instruments  in  their 
simplest  forms. 

''  From  Shath,  "  he  bestowed." 

'  Rasiii  renders  "  by,"  and  explains,  "  to  call  men  and 
idols  by  the  name  of  God,  to  convert  them  into  deities  for 
worship  ;"  and  he  would  thus  place  the  commencement  of 
idolatrous  worship  as  early  as  the  tiuie  of  the  grandson   of 


25  And  Adam  knew  his  wife  again.  ;ind 
she  bore  a  son,  and  called  his  name  Sluth' 
[Seth]  ;  for  God  (said  she)  hath  appointed 
me  another  seed  instead  of  Abel,  whom  Cain 
slew. 

26  And  to  Shetli,  to  him  also  there  was  born 
a  son  ;  and  he  called  his  name  Enosh  :  tlien 
began  men  to  call  upon''  the  name  oi'  the 
Lord.* 

CFIAPTER  V. 

1  ^  This  is  the  book  of  the  generations  of 
Adam.  On  the  day  that  God  created  man, 
in  the  likeness  of  God  made  he  him : 

2  Male  and  female  created'  he  them  ;'  and 
blessed  them,  and  called  their  name  Adam, 
on  the  day  when  they  were  created. 

3  And  Adam  lived  a  hundred  and  thirty 
years,  and  begat  a  son  in  his  likeness,  after 
his  image  ;  and  called  his  name  Sheth. 

4  And  the  days  of  Adam  after  he  had  be- 
gotten Sheth  were  eight  hundred  years;  and 
he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

5  And  all  the  days  that  Adam  lived  were 
nine  hundred  and  thirty  jears;  arid  he  died. 

6  ^  And  Sheth  lived  a  hundred  and  five 
years,  and  begat  Enosh. 

7  And  Sheth  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Enosh  eight  hundred  and  seven  years;  and  he 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

8  And  all  the  days  of  Sheth  were  nine 
hundred  and  twelve  years  ;  and  he  died. 

9  ^  And  Enosh  lived  ninety  years,  and 
begat  Kenan. 

10  And  Enosh  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Kenan  eight  hundred  and  fifteen  years ;  and 
he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

11  And  all  the  days  of  Enosh  were  nine 
hundred  and  five  years ;  and  he  died. 

12  ^  And  Kenan  lived  seventy  years,  and 
begat  Mahalalel. 

13  And  Kenan  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Mahalalel  eight  hundred  and  forty  years; 
and  he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

Adam  :  others  explain  simply,  "  then  men  began  to  pray 
to  God;"  others  again,  "  to  teach  in  the  name  of  God;" 
whilst  others  would  understand  that  the  name  of  God  was 
used  in  denominating  perstms — perhaps,  by  attaching  the 
syllable  il  (God)  to  names. 

'  In  the  sacred  writing,  the  change  of  persons  from 
second  to  third,  and  from  singular  to  plural,  and  vice  versa, 
is  by  no  means  a  rare  construction  ;  but  as  there  is  always 
some  reason  easily  apparent  for  this  change,  it  will  be  pre- 
served for  ihe  must  part  in  this  version. 

7 


GENESIS  V.  VI.     BERESIIITH. 


14  And  all  the  days  of  Kenan  were  nine 
liiiiidred  and  ten  years;  and  he  died. 

15  ^f  And  Mahalalel  lived  .sixty  and  five 
years,  and  begat  Jared. 

16  And  Mahalalel  lived  after  he  had  be- 
gotten .Tared  eight  hundred  and  tliirty  year.s; 
and  he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

17  And  all  the  day.s  of  Mahalalel  were 
eight  hundred  ninety  and  five  years  ;  and  he 
died. 

18  Tl  And  Jared  lived  a  hundred  sixty 
and  two  years,  and  begat  Enoch.'' 

19  And  Jared  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Enoch  eight  hundred  years ;  and  he  begat 
sons  and  daughters. 

20  And  all  the  days  of  Jared  were  nine 
hundred  sixty  and  two  years ;   and  he  died. 

21  ^[  And  Enoch  lived  sixt}-  and  five 
years,  and  begat  Methushelah. 

22  And  Enoch  walked"  with  God  after  he 
had  begotten  Methushelah  three  hundred 
years ;  and  begat  sons  and  daughtei's. 

23  And  all  the  days  of  Enoch  were  three 
hundred  sixty  and  five  years. 

24  Ajid  Enoch  walked  with  God,  and  he 
was  no  more  ;   for  God  had  taken"  him.* 

25  ^  And  Methushelah  lived  a  hundred 
eighty  and  seven  years,  and  begat  Lemecli. 

26  And  Methushelah  lived  after  he  had  be- 
gotten Lemech  .seven  hundred  eighty  and  two 
years;  and  he  begat  sons  and  daughters. 

27  And  all  the  days  of  Methushelah  were 
nine  hundred  sixty  iind  nine  years;  and  he 
died. 

28  ^  And  Lemech  lived  a  hundred  eighty 
and  two  years,  and  begat  a  son. 

29  And  he  called  his  name  Noach,  [Noah,] 

*  Correctly,  "Chanoch." 

''  The  term  "  walking  with  God"  is  employed  to  ex- 
press a  righteous  course  of  life,  as  though  the  man  of 
whom  it  is  said,  walked  with  and  was  accompanied  by  the 
presence  of  his  Maker.  So  is  it  said  of  Noah,  "  Noah 
walked  with  God."  In  other  places  it  is  called  walking 
in  the  presence  of  God,  as  we  read  in  the  history  of  Abra- 
ham: "  Walk  before  me  and  be  perfect."  So,  on  the  other 
hand,  to  act  wickedly  is  termed  "  throwing  God  behind 
one's  back."  All  these,  and  many  others,  are  figurative 
phrases  used  by  the  Hebrews  to  give  a  lively  idea  of 
what  simple  words  fail  to  express  as  strongly  and  beauti- 
fuUy.^  . 

°  Kvident  reference  to  a  life  iifter  death:  the  decease  of  the 
righteous  is  thus  termed  against  i/icif  used  elsewhere, 
probably  to  indicate  that  tiiey  are  to  dwell  with  their  God 
whom  they  have  worshipped.  (Compare  with  P.salm 
xlix.  1(1.) 

*  Rashi  render!^,  "shall  give  us  rest,"  nj,  from  nr.  A'- 

B 


saying.  This  one  shall  comforf  us  concerning 
our  work  and  the  toil  of  our  hands,  because 
of  the  ground  which  the  Lord  hath  cursed.' 

30  And  Lemech  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Noah  five  hundred  ninety  and  five  years ;  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

31  And  all  the  days  of  Lemech  were  seven 
hundred  seventy  and  seven  years;  and  he 
died. 

32  ^  And  Noah  was  five  hundred  years  old, 
and  Noah  begat  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  men  began  to 
multiply  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
daughters  were  born  unto  them, 

2  That  the  sons  of  God*  saw  the  daughters 
of  men,  that  they  were  fair;  and  they  took 
themselves  wives  of  all  whom  they  chose. 

3  And  the  Lord  said,  My  Spirit*^  shall  not 
always  strive  for  the  sake  of  man,  for  that  he 
is  but  flesh;  yet  his  days  (of  grace)  shall  be 
a  hundred  and  twenty  years. 

4  The  giants  were  on  the  earth  in  tho.se 
days;  and  also  after  that,  when  the  sons  of 
God  came  in  unto  the  daughters  of  men,  and 
they  bore  children  to  them  ;  these  became 
the  mighty  men,  who  were  of  old  the  men  of 
renown.* 

5  ^  And  God  saw  that  the  wickedness  of 
man  was  great  on  the  earth,  and  that  every 
imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  was 
only  evil  continually. 

6  And  it  repented^  the  Lord  that  he  had 
made  man  on  the  earth,  and  it  grieved  him  at 
his  heart. 

7  And  the  Lord  said,  I  will  destroy  the 

sJudl  give  rest,  from  the  root  nij — referring  to  the  invention 
of  the  plough,  which  is  assigned  to  Noah,  by  which  human 
labour  was  much  abridged. 

"  "  Sons  of  the  chiefs." — Onkelos.  Daughters  of  men, 
those  of  the  common  people. 

'"  My  Spirit  cannot  always  rule  in  man, — in  the  sti-ife 
of  his  passions  he  remains  flesh, — and  therefore  shall  his 
days  be,"  &c.  This  is  the  new  and  bold  version  of  Arn- 
heim.  llashi,  Aben  Ezra,  Onkelos,  and  Mendelssohn  give 
"  his  days"  the  addition  "of  grace,"  meaning  tiie  punish- 
ment of  the  intended  flood  should  be  delayed  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  years,  in  hopes  of  man's  repentance. 
I'hilippson  renders,  "  My  Spirit  siiall  not  for  ever  succumb 
in  man,  since  he  is  but  flesh." 

"  This  expression,  otherwise  not  applicable  to  the  Deity, 
who  is  no  man  that  he  He  siiould  repent,  is  employed 
merely  to  convey  to  u.s,  in  human  language,  the  action  of 
God ;  for  it  is  man's  custom  to  repent  of  what  he  has  made 
wlicn  he  finds  himself  compolled  to  destroy  it. 


Tilli     UliLUOK. 


GENESIS  VI.  VII.     NOACH. 


man  wlidiii  I  have  created  from  tlie  face  of 
tiie  eaitli;  hoth  man  and  beast,  and  the  creep- 
in<r  things  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  ;  for 
it  repenteth  me  that  I  have  made  them. 

8   But  Noah  fonnd  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

Ilaplilunih  in  Isaiali  xlii.  5-21 :  tlieGermans  read  to  xliii.  11. 


SECTION  II.     NOACH,  m. 

9  Tl  These  are  the  generations  o^  Noah: 
Noah  was  a  just,  perfect  man  in  his  genera- 
tions;  Noah  walked  with  God. 

10  And  Noah  begat  three  sons,  Shem,  Ham, 
and  Jaiiheth. 

11  And  the  earth  was  corrupt  before  God  ; 
and  the  earth  was  filled  with  violence. 

12  And  God  looked  upon  the  earth,  and 
behold,  it  was  corrupt,  for  all  flesh  had  cor- 
rupted his  way"  upon  the  earth. 

13  ^  And  God  said  unto  Noah,  The  end  of 
all  flesh  is  come  before  me ;  for  the  earth  is 
fllled  with  violence  through  them,  and  I  will 
destroy  them  with*"  the  earth. 

14  Make  thee  an  ark  of  gopher-wood, 
rooms  shalt  thou  make  in  the  ark,  and  slialt 
pitch  it  within  and  without  with  pitch. 

1-5  And  this  is  the  manner  in  wliich  thou 
shalt  make  it :  The  length  of  the  ark  shall  be 
three  hundred  cubits,  the  breadth  of  it  fifty 
cubits,  and  the  height  of  it  thirty  cubits. 

16  A  window''  shalt  tliou  make  to  the  ark, 
and  thou  shalt  finish  it  above,  to  be  one  cubit 
broad,  and  the  door  of  the  ark  shalt  thou  set 
in  the  side  thereof;  with  lower,  second,  and 
third  stories  shalt  thou  make  it. 

17  And  as  regards  myself,  behold,  I  will 
bring  a  flood  of  waters  upon  the  earth,  to  de- 
stroy all  flesh,  wherein  is  the  breath  of  life, 
from  under  the  heavens ;  every  thing  that  is 
on  the  earth'  shall  perish. 

18  But  I  will  establish  my  covenant  with 
thee  ;  and  tliou  shalt  come  into  the  ark,  thou, 
and  thy  sons,  and  thy  wife,  and  thy  sons' 
wives  with  thee. 

19  And  of  every  living  thing,  of  all  flesh, 
two  of  every  sort  shalt  thou  bring  into  the 
ark,  to  keep  them  alive  with  thee  :  male  and 
female  shall  they  be. 

'Since  to  please  God  is  called  "walking"  with  him, 
a  corruption  of  morals  is  properly  termed  "  corrupting 
one's  way." 

''  Philippson,   'from."        '  Idem,  "  openings  for  light." 
'  "On  the  earth," — this  would  except  the  animals  in- 


20  Of  the  fowls  after  their  kind,  and  of  the 
cattle  after  their  kind,  of  every  creeping  thing 
of  the  earth  after  its  kind,  two  of  every  sort 
shall  come  unto  thee,  to  keep  them  alive. 

21  And  thou,  for  thy  part,  take  unto  thee 
of  all  food  that  is  eaten,  and  thou  shalt  gather 
it  to  thee  ;  and  it  shall  be  unto  thee,  and  unto 
them  for  food. 

22  Thus  did  Noah;  according  to  ail  that 
God  had  commanded  him,  so  he  did.* 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  And  the  Lord  said  nnto  Noah,  Come 
thou  and  all  thy  household  into  the  ark ;  for 
thee  have  I  seen  righteous  before  me  in  this 
generation. 

2  Of  every  clean  beast  thou  shalt  take  to 
thee  seven  pair  of  each,  the  male  and  his  fe- 
male ;  and  of  beasts  that  are  not  clean  two, 
the  male  and  his  female. 

3  Also  of  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  seven 
pair  of  each,  the  male  and  the  female ;  to  keep 
seed  alive  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth. 

4  For  after  only  seven  dajs  more,  I  will 
cause  it  to  rain  upon  the  earth  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  :  and  I  will  blot  out  every  living 
substance  that  I  have  made  from  off  the  face 
of  the  earth. 

5  And  Notih  did  all  just  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded  him. 

6  And  Noah  was  six  hundred  yeivrs  old 
when  the  flood  of  waters  was  upon  the  earth. 

7  And  Noah  went  in,  and  his  sons,  and  his 
wife,  and  his  sons'  wives  with  him,  into  the 
ark,  because  of  the  waters  of  the  flood. 

8  Of  the  clean  beasts,  and  of  the  beasts 
that  are  not  clean,  and  of  the  fowls,  and  of 
every  thing  that  creepeth^^g^on  the  earth, 

9  One  pair  of  each  went  in  unto  Noah 
into  the  ark,  the  male  and  the  female,  as  God 
had  commanded  Noah. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  the  seven  days, 
that  the  waters  of  the  flood  were  upon  the  earth. 

11  In  the  six  hundreth  year  of  Noah's  life, 
in  the  second  month,  on  the  seventeenth  day 
of  the  month,  on  this  same  day,  were  all  the 
fountains  of  the  great  deep  broken  up,  and 
the  windows*^  of  heaven  were  opened. 


habiting  the  waters,  and  they  would  thus  seem  not  to  have 
been  destroyed  by  the  flood. 

'  Philippson  renders  here  and  elsewhere,  "  which 
moveth  :"  the  same  version  is  also  used  here,  ver.  21. 

'  Figurative  expression  to  denote  the  immense  mass  of 

9 


GENESIS  VII.  VIII.     NOACtt. 


12  And  the  rain  fell  upon  the  earth  forty 
days  and  forty  nights. 

13  On  that  self-same  day  entered  Noah, 
and  Shem,  and  Hani,  and  Japheth,  the  sons  of 
Noah,  and  Noah's  wife,  tvnd  the  three  wives 
of  his  sons  with  them,  into  the  ark; 

14  They,  and  every  beast  after  his  kind, 
and  all  the  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  every 
creeping  thing  that  creepetli  upon  the  earth 
after  its  kind,  and  every  fowl  after  his  kind, 
every  bird,  every  thing  that  hath  wings. 

15  And  they  went  in  unto  Noah  into  the 
ark,  one"  pair  of  each,  of  all  Hesh,  wherein  is 
the  breath  of  life. 

16  And  they  that  went  in,  went  in  male 
and  female  of  all  Hesh,  as  God  had  com- 
manded him  :  and  then  the  Lord  shut  him  in.* 

17  And  the  flood  was  forty  days  upon  the 
earth ;  and  the  waters  increased,  and  bore  up 
the  ark,  and  it  was  lifted  up  above  the  earth. 

18  And  the  waters  prevailed,''  and  in- 
creased greatly  upon  the  earth  :  and  the  ark 
floated  along  upon  the  face  of  the  waters. 

19  And  the  waters  prevailed  exceedingly 
upon  the  earth  ;  and  all  the  high  mountains 
that  are  under  the  whole  heavens  were 
covered. 

20  Fifteen  cubits  above  them  did  the 
waters  prevail ;  and  the  mountains  were 
(thus)  covered. 

21  And  all  flesh  perished  that  moved  upon 
the  earth,  both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of 
beast,  and  of  every  creeping  thing  tliat  creep- 
eth  upon  the  earth,  and  every  man. 

22  All  in  whose  nostrils  was  the  breath  of 
life,  of  all  that  were  on  the  dry  land,  died. 

23  And  it"  swept  off'  every  living  substance 
which  was  upon  the  face  of  the  ground,  both 
man,  and  cattle,  and  creeping  things,  and 
fow'ls  of  the  heaven;  and  they  were  swept 
from  the  earth ;  and  Noah  only  was  left, 
together  with  those  that  were  with  him  in 
the  ark. 

24  And  the  waters  prevailed  upon  the 
earth  one  hundred  and  fifty  days. 

water  which  poured  down  upoa  the  earth,  which  appeared 
as  tiiougli  windows  had  heen  opened  in  the  body  of  tlie 
atmosphere,  from  wliidi  the  flood  issued  forth  constantly 
in  resistless  strenfrth.  ' 

"  Meaning  "at  /rasl  two,"  not  excluding  the  remainder 
of  the  seven  ordered  of  certain  kinds. 

''  That  i.s,  "  they  increased  in  mass,  covering  the  earth." 
'  The  flood,  referring  thus  to  the  nominative  mentioned 
in  verse  17. 
10 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  And  God  remembered  Noah,  and  every 
living  thing,''  and  all  the  cattle  that  were 
with  him  in  the  ark  :  and  God  caused  a  wind 
to  pass  over  the  earth,  and  the  waters  were 
assuaged; 

2  The  fountains  also  of  the  deep,  and  the 
windows  of  heaven  were  stopped;  and  the 
rain  from  heaven  was  restrained. 

3  And  the  waters  returned  from  oft'  the 
earth,  gradually  returning ;  and  the  waters 
were  abated  after  the  end  of  the  hundred  and 
fifty  days. 

4  And  the  ark  rested  in  the  seventh 
month,  on  the  seventeenth  day  of  the  month, 
upon  the  mountains  of  Ararat. 

5  And  the  waters  decreased  continually 
until  the  tenth  month ;  in  the  tenth  month, 
on  the  first  day  of  the  month,  were  the  tops 
of  the  mountains  seen ; 

6  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty 
dtiys,  that  Noah  opened  the  window  of  the 
ark  which  he  had  made; 

7  And  he  sent  forth"  a*^  raven  which  went 
forth  to  and  fro,  until  the  waters  were  dried 
up  from  off"  the  earth. 

8  He  then  sent  forth  a''  dove  from  him,  to 
see  if  the  waters  were  abated  from  off  the 
face  of  the  ground. 

9  But  the  dove  found  no  resting-place  for 
the  sole  of  her  foot,  and  she  returned  unto  him 
unto  the  aik ;  for  there  was  water  on  the  face 
of  the  whole  earth;  then  he  put  forth  his 
hand,  and  took  her,  and  brought  her  in  unto 
him  into  the  ark. 

10  And  he  stayed  yet  other  seven  days, 
and  again  he  sent  forth  the  dove  out  of  the 
ark. 

11  And  the  dove  came  in  to  him  at  the 
time  of  the  evening ;  and,  lo,  an  olive-leaf 
plucked  oft"  was  in  her  mouth  ;  so  Noah  knew 
that  the  waters  were  abated  from  oft'  the 
earth. 

12  And  he    stayed  yet  other  seven  days, 


''  After  Aben  Ezra,  who  includes  under  the  term  rrn  the 
birds  and  creeping  things  likewise. 

°  The  non-return  of  the  birds  was  to  be  a  sure  sign  of 
their  finding  the  earth  again  fit  for  their  habitation. 

'  Heb.  "  The,"  meaning  the  birds  known  as  raven 
and  dove :  the  definite  article  is  often  so  used  in 
Scripture,  to  denote  an  unknown  individual  of  a  known 
species. 


GENESIS  VIII.  IX.     NOACH. 


and  sent  forth  the  dove;  but  she  returned  not 
again  unto  him  any  more. 

1?)  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  six  liun- 
dredth  and  first  year,  in  the  first  montli,  on  the 
first  day  of  the  month,  that  the  waters  were 
dried  up  from  off  the  earth  ;  .and  Noah  re- 
moved the  covering  of  the  ark,  and  looked, 
and,  behold,  the  fiice  of  the  ground  was  dry. 

14  And  in  the  second  month,  on  the  seven 
and  twentieth  day  of  the  month,  was  the  earth 
perfectly  dried  up.'-' 

15  ][  And  God  spoke  unto  Noah,  saying, 

16  Go  forth  from  the  ark,  thou,  and  thy 
wife,  and  thy  sons,  and  thy  sons'  wives  with 
thee. 

17  Every  living  thing  that  is  with  thee,  of 
all  fiesh,  both  of  fowl,  and  of  cattle,  and  of 
every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the 
earth,  bring  forth  with  thee;  that  they  may 
breed  abundantly  on  the  earth,  and  be  fruit- 
ful, and  multiply  upon  the  earth. 

18  And  Noah  went  forth,  and  his  sons, 
and  his  wife,  and  his  sons'  wives  with  him. 

19  Every  beast,  every  creeping  thing,  and 
every  fowl,  whatsoever  creepeth  upon  the 
earth,  after  their  families,  went  forth  out  of 
the  ark. 

20  And  Noah  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
and  he  took  of  every  clean  cattle,  and  of  every 
clean  fowl,  and  offered  burnt-oflferings  on  the 
altar. 

21  And  the  Lord  smelled  the  sweet  savour ; 
and  the  Lord  said  in  his  heart,  I  will  not 
again  curse  the  ground  any  more  for  the  sake 
of  man;  although'' the  imagination  of  man's 
heart  is  evil  from  his  youth  :  neither  will  I 
again  smite  any  more  every  thing  living,  as  I 
have  done. 

22  All  the  while  the  earth  remaineth, 
seed-time  and  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and 
summer  and  winter,  and  day  and  night, 
shall  not  cease. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  And  God  blessed  Noah  and  his  sons,  and 

°  This  is  Arnhetm's  version :  others  have  it  "  because," 
which  then  conveys  the  idea  that  since  man  is  so  consti- 
tuted, it  would  be  unjust  to  punish  all,  as  had  been  done. 

''  That  is,  "your  power,"  or  "your  disposal." 

"  Our  tradition  says,  that  this  prohibits  the  eating  of 
any  part  of  a  living  animal,  "nn  ]0  "(^N  :  this  barbarous 
custom  is  not  yet  extinct  in  some  parts  of  the  East. 

■■The  Noachitic  commandments  are,  according  to  the 
Talmud:  1.  The  exercise  of  justice  ;  2.  The  worship  of 
God,  or  the  prohibition  of  blasphemy;  3.  The  prohibition 


said  unto  them,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and 
replenish  the  earth. 

2  And  the  fear  of  you,  and  the  dread  of 
you,  shall  be  upon  every  beast  of  the  earth, 
and  upon  every  fowl  of  the  heaven  ;  whatever 
is  that  moveth  upon  the  earth,  and  all  the 
fishes  of  the  sea,  are  delivered  into  your 
hand.'' 

3  Every  moving  thing  that  liveth  shall  be 
yours  for  food ;  even  as  tlie  green  herbs  have 
I  given  you  all  tilings. 

4  But  tlesh  in  which  its  life  i.s,"  which  is 
its  blood,  shall  ye  not  eat. 

5  Your  blood,  however,  on  wliich  your 
lives  depend,  will  I  require  :  at  the  hand  of 
every  beast  will  I  require  it;  and  at  the  hand 
of  man,  at  the  hand  of  every  man's  brother 
will  I  require  the  life  of  man. 

6  Whoso  sheddeth  man's  blood,  by  man 
shall  his  blood  be  shed;''  for  in  the  image  of 
God  made  he  man. 

7  And  you,  be  ye  fruitful,  and  multiply; 
bring  forth  al)inidantly  on  the  earth,  and 
multiply  thereon.* 

8  ^  And  Go^l  spoke  unto  Noah,  and  to  his 
sons  with  him,  saying, 

9  And  I,  beliold,  I  establish  my  covenant 
with  you,  and  with  your  seed  after  you ; 

10  And  with  every  living  creature  that  is 
with  you,  of  the  fowl,  of  the  cattle,  and  of 
every  beast  of  the  earth  with  you,  from  all 
those  that  go  out  of  the  ark,  for  every  beast 
of  the  earth. 

11  And  1  will  establish  my  covenant  with 
you;  and  all  flesh  shall  not  be  cut  off  any 
more  by  the  waters  of  a"  flood  ;  neither  shall 
there  be  any  more  a  flood  to  destroy  the 
earth. 

12  And  God  said,  This  is  the  token  of  the 
covenant  which  I  make^  between  me  and  you, 
and  every  living  creature  that  is  with  you, 
for  perpetual  generations. 

13  My  bow  I  do^  set  in  the  cloud,  and  it 
shall  be  for  a  token  of  the  covenant  between 
me  and  the  earth. 


I 

t 


of  idolatry;  4.  The  prohibition  of  incest ;  5.  The  prohibi- 
tion of  murder;  6.  The  prohibition  of  theft;  7.  The  pro- 
hibition of  eating  the  flesh  of  a  live  animal. 

°  Properly,  "  the  flood,"  meaning  that  well-known 
quantity  of  water  which  constitutes  a  flood.  See  above, 
note  to  viii.  7. 

'  Heb.  "place,"  or  "set." 

'  Heb.  "  I  have  set,"  indicating  that  the  rainbow 
previously  existing  was  appointed  the  sign  of  the  ne'» 
covenant. 

n 


GENESIS  IX.  X.     NOACH. 


I 

t 


14  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  when  I 
bring  a  cloud  over  the  earth,  and  the  bow 
shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud, 

15  I  will  remember  my  covenant,  W'hich 
is  between  me  and  you  and  every  living 
creature  of  all  flesh  ;  and  tlie  waters  shall 
no  more  become  a  flood  to  destroy  all  flesh. 

16  And  the  bow  shall  be  in  the  cloud  ;  and 
I  will  look  upon  it,  that  I  may  remember  the 
everlasting  covenant  between  God  and  every 
living  creature,  of  all  flesh,  that  is  upon  the 
earth. 

17  And  God  sai..  unto  Noah.  This  is  the 
token  of  the  covenant  which  I  have  esta- 
blished between  me  and  all  flesh  that  is  upon 
the  earth.* 

18  T[  And  the  sons  of  Noah  that  went  forth 
from  the  ark,  were  Shem,  and  Ham,  and 
Japheth  ;  and  Ham  was  the  father  of  Canaan. 

19  These  three  were  the  sons  of  Noah, 
and  of  them  was  the  whole  earth  overspread. 

20  And  Noah,  who  was  a  husbandman, 
began  his  work,  and  he  planted  a  vineyard. 

21  And  he  drank  of  the  wine,  and  became 
drunken  ;  and  he  uncovered-  himself  within 
his  tent. 

22  And  Ham,  the  father  of  Canaan,  saw 
the  nakedness  of  his  father,  and  told  it  his 
two  brothers  without. 

23  And  Shem  and  Japheth  took  a  garment, 
and  hiid  it  upon  the  shoulders  of  both"  of 
them,  and  went  backward,  and  covered  the 
nakedness  of  their  father;  and  their  faces 
were  turned  backward,  and  they  saw  not 
their  father's  nakedness. 

24  And  Noah  awoke  from  his  wine,  and 
discovered  what  his  younger  son  had  done 
unto  him. 

25  And  he  said,  Cursed  be  Canaan  ;  a  ser- 
vant of  servants  shall  he  be  unto  his  brethren. 

2G  And  he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Shem;  and  Canaan  shall  be  a  servant 
unto  them. 

27  May  God  enlarge  the  boundaries  of 
Ja[)heth,  and  may  he  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
Shem;  and  Canaan  shall  be  a  servant  unto 
them. 


"  "  And  tliey  both  placdl  it  on  tlicii-  .sliimlJer." — AnEN 

KZRA. 

^  I'liilippson  and  others  rentier  tbis  "country,"  or  a  dis- 
trict with  defined  limits,  as  the  island  is  defined  by  the  sea. 

°  Philippson,  "ruler,"  and  supposes  him  to  have  been 
tlic  first  king. 

12 


28  And  Noah  lived  after  the  flood  three 
hundred  and  fifty  years. 

29  And  all  the  days  of  Noah  were  nine 
hundred  and  fifty  years  ;  and  he  died. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ]|  Now  tliese  are  the  generations  of  the 
sons  of  Noah  :  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth  ; 
and  unto  them  were  sons  born  after  the  flood. 

2  The  sons  of  Ja|)heth  :  Gomer,  and  Magog, 
and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Tubal,  and 
Mesliech,  and  Tirass. 

3  And  the  sons  of  Gomer  :  Ashkenaz,  and 
Eiphath,  and  Togarmah. 

4  And  the  sons  of  Javan :  Elishah,  and 
Tarshish,  Kittim,  and  Dodanim. 

5  From  tliese  were  separated  the  isles''  of 
the  nations  in  their  land-s,  ever}-  one  al'ter 
his  tongue  :  after  their  families,  in  their  na- 
tions. 

6  And  the  sons  of  Ham:  Cush,  and  Miz- 
rayim,  and  Put,  and  Canaan. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Cush  :  Seba,  and  Hnvi- 
lah,  and  Sabtah,  and  Raaniah,  and  Sabteclia; 
and  the  sons  of  Raamah  :  Sheba,  and  Dedan. 

8  And  Cush  begat  Nimrod  ;  he  began  to  be 
a  mighty"  man  on  the  earth. 

9  He  was  a  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lokd ; 
wherefore  it  is  said,  Even  as  Nimrod,  a 
mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord. 

10  And  the  beginning''  of  his  kingdom  was 
Babel,  and  Erech,  and  Accad,  and  Calneh,  in 
the  land  of  Shinar. 

11  Out  of  that  land  went  forth  A.sshur,"  and 
built  Nineveh,  and  the  city  Rechohoth.  and 
Calach, 

12  And  Ressen  between  Nineveh  and  Ca- 
lach ;  the  same  is  the  great  cit}'. 

13  And  Mizrayim  begat  the  Ludim,  and 
Anamim,  and  Lehabim,  and  Naphtncliim. 

14  And  the  Pathrussim,  and  Casluchim, 
(out  of  whom  came  the  Pelishtim.)  and  the 
Caphtorim. 

15  And  Canaan  begat  Sidon  his  first-born, 
and  Heth, 

16  And  the  Jebusite,  and  the  Emorite,  and 
the  Girgashite, 


^  "  The  chief  town." — OnKELOS. 

•  Jlendelssohn  and  others,  "  He  (Nimrod)  went  forth 
to  Asshur ;"  but  the  version  in  the  text  is  according  to 
the  ancients,  namely,  that  Asshur  cniif:rat(  d  from  l{:ilicl, 
&c.,  and  built  Nineveh,  &c. 


GENESIS  X.  XI.     NOACH. 


17  And  the  Hivite,  and  the  Arkite,  and 
the  Siiiite. 

18  And  the  Arvadite,  and  the  Zemarite, 
and  the  Hainathite;  and  afterward  were  the 
laniilies  of  the  Canaanites  spread  abroad. 

19  And  the  border  of  the  Canaanites  was 
from  Sidon,  as  thou  coniest  to  Gerar,  unto  Gaz- 
zah;  as  thou  goest  unto  Sodom  and  Gomorrah, 
and  Admah,  and  Zebo\im.  even  unto'  Lesha. 

20  These  are  the  sons  of  Ham,  after  their 
families,  after  their  tongues,  in  their  countries, 
in  their  nations. 

21  ^j  But  unto  Shera  also,  the  fatlier  of  all 
the  children  of  Eber,"  the  brother  of  Japheth 
the  elder,  were  children  born. 

22  Tlie  sons  of  Shem  :  Elam,  and  Asshur, 
and  Arpachshad,  and  Lud,  and  Aram. 

23  And  the  children  of  Aram  :  Uz,  and 
Hul,  and  G ether,  and  Mash. 

24  And  Arpachshad  begat  Shelach;  and 
Shelach  begat  Ebei'. 

25  And  unto  Eber  were  born  two  sons; 
the  nauie  of  one  was  Peleg,  for  in  his  days 
was  the  earth  divided;  and  his  brotlier's  name 
was  Joktan. 

26  And  Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  She- 
leph,  and  Hazarmaveth,  and  Jerach, 

27  And  Hadoram.  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 

28  And  Obal,  and  Abimael,  and  Sheba, 

29  And  Ophir,  and  Havilah,  and  Jobab; 
all  these  were  the  sons  of  Joktan. 

30  And  their  dwelling  was  from  Mesha,  as 
thou  goest  unto  Sephar,  the  mount  of  the  east. 

31  These  are  the  sons  of  Shem,  atler  their 
families,  after  their  tongues,  in  their  lands, 
after  their  nations. 

32  These  are  the  families  of  the  sons  of 
Noah,  after  their  generations,  in  tlieir  nations; 
aud  from  these  were  the  nations  separated  on 
the  earth  after  tlie  dood.'^' 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  Tl  And  the  whole  eai'tli  was  of  one  lan- 
guage, and  of  one  kind  of  words. 


'  No  doubt  derived  from  the  root  i^j;  'Ab<tr,  "  to  pass 
over,"  whence  D'13;'  ' Ibrii/im,  Ibrews,  or  those  who  came 
from  over  Euphrates  to  euter  Palestine;  and  heuce 
Abraham  the  I/chrrir,  who  was  so  called  because  he  came 
from  Mosop(]tamia,  or  perhaps,  because  of  his  descent  from 
'Eber.  Tiie  //  is  not  in  the  original,  which  is  only  'Ibri, 
and  would  retjuire  it  to  be  written  Ebnir.  The  term, 
however,  in  its  primitive  meaning,  was  applied  to  the  sons 
of  Joktan,  besides  the  Israelites,  who  have  been  thus  de- 
noted exclusively  ever  since  the  time  of  Moses. 

''  After  Arnheim,  who  takes  DlpD  as  simply  denoting 


2  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  journeyed 
toward''  the  east,  that  they  found  a  plain  in 
the  land  of  Shinar,  and  they  dwelt  there. 

3  And  they  said  one  to  another.  Go  to.  let 
us  make  bricks,  and  burn  them  thoroughh'. 
And  thus  the  brick  served  them  lur  stone, 
and  slime"  served  them  for  mortar. 

4  And  the\-  said.  Go  to,  let  us  biiibl  oui 
selves  a  cit^-,  and  a  tower,  the   top  of  mIucIi 
may  reach  unto   heaven  ;  and    let   us    make 

I  ourselves  a  name,  lest  we  be  scattered  abroad 
upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth. 

5  And  the  Lokd  came  down  to  see  the  city 
and  the  tower,  which  the  children  of  man 
were  building. 

6  And  the  Lokd  said.  Behold,  it  is  one 
people,  and  they  have  all  one  language,  and 
this  is  the  first  thing  they  undertake  to  do; 
and  now  shall  they  not  be  restrained  in  all 
which  they  have  imagined  to  do? 

7  Go  to,  let  us  go  down,  and  cont()und 
there  their  language,  that  they  may  not 
understand  one  another's  speech. 

8  So  the  LoKD  scattered  them  abroad  from 
there  over  the  face  of  all  the  earth  ;  and  they 
left  oft' to  build  the  city. 

9  Therefore  is  the  name  of  it  called  Babel.'' 
because  the  Loku  did  there  confound  the  lan- 
guage of  all  the  earth  ;  and  from  there  did  the 
Lord  scatter  them  abroad  over  the  face  of  all 
the  earth. 

10  *>\  These  are  the  generations  of  Shem: 
I  Shem.    wlieii    a    himdred    years    old,    begat 

Arpachshad,  two  years  after  the  ftood. 

11  And  Shem  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Arpachshad  five  hundred  years;  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters. 

12  ]f  And  Arpachshad  lived  five  and  thirty 
years,  and  begat  Shelach. 

13  And  Arpach.shad  lived  after  he  had  be- 
gotten Shelach  four  hundred  and  three"  years; 
and  beo;at  sons  and  dauuhters. 

14  ^j  And  Shelach  lived  thirty  years,  and 
begat  Eber. 

"from  Ararat,"  which,  though  properly  to  the  north-west  of 
Shinar,  yet  was  to  the  east  of  Palestine  and  Egypt,  where 
the  Israelites,  and  consecjuently  Moses  the  writer  of  the 
books  of  the  law,  lived.  Others  again  imagine  that  an 
emigration  to  the  east  proper  may  have  taken  place  before, 
and  they  were  then  journeying  back  to  Shinar. 

"  A  peculiar  earthy  adhesive  substance  of  that  country. 

^  From  Bahlal  SS^  "  to  mingle." 

"  Eemarkable  decrease  of  the  length  of  human  life. 
When  before  the  flood  the  age  of  man  reached  to  near  a 
thousand  years,  as  was  the  case  also  with  Noah  :  Shem 

18 


GENESIS  XI.  XII.     LECH  LECHA. 


1 5  And  Shelach  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Eber  four  hundred  and  three  years;  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters. 

16  ^  And  Eber  lived  four  and  thirty  years, 
and  begat  Peleg. 

17  And  Eber  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Peleg  four  hundred  and  thirty  years ;  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

18  ^  And  Peleg  lived  thirty  years,  and 
begat  Eeii. 

19  And  Peleg  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Eeii  two  hundred  and  nine  years ;  and  begat 
sons  and  daughters. 

20  ^  And  Reii  lived  two  and  thirty  years, 
and  begat  Serug. 

21  And  Reii  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Serug  two  hundred  and  seven  3ears;  and  be- 
gat sons  and  daughters. 

22  ^  And  Serug  lived  thirty  years,  and 
begat  Nachor. 

23  And  Serug  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Nachor  two  hundred  years;  and  begat  sons 
and  daughters. 

24  ^  And  Nachor  lived  nine  and  twenty 
years,  and  begat  Terach. 

25  And  Nachor  lived  after  he  had  begotten 
Terach  a  hundred  and  nineteen  years ;  and 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

26  ^  And  Terach  lived  seventy  years,  and 
begat  Abram,  Nachor,  and  Haran. 

27  Now  these  are  the  generations  of  Te- 
rach :  Terach  begat  Abram,  Nachor,  and 
Haran  ;  and  Haran  begat  Lot. 

28  And  Haran  died  before  his  father  Te- 
rach in  the  land  of  his  nativity,  in  Ur  of  the 
Chaldees.* 

29  And  Abram  and  Nachor  took  themselves 
wives;  the  name  of  Abram's  wife  was  Sarai; 
and  the  name  of  Nachor's  wife  was  Milcah, 
the  daughter  of  Haran,  the  father  of  Milcah, 
and  the  father  of  Yiscah. 

30  But  Sarai  was  barren ;  she  had  no  child. 

31  And  Terach  took  Abram  his  son,  and 

lived  only  six  huudred  yeans,  and  his  son  four  Luudred 
und  thirty-eiglit,  till  Abraham  reached  but  one  hundred 
and  seventy-live  years,  and  in  Moses's  time  the  years  of 
man  were  reduced  to  mere  "  threescore  and  ten."  May 
we  not  discover  in  this  circumstance  a  wise  Providence  ? 
If  the  people  before  the  flood,  trusting  in  their  long 
stay  on  earth,  forgot  their  Maker,  the  speedy  accounta- 
bility in  those  of  later  times  was  well  calculated  to  make 
I  hem  reflect  on  their  conduct.  Besides  this,  the  decrease 
of  human  life  was  gradual,  which  would  seem  to  be  owing 
to  the  necessity  of  leaving,  in  the  first  ages,  life  sufficiently 
long  to  enable  iiuinkiud  to  people  the  earth  by  degrees. 
14 


Lot,  the  son  of  Haran,  his  son's  son,  and 
Sarai  his  daughter-in-law,  the  wife  of  his  son 
Abram ;  and  they  went  forth  with  them  from 
Ur  of  the  Chaldees,  to  go  into  the  land  of 
Canaan  ;  and  they  came  unto  Charan,  and 
dwelt  there. 

32  And  the  days  of  Terach  were  two  hun- 
dred and  five  years;  and  Terach  died  in 
Charan.  ' 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  liv.  1-10  ;  the  Germans  read  to  Iv.  5. 


SECTION  III.    LECH  LECHA,  -[S  ^S. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ][  Now  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Abram, 
Get  thee  out  of  thy  country,  and  out  thy 
birthplace,  and  from  thy  father's  house,  unto 
the  laud  that  I  will  show  thee. 

2  And  I  will  make  of  thee  a  great  nation, 
and  I  will  bless  thee,  and  make  thy  name 
great ;   and  thou  shalt  be  a  blessing :" 

3  And  I  will  bless  those  that  bless  thee, 
and  him''  that  curseth  thee,  will  I  curse;  and 
in  thee"  shall  all  families  of  the  earth  be 
blessed. 

4  So  Abram  departed,  as  the  Lord  had 
spoken  unto  him,  and  Lot  went  with  him ; 
and  Abram  was  seventy  and  five  years  old  at 
his  departure  out  of  Charan. 

5  And  Abram  took  Sarai  his  wife,  and  Lot 
his  brother's  son,  and  all  their  substance  tliat 
they  had  acquired,  and  the  persons'^  that  they 
had  obhiined  in  Charan ;  and  they  went  forth 
to  go  into  the  land  of  Canaan  ;  and  they  came 
into  the  land  of  Canaan. 

6  And  Abram  passed  through  the  land 
unto  the  place'' of  Shechem,  unto  the  plain  of 
Moreh;  and  the  Canaanite  was  then  in  the  land. 

7  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  Abram, 
and  said.  Unto  thy  seed  will  I  give  this  land. 
And  he  built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord, 
who  had  appeared  unto  him. 


'  "So  great  shall.be  thy  blessing  and  prosperity,  that 
thou  shalt  become  a  blessing  to  others ;  for  when  a  man 
shall  bless  his  .son,  he  will  say  to  him,  May  the  Lord  bless 
thee  with  Abraham's  blessing." — Dubno. 

''  "  In  the  singular  ;  for  few  would  curse  Abraham, 
whilst  many  would  bless  him." — Idem. 

"  "Through  thee,  for  thy  sake  and  thy  merit." — Idem. 

''English  version,  "souls."  "And  the  souls  whom 
they  had  subjected  to  the  Law."^ — Onkelos.  But  the 
simple  and  evident  meaning  is,  "  the  servants  and  follow- 
ers whom  they  have  obtained  control  of" 

"  Tluit  is,  "  where  Shechem  was  afterward  built." 


GENESIS  XII.  XIII.      LECH  LECHA. 


8  And  he  removed  from  there  unto  the 
mountain  on  the  east  of  Beth-el,  and  pitched 
his  tent,  liaving  Beth-el  on  the  west,  and  'Ai 
on  the  east;  and  he  built  there  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  and  called  upon  the  name"  of  the 
Lord. 

9  And  Abram  journeyed  farther,  still  go- 
ing on  toward  the  south. 

10  1[  And  there  arose  a  famine  in  the 
land :  and  Aljram  went  down  into  Egypt''  to 
sojourn  there;  for  the  ianiine  was  grievous  in 
the  land. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  was 
come  near  to  enter  into  Egypt,  that  he  said 
unto  Sarai  his  wife.  Behold  now,  I  know  that 
thou  art  a  woman  of  handsome  appearance : 

12  And  it  may  come  to  pass,  when  the 
Egyptians  shall  see  thee,  that  they  will  say, 
This  is  his  wife;  and  they  may  kill  me,  but 
thee  they  will  save  alive. 

13  Say  then,  I  pray  thee,  thou  art  my 
sister,  that  it  may  go  well  with  me  for  thy 
sake,  and  my  soul  live  because  of  thee.''' 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Abram  was 
come  into  Egypt,  that  the  Egyptians  beheld 
the  woman  that  she  was  very  fair. 

15  The  princes  also  of  Pharaoh  saw  her, 
and  commended  her  to  Pharaoh;  and  the 
woman  was  taken  into  Pharaoh's  house. 

16  And  he  did  well  to  Abram  for  her 
sake;  and  he  received  sheep,  and  oxen,  and 
he-asses,  and  men-servants,  and  maid-servants, 
and  slie-asses,  and  camels. 

17  But  the  Lord  plagued  Pharaoh  and  his 
house  with  great  plagues  because  of  Sarai, 
Abram's  wife. 

18  And  Pharaoh  called'  Abram,  and  said, 
What  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  unto  me? 
Why  didst  thou  not  tell  me  that  she  is  thy 
wife  ? 

19  Why  saidst  thou.  She  is  my  sister? 
and  so  1  took  her  to  me  for  a  wife ;  now  there- 
fore, behold,  here  is  thy  wife,  take  her,  and 
go  thy  way. 

20  And  Pharaoh  commanded   some   men 


"  Aben  Ezra,  "or,  called  the  people  together  to  .serve 
the  Lord." 

''  Because  Egypt  was  better  cultivated  than  Canaan, 
which  was  generally  inhabited  by  the  nomadic  tribes  in 
till'  days  of  the  patriarchs. 

"  That  is,  "had  him  called." 

''  The  south  of  Palestine  ;  for,  correctly  speaking,  Abra- 
ham travelled  northward  from  Egypt,  but  still  the  first  part 
of  Palestine  he  reached  on  his  return  was  "the  south"  thereof,  i 


im,  who  accompanied 
his  wife,  and  all  that  he  had. 


inn 


and 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  And  Abram  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  he, 
and  his  wife,  and  all  that  he  had,  and  Lot 
with  him.  into  the  south.'* 

2  And  Abram  was  very  rich  in  cattle,  in 
silver,  and  in  gold. 

3  And  he  went  on  his  journeys  front  the 
south  even  to  Beth-el,  unto  the  place  where 
his  tent  had  been  at  the  beginning,  between 
Beth-el  and  'Ai ; 

4  Unto  the  place  of  the  altar,  which  he 
had  made  there  at  the  first ;  and  Abram  called 
there  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.* 

5  And  Lot  also,  who  went  with  Abram, 
had  flocks,  and  herds,  and  tents. 

6  And  the  land  was  not  able  to  bear  them, 
that  they  might  dwell  together;  for  their  sulj- 
stance  was  great,  so  that  they  could  not  dwell 
together. 

7  And  there  arose  a  strife  between  the 
herdmen  of  Abram's  cattle,  and  the  herdmen 
of  Lot's  cattle  :  and  the  Canaanite  and  the 
Perizzite  dwelled  then  in  the  land. 

8  And  Abram  said  unto  Lot,  Let  there  be 
no  strife,  I  pray  thee,  between  me  and  thee, 
and  between  my  herdmen  and  thy  herdmen  ; 
for  we  are  near  relatives. 

9  Is  not  the  whole  land  before  thee  ?  Sepa- 
rate thyself,  I  pray  thee,  from  me  :  if  thou 
wilt  take  the  left  hand,  then  I  will  go  to  tlie 
right;  or  if  thou  depart  to  the  right,  then  I 
will  go  to  the  left. 

10  And  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  beheld 
all  the  plain  of  Jordan,  that  it  was  well  watered 
everywhere;  before'  the  Lord  destroyed  So- 
dom and  Gomorrah,  (it  was)  like  the  garden 
of  the  Lord,  like  the  land  of  Egypt,  till  thou 
comest  unto  Zoiir. 

11  Then  Lot  chose  himself  all  the  plain 
of  Jordan ;  and  Lot  journeyed  east /  and 
they  separated  themselves  the  one  from  the 
other. 

"  This  version,  somewhat  differing  from  the  English 
Bible,  is  according  to  Rashi  and  others,  and  removes  the 
obscurity  which  otherwise  exists.  The  second  part  of  this 
verse  must  thus  be  regarded  as  a  parathesis  explaining  the 
character  of  the  plain  of  the  Jordan,  which  Lot  chose  for 
his  habitation. 

'  The  same  construction  again  as  above,  xi.  2,  Dlpo,  "  to 
the  east,"  instead  of  "from." 

16 


GENESIS  Xlil.  XIV.     LECH  LECHA. 


1:^  Abrain  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Canaan; 
and  Lot  dwelt  in  tlie  cities  of  the  plain,  and 
pitched  his  tents,  till  close  to  Sodom. 

LS  But  the  men  of  Sodom  were  wicked 
and  sinners  before  the  Lord  exceedingly. 

14  And  the  Lord  said  nnto  Abram,  after 
Lot  was  separated  from  him,  Lift  up  now  thy 
eyes,  and  look  from  the  place  where  thou  art, 
northward,  and  southward,  and  eastward,  and 
westward ; 

15  For  all  the  land  which  thou  seest, 
to  thee  will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy  seed  for 
ever. 

16  And  I  will  make  thy  seed  as  the  dust 
of  the  earth;  so  that  if  a  man  can  number 
the  dust  of  the  earth,  then  shall  thy  seed  also 
be  numbered. 

17  Arise,  walk  through  the  land  in  the 
length  of  it  and  in  the  breadth  of  it ;  for  unto 
thee  will  I  give  it. 

18  Then  Abram  pitched  his  tent,  and  came 
and  dwelt  in  the  grove"  of  Manire,  which  is  in 
Hebron;  and  he  built  there  an  altar  unto  the 
Lord.* 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  in  the  days  of  Am- 
raphel  king  of  Shinar,  Arioch  king  of  Ellasar, 
Kedorlaomer  king  of  Ehim,  and  Tidal  king  of 
Goyim  ; 

2  That  these  made  war  with  Bera  king 
of  Sodom,  and  with  Birsha  king  of  Gomorrah, 
Shinab  king  of  Admah,  and  Shemeber  king 
of  Zeboyim,  and  the  king  of  Bela,  which  is 
Zoar. 

(J  All  these  joined  together  in  tlie  vale  of 
Siddim,  which  is  now  the  salt  sea. 

4  Twelve  years  had  they  served  Kedor- 
laomer, l)ut  in  the  thirteenth  year  they  re- 
belled. 

5  And  in  the  fourteenth  year  came  Kedor- 
laomer, and  the  kings  that  were  with  him. 
and  they  smote  the  Repha'im  in  Ashteroth- 
karnayim,  and  the  Zuzim  in  Ham,  and  the 
Emim  in  Shaveh-kiriathayim, 

G    And    the    Horites    in    their    mountain 

*  Mcndt'I.ssnlin,  after  Abt^u  Ezra,  translates  the  word 
]\ht<  in  this  inauuer,  siucc  it  is  used  to  express  "tree"  in 
many  places.      Onkelos,  however,  calls  it  "plain." 

''  The  pits.  Compare  with  Exod.  xxi.  33,  where  noB', 
like  here,  refers  to  the  pit  into  which  the  animal  falls;  not 
"there,"  as  in  the  English  version. 

°  Brother,  in  Hebrew,  denotes  frecjiuntly  a  near  rela- 
16 


Se'ir,  unto  El-paran,  which  is  by  the  wilder- 
ness. 

7  And  they  returned,  and  came  to  En- 
mishpat,  which  is  Kadesh,  and  smote  all  the 
country  of  the  Amalekites,  and  also  the  Emor- 
ites,  that  dwelt  in  Ilazezon-tamar. 

8  And  then  went  out  the  king  of  Sodom, 
and  the  king  of  Gomorrah,  and  the  king  of 
Adnudi,  and  the  king  of  Zeboyim,  and  the 
king  of  Bela,  (the  same  is  Zoar;)  and  they 
joined  battle  with  them  in  the  vale  of  Siddim; 

9  With  Kedorlaomer  king  of  Elam,  and 
with  Tidnl  king  of  Goyim,  and  Amraphel 
king  of  Shinar,  and  Arioch  king  of  Ellasar; 
four  kings  with  five. 

10  And  the  vale  of  Siddim  was  full  of 
slime-pits;  and  the  kings  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah fled,  and  fell  therein  ;^'  and  they  that 
remained  fled  to  the  mountain. 

11  And  they  took  all  the  goods  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah,  and  all  their  victuals,  and  went 
their  way. 

12  And  they  took  Lot,  Abrani's  brother's 
son,  who  dwelt  in  Sodom,  and  his  goods,  and 
departed. 

13  And  there  came  one  that  had  escaped, 
and  told  it  to  Abram  the  Hebrew;  but  he 
dwelt  in  the  grove  of  Mamre  the  Emorite, 
brother  of  Eshcol,  and  brother  of  Aner,  and 
these  were  confederates  of  Abram. 

14  And  when  Abram  heard  that  his 
brother"  was  taken  captive,  he  armed  his 
trained  servants,  born  in  his  own  house,  three 
luuidred  and  eighteen,  and  pursued  them  unto 
Dan." 

15  And  he  divided  himself  against  them, 
he  and  his  servants,  by  night,  and  smote  them, 
and  pursued  them  unto  Hobah,  which  is  on 
the  left  hand  of  Damascus. 

IG  And  he  brought  back  all  the  goods; 
and  he  also  brought  again  his  brother  Lot, 
and  his  goods,  and  also  the  women,  and  the 
people. 

17  And  the  king  of  Sodom  went  out  to 
meet  him  (after  his  return  from  smiting  Ke- 
dorlaomer, and  the  kings  that  were  with  him) 

tive,  for  above  he  is  called,  as  he  was,  Abram's  brother's 
son. 

''  Perhaps  another  city  than  the  ancient  Laish,  though 
evidently  in  the  same  neighbourhood.  If  a  conjecture 
may  be  hazarded,  it  may  have  been  a  place  of  resort  for 
judgment,  from  tn  doi),  in  the  north,  as  'En-mishpat,  /.  c. 
"the  spring  of  judgment,"  was  at  the  south  of  Palestine 


GENESIS  XIY.  XY.     LECH  LECHA. 


at  the  valley  of  Shaveh,  which  i.s  the  kings' 
(Jale. 

18  And  Malkizedek  king  of  Salem  brought 
I'orth  brea<l  and  wine  ;  and  he  was  a  priest  of 
the  most  high  God. 

19  And  he  blessed  him,  and  said,  Blessed 
be  Abram  of  the  most  high  God,  the  possessor 
of  heaven  and  earth. 

20  And  blessed  be  the  most  high  God,  who 
hath  delivered  thy  enemies  into  thy  hand. 
And  he  gave  him  tithes  of  all.* 

21  And  the  king  of  Sodom  said  unto 
Abram,  Give  me  the  persons,  and  the  goods 
take  to  thyself. 

22  And  Abram  said  to  the  king  of  Sodom,  I 
have  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  tlie  Lord,  the  most 
high  God,  the  possessor  of  heaven  and  earth, 

"23  That  I  will  not"  take  from  a  thread 
even  to  a  shoe-latchet,  and  that  I  will  not 
take  any  thing  that  is  thine;  lest  thou  shouldst 
say,  I  have  made  Abram  rich : 

24  Save  only  that  which  the  }'oung  men 
have  eaten,  and  the  portion  of  the  men  who 
went  with  me,  Aner,  Eshcol.  and  Mamre — 
these  nuiy  take  their  portion. 

CHAPTER   XV. 

1  ][  After  these  things  the  word  of  the  Lord 
came  unto  Abram  in  a  vision,  saying,  Fear 
not,  Abram;  I  am  thy  shield,  thy  reward 
shall  be  exceedingly  great. 

2  And  Abram  said,  Lord  God,  what  wilt 
thou  give  me,  seeing  I  go  childless,  and  the 
steward  of  my  house  is  Eliezer  of  Damascus  ? 

o  And  Abram  said.  Behold  to  me  thou 
hast  given  no  seed ;  and  lo,  one  born  in  my 
house  will  be  ni}'  heir. 

4  And  behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
unto  him,  saying.  This  one  shall  not  be  thy 
heir ;  but  he  that  shall  come  forth  out  of  thy 
own  bowels  shall  be  thy  heir. 

5  And  he  brought  him  forth  abroad,  and 
said,  Look  now  toward  the  heaven,  and  count 
the  stars,  if  thou  be  able  to  count  them ;  and 
he  said  unto  him.  So  shall  thy  seed  be. 


'  Abraham's  disinterestedness  and  U'ue  faith.  God  had 
promised  to  malie  him  great ;  and  hence,  though  he  had 
expended  time  and  treasure,  and  exposed  his  life  iu  the 
assault  he  made  upon  the  conquerors  of  many  natious,  he 
refused  to  be  benefited  through  the  munificent  offer  of  the 
king  of  Sodom. 

''  Onkelos  and  Kashi  render,  "  three  heifers,"  &c. 

°  The  inhabitants  of  the  land  wherein  the  seed  of  Abra- 
ham was  to  dwell :  see  next  verse. 

C 


6  And  he  believed  in  the  Lord;  tind  he 
accounted  it  to  him  for  righteousness.* 

7  And  he  said  unto  him,  I  am  the  Lord 
that  brought  thee  out  of  Ur  of  the  Clialdees, 
to  give  unto  thee  this  land,  to  inherit  it. 

8  And  he  said.  Lord  God,  whereby  shall  I 
know  that  I  shall  iidierit  it  ? 

9  And  he  said  unto  him,  Take  me  a  heifer 
of  three''  years  old,  and  a  she-goat  of  three 
^ears  old,  and  a  ram  of  three  years  old,  and  ;i 
turtle-dove,  and  a  young  pigeon. 

10  And  he  took  unto  him  all  these,  and 
divided  them  in  the  midst,  and  laid  each  piece 
one  opposite  the  other;  but  the  birds  he  did 
not  divide. 

11  And  the  birds  of  prey  came  down  upon 
tlie  carcas.ses;  but  Abram  drove  them  tiwtiy. 

12  And  when  the  sun  was  about  going 
down,  a  deep  sleej)  fell  upon  Abram  ;  and  lo, 
a  horror,  dark  and  great,  fell  upon  him. 

13  And  he  said  unto  Abram,  Know  of  a 
surety  that  thy  seed  shall  be  a  stranger  in  a 
land  which  is  not  theirs,  and  they"  will  make 
them  serve,  and  they  will  afflict  them  ibui 
hundred  years. 

14  And  also  that  nation  whom  they  shtdl 
serve,  will  I  judge;  and  afterward  shall  they 
go  out  with  great  substance. 

15  But  thou  shalt  come  to  thy  fathers  in 
peace  ;  thou  shalt  be  buried  in  a  good  old  age. 

16  Yet  the  fourth''  generation  shall  come 
hither  tigain  ;  for  the  iniquity  of  the  Emorites 
will  not  be  full  until  then. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  sun  had 
gone  down,  and  it  was  dark,  that  behold  a 
smoking  furnace,  and  a  burning  Hame,"  which 
passed  between  those  pieces. 

18  On  the  same  day  the  Lord  made  a 
covenant  with  Abram,  saying.  Unto  thy  seed 
have  I  given  this  land,  from  tlie  river  of  Egypt 
unto  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates; 

19  The  Kenites,  and  the  Kenizzites,  and 
the  Kadmonites, 

20  And  the  Hittites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
and  the  Rephaim, 

''  The  fmirth  generation  of  those  who  go  down  to  tltai 
laud,  which  was  Egypt. — Rashi. 
■  °  It  was  customary  in  olden  times,  for  contracting  par- 
tics  to  cut  up  animals  and  pass  alternately  through  the 
pieces,  (Jer.  xxxiv.  18 ;)  therefore  was  the  fire  seen 
passing  through  the  members  of  the  animals  which  Abra- 
ham had  placed,  as  the  evident  representative  of  the  Lord 
who  that  day  made  "  the  cnvonant  between  the  pieces" 
with  the  patriarch. 

17 


GENESIS  XVI.  XVII.     LECH  LECHA. 


21  And  the  Emorites,  and  the  Canaanites, 
and  the  Girgashites,  and  the  Jebusites. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  Now  Sarai,  Abram's  wife,  bore  him  no 
children;  and  she  had  an  Egyptian  handmaid, 
whose  name  was  Hagar. 

2  And  Sarai  said  unto  Abram,  Behold 
now,  the  Lord  hath  restrained  me  from  bear- 
ing :  go  in,  I  pray  thee,  unto  my  maid ;  it  may 
be  that  I  may  obtain"  ehildren  by  her.  And 
Abram  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  Sarai. 

3  And  Sarai,  Abram's  wife,  took  Hagar, 
the  Egyptian,  her  maid,  after  Abram  had 
dwelt  ten  years  in  the  land''  of  Canaan,  and 
gave  her  to  her  husband  Abram  to  be  his 
wife. 

4  And  he  went  in  unto  Hagar,  and  she 
conceived;  and  when  she  saw  that  she  had 
conceived,  her  mistress  became  of  little  esteem 
in  her  eyes. 

5  And  Sarai  said  unto  Abram,  I  sufler" 
wrong  through  thee;  I  have  placed  my  maid 
into  thy  bosom;  and  when  she  saw  that  she 
had  conceived,  I  became  of  little  esteem  in  her 
eyes:  may  the  Lord  judge  between  me  and 
thee. 

6  But  Abram  said  unto  Sarai,  Behold,  thy 
maid  is  in  thy  hand;  do  to  her  as  it  pleaseth 
thee.  And  when  Sarai  dealt  hardly  with  her, 
she  fled  from  her  face. 

7  And  an  angel  of  the  Lord  found  her  by 
a  fountain  of  water  in  the  wilderness,  by  the 
fountain  on  the  way  to  Shur. 

8  And  he  said,  Hagar,  Sarai's  maid,  whence 
camest  thou?  and  whither  wilt  thou  go? 
And  she  said.  From  the  face  of  my  mistress 
Sarai  I  am  fieeing. 

9  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her. 
Return  to  thy  mistress,  and  submit  thyself 
ander  her  hands. 

10  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said   unto 


■■  Heb.  "Be  built  up  from  her." 

''  Literally,  "at  the  end  of  ten  years  of  Abram's  resi- 
(leiiee  in,"  &c. 

'-  Others  render,  "  My  wrong  be  upon  thee." 

''  YislimaiKj-d,  "  God  will  hear." 

'  This  version  is  according  to  Onkelos.  Mendelssohn's 
version  is:  "Thou  art  a  visible  God  ;  for  she  said,  Have 
I  then  seen  any  thing  after  ho  that  saw  me  had  departed  ?" 
Arnlieim  again  is  very  bidd  :  "Thou  art  the  God  of  the 
appearance  (nf  prdphccy);  for  siie  said,  Do  I  now  see 
here  the  least,  after  I  have  seen  (clearly)?"  A.  distin- 
guishes b(^tween  Roi  or  Mitrnh,  'N"\  or  nsiO,  "appearance, 
indistinct  visiiin,"  and  U'nli  iw  Manli,  nxi,  HvSio,  "dis- 
18 


her,  I  will  multiply  thy  seed  exceedingly, 
that  it  shall  not  be  numbered  for  multi- 
tude. 

11  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 
her.  Behold,  thou  art  with  child,  and  wilt  bear 
a  son,  and  thou  shalt  call  his  name  Ishmael  f 
because  the  Lord  hath  heard  thy  affliction. 

12  And  he  will  be  a  wild  man;  his  hand 
will  be  against  every  man,  and  every  man's 
hand  against  him ;  and  in  the  presence  of  all 
his  brethren  shall  he  dwell. 

13  And  she  called  the  name  of  the  Lord 
that  sjjoke  unto  her.  Thou  art  an  all-seeing 
God ;  for  she  said,  Have  I  not  also  seen  here 
a  vision  after  he  appeared  to  me  T 

14  Wherefore  the  well  was  called  Beer- 
lachai-roi:'^  behold,  it  is  between  Kadesh  and 
Be  red. 

15  And  Hagar  bore  Abram  a  son ;  and 
Abram  called  the  name  of  his  son,  whom  Ha- 
gar bore,  Ishmael. 

16  And  Abram  was  eighty  and  six  years 
old,  when  Hagar  bore  Ishmael  to  Abram. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  And  when  Abram  was  ninety  and  nine 
yeiirs  old,  the  Lord  appeared  to  Abram,  and 
said  unto  him,  I  am  the  Almighty^  God;  walk 
before  me,  and  be  thou  perfect. 

2  And  I  will  make  my  covenant  between 
me  and  thee,  and  I  will  multiply  thee  exceed- 
ingly. 

3  And  Abram  fell  on  liis  face,  and  God 
spoke  with  him,  saying, 

4  As  for  me,  behold  my  covenant  is  with 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  become  the  father  of  a 
multitude  of  nations. 

5  Neither  shall  thy  name  any  more  be 
called  Abram,  but  thy  name  shall  be  Abra- 
ham; for  the,father  of  a  multitude  of  nations 
have  I  made  thee. 

6  And  I  will  make  thee  exceedingly  fruit- 

tinct  seeing  and  clear  vision."  (See  also  Numb,  xii,  6,  8.) 
Hagar  then  meant  that  God  was  merely  such  a  one  as  ap- 
pears to  man  in  an  indistinct,  shadowy  vision  or  image, 
not  a  substantial  bodily  being;  since  she  sawnotliiug  any 
more  after  she  had  had  the  object  speaking  before  her. — 
It  is  a  difficult  verse,  and  Onkelos  seems  to  me  to  be 
nearer  the  truth  than  the  later  authorities. 

'  "  The  well  where  the  angel  of  the  Living  One  was 
made  manifest." — Onkklos. 

"=  This,  K[,-Sii.\iin.M,  K  the  first  appellation  which  we 
find  God  to  have  assumed:  the  other  terms  were  merely 
applied  to  him  by  mankind.  The  second  revelation  of  jjis 
name  is  in  Exodus  vi.  '1,  3. 


GENESIS  XVII.  XVIII.     VAYERA. 


fill,  and  I  will  cause  thee  to  become  nations; 
and  kings  shall  come  out  of  thee.* 

7  And  I  M'ill  establish  my  covenant  be- 
tween me  and  thee  and  between  thy  seed  after 
thee  in  their  generations  for  an  everlasting 
covenant :  to  be  a  God  unto  thee,  and  to  thy 
seed  after  thee. 

8  And  I  will  give  unto  thee,  and  to  thy 
seed  after  thee,  the  land  wherein  thou  so- 
journest,  all  the  land  of  Canaan,  for  an  ever- 
lasting possession  ;  and  I  will  be  their  God. 

9  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  But  thou, 
for  thy  part,  slialt  keep  my  covenant,  thou, 
and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in  their  generations. 

10  This  is  my  covenant,  which  ye  shall 
keep,  between  me  and  between  you,  and  be- 
tween thy  seed  after  thee :  Every  man-child 
among  you  shall  be  circumcised. 

11  And  ye  shall  circumcise  the  flesh  of 
your  foreskin ;  and  this  shall  serve  as  the 
token  of  the  covenant  between  me  and  3'ou. 

12  And  at  eight  da3's  old  shall  every  man- 
child  in  your  generations  be  circumcised  among 
3'OU,  he  that  is  born  in  the  house,  or  bought 
with  money  of  any  stranger,  who  is  not  of  thy 
seed. 

13  He  that  is  born  in  thy  house,  and  he 
that  is  bought  with  thy  money,  must  needs 
be  circumcised;  and  my  covenant  shall  be  in 
your  flesh  for  an  everlasting  covenant. 

14  And  any  uncircumcised  male,*  who  cir- 
cumciseth  not  the  flesh  of  his  foreskin,  that 
soul  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people;  he  hath 
broken  my  covenant. 

15  *[]  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  As  for 
Sarai  thy  wife,  thou  shalt  not  call  her  name 
Sarai,  but  Sarah*"  shall  her  name  be. 

16  And  I  will  bless  her,  and  give  thee  also 
a  son  of  her;  yea  1  will  bless  her,  and  she 
shall  become  a  mother  of  nations;  kings  of 
people  shall  spring  from  her. 

17  Then  Abraham  fell  upon  his  face,  and 
laughed ;  and  he  said  in  his  heart.  Shall  a 
child  be  born  unto  him  that  is  a  hundred 
years  old?  and  shall  Sarah,  who  is  ninety 
years  old,  bear  ? 

18  And  Abraham  said  unto  God,  0  that 
Ishmael  might  live  before  thee!" 

19  And  God   said.  Truly,  Sarah   thy  wife 

'  "  When  a  person  Las  reached  the  age  of  thirteen." — 
Kashi. 

'"Princess."  So  Abraham  signifies  Ahir-hamorip,  a 
chief  of  a  multitude;  or,  Ai-lannone,  the  father  of  a  multi- 


shall  bear  thee  a  son;  and  thou  shalt  call  his 
name  Isaac;''  and  I  will  establish  my  cove- 
nant with  him  for  an  everlasting  covenant, 
for  his  seed  after  him. 

20  And  as  for  Ishmael,  I  have  heard  thee : 
behold,  I  have  blessed  him,  and  will  make 
him  fruitful,  and  will  multiply  him  exceed- 
ingly; twelve  princes  .shall  he  beget,  and  I  will 
make  of  him  a  great  nation. 

21  But  my  covenant  will  I  establish  with 
Isaac,  whom  Sarah  shall  bear  unto  thee  at 
this  set  time  in  the  next  year. 

22  And  when  he  had  left  ofl'  talking  with 
him,  God  went  up  from  Abraham. 

23  And  Abraham  now  took  Ishmael  \nn 
son,  and  all  that  were  born  in  his  house,  and 
all  that  were  bought  with  his  money,  every 
male  among  the  men  of  Abraham's  house  ; 
and  he  circumcised  the  flesh  of  their  foreskin 
on  the  self-same  day,  as  God  had  spoken 
unto  him.'^' 

24  And  Abraham  was  ninety  and  nine 
years  old,  when  he  was  circumcised  in  the 
flesh  of  his  foreskin. 

25  And  Ishmael  his  son  was  thirteen  years 
old,  when  he  was  circumcised  in  the  flesh  of 
his  foreskin. 

26  On  the  self-same  da)-  was  Abraham  cir- 
cumcised, with  Ishmael  his  son. 

27  And  all  the  men  of  his  house,  born  in 
the  house,  and  bought  with  money  of  the 
stranger,  were  circumcised  with  him. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah,  xl.  27  to  xli.  10. 


SECTION  IV.     VAYERA,  Nin. 
CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  the 
grove  of  Mamre ;  while  he  was  sitting  at  the 
door  of  the  tent  in  the  heat  of  the  day. 

2  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  looked, 
and  lo,  three  men  stood  near  him  ;  and  when 
he  saw  them,  he  ran  to  meet  them  from  the 
door  of  the  tent,  and  bowed  himself  to  the 
ground ; 

3  And  he  said.  My  Lord,  if  now  I  have 
found  favour  in  thy  eyes,  pass  not  away,  I 
pray  thee,  from  thy  servant. 

4  Let  a  little  water,  I  pray  you,  be  fetched. 


tnde :  the  first  is  from  Dubuo's  Commentary,  the  second 
from  Rashi. 

'  That  is,  "  to  please  thee." 

''  Yil^cliak,  from  pni"  tunlio/.;  "to  liiiigli." 


J9 


GENESIS  XVIII.     VAYERA. 


and  wash  jour  feet,  and  rest  yonrselves  under 
the  tree. 

5  And  I  will  fetch  a  morsel  of  bread,  and 
comfort  ye  your  heart,  after  that  ye  may 
pass  on ;  since  ^e  have  once  passed  by  your 
servant.  And  they  said.  So  do,  as  thou  hast 
spoken. 

6  And  Abraliam  hastened  into  tlie  tent 
inito  Sarah,  and  said,  Make  ready  quickly 
three  measures  of  fine  meal,  knead  it,  and 
make  cakes. 

7  And  Abriiliam  ran  unto  the  herd,  and 
fetched  a  calf  tender  and  good,  and  gave  it 
unto  a  jonng  man,  and  he  hastened  to 
dress  it. 

8  And  he  took  cream  and  milk,  and  the 
calf  which  he  had  dressed,  and  set  it  before 
them;  and  he  stood  by  them  under  the  tree, 
and  they  did  eat. 

9  And  they  said  unto  him.  Wliere  is  Sarah 
thy  wife  ?     And  he  said,  Behold,  in  the  tent. 

10  And  he  said,  I  will  certainly  return 
unto  thee  at  this  time  next  ^ear;"  and  lo, 
Sarah  thy  wile  shall  have  a  son.  And  Sarah 
heard  it  at  the  door  of  the  tent,  which  was 
l)ehind  him. 

11  Now  Abraham  and  Sarah  were  old  and 
well  stricken  in  years ;  it  had  ceased  to  be 
with  Sarah  after  the  manner  of  women. 

12  Therefore  Sarah  laughed  within  herself, 
saying,  After  I  am  waxed  old  shall  I  have 
pleasure,  ray  lord  also  being  old? 

lo  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Abraham, 
Wherefore  did  Sarah  laugh,  saying,  Shall  I 
of  a  surety  bear  a  child,  since  I  am  old? 

14  Is  any  thing  too  hard  lor  the  Lord  ?  At 
the  time  appointed  I  will  return  unto  thee, 
at  this  time  next  year,  and  Sarah  shall  have 
a  son.* 

15  Then  Sarah  denied,  saying,  I  laughed 
not;  for  she  was  afraid;  but  he  said,  Nay; 
indeed  thou  didst  laugh. 

IG  And  the  men  rose   up   from  there   and 

'  Rashi.  Aruheim  vory  ingeniously  renders  it,  "  at  the 
time  of  the  recovery,"  /.  r.  of  Sarah,  after  the  birth  of 
the  promi.seJ  ehihl,  taking  rrn  for  recovery. 

''  "Love  liini,  beeau.se he,"  i*te. — Kasiii.  "  It  is  revealed 
before  lue  that." — Onkpilds. 

"  "I  will  spare  them." — AliKV  l'//l!.v  and  .Mk.ndels.soUN. 
Onkelos  agrees  with  this,  but  adds,  "  if  they  repent," 
against  the  previous  eoni[)lete  destruction  "  if  they  do  not 
repent."  llaslii  c.icplains,  "  I  will  visit  them  with  suffer- 
ings, but  not  make  an  end  of  them." 

''  Others  render,  "  I'ai-dou  the  place." 
20 


looked  toward   Sodom ;    and  Abraham   went 
with  them  to  bring  them  on  the  way. 

17  And  the  Lord  said,  Shall  I  hide  from 
Abraham  what  I  am  about  doing  ? 

18  Seeing  that  Abraham  shall  surely  be- 
come a  great  and  mighty  nation,  and  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth  shall  be  blessed  in  him? 

19  For  I  know''  him,  that  he  will  command 
his  children  and  his  household  after  him,  that 
they  shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do 
righteousness  and  justice ;  in  order  that  the 
Lord  may  bring  upon  Abraham  that  which 
he  hath  spoken  concerning  him. 

20  And  the  Lord  said.  Because  the  cry 
against  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  is  great,  and 
beciiuse  their  sin  is  very  grievous  : 

21  I  will  go  down  now,  and  see,  if  they 
have  done  according  to  the  ci-y  against  them, 
which  is  come  unto  me,  destruction  (shall 
come  upon  them)  ;  and  if  not,  I  will  know'  it. 

22  And  the  men  turned  their  faces  from 
there,  and  went  toward  Sodom  ;  but  Abraham 
stood  yet  before  the  Lord. 

23  And  Abraham  drew  near,  and  said,  Wilt 
thou  then  desti'oy  the  righteous  also  with  the 
wicked  ? 

2-4  Peradventure  there  tire  fifty  righteous 
within  the  city;  wilt  thou  then  also  destroy 
and  not  spare''  the  place  for  the  sake  of  the 
fifty  righteous  that  are  therein  ? 

25  Far  be  it  from  thee  to  do  after  this 
manner,  to  slay  the  righteous  with  the  wicked, 
and  that  the  righteous  should  be  as  the 
wicked;"  far  be  this  from  thee;  shall  the 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  not  exercise  justice  ? 

26  And  the  Lord  said,  If  I  lind  in  Sudom 
fifty  lighteous  within  the  city,  then  will  I 
sptire  all  the  place  for  their  sake. 

27  And  Abraham  answered  and  said.  Be- 
hold now,  I  have  taken  upon  me  to  speak  inito 
the  Lord,  although   I  am  but  dust  and  ashes: 

28  Peradventure  there  will  lack  five  of  the 
fifty  righteous;  wilt  thou  then  destro}'  all  the 


"  For  in  case  an  indiscriminate  destruction  of  the  cities 

shnuld  take  place,  all  the  inhabitants,  whether  good  or 
wicked,  would  necessarily  have  to  share  the  same  fate ; 
Abraham  thercf  ire  asked  that  the  mercy  wdiieh  tiie  right- 
eous deserved,  niight,  in  order  to  save  them,  staj'  the  doom 
which  was  impending  over  the  cities  in  W'hieh  they  dwelt ; 
and  being  at  once  a,ssured  that  divine  justice  would  dis- 
erimiuate,  he  grew  bolder  in  hispra3'er,  till  at  length  he 
was  certified  that  even  ten  should  cause  the  suspension  of 
the  punishment. 


I 


OENESrS  XVIII.  XIX.     V.\YEUA. 


city  fi)r  the  (lack  of)  the^Q  five  ?    And  lie  said,  ' 
I  will  not  destroy,  if  I  find  there  forty  and  five. 

29  And  he  spoke  yet  again  unto  him,  and 
said,  Perad\entnre  there  will  be  found  there 
forty.  And  he  said,  I  will  not  do  it  for  the 
sake  of  the  forty. 

30  And  he  "said.  Oh,  let  not  the  Lord  be 
angry,  and  I  will  speak  :  Peradventure  there 
will  be  found  there  thirty.  And  he  said,  I 
will  not  do  it,  if  I  find  there  thirty. 

31  And  he  said.  Behold  now,  I  have  taken 
upon  me  to  speak  unto  the  Lord  :  Peradven- 
ture there  will  be  found  there  twenty.  And 
he  said.  I  \\  ill  not  destroy,  for  the  sake  of  the 
twentw 

32  "And  he  said.  Oh,  let  not  the  Lord  be 
angry,  and  I  will  speak  yet  but  this  once  : 
Peradventure  there  will  be  found  there  ten. 
And  he  said,  I  will  not  destroy,  for  the  sake 
of  the  ten. 

33  And  the  Lord  went  away,  when  he  had 
finished  speaking  with  Abraham ;  and  Abra- 
ham returned  unto  his  place.* 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  And  the  two  angels  came  to  Sodom  in 
the  evening,  and  Lot  was  sitting  in  the  gate 
of  Sodom ;  and  when  Lot  saw  them  he  rose 
up  to  meet  them,  and  he  bowed  himself  with 
his  face  to  the  ground. 

2  And  he  said,  Behold  now,  my  lords, 
turn  ill,  I  pray  you,  into  your  servant's  house, 
and  tarry  all  night,  and  wash  your  feet,  and 
ye  can  rise  up  early,  and  go  on  your  way. 
And  they  said,  Nay;  but  we  will  abide  in  the 
street  all  night. 

3  And  he  pressed  upon  them  greatly,  and 
they  turned  in  unto  him,  and  entered  into  his 
house  ;  and  he  made  them  a  feast,  and  baked 
unleavened  bread,  and  they  did  eat. 

4  But  before  they  had  lain  down,  the  men 
of  the  city,  even  the  men  of  Sodom,  compassed 
the  hou.se  round,  both  old  and  young,  all  the 
people  from  every  quarter  : 

5  And  they  called  unto  Lot,  and  said  unto 
him.  Where  are  the  men  who  came  in  to  thee 
this  night?  bring  them  out  unto  us,  that  we 
may  know  them. 


'  "  Cry"  means  that  tlie  greatness  of  the  sin  has  be- 
come so  apparent  as  to  demand,  "  cry  out  for,"  vengeance 
against    the    transgressors.      See    above,  iv.   10;    xviii.  , 
20,21. 

"■  Mendelssohn,   who  iinderstands  the  participle  in  the 


(3  And  Lot  went  out  unto  them,  at  the 
entrance  (of  the  house),  and  shut  the  door 
after  him, 

7  And  he  said,  I  pray  you,  my  brethren,  do 
not  act  wickedly. 

8  Behold  now,  I  have  two  daughters  who 
have  not  known  man  ;  let  me,  I  pray  you, 
bring  them  out  unto  you,  and  do  ye  to  them 
as  is  good  in  your  eyes;  only  unto  these  men 
do  nothing,  since  they  have  once  come  under 
the  shadow  of  my  roof. 

9  And  they  said,  Stand  back.  And  they 
said.  This  one  man  came  in  to  sojourn,  and 
he  will  needs  be  a  judge  ;  now  will  we  deal 
worse  with  thee  than  with  them.  And  they 
pressed  sorely  upon  the  man  Lot,  and  they 
came  near  to  break  the  door. 

10  But  the  men  put  forth  their  hand,  and 
pulled  Lot  to  them  into  the  house,  and  the 
door  they  locked. 

11  And  the  men  that  were  at  the  entrance 
of  the  house  they  smote  with  blindness,  both 
small  and, great,  so  that  they  wearied  them- 
selves to  find  the  entrance. 

■  12  And  the  men  said  unto  Lot,  Hast  thou 
here  any  besides  ?  a  son-in-law,  and  thy  sons, 
and  tliy  daughters,  and  whatsoever  thou  hast 
in  the  city,  bring  out  of  this  place. 

13  For  we  will  destroy  this  place,  because 
the  cry"  against  them  is  waxed  great  before 
the  face  of  the  Lord;  and  the  Lord  hath  sent 
us  to  destroy  it. 

14  And  Lot  went  out  and  spoke  unto  his 
sons-in-law,  who  were  to  marry''  his  daughters, 
and  said,  Arise,  get  yourselves  out  of  this 
place,  for  the  Lord  will  destroy  this  city;  but 
he  seemed  as  one  that  jestetli  in  the  eyes  of 
his  sons-in-law. 

15  And  as  the  morning  dawn  arose,  the 
angels  urged  Lot,  saying.  Arise,  take  thy 
wife,  and  thy  two  daughters  that  are  here,  lest 
thou  be  consumed  for  the  iniquity  of  the  city. 

16  And  while  he  yet  lingered,  the  men  laid 
hold  of  his  hand,  and  of  the  hand  of  his  witi?, 
and  of  the  hand  of  his  two  daughters,  becaii.se 
the  Lord  desired  to  spare  him ;  and  they 
brought  him  forth,  and  set  him  without  the  city. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when   they  had 

text  as  "about  to  take ;"  but  Rashi  divides  the  words  so, 
"  His  sons-in  law, — he  had  two  daughters  married  in  the 
city;  the  takers  of  his  daughters, — those  to  whom  those  at 
home  were  betrothed."  Aben  Ezra  also  coincides  with 
this. 

21 


GENESIS  XIX.  XX.     VAYERA. 


brought  them  forth  abroad,  that  he  said, 
Escape  for  thy  Hfe,  look  not  behind  thee, 
neither  stay  thou  in  all  the  plain  ;  escape  to 
the  niountain,  lest  thou  be  consumed. 

18  And  Lot  said  unto  them.  Oh,  not  so,  my 
lord ! 

19  Behold  now,  thy  servant  hath  found 
grace  in  thy  eyes,  and  thou  hast  magnified 
thy  kindness,  which  thou  hast  showed  unto 
me  in  saving  my  life  ;  and  I  cannot  escape  to 
the  mountain,  lest  the  evil  overtake  me,  and 
I  die. 

20  Behold  now,  this  city  is  near  to  flee 
thereunto,  and  it  is  little ;  oh,  let  me,  I  pray 
thee,  escape  thither,  (as  it  is  but  little,)  that 
my  life  may  be  saved.* 

21  And  he  said  unto  him,  See,  I  have 
favoured  thee  concerning  this  thing  also,  that 
I  will  not  overthrow  this  city,  of  which  thou 
hast  spoken. 

22  Haste  thee,  escape  thither  ;  for  I  cannot 
do  any  thing  till  thou  hast  come  thither. 
Therefore  was  the  name  of  the  .city  called 
Zoiir.^ 

23  The  sun  rose  over  the  earth,  when  Lot 
entered  into  Zoiir. 

24  And  the  Lord  rained  upon  Sodom  and 
upon  Gomorrah  brimstone  and  fire,  from  the 
Lord,  out  of  lieaven  ; 

25  And  he  overthrew  those  cities,  and  all 
the  plain,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
cities,  and  that  wliicli  grew  upon  the  ground. 

2G  But  his  wife  looked  back  f^om  behind 
him,  and  she  became  a  pillar  of  salt. 

27  And  Abraham  got  up  early  in  the 
morning  to  the  place  where  he  had  stood  be- 
fore the  Lord : 

28  And  he  looked  toward  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah, and  toward  all  the  land  of  the  plain, 
and  beheld,  and  lo,  smoke  went  up  from  the 
earth  as  the  smoke  of  a  furnace.'' 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  God  de- 
stroyed the  cities  of  the  plain,  that  God  re- 
membered Abraham,"  and  sent  Lot  away  out 
(>f  the  midst  of  the  overthrow,  when  he  over- 
threw the  cities  in  the  which  Lot  had  dwelt. 

30  And    Lot  went   up   out  of  Zoar,  and 

'  "Little,"  from  milr.di-, 

^  Eng.  vor.  "  the  siuokc!  nf  the  country  wont  up,"  &c. 

°  Not  for  any  particular  merit  in  Lot,  although  ho  was 

not  so  corrupt  as  the  other  men  in  Sodom  ;   but  because 

lie  was  a  kinsman  of  Abraham;  for  the  sake  of  Abraham's 

virtue  was  Lot  spared.    (See  Gen.  xxvi.  .5;  PLxod.  xx.  6.) 

22 


dwelt  in  the  mountain,  and  his  two  daugh- 
ters with  him,  for  he  feared  to  dwell  in  Zoiir; 
and  he  dwelt  in  a  cave,  he,  and  his  two 
daughters. 

31  And  the  first-born  said  unto  the  young- 
er. Our  father  is  old,  and  there  is  not  a  man 
in  the  country  to  come  in  unto  us  after  the 
manner  of  all  the  earth  : 

32  Come,  let  us  make  our  father  drink 
wine,  and  we  will  lie  with  him,  that  we  may 
preserve  seed  of  our  firther.  ' 

33  And  they  made  their  fother  drink  wine 
that  night;  and  the  first-born  went  in,  and 
lay  with  her  father,  and  he  perceived  not 
when  she  la}'  down,  nor  when  she  arose. 

34  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  the  first-born  said  unto  the  younger,  Be- 

I  hold,  I  lay  yesternight  with  my  lather;  let  us 
make  him  drink  wine  this  night  also,  and  go 
thou  in,  and  lie  with  liim,  that  we  may  pre- 
serve seed  of  our  father. 

35  And  they  made  their  father  drink  wine 
that  night  also  ;  and  the  younger  arose,  and 
lay  with  him,  and  he  perceived  not  when  she 
lay  down,  nor  when  she  arose. 

30  And  both  the  daughters  of  Lot  became 
with  child  by  their  father. 

37  And  the  first-born  bore  a  son,  and 
called  his  name  MoJib;''  the  same  is  the  father 
of  the  Moabites  unto  this  day. 

38  And  the  younger,  she  also  bore  a  son, 
and  called  his  name  Ben-ammi:''  the  same  is 
the  father  of  the  children  of  Ammon  unto  this 
day. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  \  And  Abrahaui  journeyed  from  there 
toward  the  south  country,  and  dwelt  between 
Kadesh  and  Sliur,  and  sojourned  in  Gerar. 

2  And  Abraham  said  of  Sarah  his  wife, 
She  is  my  sister;  and  Abimelech  the  king 
of  Gerar  sent  and  took  Sarah. 

3  But  God  came  to  Abimelech  in  a  dream 
by  night,*^  and  saiil  to  him.  Behold,  thou  shalt 
die  for  the  sake  of  the  woman  whom  thou  hast 
taken  ;    for  she  is  a  man's  wife. 

4  But  Abimelech  had  not  come    near  to 


^  "  From  my  father,"  jVaiilj  JNTO,  from  Al>  3N'. 

"  "  The  son  of  my  poople,"  Ammon  poy,  from  Ben- 
ammi  'n>'  p. 

'  Literally,  "in  a  dream  of  the  night,"  a  species  of  pro- 
phecy specially  referred  to  in  Numb.  xii.  6;  also  Gen 
xxxi.  11,  24,  &c. 


CxENEStS  XX.  XXI.     \^AYERA. 


her;   and  he  said,  Lord,  wilt  thou   then  sLay 
also  a  righteous  nation  ?" 

5  Said  he  not  unto  me,  She  is  my  sister? 
and  she,  even  she  herself,  said.  He  is  my 
brother ;  in  the  integrity  of  my  heart  and  the 
innocency  of  my  hands  have  I  done  this. 

6  And  God  said  unto  him  in  the  dream. 
Yea,  I  also  well  know  that  thou  hast  done 
this  in  the  integrity  of  thy  heart;  therefore 
did  I  also  withhold  thee  from  sinning  against 
me  ;  for  this  cau.se  I  suffered  thee  not  to  touch 
her. 

7  And  now  restore  the  man's  wife,  for  he 
is  a  prophet,  and  he  will  pray  for  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  live ;  and  if  thou  restore  her 
not,  know  thou,  that  thou  shalt  surely  die, 
thou  and  all  that  are  thine. 

8  And  Abimelech  rose  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  called  all  his  servants,  and  told  all 
these  things  in  their  hearing;  and  the  men 
were  greatly  afraid. 

9  Then  Abimelech  called  Abraham,  and 
said  unto  him.  What  hast  thou  done  unto  us? 
and  in  what  have  I  oflended  thee,  that  thou 
hast  brought  on  me  and  on  my  kingdom  a 
great  sin  ?  deeds  that  ought  not  to  be  done 
thou  hast  done  unto  me. 

10  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Abraham, 
What  sawest  thou,  that  thou  didst  this  thing? 

11  And  Abraham  said,  Because  I  thought. 
Surely  there  is  no  fear  of  God  in  this  place,'' 
and  they  will  sLay  me  for  the  sake  of  my 
wife. 

12  And  yet  indeed  she  is  my  sister,  the 
daugliter  of  my  father,  but  not  the  daughter 
of  my  mother  ;  and  she  became  my  wife. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  God°  caused 
me  to  wander  from  my  father's  house,  that  I 
said  unto  her,  This  is  thy  kindness  which 
thou  shalt  show  unto  me ;  at  every  place 
whither  we  shall  come,  say  of  me.  He  is  my 
brother. 

14  And  Abimelech  took  sheep,  and  oxen, 
and  men-servants,  and  women-servants,  and 
gave  them  unto  Abraham,  and  restored  to  him 
Sarah  his  wife. 

'  This  speech  of  Abimelech  proves  that  the  nations  of 
Palestine  were  acquainted  with  the  moral  laws :  hence 
their  tra'isgressions  were  sinful. 

''  The  beauty,  therefore,  of  his  wife  would  expose  him 
to  the  violence  of  those  who  might  desire  to  possess  them- 
selves ol  her  agaiust  his  will. 

'  Heb.  D"nSx  'nx  i;?nn  "the  Gods  caused  me  to  wan- 
der," the  plural  of  majesty.     Compare  above,  i.  26. 


I'j  And  Al)inH'lccli  said.  Behold,  my  land 
is  before  thee:  dwell  where  it  is  pleasing  in 
thy  eyes. 

16  And  unto  Sarah  he  said,  Behold,  I  have 
given  thy  brother  a  thousand  pieces  of  silver  : 
behold,  this  is  to  thee  a  covering  of  the  eyes'' 
unto  all  that  are  with  thee;  and  with  all 
others  thou  canst  thus  justify  thyselt^' 

17  And  Abraham  prayed  unto  God  ;  and 
God  healed  Abimelech,  and  his  wife,  and  his 
maid-servant.s,  so  that  they  could  bear  chil- 
dren. 

18  For  the  Lord  had  fast  closed  up  every 
womb  of  the  house  of  Abimelech,  because  of 
Sarah,  Abraham's  wife. 

CHAPTER  XXL 

1  ^f  And  the  Loud  visited  Sarah  as  he  had 
said,  and  the  Lord  did  unto  Sarah  as  he  had 
spoken . 

2  And  Sarah  conceived,  and  bore  unto 
Abi'aham  a  son  in  his  old  age,  at  the  ap- 
pointed time  of  which  God  had  spoken  to 
him. 

3  And  Abraham  called  the  name  of  his 
son  that  was  born  unto  him,  whom  Sarah  bore 
to  him,  Isaac. 

4  And  Abraham  circumcised  his  son  Isaac, 
at  eight  days  old,  as  God  had  commanded 
him.''' 

5  And  Abraham  was  a  hundred  years  old, 
when  his  son  Isaac  was  born  imto  him. 

6  And  Sarah  said,  God  hath  made  me  joy,' 
whoever  heareth  it  will  laugh  concerning  me. 

7  And  she  said,  Who  would  have  said 
unto  Abraham,  that  Sarai  should  have  given 
children  suck  ?  yet  I  have  born  a  son  in  his 
old  age. 

8  And  the  child  grew,  and  was  weaned; 
and  Abraham  made  a  great  feast  on  the  day 
that  Isaac  was  weaned. 

9  And  Sarah  saw  the  son  of  Hagar  the 
Egyptian,  whom  she  had  born  unto  Abra- 
ham, mocking. 

10  Wherefore  she  said  unto  Abraham,  Cast 
out  this  bond-woman  and  her  son ;  for  the  son 

■^  That  is,  "avail,"  figurative  for  "justification." 
'  Rashi,  who  makes  nriDJI  the  second  person  past  tense 
of  the  Niphal  conjugation,  which  gives  the  best  explana- 
tion of  this  passage.  Arnheim  makes  the  word  a  partici- 
ple, and  renders  the  passage,  "  for  all  and  each  who  contend 
with  thee." 

'  Onkelos.  Others  render  the  word  "  laughing,"  thus 
"  Grod  hath  m.ado  me  eau.se  for  laughing." 

23 


GENESIS   XXI.  XXTI.     VAYERA. 


of  this  bond-woinan  shall  not  be  lieir  with  my 
.son,  with  Isaac. 

11  And  the  thing  was  very  grievous  in 
Abraham's  eyes,  because  of  his  son. 

12  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Let  it 
not  be  grievous  in  thy  eyes  because  of  the 
lad,  and  because  of  thy  bond-woman  ;  in  all 
that  Sarah  may  say  unto  thee,  hearken  unto 
her  voice;  for  in  Isaac"  sliall  thy  seed  be 
called. 

13  And  also  of  the  son  of  the  bond-woman 
will  I  make  a  nation,  because  he  is  thy  seed. 

14  And  Abraham  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  took  bread,  and  a  bottle''  of  water, 
and  gave  it  unto  Hagar,  putting  it  on  her 
shoulder,  and  the  child,  and  sent  her  away; 
and  she  departed,  and  wandered  astray  in  the 
wilderness  of  Beer-sheba. 

15  And  the  water  was  spent  from  the  bot- 
tle, and  she  cast  the  child  under  one  of  the 
shrubs. 

16  And  she  went,  and  seated  herself  down 
at  some  distance,  a  good  way  off,  about  a  bojv- 
shot;  for  she  said,  I  cannot  look  on  when  the 
child  dieih;  so  she  sat  at  a  distance,  and 
lifted  up  her  voice,  and  wept. 

17  And  God  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad; 
and  an  angel  of  God  called  to  Hagar  out  of 
heaven,  and  said  unto  her,  Wliat  aileth  thee, 
Hagar?  Pear  not;  for  God  hath  heard  the 
voice  of  the  lad,  there  where  he  is. 

18  Arise,  lift  up  the  lad,  and  lay  hold  on 
him  with  thy  hand;  for  I  will  make  of  him 
a  great  nation. 

19  And  God  opened  her  eyes,  and  she  saw 
a  well  of  water:  and  she  went,  and  filled  the 
bottle  with  water,  and  gave  the  lad  drink. 

2U  And  God  was  with  the  lad ;  and  he 
grew  up,  and  dwelt  in  the  wilderness,  and  be- 
came an  arclier. 

21  And  he  dwelt  in  the  wilderness  of  Pa- 
ran;  and  his  mother  took  hhn  a  wife  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt.* 

22  *^\  And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time,  that 
Abimelech,  and  Phichol  the  chief  captain  of 

°  The  blessing  made  on  a  previous  occasion,  that  all  na- 
tions .sliould  be  bless(!(l  tiivoiijrh  the  seed  of  Abraham, 
was  to  be  aecouiplislied  through  Isaac  and  his  descendants, 
to  the  exclusion  of  Ishniael  and  the  other  children  that 
Abraham  might  have. 

^  The  water-skin  in  which  travellers  carry  the  neces- 
sary supply  on  their  journey  through  the  wilderness. 

"  "Well  of  the  oath."  "  Rashi,  after  the  Talmud. 

•  The  word  ''  tempt"  liere  must  be  taken  in  the  sense 
24 


his  host,  spoke  unto  Abraham,  saying,  God  is 
with  thee  in  all  that  thou  doest: 

23  Now  tlierefore  swear  unto  me  here  by 
God,  that  thou  wilt  not  deal  falsely  with  me, 
nor  with  my  son,  nor  with  my  son's  son;  (but) 
according  to  the  kindness  that  I  have  done 
unto  thee,  shalt  thou  do  unto  me,  and  to 
the  land  wherein  thou  hast  sojourned. 

24  And  Abraham  said,  I  will  swear. 

25  And  Abraham  reproved  Abimelech  be- 
cause of  a  well  of  water,  which  Abimelech's 
servants  had  violently  taken  away. 

26  And  Abimelech  said,  I  know  not  who 
hath  done  this  thing:  neither  didst  thou  tell 
me;  nor  have  I  heard  of  it  except  this  da}'. 

27  And-  Abraham  took  sheep  and  oxen, 
and  gave  them  unto  Abimelech ;  and  both  of 
them  made  a  covenant. 

28  And  Abraham  set  seven  ewe-lambs  of 
the  tlock,  by  themselves. 

29  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Abraham ; 
What  mean  these  seven  ewe-lambs  which  thou 
hast  set  by  themselves  ? 

30  And  he  said,  Por  these  seven  ewe-lambs 
shalt  thou  take  from  my  hand,  that  they  may 
be  a  witness  unto  me  that  I  have  dug  this 
well. 

31  Wherefore  he  called  that  place  Beer- 
sheba  ;"  because  there  they  swore,  both  of 
them. 

32  Thus  they  made  a  covenant  at  Beer- 
sheba;  then  Abimelech  rose  up,  and  Phichol 
the  chief  captain  of  his  host,  and  they  returned 
into  the  land  of  the  Philistines. 

33  And  Abraham  planted  an  orchard""  in 
Beer-sheba,  and  called  there  on  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  the  God  of  everlasting. 

34  And  Abraham  sojourned  in  the  land  of 
the  Philistines  many  daj's.* 

CHAPTER    XXIL 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things, 
that  God  did  tempt"  Abraham,  and  he  said 
unto  him,  Abraham,  and  he  said,  Behold, 
here  am  I. 


ot proving,  L  e.  God  proved  Abraham's  constancy  by  the 
command  to  sacrifice  Isaac.  All  the  other  proofs  of  faith 
hitherto  demanded  of  him  were  to  be  crowned  by  the  wil- 
lingness to  sacrifice  up  to  the  will  of  God  his  dearest  hope, 
the  child  in  whom  all  the  blessings  promised  him  sin  mid 
be  accomplished  :  still  he  obeyed,  and  did  not  complain 
of  the  apparent  inconsistency  of  the  divine  promise  with 
the  present  injunction  of  destroying  the  very  child  through 
whom  this  blessing  could  alone  be  fulfilled. 


GENESIS    XXII.     VAYERA. 


2  And  he  said,  Take  now  thy  son,  thy  only 
one,  whom  thou  lovest,  even  Isaac,  and  get 
thee  into  the  Land  of  Moriah ;  and  offer 
him  there  for  a  burnt^oflering  upon  one  of 
tiie  mountains  which  I  will  tell  thee  of 

3  And  Aljraham  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  saddled  his  ass,  and  took  two  of  his 
young  men  with  him.  and  Isaac  his  son;  and 
he  clave  the  wood  ft)r  the  burnt-offering,  and 
arose,''  and  went  unto  tiie  place  of  which  God 
had  told  him. 

4  On  the  third  day  Abraham  lifted  up  his 
eyes,  and  saw  the  place  afar  oflf. 

5  And  Abraham  said  unto  his  young  men, 
Abide  3-e  here  with  the  ass,  and  I  and  the 
lad  will  go  yonder,  and  we  will  worship,''  and 
then  come  again  to  you. 

6  And  Abraham  took  the  wood  for  the 
burnt-oftering,  and  laid  it  upon  Isaac  his 
son ;  and  he  took  in  his  hand  the  fire  and 
the  knife ;  and  they  went  both  of  them  to- 
gether. 

7  And  Isaac  spoke  unto  Abraham  his 
father,  and  said.  My  fether;  and  he  said. 
Here  am  I,  my  son.  And  he  said.  Behold, 
here  is  tlie  fire  and  the  wood ;  but  where  is 
the  lamb  for  a  burnt-offering? 

8  And  Abraham  said,  God  will  provide 
himself  the  lamb  for  a  burnt-offering,  my 
son  ;°  so  they  went  both  of  them  together. 

9  And  they  came  to  the  place  which  God 
had  told  him  of;  and  Abraham  built  there  an 
altar,  and  laid  the  wood  in  order,  and  bound 
Isaac  his  son,  and  laid  him  on  the  altar  above 
the  wood. 

10  And  Abraham  stretched  forth  his  hand, 
and  took  the  ivnife  to  slay  his  son. 

11  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  called  unto 
him  out  of  heaven,  and  said,  Abraham,  Abra- 
ham ;  and  he  said,  Here  am  I. 

12  And  he  said.  Lay  not  thy  hand  upon 
the  lad,  neither  do  thou  the  least  unto  him; 
for  now  I  know  that  tliou  fearest  God,  seeing 
that  thou  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thy  only 
one,  from  me. 

"  This  term,  from  the  Hebrew  DID  "  to  arise,"  is  mostly 
employed  when  some  exertion  or  activity  is  required  to  do 
the  act  subsequently  mentioned. 

''  Properly,  "we  will  prostrate  ourselves." 

°  "  Will  look  out  and  choose  for  himself  the  lamb;  and 
if  there  be  no  lamb,  then  my  son,  for  the  burnt^offering." 
• — Rashi. 

^  "  The  Lord  shall  provide,"  from  the  words  of  Abra- 


13  And  Abraham  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and 
looked,  and  behold,  there  was  a  ram  that 
was  afterward  caught  in  a  thicket  by  his 
horns;  and  Abraham  went  and  took  the  ram, 
and  offered  him  up  for  a  burnt-offering  in 
the  stead  of  his  son. 

14  And  Abraham  called  the  name  of  that 
place,  Adonai-yireh  ■.'^  as  it  is  said  to  this 
day,"  On  the  mount  of  the  Lord  it  shall  be 
seen.*^ 

15  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  called 
unto  Abraham  the  second  time  out  of 
heaven, 

16  And  said,  By  myself  have  I  sworn,  saith 
the  Lord,  since,  because  thou  hast  done  this 
thing,  and  hast  not  withheld  thy  son,  thy 
only  one : 

17  That  I  will  greatly  bless  thee,  and  I 
will  exceedingly  multiply  thy  seed  as  the 
stars  of  the  heaven,  and  as  the  sand  which  is 
upon  the  sea-shore  ;  and  thy  seed  shall  possess 
the  gate  of  his  enemies  ; 

18  And  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  nations  of 
the  earth  be  blessed ;  because  that  thou  hast 
obeyed  my  voice. 

19  And  Abraham  returned  unto  his  young 
men  ;  and  they  rose  up,  and  went  together  to 
Beer-sheba;  and  Abraham  dwelt  at  Beer- 
sheba.* 

20  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these 
things,  that  it  was  told  to  Abraham,  saying. 
Behold,  Milcah,  she  also,  hath  born  children 
unto  Nachor  thy  brother; 

21  'Uz  his  first  born,  and  Buz  his  brother, 
and  Kemuel  the  father  of  Aram, 

22  And  Kesed,  and  Chazo,  and  Pildash, 
and  Yidlaph,  and  Bethuel. 

23  And  Bethuel  begat  Rebekah ;  these 
eight  did  Milcah  bear  to  Nachor,  Abraham's 
brother. 

24  And  his  concubine,  whose  name  was 
Reiimah,  she  also  bore  Tebach,  and  Gacham, 
and  Thachash,  and  Maachah. 

Haphtorah,  in  2d  Kings  iv.  1  to  37 ;  but  the  Portuguese  end 
with  V.  23. 


ham  to  Isaac,  Eloliim  yireh  lo  liassay,  "  God  will  provide 
himself  the  lamb." 

•  "  In  future  days,  as  all  '  unto  this  day'  in  Scripture 
must  be  understood  ;  for  all  coming  generations,  who  read 
this  verse,  will  say  '  unto  this  day'  of  the  day  in  which 
they  are." — Rashi. 

'  "  Will  the  Lord  appear"  to  his  people. — Idem. 

26 


GENESIS  XXIII.  XXIV.     CHAYE  SARAH. 


SECTION  V.     CHAYE  SARAH,  mt:'  ''H. 

CHAPTER   XXIII. 

1  Tl  And  the  lifetime  of  Sarah  was  a  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  years;  (these)  were  the 
years  of  the  life  of  Sarah. 

2  And  Sarah  died"  in  Kiryath-arba,  the 
same  is  Hebron  in  the  land  of  Canaan  :  and 
Abraham  came  to  mourn  for  Sarah,  and  to 
weep  for  her. 

3  And  Abraham  stood  up  from  before  his 
dead,  and  spoke  unto  the  sons  of  Heth,  saying, 

4  A  stranger  and  a  sojourner  I  am  with 
you  ;  give  me  a  possession  for  a  burying-place 
with  you,  that  I  may  bury  my  dead  out  of  my 
sight. 

5  And  the  children  of  Heth  answered 
Abraham,  saying  unto  him  : 

6  Hear  us,  my  lord  ;  a  prince  of  God  thou 
art  among  us  ;  in  the  choice  of  our  sepulchres 
bury  thy  dead ;  none  of  us  shall  withhold 
from  thee  his  sepulchre,  so  that  thou  mayest 
bury  thy  dead. 

7  And  Abraham  stood  up  and  bowed  him- 
self to  the  people  of  the  land,  to  the  children 
of  Heth. 

8  And  he  spoke  with  them,  saying.  If  it  be 
your  mind  that  I  should  bury  my  dead  out  of 
my  sight,  hear  me,  and  intercede  for  me  with 
Ephron  the  son  of  Zochar, 

9  That  he  may  give  me  the  cave  of  Mach- 
pelah,  which  is  his,  which  is  at  the  end  of  his 
field  ;  for  as  much  money  as  it  is  worth  he 
shall  give  it  me,  for  a  possession  as  a  burying- 
place  amongst  you. 

10  And  Eplinm  dwelt  among  the  children 
oflletli;  and  Ephron  the  Hittite  answered 
Abraham  in  the  hearing  of  the  children  of 
Heth,  of  all  tho.se  that  went  in  at  the  gate  of 
his  city,  saying, 

11  Nay,  my  lord,  hear  me:  the  field  I  give 
to  thee,  and  the  cave  that  is  therein,  I  give  it 
to  thee;  in  the  presence  of  the  sons  of  my 
peo|)le  do  I  give  it  thee;  bury  thy  dead. 

12  And  Abraham  bowed  himself  down  be- 
fore the  people  of  the  land. 

13  And  he  spoke  unto  Ephron  in  the  hear- 

*  It  is  the  opinion  of  commentators  that  Sarah  died  in 
tonsoquence  of  the  grief  she  experienced  when  hearing 
that  Abraluim  liad  gone  to  sacrifice  Isaac. 

''  Kpliron  had  protended  great  an.xiety  to  give  the  land 
to  Abraham  ;  but  when  he  mentioned  the  value,  Abra- 
2(1 


ing  of  the  people  of  the  land,  saying.  But  if 
thou  wouldst  only  hear  me ;  I  will  give  the 
money  for  the  field,  take  it  of  me,  and  I  will 
bury  my  dead  there. 

14  And  Ephron  answered  Abraham,  saying 
unto  him, 

15  My  lord,  hearken  unto  me :  a  piece  of 
land  worth  four  hundred  shekels  of  silver, 
what  is  tliat  between  me  and  thee  ?  only  bury 
thy  dead. 

16  And  Abraham  understood''  the  meaning 
of  Ephron;  and  Aljraham  weiglied  out  to 
Ephron  the  silver  which  he  had  named  in  the 
hearing  of  the  sons  of  Heth,  four  hundred 
shekels  of  silver,  current  with  the  merchant.* 

17  And  the  field  of  Ephron,  which  was  in 
Machpelah,  which  was  before  Mamre,  the 
field,  and  the  cave  which  was  therein,  and  all 
the  trees  that  wei-e  in  the  field,  that  were  in 
all  its  borders  round  about,  were  made  sure 

18  Unto  Abraham  for  a  bought  possession 
in  the  pre.'^ence  of  the  children  of  Heth,  before 
all  that  went  in  at  the  gate  of  his  city. 

19  And  after  this,  Abraham  buried  Sarah 
his  wife  in  the  cave  of  the  field  of  Machpelah, 
before  Mamre,  which  is  Hebron,  in  the  land 
of  Canaan. 

20  And  the  field,  with  the  cave  that  is 
therein,  was  made  sure  unto  Abraham  for  a 
possession  as  a  burying-j^lace  by  the  sons  of 
Heth. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  And  Abraham  was  old,  well  stricken  in 
years ;  and  the  Lord  had  blessed  Abraham  in 
all  things. 

2  And  Abraham  said  unto  his  servant,  the 
eldest  of  his  house,  Avho  ruled  over  all  that 
he  had,  Put,  I  pray  thee,  thy  hand  under  my 
thigh  : 

3  And  I  will  make  thee  swear  by  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  heaven,  and  the  God  of  the  earth, 
that  thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  unto  my  son 
from  the  daughters  of  the  Canaanites,'"  among 
whom  I  dwell. 

4  But  unto  my  country,  and  to  my  birth- 
place shalt  thou  go,  and  take  a  wife  unto  my 
son,  unto  Isaac. 


ham  at  once  understood  his  price,  and  weighed  out  the 
amount  which  Ephron  required. 

°  That  the  descendants  of  those  cursed  by  the  father  of 
the  new  generation  of  man,  should  not  mingle  with  those 
blessed.     (Gen.  ix.  29.) — Dubno. 


GENESIS  XXIV.     CHAYE  SARAH. 


5  And  the  servant  said  unto  hini,  Perad- 
venture  the  woman  will  not  be  willing  to  fol- 
low me  unto  this  land  :  must  I  then  bring 
thy  son  again  unto  the  land  from  which  thou 
earnest? 

G  And  Abraham  said  unto  him,  Beware 
thou,  that  thou  bring  not  my  sou  thither 
again. 

7  The  Lord,  the  God  of  heaven,  who  took 
me  from  my  fathers  house,  and  from  the  land 
of  my  birth,  and  who  sjioke  unto  me,  and  who 
swore  unto  me,  saying.  Unto  thy  seed  will  I 
give  this  land  :  he  will  send  his  angel  before 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  take  a  wife  unto  my  son 
from  there. 

8  But  if  the  woman  should  not  be  willing 
to  follow  thee,  then  shalt  thou  be  clear  from 
this  my  oath :  only  my  son  thou  shalt  not 
bring  thither  again. 

9  And  the  servant  put  his  hand  under  the 
thigh  of  Abraham  his  master,  and  swore  to 
him  conceruiuo'  this  matter.* 

10  And  the  servant  took  ten  camels  of  the 
camels  of  his  master,  and  departed,  with  all 
kinds  of  precious  things"  of  his  master  in  his 
hand ;  and  he  arose,  and  went  to  Mesopota- 
mia,'' unto  the  city  of  Nachor. 

11  And  he  made  the  camels  to  kneel  down 
without  the  city  by  a  well  of  water  at  the 
time  of  the  evening,  at  the  time  that  the 
women  go"  out  to  draw  water. 

12  And  he  said,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  my 
master  Abraham,  I  pray  thee,  send  me  good 
speed  this  day,  and  deal  kindly  with  my 
master  Abraham. 

13  Behold,  I  stand''  by  the  well  of  water; 
and  the  daughters  of  the  men  of  the  city 
come  out  to  draw  water : 

14  And  let  it  come  to  pass,  that  the  maiden 
to  whom  I  shall  say.  Let  down  thy  pitcher,  I 
pray  thee,  that  I  may  drink ;  and  she  shall 
say.  Drink,  and  to  thy  camels  also  will  I  give 
drink,  be  the  one  thou  hast  appointed  for  thy 
servant  Isaac ;  and  thereby  shall  I  know  that ' 
thou  hast  shown  kindness  unto  my  master. 

15  And   it   came  to  pass,   before   he   had 

*  Eng.  ver.  "  for  all  the  goods  of  his  master  were  in 
his  hand."  Rashi  explains  that  he  took  with  him  a 
deed  of  gift  of  all  Abraham's  wealth  unto  Isaac.  Others 
refer  it  to  the  presents  mentioned  afterward  :  this  opinion 
has  been  adopted  in  this  version. 

"  "  Aram-Naharayim,"  Syria  of  the  two  rivers,  the  Eu- 
phrates and  Tigris. 

°  This  custom  still  prevails. 


yet  finished  speaking,  that,  heboid,  Rebekah' 
came  out,  who  was  born  to  Bethuel,  the  son 
of  Milcah,  the  wife  of  Nachor,  Abraham's 
brother,  with  her  pitcher  upon  her  shoulder, 

16  And  the  maiden  was  of  a  very^-jnd- 
some  appearance,  a  virgin,  neither  hai  any 
man  known  her;  and  she  went  down  to  the 
well,  and  filled  her  pitcher,  and  came  up. 

17  And  the  servant  ran  to  meet  her,  and 
said.  Let  me,  I  pray  thee,  drink  a  little  water 
out  of  thy  pitcher. 

18  And  she  said,  Drink,  my  lord  :  and  .she 
hastened,  and  let  down  her  pitcher  upon  her 
hand,  and  gave  him  to  drink. 

19  And  when  she  had  finished  giving  him 
drink,  she  said.  Also  for  thy  camels  will  I 
draw  water,  until  they  have  finished  drinking. 

20  And  she  hastened,  and  emptied  her 
pitcher  into  the  trough,  and  ran  again  unto 
the  well  to  draw  water,  and  drew  for  all  his 
camels. 

21  And  the  man  was  wondering  at  her;' 
remaining  silent,  to  discover  whether  the 
Lord  had  made  his  journey  prosperous  or 
not. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  camels  had 
finished  drinking,  that  the  man  took  a  golden 
ear-ring,  half  a  shekel  in  weight,  and  two  brace- 
lets for  her  hands,  ten  gold  shekels  in  weight ; 

23  And  he  said,  Whose  daughter  art  thou? 
tell  me,  I  pray  thee ;  is  there  room  in  thy 
father's  house  for  us  to  stay  this  night  in  ? 

24  And  she  said  unto  him,  I  am  the 
daughter  of  Bethuel  the  son  of  Milcah,  whom 
she  bore  unto  Nachor. 

25  She  said  moreover  unto  him.  We  have 
both  straw  and  provender  in  plenty,  as  also 
room  to  lodge  in. 

26  And  the  man  bowed  down  his  head, 
and  prostrated  himself  before  the  Lord.* 

27  And  he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  my  master  Abraham,  who  hath  not 
withdrawn  his  mercy  and  his  truth  from  my 
master ;  I  being  on  the  way,  which  the  Lord 
hath  led  me,  to  the  house  of  the  brethren  of 
my  master. 

*  "I  will  place  myself" — Arnheim  and  others. 

'  Properly,  Rihkah. 

'  Meaning,  he  felt  astonished  at  the  remarkable  verifi- 
cation of  the  test  he  had  proposed,  and  therefore  remained 
silent  for  some  time,  to  endeavour  first  to  find  out  by  the 
sequel  whether  indeed  the  maiden  before  him  might  truly 
be  the  one  of  the  family  of  Abraham,  whom  he  was  to 
take  as  a  wife  for  Isaac. 

27 


GENESIS  XXIV.     CHAYE  SARAH. 


28  And  the  maiden  ran,  and  told  at  her 
mother's  house  these  things. 

29  And  Rebelvah  had  a  brother,  and  his 
name  was  Laban ;  and  Laban  ran  out  unto 
the  man,  unto  the  welL 

30  And  this  came  to  pass,  when  he  saw  the 
ear-ring  and  the  bracelets  upon  his  sister's 
hands,  and  when  he  heard  the  words  of  Re- 
bekah  his  sister,  saying.  Thus  spoke  the  man 
unto  me  ;  and  he  came  unto  the  man ;  and,  be- 
hold, he  was  standing  by  the  camels  at  the  well. 

31  And  he  said.  Come  in,  thou  blessed  of 
the  Lord;  wherefore  standest  thou  without? 
while  I  have  prepared"'  the  house  and  room 
for  the  camels. 

32  And  the  man  came  into  the  house,  and 
he  ungirded  the  camels;  and  he  gave  straw 
and  provender  for  the  camels,  and  water  to 
wash  his  feet,  and  the  feet  of  the  men  that 
were  with  him. 

33  And  there  was  set  food  before  him  to 
eat ;  but  he  said,  I  will  not  eat,  until  I  have 
spoken  my  w6rds.     And  he  said.  Speak  on. 

34  And  he  said,  I  am  Abraham's  servant. 

35  And  the  Lord  hath  blessed  my  master 
greatly ;  and  he  is  become  great :  and  he  hath 
given  him  flocks,  and  herds,  and  silver,  and 
gold,  and  men-servants,  and  maid-servants, 
and  camels,  and  asses. 

36  And  Sarah  my  master's  Avife  bore  a  son 
to  my  master  after  she  was  become  old:  and 
he  hath  given  unto  him  all  that  he  hath. 

37  And  my  master  made  me  swear,  sa^'- 
ing.  Thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  for  my  son 
from  the  daughters  of  the  Caniianites,  in 
who.se  land  I  dwell : 

38  But  thou''  shalt  go  unto  my  father's 
house,  and  to  my  kindred,  and  take  a  wife 
unto  my  son. 

39  And  I  said  unto  my  master,  Peradven- 
ture  the  woman  will  not  follow  me. 

40  And  he  said  unto  me.  The  Lord,  before 
whom  I  have  walked,  will  send  his  angel  with 
thee,  and  prosper  thy  way;  that  thou  mayest 
take  a  wife  ibr  my  son  from  my  kindred,  and 
Irom  my  father's  house. 

"Properly,  "cleared  out"  the  obstructions  from  the 
house  which  might  prevent  the  reception  of  guests. 

''  Some,  among  these  Rashi,  explain  tliis  vcr.se  as  a 
condition,  nS  DX  "  if  not,"  meaning  that  'he  should  first 
endeavour  to  obtain  a  wife  from  Abraham's  family;  but 
"  if  not,"  then  by  inference  to  be  permitted  to  choose  one 
elsewhere. 

°  In  the  narrative,  the  word  mi>J  ndarah  is  found, 
28 


41  Then  shalt  thou  be  clear  from  my  oath, 
when  thou  comest  to  my  kindred;  and  if  they 
do  not  give  thee  one,  (then)  .shalt  thou  be 
clear  from  my  oath. 

42  And  I  came  this  day  unto  the  well,  and 
said,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  my  master  Abraham, 
if  thou  wouldst  but  prosper  my  way  on  which 
I  am  going. 

43  Behold,  I  stand  by  the  well  of  water; 
and  it  shall  be  the  young  woman''  who  cometh 
forth  to  draw  water,  and  I  say  to  her.  Give 
me,  I  pray  thee,  a  little  water  out  of  thy 
pitcher  to  drink; 

44  And  she  say  to  me.  Both  drink  thou, 
and  also  for  thy  camels  will  I  draw :  this  shall 
be  the  wife  whom  the  Lord  hath  destined  for 
my  master's  son. 

45  And  before  I  hadyetfinished  speaking  to 
my  own  heart,  behold,  Rebekah  came  forth 
with  her  pitcher  on  her  shoulder;  and  she 
went  down  unto  the  well,  and  drew  water; 
and  I  said  unto  her.  Let  me  drink,  I  pray 
thee. 

46  And  she  made  baste,  and  let  down  her 
pitcher  from  her  shoulder,  and  said,  Drink, 
and  also  to  thy  camels  I  will  give  drink ;  and 
I  drank,  and  she  made  the  camels  drink 
also. 

47  And  I  asked  her,  and  said,  Who.se 
daughter  art  thou?  And  she  said.  The 
daughter  of  Bethuel,  Nachor's  son,  whom 
Milcah  bore  unto  him :  and  I  put  the  ear- 
ring upon  her  face,*"  and  the  bracelets  upon 
her  hands. 

48  And  I  bowed  down  my  head,  and  pros- 
trated myself  before  the  Lt)RD;  and  I  blessed 
the  Lord,  the  God  of  my  master  Abraham, 
who  had  led  me  in  the  right  way  to  take 
the  daughter  of  my  master's  brother  for  his 
son. 

49  And  now  if  ye  will  deal  kindly  and 
truly  with  my  master,  tell  me  :  and  if  not, 
tell  me,  that  I  may  turn  to  the  right,  or  to 
the  left. 

50  Then  Laban  and  Bethuel  answered  and 
said.   The    thing    hath    proceeded    from    the 


whereas  Elcazer  employs  the  term  noS;'  ' Almah,  perhaps 
then  used  to  express  a  person  of  quality,  equal  to  the 
modern  phrase,  "young  lady."  The  change  of  the  terms 
is  readily  accounted  for  by  the  occurrence  itself. 

■^  "The  nose-ring  on  her  nose." — Mendelssohn,  who 
translates  Dt:  with  "nose-ring."  This  is  undoubtedly  cor- 
rect here,  though  in  other  passages  it  stands  for  ear-ring; 
for  instance,  Exod.  xxxii.  2. 


GENESIS  XXIV.  XXV.     CHAYE  SARAH. 


Lord;    we  cannot   speak*  unto   thee  bad   or 
good. 

51  Behold,  Rebekah  is  before  thee,  take 
her,  and  go,  and  let  her  be  the  wife  of  thy 
master's  son,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

52  And  it  fame  to  pass,  when  Abraham's 
servant  lieai'd  their  words,  that  he  prostrated ; 
himself  to  the  earth  nnto  the  Lord.* 

53  And  the  servant  brought  forth  vessels 
of  silver,  and  vessels  of  gold,  and  garments, 
and  gave  them  to  Rebekah;  and  precious 
things  he  gave  to  her  brother  and  to  her 
mother. 

54  And  they  did  eat  and  drink,  he  and  the 
men  that  were  with  him,  and  tarried  the 
night;  and  they  rose  up  in  the  morning,  and 
he  said,  Send  me  away  unto  my  master. 

55  And  her  brother  and  her  mother  said. 
Let  the  maiden  abide  with  us,  a  year  or  ten  I 
months;  after  that  she  shall  go. 

56  And  he  said  unto  them,  Hinder  me  not, 
seeing  the  Lord  hath  prospered  my  way ;  send 
me  away  that  I  may  go  to  my  master. 

57  And  they  said.  We  will  call  the  maiden, 
and  inquire  her  own  decision.'' 

58  And  they  called  Rebekah,  and  said 
unto  her.  Wilt  tliou  go  with  this  man  ?  And 
she  said,  I  will  go. 

59  And  thereupon  they  sent  away  Rebekah 
their  sister,  and  her  nurse,  and  Abraham's 
servant,  and  his  men. 

60  And  they  blessed  Rebekah,  and  said 
unto  her.  Our  sister,  be  thou"  the  mother  of 
thousands  of  myriads,  and  let  thy  seed  pos- 
sess the  gate  of  those  who  hate  them. 

61  And  Rebekah  arose  with  her  maidens, 
and  they  rode  upon  the  camels,  and  followed 
the  man ;  and  the  servant  took  Rebekah,  and 
went  his  way. 

62  And  Isaac  came  from  a  walk  to  the 
well  Lachai-ro'i ;  for  he  dwelt  in  the  south 
counti'v; 

6o  And  Isaac  was  gone  out  to  meditate  in 
the  field  toward  evening;  and  he  lifted  up 
his  eyes,  and  saw,  and,  behold,  camels  were 
coming. 

64  And  Rebekah  lifted  up  her  eyes,  and 
she  saw  Isaac  ;  and  she  alighted  off  the  camel. 

65  And  she  said  unto  the  servant.  Who  is 


'  That  is,  "dissuade  thee  by  good  or  bad  words." 
'  Literally,  "her  mouth,"  figurative  for  what  is  spoken. 
'  b  TT7}  the  eonstruction  here  employed  always  denotes 
a  trausitiou  or  change,  almost  synonymous  with  the  Eng- 


yonder  man  that  walketh  in  the  field  toward 
us?  And  the  servant  said.  This  is  my  mas- 
ter; therefore  she  took  a  vail,  and  covered 
herself. 

66  And  the  servant  told  Isaac  all  the 
things  that  he  had  done. 

67  And  Isaac  brought  her  into  the  tent  of 
Sarah  his  mother,  and  took  Rebekah,  and  she 
became  his  wife,  and  he  loved  her;  and  Isaac 
was  comforted  after  his  mother's  death.* 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  Then  Abraham  took  again  a  wife,  and 
her  name  was  Keturah. 

2  And  she  bore  him  Zimran,  and  Yokshan, 
and  Medan,  and  Midian,  and  Yishbak,  and 
Shuach. 

3  And  Yokshan  begat  Sheba,  and  Dedan. 
And  the  sons  of  Dedan  were  Asshurim,  and 
Letushim,  and  Leiimmim. 

4  And  the  sons  of  Midian :  Ephah,  and 
Epher,  and  Chanoch,  and  Abida',  and  El- 
daah.  All  these  were  the  children  of  Ke- 
turah. 

5  And  Abraham  gave  all  that  he  had  unto 
Isaac. 

6  But  unto  the  sons  of  the  concubines  that 
Abraham  had,  Abraham  gave  gifts;  and  he 
sent  them  away  from  Isaac  his  son,  while 
he  was  yet  living,  eastward,  unto  the  east 
country. 

7  And  these  are  the  days  of  the  j'ears  of 
Abraham's  life  which  he  lived,  one  hundred 
seventy  and  five  years. 

8  Then  Abraham  departed  this  life,  and 
died  in  a  good  old  age,  an  old  man,  and  full 
of  years,  and  was  gathered  to  his  people. 

9  And  his  sons  Isaac  and  Ishmael  buried 
him  in  the  cave  of  Machpelah,  in  the  field  of 
Ephron  the  son  of  Zochar  the  Hittite,  which 
is  before  Mamre; 

10  The  field  which  Abraham  purchased  of 
the  sons  of  Heth  :  there  was  Abraham  buried, 
with  Sarah  his  wife. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death  of 
Abraham,  that  God  blessed  Isaac  his  son; 
and  Isaac  dwelt  by  the  well  Lachai-ro'i.* 

12  T[  Now  these  are  the  generations  of 
Ishmael,   Abraham's   son,    whom   Hagar   the 

lish  "to  become;"  thus  then,  "become  thou  thousands 
of  myriads,"  the  words  "mother  of"  being  understood 
and  added  to  supply  the  hiatus  in  the  sentence. 

2a 


GENESIS  XXV.      TOLEDOTH. 


Egyptian,  Sarah's  handmaid,  bore  unto  Abra- 
ham. 

13  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Ishmael,  by  their  names,  according  to  their 
generations :  the  first-born  of  Ishmael,  Ne- 
bayoth;  and  Kedar,  and  Adbeel,  and  Mib- 
sam, 

14  And  Mishma,  and  Damah,  and  Massa, 

15  Cliadad,  and  Tenia,  Yetur,  Naphish, 
and  Kedemah.* 

16  These  are  the  sons  of  Ishmael,  and 
these  are  their  names,  by  their  towns,  and  by 
their  castles;  twelves  princes  according  to 
their  nations. 

17  And  these  are  the  years  of  the  life  of 
Ishmael,  one  hundred  and  thirty  and  seven 
years :  and  he  departed  this  life  and  died ; 
and  was  gathered  unto  his  people. 

18  And  they  dwelt  from  Chavilah  unto 
Shur,  that  is  before  Egypt,  as  thou  goest  to- 
ward Assyria :"  he  dwelt  in  the  presence  of 
all  his  brethren. 

Haphtorah  in  1  Kings  i.  1  to  31. 


SECTION  VI.     TOLEDOTH,  mSin. 

19  ][  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Isaac, 
the  son  of  Abraham :   Abraham  begat  Isaac. 

20  And  Isaac  was  forty  years  old  when  he 
took  Rebekah,  the  daughter  of  Bethuel  the 
Syrian,  of  Padan-aram,  the  sister  to  Laban 
the  Syrian,  to  himself  as  wife. 

21  And  Isaac  entreated  the  Lord  in  behalf 
of  his  wife,  because  she  was  barren  :  and  the 
Lord  was  entreated  of  him,  and  Rebekah  his 
wife  conceived. 

22  And  the  children  struggled  together 
within  her ;  and  she  said,  If  it  be  so,  why  did 
I  desire  this  ?*"  And  she  went  to  inquire  of 
the  Lord. 


*  Meaning,  that  Ishmael  in  his  descendants  settled  him- 
self along  the  whole  extent  of  country  occupied  by  all  his 
other  brethren  descended  from  Abraham.  (See  above, 
ch.  xvi.  12.)  Arnheim  gives,  "he  settled  eastward  of 
all  his  brothers,"  which  idea,  however,  is  combatted  as  in- 
correct by  others,  because  Ishmaol's  descendants  lived  not 
eastward  of  all  other  sons  of  Abraham. 

^  Raslii,  "Why  did  I  desire  and  pray  for  conception?" 
Abcn  Ezra,  "Why  am  I  different  from  others?"  Others 
again  explain  it  as  an  ellipsis:  "If  I  suffer  so,  why  am  I 
thus  (in  the  world)  ?"  meaning  that  death  would  be  pre- 
ferable. 

°  Philippson  and  Arnheim  render  DN^  with  "  tribe," 
80 


23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  her.  Two  na- 
tions are  in  thy  womb,  and  two  manner  of 
people"  shall  be  separated  from  thy  bowels; 
and  one  people  shall  be  stronger  than  the 
other  people ;  and  the  elder  shall  serve  the 
younger 

24  And  when  her  days  to  be  delivered 
were  fulfilled,  behold,  there  were  twins  in  her 
womb. 

25  And  the  first  came  out  red,  all  over  like 
a  hairy  garment ;  and  they  called  his  name 
Esau." 

26  And  after  that  came  his  brother  out, 
his  hand  holding  on  to  Esau's  heel;  and  his 
name  was  called  Jacob :"  and  Isaac  was  sixty 
years  old  when  she  bore  them. 

27  And  the  boys  grew  up :  and  Esau  was 
an  expert  huntei",  a  man  of  the  field;  and 
Jacob  was  a  plain  man,  dwelling  in  tents.^ 

28  And  Isaac  loved  Esau,  because  he 
did  eat  of  his  venison ;  but  Rebekah  loved 
Jacob. 

29  And  Jacob  at  one  time  boiled  pottage, 
and  Esau  came  from  the  field,  and  he  was 
faint. 

30  And  Esau  said  to  Jacob,  Let  me  swal- 
low down,  I  pray  thee,  some  of  that  yonder 
red  pottage,  for  I  am  faint;  therefore  was  his 
name  called  Edom.^ 

31  And  Jacob  said,  Sell  me  this  day  thy 
right  of  first-born. 

32  And  Esau  said.  Behold,  I  am  going  to 
die ;''  and  what  profit  then  can  the  right  of 
first  born  be  to  me  ? 

33  And  Jacob  said,  Swear  to  me  this  day; 
and  he  swore  unto  him  :  and  he  sold  his  right 
of  first-born  unto  Jacob. 

34  Then  Jacob  gave  Esau  bread  and  pot- 
tage of  lentiles,  and  he  did  eat  and  drink,  and 
he  rose  up,  and  went  his  way;  thus  Esau  de- 
spised the  birthright. 


or  "branch  of  a  nation:"  the  same  version  is  given  by 
them  in  other  passages. 

^  Properly,  ' Emhv  ;  probably  from  nty;',  participle  'IB';' 
'aJixiij/,  "ready,"  "made."  Philippson  derives  it  from  an 
Arabic  word,  .signifying  "hairy." 

"  Properly,  "Ya'arob,  from  'Akeb,  3p;?,  "the  heel." 

'  That  is,  "loving  home." 

s  From  Adorn,  "red." 

'■  Probably  meaning,  that  his  life  as  hunter  exposed 
him  daily  to  such  dangers  that  he  was  almost  sure  to  die 
before  his  father,  wherefore  the  birthright  as  the  eldest  of 
the  family  would  in  all  probability  be  of  no  use  to  him ; 
wherefore  he  parted  with  it  so  lightly. 


GENESIS  XXVI.     TOLEDOTH. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 

1  ^[  And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land,  be- 
.■;ide  the  iirst  famine  that  was  in  the  days  of 
Abraham  ;  and  Isaac  went  unto  Abimelech, 
the  king  of  the  PhiHstines,  unto  Gerar. 

2  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  hitn,  and 
said,  Go  not  down  into  Egypt;  dwell  in  the 
land  which  I  shall  tell  thee  of 

3  Sojourn  in  this  land,  and  I  will  be  with 
thee,  and  will  bless  thee;  for  unto  thee,  and 
unto  thy  seed,  will  I  give  all  the.se  countries, 
and  I  will  perform  the  oath  which  I  swore 
unto  Abraham  thy  fether; 

4  And  I  will  cause  thy  seed  to  multiply  as 
the  stars  of  heaven,  and  I  Avill  give  unto  thy 
seed  all  these  countries  ;  and  in  thy  seed  shall 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth  bless  themselves ; 

5  Becau.se  that  Abraham  obe3'ed  my  voice, 
and  kept  my  charge,''  my  commandments,  my 
statutes,  and  my  laAvs.* 

6  And  Isaac  dwelt  in  Gerar. 

7  And  the  men  of  the  place  asked  (him) 
concerning  his  wife ;  and  he  said,  She  is  my 
sister ;  for  he  feared  to  say.  She  is  my  wife ; 
lest,  (said  he,)  the  men  of  the  place  should 
kill  me  for  Rebekah,  because  she  is  of  a  hand- 
some appearance. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had  been 
there  a  long  time,  that  Abimelech,  the  king 
of  the  Philistines,  looked  out  at  a  window, 
and  saw,  and  behold,  Isaac  was  sjwrting  with 
Rebekah  his  wife. 

9  And  Abimelech  called  Isaac,  and  said, 
Behold,  of  a  surety  she  is  thy  wife  :  and  how 
saidst  thou,  She  is  my  sister?  And  Isaac  said 
unto  him.  Because  I  thought,''  Perhaps  I  may 
die  for  her. 

10  And  Abimelech  said.  What  is  this  thou 
hast  done  unto  us  ?  How  easily  might  one 
of  the  people  have  lain  with  thy  wife,  and 
thou  wouldst  have  brought  guiltiness  upon  us. 

11  And  Abimelech  cliarged  all  his  people, 
saying.  He  that  toucheth  this  man  or  his 
wife  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

12  Then  Isaac  sowed  in  that  land,  and  re- 


*  "  My  chatye,  the  belief  in  God,  for  he  believed  in  the 
Unity,  and  kept  this  faith  in  his  heart,  contending  with 
idolaters,  and  publicly  proclaiming  the  truth,  to  bring 
many  to  God's  service;  my  curamanihnciits,  in  whatever 
he  was  ordered,  as  to  go  out  from  his  land,  &c. ;  my  sta- 
tutes, to  walk  in  the  way  of  the  Lord  in  the  exercise  of 
mercy;  and  laws,  such  as  circumcision  and  the  Noachitic 
irecepts." — After  Ramban. 


ceived  in  the  same  year  a   hundred-fold  :'"  so 
the  Lord  blessed  him.* 

13  And  the  man  became  great,  and  went 
forward  and  grew,  until  he  became  very 
great ; 

14  And  he  had  possession  of  flocks,  and 
possession  of  herds,  and  great  store  of  ser- 
vants; and  the  Philistines  envied  him. 

15  And  all  the  wells  which  his  father's 
servants  had  dug  in  the  da3's  of  Abraham 
his  father,  these  the  Philistines  stopped,  and 
filled  them  with  earth. 

16  And  Abimelech  said  unto  Isaac,  Go 
away  from  us ;  for  thou  hast  become  much 
mightier  than  we. 

17  And  Isaac  departed  thence,  and  pitched 
his  tent  in  the  valley  of  Gerar,  and  dwelt 
there. 

18  And  Isaac  dug  again  the  wells  of 
water,  which  they  had  dug  in  the  days  of 
Abraham  his  father,  and  wliich  the  Philistines 
had  stopped  after  the  death  of  Abraham  ;  and 
he  called  their  names  after  the  names  by 
which  his  father  had  called  them. 

19  And  the  servants  of  Isaac  dug  in  the 
valley,  and  found  there  a  well  of  springing 
water. 

20  And  the  herdmen  of  Gerar  did  strive 
with  Isaac's  herdmen,  saying.  The  water  is 
ours :  and  he  called  the  name  of  the  well 
Essek;  because  they  strove**  with  him. 

21  And  they  dug  another  well,  and  they 
strove  for  that  also :  and  he  called  the  name 
of  it  Sitnah." 

22  And  he  removed  from  there,  and  dug 
another  well ;  and  for  that  they  strove  not : 
and  he  called  the  name  of  it  Rechoboth,  and 
he  said.  For  now  the  Lord  hath  made^  room 
for  us,  and  we  shall  increase  in  the  land.* 

23  And  he  went  up  from  there  to  Beer- 
sheba. 

24  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  the 
same  night,  and  said,  I  am  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham thy  father ;  fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee, 
and  I  will  bless  thee,  and  multiply'  thy  seed 
for  the  sake  of  Abraham  my  servant. 

"  inx  "  to  say,"  in  Hebrew,  very  often  refers  to 
thought,  or  speaking  to  oneself;  so  here,  "  I  said  to  myself,  ' 
or  "  thought." 

"  "  The  estimated  increase  a  hundred-fold." — Kasiu. 

*  From  ptyi'nn  hith  'assck,  "  to  contend." 

'  From  ]a^  salonr,  "to  hinder." 

'  Hirchih,  "  he  hath  made  room." 

31 


GENESIS  XXVI.  XXVII.     TOLEDOTH. 


25  And  he  built  there  an  altar,  and  called 
upon  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  pitched  there 
his  tent :  and  the  servants  of  Isaac  dug  there 
a  well. 

26  Then  Abimelech  went  to  him  from  Ge- 
rar,  and  Achuzzath  his  friend,  and  Phichol  the 
chief  captain  of  liis  army. 

27  And  Isaac  said  unto  them.  Wherefore 
come  ye  to  me,  seeing  that  ye  do  hate  me, 
and  have  sent  me  away  from  you? 

28  And  they  said,  We  saw  clearly  that 
the  Lord  was  with  thee;  and  we  said,  Let 
there  be  now  an  oath  between  us,  between  us 
and  thee  ;  and  we  will  make  a  covenant  witli 
thee ; 

29  That  thou  shalt  do  us  no  hurt,  as  we 
have  not  touched  thee,  and  as  we  have  done 
unto  thee  nothing  but  good,  and  have  sent 
thee  away  in  pe;ice :  thou  art  now  one  blessed 
of  the  Lord.* 

30  And  he  made  them  a  feast,  and  they 
ate  and  drank. 

31  And  they  rose  up  betimes  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  they  swore  one  to  the  other;  and 
Isaac  sent  them  away,  and  they  departed  from 
him  in  peace. 

32  And  it  came  to  pass  the  same  day,  that 
Isaac's  servants  came,  and  told  him  concern- 
ing the  well"  which  they  had  dug,  and  they 
said  unto  him,  We  have  found  water. 

33  And  he  called  it  Shibah :  therefore  is 
the  name  of  the  city  Beer-sheba  unto  this  day. 

34  ][  And  when  Esau  was  forty  years  old 
he. took  to  wife  Judith  the  daughter  of  Beeri, 
the  Hittite,  and  Bahsemath  the  daughter  of 
Elon  the  Hittite. 

35  And  they  were  a  giief  of  mind  unto 
Isaac  and  to  Eebekah. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  i)ass,  wdien  Isaac  was 
old,  and  his  eyes  were  too  dim  to  see,  that  he 
called  Esau  his  eldest  son,  and  said  unto  him. 
My  son  :  and  he  said  unto  him,  Behold,  here 
am  I. 

2  And  he  said.  Behold  now,  T  am  grown 
old,  I  know  not  the  day  of  my  death : 

*  Perhaps  the  same  well  originally  dug  by  Abraham's, 
and  which  having  been  lest  sight  of,  and  filled  up,  was 
now  reopened  by  Isaac's  servants. 

^  Onkelds  and  llaslii  render  this  ySn  with  "  sword," 
that  "  wiiieh  hangs  by  the  side." 

"  "Tt  was  liis  desin?  to  ble.ss  him,  that  he  might  obtain 
the  blessing  of  Abraham,  to  inherit  the  land,  and  to  be 
32 


3  Now  therefore  take,  I  pray  thee,  thy 
weapons,  thy  quiver''  and  thy  bow,  and  go  out 
to  the  field,  and  hunt  for  me  some  venison ; 

4  And  make  me  savoury  food,  such  as  I 
love,  and  bring  it  to  me,  that  I  may  eat ;  that 
my  soul  may  bless  thee  before  I  die." 

5  And  Eebekah  heard  as  Isaac  was  speak- 
ing to  Esau  his  son.  And  Esau  went  to  the 
field  to  hunt  for  venison,  and  to  bring  it. 

6  And  Eebekah  spoke  unto  Jacob  her  son, 
sajdng.  Behold,  I  heard  thy  father  speak  unto 
Esau  thy  brother,  saying, 

7  Bring  me  venison,  and  make  me  savoury 
food,  that  I  may  eat,  and  bless  thee  befoi'e  the 
Lord  before  my  death. 

8  And  now,  my  son,  obey  my  voice  in  that 
which  I  command  thee. 

9  Go,  I  pray  thee,  to  the  flock,  and  fetch 
me  from  there  two  good  kids;  and  I  will 
make  them  savoury  food  for  thy  father,  such 
as  he  loveth : 

10  And  thou  shalt  bring  it  to  thy  father, 
that  he  may  eat;  for  the  sake  that  he  may 
bless  thee  before  his  death. 

11  And  Jacob  said  to  Eebekah  his  mother. 
Behold,  Esau  my  brother  is  a  hairy  man,  and 
I  am  a  smooth  man : 

12  Peradventure  my  father  will  feel  me, 
and  I  shall  then  seem  to  him  as  a  deceiver ; 
and  I  would  bring  upon  me  a  curse,  and  not  a 
blessing. 

13  And  his  mother  said  unto  him.  Upon 
me  be  thy  curse,  my  son;  only  obey  my 
voice,  and  go  fetch  them  to  me. 

14  And  he  w'ent,  and  fetched,  and  brought 
them  to  his  mother ;  and  his  mother  made 
savoury  food,  such  as  his  father  loved. 

15  And  Eebekah  took  the  goodl}^  garments 
of  her  eldest  son  Esau,  which  w^ere  with  her 
in  the  house,  and  clothed  therewith  Jacob 
her  younger  son ; 

16  And  the  skins  of  the  kids  she  put  upon 
his  hands,  and  upon  the  smooth  j^art  of  his 
neck ; 

17  And  she  gave  the  savoury  food  and 
the  bread,  which  she  had  prepared,  into  the 
hand  of  Jacob  her  son. 

the  one  in  covenant  with  God,  because  he  was  the  first- 
born;  and  it  is  probable  that  Rebekah  had  never  revealed 
to  him  the  prophecy  given  to  her  before  the  birth  of  the 
children,  or  else  Isaac  would  certainly  not  have  wished  to 
give  a  blessing  against  the  will  of  God,  whieh  could  thus 
be  of  no  avail.  We  must,  however,  look  upon  the  whole 
as  providential." — Ka.mb.vn. 


THii      low   liK    OK     H^UE:U    A?<D    THIi    COX  Ko  I  :  X  LH  X  (  ; 
OK    LA.MOUA.GE. 


I 


V. 


GENESIS  XXVTI.     TOLEDOTH. 


18  And  he  came  unto  his  father,  and  i^aid. 
My  father :  and  he  said,  Here  am  I ;  who  art 
thou,  my  son? 

19  And  Jacob  said  unto  his  father,  I  am 
Esau  thy  first-born ;  I  have  done  as  thou 
didst  speak  to  me :  arise,  I  pray  thee,  sit 
here  and  eat  of  my  venison,  that  tiiy  soul 
may  bless  me. 

20  And  Isaac  said  unto  his  son.  How  is  it 
that  thou  hast  found  it  so  quickly,  my  son  ? 
And  he  said.  Because  the  Lord  thy  God 
brought  it  before  me. 

21  And  Isaac  said  unto  Jacob,  Come  near, 
I  pray  thee,  that  I  may  feel  thee,  my  son, 
whether  thou  be  truly  my  son  Esau  or  not. 

22  And  Jacob  went  near  unto  Isaac  his 
father,  and  he  felt  him ;  and  he  said.  The 
voice  is  the  voice"  of  Jacob,  but  the  hands 
are  the  hands  of  Esau. 

23  And  he  recognised  hiui  not,  because 
his  hands  were  hairy,  as  his  brother  Esau's 
haads  :  so  he  blessed  him. 

24  And  he  said,  Art  thou  indeed  my  son 
Esau  ?  and  he  said,  I  am. 

25  And  he  said.  Bring  it  near  to  me,  and  I 
will  eat  of  my  son's  venison,  that  my  soul 
may  bless  thee.  And  he  brought  it  near  to 
him,  and  he  did  eat,  and  he  brought  him 
wine,  and  he  drank. 

26  And  Isaac  his  father  said  unto  him. 
Come  near,  I  pray  thee,  and  kiss  me,  my  son. 

27  And  he  came  near,  and  kissed  him : 
and  he  snielled  the  smell  of  his  garments  and 
blessed  him,  and  said,''  See,  the  smell  of  my 
son  is  as  the  smell  of  a  field  which  the  Lord 
hath  1  blessed. '^' 

28  And  may  God  give  thee  of  the  dcAV  of 
heaven,  and  the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and 
plenty  of  corn  and  wine  ; 

29  Nations  shall  serve  thee,  and  people 
bow  down  to  thee  ;  be  lord  over  thy  brethren, 
and  thy  mother's  sons  shall  boAv  down  to 
thee;  cursed"  be  they  that  curse  thee,  and 
blessed  be  they  that  bless  thee. 

30  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  Isaac 

"  There  was  pi'obably  a  similarity  in  their  voices,  and 
Isaac  faik'd,  therefore,  to  recognise  Jacob  fully,  because 
his  hands  were  then  hairy. 

''  According  to  Arnheim,  the  blessing  commences  at 
this  word;  compare  with  Ilosea  xiv.  7,  where,  among'the 
promises  of  a  blissful  future,  the  personificatiou  of  happi- 
ness is  represented  under  the  words,  "  And  his  smell  shall 
be  like  that  of  Lebanon."  The  words  which  follow  were 
prompted  here  by  the  excitement  of  the  sense  of  smelling, 


had  made  an  end  of  blessing  Jacob,  and  Jacob 
was  yet  scarcel^y  gone  out  from  the  presence 
of  Isaac  his  father,  that  Esau  his  brother 
came  in  from  his  hunting. 

31  And  he  also  made  savoury  ibod,  and 
brought  it  unto  his  father,  and  said  unto  his 
father.  Let  my  father  arise,  and  eat  of  his 
son's  venison,  in  order  that  thy  soul  may 
bless  me. 

32  And  Isaac  his  liither  said  unto  him. 
Who  art  thou  ?  And  he  said,  I  am  thy  son, 
thy  first-born,  Esau. 

33  And  Isaac  treml)led  greatly,  exceed- 
ingly, and  said.  Who  was  it  ?  where  is  he  that 
had  hunted  venison,  and  brought  it  me,  and 
I  ate  of  all  before  thou  earnest,  and  blessed 
him  ?  yea,  he  shall  also  remain  blessed. 

34  When  Esau  heard  the  words  of  his 
fother,  he  uttered  a  great  and  exceedingly 
bitter  cry,  and  said  unto  his  father.  Bless  me, 
also  me,  my  father. 

35  And  he  said.  Thy  brother  ctime  with 
subtilty,  and  took  away  thy  blessing. 

36  And  he  said.  Hath  he  been  therefore 
named  Jacob,  because''  he  hath  supplanted 
me  these  two  times?  my  right  of  first-bom 
he  took  away ;  and,  behold,  now  he  hath 
taken  away  ni}'  blessing :  and  he  said,  Hast 
thou  not  reserved  a  blessing  for  me  ? 

37  And  Isaac  answered  and  said  unto 
Esau,  Behold,  I  have  made  him  thy  lord,  and 
all  his  brethren  have  I  given  to  him  for  ser- 
vants; and  with  corn  and  wine  have  I  eu- 
do^\ed  him  :  and  what  can  I  do  now  for  thee, 
my  son  ? 

38  And  Esau  said  unto  his  father,  Hast 
thou  then  but  one  blessing,  my  father?  bless 
me,  also  me,  my  father.  And  Esau  lifted  up 
his  voice,  and  wept. 

39  And  Isaac  his  father  answered  and 
said  unto  him.  Behold,  thy  dwelling  shall  be 
the  fatness  of  the  earth,  and  (blessed)  by  the 
dew  of  heaven  from  alcove ; 

40  And  by  thy  sword  shalt  thou  live,  and 
thy  brother  shalt  thou  serve;  and  it  shall 

as  Jacob's  garments  gave  forth  the  odour  imbibed  from 
field  and  forest  flowers. 

"Properly,  "cursed  be  every  one  of  those,"  &c., 
"  blessed  be  every  one  of  those,"  &c. 

•^  Others  render,  "  Is  it  because  he  hath  been  named 
Jacob,  that  he  hath,"  Sec. — •jnpi-l  vin/anfilrhani,  "he 
hath  deceived  me,"  is  derived  from  the  same  root  as  the 
name,  (see  above,  xxv.  26,)  hence  it  might  be  rendered 

"  trodden  me  under  foot." 

33 


GENESIS  XXVII.  XXVIII.     VAYETZAY. 


come  to  pass,  that  when  thou  shalt  have  the 
dominion,"  thou  canst  break  his  yoke  from  off 
thy  neck. 

41  And  Esau  liated  Jacob  because  of  the 
blessing  wherewith  his  father  luxd  blessed 
him ;  and  Esau  said  in  his  heart.  The  days 
of  mourning  for  my  fatlier  will  he  at  hand ; 
then  will  I  slay  my  brother  Jacob. 

42  And  Rebekah  was  informed  of  the 
words  of  Esau  her  elder  son:  and  she  sent 
and  called  Jacob  her  younger  son,  and  said 
unto  him,  Behold,  thy  brother  Esau  doth  com- 
fort himself,  with  regard  to  thee,  purjjosing  to 
kill  thee. 

43  Now  therefoi'e,  my  son,  obey  my  voice; 
and  arise,  flee  thou  to  Laban  my  brother,  to 
Chai'an ; 

44  And  tarry  with  him  a  short  time,  until 
thy  brother's  fury  turn  away ;  • 

45  Until  thy  Ijrother's  anger  turn  away 
from  thee,  and  he  forget  that  which  thou 
hast  done  to  him :  then  will  I  send,  and  fetch 
thee  from  tliei-e;  why  should  I  be  deprived 
of  both  of  you  at  once  in  one  day  ? 

46  And  Rebekah  said  to  Isaac,  I  am  weary 
of  my  life  because  of  the  daughters  of  Heth ; 
if  Jacob  take  a  wife  from  the  dauiihters  of 
Heth,  such  as  these,  from  the  daughters  of 
the  land,  what  good  will  life  do  me  ? 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  And  Isaac  called  Jacob,  and  blessed 
him,""  and  charged  him,  and  said  unto  him, 
Thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  from  the  daugh- 
ters of  Canaan. 

2  Arise,  go  to  Padan-aram,  to  the  house  of 
Betliuel  thy  mother's  father;  and  take  thy- 
self from  there  a  wife  of  the  daughters  of  La^ 
ban  thy  mother's  brother. 

3  And  God,  the  Almighty,  ]jless  thee,  and 
make  thee  fruitful,  and  multiply  thee,  that 
thou  mayest  jjecome  a  multitude  of  people ; 

4  And  may  he  give  thee  the  blessing  of 
Abraliam,  to  thee,  and  to  thy  seed  with  thee ; 
that  thou  mayest  inherit  the  land  of  thy  so- 
journ, which  (iod  gave  unto  Al)raham.* 

•")  And  Isaac  sent  away  Jacolj,  and  he  went 
to  Padan-aram,  unto  Laban,  the  son  of  Bethuel 

"  This  translation,  given  in  the  common  English  version, 
is  according  to  Saadiaii  and  Kedak,  as  quoted  by  Phi- 
lippson.  Kashi,  after  Onkolos,  renders,  "when  thou  hast 
cause  to  complain  (in  case  the  Israelites  sin)  for  the 
blessings  taken  from  thee,  that,"  &e.  Gesenius  and  Arn- 
34 


the    Syrian,    the    brother   of    Rebekah,    the 
mother  of  Jacob  and  Esau. 

6  And  when  Esau  saw  that  Isaac  had 
blessed  Jacob,  and  sent  him  away  to  Padan- 
aram,  to  take  himself  from  there  a  wife;  and 
in  blessing  him  had  given  him  a  charge,  say- 
ing. Thou  shalt  not  take  a  wife  of  the  daugh- 
ters of  Canaan  ;* 

7  And  that  Jacob  had  obej-ed  his  iiither 
and  his  mother,  and  was  gone  to  Padan-aram : 

8  Then  saw  Esau  that  the  daughters  of 
Canaan  were  evil  in  the  eyes  of  Isaac  his 
father ; 

9  And  Esau  went  unto  Ishmael,  and  took 
Machalath  the  daughter  of  Ishmael,  Abrar 
ham's  son,  the  sister  of  Neba^'^oth  in  addition 
to  his  wives,  to  himself  as  wife. 

Haphtorah  in  Malachi  i.  1  to  ii.  7. 


SECTION  VII.     VAYETZAY,  XVn. 

10  And  Jacob  went  out  from  Beer-sheba, 
and  went  toward  Cliaran. 

11  And  he  lighted  upon  a  certain  place, 
and  tarried  there  all  night,  because  the  sim 
was  set ;  and  he  took  one  of  the  stones  of  the 
place,  and  put  it  for  his  pillow,  and  laid  him- 
self down  in  that  place. 

12  And  he  dreamed,  and  behold  a  ladder 
was  set  up  on  the  earth,  and  the  to])  of  it 
reached  to  heaven ;  and  behold,  angels  of  God 
were  ascending  and  descending  on  it. 

13  And,  behold,  the  Lord  stood  above  it, 
and  said,  I  am  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Abraham 
thy  father,  and  the  God  of  Isaac :  the  land 
whereon  thou  liest,  to  thee  will  I  give  it,  and 
to  thy  seed; 

14  And  thy  seed  shall  be  as  the  dust  of  the 
earth,  and  thou  shalt  spread  abroad  to  the 
west,  and  to  the  east,  and  to  the  north  and  to 
the  south ;  and  in  thee  and  thy  seed  shall  all 
the  ftiinilies  of  the  earth  be  blessed. 

15  And,  behold,  I  am  with  thee,  and  will 
keep  thee  whithersoever  thou  goest,  and  will 
bring  thee  again  into  this  land ;  for  I  will  not 
leave  thee,  until  I  have  done  what  I  have 
spoken  to  thee  of 

16  And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and 

heim,  "  when  thou  becomcst  spread  abroad."    Philippson, 
"when  thou  rebcllest  that  thou  mayest  break,"  kc. 

^  Confirmation  of  the  blessing  previously  obtained  :  this 
proves  that  however  much  Isaac  loved  Esau,  he  was  not 
unconscious  of  the  great  merits  and  piety  of  his  younger 
son. 


GENESIS  XXVIII.  XXIX.     VAYETZAY. 


he  said,  Surely  the   Lord  is  present  in  this 
place ;  and  I  knew  it  not.* 

17  And  he  was  afraid,  and  said.  How  fear- 
ful is  this  place!  this  is  none  other  but  the 
house  of  God,  and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven.'' 

18  And  Jacolj  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  took  the  stone  that  he  had  put  for 
his  pillow,  and  set  it  up  for  a  pillar,  and  poured 
oil  upon  the  top  of  it. 

19  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place 
Beth-el;''  but  Luz  was  the  name  of  that  city 
in  former  times. 

20  And  Jacob  made  a  vow,  sayuig.  If  God 
will  be  with  me,  and  will  keep  me  on  this 
way  which  I  am  going,  and  will  give  me 
bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to  put  on, 

21  And  I  come  again  in  peace  to  my 
father's  house:  then  shall  the  Lord  be  m}' 
God;" 

22  And  this  stone,  which  I  have  set  for  a 
pillar,  shall  be  God's  house ;°  and  of  all  that 
thou  wilt  give  me  I  will  surely  give  the  tenth 
unto  thee.* 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  Then  Jacob  lifted  up  his  feet*^  and  went 
unto  the  land  of  the  children  of  the  east. 

2  And  he  looked,  and  behold  there  was  a 
well  in  the  field,  and,  lo,  there  were  three 
flocks  of  sheep^  lying  by  it;  for  out  of  that 
well  they  watered  the  flocks :  and  the  stone 
upon  the  mouth  of  the  well  was  great. 

3  And  there  all  the  flocks  were  wont  to  as- 
semble; and  they  rolled  then  the  stone  from 
the  mouth  of  the  well,  and  watered  the  sheep ; 
and  they  put  the  stone  again  upon  the  mouth 
of  the  well  in  its  place. 

4  And  Jacob  said  unto  them.  My  brethren, 
whence  are  ye?  And  they  said.  Of  Charan 
are  we. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them.  Know  yo  Laban 
the  son  of  Nachor  ?  And  they  said.  We  know 
him. 

6  And  he  said   unto  them,  Is  he  well?*" 


*  "If  I  had  known  it,  I  would  not  have  slept  in  a  place 
as  holy  as  this." — Ra^;hi. 

'■  "The  place  whence  prayers  ascend  to  heaven. "= — 
Idem. 

'  "The  house  of  God." 

^  This  does  not  express  a  doubt  or  condition  concerning 
Jacob's  willingness  to  serve  God,  but  means  to  convey 
that  he  would,  in  the  event  of  his  safe  return,  feel  as- 
sured that  he  was  an  accepted  servant  of  the  Lord  who 
had  just  appeared  to  him. 


And  they  said.  He  is  well;  and,  behold,  Ra^ 
chel  his  daughter  cometh  with  the  sheep. 

7  And  he  said,  Lo,  the  day  is  _yet  long,  it 
is  not  time  that'  the  cattle  should  be  driven 
home ;  water  ye  the  sheep,  and  go  and  feed 
them. 

8  And  they  said,  We  cannot,  until  all  the 
flocks  be  gathered  together,  then  do  they  roll 
the  stone  from  the  mouth  of  the  well;  and 
we  water  the  sheep. 

9  And  while  he  was  yet  speaking  with 
them,  Rachel  came  Avith  her  father's  sheep; 
for  she  was  a  shepherdess. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jacob  saw 
Rachel  the  dtiughter  of  Laljan  his  mother's 
brother,  and  the  sheep  of  Laban  his  mother's 
brother,  that  Jacob  went  near,  and  rolled 
the  stone  from  the  mouth  of  the  well,  and 
watered  the  flock  of  Laban  his  mother's 
brother. 

11  And  Jacob  kissed  Rachel,  and  lifted  up 
his  voice,  and  wept. 

12  And  Jacob  told  Rachel  that  he  was  her 
father's  brother,'  and  that  he  was  Rebekah's 
son :  and  she  ran  and  told  her  father. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Laban  heard 
the  tidmgs  of  Jacob  his  sister's  sou,  that  he 
ran  to  meet  him,  and  emljraced  him,  and 
kissed  him,  and  brought  him  to  his  house. 
And  he  told  Laban  all  these  things. 

14  And  Laljan  said  to  him.  Surely  thou 
art  my  bone  and  my  flesh.  And  he  abode 
with  him  the  space  of  a  month. 

15  And  Lallan  then  said  unto  Jacob,  Be- 
cause thou  art  nij'  brother,  shouldst  thou 
therefore  serve  me  for  naught?  tell  me,  what 
shall  thy  wages  be? 

16  And  Laban  had  two  daughters;  the 
name  of  the  elder  was  Leah,  and  the  name  of 
the  younger  was  Rachel. 

1 7  And  the  eyes  of  Leah  were  tender ;  but 
Rachel  was  of  handsome  form  and  handsome 
appearance.''' 

18  And  Jacob  loved  Rachel;  and  he  said, 


°  "Shall  be  the  place  where  I  will  worship  before  the 
Lord." — Onkelos. 

'  i.  e.  Pursued  his  journey. 

«  The  word  |Ni'  lr.o»p,  rendered  here  "sheep,"  properly 
includes  both  sheep  and  goats. 

'' Literally,  '-Hath  he  peace?"  a  figurative  phrase  for 
well-being  or  prosperity ;  perhaps,  derived  from  the  fre- 
quent hostilities  of  nomadic  tribes. 

'  See  above,  xiii.  8;  it  stands  here  for  "near  relative." 

35 


GENESIS  XXIX.  XXX.     VAYETZAY 


I  will  serve  thee  seven  years  for  Rachel  thy 
younger  daughter. 

19  And  Laban  said,  It  is  better  that  I  give 
her  to  thee,  than  that  I  should  give  her  to 
another  man :  abide  with  me. 

20  And  Jacob  served  for  Rachel  seven 
years;  and  they  seemed"  unto  him  but  a  few 
days,  through  the  love  he  had  to  her. 

21  And  Jacob  said  unto  Laljan,  Give  me 
my  wife,  for  my  days  are  fulfilled,  that  I  may 
go  in  unto  her. 

22  And  Laban  gathered  together  all  the 
men  of  the  place,  and  made  a  feast. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  evening, 
that  he  took  Leah  his  daughter,  and  brought 
her  to  him;  and  he  went  in  unto  her. 

24  And  Laban  gave  unto  his  daughter, 
Leah,  Zilpah  his  maid  for  a  handmaid. 

25  And  it  came  to  jjass,  that  in  the  morn- 
ing, behold,  it  was  Leah :  and  he  said  to  La^ 
ban.  What  is  this  thou  hast  done  unto  me? 
did  I  not  serve  with  thee  for  Rachel?  where- 
fore then  hast  thou  deceived  me  ? 

26  And  Laban  said,  It  is  not  done  so  in 
our  place,  to  give  in  marriage  the  younger  be- 
fore the  tirst-born. 

27  Fulfil  the  week''  of  this,  and  we  will 
give  thee  this  one  also,  for  the  ser^'ice  which 
thou  shalt  serve  with  me  yet  seven  other 
years. 

28  And  Jacob  did  so,  and  fulfilled  the 
week  of  the  first;  and  he  gave  him  Rachel 
his  daughter  for  a  wife. 

29  And  Laban  gave  to  Rachel  his  daughter 
Bilhah  his  liandmaid  to  be  her  maid. 

o(J  And  lie  went  in  also  unto  Rachel,  and 
hfi  loved  also  Rachel  more  than  Leah;  and 
he  served  with  him  j'et  seven  other  years. 

31  And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  Leah  was 
hated,"  lie  opened  her  womb ;  but  Rachel  was 
barren. 

32  And  Leiih  conceived,  and  bore  a  son, 
and  she  called  his  name  Reuben ;''  for  she 
said,  Surely,  the  Lord  hath  looked  upon  my 

'  Ilcb.  "  Were  in  liis  eyes  a.s." 

''  The  seven  days  of  festivity,  wliicli  appear  to  have  been 
customarily  observed  at  that  time,  as  afterwards,  in  later 
periods,  at  the  occurrcnee  of  a  marriage. 

"  This  means,  not  absolutely  liateil,  but  neglected,  less 
loved  than  the  other. 

''  From  raoh,  "  to  sec,"  and  ben,  "  a  son." 

°  S/iim'oti,  from  ^'OtV  s/unnanf/,  "he  has  heard, 
an,  "affliction." 

'  From  ni'?  lavah,  "  he  united,"  "  he  adhered." 

26 


nd  ;x 


affliction,  because  now  my  husband  will  love 
me. 

33  And  she  conceived  again  and  bore  a 
son;  and  she  said,  Because  the  Lord  heard 
that  I  was  hated,  he  hath  given  me  this  one 
also ;  and  she  called  his  name  Simeon." 

34  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bore  a 
son;  and  she  said.  Now  this  time  will  my 
husband  be  joined  unto  me,  because  I  have 
born  him  three  sons;  therefore  was  his  name 
called  Levi.*^ 

35  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bore  a 
son ;  and  she  said,  This  time  will  I  praise  the 
Lord;  therefore  she  called  his  name  Judah:^ 
and  she  left  oft"  bearing. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  And  when  Rachel  saw  that  she  bore 
Jacob  no  children,  Rachel  envied  her  sister; 
and  she  said  unto  Jacob,  Give  me  children, 
and  if  not,  I  die. 

2  And  Jacob's  anger  was  kindled  against 
Rachel:  and  he  said.  Am  I  in  God's  stead, 
who  hath  withheld  from  thee  the  fruit  of  the 
womb  ? 

3  And  she  said,  Behold,  (here  is)  my  maid 
Bilhah,  go  in  unto  her;  and  she  shall  bear 
upon''  my  knees,  that  I  may  also  have'  chil- 
dren by  her. 

4  And  she  gave  him  Bilhah  her  handmaid 
for  wife,  and  Jacob  went  in  unto  her. 

5  And  Bilhah  conceived,  and  bore  Jacob  a 
son. 

6  And  Rachel  said,  God  hath  judged  me, 
and  liath  also  heard  my  voice,  and  hath  given 
me  a  son:  therefore  called  she  his  name  Dan." 

7  And  Bilhah,  Rachel's  maid,  conceived 
again,  and  bore  Jacob  a  second  son. 

8  And  Rachel  said.  Contests  of  God'  have 
I  contended  with  my  sister,  I  have  also  pre- 
vailed :  and  she  called  his  name  Naphtali."' 

9  When  Leah  now  saw  that  she  had  left 
off  bearing,  she  took  Zilpah  her  maid,  and 
gave  her  to  Jacob  for  wife. 


^  Yi'ltudah,  from  miN  (Jihli,  "  I  will  thank,"  and  TV 
IWt,  "the  Lord." 

''  "Those  which  I  shall  rear."  — Onkelos. 
''  "Be  built  up  through  her."— Heb. 

'  From  don,  "  to  judge." 

'  It  is  very  customary  in  Hebrew  constructions  to  add 
the  word  God  in  the  genitive,  to  the  idea  expressed,  to 
denote  its  greatness.  Thus,  "  mountains  of  God."— 
Ps.  xxxvi.  7,  &c. 

"From  ptithnl.  "  to  wrestle,"  "to  twist;"  found  only 
in  the  passive  aud  reflexive  forms. 


GENESIS  XXX.    VAYETZAY. 


10  And  Zilpah  Leah's  maid  hove  Jacob  a 
son. 

11  And  Leiih  said,  Good  luck  hath  come : 
and  she  called  his  name  Gad." 

12  And  Zilpah  Leah's  maid  bore  a  second 
son  unto  Jacob. 

13  And  Leali  said,  To  my  happiness;  for 
the  daughters  will  call  me  blessed :  and  she 
called  his  name  Asher.'"^' 

14  And  Reuben  went  in  the  days  of  the 
wheat  harvest,  and  found  mandrakes  in  the 
field,  and  he  bi'ought  them  unto  Leiih  his 
mother;  then  Rachel  said  to  Leah,  Give 
me,  1  pray  thee,  (some)  of  thy  son's  man- 
drakes. 

15  And  she  said  unto  her,  Is  it  not  enough 
that  thou  hast  taken  my  husband?  and 
wouldst  thou  also  take  away  my  son's  man- 
drakes? And  Rachel  said.  Therefore  shall 
he  lie  with  thee  to-night  for  thy  son's  man- 
drakes. 

16  And  Jacob  came  out  of  the  field  in  the 
evening,  and  Leah  went  out  to  meet  him,  and 
said.  Unto  me  thou  must  come  in ;  for  sui'ely 
I  have  obtained  thee  as  a  reward"  with  my 
son's  mandrakes.  And  he  lay  with  her  that 
night. 

17  And  God  hearkened  unto  Leah,  and 
she  conceived,  and  bore  Jacob  a  fifth  son. 

18  And  Leah  said,  God  hath  given  me  my 
reward,  because  I  have  given  my  maid  to  my 
husband :  and  she  called  his  name  Issachar.'' 

19  And  Leah  conceived  again,  and  bore 
a  sixth  son  unto  Jacob. 

20  And  Leiih  said,  God  hath  endued  me 
with  a  good  dowry;  now  will  my  husband 
dwell  with  me,  because  I  have  born  him  six 
sons;  and  she  called  his  name  Zebulun." 

21  And  afterward  she  bore  a  daughter, 
and  she  called  her  name  Dinah. 

22  And  God  remembered  Rachel,  and  God 
hearkened  to  her,  and  opened  her  womb. 

23  And  she  conceived,  and  bore  a  son; 
and  she  said,  God  hath  taken  away  my  re- 
proach. 

•  "  Luck." 

'"Happy." 

°  This  elegant  turn  is  according  to  Aruheim's  version. 

''  Yissachar,  from  sachar,  "reward." 

'  From  zebul,  a  "dwelling." 

'  Yosseph,  i.  e.  "he  will  add." 

*  Onkelos;  as  much  as,  "excuse  me, for  saying;"  the 
word  "tarry,"  added  in  the  English  version,  has  no  war- 


24  And  she  called  his  name  Josoph,*^  sav- 
ing, The  Lord  shall  add  to  me  another  son. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Rachel  had 
born  Joseph,  that  Jacob  said  unto  Laban, 
Send  me  away,  that  I  may  go  unto  my  own 
place,  and  to  my  country. 

26  Give  me  my  wives  and  my  children,  for 
whom  I  have  served  thee,  and  let  me  go;  for 
thou  knowest  my  service  with  which  I  have 
served  thee. 

27  And  Laban  said  unto  him.  If  I  could 
but  find  favour  in  thy  eyes  f  I  have  learned  by 
experience  that  the  Lord  hath  blessed  me  for 
thy  sake.* 

28  And  he  said,  Appoint  me  thy  wages, 
and  I  will  give  them. 

29  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thou  knowest 
how  I  have  served  thee,  and  what  thy  cattle 
hath  become  with  me. 

30  For  it  was  a.  little  which  thou  hadst  be- 
fore I  came,  and  it  is  now  increased  imto  a 
multitude;  and  the  Lord  hath  blessed  thee 
since  my  coming;  and  now  when  shall  I  pro- 
vide also  for  my  own  house  ? 

31  And  he  said,  What  shall  I  give  thee? 
And  Jacob  said,  Thou  shalt  not  give  me  the 
least;  if  thou  wilt  do  this  thing  for  me,  I  will 
again  feed  and  keep  thy  flock : 

32  I  will  pass  through  all  thy  flock  to-day, 
removing  from  there  every  speckled  and  spot- 
ted lamb,  and  every  brown  lamb  among  the 
sheep,  and  whatever  is  spotted  and  speckled 
among  the  goats ;  and  such  shall  be  after  this 
my  reward. 

33  And  my  righteousness''  shall  testify  for 
me  m  time  to  come,  when  it'  shall  come  with 
my  reward  before  thy  face :  every  one  that  is 
not  speckled  and  spotted  among  the  goats, 
and  Ijrown  among  the  sheep,  that  shall  be 
counted  stolen  with  me. 

34  And  Laban  said,  Well,  let  it  be  accord- 
ing to  thy  word. 

35  And  he  removed  on  that  day  the  he- 
goats  that  were  ring-streaked  and  spotted,  and 
all  the  she-goats  that  were  speckled  and  spot^- 


rant  for  it  in  the  Hebrew,  though  Dubno  deduces  it  as  a 
consequence  from  the  antecedent,  considering  the  verse  as 
elliptical. 

^  "  Honesty" — Mendelssohn — in  which  sense  this 
word  should  be  taken  when  applied  to  dealings  with  man. 

'  After  Rashi  and  Arnheim ;  others  render  xnn 
"  when  thou  (Laban)  comest  (to  look)  over  my  reward 
(the  property  acquired)  before  thee." 


GENESIS  XXX.  XXXI.     VAYETZAY. 


ted,  every  one  that  had  some  white  on  it,  and 
all  the  brown  among  the  sheep,  and  gave 
them  into  the  hand  of  his  sons. 

36  And  he  put  a  space  of  three  days'  jom- 
ney  between  himself  and  Jacob;  and  Jacob 
fed  the  flocks  of  Laban  that  were  left. 

37  And  Jacob  took  himself  rods  of  green 
poplar,  and  of  the  hazel"  and  chestnut  tree; 
and  peeled  thereon  white  streaks,  laying  bare 
the  white  which  was  on  the  rods. 

38  And  he  set  the  rods  which  he  had  peeled 
in  the  gutters  in  the  watering  troughs,  where 
the  flocks''  came  to  drink,  just  before  the 
flocks,  and  ^vhere  they  conceived,  when  they 
came  to  drink. 

39  And  the  flocks  conceived  before  the 
rods,  and  brought  fortli  ring-streaked,  speckled, 
and  spotted. 

40  And  these  lambs  did  Jacob  separate, 
and  set  the  faces"  of  the  flocks  toward  the 
ring-streaked,  and  whatever  was  brown  in  the 
flock  of  Laban ;  and  he  put  his  o^vn  flocks  by 
themselves,  and  put  them  not  with  Laban's 
cattle. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass,  whensoever  the 
stronger  cattle  did  conceive,  that  Jacob  laid 
the  rods  before  the  eyes  of  the  cattle  in  the 
gutters,  that  they  might  conceive  among  the 
rods. 

42  But  when  the  cattle  were  feeble,  he  put 
them  not  in ;  so  the  feebler  belonged  to  Laban, 
and  the  stronger  to  Jacob. 

43  And  the  man  increased''  exceedingly, 
and  he  had  many  flocks,  and  maid-servants, 
and  men-servants,  and  camels,  and  asses. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  And  he  heard  the  words  of  Laban's  sons, 
saying,  Jacob  hath  taken  away  all  that  was 
our  father's,  and  of  that  which  was  our  father's 
hath  he  gotten  all  this  wealth." 

2  And  Jacob  beheld  the  countenance  of 
Laban,  and,  behold,  it  was  not  toward  him  as 
before.  "^ 

'  Others,  "Almond  and  plane  tree." 

''  Laban  no  doubt  sought  to  give  Jacob  the  least  possi- 
ble wages,  expecting,  however,  that  he  would  employ 
some  device  to  obtain  all  he  could  in  accordance  with 
their  bargain;  hence  he  was  evidently  not  offended  at  it. 

°  "  He  made  advance-droves  out  of  whatever  was 
speckled  and  brown  in  Laban's  flocks,"  Arnheim,  tak- 
ing ]Nvn  'JD  as  the  name  of  the  flocks  which  went  before 
the  other ;  but  the  sense  is  at  Last  the  same  as  that  given 
in  the  text,  since  there  the  plainly  coloured  arc  represented 
as  following  those  having  the  marks  agi-eed  upon 
38' 


3  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jacob,  Return 
unto  the  land  of  thy  fathers,  and  to  thy  birth- 
place; and  I  will  be  with  thee. 

4  And  Jacob  sent  and  called  Rachel  and 
Leah  to  the  field  unto  his  flock. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  see  your 
father's  countenance,  that  it  is  not  toward  me 
as  before ;  but  the  God  of  my  father  hath  Ijeen 
with  me. 

6  And  ye  know  well  that  with  all  my  power 
I  have  served  your  father. 

7  And  your  father  hath  deceived  me,  and 
changed  my  wages  ten  times;  but  God  suf- 
fered him  not  to  do  me  evil. 

8  If  he  said  thus,  The  speckled  shall  be 
thy  wages ;  then  bore  all  the  flocks  speckled : 
and  if  he  said  thus.  The  ring-streaked  shall  be 
my  reward;  then  bore  all  the  flocks  ring- 
streaked. 

9  Thus  God  took  away  the  cattle  of  your 
father,  and  gave  them  to  me. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  time  that 
the  flocks  conceived,  that  I  lifted  up  my  eyes, 
and  saw  in  a  dream,  and,  behold,  the  rams 
which  leaped  ujDon  the  flocks  were  ring- 
streaked,  speckled,  and  grizzled. 

11  And  an  angel  of  God  spoke  imto  me 
in  the  dream,  Jacob :  and  I  said.  Here  am  I. 

12  And  he  said.  Lift  up  now  thy  eyes  and 
see,  all  the  rams  which  leap  upon  the  flocks 
are  ring-streaked,  speckled,  and  grizzled ;  for 
I  have  seen  all  that  Laban  doth  unto  thee. 

13  I  am  the  God  of  Beth-el,  where  thou 
anointedst  a  jDillar,  where  thou  madest  unto 
me  a  vow  :  now  arise,  get  thee  out  from  this 
land,  and  return  unto  the  land  of  thy  birth. 

14  And  Rachel  and  Leah  answered  and 
said  unto  him,  Is  there  yet  any  portion  or  in- 
heritance for  us  in  our  father's  house  ? 

15  Were  we  not  counted  of  him  as  stran- 
gers ?  for  he  hath  sold  us ;  and  he  hath  quite 
consumed  also  our  money.** 

16  For  all  the  riches  which  God  hath  taken 
from  our  father,  that  is  ours,  and   our  chil- 


-"  Literally,  "  spread  out,"  i.  e.  his  flocks  were  extended 
over  a  large  pasture-ground. 

'  Literally,  "glory,"  or  "honour." 
'  Heb.  "  Yesterday  and  day  before  yesterday." 
s  Through  the  frauds  practised  upon  Jacob.  Rachel 
and  Lcilh  express  in  this  verse  their  just  indignation 
against  the  cruelty  of  their  father  in  having  sold  them,  as 
though  they  were  servants,  to  their  husband,  much  as 
they  loved  him ;  and  now  they  had  additional  cause  fcu' 
complaint  in  his  eflforts  to  give  their  husband  as  small 
wages  as  possible. 


CxENESIS  XXXI.     VAYETZAY. 


drens ;  uow  then,  whatsoever  God  hath  said 
unto  thee,  do.* 

17  Then  Jacob  ro.se  up,  and  set  his  sons 
and  his  wives  upon  camels ; 

18  And  he  led  away  all  his  cattle,  and  all 
his  goods  which  he  had  gotten,  the  cattle  of 
his  acquiring,  which  he  had  gotten  in  Padan- 
aram,  to  go  to  Isaac  his  fiither  into  the  land 
of  Canaan. 

19  And  Laban  was  gone  to  shear  his  sheeji; 
and  Rachel  stole  the  images  that  were  her 
father's. 

20  And  Jacob  stole"  away  unawares  to  La- 
ban  the  Syrian,  by  not  letting  him  know  that 
he  was  going  to  flee. 

21  And  he  fled  with  all  that  he  had ;  and 
he  rose  up,  and  passed  over  the  river,  and  set 
his  face  toward  the  mount  Gileiid. 

22  And  it  was  told  to  Laban  on  the  third 
day  that  Jacob  was  fled. 

23  And  he  took  his  brethren  with  him,  and 
pursued  after  him  a  seven  days' journey;  and 
he  overtook  him  at  the  mount  of  Gileiid. 

24  And  God  came  to  Laban,  the  Syrian, 
in  a  dream  of  the  night,  and  said  unto  him. 
Take  thou  heed  that  thou  speak  not  to  Jacob 
either  good  or  bad.'' 

25  Then  Laban  overtook  Jacob;  now  Jacob 
had  pitched  his  tent  on  the  mount,  and  Laban 
with  his  bi'ethreu  pitched  on  the  mount  of 
Gileiid. 

26  And  Laban  said  to  Jacob,  What  hast 
thou  done,  that  thou  hast  stolen  away  unar 
wares  to  me,  and  led  away  my  daughters,  as 
captives  taken  with  the  sword  ? 

27  Wherefore  didst  thou  flee  away  secretly, 
and  steal  away  from  me ;  and  why  didst  thou 
not  tell  me,  that  I  might  have  sent  thee  away 
with  mirth,  and  with  songs,  with  tabret,  and 
with  harp? 

28  And  (why)  hast  thou  not  suffered  me  to 
kiss  my  sons  and  my  daughters?  now  thou 
hast  acted  foolishly  in  so  doing. 

29  It  is  in  the  power  of  my  liand  to  do  you 
hurt;  but  the  God  of  your  father  spoke  unto 
me  yesternight,  saying.  Take  thou  heed  that 
thou  speak  not  to  Jacob  either  good  or  bad. 

30  And  now,  thou  wouldst  needs  be  gone, 
because  thou  greatly  longedst  after  thy  father's 

'  Heb.  "  Stole  the  heart  of  Laban." 
^  i.  e.  Use  no  threats  or  persuasion  to  induce  him  to 
return  to  Syria. 
'  Lit.  "Felt  over." 


house ;   (yet)  wherefore  hast  thou  stolen  my 
gods  ? 

31  And  Jacob  answered  and  said  to  Laban, 
Because  I  was  afraid,  for  I  said,  Peradventure 
thou  wouldst  take  by  force  thy  daughters 
from  me. 

32  With  whomsoever  thou  findest  thy  gods, 
let  him  not  live ;  before  our  brethren  seek  out 
thou  what  is  thine  with  me,  and  take  it  to 
thee ;  but  Jacob  knew  not  that  Rachel  had 
stolen  them. 

33  And  Laban  went  into  the  tent  of  Jacob, 
and  into  the  tent  of  Leah,  and  into  the  tent 
of  the  two  maid-servants ;  but  he  found  no- 
thing ;  he  then  went  out  of  the  tent  of  Leiih, 
and  entered  into  Rachel's  tent. 

34  Now  Rachel  had  taken  the  images,  and 
put  them  in  the  saddle-cushion  of  the  camel, 
and  sat  upon  them ;  and  Laban  searched'  all 
the  tent,  and  found  nothing. 

35  And  she  said  to  her  father,  Let  it  not 
displease  my  lord  that  I  cannot  rise  up  before 
thee ;  for  the  custom  of  women  is  upon  me ; 
and  thus  he  searched,  but  found  not  the  images. 

36  Now  Jacob  became  wroth,  and  quar- 
relled with  Laban  ;  and  Jacob  answered''  and 
said  to  Laban,  What  is  my  trespass  ?  what  is 
my  sin,  that  thou  hast  so  hotly  pursued  after 
me? 

37  Although  thou  hast  searched  all  my 
goods,  what  hast  thou  found  of  all  the  articles 
of  thy  household  ?  set  it  here  before  my  bre- 
thren and  thy  brethren,  that  they  may  judge 
between  us  both. 

38  These  twenty  years  have  I  been  with 
thee :  thy  ewes  and  thy  she-goats  have  not 
cast  their  young  f  and  the  rams  of  thy  flock 
have  I  not  eaten. 

39  That  which  was  torn  of  beasts  I  brought 
not  unto  thee ;  I  had  to  bear  the  loss  of  it,  of 
my  hand  didst  thou  require  it,  whatever  was 
stolen  by  day,  or  stolen   ])y  night. 

40  (Where)  I  was  in  the  day  the  heat  con- 
sumed me,  and  the  frost  by  night ;  and  my 
sleep  departed  from  my  eyes. 

41  The.se  twenty  years  have  I  been  in  thy 
house ;  I  have  served  thee  fourteen  years  for 
thy  two  daughters,  and  six  j'ears  for  thy  flocks : 
and  thou  hast  changed  my  wages  ten  times. 


''  Aruheim  renders  "  commenced,"  in  which  .sense  the 
verb  r\iy  is  found  at  times.     (See  Deut.  xxvii.  14.) 

'  i.  e.  Carelessness  in    not  attending    properly   to  the 
flock  could  never  be  charged  to  me. 

39 


GENESIS  XXXI.  XXXII.     VAYISHLACH. 


42  Except  the  God  of  my  father,  the  God 
of  Abraham,  and  the  Fear  of  Isaac,  had  been 
with  me,  surely  thou  hadst  now  sent  me  away 
empty ;  my  affliction  and  the  labour  of  my 
hands  God  hath  seen,   and  decided"  yester- 


night.^" 


43  And  Laban  answered  and  said  unto 
Jacob,  The  daughters  are  my  daughters,  and 
the  children  are  my  children,  and  the  flocks 
are  my  flocks,  and  all  that  thou  seest  is  mine ; 
but  as  to  my  daughters,  what  can  I  do  unto 
them  this  day,  or  unto  their  children  whom 
they  have  born  ? 

44  And  now,  come  thou,  let  us  make  a 
covenant,  I  and  thou ;  and  let  it  be  for  a  wit^ 
ness  between  me  and  thee. 

45  And  Jacob  took  a  stone,  and  set  it  up 
for  a  pillar. 

46  And  Jacob  said  unto  his  brethren, 
Gather  stones ;  and  they  took  stones,  and 
made  a  heap :  and  they  ate  there  upon  the 
heap. 

47  And  Laban  called  it  Yegar-sahadutha;' 
but  Jacob  called  it  Galed.*" 

48  And  Laban  said,  This  heap  is  a  witness 
between  me  and  thee  this  day ;  therefore  called 
he  its  name  Galed ; 

49  And  Mitzpah ;"  for  he  said,  The  Lord 
shall  watch  between  me  and  thee,  when  we 
are  absent  one  fi'om  the  other ; 

50  If  thou  shouldst  afflict  my  daughters,  or 
if  thou  shouldst  take  other  wives  besides  my 
(laughters,  when  there  is  no  man  with  us : 
see,  God  is  witness  between  me  and  thee. 

51  And  Laban  said  to  Jacob,  Behold  this 
heap,  and  behold  this  pillar,  which  I  have  cast 
up  between  me  and  thee ; 

52  Witness  be  this  heap  and  witness  be 
this  pillar,  that  I  will  not  pass  by  this  heap, 
and  that  thou  shalt  not  pass  unto  me  by  this 
heap  and  this  pillar,  for  evil. 

53  The  God  of  Abraham  and  the  God  of 
Nachor  shall  judge  between  us,  the  God  of 
their  father ;  but  Jacob  swore  by  the  Fear  of 
his  father  Isaac. 

54  Then  Jacob  slew  some  cattle'"  upon  the 

*  Meaning,  that  by  the.  direction  given  to  Laban  not  to 
urge  Jacob's  return,  Crod  had  decided  that  Jacob  had  acted 
rightly,  and  that  Laban  had  been  the  wrong-doer. 

''  This,  the  Aramaic  name,  is  identical  with  the  He- 
brew appellation  of  Jacob,  meaning  the  "  heap  of  testi- 
mony." 

°  From  nay  Izaphoh,  "  to  see,  to  watch." 

''  After  iiashi,  who  does  not  agree  with  the  English 
40 


mount,  and  called  his  brethren  to  eat  bread ; 
and  they  did  eat  bread,  and  tarried  all  night 
on  the  mount.* 

CHAPTER  XXXII." 

1  And  early  in  the  morning  Laban  rose  up, 
and  kissed  his  sons  and  his  daughters  and 
blessed  them ;  and  Laban  departed,  and  re- 
turned unto  his  own  place. 

2  And  Jacob  went  on  his  way,  and  there 
met  him  angels  of  God. 

3  And  when  Jacob  saw  them,  he  said.  This 
is  a  host  of  God ;  and  he  called  the  name  of 
that  place  Machanayim.*^ 

Ha'phtorah  in  Hoshea  xi.  7  to  xii.  12.     Some  read  from  xii. 
13,  to  xiv.  10. 


SECTION  VIII.     VAYISHLACH,  nSsT'l. 

4  T[  And  Jacob  sent  messengers  before  him 
to  Esau  his  brother  unto  the  land  of  Se'ir,  the 
country^  of  Edom. 

5  And  he  commanded  them,  saying.  Thus 
shall  ye  speak  unto  my  lord,  to  Esau,  Thus 
hath  said  thy  servant  Jacob,  With  Laban 
have  I  sojourned,  and  stayed  until  now. 

6  And  I  have  acquired  oxen,  and  asses, 
flocks,  and  men-servants,  and  women-ser- 
vants ;  and  I  send  now  to  tell  my  lord,  to  find 
grace  in  thy  eyes. 

7  And  the  messengers  returned  to  Jacob, 
saying.  We  came  to  thy  brother,  to  Esau,  and 
also  he  cometh  to  meet  thee,  and  four  hun- 
dred men  with  him. 

8  Then  Jacob  was  greatly  afraid,  and  he 
felt  distressed ;  and  he  divided  the  people  that 
were  with  him,  and  tlie  flocks,  and  the  herds, 
and  the  camels,  into  two  bands. 

9  And  he  said.  If  Esau  should  come  to  the 
one  band  and  smite  it,  then  the  other  band 
which  is  left  may  escape. 

10  And  Jacob  said,  0  God  of  my  father 
Abraham,  and  God  of  my  father  Isaac,  the 
Lord  who  saidst  unto  me.  Return  unto  thy 
country,  and  to  thy  birthplace,  and  I  will 
deal  well  with  thee  : 

version  in  making  it  a  sacrifice. — ur\h  "  bread,"  as  here 
given,  means  a  "prepared  meal,"  or  "dinner." 

"  In  the  English  version,  chap,  xxxii.  commences  with 
V.  2. 

'  "  Two  camps,"  or  "  hosts." 

»_Heb.  "Fields."  Dubno  explains,  "to  the  laud  o) 
Seir,  (hat  part  where  Edom  (Esau)  dwelt." 


GENESIS  XXXII.  XXXIII.     VAYISHLACH. 


11  I  am  not  worthy"  oi'  all  the  kindness, 
and  of  all  the  truth,  which  tliou  hast  shown 
unto  thy  servant;  for  with  my  staff  I  passed 
over  this  Jordan ;  and  now  I  am  become  two 
bands. 

12  Deliver  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  the  hand 
of  my  brother,  from  the  hand  of  Esau;  for  I 
fear  him,  lest  he  will  come  and  smite  me,  the 
mother  with  the  children. 

13  And  thou  saidst,  I  will  surely  do  thee 
good,  and  make  thy  seed  as  the  sand  of  the 
sea,  which  cannot  be  numbered  for  multi- 
tude.'•■ 

14  And  he  lodged  there  that  same  night ; 
and  he  took  of  that  which  he  carried  with 
him''  a  present  for  Esau  his  brother  : 

15  Two  hundred  she-goats,  and  twenty  he- 
goats,  two  hundred  ewes,  and  twenty  rams, 

IG  Thirty  milch  camels  with  theu'  colts, 
forty  cows,  and  ten  bulls,  twenty  she-asses, 
and  ten  foals. 

17  And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hand 
of  his  servants,  every  drove  by  itself;  and  he 
said  unto  his  servants,  Pass  on  before  me,  and 
put  a  space  between  drove  and  drove. 

18  And  he  commanded  the  foremost,  say- 
ing, When  Esau  my  brother  should  meet  thee, 
and  ask  thee,  saying,  Whose  art  thou?  and 
whither  art  thou  going?  and  for  whom  are 
these  before  thee  ? 

19  Then  shalt  thou  say.  They  belong  to 
thy  servant,  to  Jacob ;  it  is  a  present  sent  mi  to 
my  lord,  to  Esau ;  and,  behold,  also,  he  is  him- 
self behind  us. 

20  And  so  he  commanded  also  the  second, 
also  the  third,  as  also  all  that  followed  the 
droves,  saying.  After  this  manner  shall  ye 
speak  unto  Esau,  when  ye  find  hini. 

21  And  say  ye  moreover.  Behold,  also  thy 
servant  Jacola  is  behind  us.  For  he  said,  I 
will  appease  him  with  the  present  that 
goeth  before  me,  and  afterward  I  mil  see  his 
face ;  perad venture  he  will  receive"  me  kindly. 

*  "  My  merits  have  been  diminished  through  all,"  &c. 
— O.N'KELOS  and  Rashi.  There  is  no  warrant  to  render 
it,  with  the  English  version,  "  I  am  not  worthy  of  the  ka.it 
of,"  &c.,  there  being  no  word  in  the  text  to  correspond 
with  the  addition. 

"■  Heb.  "Which  had  come  to  his  hand,"  meaning 
"  the  cattle  in  which  his  wealth  consisted,  and  from  these 
he  sent;  for  he  was  on  the  way,  and  had  no  opportunity 
to  send  silver  and  gold  and  precious  things." — Ramban. 

°  Lit.  "  he  will  bear  my  face,"  since  one  is  not  able 
to  look  with  composure  in  the  face  of  the  person  who  has 
not  obtained  his  forgiveness. 


22  The  present  went  thus  on  before  him ; 
and  he  lodged  himself  that  night  in  the  camp 

23  And  he  rose  up  that  night,  and  he  took 
his  two  wives,  and  his  two  women-servants, 
and  his  eleven  sons,  and  passed  over  the  ford 
of  the  Yabbok. 

24  And  he  took  them,  and  sent  them  over 
the  stream,  and  sent  over  what  he  had. 

25  And  Jacob  was  left  alone ;  and  there 
wrestled  a  man  with  him  until  the  breaking 
of  the  day.** 

26  And  when  he  saw  that  he  could  not  pre- 
vail against  him,  he  struck  agamst"  the  hol- 
low of  his  thigh ;  and  the  hollow  of  Jacob's 
thigh  was  put  out  of  joint,  as  he  was  wrestling 
with  him. 

27  And  he  said,  Let  me  go,  for  the  day 
hath  da^vned.  And  he  said,  I  will  not  let 
thee  go  until  thou  hast  blessed  me. 

28  And  he  said  unto  him,  What  is  thy 
name  ?  and  he  said,  Jacob. 

29  And  he  said.  Not  Jacob  shall  any  more 
be  called  thy  name,  but  Israel  f  for  as  a  prince* 
hast  thou  power  with  God  and  with  men,  and 
hast  prevailed. 

30  And  Jacob  asked  him,  and  said.  Tell 
me,  I  pray  thee,  thy  name.  And  he  said, 
Wherelbre  is  it  that  thou  dost  ask  after  my 
name  ?     And  he  blessed  him  there.* 

31  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place 
Peniel  ■}  for  I  have  seen  an  angel  of  God'  face 
to  face,  and  my  life  hath  been  jireserved. 

32  And  the  sun  rose  imto  him  as  he  passed 
by  Penuel,  and  he  halted  upon  his  thigh. 

33  Therefore  do  the  children  of  Israel  not 
eat  the  sinew  which'^  shrank,  which  is  upon 
the  hollow  of  the  thigh,  unto  this  day ;  because 
he  struck  against  the  hollow  of  Jacob's  thigh 
on  the  sinew  that  shrank. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  And  Jacob  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked, 
and  behold,  Esau  came,  and  with  him  four 


"^  More  correctly,  "  the  rise  of  the  morning  dawn." 

°  Lit.  "  He  touched  on  the  pan  of,"  &c. 

'  "  Prince  of  God,"  Sxiiy'  Yisrael,  ity  sar,  "  prince," 
andSxi:/,  "God." 

*  The  moderns  render,  "  for  thou  hast  striven  for  the 
mastery  with  divine  beings  (angels)  and  with  men,  and 
hast  conquered." 

"  ¥mmpanim,  "face,"  and  El,  "  God." 

'  After  Onkelos. 

'  Philippson  and  others,  "tendon"  and  explain  with 
tendo  Achillis. 


41 


GENESIS  XXXIII.  XXXIV.     VAYISHLACH. 


himdred  men.  And  he  divided  the  children 
unto  LeJih,  and  unto  Eachel,  and  unto  the  two 
handmaids. 

2  And  he  put  the  handmaids  and  their 
children  foremost,  and  Leah  and  her  children 
after,  and  Rachel  and  Joseph  hindermost. 

3  And  he  himself  passed  on  before  them, 
and  bowed  himself  to  the  ground  seven  times, 
until  he  came  near  to  his  brother. 

4  And  Esau  ran  to  meet  him,  and  embraced 
him,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him; 
and  they  wept. 

5  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  the 
women  and  the  children ;  and  said.  Who  are 
these  with  thee  ?  And  he  said.  The  children 
whom  God  hath  graciously  given  thy  servant.'-' 

6  Then  came  the  liandmaids  near,  they 
and  their  children,  and  they  bowed  themselves. 

7  And  Leah  also  with  her  children  came 
near,  and  they  bowed  themselves ;  and  after 
that  came  Joseph  near  and  Rachel,  and  they 
bowed  themselves. 

8  And  he  said.  What  meanest  thou  by  all 
this  drove  which  I  have  met?  And  he  said,  To 
find  grace  in  the  eyes  of  my  lord. 

9  And  Esau  said,  I  have  enough,  my  bro- 
ther, keep  unto  thyself  what  thou  hast. 

10  And  Jacob  said.  This  must  not  be,  I 
pray  thee ;  if  I  have  but  found  grace  in  thy 
eyes,  then  do  thou  receive  my  present  at  m^^ 
hand;  since  I  have  seen  thy  face,  it  is  as 
though  I  had  seen  the  face  of  an  angel,  and 
because  thou  hast  received  me  kindly." 

11  Take,  I  pray  thee,  my  present''  that  is 
brought  to  thee;  because  God  hath  dealt 
graciously  with  me,  and  because  I  have  a 
plenty  of  all.  And  he  urged  him,  and  he 
took  it. 

12  And  he  said,  Let  us  depart,  and  move 
farther,  and  I  will  travel  near  thee. 

13  •  And  he  said  unto  him,  My  lord  knoweth 
that  the  children  are  tender,  and  the  flocks 
and  herds  with  young  are  a  charge  on  me  :' 
ond  if  they  should  overdrive  them  one  day,  all 
the  flock  would  die. 

14  Let  my  lord,  I  pray  thee,  pass  on  before 
his  servant:  and  I  will  lead  on  slowly,  accord- 
ing as  the  cattle  that  goeth  before  me  and 

•  After  Rashi.  "  Hcb.  "blessing." 

°  Arnheim  and  Pliilippson  regard  ''7^'  as  a  Syriac  plural 

from  the  singular  '-))}  "  the  young,"  and  render,  "and  llie 

flocks  and  the  herds  suckle  the  young." 
''  From  surrrih,  "a  booth." 
42 


the  children  may  be  able  to  travel,  until  1 
come  unto  my  lord  unto  Se'ir. 

15  And  Esau  said.  Let  me,  I  pray  thee, 
leave  with  thee  some  of  the  people  that  are 
with  me.  And  he  said,  What  needeth  it?  let 
me  onl}'  find  grace  in  the  eyes  of  my  lord. 

16  So  Esau  returned  that  day  on  his  way 
unto  Seir. 

17  And  Jacob  journeyed  to  Succoth  and 
built  himself  a  house,  and  for  his  cattle  he 
made  booths;  therefore  he  called  the  name 
of  the  place  Succoth.'' 

1 8  Tl  And  Jacob  came  m  good  health  to  the 
city  of  Shechem,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan, when  he  came  from  Padan-aram;  and 
he  encamped  before  the  city. 

19  And  he  bought  the  parcel  of  the  field, 
where  he  had  spread  his  tent,  at  the  hand  of 
the  children  of  Chamor,  the  father  of  Shechem, 
for  a  hundred  kessitah." 

20  And  he  erected  there  an  altar,  and 
called  it,  El-Eloh^-Yisrael.*' 

CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

1  ][  And  Dinah  the  daughter  of  Leah, 
whom  she  had  born  unto  Jacob,  went  out  to 
look  about  among  the  daughters  of  the  land. 

2  And  Shechem  the  son  of  Chamor  the 
Hivite,  the  piince  of  the  country,  saw  her; 
and  he  took  her,  and  lay  with  her,  and  did 
her  violence. 

3  And  his  soul  clave  unto  Dinah  the 
daughter  of  Jacob,  and  he  loved  the  maiden, 
and  spoke  kindly  unto  the  maiden. 

4  And  Shechem  spoke  unto  Chamor  his 
father,  saying,  Get  me  this  girl  for  wife. 

5  And  Jacob  heard  that  he  had  defiled 
Dinah  his  daughter;  but  his  sons  were  with 
his  cattle  in  the  field:  and  Jacob  held  his 
peace°  until  they  were  come. 

6  And  Chamor  the  father  of  Shechem  went 
out  unto  Jacob  to  speak  with  him. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Jacob  came  from  the 
field  when  they  heard  it,  and  the  men  were 
grieved,  and  it  excited  their  anger  greatly ; 
because  he  had  wrought  a  disgraceful  thing 
in  Israel  to  lie  with  the  daughter  of  Jacob, 
and  this  ought  not  to  be  done. 


"  A  particular  coin,  of  unknown  value.  The  notion  of 
Geseuius  that  each  was  worth  four  shekels  is  mere  con- 
jecture. 

'  "  Rod,  the  God  of  Israel." 

'  i.  c.  Kept  silent. 


GENESIS  XXXIV.  XXXV.     VAYISHLACH. 


8  And  Cliainor  spuku  with  them,  sajing, 
The  soul  of  Sheehem  my  son  longeth  for  ^^oui" 
daughter;  give  her,  I  pray  you,  unto  him  for 
wife. 

9  And  intermarry  with  us;  your  daughters 
ye  shall  give  unto  us,  and  our  daughters  ye 
may  take  unto  yourselves. 

10  And  with  us  shall  ye  dwell;  and  the 
land  shall  be  open  before  you;  dwell  and 
trade  ye  therein,  and  acquire  possessions 
therein. 

11  And  Sheehem  said  unto  her  father  and 
unto  her  brother,  Let  me  but  find  grace  in 
your  eyes,  and  whatever  ye  may  say  unto 
me,  I  will  give. 

12  Ask  of  me  ever  so  much  dowry  and 
gift,  and  I  will  give,  just  as  ye  may  say  unto 
me;  but  give  me  the  maiden  for  wife. 

13  And  the  sons  of  Jacob  answered  She- 
ehem and  Chamor  his  father  with  cunning, 
and  spoke;  because  he  had  defiled  Dinah 
their  sister. 

14  And  they  said  unto  them,  We  cannot 
do  this  thing,  to  give  our  sister  to  one  that  is 
uucircumcised ;  for  that  would  be  a  reproach 
unto  us. 

15  But  on  this  condition  will  we  consent 
unto  you;  if  ye  will  become  as  we  are,  that 
every  male  of  you  be  circumcised : 

16  Then  will  we  give  our  daughters  unto 
you,  and  we  will  take  your  daughters  unto 
us;  and  we  will  dwell  with  you,  and  we  will 
become  one  people. 

17  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  us,  to 
be  circumcised,  then  will  we  take  our  daugh- 
ter, and  go  our  way. 

18  And  their  words  were  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  Chamor,  and  in  the  eyes  of  Sheehem, 
the  son  of  Cliamor. 

19  And  the  young  man  deferred  not  to  do 
the  thing,  because  he  had  delight  in  Jacob's 
daughter;  and  he  was  the  most  honoured  of 
all  the  house  of  his  father. 

20  And  Chamor  and  Sheehem  his  son  came 
unto  the  gate  of  their  city,  and  spoke  with 
the  men  of  their  city,  saying, 

21  These  men  are  peaceably  inclined  with 
us ;  therefore  let  them  dwell  in  the  land,  and 


*  Mendelssohn  renders,  "  And  they  wish  to  dwell  in 
the  land  and  travel  about  therein." 

'  Eashi;  but  Onkelos  refers  nQ3  "secure,"  to  the  in- 
habitants of  the  city,  as  if  it  said,  "  expecting  no  dan- 
ger." 


trade  therein ;"  and  the  land,  behold,  it  is  large 
enough  on  all  sides  before  them ;  their  daugh- 
ters we  will  take  unto  us  for  wives,  and  our 
daughters  we  will  give  unto  them. 

22  Only  with  this  condition  will  the  men 
consent  unto  us  to  dwell  with  us,  to  become 
one  people,  if  every  male  among  us  be  circum- 
cised, as  they  are  circumcised. 

23  Their  cattle  and  tlieir  substance  and 
every  beast  of  theirs — will  they  not  be  ours? 
only  let  us  consent  unto  them,  that  they  may 
dwell  with  us. 

24  And  unto  Chamor  and  unto  Sheehem 
his  son  hearkened  all  that  went  out  of  the 
gate  of  his  city;  and  all  the  males  were  cir- 
cumcised, all  that  went  out  of  the  gate  of  his 
city. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 
when  they  were  sore,  that  two  of  the  sous  of 
Jacob,  Simeon  and  Levi,  Dinah's  Ijrothers, 
took  each  his  sword,  and  came  upon  the  city 
unresisted^  and  slew  all  the  males. 

26  And  they  slew  Chamor  and  Sheehem 
his  son  with  the  edge  of  the  sword ;  and  they 
took  Dinah  out  of  Shechem's  house,  and  went 
out. 

27  The  sons  of  Jacob  came  upon  the  slain, 
and  spoiled  the  city,  because  they  had  defiled 
their  sister. 

28  They  took  their  sheep,  and  their  oxen, 
and  their  asses,  and  that  which  was  in  the 
city,  and  that  which  was  in  the  field, 

29  And  all  their  wealth,  and  all  their  little 
ones,  and  their  w'ives  they  took  captive,  and 
spoiled;  and  all  that  was  in  the  house. 

30  And  Jacolj  said  unto  Simeon  and  Levi, 
Ye  have  troubled  me,  to  cause  me  to  be  hated" 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  among  the 
Canaanites  and  the  Perizzites :  and  as  I  am 
but  few  in  niunber,  they  may  gather  them- 
selves together  against  me,  and  slay  me ;  and 
I  would  be  destroyed,  I  and  my  house. 

31  And  they  said,  Should  he  deal  with  our 
sister  as  with  a  harlot? 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  Tl  And  God  said  unto  Jacob,  Arise,  go 
up  to  Beth-el,  and  dwell  there;  and  make 


°  'JK^'N^nS  means  literally  "  to  cause  me  to  be  in  bad 
odour,"  from  tyXD  "to  stink,"  which  term  is  (hen  figura- 
tively applied  to  a  tainted  reputation,  wliich  produces 
hate  in  others.      Hence  the  translation  in  the  text. 


43 


GENESIS  XXXV.     VAYISHLACH. 


there  an  altar  unto  tlie  God  that  appeared 
unto  thee  when  thou  fleddest  from  the  face  of 
Esau  thy  brother. 

2  Then  said  Jacob  unto  his  household,  and 
to  all  that  were  with  him,  Put  away  the 
strange  gods''  that  are  among  you,  and  cleanse 
yourselves,  and  change  your  garments. 

3  And  let  us  arise,  and  go  up  to  Beth-el; 
and  I  wll  make  there  an  altar  unto  the  God 
who  answered  me  on  the  day  of  my  distress, 
and  was  vnth  me  on  the  way  which  I  went. 

4  And  they  gave  unto  Jacob  all  the  strange 
gods  which  were  in  their  hand,  and  the  ear- 
rings which  were  in  their  ears ;  and  Jacob  hid 
them  under  the  oak  which  was  near  Shechem. 

5  And  they  journeyed;  and  the  terror  of 
God  Avas  upon  the  cities  that  were*  round 
al)out  them,  and  they  did  not  pursue  after  the 
sous  of  Jacob. 

6  So  Jacob  came  to  Luz,  which  is  in  the 
laud  of  Canaan,  that  is,  Beth-el,  he  and  all 
the  people  that  were  with  him. 

7  And  he  built  there  an  altar,  and  called 
the  place  El-beth-el  :^  because  there  God"  ap- 
peared unto  him,  when  he  fled  from  the  face 
of  his  brother. 

8  And  Deborah  Rebekah's  nui-se  died,  and 
she  was  buried  beneath*^  Beth-el  under  an 
oak:  and  he  called  its  name  AUon-bachuth.'^ 

9  ^  And  God  aj^peared  unto  Jacob  again, 
when  he  came  from  Padan-aram,  and  blessed 
him. 

10  And  God  said  unto  him.  Thy  name  is 
Jacob;  thy  name  shall  not  be  called  any 
more  Jacob,  but  Israel  shall  be  thy  name : 
and  he  called  his  name  Israel. 

11  And  God  said  unto  him,  I  am  God  the 
Almighty;  be  fruitful  and  multiply;  a  nation 
and  an  assemblage  of  nations^  shall  spruig 
from  thee,  and  kings  shall  come  out  of  thy 
loins.* 

12  And  the  land  which  I  gave  to  Abraham 
and  to  Isaac,  to  thee  will  I  give  it;  and  to 
thy  seed  after  thee  will  I  give  the  land. 

13  And  God  went  up  from  him  on  the 
place  where  he  had  spoken  with  him.* 

14  And  Jacob  set  up  a  pUlar  at  the  place 

"  llcfcrring  probably  to  images  tliey  had  found  among 
thfi  spoil  of  till!  city  of  Sljechem. 

"  "  God  of  Bethel." 

"  According  to  llashi  and  the  Massorah ;  but  On- 
kelos  renders,  "for  there  appeared  to  him  the  angels  of 
the  LoiiD  " 

''  Ou  the  declivity  leading  to  it. 
44 


where  he  had  spoken  with  him,  a  pillar  of 
stone;  and  he  poured  a  drink  offering  thereon, 
and  he  poured  oil  thereon. 

15  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place 
where  God  had  spoken  with  him,  Beth-el. 

16  And  they  journej'ed  from  Beth-el ;  and 
there  was  yet  some  distance  to  come  to 
Ephrath,  when  Rachel  travailed,  and  she  had 
hard  labour. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  was  in 
hard  labour,  that  the  midwife  said  unto  her, 
Fear  not;  for  this  child  also  is  a  son  for 
thee.« 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  her  soul  was 
departing,  (for  she  died,)  that  she  called  his 
name  Ben-oni  •}  but  his  father  called  him  Ben- 
jamin.' 

19  And  so  Rachel  died,  and  was  buried  on 
the  way  to  Ephrath,  whicli  is  Beth-lechem. 

20  And  Jacob  set  a  pillar  upon  her  grave ; 
this  is  the  pillar  of  Rachel's  grave  unto  his 
day. 

21  And  Israel  journeyed,  and  spread  his 
tent  beyond  the  tower  of  flocks  (Eder) . 

22  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Israel  dwelt 
in  that  land,  that  Reuben  Avent  and  lay  with 
Bilhah  his  father's  concubme;  and  Israel 
heard  it. 

][  Now  the  sons  of  Jacob  were  twelve. 

23  The  sons  of  Leah,  Jacob's  first-born,  Reii- 
ben,  and  Simeon,  and  Levi,  and  Judah,  and 
Issachar,  and  Zebulun. 

24  The  sons  of  Rachel,  Joseph,  and  Ben- 
jamin. 

25  And  the  sons  of  Bilhah,  Rachel's  hand- 
maid, Dan,  and  Naphtali. 

26  And  the  sons  of  Zilpah,  Leah's  hand- 
maid, Gad,  and  Asher:  these  are  the  sons  of 
Jacob,  that  were  born  to  him  in  Padan-aram. 

27  And  Jacob  came  unto  Isaac  his  father 
unto  Mamre,  the  city  of  Arha",  which  is 
Hebron,  where  Abraham  and  Isaac  had  so- 
journed. 

28  And  the  days  of  Isaac  were  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  years. 

29  And  Isaac  departed  this  life,  and  died, 
and  was  gathered  unto  his  people,  old  and 

'  "  Oak  of  weeping." 
'  "  Tribes."— Onkelos. 

'  No  doubt  referring  to  Rachel's  vvi.sh  at  the  birth  of 
Joseph.     (Gen.  xxx.  24.) 
'  "  Son  of  my  pain." 
'  "  Soil  of  my  old  age." 


GENESIS  XXXVI.     VAYISnLA(!H. 


full  of  days;  aud  Esau  and  Jacob  his  sons 
buried  him. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  T[  Now  these  are  the  generations  of  Esau, 
who  is  Edom. 

2  Esau  took  his  wives  ol'  the  daughters  of 
Cauaan ;  Adah*  the  daughter  of  Elon  the  Hit^ 
tite,  aud  Aholibamah  tlie  daughter  of  Anah 
the  daughter  of  Zibeon  the  Hivite ; 

3  And  Bahseniath  Ishniael's  daughter,  the 
sister  of  Nebayoth. 

4  And  Adah  bore  to  Esau  Eliphaz;  and 
Bahsemath  bore  lleiiel; 

5  Aud  Aholibamah  bore  Yeiish,  and  Ya'lam, 
aud  Korach :  these  are  the  sous  of  Esau,  that 
were  born  unto  him  in  the  land  Canaan. 

6  And  Esau  took  his  wives,  and  his  sons, 
and  his  daughters,  aud  all  the  persons  of  his 
house,  and  his  cattle,  and  all  his  beasts,  aud 
all  his  substance,  which  he  had  gotten  in  the 
land  of  Canaan;  and  went  into  another 
country  from  the  face  of  his  brother  Jacob. 

7  For  their  riches  were  more  than  that 
they  might  dwell  together;  and  the  land  of 
their  sojourning  could  not  bear  them,  because 
of  their  cattle. 

8  Thus  dwelt  Esau  in  mount  Se'ir:  Esau 
is  Edom. 

9  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Esau 
the  father  of  the  Edom  in  mount  Seir. 

10  These  are  the  names  of  Esau's  sons: 
EUphaz  the  son  of  Adah  the  wife  of  Esau, 
Eeiiel  the  son  of  Bahsemath  the  wife  of  Esau. 

11  And  the  sons  of  Eliphaz  were  Teman, 
Omar,  Zepho,  and  Ga'tam,  and  Kenaz. 

12  And  Timna  was  concubine  to  Eliphaz 
Esau's  son :  and  she  bore  to  Eliphaz  Amalek ; 
these  were  the  sons  of  Adah,  Esau's  wife. 

1 3  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Eeiiel :  Na^ 
chath,  and  Zerach,  Shammah,  and  Mizzah; 
these  were  the  sons  of  Bahsemath,  Esau's 
wife. 

14  And  these  were  the  sons  of  Aholibamah, 
the  daughter  of  Anah  the  daughter  of  Zibeon, 


"  In  Genesis  xxvi.  34,  the  wives  of  Esau  are  called 
Judith,  daughter  of  Beeri  the  Hittite,  and  Bahsemath, 
daughter  of  Elon ;  we  may  therefore  assume  that  the 
daughter  of  Beeri  died  childless,  when  Esau  took  Aholi- 
bamah; and  regarding  the  names  of  Adah,  in  the  case  of 
the  daughter  of  Elon,  and  of  Bahsemath,  the  daughter  of 
Ishmael,  we  can  suppose  that  they  may  have  beeu  terms 
of  endearment  applied  to  thoni.  For  instance,  mi"  'Aifidi, 
from  "\y  'Adi,  "ornament,"  noiyj  Bahsemath,  from  ow2 


Esau's  wife :  aud  she  bore  to  Esau  Yeiisli,  and 
Ya'lam,  and  Korach. 

15  These  are  the  dukes'*  of  the  sons  ol" 
Esau;  the  sons  of  Eliphaz  the  first-born  of 
Esau :  duke  Teman,  duke  Omar,  duke  Zepho, 
duke  Kenaz, 

16  Duke  Korach,  duke  Ga'tam,  duke  Auui- 
lek;  these  are  the  dukes  of  Eliphaz  in  the 
land  of  Edom;  these  are  the  sons  of  Adah. 

17  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Reiiel  Esau's 
son :  duke  Nachath,  duke  Zerach,  duke  Sham- 
mah, duke  jNliz/.ah ;  these  are  the  dukes  of 
Reiiel  in  the  land  of  Edom;  these  are  tlie 
sons  of  Bahsemath,  Esau's  wife. 

18  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Aholibamah, 
Esau's  wife :  duke  Y^eiish,  duke  Y'a'lam,  duke 
Korach ;  these  are  the  dukes  of  Aholibamah 
the  daughter  of  Anah,  Esau's  wife. 

19  These  are  the  sons  of  Esau,  and  these 
are  their  dukes;  this  is  Edom."^' 

20  ][  These  are  the  sons  of  Se'ir  the  Chorite, 
who  inhabited  the  land :  Lotan,  and  Shobal, 
and  Zibeon,  aud  Anah, 

21  And  Dishon,  and  Etzer,  and  Dish  an; 
these  are  the  dukes  of  the  Chorites,  the  chil- 
dren of  Se'ir  in  the  land  of  Edom. 

22  And  the  children  of  Lotan  were  Chori 
and  Hemau;  and  Lotan's  sister  was  Tiunia. 

23  And  these  were  the  childi-en  of  Shobal : 
Alvan,  and  Manachath,  and  Ebal,  Shepho, 
and  Onam. 

24  And  these  are  the  children  of  Zibeon : 
both  Ajah,  and  Anah;  this  was  that  Anah 
that  found  the  mules"  in  the  wilderness,  as 
he  fed  the  asses  of  ZiJjeon  his  father. 

25  And  these  are  the  children  of  Anah : 
Dishon,  and  Aholibamah  the  daughter  of 
Anah. 

26  And  these  are  the  children  of  Dishan  i"* 
Chemdan,  and  Eshban,  aud  Yithran,  and 
Cheran. 

27  These  are  the  children  of  Etzer :  Bilhan, 
and  Zalivan,  and  Akan. 

28  These  are  the  children  of  Dishan :  Uz, 
and  Aran. 


hossem,  "spice."  Such  names  are  not  uncommon  in  the 
East. 

•■  Others,  "princes  of  tribes." 

"The  word  wy  ycmhn,  here  rendered  "mules,"  has 
been  variously  interpreted,  as  it  is  but  once  met  with ; 
the  first  with  nudes;  secondly,  with  "giants,"  same  as 
eniini,  and  again  "warm  springs."  The  version  here  is 
according  to  Talmud. 

"  Eng.  ver.  "Dishon." 


GENESIS  XXXVI.  XXXVII.     VAYESHEB. 


29  These  are  the  dukes  of  the  Chorites: 
iuke  Lotan,  duke  Shobal,  duke  Zibeon,  duke 
Anah ; 

30  Duke  Dishon,  duke  Etzer,  duke  Dishan ; 
these  are  the  dukes  of  the  Chorites,  after  their 
dukes  in  the  hind  of  Se'ir. 

31  ][  And  these  are  the  kings  that  reigned 
in  the  land  of  Edom,  before  there  reigned  any 
king  over  the  children  of  Israel." 

32  And  there  reigned  in  Edom  Bela  the 
son  of  Beor:  and  the  name  of  his  city  was 
Dinhabah. 

33  And  Bela  died,  and  there  reigned  in  his 
stead  Yobab  the  son  of  Zerach  of  Bozrah. 

34  And  Yobab  died,  and  there  reigiaed  in 
his  stead  Chusham  of  the  land  of  Teman. 

35  And  Chusham  died,  and  there  reigned 
in  his  stead  Hadad  the  son  of  Bedad,  who 
smote  Midian  in  the  field  of  Moab;  and  the 
name  of  his  city  was  Avith. 

36  And  Hadad  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Sam  I  ah  of  Masrekah. 

37  And  Samlah  died,  and  there  reigned 
in  his  stead  Shaiil  of  Rechoboth  by  the 
river. 

38  And  Shaiil  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Baiil-chanan  the  son  of  Achbor. 

39  And  Baal-chanan  the  son  of  Achbor 
died,  and  there  reigned  in  his  stead  Hadar, 
and  the  name  of  his  city  was  Pati ;  and  his 
wife's  name  was  Mehetabel,  the  daughter  of 
Hatred,  the  daughter  (jf  Me-zahab,--- 

40  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  dukes 
of  Esau,  according  to  their  families,  after 
their  ])laces,  by  their  names :  duke  Timna, 
duke  Alvah,  duke  Yetheth, 

41  Duke  Aholibamah,  duke  Elah,  duke 
Pinon, 

42  Duke  Kenaz,  duke  Teman,  duke  Mib- 
zar, 

43  Duke  Magdiel,  duke  Iram  ;  these  are 
the  dukes  of  Edom,  according  to  their  habita^ 
tions  in  the  land  of  their  possession ;  this  is 
Esau  the  father  of  the  Edom. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Hosea  xii.  13,  to  xiv.  10.    Others  read  fromxi. 
7  to  xii.  12.     The  Portuguese  read  Obadiah  i.  1-21. 


"  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  last  of  the  eight  kings 
incntioucd  here,  was  the  king  of  Edom  in  the  days  of 
.Moses,  (Numb.  xx.  14,)  and  this  verse  then  only  ex- 
presses that  pjdom  had  a  consolidated  government,  while 
Israel  was  enslaved. 

■"  /.  c.  He  kept  more  with  them  than  the  others  who 
ivere  the  sons  of  Lciih. 

°  This  refers  to  his  brothers  mentioned  at  first. 
4G 


SECTION  IX.     VAYESHEB,  20. 
CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

1  ^  And  Jacob  dwelt  in  the  land  of  his 
father's  sojourning,  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

2  These  are  the  generations  of  Jacob.  Jo- 
seph, being  seventeen  years  old,  was  feeding 
the  flock  with  his  brothers ;  and  he  was  as  a 
lad*"  with  the  sons  of  Bilhali,  and  with  the 
sons  of  Zilpah,  his  father's  wives ;  and  Joseph 
brought  evil  reports  of  them''  unto  his  father. 

3  Now  Israel  loved  Joseph  more  than  all 
his  children,  because  he  was  the  son  of  his 
old  age ;  and  he  made  him  a  coat  of  many 
colours.'' 

4  And  when  his  brothers  saw  that  their 
father  loved  him  more  than  all  his  brothers, 
they  hated  him,  and  could  not  speak  peace- 
ably unto  him. 

5  And  Joseph  dreamed  a  dream,  and  he 
told  it  to  his  brothers:  and  they  hated  him  yet 
the  more. 

6  And  he  said  unto  them.  Hear,  I  pray 
you,  this  dream  which  I  have  dreamed. 

7  And,  behold,  we  were  binding  sheaves  in 
the  field,  and,  lo,  my  sheaf  arose,  and  also  re- 
mained standing  upright ;  and,  behold,  your 
sheaves  placed  themselves  round  about,  and 
made  obeisance  to  my  sheaf 

8  And  his  brothers  said  to  him,  Shalt  thou 
indeed  reign  over  us  ?  or  shalt  thou  indeed 
have  dominion  over  us  ?  And  they  hated  him 
yet  the  more  for  his  dreams,  and  for  his  words. 

9  And  he  dreamed  yet  another  dream,  and 
told  it  to  his  brothers;  and  he  said,  Behold,  I 
have  dreamed  a  dream  more;  and,  behold, 
the  sun  and  the  moon  and  eleven  stars  made 
obeisance  to  me. 

10  And  he  told  it  to  his  father,  and  to  his 
brothers ;  and  his  fother  rebuked  him.  and 
said  unto  him.  What  is  this  dream  that  thou 
hast  dreamed  ?  Shall  we  indeed  come,  I  and 
thy  mother,  and  thy  brothers,  to  bow  down 
ourselves  to  thee  to  the  earth  ? 

11  And  his  brothers  envied  him ;  but  his 
father  noted"  the  matter  (in  his  mind).* 


^  Here  is  shown  the  danger  of  preferring  one  child  be- 
fore the  others,  although  he  may  deserve  it;  the  preference 
shown  by  Jacob  was  as  much  cause  for  the  hatred  toward 
Joseph  as  his  own  fault  of  talebearing. 

°  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi  comments,  "  He  waited  and  watched 
to  see  when  it  would  come  to  pass."  Onkelos  renders 
imn  with  "the  word." 


GENESIS  XXXVII.  XXXVIII.     VAYESIIEB. 


12  And  his  brothers  went  to  feed  their 
father's  flocks  in  Shechem. 

13  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Do  not 
thy  brothers  feed  (the  flocks)  in  Shechem  ? 
come,  and  I  will  send  thee  unto  them.  And 
he  said  to  him,  Here  am  I.° 

14  And  he  said  to  him,  Go,  I  pray  thee, 
see  whether  it  be  well  with  thy  brothers,  and 
well  with  the  flocks;  and  bring  me  word  again. 
So  he  sent  him  from  the  vale  of  Hebron,  and 
he  came  to  Shechem. 

15  And  a  certain  man  tbund  liim,  and,  be- 
hold, he  was  wandering  astray  in  the  field ;  and 
the  man  asked  him,  saying.  What  seekest 
thou? 

16  And  he  said,  I  seek  my  brothers;  tell 
me,  I  pray  thee,  where  they  are  feeding  their 
flocks  ? 

17  And  the  man  said,  They  are  departed 
hence ;  for  I  heard  them  say.  Let  us  go  to 
Dotlian.  And  Joseph  went  after  his  brothers, 
and  found  them  in  Dothau. 

18  And  when  they  saw  him  afar  off,  even 
before  he  came  near  unto  them,  they  con- 
spired against  him  to  slay  him. 

19  And  they  said  one  to  another.  Behold, 
here  cometh  this  man  of  dreams. 

20  And  now,  come  and  let  us  slay  him, 
and  cast  him  into  one  of  the  pits,  and  we  will 
say.  Some  evil  beast  hath  devoured  him ; 
and  we  shall  see  what  will  become  of  his 
dreams. 

21  And  when  Reuben  heard  it,  he  de- 
livered him  out  of  their  hand ;  and  he  said. 
Let  us  not  put  him  to  death. 

22  And  Reiiben  said  unto  them,  Do  not 
shed  Ijlood ;  but  cast  him  into  this  pit  that  is 
in  tlie  wilderness,  but  do  not  lay  hand  upon 
liim ; — in  order  that  he  might  deliver  him 
out  of  their  hand,  to  bring  him  back  again  to 
his  father.* 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joseph  was 
come  unto  his  brothers,  that  they  stript  Jo- 
seph of  his  coat,  the  coat  of  many  colours 
that  was  on  him ; 

24  And  they  took  him,  and  cast  him  into 
the  pit;  and  the  pit  was  empty;  there  was  no 
water  in  it. 


'  This  phrase,  frequently  used  in  Scripture,  expresses 
the  readiness  to  do  what  is  bidden. 

^  "The  term  Ishmaelites,  in  this  and  verse  25,  appears 
to  have  been  the  collective  names  of  all  the  Din  'J3  'the 

eastern  nationsj'  as   the   Turks  now  call  all   Europeans, 


25  And  they  sat  do^vn  to  eat  bread :  and 
they  lifted  up  their  eyes  and  looked,  and,  be- 
hold, a  company  of  Ishmaelites  was  coming 
from  Gileiid ;  and  their  camels  were  bearing 
spicery,  and  balm,  and  lotus,  going  to  carrj' 
it  down  to  Egypt. 

26  And  Judah  said  unto  his  brothers.  What 
profit  will  it  be  if  we  slay  our  brother,  and 
conceal  his  blood  ? 

27  Come,  and  let  us  sell  him  to  the  Ish- 
maelites, but  let  our  hand  not  be  upon  him  ; 
for  he  is  our  brother,  our  flesh.  And  his  l)ro- 
thers  hearkened  to  him. 

28  And  when  the  Midianitish''  men,  mer- 
chants, passed  by,  they  drew  and  lilted  up 
Joseph  out  of  the  pit,  and  sold  Joseph  to  the 
Ishmaelites  for  twenty  pieces  of  siher :  and 
they  brouglit  Joseph  into  Egypt. 

29  And  when  Reuben  returned  unto  the 
pit,  and,  behold,  Joseph  was  not  in  the  pit, 
he  rent  his  clothes. 

30  And  he  returned  unto  his  brothers,  and 
said.  The  child  is  not  there ;  and  I,  whither 
shall  I  go  ? 

31  And  they  took  Joseph's  coat,  and  killed 
a  he-goat,"  and  dipped  the  coat  in  the  blood ; 

32  And  they  sent  the  coat  of  many  coloiu's, 
and  they  brought  it  to  their  father,  and  said, 
This  have  we  found  :  acknowledge,  we  pray 
thee,  whether  it  be  th}^  son's  coat  or  not. 

33  And  he  recognised  it,  and  said.  It  is  my 
son's  coat ;  an  evil  beast  hath  devoured  him ; 
Joseph  is  surely  torn  in  pieces. 

34  And  Jacob  rent  his  clothes,  and  put 
sackcloth  upon  his  loins,  and  mourned  for 
his  son  many  days. 

35  And  all  his  sons  and  all  his  daughters 
rose  up  to  comfort  him;  but  he  refused  to 
be  comforted;  and  he  said.  For  I  must  go 
down  unto  my  son,  mourning,  into  the  grave; 
thus  his  father  wept  for  him. 

36  And  the  Midianites  sold  him  into  Egypt 
unto  Potiphar,  an  officer  of  Pharaoh's,  the 
captain  of  the  guards.''' 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  that  time,  that 
Judah  went  do^^^l  from  his  brothers,  and  he 

'  Franks.'  " — Arnheim.  The  Midianitish  merchants  are 
accordingly  the  same  Ishmaelites  spoken  of  at  first ;  and 
this,  which  is  also  after  Rashbam,  is  evidently  the  correct 
construction. 


Heb.  "  buck  of  the  goats." 


47 


GENESIS  XXXVIII.     VAYESHEB. 


pitched"  his  teut  with  a  certain  Adullamite 
whose  name  was  Chirah. 

2  And  Judah  saw  there  a  daughter  of  a 
certain  Canaanite,''  Avhose  name  was  Shua ; 
and  lie  took  her,  and  went  ui  unto  her. 

3  And  she  conceived,  and  bore  a  son ;  and 
he  called  his  name  'Er. 

4  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bore  a  son ; 
and  she  called  his  name  Onan. 

5  And  she  again  bore  another  son;  and 
she  called  his  name  Shelali :  and  he  was  at 
Chezib,  when  she  bore  him. 

6  And  Judah  took  a  wife  for  'Er  his  first- 
born, whose  name  was  Tamar. 

7  And  'Er,  Judah's  first-born,  was  displeas- 
ing in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  Lord 
slew  him. 

8  And  Judah  said  unto  Onan,  Go  in  unto 
thy  brother's  wife,  and  take  her,  as  her 
brother-in-law,"  and  raise  up  seed  to  thy 
brother. 

9  Onan  thus  knew  that  the  seed  should 
not  be  his ;  and  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  went 
in  unto  his  brother's  wife,  that  he  spilled  it 
on  the  ground,  so  as  not  to  give  seed  unto  his 
brother. 

10  And  the  thing  which  he  did  was  dis- 
pleasing in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  ;  wherefore 
Qe  slew  him  also. 

11  Then  said  Judah  to  Tamar  his  daugh ter- 
m-law, Remain  a  widow  at  thy  father's  house, 
till  Shelah  my  son  be  grown ;  for  he  thought, 
Lest  peradventure  he  die  also,  as  his  brothers 
have  done.  And  Tamar  went  and  dwelt  in 
her  father's  house. 

12  And  many  days  had  elapsed  when  the 
daughter  of  Shua,  Judah's  wife,  died;  and 
after  Judah  was  comforted,  he  went  up  unto 
his  sheep-shearers,  he  and  his  friend  Chirah 
the  Adullamite,  to  Timnah. 

13  And  it  was  told  unto  Tamar,  saying. 
Behold  thy  father-in-law  goeth  up  to  Timnah 
to  shear  his  sheep. 

14  And  she  put  her  widow's  garments  off 
from  her,  and  covered  herself  with  a  vail,  and 
concealed  her  face,  and  seated  herself  at  the 
cross-road,''  which  is  by  tlie  way  to  Timnah ; 
for  she  saw  that  Shelah  was  grown,  and  she 
was  not  given  unto  him  for  wife. 

•  McndGlssolin ;  Kashi  and  others  ronJt-r  t3'1   "  and  re- 
moving took  up  Ilia  residence  with,"  &c. 
'  "  Merchant." — Onkelos. 
'  See  r>eut.  xxv.  .'i,  (i. 

''  Rashi ;  "at  tlie  entrance  to  tlie  double-spring,"  Aben 
48 


15  And  Judah  saw  her,  and  thought  her 
to  be  a  harlot;  because  she  had  covered  her 
face. 

16  And  he  turned  unto  her  by  the  way, 
and  said,  Go  to,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  come  in 
unto  thee ;  (for  he  knew  not  that  she  was  his 
daughter-in-law.)  And  she  said.  What  wilt 
thou  give  me,  that  thou  mayest  come  in  untti 
me? 

17  And  he  said,  I  will  send  thee  a  kid 
from  the  flock.  And  she  said,  If  thou  wilt 
give  me  a  pledge,  till  thou  send  it. 

18  And  he  said.  What  is  the  pledge  which 
I  shall  give  thee  ?  And  she  said,  Thy  signet, 
and  thy  scarf,*"  and  thy  staff  that  is  in  thy 
hand.  And  he  gave  them  to  her,  and  came 
in  unto  her,  and  she  conceived  by  him. 

19  And  she  arose,  and  went  away,  and  laid 
by  her  vail  from  her,  and  put  on  the  garments 
of  her  widowhood. 

20  And  Judah  sent  the  kid  by  the  hand  of 
his  friend  the  Adullamite,  to  take  the  pledge 
out  of  the  woman's  hand ;  but  he  found  her 
not. 

21  Then  he  asked  the  men  of  her  place, 
saying,  Where  is  the  harlot,  that  was  at  the 
cross-road  on  the  highway  ?  And  they  said, 
There  hath  been  no  harlot  in  this  neighbour- 
hood. 

22  And  he  returned  to  Judah,  and  said,  I 
cannot  find  her;  and  also  the  men  of  the 
place  have  said.  There  hath  been  no  harlot 
in  this  place. 

23  And  Judah  said.  Let  her  keep  it,  lest 
we  be  put  to  shame ;  behold,  I  sent  this  kid, 
and  thou  hast  not  found  her. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass  about  three  months 
after,  that  it  was  told  to  Judah,  saying,  Ta- 
mar thy  daughter-in-law  hath  played  the  har- 
lot; and  also,  behold,  she  is  with  child  by 
prostitution.  And  Judah  said.  Lead  her  forth, 
and  let  her  be  burnt. 

25  When  she  was  led  forth,  she  sent  to  her 
father-in-hiAV,  saying.  By  the  man,  whose 
these  are,  am  I  with  child :  and  she  said.  Ac- 
knowledge, I  pray  thee,  to  whom  belong 
these,  the  signet,  the  scarf,  and  stafi". 

26  And  Judah  acknowledged  them,  and 
said.  She  hath  been  more  righteous  than  I ; 

Ezra;  "at  the  gate  of 'Enayim,"  according  to  others, 
thinking  it  identical  with  the  'Enaui  of  Joshua  sv.  34; 
others  again,  "in  the  open  place"  or  "open  road." 

'  Kashi  and  Onkelos;  others,  simply  "  thy  string,"  t".  e. 
)iy  which  the  seal  was  hung  round  the  neck. 


GENESIS  XXXVIII.  XXXIX.     VAYESIIEB. 


because  that  I  gave  her  not  to  Shelali  m}- 
sou.    And  he  knew  her  not  again  any  more. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  time  of  her 
travail,  that,  belaold,  twins  were  in  her 
womb. 

28  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  tra- 
vailed, that  the  one  put  out  his  hand :  and 
the  midwife  took  and  Ijound  upon  his  hand  a 
scarlet  thread,  saying,  This  came  out  first. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  drew  back 
his  hand,  that,  behold  his  brother  came  out; 
and  she  said.  How  hast  thou  broken  forth? 
this  breach  is  upon  thee :  therefore  his  name 
was  called  Perez." 

30  And  afterward  came  out  his  brother, 
that  had  the  scarlet  thread  upon  his  hand : 
and  his  name  was  called  Zerach.'* 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  ][  And  Joseph  was  brought  down  to 
Egypt;  and  Potiphar,  an  officer  of  Pharaoh, 
the  captain  of  the  guards,  an  Egyptian,  bought 
him  of  the  hands  of  the  Ishmaelites,  who  had 
brought  him  down  thither. 

2  And  the  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and  he 
was  a  prosperous  man;  and  he  was  thus  m 
the  house  of  his  master  the  Egyptian. 

3  And  when  his  master  saw  that  the  Lord 
was  ^vith  him,  and  that  the  Lord  caused  all 
that  he  did  to  prosper  in  his  hand : 

4  Joseph  found  grace  in  his  eyes,  and  he 
served  him;  and  he  made  him  overseer  over 
his  house,  and  all  that  he  had  he  put  into  his 
hand. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass  from  the  time  he 
had  made  him  overseer  in  his  house,  and  over 
all  that  he  had,  that  the  Lord  blessed  the 
Egyptian's  house  for  the  sake  of  Joseph;  and 
the  blessing  of  the  Lord  was  upon  all  that  he 
had,  in  the  house  and  in  the  field. 

6  And  he  left  all  that  he  had  in  Joseph's 
hand;  and  he  troubled  himself  not"  about 
aught  he  had,  save  the  bread  which  he  did 
eat.  And  Joseph  was  handsome  in  form  and 
handsome  in  appearance.* 

7  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things, 

'From  -pi)  parotz,  "to  break  forth,"  "to  make  a 
break." 

''  From  rriT  zaroach  "  to  shine,"  applied  to  the  sub, 
"  to  rise." 

'  Heb.  "  Knew  not." 

''  This  assertion  of  Joseph  clearly  proves  with  Scriptui-c 
evidence,  that  the  sons  of  Noah  were  prohibited  the  com- 
mission of  incest.     When  therefore  the  Canaanites  became 

Q 


that  his   master's    wife   cast  her  eyes   upon 
Joseph;  and  she  said,  Lie  with  me. 

8  But  he  refused,  and  said  unto  his  mas- 
ter's Avife,  Behold,  my  master  troubleth  him- 
self not  about  what  is  with  me  in  the  house, 
and  he  hath  committed  all  that  he  hath  into 
my  hand; 

9  There  is  none  greater  in  this  house  than 
I ;  neither  hath  he  kept  back  any  thing  from 
me  but  thee,  because  thou  art  his  wife :  how 
then  can  I  do  this  great  evil,  and  sin  against 
God?" 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  spoke  to 
Joseph  day  by  day,  and  he  hearkened  not 
unto  her,  to  lie  by  her,  or  to  be  with  her; 

11  That  it  came  to  pass  one  particular 
day,  that  he  went  into  the  house  to  do  his 
business;  and  there  was  none  of  the  men  of 
the  house  there  within. 

12  And  she  caught  him  by  his  garment, 
saying,  Lie  with  me;  and  he  left  his  garment  in 
her  hand,  and  fled,  and  ran  out  into  the  street. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  saw  that 
he  had  left  his  garment  in  her  hand,  and  was 
fled  forth, 

11  That  she  called  unto  the  men  of  her 
house,  and  spoke  unto  them,  saying,  See,  he 
hath  brought  in  unto  us  a  Hebrew  man  to 
have  his  sporfwith  us  ;  he  came  in  unto  me 
to  lie  with  me,  and  I  cried  with  a  loud  voice : 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  heard 
that  I  lifted  uj)  my  voice  and  cried,  that  he 
loft  his  garment  with  me,  and  fled,  and  ran 
out  into  the  street. 

16  And  she  laid  up  his  garment  by  her 
until  his  lord  came  home. 

17  And  she  spoke  unto  him  according  to 
these  words,  saying.  The  HebreA\'  servant 
whom  thou  hast  brought  unto  us,  came  in 
unto  me  to  have  his  sport  with  me. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  I  lifted  up  my 
voice  and  cried,  that  he  left  his. garment  with 
me,  and  fled  forth. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  his  master 
heard  the  words  of  his  wife,  which  she  spoke 
unto  him,  saying.  After   this    manner    hath 

corrupt,  and  lived  in  a  manner  so  contrary  to  the  laws  of 
the  Bible  in  this  respect,  they  wore  justly  doomed  to  ex- 
pulsion froi;i  the  land  which  they  had  defiled.  This  view 
of  the  subject  will  also  explain  the  passage  in  Leviticus 
six.  27,  28, 

'  pns  "to  laugh,"  then  "to  mock,"  and  finally  "to  do 
acts  of  mischief  and  wantonness." 


i'J 


GENESIS  XXXIX.  XL.     VAYESIIEB. 


thy  servant  done  to  mej  that  his  wrath  was 
kindled. 

20  And  Joseph's  master  took  him,  and  put 
him  into  the  prison,"  tlie  place  where  the 
king's  prisoners  were  imprisoned :  and  he  was 
there  in  the  pi'ison. 

21  But  the  Lord  was  with  Joseph,  and 
caused  him  to  find  kindness,  and  gave  him 
favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  superintendent  of 
the  prison. 

22  And  the  superintendent  of  the  prison 
committed  into  Joseph's  hand  all  tlie  prisoners 
that  were  in  the  prison ;  and  whatsoever  they 
did  there,  was  done  through  him.'' 

23  The  superintendent  of  the  prison  looked 
not  after  the  least  that  was  under  his  hand, 
because  the  Lord  Avas  with  him;  and  that 
which  he  did,  the  Lord  made  to  prosper.'^' 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  ]]  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things, 
that  the  butler  of  the  king  of  Egypt  and  the 
baker  committed  an  ofience,  against  their 
lord  the  king  of  Egypt. 

2  And  Pharaoh  was  wroth  against  his  two 
officers,  against  the  chief  of  the  butlers,  and 
against  the  chief  of  the  bakers. 

-3  And  he  put  them  in  ward  in  the  house 
of  the  captain  of  the  guards,  into  the  prison, 
the  place  whei'e  Joseph  was  confined." 

4  And  the  captain  of  the  guards  charged 
Joseph  with  them,  and  he  served  them;  and 
they  continued  a  season''  in  ward. 

5  And  they  dreamed  a  dream,both  of  them, 
each  his  dream  in  one  night,  each  in  accord- 
ance with  the  interpretation  of  his  dream,  the 
butler  and  the  baker  of  the  king  of  Egypt, 
who  were  confined  in  the  prison. 

6  And  Joseph  came  in  unto  them  in  the 
morning,  and  looked  at  them,  and,  behold, 
they  were  sad. 

7  And  he  asked  the  officers  of  Pharaoh 
that  were  with  him  in  ward  in  his  lord's 
house,  saying.  Wherefore  look  ye  so  sadly 
to-day? 

8  And  they  said  unto  him,  We  have  dream- 
ed a  dream,  and  there  is  none  to  interpret  it. 

'  Lit.  "prison-house." 

*•  Hnb.  "lie  was  the  doer  thereof." 

'From  1DN,  "to  bind,  to  imprison,"  not  ncccss<arily 
therefore  "bound,"  as  in  the  English  version. 

''  Rashi  and  Mendelssohn,  "and  they  were  a  whole 
year,"  &e. 

•  nn  is  perhaps  an  alibrcviatiou  for  D'ln,  "uobh's, 
50 


And  Josejjh  said  unto  them,  Dc  not  interpre- 
tations belong  to  God?  tell  it  to  me,  I  pray 
you. 

9  The  chief  of  tlie  butlers  then  told  his 
dream  to  Joseph,  and  said  to  him.  In  my 
dream,  behold,  a  vine  was  before  me; 

10  And  on  the  vme  were  three  branches; 
and  it  was  as  though  it  budded,  shot  forth  its 
blossoms,  and  on  its  clusters  the  grapes  be- 
came ripe: 

11  And  Pharaoh's  cup  was  in  my  hand; 
and  I  took  the  grapes,  and  pressed  them  out 
into  Pharaoh's  cup,  and  I  jjlaced  the  cup  into 
Pharaoh's  hand. 

12  And  Jo.seph  said  unto  him,  This  is  its 
interpretation :  The  three  branches  are  three 
days ; 

13  Within  yet  three  days  will  Pharaoh 
lift  up  thy  head,  and  restore  thee  unto  thy 
office;  and  thou  shalt  place  Pharaoh's  cup 
into  his  hand,  after  the  former  manner  when 
thou  wast  his  butler. 

14  Therefore  if  thou  thinkest  on  me  when 
it  shall  be  well  with  thee,  then  sho^v  kind- 
ness, I  pray  thee,  unto  me,  and  make  mention 
of  me  unto  Pharaoh,  and  brmg  me  out  of  this 
house ; 

15  For  indeed  I  was  stolen  away  out  of 
the  land  of  the  Hebrews;  and  here  also  have 
I  not  done  the  least  that  they  should  })ut  me 
into  the  dungeon. 

16  And  when  the  chief  of  the  Ijakers  saw 
that  he  had  well  interpreted,  he  said  unto  Jo- 
seph, I  also  (saw)  in  my  dream,  and,  behold,  I 
had  three  baskets  "WTth  fine  Ijread  on  my  head :" 

17  And  in  the  uppermost  Ijasket  there  was 
of  all  numuer  of  bakemeats,  used  as  food  for 
Pharaoh ;  and  the  birds  did  eat  them  out  of 
the  basket  from  my  head. 

18  And  Joseph  answered  and  said.  This  is 
its  interpretation :  The  thi'ee  ba.skets  are 
three  days; 

19  Within  yet  three  days  will  I'liaraoh 
lift  up  thy  head  from  off  thee,  and  will  hang 
thee  on  a  tree;  and  the  birds  shall  eat  thy 
Hesh  from  off  thee.'-' 

20  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 

lords,"  and  it  is  then  an  ellipsis  for  D'ln  DnS,  "bread  for 
the  lords."  Aridieim  and  Kashi  and  others  derive  nn 
from  ^ln  "bole,"  thus,  "baskets  full  of  holes."  Saailiah 
takes  it  as  .synonymous  with  ^r^  the  Aramaic  for  "  white," 
thus,  "baskets  with  white  or  fine  bread,"  as  rendered  in 
our  text.  I'bilippson  renders  "  baskets  for  fine  bread," 
/.  I',  .sueli  as  are  used  to  put  fuie  bread  in. 


GENESia  XL.  XLl.     MICKETZ. 


wliich  was  Plianioli's  birthday,  that  he  made 
a  least  unto  all  his  servants :  and  he  lifted  up 
the  head  of  the  chief  of  the  butlers  and  the 
head  of  the  chief  of  the  bakers  among  his 
ser\'ants. 

21  And  he  restored  the  chief  of  the  butlers 
unto  his  butlershijj;  and  he  placed  the  cup 
into  Pharaoh's  hand; 

2"J  But  the  chief  of  the  bakers  he  hanged, 
as  Joseph  had  interpreted  to  them. 

23  Yet  the  chief  of  the  butlers  did  not  re- 
member Joseph,  and  forgot  him. 

Haphtorah  iu  Amos  li.  0  to  iii.  8. 


SECTION  X.     MICKETZ,  fpo. 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

1  ^\  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two 
full  years,  that  Pharaoh  dreamed ;  and  behold 
he  stood  by  the  river. 

2  And,  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the 
river  seven  cows,  of  good  appearance  and  fat 
in  flesh;  and  they  fed  in  the  meadow." 

o  And,  behold,  seven  other  cows  came  up 
after  them  out  of  the  river,  ill-favoured  and 
lean  in  flesh;  and  they  stood  Ijy  the  other 
cows  upon  the  brink  of  the  river. 

4  And  the  ill-favoured  and  lean-fleshed 
cows  did  eat  up  the  seven  well-favoured  and 
fat  co\vs.     And  Pharaoh  awoke. 

0  And  he  slept  and  dreamed  a  second 
time:  and,  behold,  seven  ears  of  corn  came 
up  on  one  stalk,  rank  and  good. 

G  And,  behold,  seven  thin  ears  and  blasted'' 
with  the  east  wind  sprung  up  after  them. 

7  And  the  seven  thin  ears  swallowed  up 
the  seven  rank  and  full  ears.  And  Pharaoh 
awoke,  and,  behold,  it  was  a  dream." 

8  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning  that 
his  spirit  was  troubled ;  and  he  sent  and  called 
for  all  the  magicians  of  Egypt,  and  all  the 
wise  men  thereof:  and  Pharaoh  told  them  his 
dream ;  but  there  was  none  that  could  inter- 
pret the  same  unto  Pharaoh. 

9  Then  spoke  the  chief  of  the  butlers  unto 
Pharaoh,  saying.  My  foults  I  must  call  to  re- 
membrance this  day: 


'among  the  reeds,"  Arniieim. 
take  r|-ity  as  equal  to  .-|piy,  "to 


"  "Swamp,"  Rashi; 

^  Raslii   and  Oukelos 
thrash  out,  to  beat  frequently;"  Ai'uheim,  however,  ex- 
plains it  as  equal   to  njK?  "  tn  burn,"  (Song  of  Sol.  i.  6;) 
which  would  properly  give  the  version  "blasted." 


10  Pharaoh  was  wroth  with  his  servants, 
and  25ut  me  in  ward  in  the  house  of  the  cap- 
tain of  the  guards,  me  and  the  chief  of  the 
bakers; 

11  And  we  dreamed  a  dream  in  one  night, 
I  and  he;  we  dreamed  each  in  accordance 
with  the  interpretation  of  his  dream. 

12  And  there  was  with  us  a  Hebrew  lad,  a 
servant  to  the  captain  of  the  guards;  and  we 
told  him,  and  he  interpreted  to  us  our  dreams ; 
to  each  according  to  his  dream  did  he  inter- 
pret. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  just  as  he  had  in- 
terj)reted  to  us,  so  it  was ;  nie  he  restored 
mito  my  office,  and  him  he  hanged. 

14  Then  Pharaoh  sent  and  had  Joseph 
called,  and  they  brought  him  hastily  out  of 
the  dungeon:  and  he  shaved  himself,  and 
changed  his  garments,  and  came  in  unto  Pha- 
raoh.* 

15  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  I  have 
dreamed  a  dream,  and  there  is  noue  that  can 
interpret  it:  and  I  have  heard  say  of  thee, 
that  thou  canst  understand  a  dream  to  inter- 
pret it. 

16  And  Joseph  answered  Pharaoh,  saying, 
It  is  not  in  me;  God  will  give  an  answer  for 
the  peace  of  Pharaoh. '•'"' 

17  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Josejih,  In  my 
dream,  behold,  I  stood  u])on  the  l>rink  (if  tlie 
river ; 

18  And,  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the 
river  seven  cows,  fat  in  flesh  and  good  in 
shape;  and  they  fed  in  the  meadow; 

19  And,  behold,  seven  other  cows  came  up 
after  them,  poor  and  very  ill-shaped  and  lean 
in  flesh ;  I  never  saw  any  like  these  in  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  for  ugliness ; 

20  And  the  lean  and  the  ill-favoured  cows 
did  eat  up  the  first  se\en  fat  cows ; 

21  And  when  they  had  eaten  them  u]),''  it 
could  not  be  known  that  they  had  eaten 
them;  but  their  appearance  was  still  as  bad 
as  at  the  beginning.     And  I  awoke. 

22  And  I  saw  in  my  dream,  and,  l)ehold, 


seven  ears  came 
good; 


up 


on  one  stalk,  full  and 


23  And,  behold,  seven  ears,  withered,  thin, 


°  "  Only  on  awaking  he  recognised  that  he  had  dreamed, 
so  like  reality  was  his  dream." — Arnheim. 

^  "  The  wisdom  is  not  mine,  but  God  will  put  an  an- 
swer in  my  mouth  for  the  welfiire  of  Pharaoh." — R-\sHI. 

°  Heb.  "Came  into  their  inward  part." 


GENESIS  XLI.     MICKETZ. 


blasted  with  the  east  wind,  sprung  up  after 
them ; 

24  And  the  thin  ears  devoured  tlie  seven 
good  ears:  and  I  told  this  unto  the  magi- 
cians; but  there  was  none  that  could  tell  it 
to  me. 

25  And  Joseph  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The 
dream  of  Pharaoh  is  one,  that  which  God  is 
about  to  do,  lie  hath  told  to  Pharaoh. 

26  The  seven  good  cows  arc  seven  years; 
and  the  seven  good  ears  are  seven  years;  the 
dream  is  one. 

27  And  the  seven  thin  and  ill-favoured 
cows  that  came  up  after  them  are  seven 
years;  and  the  seven  empty  ears,  blasted 
with  the  east  wind,  shall  he  seven  years  of 
famine. 

28  This  is  the  thing  which  I  have  spoken 
unto  Pharaoh :  What  God  is  about  to  do  he 
hath  sho^vu  mi  to  Pliaraoh. 

29  Behold,  there  are  coming  seven  years  of 
great  plenty  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt : 

30  And  there  shall  arise  seven  years  of 
famine  after  them,  when  all  the  plenty  shall 
be  forgotten  in  the  land  of  Eg}pt;  and  the 
famine  shall  consunie  the  land; 

31  And  the  plenty  shall  not  be  known  in 
the  land  by  reason  of  that  famine  following 
it;  for  it  shall  be  very  grievous. 

32  And  as  it  respecteth  that  the  dream  was 
doubled  unto  Pharaoh  twice,  it  is  because  the 
thing  is  firmly  resolved  on  by  God,  and  God 
hasteneth  to  bring  it  to  pass. 

33  Now  therefore  let  Pharaoh*  look  out  a 
man  discreet  and  wise,  and  set  him  over  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

34  Let  Pharaoh  do  this,  and  let  him  ap- 
point officers  over  the  land,  and  take  up  the 
fifth  part  (of  the  produce)  of  the  land  of 
Egypt  in  the  seven  years  of  plenty. 

35  And  let  them  gather  u\)  all  the  food  of 
those  good  years  that  are  coming,  and  lay  u]) 


""This  is  not  an  advice;  for  who  authorized  him  to 
act  as  couns(dlor  to  the  king?  but  it  behmgs  likewise  to 
the  interpretation;  therefore  had  God  at  that  time  also 
shown  him  the  seven  years  of  famine,  which  would  not 
happen  till  after  the  expiration  of  the  seven  years  of 
plenty,  in  order  to  induce  Pharaoh  to  look  out  an  intelli- 
gent man  to  heap  up  corn  for  the  suppoit  of  the  people; 
ifbr  if  God  iiad  not  now  made  him  acquainted  with  the 
famine,  he  would  not  have  been  induced  to  heap  up  corn, 
and  all  would  then  have  died  in  the  fami)ic." — DuBNO. 

"  Arnhcim  leaves  the  Hebrew  l^^x  untranslated ;  Ou- 
kelos  renders  it,  "This  is  the  fatiier  of  the  king;"   but 


corn  under  the  hand  of  Pharaoh,  as  food  in 
the  cities,  and  keep  the  same. 

36  And  that  food  shall  be  for  a  store  to 
the  land  against  the  seven  years  of  famine, 
which  shall  be  in  the  land  of  Egypt;  that  the 
land  be  not  cut  ofi'  through  the  ihmine. 

37  And  the  thing  was  good  in  the  eyes  of 
Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes  of  all  his  servants. 

38  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  his  servants, 
Can  we  find  such  a  one  as  this,  a  man  in 
whom  the  spirit  of  God  is  ?'^' 

39  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Inas- 
much as  God  hath  caused  thee  to  know  all 
this,  there  is  none  so  discreet  and  wise  as  thou : 

40  Thou  shalt  be  over  my  house,  and  ac- 
cording to  thy  word  shall  all  my  people  be 
ruled;  oidy  in  regard  to  the  throne  will  1  l)e 
greater  than  thou. 

41  And  Pharaoh  said  inito  Joseph,  See,  1 
have  set  thee  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

42  And  Pharaoh  took  ofl"  his  ring  from  his 
hand,  and  put  it  upon  Joseph's  hand,  and 
arrayed  him  in  vestures  of  fine  linen,  and  put 
a  golden  chain  about  his  neck ; 

43  And  he  caused  him  to  ride  in  the  second 
chariot  which  he  had ;  and  they  cried  Ijefore 
him.  Bend  the  knee:''  and  he  placed  him 
(thus)  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

44  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  I  ;im 
Pharaoh;  but  without  thee  shall  no  man  lilt 
up  his  hand  or  his  foot  in  all  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

45  And  Pharaoh  called  Joseph's  name 
Zaphenath-pa'neiich ;"  and  he  gave  him  Asse- 
nath  the  daughter  of  Poti-phera',  the  priest' 
of  On,  lor  wife.  And  Joseph  went  out  OAcr 
all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

46  And  Josejiii  was  tliirty  years  old  when 
he  stood  before  Pliaraoh  the  king  of  Egypt; 
and  Joseph  went  out  from  the  presence  of 
Pharaoh,  and  went  throughout  all  the  land 
of  Egypt. 


Mendelssohn,  after  other  commentators,  derives  the  word 
from  nij  "the  knee,"  and  assumes  it  to  be  in  the  impe- 
rative of  the  Iliphil,  with  the  n  instead  of  n,  which  would 
give  us  the  words  "bend  the  knee." 

"  "Revealer  of  secret  things,"  Ramb.an  :  according  to 
others,  however,  the  words  are  pure  Egyptian,  and  mean 
"Saviour  of  the  world,"  or  "of  the  century." 

■*  "Lord  of  On,"  Onkelos.     This  place  was  afterwards 

called  by  the  Greeks  "  IleJiopolis,"  the  "city  of  the  sun;" 

by  the  llebrew.s,  "  Belli  Siicmesh,  "  the  house  eif  the  sun." 

Oil  is  said   to   bo  an   I'lgyptian  word,  signifying  "light," 

i;  or  ''sun." 


GENESIS  XLI.  XLII.     MICKETZ. 


47  And  the  earth  brought  forth  iii  the 
seven  years  of  plenty  Ijy  handfuls."' 

48  And  he  gatliered  up  all  the  food  of  the 
seven  years,  which  were  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
and  laid  up  the  food  in  the  cities :  the  food  of 
the  field  of  the  city,  whicli  was  round  about 
it,  laid  he  up  in  the  same. 

49  i\jid  Joseph  heaped  up  corn  as  the  sand 
of  the  sea,  very  much ;  until  he  left  off  num- 
Ijering,  for  it  was  witliout  number. 

50  And  unto  Joseph  were  born  two  sons 
before  the  years  of  famine  came,  whom  Asse- 
nath  the  daughter  of  Poti-phera'  the  priest 
of  On,  bore  unto  him. 

51  And  Joseph  called  the  name  of  the 
first>born  Meuasseh :''  For  God  (said  he)  hath 
made  me  forget  all  my  toil,  and  all  my 
father's  house. 

52  And  the  name  of  the  second  he  called 
Ephraim;"  For  God  (said  he)  hath  caused  me 
to  be  fruitful  in  the  land  of  my  affliction.'" 

53  And  the  seven  years  of  plenty,  that 
was  in  the  land  of  Egy[5t,  were  ended. 

54  x\nd  the  seven  years  of  famine  began 
to  come,  just  as  Joseph  had  said;  and  there 
was  famine  in  all  the  countries,  but  in  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  there  was  bread. 

55  And  when  all  the  land  of  Egypt  also  felt 
hunger,  the  people  cried  to  Pharaoh  for  bread : 
and  Pharaoh  vsaid  unto  all  the  Egy-ptians,  Go 
unto  Joseph ;  what  he  saith  to  you.  do. 

56  And  the  famine  was  over  all  the  face 
of  tlie  earth :  and  Joseph  opened  all  the  store- 
houses,'' whei'ein  corn  was,  and  sold  unto  the 
Egyptians ;  for  the  famine  grew  strong  in  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

57  And  all  the  countries^  came  into  Egypt 
to  buy  corn  of  Joseph;  because  the  famine 
was  sore  in  all  the  countries. 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

1  And  when  Jacoli  saw  that  there  was 
corn  in  Egy|)t,  Jacob  said  unto  his  sons.  Why 
do  ye  look  at  one  another  ? 


"  That  is,  each  grain  of  corn  produced  a  handful  of  its 
kind. 

'  MfiiaaJieJt,  from  nashoh,  "to  forgot." 
°  Ephrai/im,  horn  paroh,  "to  be  fruitful." 
■*  Hcb.  "All  in  which  was;"  the  ellipses  are  supplied, 
according    to    Onkelos,    first    with    "storehouses,"    and 
secondly,  with  "corn." 

'  This  term,  which  is  also  used  in  the  preceding  verse, 
and  there  rendered  "all  the  earth,"  evidently  is  an  hyper- 
bolical expression,  and  alludes  to  the  parts  of  the  earth 


2  And  he  said,  Behold,  I  have  heard  that 
there  is  corn  in  Egy|)t;  get  you  down  thither, 
and  buy  lor  us  provision  from  there,  that  we 
may  live,  and  not  die. 

'6  And  ten  Ijrothers  of  Joseph  went  down 
to  )juy  corn  in  Eg^'pt. 

4  But  Benjamin,  Joseph's  brother,  Jacob 
sent  not  with  his  brothers ;  for  he  said.  Lest 
mischief  befall  him. 

5  And  the  sons  of  Israel  came  to  buy  corn 
among  those  that  came;  for  the  famine  was 
in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

G  And  Joseph — he  was  the  governor  over 
the  land,  it  was  he  that  sold  corn  to  all  the 
people  of  the  land ;  and  Joseph's  brothers 
came,  and  bowed  themselves  down  before  him 
with  the  face  to  the  earth. 

7  And  Joseph  saw  his  brothers,  and  he  re- 
cognised them ;  but  made  himself  strange  unto 
them,  and  spoke  roughly  unto  them;  and  he 
said  unto  them.  Whence  come  ye?  And  they 
said.  From  the  land  of  Canaan  to  buy  food. 

8  And  Joseph  recognised  his  brothers,  but 
they  recognised  not  him. 

9  And  Joseph  remembered  the  dreams 
which  he  had  dreamed  concerning  them,  and 
he  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  spies;  to  see  the 
nakedness  of  the  land  are  ye  come. 

10  And  they  said  unto  him.  No,  my  lord, 
thy  servants  are  only  come  to  l)uy  food. 

11  We  all  are  sons  of  one  man;  we  are 
true  men ;  thy  servants  have  never  been 
spies. 

12  And  he  said  unto  them,  No!  but  to  see 
the  nakedness  of  tlie  land  are  ye  come. 

13  And  they  said.  We,  thy  servants,  are 
twelve  brothers,  sons  of  one  man  in  the  land 
of  Canaan ;  and,  behold,  the  youngest  is  this 
day  with  our  father,  and  one  is  no  more. 

14  And  Joseph  said  unto  them,  It  is'  as  I 
have  spoken  unto  you,  sa^-iug,  Ye  are  spies ; 

15  Hereby  shall  ye  he  proved :  By  the  life 
of  Pharaoh,  ye  shall  not  go  forth  hence,  except 
vour  voungest  brother  come  hither. 


contiguous  to  and  having  commercial  intercourse  with 
Egypt,  such  as  Phcenicia,  Palestine,  and  Arabia.  Men- 
delssohn renders  "all  the  people  from  the  country  around;" 
but  Onkelos  translates  here  ]nsn  Sdi  with  n^'IN  "T'T  Sjl 
"  all  inhabitants  of  the  earth  :"  still  the  sense  is  the  same. 
'  Joseph  meant  that  the  contradiction  of  which  tliey 
were  guilty,  ]>roved  the  truth  of  his  suspicion.  First  they 
were  ten  brothers,  and  immediately  afterward  twelve,  and 
thus  he  pretended  that  he  could  place  no  confidence  in 
their  assertions. 

68 


GENESIS  XLIi.     MICKETZ. 


16  Send  oue  of  jou,  and  let  him  letch  jour 
brother,  and  ye  shall  be  kept  in  jirison,  that 
your  words  may  be  proved,  whether  the  truth 
be  with  you;  and  if  not,  by  the  life  of  Pha^ 
raoh,  ye  are  surely  spies. 

17  And  he  put  them  together  into  ward 
three  days. 

18  And  Joseph  said  unto  them  on  the  third 
day,  This  do,  and  live;  I  fear  God.* 

19  If  ye  be  true  men,  let  one  of  your  bro- 
thers remain  imprisoned  in  the  house  of  your 
confinement;  but  ye,  go,  carry  home  what 
you  have  bought  for  the  want  of  your  house- 
hold. 

20  But  your  youngest  brother  bring  unto 
me;  so  shall  your  words  be  verified,  and  ye 
shall  not  die.     And  they  did  so. 

21  And  they  said  one  to  another.  Truly 
we  are  guilty"  concerning  our  brother,  in  that 
we  saw  the  anguish  of  his  soul,  when  he  be- 
sought us,  and  we  would  not  hear;  therefore 
is  this  distress  come  upon  us. 

22  And  Reiibeu  answered  them,  saying, 
Did  I  not  say  unto  you,  thus,  Do  not  sin 
against  the  child;  and  ye  would  not  hear? 
and  behold,  his  blood  also  is  now  required. 

23  And  they  knew  not  that  Joseph  under- 
stood them;  for  he  spoke  unto  them  by  an 
interpreter. 

24  And  he  turned  himself  away  from  them, 
and  wept;  and  returned  to  them  again,  and 
spoke  with  them,  and  took  from  them  Simeon, 
and  bound  him  before  their  eyes. 

25  And  Joseph  commanded  to  fill  their 
sacks  with  corn,  and  to  restore  every  man's 
money  into  his  sack,  and  to  give  them  pro- 
vision for  the  way;  and  he''  did  unto  them 
thus. 

26  And  they  loaded  their  asses  with  their 
corn,  and  departed  thence. 

27  And  one  of  them  opened  his  sack  to 
give  his  ass  provender  in  the  inn :  when  he 
espied  his  money,  for,  behold,  it  was  in  the 
mouth  of  his  sack. 

28  And  he    said    unto   his   brothers,  My 


"  "  Truly  we  suffer  punishment  for  nur  brother's  sake, 
whose  anguish  nf  soul  we  saw,"  &c. — Arniieim. 

''  Probably  alluding  to  the  superintendent  who  is  men- 
tioned hereaft(ir. 

°  They  no  doubt  suspected  that  the  restoration  of  the 
money  was  not  accidental ;  hence  they  thought  that  it 
was  a  new  infliction  of  punishment  for  their  sins. 

^  Lit.  "  Over  me  have  all  these  events  been ;"  meaning,  I 
54 


money  hath  been  restored ;  and,  lo,  it  is  even 
in  my  sack :  and  their  heart  failed  them,  and 
they  Avei'e  afraid,"  saying  one  to  another,  What 
is  this  that  God  hath  done  unto  us  ? 

29  And  they  came  unto  Jacob  their  father 
unto  the  land  of  Canaan,  and  they  told  him 
all  that  had  befallen  them ;  saying, 

30  The  man,  the  lord  of  the  land,  spoke 
roughly  to  us,  and  took  us  as  though  we  were 
espying  the  country. 

31  And  we  said  unto  him,  We  are  true 
men ;  we  have  never  been  spies : 

32  We  are  twelve  brothers,  sons  of  our 
father;  the  one  is  no  more,  and  the  youngest 
is  this  day  with  our  father  in  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

33  And  the  man,  the  lord  of  the  country, 
said  unto  us.  Hereby  shall  I  know  that  ye 
are  true  men :  leave  one  of  your  brothers  here 
with  me,  and  (the  food  for)  the  want  of  your 
households  take  ye  and  be  gone; 

34  And  bring  your  youngest  brother  unto 
me;  then  shall  I  know  that  ye  are  no  spies, 
but  that  ye  are  true  men ;  your  brother  I  will 
give  up  to  you,  and  in  the  land  ye  shall  be 
allowed  to  traffic. 

35  And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  were 
emptying  their  sacks,  that,  behold,  every 
man's  bundle  of  money  was  in  his  sack :  and 
when  they  saw  the  bundles  of  their  money, 
they  and  their  father,  they  were  afraid. 

36  And  Jacob  their  father  said  unto 
them.  Me  ye  have  bereaved  of  my  children : 
Joseph  is  gone,  and  Simeon  is  gone,  and 
Benjamin  ye  will  take  away;  all  these  things 
are  against  me.'' 

37  And  Reuben  said  unto  his  father,  thus, 
Two  of  my  sons  shalt  thou  slay,  if  I  Jjring 
him  not  to  thee;  deliver  him  into  my  hand, 
and  I  will  bring  him  back  to  thee. 

38  And  he  said,  My  son  shall  not  go  down 
with  you ;  for  his  brother  is  dead,  and  he  alone 
is  left:  and  if  mischief  befall  him  by  the 
way  in  which  ye  go,  then  will  ye  bi'ing  down 
my  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 


alone  have  to  suffer  from  all  these  events.  Jacob  perhaps 
suspected  that  his  other  sons,  out  of  some  wicked  feeling, 
had  left  Joseph  and  Simeon  to  perish,  and  he  thus  up- 
braids them  with  their  indifference  to  his  sorrows.  T/i<i/ 
might  regard  little  the  perilling  of  the  life  of  two  brothers, 
and  endangering  that  of  another ;  but  he  could  not  be  cal- 
lous to  the  fate  of  those  so  dear  to  him. 


^ 


GENESIS  XLIII.     MICKETZ. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

1  And  the  fomine  was  sore  in  the  land. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  had 
completely  eaten  up  the  provisions"  which  they 
had  brought  out  of  Egypt,  that  their  father 
said  unto  them.  Go  again,  buy  us  a  little 
food. 

3  And  Judah  said  unto  him,  thus,  The 
man  did  solemnly  protest  unto  us,  saying,  Ye 
shall  not  see  my  fice,  except  your  brother  be 
with  yon. 

4  If  thou  wilt  send  our  brother  with  us, 
we  will  go  down  and  buy  thee  food; 

5  But  if  thou  sendest  liini  not,  we  will  not 
go  down ;  for  the  man  said  unto  us.  Ye  shall 
not  see  my  face,  except  your  brother  be  with 
you. 

6  And  Israel  said,  Wherefore  have  ye  dealt 
so  ill  with  me,  as  to  tell  the  man  that  ye  have 
yet  another  brother? 

7  And  they  said.  The  man  inquired  par- 
ticularly concerning  us,  and  our  kindred,  saj^- 
ing,  Is  your  father  yet  alive  ?  have  ye  another 
brother?  and  we  told  him  according  to  the  | 
tenor  of  these  words :  could  we  possibly  know  | 
that  he  would  say,  Bring  down  your  l^rother  ? 

8  And  Judah  said  unto  Israel  his  father, 
Send  the  lad  with  me,  and  we  will  arise  and 
go ;  that  we  may  live,  and  not  die,  l)oth  we, 
and  thou,  as  also  our  little  ones.  j 

9  I  ^vill  be  surety  for  him ;  from  my  hand 
shalt  thou  require  him :  if  I  bring  him  not ' 
unto  thee,  and  set  him  before  thee,  then  shall  j 
I  have  sinned  against  thee  all  the  days. 

10  For,  if  we  had  not  lingered,  svirely  we 
had  now  returned  the  second  time. 

11  And  their  father  Israel  said  unto  them, 
If  it  must  be  so  now,  do  this :  take  of  the 
best''  products  of  the  laud  in  j^our  vessels,  and 
carry  down  to  the  man  a  present,  a  little  balm, 
and  a  little  hone)-,  spices,  and  lotus,  pista^ 
chio-nuts  and  almonds ; 

12  And  twofold  money  take  in  your  hand; 
and  the  money  that  was  put  back  in  the 

"  131?  sheler  has  been  rendereJ  varyingly  in  the  text, 
"corn,"  "provision,"  and  "what  hath  been  bought,"  as 
all  signifying  the  same. 

'  Heb.  mot  from  ^0i  "  to  sing,"  or  "  praise,"  meaning 
those  things  for  which  the  laud  is  praised  abroad.  Phi- 
lippson  remarks  that  the  smallness  of  the  present  showed 
the  simplicity  of  Jacob's  notions  of  the  ruler  of  Egypt,  as 
he  wished  to  propitiate  him  with  a  gift  suitable  perhaps 
to  the  petty  chiefs  of  Palestine.     So  also  with  regard  to 


mouth  of  30U1*  sacks,  you  must  carry  back  in 
your  hand;  jseradventure  it  was  an  oversight; 

13  Also  your  brother  take  along,  and  arise, 
go  again  unto  the  man. 

14  And  may  God  the  Almighty  give  you 
mercy  before  the  man,  that  he  may  send 
away  to  you  3-our  other  brother,  and  Ben- 
jamin. And  I,  if  I  am  to  be  bereaved,  let 
me  be  bereaved." 

15  And  the  men  took  that  present;  and 
twofold  money  they  took  in  their  hand,  as 
also  Benjamin;  and  they  rose  up,  and  went 
down  to  Egypt,  and  stood  before  Joseph.'^' 

16  And  when  Joseph  saw  Benjamin  with 
them,  he  said  to  the  superintendent  of  his 
house.  Bring  these  men  into  the  house,  and 
slay,  and  make  ready ;  for  with  me  shall  these 
men  dine  at  noon. 

1 7  And  the  man  did  as  Joseph  had  said ;  and 
the  man  brought  tlie  men  into  Joseph's  house. 

18  And  the  men  were  afraid,  because  they 
were  brought  into  Joseph's  house :  and  they 
said.  Because  of  the  money  that  came  back 
in  our  sacks  at  the  first  time  are  we  brought 
in ;  that  he  may  seek  occasion  against  us,  and 
fall  upon  us,  and  take  us  for  bondmen,  to- 
gether with  our  asses. 

19  And  they  came  near  to  the  mau  who 
was  appointed  over  Joseph's  house,  and  they 
spoke  with  him  at  the  door  of  the  house, 

20  And  they  said,  Pardon,  my  lord,  we 
came  down  at  the  first  time  to  buy  food : 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  we  came  to 
the  inn,  that  we  opened  our  sacks,  and,  be- 
hold, every  man's  money  was  in  the  mouth 
of  his  sack,  our  money  in  its  full  weight ;  and 
we  have  brought  it  back  in  our  hand. 

22  And  other  money  have  we  brought 
down  in  our  hand  to  buy  food;  we  know  not 
who  hath  put  our  mone}^  in  our  sacks. 

23  And  he  said.  Peace  be  to  you,  fear  not; 
your  God,  and  the  God  of  Aour  father,  hath 
given  you  a  treasure  in  j-our  sacks ;  your 
money  hath  come  to  me.  And  he  brought 
Simeon  out  unto  them. 


the  fear  expressed  by  the  brothers  in  v.  18,   that  their 
beasts  might  be  seized. 

'  This  version  is  according  to  iMendelssohn.  Onkelos 
renders  the  Hebrew  words  merely  by  synonymies.  Arn- 
heira,  however,  adds  the  words  in  and  nn>'  and  says,  "I, 
however,  am  either  way  bereaved  of  my  children."  Be 
this  as  it  may,  it  is  an  expression  of  resignation.  (Compare 
with  Esther  iv.  IG.) 

66 


GENESIS  XLTII.  XLIV.     MICKETZ. 


24  And  tlie  man  bi'ought  the  men  into  Jo- 
seph's house;  and  he  gave  them  water,  and 
they  washed  their  feet,  and  he  gave  proven- 
der to  their  asses. 

25  And  they  made  ready  the  present  be- 
fore Joseph  came  home  at  noon ;  for  they  had 
heard  that  they  should  eat  bread  there. 

26  And  when  Joseph  came  home,  they 
brought  him  the  present  wliich  was  in  their 
hand  into  the  house,  and  bowed  themselves 
to  him  to  the  earth. 

27  And  he  asked  them  after  their  welfare, 
and  said,  Is  you  old  father  well,  of  whom  ye 
spoke  ?  is  he  yet  alive  ? 

28  And  they  answered,  Thy  servant,  our 
father,  is  in  good  health,  he  is  yet  alive. 
And  they  bowed  down  their  heads,  and  i^ro- 
strated  themselves. 

29  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  his 
brother  Benjamin,  his  mother's  son,  and  said, 
Is  this  your  youngest  brother,  of  wliom  ye 
spoke  unto  me?  And  he  said,  God  be  gra^ 
cious  unto  thee,  my  son.''" 

30  And  Joseph  hastened  away,  for  his  af- 
fection toward  his  brother  became  enkindled, 
and  he  sought  to  weep ;  and  he  entered  into 
his  chamber,  and  wejDt  there. 

31  And  he  washed  his  face,  and  came  out, 
and  refrained  himself,  and  said.  Set  on  the 
bread." 

32  And  they  set  on  for  him  by  himself, 
and  for  them  by  themselves;  and  for  the 
Egyptians,  who  did  eat  with  him,  by  them- 
selves; because  the  Egyptians  may  not  eat 
bread  with  the  Hebrews;  for  that  is  an  abomi- 
nation unto  the  Egyptians. 

33  And  they  sat  before  him,  the  first-l)orn 
according  to  his  prior  birth,  and  the  youngest 
according  to  his  youth;''  and  the  men  mar- 
velled one  at  the  otlier. 

34  And  he  sent  portions'  unto  them  from 
before  him;  but  Benjamin's  portion  exceeded 
the  portions  of  all  of  them  fivefold.  And 
they  drank,  and  were  merry  with  him. 


'  Tn  inndcrn  plirase,  "Put  thn  dinner  nu  tbe  table." 
'■  Tliore  can  be  no  doubt  df  the  correctness  of  the  tradi- 
tion that  Joseph  ordered  tlieni  to  sit  down  according  to 
their  age.  Hence  their  astonishment.  Perhaps,  too,  he 
may  have  pretended  to  divine  with  his  silver  cup,  out  of 
which  he  afterward  drank. 

"  This  custom  is  explained  by  that  yet  prevailing  in 

Persia,  where  the  various  things  to  be  eaten  are  brought 

in  on  a  large  dish  at  once,  and  one  dish   is  placed   before 

two  or  three  guests.     Before  a  guest  of  high  rank,  or  one 

5(; 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

1  And  he  commanded  the  supermtendent 
of  his  house,  saying.  Fill  the  sacks  of  these 
men  with  food,  as  much  as  they  can  carry, 
and  put  every  man's  money  in  the  mouth  of 
his  sack. 

2  And  my  cup,  the  silver  cup,  thou  shalt 
put  in  the  mouth  of  the  sack  of  the  youngest, 
and  the  money  for  his  corn.  And  he  did  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  Joseph  which  he  had 
spoken. 

3  As  soon  as  the  morning  was  light,  the 
men  were  sent  away,  they  and  their  asses. 

4  They  were  gone  out  of  the  city,  not  yet 
far  ofl',  when  Joseph  said  unto  the  superin- 
tendent of  his  house.  Up,  follow  after  the 
men;  and  when  thou  hast  overtaken  them, 
say  unto  them.  Wherefore  have  ye  returned 
evil  for  good  ? 

5  Is  not  this  out  of  which  my  lord  drink- 
eth,  and  whereby  indeed  he  divineth  ?  ye  have 
done  evil  in  so  doing. 

6  And  he  overtook  them,  and  he  spoke 
unto  them  these  same  words. 

7  And  they  said  unto  him,  Wherefore  will 
my  lord  speak  such  words  as  these  ?  God 
forbid  that  thy  servants  should  do  any  thing 
like  this. 

8  Behold  the  money,  which  we  found  in 
the  mouth  of  our  sacks,  we  brought  back  unto 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan :  how  then 
should  we  steal  out  of  thy  lord's  house  silver 
or  gold? 

9  With  whomsoever  of  thy  servants  it  be 
found,  let  him  die;  and  we  also  will  be  bond- 
men unto  my  lord. 

10  And  he  said.  Now  also  let  it  be  accord- 
ing to  your  words  :*  he  with  whom  it  is  found 
shall  Ije  my  servant;  but  ye  shall  be  blame- 
less. 

11  And  they  made  haste,  and  every  one 
of  them  took  down  his  sack  to  the  ground, 
and  every  one  opened  his  sack. 


whom  the  entertainer  desires  to  distinguish,  a  particular 
dish  is  put,  upon  which  one  after  the  other,  up  to  fifteen, 
different  kinds  of  food  are  placed. — Philippson. 

^  "  It  is  my  wish  that  you  prove  yourselves  as  honest 
now  as  on  the  former  occasion,"  is  the  explanation  of  Arn- 
heim,  after  Ab.\rbenel;  but  Rashi  explains,  "You  are 
right,  so  is  the  law  ;  you  are  all  guilty;  if  a  thief  is  found 
with  one  of  ten,  they  are  all  culpable ;  but  I  will  not  act 
with  you  in  strict  justice,  but  only  make  the  thief  my 
bondman." 


GENESIS  XLIV.  XLV.     VAYIGGASH. 


12  And  he  searclicd,  at  the  eldest  he  be- 
gan, and  at  the  youngest  he  left  ofi';  and  the 
cup  was  found  in  Benjamin's  sack. 

13  Then  they  i*ent  their  clothes,  and  every 
one  loaded  his  ass,  and  they  returned  to  the 
city.='= 

14  And  Judah  and  his  brothers  came  into 
Joseph's  house,  and  he  was  yet  there;  and 
they  foil  do-s^ai  before  him  on  the  ground. 

15  And  Joseph  said  unto  them.  What  deed 
is  this  that  ye  have  done  ?  knew  ye  not  that 
such  a  man  as  I  can  certainly  divine  ? 

IG  And  Judah  said,  What  shall  we  say 
unto  my  lord?  what  shall  we  speak?  or  how 
shall  we  justify  ourselves?  God  hath  found 
out  the  iniquity  of  thy  servants :  behold  we 
are  servants  unto  my  lord,  both  Ave,  as  also 
he  in  whose  hand  tlie  cup  was  found. 

17  And  he  said,  God  forbid  that  I  should 
do  this :  the  man  in  whose  hand  the  cup  was 
found,  he  shall  be  my  servant;  and  as  for 
you,  go  you  up  in  peace  unto  your  lather. 

Haphtorah  in  1  Kings  iii.  15  to  iv.  1. 


SECTION  XI.     VAYIGGASH,  CTI. 

18  ^  Then  Judah  came  near  unto  him, 
and  said,  Pardon,  my  lord,  let  thy  servant,  I 
pray  thee,  speak  a  word  in  my  lord's  ears, 
and  let  not  thy  anger  bum  against  thy  ser- 
vant; for  thou  art  even  as  Pharaoh. 

19  My  lord  asked  his  servants,  saying, 
Have  ye  a  father,  or  a  brother? 

20  And  we  said  unto  my  lord.  We  have  an 
old  father,  and  a  little"  child  born  in  his  old 
age ;  and  his  brother  is  dead,  and  he  alone  is 
left  of  his  mother,  and  his  father  loveth  him. 

21  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants. 
Bring  him  down  unto  me,  that  I  may  set  my 
eye  upon  him. 

22  And  we  said  unto  my  lord,  The  lad 
cannot  leave  his  father;  for  if  he  should  leave 
his  father,  he  would  die. 

23  And  thou  saidst  unto  thy  servants.  Ex- 
cept your  youngest  brother  come  down  with 
you,  ye  shall  not  see  my  face  any  more. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  we  came  up 
unto  thy  servant  my  father,  that  we  told  him 
the  words  of  my  lord. 

'  "Little,"  or  "young,"  in  comparison  with  his  other 
brothers,  all  older  than  he. 

^  "  His  soul  is  bound  to  his  soul." — Arnheim.  "  His 
<joul  is  as  dear  to  him  as  his  own  soul." — Onkelos. 


25  And  our  father  said,  Go  back,  and  buy 
us  a  little  food. 

26  And  we  said,  We  cannot  go  down:  if 
our  youngest  brother  be  with  us,  then  will 
we  go  down ;  for  we  cannot  see  the  man's  face, 
except  our  youngest  bi'other  be  with  us. 

27  And  thy  servant  my  father  said  unto 
us,  Ye  know  that  my  wife  bore  me  two  sons; 

28  And  the  one  went  out  from  me,  and  I 
said.  Surely  he  hath  been  torn  in  pieces;  and 
I  have  not  Seen  him  up  to  this  time. 

29  And  if  ye  take  this  one  also  from  me, 
and  mischief  befall  him,  ye  will  bring  down 
my  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

30  And  now,  when  I  come  to  thy  servant 
my  father,  and  the  lad  be  not  with  us ;  seeing 
that  his  life''  is  bound  up  in  the  lad's  life  ;* 

31  It  will  come  to  pass,  that  when  he  seeth 
that  the  lad  is  not  with  us,  he  will  die :  and 
thy  servants  would  thus  bring  doAvn  the  gray 
hairs  of  thy  servant  our  father  with  sorrow 
to  the  grave. 

32  For  thy  servant  became  surety  for  the 
lad  unto  my  father,  saying.  If  I  bring  him 
not  unto  thee,  then  shall  I  have  sinned  jigainst 
my  father  all  the  days. 

33  Now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  let  thy 
servant  aljide  instead  of  the  lad  as  bondman 
to  my  lord;  and  let  the  lad  go  up  with  his 
brothers. 

34  For  how  shall  I  go  up  to  my  father, 
and  the  lad  be  not  with  me?  I  should"  per- 
haps be  compelled  to  witness  the  evil  which 
would  come  on  my  father. 

CHAPTER  XLV. 

1  Then  could  Joseph  not  refrain  himself 
before  all  those  that  stood  by  him ;  and  he 
cried.  Cause  every  man  to  go  out  from  me. 
And  there  remained  no  man  with  him,  while 
Joseph  made  himself  known  unto  his  bro- 
thers. 

2  And  he  raised  his  voice  in  weeping ;  and 
the  Egyptians  heai'd  it,  and  the  house  of  Pha- 
raoh heard  it. 

3  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brothers,  I  am 
Joseph;  doth  my  father  yet  live?  And  his 
brothers  could  not  answer  him ;  for  they  were 
terrified  at  his  presence. 


°  Mendelssohn  renders  t-j  as  a  negative :  "  I  would  not 
be  able  to  look  on  the  distress  which  would  overt;ike  my 
father."     I  have  translated  according  to  Onkelos. 

57 


GENESIS  XLV.     VAYIGGASH. 


4  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brothers,  Come 
near  to  me,  I  pray  you ;  and  they  came  near ; 
and  he  said,  I  am  Joseph  your  brother,  whom 
ye  sokl  into  Egyj^t. 

5  But  now  be  not  grieved,  nor  be  angry" 
with  yourselves,  that  ye  sold  me  hither;  for 
in  order  to  preserve  life  did  God  send  me  be- 
fore you. 

6  For  these  two  years  hath  the  famine 
been  already  in  the  land;  and  there  are  yet 
five  years,  in  which  there  will  be  neither 
ploughing  nor  harvesting. 

7  And  God  hath  thus  sent  me  before  you 
to  prepare  for  you  a  permanence  on  the  earth, 
and  to  save  your  lives  by  a  great  dehver- 
ance.* 

8  So  now  it  was  not  you  that  sent  me 
hither,  but  God;  and  he  hath  made  me  a 
father  to  Pharaoh,.and  a  lord  for  all  his  house, 
and  a  ruler  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9  Haste  ye,  and  go  up  to  my  father,  and 
say  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said  thy  son  Jo- 
seph, God  hath  made  me  lord  of  all  Egypt; 
come  down  unto  me,  tarry  not. 

10  And  thou  shalt  dwell  in  the  land  of 
Goshen,  and  thou  shalt  be  near  unto  me,  thou, 
and  thy  children,  and  thy  children's  children, 
and  thy  flocks,  and  thy  herds,  and  all  that  is 
thine. 

11  And  I  will  maintain  thee  there;  for 
there  are  yet  five  years  of  famine ;  lest  thou, 
and  thy  household,  and  all  that  thou  hast, 
come  to  poverty. 

12  And,  behold,  your  own  eyes  see,  and 
the  eyes  of  my  brother  Benjamin,  that  it  is 
my  mouth''  that  speaketh  unto  you. 

13  And  ye  shall  tell  my  fixther  of  all  my 
honour  in  Egypt,  and  of  all  that  ye  have 
seen ;  and  ye  shall  hasten  and  bring  down  my 
father  hither. 

14  And  he  fell  upon  his  brother  Benja- 
min's neck,  and  wept;  and  Benjamin  wept 
upon  his  neck. 

15  And  he  kissed  all  his  brothers,  and  wept 
ujjon  them ;  and  after  that  his  brothers  spoke 
with  him. 


*  Lit.  "  Let  it  not  be  grievous  in  your  eyes." 
''  Before  he  spoke  to  tliom  througli  an  interpreter ;  but 
now  he  addressed  them  himself  in  their  own  Hebrew  ;  and 
this  he  justly  thought  must  impress  them  with  the  con- 
viction that  it  was  none  but  Joseph  who  spoke,  and  tbat 
there  was  no  further  deception  pra(;tised  on  them  by  the 
capricious  ruler  of  Egypt,  as  he  had  shown  himself 
hith.'vto. 
53 


16  And  the  report  thereof  was  heard  m 
Pharaoh's  house,  saying,  Joseph's  brothers 
are  come ;  and  it  was  pleasing  in  the  eyes  of 
Pharaoh,  and  in  the  eyes  of  his  servants. 

17  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  Say 
unto  thy  brothers.  This  do  ye;  load  your 
beasts,  and  go,  get  you  unto  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan ; 

18  And  take  your  father  and  your  house- 
holds, and  come  unto  me;  and  I  vnW  give 
yoQ  the  best'  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  ye 
shall  eat  the  ftit  of  the  land.* 

19  And  thou  art  commanded,*  This  do  ye, 
take  unto  yourselves  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt 
wagons  for  your  little  ones,  and  for  your 
wives,  and  take  up  your  father,  and  come. 

20  And  do  ye  feel  no  concern"  on  account 
of  your  household  goods ;  for  the  best  of  all 
the  land  of  Egypt  is  yours. 

21  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so ;  and 
Joseph  gave  them  wagons,  according  to  the 
command  of  Pharaoh ;  and  he  gave  them  pro- 
vision for  the  way. 

22  To  all  of  them  he  gave  to  each  changes 
of  raiment;  but  to  Benjamin  he  gave  three 
hundred  pieces  of  silver,  and  five  changes  of 
raiment. 

23  And  to  his  father  he  sent  after  this 
manner:  ten  asses  laden  with  the  best  things 
of  Egypt,  and  ten  she-asses  laden  with  corn 
and  bread  and  other  food  for  his  father,  for 
the  journey. 

24  x\nd  he  accompanied'  his  brothers  on 
tlie  way,  and  they  depai'ted :  and  he  said  unto 
them.  Do  not  fall  out  by  the  way. 

25  And  they  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  and  came 
into  the  land  of  Canaan,  unto  Jacob  their  father. 

26  And  they  told  him,  sajing,  Joseph  is 
yet  alive;  and  that  he  is  governor  over  all 
the  land  of  Egypt.  But  his  heart  remained 
cold,  for  he  beheved  them  not. 

27  But  when  they  told  him  all  the  words 
of  Joseph,  which  he  had  said  unto  tliem;  and 
when  he  saw  the  wagons  which  Joseph  had 
sent  to  carry  him :  the  spirit  of  Jacob  their 
father  revived.* 


°  310  "  that  which  is  pre-eminently  good,"  i.  r.  the  best. 
^  Arnheim  thinks  we  ought  to  supply  "  to  tell  them." 
"  Lit.  "  Let  your  eye  have  no  pity  on  your  vessels." 
'  nh'ty  in  Piel,  is  generally  rendered   to   dismiss,   or  to 
accompany  one  a  part  of  the  journey.     The  latter  meaning 
is  here  the  more  correct,  siuce  no  doubt  Joseph  showed 
them  the  rights  of  hospitality,  which  among  the  Hebrews 
require  the  host  to  go  part  of  the  way  with  his  guests. 


GENESIS  XLV.  XLVI.     VAYIGGASH. 


28  And  Israel  said,  Enough;  Joseph  my 
sou  is  yet  alive :  I  will  go  and  see  him  before 
Idle. 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 

1  And  Israel  commenced  his  journey  with 
all  that  he  had,  and  came  to  Beer-sheba,  and 
oflered  sacrifices  unto  the  God  of  his  father 
Isaac. 

2  And  God  spoke  unto  Israel  in  the  visions"' 
of  the  night,  and  said,  Jacob,  Jacob.  And  he 
said.  Here  am  I. 

3  And  he  said,  I  am  God,  the  God  of  thy 
father;  fear  not  to  go  down  into  Egypt;  for  a 
o;reat  nation  Avill  I  make  of  thee  there  : 

4  I  will  go  down  with  thee  into  Egypt; 
and  I  will  also  surely  bring  thee  up  again ; 
and  Joseph  shall,  put  his  hand  upon  thy 
eyes. 

5  And  Jacob  rose  up  from  Beer-sheba :  and 
the  sons  of  Israel  carried  Jacob  their  father, 
and  their  little  ones,  and  their  wives,  in  the 
wagons  which  Pharaoh  had  sent  to  carry 
him. 

6  And  they  took  their  cattle,  and  their 
goods,  which  they  had  gotten  in  the  land  of 
Canaan,  and  came  into  Egj^at;  Jacob,  and  all 
his  seed  with  him : 

7  His  sons,  and  his  sons'  sons  with  him, 
his  daughters,''  and  his  sons'  daughters,  and  all 
his  seed  he  brought  with  him  into  Egypt. 

8  ][  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  that  came  into  Egypt,  Jacob 
and  his  sons :  the  tirst-born  of  Jacob,  Reuben. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Reiiben :  Chanoch,  and 
Pallu,  and  Chezron,  and  Carmi. 

10  And  the  sons  of  Simeon :  Yemuel,  and 
Yamin,  and  Ohad,  and  Yachin,  and  Zochar, 
and  Sliaiil  the  son  of  the  Cauaanitish  woman. 

11  And  the  sons  of  Levi:  Gershon,  Ke- 
hath,  and  Merari. 

12  And  the  sons  of  Judah :  'Er,  and  Onan, 
and  Shelah,  and  Perez,  and  Zerach ;  but  'Er 
and  Onan  died  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
the  sons  of  Perez  were  Chezron  and  Chamul. 

13  And  the  sons  of  Issachar:  Tola,  and 
Puvah,  and  Yob,  and  Shimron. 


'  Onkelos  and  others,  "vision." 

''  "  His  daughters"  can  refer  only  to  Dinah,  for  he  had 
no  other  daughter  :  the  plural  is  used,  as  in  the  case  of 
"  the  sons  of  Dan,  Chushim,"  (v.  23,)  to  express  the 
idea  that,  where  others  have  several  daughters  or  sons, 
Jacob  had  of  the  first  one  at  least  bearing  the  designation 
of  a  female  child,  as  with  Dan  reference  is  had  to  the 


14  And  the  sons  of  Zebulun:  Sered  and 
Elon,  and  Yachleel. 

15  These  are  the  sons  of  Leah,  whom  she 
bore  unto  Jacob  m  Padan-aram,  with  Dinah 
his  daughter :  all  the  souls  of  his  sons  and  his 
daughters  were  thirty  and  three. 

16  And  the  sons  of  Gad:  Ziphyon,  and 
Chaggi,  Shuni,  and  Ezbon,  'Eri,  and  Arodi, 
and  Areli. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Asher:  Yimnah,  and 
Yishvah,  and  Yislivi,  and  Beriah,  and  Serach 
their  sister ;  and  the  sons  of  Beriah :  Cheber, 
and  Malkiel. 

18  These  are  the  sons  of  Zilpah,  whom  La- 
ban  gave  to  Leah  his  daughter,  and  she  bore 
these  unto  Jacob,  sixteen  souls. 

19  The  sons  of  Rachel,  Jacob's  wife:  Jo- 
seph, and  Benjamin. 

20  And  there  were  born  unto  Joseph  in 
the  land  of  Egypt  jNIenasseh  and  Ephraim, 
whom  Assenath  the  daughter  of  Poti  phera', 
the  priest  of  On,  bore  unto  him. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Benjamin:  Bela, 
and  Becher,  and  Ashbel,  Gera,  and  Naaman, 
Echi,  and  Rosh,  Muppim,  and  Chuppim, 
and  Ard. 

22  These  are  the  sons  of  Rachel,  that  were 
born  to  Jacob:  in  all  fourteen  souls. 

23  And  the  sons  of  Dan :  Chushim. 

24  And  the  sons  of  Naphtali:  Yachzeel, 
and  Guni,  and  Yezer,  and  Shillem. 

25  These  are  the  sons  of  Bilhah,  whom 
Laban  gave  unto  Rachel  his  daughter,  and 
she  bore  these  unto  Jacolj,  in  all  seven  souls. 

26  All  the  souls  that  came  with  Jacob 
into  Egypt,  that  came  out  of  his  loins,  besides 
the  wives  of  Jacob's  sons,  were  in  all  sixty 
and  six  souls. 

27  And  the  sons  of  Joseph,  who  Avere  born 
him  in  Egypt,  were  two  souls;  all  the  souls 
of  the  house  of  Jacob,  that  came  into  Egypt, 
were  seventy.* 

28  ][  And  Judah  he  sent  before  him  unto 
Joseph,  to  direct  him"  beforehand  unto  Go- 
shen ;  and  they  came  into  the  land  of  Goshen. 

29  And  Joseph  made  ready*  hi»  chariot, 
and  went  up  to  meet  Israel  his  father,  to  Go- 
similar  circumstance  of  his  being  the  father  of  at  least 
one  male  offspring ;  perhaps  the  term  also  includes  his 
sons'  wives. 

°  "  To  prepare  a  place  for  him  and  to  find  out  where  he 
could  settle." — Kasui  after  Onkelos. 
"  Lit.  "  harnessed." 

69 


GENESIS  XL VI.  XLVII.     VAYIGGASH. 


shell ;  and  when  he  obtained  sight  of  him,  he 
fell  on  his  neck,  and  wept  on  his  neck  a  good 
while. 

30  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Let  me 
die  now,  since  I  have  seen  thy  face,  that  thou 
art  yet  alive. 

31  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brothers,  and 
unto  his  father's  house,  I  will  go  up,  and  tell 
Pharaoh,  and  say  unto  him.  My  brothers  and 
my  fixther's  house,  who  were  in  the  laud  of 
Canaan,  are  come  unto  me; 

32  And  the  men  are  shepherds,  for  they 
have  been  o^vners  of  cattle;"  and  their  flocks, 
and  their  herds,  and  all  that  they  have,  they 
have  Ijrought  along. 

33  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  Pharaoh 
should  have  you  called,  and  say.  What  is  your 
occupation  ? 

34  That  ye  shall  say,  Owners  of  cattle 
have  thy  servants  been  from  our  youth  even 
until  now,  both  we,  as  also  our  fathers;  in 
order  that  ye  may  dwell  in  the  land  of  Go- 
shen; lor  every  shepherd  is  an  abomination 
unto  the  Egyptians. 

CHAPTER  XLVII. 

1  Then  came  Joseph  and  told  Pharaoh, 
and  said.  My  father  and  my  brothers,  and 
their  flocks,  and  their  herds,  and  all  that 
they  have,  are  come  out  of  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan; and,  behold,  they  are  in  the  land  of 
Goshen. 

2  And  he  took  some''  of  his  brothers,  five 
men,  and  presented  them  before  Pharaoh. 

3  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  his  brothers, 
What  is  your  occupation?  And  they  said 
unto  Pharaoh,  Thy  servants  are  shepherds, 
both  we,  as  also  our  fathers. 

4  They  said  moreover  unto  Pharaoh,  To 
sojourn  in  the  land  are  we  come;  because 
there  is  no  pasture  for  the  flocks  of  thy  ser- 
vants, for  the  famine  is  sore  in  the  land  of 
Canaan;  and  now  let  thy  servants  dwell,  we 
pray  thee,  in  the  land  of  Goshen. 

5  And  Pliaraoh  said  unto  Joseph,  thus, 
Thy  father  and  thy  brothers  are  come  unto 
thee : 

6  The  land  of  Egypt  is  before  thee;  in  the 

■  Eng.  vcr.  "Their  trade  hath  been  to  feed  cattle." 
''  Moiidclssdlin  rrndors  nvpO   "  of  the  youngest,"  and 
according  to  tlic  Talmud  tlu^y  were  Zebulun,  Dan,  Napb- 
tali.  Gad,  and  Ashcr;  while  the  Midrash  names  Reuben, 
Simeon,  Levi,  Issachar,  and  Benjamin. 

"  Ileb.  "Ilowmany  arc  the  days  of  the  years  uf  thy  lifer"' 


best  of  the  laud  let  thy  father  and  brothers 
dwell;  let  them  dwell  m  the  laud  of  Goshen; 
and  if  thou  knowest  that  there  are  among 
them  men  of  activity,  then  appoint  them 
rulers  over  my  cattle. 

7  And  Joseph  brought  in  Jacob  his  fiither, 
and  placed  him  before  Pharaoh;  and  Jacob 
blessed  Pliaraoh. 

8  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Jacob,  How  old 
art  thou?" 

9  And  Jacob  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The  days 
of  the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  years :  few  and  evil  have 
been  the  days  of  the  years  of  my  life,  and 
have  not  attained  unto  the  days  of  the  years 
of  the  life  of  my  fathers  in  the  days  of  their 
pilgrimage. 

10  And  Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh,  and  went 
out  from  before  Pharaoh.'-' 

11  And  Joseph  assigned  2)laces  of  residence 
for  his  father  and  his  brothers,  and  gave  them 
a  possession*  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  best 
of  the  land,  in  the  land  of  Ra'meses,  as  Pha- 
raoh had  commanded. 

12  And  Joseph  supplied  his  father,  and  his 
brothers,  and  all  his  father's  household,  with 
bread,  in  23i"oportion  to  their  families. 

13  And  there  was  no  bread  in  all  the  land ; 
for  the  famine  was  very  sore;  and  the  land 
of  Egypt  and  the  land  of  Canaan  fainted  by 
reason  of  the  famine. 

14  And  Joseph  gathered  up  all  the  money 
that  was  found  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  in 
the  land  of  Canaan,  for  the  corn  which  they 
bought;  and  Joseph  brought  the  money  into 
Pharaoh's  house. 

15  And  when  the  money  failed  in  the  land 
of  Egypt,  and  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  all  the 
Egyptians  came  unto  Joseph,  and  said.  Give 
us  bread;  for  why  should  we  die  in  thy  pre- 
sence, since  the  money  is  all  gone  ? 

16  And  Joseph  said,  Give  up  your  cattle; 
and  I  Avill  give  you  for  your  cattle,  if  the 
money  be  all  gone. 

17  And  they  brought  their  cattle  unto  Jo- 
seph; and  Joseph  gave  them  bread  in  ex- 
change for  horses,  and  for  the  flocks  of  sheep, 
and  for  the  herds  of  cattle,  and  for  the  asses ; 

'  They  had   merely  asked   permission   to   remain   in 


Egypt  during   the   fami 


but 


Pharaoh   authorized 


their  settling  in  Egypt,  Joseph  purchased  them  estates, 
that  they  might  not  he  as  strangers  in  the  land." — After 
Ramba.n. 


GENESIS  XLVir.  XL VI II.     YAYECHEE. 


and  he  supplied  them  with  bread  fur  all  their 
cattle  fur  that  year. 

18  And  when  that  year  was  ended,  they 
came  unto  him  in  the  second  year,  and  said 
unto  him.  We  will  not  hide  it  from  my  lord. 
how  that  our  money  with  our  herds  of  cattle 
hath  entirely  passed  into  the  possession  of  my 
lord;  there  is  naught  left  in  the  sight  of  my 
lord,  but  our  bodies,  and  our  land. 

19  Wherefore  shall  we  die  before-  thy  eyes, 
both  we  and  our  laud?  buy  us  and  our  laud 
for  bread;  and  we  and  our  land  will  be  ser- 
vants unto  Pharaoh;  and  give  us  seed,  that 
we  may  live,  and  not  die,  and  that  the  laud 
be  not  i-endered  desolate. 

20  And  Joseph  bought  all  the  land  of 
Egypt  for  Pharaoh;  for  the  Egyptians  sold 
every  man  his  field,  because  the  famine  pre- 
vailed over  them:  so  the  land  become  Pha- 
raoh's. 

21  And  as  for  the  people,  he  removed  them 
to  the  cities,"  from  one  end  of  the  borders  of 
Egypt  even  to  the  other  end  thereof. 

22  Only  the  laud  of  the  priests  bought  he 
not;  for  the  priests  had  a  portion  assigned 
them  by  Pharaoh,  aud  they  ate  their  portion 
\vhich  Pharaoh  gave  them:  therefore  they 
did  not  sell  their  laud. 

23  Then  said  Joseph  unto  the  people.  Be- 
hold, I  have  bought  you  this  day  and  your 
laud  for  Pharaoh :  lo,  here  is  seed  for  you, 
aud  sow  ye  the  laud. 

24  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  har- 
vest times,  that  ye  shall  give  the  fifth  part 
unto  Pharaoh;  and  four  parts  shall  l^e  your 
own,  for  the  seed  of  the  field,  aud  for  your 
fuud,  aud  for  those  belonging  to  your  house- 
holds, aud  for  food  for  your  little  ones.''' 

25  And  they  said.  Thou  hast  saved  ovu* 
lives :  let  us  but  find  grace  in  the  eyes  of  mi- 
lord, and  we  will  be  Pharaoh's  servants. 

26  And  Joseph  made  it  a  stiitute  unto 
this  day  over  the  land  of  Egypt,  that  Pharaoh 
should  have  the  fifth  part;  except  the  land 
of  the  priests  alone  became  not  Pharaoh's. 

27  And  Israel  dwelt  in  the  laud  of  Egypt, 

"  "  Because  they  had  uo  more  property  iu  the  land,  he 
removed  them  to  the  towns,"  Arniiei.m  after  Abarba- 
NEL;  and  adds:  "Von  Bohlen  exphiins  hence  the  great 
number  of  towns,  of  wliich  there  were,  according  to  Hero- 
dotus, twenty  thousand  in  the  Delta  of  the  Nile." 

'  "In  order  to  swear  that  thou  wilt  deal,"  &c. — Arn- 

HEl.M. 

"  This  expression  means  merely  the  act  of  dying,  thus, 


in  the  country  of  Goshen;  and  they  had  pos- 
sessions therein,  and  were  fruitful,  and  mul- 
tiplied exceedingly. 

Ilapbtorah  in  Ezckicl  xxxvii.  15  to  28. 


SECTION  XII.     VAYECIIEE,  'HO. 

28  And  Jacob  lived  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
seventeen  years :  aud  the  days  of  Jacob,  the 
years  of  his  life,  wei'e  one  hundred  forty  and 
seven  years. 

29  And  when  the  time  of  Israel  dre\\'  near 
that  he  was  to  die,  he  sent  to  call  his  sou 
Joseph,  and  said  unto  him.  If  uow  I  have 
found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  put,  I  pray  thee,  thy 
hand  under  my  thigh  ;*"  aud  deal  with  me  iu 
kindness  aud  truth;  bury  me  not,  I  pray 
thee,  iu  Egypt. 

30  But  when  I  shall  lie"  with  my  fathers, 
thou  shalt  carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury 
me  iu  theii'  buryiug-place.  And  he  said,  I 
will  do  as  thou  hast  said. 

31  And  he  said.  Swear  unto  me;  aud  he 
swore  unto  him ;  and  Israel  bowed''  himself 
upon  the  head  of  the  bed. 

CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  things, 
that  some  one  said  to  Joseph,  Behold,  thy 
father  is  sick ;  aud  he  took  his  two  sons  with 
him,  Menasseh  and  Ephraim. 

2  Aud  some  one  told  Jaculj,  and  said.  Be- 
hold, thy  son  Joseph  is  coming  unto  thee; 
aud  Israel  strengthened  himself,  and  sat  upon 
the  bed. 

3  And  Jacob  said  unto  Joseph,  God,  the 
Almighty,  appeared  unto  me  at  Luz  in  the 
land  of  Canaan,  and  blessed  me, 

4  Aud  he  said  unto  me.  Behold,  I  will  make 
thee  fruitful,  aud  multiply  thee,  ajid  I  will 
niake  of  thee  a  multitude  of  people;  aud  I 
will  give  this  land  to  thy  seed  after  thee  for 
on  everlasting  possession. 

■J  And  now  thy  two  sons,  who  were  born 
unto  thee  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  before  I  came 
unto  thee  into  Egypt,  shall  be  mine ;  Ephraim 

"When  I  at  length  shall  die;"  wherefore  Philippson's 
rendering,  "  That  I  way  lie  with  my  fathers,  carry  me," 
&c.,  is  not  necessary;  since  it;3N  □>'  in  ^DBfl  simply  con- 
veys "  that  David  fell  asleep,  in  death,  as  his  fathers  had 
done;"  for  he  was  not  buried  at  Beth-lcchem,  their  native 
place,  but  at  Jerusalem. 

"^  i.  c.  "Iu  gratitude  to  God." 

61 


GENESIS  XLVIII.  XLIX.     VAYECHEE. 


and  Menasseh  shall  be  unto  me  as  Reiiben 
and  Simeon. 

6  And  thy  issue,  which  thou  begettest 
after  them,  shall  be  thine,  after  the  name  of 
their  brothers  shall  they  be  called  in  their  in- 
heritance. 

7  And  as  for  me,  when  I  came  from  Padan, 
Rachel  died  by  me  in  the  land  of  Canaan  on 
the  way,  when  yet  there  was  some  distance 
to  come  unto  Ephrath:  and  I  buried  her 
there  on  the  way  of  Ej)hrath,  the  same  is 
Beth-lechem. 

8  And  Israel  perceived  the  sons  of  Joseph, 
and  said,  Who  are  these? 

9  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  father.  They 
are  my  sons,  whom  God  hath  given  me  in 
this  place.  And  he  said,  Bring  them,  I  pray 
thee,  unto  me,  and  I  will  bless  them.* 

10  Now  the  eyes  of  Israel  were  dim 
through  age,  he  could  not  see;"  and  he 
brought  them  near  unto  him,  and  he  kissed 
them,  and  embraced  them. 

11  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  To  see 
thy  face  I  had  not  hoped;  and,  lo,  God  hath 
shown  me  also  thy  seed. 

12  And  Joseph  brought  them  out  from  be- 
tween his  knees,  and  he  bowed  himself  with 
his  face  to  the  earth. 

13  And  Joseph  took  them  both,  Ephraim 
in  his  right  hand  toward  Israel's  left,  and  Me- 
nasseh in  his  left  hand  toward  Israel's  right, 
and  brought  them  near  unto  him. 

14  And  Israel  stretched  out  his  right  hand, 
and  laid  it  upon  Ejjhraim's  head,  who  was 
the  younger,  and  his  left  hand  upon  Menas- 
seh's  head;  he  laid  his  hands  wittingly;  al- 
though Menasseh  was  the  first-born. 

15  And  he  blessed  Joseph,  and  said.  The 
God,  before  whom  my  fathei's  Abraham  and 
Isaac  did  walk,  the  God  Avho  fed''  me  from  my 
first  being  unto  this  day, 

IG  The  angel"  who  redeemed  me  from  all 
evil,  bless  the  lads;  and  let  my  name  be 
called  on  them,  and  the  name  of  my  fathers 

'  This  is  to  say,  Israel  could  perceive  dimly  the  pre- 
sence of  persons,  without  being  able  to  sec  distinctly. 

''  n;;in,  literally,  "Who  fed  me  upon  pastures,"  taking 
this  word  from  his  own  pastoral  life. 

°  Dubno  and  Sfirno  think  that  the  words  "may  he 
send"  should  be  supplied  before  "the  angel;"  meaning, 
"May  God,  who  hath  always  protected  me,  send  his  mes- 
senger to  bless  the  lads." 

^  Lit.   "A  fulness  (if  the  nations,"  which   may  mean, 
"whose  fame  shall  lill  the  books  of  nations;"  so  Itashi; 
Onkelos,  "rulers  of  nations." 
C2 


Abraham  and  Isaac;  and  let  them  grow  into 
a  multitude  in  the  midst  of  the  earth.* 

17  And  when  Joseph  saw  that  his  father 
would  la}'  his  right  hand  upon  the  head  of 
Ephraim,  it  displeased  him :  and  he  took  hold 
of  his  father's  hand,  to  remove  it  from  the 
head  of  Ephraim  unto  the  head  of  Menasseh. 

18  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  father.  Not 
so,  my  father;  for  this  is  the  first-born,  put 
thy  right  hand  upon  his  head. 

19  And  his  father  refused,  and  said,  1 
know,  my  son,  I  know,  he  also  shall  become 
a  j^eople,  and  he  also  shall  be  great;  but  truly 
his  younger  brother  shall  be  greater  than  he, 
and  his  seed  shall  become  a  multitude''  of 
nations. 

20  And  he  blessed  them  that  day,  saying, 
With  thee  shall  Israel  bless,  saying,  God 
make  thee  as  Ephraim  and  Menasseh :  and  so 
he  set  Ephraim  before  Menasseh. 

21  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Behold,  I 
die ;  but  God  will  be  with  you,  and  bring  you 
again  unto  the  land  of  your  fathers. 

22  Moreover  I  have  given  unto  thee  one 
portion  above  thy  brothers,  which  I  took°  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  Emorite  with  my  sword 
and  with  my  bow.''' 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 

1  ][  And  Jacob  called  unto  his  sons,  and 
said.  Gather  yourselves  together,  that  I  may 
tell  you  that  which  shall  befall  you  in  the 
last  days. 

2  Gather  yourselves  together,  and  hear,  ye 
sons  of  Jacob;  and  hearken  unto  Israel  your 
lather. 

3  Reuben,  thou  art  my  first-born,  my  might, 
and  the  Ijeginning  of  my  strength ;  the  excel- 
lency of  dignity,  and  the  excellency  of  power 
(should  be  thine). 

4  Unstable  as  water,  thou  shalt  not  have 
the  excellence;  because  thou  wentest  up  to 
thy  father's  bed;  then  defiledst  thou  the  one 
who  ascended'  my  couch. 

"  Philippsou  renders,  "Which  I  shall  have  taken,"  re- 
ferring to  the  future  conrjuest  of  I'alestine,  since  prophecy 
looks  upon  future  events  as  already  past. 

'  Kamban  and  Arnhcini  arc  of  opinion  that  the  third 
person  nSi'  in  the  Hebrew  text,  refers  to  the  speaker, 
viz.  Jacob.  Philippson  renders,  "then  didst  thou  commit 
a  viiiliitiou,"  and  agrees  with  the  English  version,  that 
vhy  yfli^  is  a  sort  of  interjection,  detining  the  cau.se  of 
his  displeasure,  "he  ascended  ray  couch;"  but  the  opinion 
(if  iianiLiaii  appears  more  correct. 


GENESIS  XLIX.     VAYECHEE. 


5  ]f  Simeon  and  Levi  are  brethren;  wea- 
pons of  violence  are  their  swords.* 

6  Into  their  secret  shall  my  soul  not  come ; 
unto  their  assembly  my  spirit  shall  not  be 
united;  for  in  their  anger  they  slew  the  man, 
and  in  their  self-will  they  lamed  the  ox. 

7  Cursed  be  their  anger,  for  it  is  tierce; 
and  their  Avrath,  for  it  is  cruel :  I  will  divide 
them  in  Jacob,  and  scatter  them  in  Israel. 

8  ^  Judah,  thou  art  the  one  thy  brothers 
shall  praise,  thy  hand  shall  be  on  the  neck  of 
thy  enemies;  thy  father's  children  shall  bow 
tlown  unto  thee. 

9  Lilce  a  lion's  whelp,  0  Judah,  from  the 
prey,  my  son,  thou  risest:  he  stoopeth  down, 
he  croucheth  as  a  lion,  and  as  a  lioness,  who 
shall  rouse  him  up? 

10  Tlie  sceptre^  shall  not  depart  from  Ju- 
dah, nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet; 
until  Shiloh  come,  and  uuto  him  shall  the 
gathering  of  the  people  he. 

11  He  bindeth  unto  the  vine  his  foal,  and 

"  After  Kashi. 

"  I  have  left  this  verse  as  it  is  in  the  Euglish  version, 
inasmuch  as  it  is  according  to  Onkolos  and  Rashi,  the 
firmer  of  whom  renders  nob}!  "ij;  'niJ3  'JDO  NliJDl,  "and 
the  scribe  from  his  sons'  sons  for  ever,  until,"  &c.  But 
Arnheim  gives,  "Till  he  of  Shiloh  cometh,  and  the 
obedience  of  the  tribes  be  turned  to  him,"  and  refers  "he 
of  Shiloh"  to  Achiyah,  the  prophet  of  Shiloh,  who  fore- 
told to  Jeroboam  that  a  part  of  the  kingdom  should  be 
taken  from  Solomon  and  transferred  to  him,  (1  Kings 
xi.  31,)  which  prediction  afterward  came  to  pass,  when 
Rechoboam  refused  to  redress  the  grievances  of  the  people ; 
and  "to  him,"  then  alludes  to  Jeroboam,  to  whom  the 
tribes  of  Israel,  here  called  D'0>',(see  Gen.  xlviii.  •l,)were 
to  turn  from  the  house  of  David.  Mendelssohn,  in  giving 
a  simiewhat  different  version,  refers  to  the  same  event. 
Others,  again,  give:  "The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from 
Judah,  nor  the  lawgiver  from  bis  descendants  for  ever; 
because  Shiloh  shall  come,  and  to  him  shall  be  the  gather- 
ing of  the  nations."  This  version  is  predicated  upon  the 
words  o  Hi'  being  separated  by  a  disjunctive  accent,  and 
thus  stand  for  "for  ever"  and  "because;"  since  the 
Yetib  is  a  greater  disjunctive  than  the  Pesseek  in  2  Sam. 
xxiii.  10.  Philippson,  the  latest  of  our  translators, 
renders  :  "The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from  Judah,  the 
ruler's  staff  from  between  his  feet,  even  then  when  he 
Cometh  to  Shiloh,  and  his  shall  be  the  obedience  of  the 
nations."  In  his  comment  he  says,  in  substance,  that  to 
Judah  is  promised  the  rule  and  prominence  in  Israel, 
which  was  not  to  depart  even  when  Joshua,  the  Ephraimite, 
should  set  up  the  tabernacle  at  Shiloh  after  the  conquest 
of  Palestine;  so  that  'd  i;'  does  not  signify  alone  "until," 
but  includes  the  time  beyond  the  period  stated,  "even  then 
when." — It  is  impossible  in  this  work  to  go  into  various 
versions  and  opinions  hazarded  by  commentators;  but 
this  much  is  certain,  that  Onkelos,  the  best  translator  the 
Pentateuch  had  for  a  long  while,  and  who  is  not  yet  ex- 
celled, would  not  have  added  no'?;'  ly  if  be  had  thought 


to  the  vine-branch  his  ass's  colt;  he  washeth 
his  garments  in  wine,  and  in  the  blood  of 
grajses  his  clothes; 

12  His  eyes  shall  be  red  from  wine,  and 
his  teeth  wliite  from  milk. 

13  ^  Zebulun  shall  dwell  at  the  margin  of 
the  seas;  and  he  shall  be  at  the  haven  of 
ships;  and  his  border  shall  be  near  to  Zidon. 

14  ^  Issachar  is  a  strong-boned  ass,  couch- 
ing down  between  the  stables. 

15  And  when  he  saw  the  resting-place  that 
it  was  good,  and  the  land  that  it  was  pleasant, 
he  bent  his  shoulder  to  bear,  and  became  a 
servant  unto  tribute. ° 

16  ^  Dan  shall  judge"^  his  people,  as  one 
of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

17  Dan  shall  be  a  serpent  by  tlie  way,  an 
adder  on  the  path,  that  biteth  the  horse  in 
the  heels,  so  that  his  rider  falleth  backward. 

18  For  thy  salvation,  I  ho^je,  0  Lord.* 

19  ^  Gad,  troops  will  baud  against  him ; 
but  he  shall  wound  their  heel." 


that  it  militated  against  the  Jewish  ftiith.  The  assump- 
tion that  the  sceptre  was  taken  at  a  particular  period, 
wherefore  Shi/oh  must  have  come  then,  is  futile;  since 
Judah  had  no  rule  during  the  .second  temple,  and  with 
the  blinding  of  Zedekiah,  in  the  year  of  the  world  3402, 
prior  to  the  common  era  .^SG  years,  the  kingdom  or  .sceptre 
of  David  became  extinct;  wherefore  the  alleged  fulfilment 
came  five  hundred  and  eighty-six  years  too  late.  But 
believing  Israelites,  who  confide  in  prophecy,  do  not  think 
the  sceptre  totally  departed  from  Judah;  especially  are  the 
scribes,  or  those  learned  in  the  law,  not  lost  from  the  as 
yet  latest  descendants  of  Israel.  The  sceptre  will  return 
when  the  Shiloh,  the  King  Messiah,  shall  come,  and  to 
him  shall  be  both  the  obedience  and  assemblage  rif  peojjle 
or  nations,  as  D'0>'  T\T\r>'  is  variously  rendered.  The  plan 
of  this  work  prohibits  us  from  enlarging;  but  the  pious 
and  intelligent  reader  will  have  enough  to  satisfy  all 
doubts. 

'  Doubtlessly  Jacob  here  contrasts  Issachar  with  Zebu- 
lun:  the  latter  was  to  be  a  merchant  tribe,  seeking  for 
gain  upon  the  ocean,  going  in  quest  of  wealth;  the  former, 
on  the  contrary,  laborious  and  patient,  like  the  animal  to 
which  he  is  compared,  who  lies  down  at  night  near  the 
stables  when  his  work  is  done,  was  to  prefer  his  beautiful 
land,  full  of  all  that  can  make  agriculture  profitable. 
Arnheim  therefore  renders  the  last  word.s,  "and  yieldeth 
himself  to  the  service  of  the  labourer." 

■^  Arnheim  renders  J'T  with  "  avenge." 

"Arnheim;  making  lU'  "shall  cut,"  or  "wound," 
( Dcut.  xiv.  - ; )  the  verse  refers  then  to  the  many  wars  which 
the  border-tribe  of  Gad  should  have  to  wage  successfully 
against  their  faithless  heathen  neighbours.  Onkelos 
would  require  this  version:  "Those  of  the  house  of  Gad 
shall  pass  in  bands  in  advance  of  their  brothers  (over  (ho 
Jordan)  to  the  war,  and  with  many  goods  shall  they  re- 
turn to  their  land."  Jerusalem  Targum :  "and  return  in 
peace  to  their  dwellings." 


GENESIS  XLIX.  L.     VAYECHEE. 


20  Tf  Out  of  Asher  cometh  fat  bread,  and 
he  shall  yield  royal  dainties. 

21  ^  Naphtali  is  (like)  a  fleet  hind;  he 
bringeth  pleasant  words.* 

22  ][  Joseph  is  a  fruitful  bough,  a  fruitful 
bough  lay  a  spring ;  the  branches  of  which  run 
over  the  wall. 

23  And  they  embittered  his  life,  and  they 
shot  at  him,  and  they  hated  lum,  the  men  of 
the  arrows. 

24  But  his  bow  abode  in  strength,  and  his 
arms  and  his  hands  remained  firm ;  from^  the 
hands  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob,  from  there 
thou  becamest  the  shepherd,  the  stone  of 
Israel. 

25  From  the  God  of  thy  father,  who  will 
help  thee ;  and  from  the  Almighty,  who  will 
bless  thee,  with  blessings  of  heaven  above, 
with  blessings  of  the  deep  that  coucheth 
beneath,  with  blessings  of  the  breasts,  and 
of  the  womb; 

26  With  the  blessings  of  thy  father  that 
have  excelled  the  lalessiugs  of  my  progenitors 
unto  the  utmost  bound  of  the  everlasting 
hills :  these  shall  be  on  the  head  of  Joseph, 
and  on  the  crown  of  the  head  of  him  that  was 
se^jarated"  from  his  brothers.'^ 

27  Benjamin  shall  be  as  a  wolf  that 
rendeth:'  in  the  morning  he  shall  devour 
the  prey,  and  at  evening  he  shall  divide  the 
spoil. 

28  All  these  are  the  tribes  of  Israel,  twelve 
in  number;  and  this  is  what  their  father 
spoke  unto  them,  and  wherewith  he  blessed 
them;  every  one  according  to  his  proper 
blessing  blessed  he  them. 

29  And  he  charged  them  and  said  unto 
them,  I  am  to  be  gathered  unto  my  people ; 
bury  me  near  my  fathers  in  the  cave  that  is 
in  the  field  of  Ephron  the  Hittite, 

30  Li  the  cave  that  is  in  the  field  of  Mach- 
pelah,  which  is  before  Mamr4,  in  the  land 
of  Canaan,  which  field  Abraham  bought  of 
Ephron  the  Ilittite,  for  a  possession  as  a  bury- 
ing-place, 

31  (There  they  buried  Abraham  and  Sarah 


"  "  He  bringeth  pleasant  messages." — Philippson. 

''  Mendelssohn  understands  here,  "  this  came  to  thee  from 
I  lie  liunils,"  &c.  Arnhciin  takes  pN  as  synonymous  with 
"MX  "rock,"  or  " protector;"  and  it  then  means  that,  through 
the  help  of  Jacob's  mighty  God,  Jose])!!  became  the  guar- 
dian and  protector  of  Israel.  I'hilippsim  refers  both  terms 
to  God,  and  translates,  "from  the  iiaiids  of  the  mighty 
God  of  Jacob,  from  the  Sheidicrd,  the  Rock  of  Israel." 
64 


his  wife;  there  they  buried  Isaac  and  Eebe- 
kah  his  wife;  and  there  I  buried  Leah,) 

32  Purchasing  the  field  and  the  cave 
that  is  therein  from  the  children  of  Heth. 

33  And  when  Jacob  had  made  an  end  of 
commanding  his  sons,  he  gathered  up  his  feet 
into  the  bed;  and  he  departed  this  life,  and 
was  gathered  unto  his  peeple. 

CHAPTER  L. 

1  And  Joseph  fell  upon  his  father's  face, 
and  wept  upon  him,  and  kissed  him. 

2  And  Joseph  commanded  his  servants  the 
physicians  to  embalm  his  father:  and  the 
physicians  embalmed  Israel. 

3  And  they  fulfilled  for  him  forty  days;" 
for  so  they  fulfil  the  days  of  those  that  are 
embalmed;  and  the  Egyptians  wept  for  him 
seventy  days. 

4  And  when  the  days  of  his  mourning 
were  past,  Joseph  sjaoke  unto  the  house  of 
Pharaoh,  saying,  K  now  I  have  found  grace 
in  your  eyes,  speak,  I  pray  you,  in  the  ears  of 
Pharaoh,  saying, 

5  My  father  made  me  swear,  saying,  Lo,  I 
die;  in  my  grave,  which  I  have  dug''^  for  me 
in  the  laud  of  Canaan,  there  shalt  thou  bury 
me  :  now  therefore  let  me  go  up,  I  pray  thee, 
and  I  will  bury  my  fixther,  and  return  agahi. 

G  And  Pharaoh  said.  Go  up,  and  bury  thy 
father,  as  he  hath  made  thee  swear. 

7  And  Joseph  went  up  to  bury  his  father, 
and  there  went  up  with  him  all  the  servants 
of  Pharaoh,  the  elders  of  his  house,  and  all 
the  elders  of  the  land  of  Egyi^t, 

8  And  all  the  house  of  Joseph,  and  his 
brothers,  and  his  fiither's  house ;  only  their 
little  ones,  and  their  flocks,  and  their  herds, 
they  left  behind  in  the  land  of  Goshen. 

9  And  there  went  up  Avith  him  both  cha- 
riots and  horsemen ;  and  the  encampment  was 
very  great. 

10  And  they  came  to  the  thrashing-floor  of 
Atad,  which  is  beyond  Jordan,  and  the}-  held 
there  a  great  and  very  sore  lamentation ;  and 
he  made  for  his  father  a  mourning  of  seven  days. 

°  Mendelssohn  gives  this  with  "crowned  from  among," 


&c. 


i.  e.  His  prey. 


*  Meaning,  the  jirocoss  of  embalming  occupied  forty 
days;  "and  they  fulfilled"  then  is,  that  the  cmbalmers 
were  for  this  period  engaged  in  their  labour. 

'  "1  have  acquired,"  according  to  some. 


GENESIS  L.     VAYECHEE. 


according 


11  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  land, 
the  Canaanites,  saw  the  mourning  at  the 
thrashing-floor  of  Atad,  they  said,  This  is  a 
grievous  mourning  to  the  Egyptians ;  where- 
fore the  name  of  it  was  called  Abel-mizrayim," 
which  is  beyond  the  Jordan.'' 

12  And  his  sons  did  unto  him 
as  he  had  commanded  them ; 

13  And  his  sons  carried  him  into  the  land 
of  Canaan,  and  buried  him  in  the  cave  of  the 
field  of  Machpelah,  which  fiek?  Abraham 
bought  for  a  possession,  as  a  burying-place,  of 
Epliron  the  Hittite,  before  Mamre. 

14  And  Joseph  returned  unto  Egypt,  he, 
and  his  brothers,  and  all  that  were  gone  up 
with  him  to  bury  his  father,  after  he  had 
buried  his  father. 

15  And  when  Joseph's  brothers  saw  that 
their  father  was  dead,  they  said,  Peradven- 
ture  Joseph  may  now  hate  us ;  and  then  he 
would  certainly  requite  us  all  the  evil  which 
we  have  done  unto  him. 

IG  And  they  sent  word  imto  Joseph,  say- 
ing, Thy  father  did  command  before  his  death, 
saying, 

17  So  shall  ye  say  unto  Joseph,  0  forgive, 
I  pray  thee,  the  trespass  of  thy  brothers,  and 
their  sin ;  for  evil  have  they  done  unto  thee  : 
and  now,  we  pray  thee,  forgive  the  trespass 
of  the  servants  of  the  God  of  thy  father ;  and 
Joseph  wept  when  they  spoke  unto  him. 

18  And  his  brothers  also  went  and  fell 
down  before  him ;  and  they  said.  Behold,  we 
will  be  thy  servants. 

19  And  Joseph  said  unto  them.  Fear  not ; 
for  am  I  in  the  place  of  God  ? 

20  But  as  for  you,  though  ye  thought  evil 
against  me,  God  meant  it  unto  good;  in  order 

''  "  Mourning  of  Egypt." 

''  According  to  R.  Joseph  Schwartz  this  means  the 
ancient  hed  of  the  river  to  the  south  of  the  Dead  Sea,  as 
Joseph  did  not  cross  the  present  Jordan  to  the  north  of 
that  lake. 


to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  to  save 
alive  a  numerous  people.* 

21  Now  therefore  fear  ye  not,  I  will  suj> 
port  you,  and  your  little  ones ;  and  he  com- 
forted them,  and  spoke  kindly  unto  them. 

22  And  Joseph  dwelt  in  Egypt,  he,  and 
his  father's  house ;  and  Joseph  lived  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  years.'-' 

23  And  Joseph  saw  of  Ephraim  children 
of  the  third  generation ;  the  children  also  of 
Machir  the  son  of  Menasseh  were  brought  u^) 
upon  Joseph's  knees. 

21  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brothers,  J 
shall  die;  but  God  will  surely  visit  you,  and 
lu'ing  you  up  out  of  this  land  unto  the  land 
which  he  hath  sworn  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac, 
and  to  Jacob. 

25  And  Joseph  caused  the  children  of 
Israel  to  swear,  saying,  God  will  surely  visit 
you,  and  then  shall  ye  cany  up  my  bones 
from  here. 

26  So  Joseph  died,  being  one  hundred  and 
ten  years  old ;  and  they  embalmed  him,  and 
he  was  pirt  in  a  coffin  in  Egypt. 

Haphtorah  in  1  Kings  ii.  1  to  12. 


Note. — Haphtorah  for  the  Sabliatli,  if  on  the  day  before 
New  Moon,  is  in  1  Samuel  xx.  18  to  42. 

Reading  for  Maplitere  for  Sabbath  and  New  Jloon, 
Numbers  xsviii.  9  to  1.5. 

Haphtorah  for  Sabbath  and  New  Moon  in  Isaiah  Ivi. 
1  to  24. 

Haphtorah  for  Sabbath  Chanukkah  in  Zechariah  ii.  14 
to  iv.  7. 

Haptorah  for  the  second  Sabbath  Chanukkah  in  1 
Kings  vii.  40  to  50. 

When  cither  of  the  above  is  read  on  any  Sabbath,  the 
usual  weekly  Haphtorah  is  omitted.  The  same  is  the 
case  with  all  other  occasional  Haphtorotli,  which  usually 
take  the  place  of  the  regular  ones. 

°  This  construction  is  according  to  Arnheim,  rendering 

ityx  and  mBTi  simply  with  "which  field."     He  also  ren- 
ders N13:2  'J3  S;'  with  "east  of  Mamrt'." 


«6 


THE  BOOK  OF  EXODUS, 

SHEMOTH,  mar, 

CONTAINING  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  ISRAELITES  IN  EGYPT,  AND  THEIR 
REDEMPTION,  TO  THE  BUILDING  OF  THE  TABERNACLE. 


SECTION  XIII.     SHEMOTH,  mOC'. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  Now  these  are  the  names  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  that  came  into  Egypt ;  with  Jacob 
were  they  come,  every  man  and  his  household. 

2  Reuben,  Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah, 

3  Issachar,  Zel^ulun,  and  Benjamin, 

4  Dan,  and  Naphtali,  Gad,  and  Asher. 

5  And  all  the  souls  that  came  out  of  the 
loins  of  Jacob  were  seventy  souls;  together 
with  Joseph  who  was  already  in  Egypt. 

6  And  Joseph  died,  with  all  his  brothers, 
aiid  all  that  generation. 

7  And  the  children  of  Israel  were  fruitful, 
and  increased  aljundantly,  and  multiplied, 
and  waxed  exceedingly  mighty ;  and  the  land 
was  filled  with  them. 

8  ][  Now  there  rose  up  a  new  king  over 
Egypt,  who  knew  not  Joseph. 

9  And  he  said  unto  his  people.  Behold,  the 
people  of  the  children  of  Israel  is  more  nume- 
rous and  mightier  than  we : 

10  Come  on,  let  us  deal  wisely  with  it; 
lest  it  multiply,  and  it  come  to  pass,  that, 
when  there  happen  to  be  a  war,  it  join  also 
unto  our  enemies,  and  fight  against  us,  and 
de])art  out  of  the  land. 

11  And  they  thereupon  did  set  over  it 
taskmasters,  to  afflict  it  with  their  ))ni-den- 
some  labours ;  and  it  built  treasure  cities,  for 
Pharaoh,  Pitliom  and  Raamses. 

12  But  in  the  measure  that  they  afflicted 
the  same,  so  it  m\iltiplied  and  so  it  spread  it- 
self out ;  and  they  felt  abhorrence  because  of 
the  children  of  Israel. 

13  And  the  Egyptians  compelled  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  to  labour  with  rigour  : 

'  D'J3X  "  the  chair  upon  which  women  sit  during  child- 
birth" is  used  for  the  child  itself  that  is  born. 

''  ('.  r.  Vigorous;  whercfdrc  they  re(mirc  not  the  same 
care  as  the  more  feeble   Egyptians ;    iu  consequence   of 


14  And  they  made  their  lives  bitter  with 
hard  labour,  in  mortar,  and  in  bricks,  and  in 
all  manner  of  labour  in  the  field;  besides  all 

i  their  other  service,  wherein  they  made  them 
labour  with  rigour. 

15  And  the  king  of  Egypt  said  to  the  He- 
brew midwives,  of  Avhom  the  name  of  the  one 
was  Shiphrah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Puah ; 

16  And  he  said,  When  ye  do  the  office  of 
a  midwife  to  the  Hebrew  women,  ye  shall 
have  due  regard  ujjon  the  birth  :"  if  it  be  a 
son,  then  shall  ye  kill  him ;  but  if  it  be  a 
daughter,  then  may  she  live. 

17  But  the  midwives  feared  God,  and  they 
did  not  as  the  king  of  Eg_)i)t  had  connnanded 
them,  but  saved  the  men-children  alive.^'' 

18  And  the  king  of  Egypt  called  for  the 
midwives,  and  he  said  unto  them,  Why  have 
ye  done  this  thing,  and  have  saved  the  men- 
children  alive  ? 

19  And  the  midwives  said  unto  Pharaoh, 
Because  the  Hebrew  women  are  not  as  the 
Egyptian  women ;  for  they  are  lively ;''  ere  the 
midwife  cometh  in  unto  them  they  are  deli- 
vered. 

20  And  God  dealt  well  with  the  midwives ; 
and  the  people  multiplied,  and  waxed  very 
mighty. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  because  the  mid- 
wives  feared  God,  that  he  made  them  houses." 

22  And  Pharaoh  charged  all  his  jieople, 
saying,  Every  son  that  is  born  ye  shall  cast 
into  the  river,  and  every  daughter  ye  shall 
save  alive. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  And  there  went  a  man  of  the  house  of 
Levi,  and  took  a  daughter  of  Levi. 


which  it  would  be  impossible  to  slay  the  child  unperceivcd 
by  the  mother. 

°  i.  e.  He  made  them  important,  and  founders  of  houses 
of  renown  iu  Israel. 


EXODUS   II.     SHEMOTII. 


2  And  the  woman  conceived,  and  bore  a 
son;  and  when  she  saw  him  that  he  was  a 
goodly*  child,  she  hid  him  three  months. 

3  And  when  she  could  no  longer  hide  him, 
she  took  for  him  a  box  of  bulrushes,''  and 
daubed  it  with  slime  and  with  pitch ;  and  she 
put  the  child  therein,  and  laid  it  amidst  the 
Hags  by  the  brink  of  the  river. 

4  And  his  sister  placed  herself  afor  off,  to 
ascertain  what  would  be  done  to  him. 

5  And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh"  came 
down  to  wash  herself  at  the  river;  and  her 
maidens  walked  along  by  the  side  of  the 
river;  and  when  she  saw  the  box  among  the 
flags,  she  sent  her  maid  and  fetched  it. 

6  And  she  opened  it,  and  saw  the  child, 
and,  behold,  it  was  a  weeping  boy;  and  she 
had  compassicyi  on  him,  and  said.  This  is  one 
of  the  Hebrews'  children. 

7  Then  said  his  sister  to  Pharaoh's  daugh- 
ter, Shall  I  go  and  call  thee  a  nurse  of  the 
Hebrew  women,  that  she  may  nurse  for  thee 
the  child? 

8  And  Pharaoh's  daughter  said  to  lier.  Go; 
and  the  maiden  went  and  called  the  mother 
of  the  child. 

9  And  Pharaoh's  daughter  said  unto  her,- 
Take  away  this  child,  and  nurse  him  for  me, 
and  I  will  give  thee  thy  wages;  and  the 
woman  took  the  child,  and  nursed  him. 

10  And  the  child  grew  up,  and  she  brought 
him  unto  Pharaoh's  daughter,  and  he  be- 
came to  her  as  a  son ;  and  she  called  his  name 
Moses  f  and  she  said.  Because  out  of  the  water 
have  I  drawn  him.* 

11  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days,  when 
Moses  was  grown  up,  that  he  went  out  unto 
his  brethren,  and  looked  on  their  burdensome 
labours ;  and  he  saw  an  Egyptian  man  smiting 
a  Hebrew  man,  one  of  his  brethren. 

12  And  he  looked  this  way  and  that  way, 
and  when  he  saw  that  there  was  no  one  by, 
he  smote^  the  Egyptian,  and  hid  him  in  the 
sand. 

13  And  when  he  went  out  the  second  day, 

'  That  is,  handsome  and  well  formed ;  the  word  3lD  is 
often  used  in  this  sense. 

"  Philippson  renders,  "papyrus  rush,"  out  of  the  stems 
of  which  boats  are  constructed,  which  attain  at  times  im- 
mense speed  in  their  propulsinn.  They  were  called  by 
Pliny  papt/rarese  7iaves.  See  also  NOJ  ^'ij  "  vessels  of 
bulrushes,"  Eng.  ver.,  in  Isaiah  xviii.  2. 

°  Wonderful  providence  !  that  the  daughter  of  the  op- 
pressor should  be  made  the  instrument,  through  the  very 


behold,  two  Hebrew  men  were  striving  to- 
gether; and  he  said  unto  him  that  was  in  the 
wrong.  Wherefore  smitest  thou  thy  fellow? 

14  And  he  said.  Who  made  thee  a  chief  and 
a  judge  over  us?  intendest  thou  to  kill  me,  as 
thou  hast  killed  the  Egyptian?  And  Moses 
feared,  and  said.  Surely  the  thing  is  become 
known. 

15  And  Pharaoh  heard  this  thing,  and  he 
sought  to  slay  Moses;  but  Moses  fled  from 
the  face  of  Pharaoh,  and  tarried  in  the  land 
of  Midiau,  and  he  sat  down  by  a  Avell. 

16  Now  the  priest  of  Midian  had  seven 
daughters;  and  they  came  and  drew  water, 
and  filled  the  troughs  to  water  their  father's 
flock. 

1 7  And  the  shepherds  came  and  drove  them 
away;  but  Moses  arose  and  helped  them,  and 
watered  their  flock. 

18  And  when  they  came  to  Eeiiel  their 
fatlier,  he  said.  Wherefore  are  ye  come  home 
so  soon  to-day? 

19  And  they  said.  An  Egyptian  man  de- 
livered us  out  of  the  hand  of  the  shepherds ; 
and  he  also  drew  water  for  us,  and  watered 
the  flock. 

20  And  he  said  unto  his  daughters.  And 
where  is  he  ?  wherefore  have  ye  left  the  man  ? 
call  him,  that  he  may  eat  ])read. 

21  And  Moses  was  content  to  dwell  with 
the  man;  and  he  gave  Zipporah  his  daughter 
to  Moses. 

22  And  she  bore  a  son,  and  he  called 
his  name  Gershom  f  for  he  said,  I  ha\'e  been 
a  stranger  in  a  foreign  land. 

23  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  this  long 
time,  that  the  king  of  Egypt  died;  and  the 
children  of  Israel  sighed  by  reason  of  the 
bondage,  and  they  cried ;  and  their  complaint 
came  up  unto  God  by  reason  of  the  bondage. 

24  And  God  heard  their  groaning,  and 
God  remembered  his  covenant  v/ith  Abraham, 
with  Isaac,  and  with  Jacob. 

25  And  God  looked  upon  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  God  took  cognizance  of  them.*''' 

decree  of  exterminating  the  male  Israelites,  to  educate 
the  future  deliverer  of  his  people. 

''  "  Mosheh,"  fnuu  nty^  nuishcJi,  '•  to  draw  forth." 
"  Lit.  "  he  smote,"  not  "  he  slew." 
'  Gfr,  a  "  stranger  ;"  and  sJiahm,  "  there." 
^  "  He  turned  his  attention  to  them  and  did  not  nvi^rt 
his  eyes,"  Rashi  ;  that  is,  he  noted  their  sorrows  and  re- 
solved to  redeem  them. 

67 


EXODUS  III.  SHEMOTH. 


CHAPTER  Hi. 

1  ^  And  Moses  was  keeping  the  flock  of 
Jittiro  his  father-in-hiw,  the  priest  of  Midian; 
and  he  led  the  flock  far  away  into  the  desert, 
and  came  to  the  mountain  of  God,  to  Choreb. 

2  And  an  angel"  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
him  in  a  flame  of  fire  out  of  the  midst  of  a 
thorn-bush;  and  he  looked,  and,  behold,  the 
thorn-bush  was  burning  with  fire,  ]:)ut  the 
thorn-bush  was  not  consumed. 

3  And  Moses  said,  I  must  turn  aside,  and 
see  this  great  sight,  why  the  tliorn-luish  is  not 
bunit. 

4  And  when  tlie  Lord  saw  that  he  turned 
aside  to  see,  God  called  unto  him  out  of  the 
midst  of  the  thorn-bush,  and  said,  Moses, 
Moses;  and  he  said,  Here  am  I. 

5  And  he  said,  Draw  not  nigh  hither ;  put 
oif  thy  shoes  from  off  thy  feet;  for  the  place 
whereon  thou  standest  is  holy  ground. 

6  And  he  said,  I  am  the  God  of  thy  father, 
the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and 
the  God  of  Jacob ;  and  Moses  hid  his  face ;  for 
he  was  afraid  to  look  up  to  God. 

7  And  the  Lord  said,  I  have  truly  seen 
the  alHiction  of  my  people  that  is  in  Egypt, 
and  have  heard  its  cry  by  reason  of  its  task- 
masters; yea,  I  know  its  sorrows; 

8  And  I  am  come  down  to  deliver  it  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and  to  bring  it 
up  out  of  that  land  unto  a  land,  good  and 
large,  unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  ho- 
ney; unto  the  place  of  the  Canaanites,  and 
the  Ilittites,  and  the  Emorites,  and  the  Periz- 
zites,  and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites. 

9  Now  therefore,  behold,  the  cry  of  the 
children  of  Israel  is  come  unto  me:  and  I 
have  also  seen  the  oppression  wherewith  the 
Egyptians  oppress  them. 

10  And  now  then  go,  and  I  will  send  thee 
unto  Pharaoh,  and  thou  slialt  bring  Ibrth  my 
people  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  Egypt. 


*  The  angel  who  appeared  to  Moses  does  not  address 
liiiii:  the  bodily  appearance  of  the  peculiar  conflagration, 
was  to  arrest  his  attention ;  but  immediately  after,  when 
Moses  attempted  to  inspect  it  more  closely,  he  is  arrested 
by  the  Divine  word,  proceeding  without  a  mediator,  and 
\h'.  is  thus  called  to  commence  his  great  mission  by  the 
Supreme  himself. 

''  Arnhcim  translates  this  passage,  "I  will  be  that  I 
am."  It  is  very  simple  in  its  construction:  still  it  is  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  cdiivey  (lie  wliole  force  of  the  idea  by  any 
words  in  a  translation.  Tlie  Ijord  announces  iiiniself  as 
68 


11  And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Who  am  I, 
that  I  should  go  unto  Pharaoh,  and  that  I 
should  bring  forth  the  children  of  Israel  out 
of  Egypt? 

12  And  he  said.  Because  I  will  be  with 
thee;  and  this  shall  be  unto  thee  the  token, 
that  I  have  sent  thee :  when  thou  hast 
brought  forth  the  people  out  of  Egypt,  ye 
shall  serve  God  upon  this  mountain. 

13  And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Behold,  if 
I  come  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them.  The  God  of  your  fathers  hath 
sent  me  unto  you ;  and  they  then  say  to  me, 
What  is  his  name?  what  shall  I  say  unto 
them  ? 

14  And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  will  be 
THAT  I  WILL  BE:''  and  he  said,  Thus  shalt 
thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  will 
BE  hath  sent  me  unto  you. 

15  And  God  said  moreover  unto  Moses, 
Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  The  Everlasting  One,  the  God  of 
3^our  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God 
of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  sent  me 
unto  you :  this  is  my  name  for  ever,  and  this 
is  my  memorial"  unto  all  generations.* 

•  16  Go,  and  assemble  the  elders  of  Israel, 
and  say  unto  them,  The  Everlasting  One,  the 
God  of  3'our  fathers,  the  God  of  Abraham,  of 
Isaac,  and  of  Jacob,  hath  appear,ed  unto  me, 
saying,  I  have  surely  taken  cognizance  of  you 
and  of  that  which  is  done  to  you  in  Egypt: 

17  And  I  have  said,  I  will  bring  you  up 
out  of  the  affliction  of  Egyjit,  unto  the  land 
of  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites,  and  the 
Emorites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites, 
and  the  Jebusites,  unto  a  land  flowing  with 
milk  and  honey. 

18  And  they  will  hearken  to  thy  voice: 
and  thou  shalt  come,  thou  and  the  elders  of 
Israel,  unto  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  ye  shall 
say  unto  him,  The  Everlasting  One,  the  God 
of  the  Hebrews  hath  met  with  us ;  and  now 


the  Being  who  will  ever  be,  as  he  was  and  as  he  is.  In 
truth,  the  word  is  nothing  but  the  future  tense  first  person 
singular  of  the  verb  rrri  "to  be."  In  the  second  part  of 
the  verse,  tliereforc,  Arnheim  gives  it  simply  as  the  name 
of  God,  without  translating  it:  "Ehyeh  hath  sent  me  to 
you."  In  this  new  name,  which  God  assumes  to  denote 
his  eternity,  we  have  the  second  revelation  of  his  being 
and  quality.     (See  above,  Gen.  xvii.  1.) 

°  This  means,  say  the  commentators,  that  God  taught 
IMoses  how  to  pronounce  the  nam^  of  four  letters,  which 
is  read  Adonay,  and  not  as  it  is  written. 


i 


EXODUS  III.  TV.     SHEMOTH. 


let  us  go,  we  beseech  thee,  a  three  days' 
journey  into  the  wilderness,  that  we  may 
sacrifice  to  the  Lokd  our  God. 

19  But  I  am  sure  that  the  king  of  Egypt 
will  not  let  you  go,  unless  it  happen  through 
a  mighty  hand." 

20  And  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand,  and 
smite  Egypt  with  all  my  wonders  which  I 
,vill  do  in  the  midst  thereof;  and  after  that 
he  will  let  you  go. 

21  And  I  will  give  this  people  favour  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Egyptians;  and  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that,  when  ye  go,  ye  shall  not  go 
empty : 

22  But  every  woman  .shall  ask  of  her 
neighbour,  and  of  her  that  sojourneth  in  her 
house,  vessels  of  silver',  and  vessels  of  gold, 
and  garments;  and  ye  shall  put  them  upon 
your  sons,  and  upon  your  daughters;  and  ye 
shall  empty  out  Egypt. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  Moses  answered  and  said,  But,  be- 
hold, they  will  not  believe  me,  nor  hearken 
unto  my  voice;  for  they  will  say.  The  Lord 
hath  not  appeared  unto  thee. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  What  is 
that  in  thy  hand?  and  he  said,  A  staff. 

3  And  he  said,  Cast  it  on  the  ground;  and 
he  cast  it  on  the  ground,  and  it  became  a  ser- 
pent; and  Moses  tied  from  before  it. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Put  forth 
thy  hand,  and  grasp  it  by  the  tail;  and  he 
put  forth  his  hand,  and  laid  hold  of  it,  and  it 
became  a  stafi'  in  his  hand. 

5  In  order  that  they  may  believe  that 
there  hath  appeared  unto  thee  the  Everlast- 
ing One,  the  God  of  their  fathers,  the  God  of 
Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of 
Jacob. 

6  And  the  Lord  said  farthermore  unto 
him.  Do  put  thy  hand  into  thy  bosom:  and 
he  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom;  and  when 
he  took  it  out,  behold,  his  hand  was  leprous, 
white''  as  snow. 

7  And  he  said.  Put  thy  hand  again  into 

'  Kasbi;  others,  after  the  literal  text,  "and  not  even 
through  a  mighty  hand." 

'  Heb.  "Leprous  like  snow." 

°  Sips  probably  means  "the  report,"  to  wit,  which 
Moses  would  bring  of  the  wonders  which  he  had  seen; 
hence  it  says  properly,  if  tvords  should  not  convince  them, 
he  should  show  them  something  before  their  eyes. — Arn- 
HEIM  after  Rashi. 


thy  bosom:  and  he  put  his  hand  again  into 
his  bosom ;  and  when  he  pulled  it  out  of  his 
bosom,  behold,  it  was  turned  again  as  his 
other  flesh. 

8  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will 
not  believe  thee,  neither  hearken  to  the  voice" 
of  the  first  sign,  that  they  will  believe  the 
voice  of  the  latter  sign. 

9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will 
not  believe  also  these  two  signs,  and  will  not 
hearken  unto  thy  voice,  that  thou  shalt  take 
of  the  water  of  the  river,  and  pour  it  upon 
the  dry  land:  and  the  water  which  thou  shalt 
take  out  of  the  river  shall  become  blood  upon 
the  dry  land. 

10  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  Pardon, 
0  Lord,  I  am  not  a  man  of  words,  neither 
yesterday,  nor  the  day  before,  nor  since  thou 
hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant;  for  I  am  heavy 
of  speech,  and  heavy  of  tongue. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Who  hath 
given  a  mouth  to  man?  or  who  maketh  him 
dumb,  or  deaf,  or  seeing,  or  blind?  is  it  not  I 
the  Lord? 

12  Now  therefore  go,  and  I  ^\•ill  be  -with 
thy  mouth,  and  I  will  teach  thee  what  thou 
shalt  speak. 

1-3  And  he  said,  Pardon,  0  Lord,  send,  I 
pray  thee,  by  the  hand  of  him  ^vhom  thou 
wouldst'  send. 

14  And  the  auger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Moses,  and  he  said.  Is  there  not 
Aaron,  thy  brother,  the  Levite?  I  know  that 
he  can  speak  well;  and  also,  Ixdiold,  he 
cometh  forth  to  meet  thee;  and  when  he 
seeth  thee,  he  will  be  glad  in  his  heart. 

15  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  him,  and  put 
the  words  in  his  mouth :  and  I  will  l)e  with 
thy  mouth,  and  with  his  mouth,  and  I  will 
teach  you  what  ye  shall  do. 

16  And  he  shall  speak  for  thee  unto  the 
peojDle;  and  he  shall  be,  yea  he  shall  be  to 
thee  as  a  mouth,  and  thou  shalt  be  to  him  as 
a  god." 

17  And  this  staft'  shalt  thou  take  in  thy 
hand,  wherewith  thou  shalt  do  the  signs.'-' 

''  Onkelos  renders,  "who  is  worthy  of  being  sent." 
°  Moses  should  give  to  Aaron  instruction  how  to  speak, 
consequently  he  would  be  to  him  what  God  was  to  Moses, 
instructor;  and  again,  Aaron  was  to  be  the  mouth  of 
Moses,  by  telling  the  people  what  had  been  intrusted  to 
him,  and  which  he  himself  could  not  tell  on  account  cf 
his  difficulty  of  speech. 

69 


EXODUS  IV.  V.     SHEMOTH. 


18  "H  And  Moses  went  and  returned  to 
Jether  Ids  father-in-law,  and  said  unto  him, 
Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee,  and  return  unto  my 
bi'ethren  that  are  in  Egypt,  and  see  whether 
they  be  yet  alive ;  and  Jithro  said  to  Moses, 
Go  in  peace. 

19  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  in  Mi- 
dian.  Go,  return  into  Egypt;  for  all  the  men 
are  dead  who  sought  thy  life. 

20  And  Moses  took  his  wife  and  his  sons, 
and  set  them  upon  an  ass,  and  he  returned  to 
the  land  of  Egypt;  and  Moses  took  the  staff 
of  God  in  his  hand. 

21  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  When 
thou  goest  to  return  into  Egypt,  regard  well 
all  the  wonders  which  I  have  put  in  thy 
hand,  and  do  them  before  Pharaoh ;  but  I  will 
hai'den  his  heart,  and  he  will  not  let  the 
people  go. 

22  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  Pharoah,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  My  son,  my  first-born, 
is  Israel. 

23  And  I  said  unto  thee.  Let  my  son  go, 
that  he  may  serve  me;  and  thou  refusest  to 
let  him  go;  so,  behold,  I  will  slay  thy  son, 
thy  first-born. 

24  And  as  he  was  on  the  journey  in  the 
inn,  the  Lord  met  him,  and  sought  to  kill 
him. 

25  Then  took  Zipporah  a  sharp  instru- 
ment,^ and  cut  off  the  foreskin  of  her  son, 
and  cast  it  at  his  feet,  and  said.  Surely  a 
bloody  relative*"  art  thou  to  me. 

20  And  then  he  withdi'ew  from  him;  when 
she  said,  A  bloody  relative,  but  only  in  re- 
sjiect  of  the  circumcision. 

27  ^  And  the  Lord  said  to  Aaron,  Go 
to  meet  Moses,  into  the  wilderness;  and  he 
went  and  met  him  by  the  mount  of  God,  and 
kissed  him. 

28  And  Moses  told  Aaron  all  the  words 
of  the  Lord  wherewith  he  had  sent  him, 
and  all  the  signs  which  he  had  commanded 
him. 

29  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  and  assem- 
bled all  the  elders  of  the  children  ol"  Israel : 

30  And  Aaron  spoke  all  the  words  which 


*  Aben  Ezra  and  Kashbam ;  others  render,  "  a  sharp 
Btone." 

''  This  was  said  to  the  child,  as  endangering  the  life  of 
Moses;  but  the  blood  was  at  length  only  that  of  circum- 
cision. 

°  "Prostrated  themselves;"  but  as  this  was  the  method 
70 


the  Lord  had  sjjoken  unto  Moses;  and  he  did 
the  signs  before  the  eyes  of  the  peojile. 

31  And  the  people  believed:  and  when 
they  heard  that  the  Lord  had  visited  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  and  that  he  had  looked  upon 
their  affliction,  then  they  bowed  their  heads 
and  worshipped."* 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  And  after  that  Moses  and  Aaron  went 
in,  and  said  unto  Pharaoh,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Everlasting  One,  the  God  of  Israel,  Let 
my  people  go,  that  they  may  hold  a  feast 
unto  me  in  the  wilderness. 

2  And  Pharaoh  said,  Wlio  is  the  Everlast- 
ing, whose  voice  I  am  to  obey,  to  let  Israel 
go?  I  know  not  the  Everlasting,  nor  will  I 
let  Israel  go. 

3  And  they  said.  The  God  of  the  Hebrews 
hath  met  with  us :  let  us  go,  we  pray  thee,  a 
three  daj^s'  journey  into  the  desert,  and  sacri- 
fice unto  the  Lord  our  God ;  lest  he  fall  upon 
us  with  the  pestilence,  or  with  the  sword. 

4  And  the  king  of  Egypt  said  unto  them. 
Wherefore  do  ye,  Moses  and  Aaron,  hinder 
the  people  from  their  works?  get  you  unto 
your  own  affairs.'' 

5  And  Pharaoh  said,  Behold,  the  people  of 
the  land  now  are  many,  and  ye  disturb"  them 
in  the  pursuit  of  their  labours. 

6  And  Pharaoh  commanded  on  the  same 
day  the  taskmasters  of  the  people,  and  its  of- 
ficers, saying, 

7  Ye  shall  no  more  give  the  people  straw 
to  make  the  bricks,  as  yesterday  and  the  day 
before ;  they  themselves  shall  go  and  gather 
themselves  straw. 

8  And  the  number  of  the  bricks,  which 
they  did  make  heretofore,*^  ye  shall  impose 
upon  them,  ye  shall  not  diminish  aught 
thereof;  for  they  are  idle ;  therefore  they  cry, 
saying.  Let  us  go  and  sacrifice  to  our  God. 

9  Let  the  work  be  made  to  lie  heavily  upon 
the  men,  that  they  may  have  enough  to  do 
therein;  and  that  they  may  not  pay  attention 
to  false  words. 

10  And  the  taskmasters  of  the  people  and 


of  worship,  the  word  "worshipped"  has  been  retained,  as 

in  the  common  version. 
"  Rasiii. 

"  Lit.  "Cause  them  to  rest  from  their  burdens." 
'  Heb.  "Yesterday  and  the  day  before  yesterday." 


EXODUS  V.  VI.     VAAYRAH. 


its  officers  went  out,  and  they  said  to  the 
people,  saying,  Thus  saith  Pharaoli,  I  will 
not  give  j-ou  any  straw. 

11  Go  ye,  get  jourselves  straw  from  wher- 
ever ye  can  find  it ;  yet  not  the  least  shall  be 
taken  off  from  your  work. 

12  And  the  j^eople  scattered  themselves 
abroad  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt  to 
gather  stubble  instead  of  straw. 

13  And  the  taskmasters  were  urgent,  say- 
ing, Fulfil  3'our  works,  every  day  its  due  por- 
tion, just  as  when  there  was  straw. 

14  And  the  officex's  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  whom  the  taskmasters  of  Pharaoh  had 
set  over  them,  were  beaten,  as  these  said, 
Wherefore  have  ye  not  fulfilled  your  task  in 
making  brick  as  heretofore,  both  yesterday 
and  to-day? 

15  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of 
Israel  came  and  cried  unto  Pharaoh,  saying, 
Wherefore  dealest  thou  thus  with  thy  ser- 
vants ? 

16  Straw  is  not  given  unto  thy  servants, 
and.  Make  bricks,  say  they  to  us:  and,  be- 
hold, thy  servants  are  beat«n,  and  thy  people 
are  treated  as  sinners. 

17  But  he  said.  Idle  are  ye,  idle;  therefore 
say  ye.  Let  us  go  and  sacrifice  to  the  Lord. 

18  And  now  go,  work,  and  straw  shall  not 
be  given  you;  yet  the  required  number  of 
bricks  shall  ye  deliver. 

19  And  the  officers  of  the  children  of  Israel 
saw  themselves  in  the  evil  necessity  to  say. 
Ye  shall  not  diminish  aught  from  3'our  bricks, 
every  day  of  its  task. 

20  And  they  met  Moses  and  Aaron,  stand- 
ing in  their  way,  as  they  came  forth  from 
Pharaoh. 

21  And  they  said  unto  them.  May  the 
Lord  look  upon  you,  and  judge;  because  ye 
have  made  our  savour  to  be  abhorred  in 
the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and  the  eyes  of  his 
servants,  to  put  a  sword  in  their  hand  to 
slay  us.* 

22  And  Moses  returned  unto  the  Lord,  and 


°  Aben  Ezra  supplies  here,  "aloue,"  meaniug,  sometimes 
it  was  as  the  Almighty,  while  at  others  as  the  Eternal,  that 
God  spoke  to  the  patriarchs.  Jonathan  says,  "And  by  my 
name,  the  Lord,  through  the  evident  appearance  of  my 
glory,  (see  Numb.  sii.  6,)  I  became  not  known  to  them." 
Perhaps  it  may  mean,  however,  that  God  made  himself 
known  to  the  patriarchs  as  the  Ruler  of  all  things,  but  not 
as  the  Merciful  and  sure  Rewarder  of  all  deeds:  they 
might  have  recognised  Him  so  from  his  bounties;  but  now 


said,  Lord,  wherefore  hast  thou  let  so  much 
evil  come  upon  this  people?  why  is  it  that 
thou  hast  sent  me? 

23  For,  since  I  came  unto  Pharaoh  to 
speak  in  thy  name,  he  hath  done  more  evil 
to  this  people;  but  thou  hast  in  nowise  de- 
livered thy  people. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  Moses,  Now 
shalt  thou  see  what  I  will  do  to  Pharaoh ;  for 
with  a  strong  hand  shall  he  send  them  aA\'ay, 
and  Avith  a  strong  liand  shall  he  drive  them 
out  of  his  land. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  xxvii.  6  to  xxviii.  13,  and  v.  22  and  23  of 
xxix.     The  Portuguese  read  Jeremiah  i.  1  to  ii.  3. 


SECTION  XIV.    VAAYEAH,  N1N1. 

2  Tl  And  God  spoke  unto  Moses,  and  said 
unto  him,  I  am  the  Lord  : 

3  And  I  appeared  unto  Aljraham,  unto 
Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  by  the  name  of  God, 
the  Almighty,  but  by  my  name  The  Eter- 
nal" was  I  not  made  kno-wm  to  them. 

4  And  as  I  did  also  establish  my  covenant 
with  them,  to  give  unto  them  the  land  of 
Canaan,  tlie  land  of  their  pilgrimage,  wherein 
they  sojourned: 

5  So  have  I  also  heard  the  groaning  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  whom  the  Egyptians  com- 
pel to  labour;  and  I  have  remembei'ed  my 
covenant. 

6  Therefore  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
I  am  the  Eternal,  and  I  will  bring  you  out 
from  under  the  burdens*  of  the  Egyptians, 
and  I  will  release  you  from  their  bondage, 
and  I  will  redeem  you  with  an  outstretched 
ann,  and  with  great  judgments : 

7  And  I  will  take  you  to  me  for  a  people, 
and  I  will  be  to  you  for  a  God;  and  ye  slinll 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord"  your  God,  who 
bringeth  you  out  from  under  the  burdens  of 
the  Egyptians. 

8  And  I  will  bring  you  in  unto  the  land. 


this  knowledge  was  bcstoired  on  mankind  as  a  new  source 
of  hope  and  confidence. 

"  The  same  word  has  been  rendered  above  with  "bur- 
densome labour,"  in  which  sense  it  must  be  understood 
throughout. 

°  The  reader  will  please  to  recollect  what  is  stated  in  a 
note  to  Genesis  ii.  4,  that  the  word  Lord  (so  printed  )  is 
used  in  this  version  as  equivalent  to  Eternal,  to  prevmt 
the  frequent  repetition  of  the  last  term. 


EXODUS  VI.  VII.     VAAYRAH. 


concerning  which  I  did  lift  up  my  hand"  to 
give  it  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob; 
and  I  Avill  give  it  you  for  an  heritage :  I  am 
the  Lord. 

9  And  Moses  sjioke  thus  unto  the  children 
of  Israel ;  but  they  hearkened  not  unto  Moses 
for  anguish  of  spirit,  and  for  cruel  bondage. 

10  "f[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

11  Go  in,  speak  unto  Pharaoh  the  king 
of  Egypt,  that  he  sliall  let  the  children  of 
Israel  go  out  of  his  land. 

12  And  Moses  spoke  before  the  Lord,  say- 
ing, Behold,  the  childi'en  of  Israel  have  not 
hearkened  unto  me :  how  then  shall  Phai'aoh 
hear  me,  whereas  I  am  of  uncircumcised^ 
lips? 

13  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  and  gave  them  a  charge  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  unto  Pharaoh,  the 
king  of  Egy|]t,  to  bring  forth  the  children  of 
Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.* 

14  Tf  These  are  the  heads  of  their  family 
divisions :  The  sons  of  Reiiben  the  firs1>born 
of  Israel:  Chanoch,  and  Pallu,  Chezron,  and 
Carmi;  these  are  the  families  of  Reuben. 

15  And  the  sons  of  Simeon :  Yemuel,  and 
Yamin,  and  Ohad,  and  Yachin,  and  Zochar, 
and  Shaiil  the  son  of  the  Canaanitish  woman ; 
these  are  the  families  of  Simeon. 

16  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Levi  according  to  their  generations :  Gershon, 
and  Kehath,  and  Merari;  and  the  years  of 
the  life  of  Levi  were  one  hundred  and  thirty 
and  seven  years. 

17  The  sons  of  Gershon :  Libni,  and  Shimi, 
according  to  their  families. 

18  And  the  sons  of  Kehath:  Amram,  and 
Yizhar,  and  Chebron,  and  'Uzziel;  and  the 
years  of  the  life  of  Kehath  Avere  one  hundred 
and  thirty  and  three  years. 

19  And  the  sons  of  Merari:  Machli  and 
Mushi;  these  are  the  families  of  Levi  accord- 
ing to  their  generations. 

20  And  Amram  took  himself  Yochebed  his 
aunt  for  wife ;  and  she  bore  unto  him  Aaron" 

*  That  is,  "I  did  swear,"  as  an  oath  is  taken  by  the 
lifting  up  of  the  hand. 

""  The  word  "  uncircumcised,"  among  Israelites,  denotes 
always  an  imperfection;  so  "uncircumcised  of  lips"  means 
a  difficulty  in  speaking,  "uncircumcised  of  heart,"  an  im- 
purity of  thought  and  a  state  of  disobedience.  Whereas 
"circumcised"  denotes  the  opposite  state  of  pcrfectness  or 
purity. 

72 


and  Moses;  and  the  years  of  the  life  of  Am- 
ram were  one  hundred  and  thirty  and  seven 
years. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Yizhar:  Korach,  and 
Nepheg,  and  Zichri."* 

22  And  the  sons  of  'Uzziel :  Mishael,  and 
Elzajihan,  and  Sithri. 

23  And  Aaron  took  himself  Elisheba, 
daughter  of  Amminadab,  sister  of  Nachshon, 
for  wife;  and  she  bore  unto  him  Nadab,  and 
Abihu,  Elazar,  and  Ithamar. 

24  And  the  sons  of  Korach:  Assir,  and 
Elkanah,  and  Abiassaph;  these  are  the  fami- 
lies of  the  Korchites. 

25  And  Elazar  the  son  of  Aaron  took  him- 
self one  of  the  daughters  of  Putiel  for  wife; 
and  she  bore  unto  him  Phinehas:''  these  are 
the  heads  of  the  divisions  of  the  Levites  ac- 
cording to  their  families. 

26  These  are  Aaron  and  Moses/  to  whom 
the  Lord  said.  Bring  forth  the  children  of 
Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  according  to 
their  armies. 

27  These  are  they  that  spoke  to  Pharaoh 
the  king  of  Egypt,  to  bring  forth  the  children 
of  Israel  out  of  Egypt :  these  are  Moses  and 
Aaron. 

28  And  it  came  to  jDass  on  the  day  when 
the  Lord  sjioke  unto  Moses  m  the  land  of 
Egypt.* 

29  ^  Then  spoke  the  Lord  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, I  am  the  Lord  ;  speak  thou  unto  Pharaoh 
the  king  of  Egypt  all  that  I  speak  unto  thee. 

30  And  Moses  said  before  the  Lord,  Be- 
hold, I  am  of  uncircumcised  lips,  and  how 
shall  Pharaoh  hearken  unto  me? 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  See,  I 
have  made  thee  a  god  to  Pharaoh;  and  Aaron 
thy  brother  shall  be  thy  prophet. 

2  Thou  shalt  speak  all  that  I  shall  com- 
mand thee;  and  Aaron  thy  brother  shall 
speak  unto  Pharaoh,  that  he  send  away  the 
children  of  Israel  out  of  his  land. 

3  And  I  will  harden  the  heart  of  Pharaoh, 

°  Properly,  "Aharon." 

^  Eng.  ver.  "  Zithri,"  which  is  incorrect. 

'  Properly,  "  Pincchas." 

'  This  genealogy  is  here  given  merely  to  show  the  de- 
scent of  Moses  and  Aaron,  as  they  were  made  the  special 
instruments  of  Israel's  redemption,  or  to  exhibit,  that 
anion;:  all  cnumoratcd  Moses  was  the  most  deservina  to 
fulfil  this  mission. 


i 


REUEKA^H     AT     THE    WELL. 


EXODUS  VII.    VAAYRAH. 


and  I  will  multipl}-  iiiy  .signs  and  my  wonders 
in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

4  And  Pharaoh  will  not  liearken  nnto  yon, 
and  I  will  lay  my  hand  upon  Egypt,  and 
bring  forth  my  armies,  my  people,  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  by 
means  of  great  judgments. 

5  And  the  Egyptians  shall  know  that  I  am 
the  LoKD.  when  I  stretch  forth  my  hand  over 
Egypt,  and  bring  out  the  children  of  Israel 
fi-om  the  midst  of  them. 

G  And  Moses  and  Aaron  did  so;  as  the 
Lord  connnanded  them,  so  did  the}-. 

7  And  Moses  was  eighty  years  old,  and 
Aaron  eighty  and  three  years  old,  when  they 
spoke  unto  Pharaoh.'-' 

8  *I|  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

'.)  If  Pharaoh  shall  speak  unto  you,  saying, 
Show  a  miracle  for  yourselves  rHhen  shalt  thou 
say  unto  Aaron.  Take  thy  staff'  and  cast  it 
down  before  Pharaoh;  it  shall  become  a  serpent. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  in  unto 
Pharaoh,  and  they  tlid  so,  as  the  Lohd  had 
commanded ;  and  Aaron  cast  down  his  stall' 
beibre  Pharaoh,  and  before  his  servants,  asd 
it  became  a  serpent. 

11  Then  Pharaoh  also  called  for  the  wise 
men  and  the  sorcerers;  and  they  also,  the 
magicians  of  Egypt,  did  with  their  secret  arts 
in  like  manner. 

12  And  they  cast  down  every  man  his 
staff,  and  they  became  serpents;  but  Aaron's 
staff  swallowed  up  their  staves. 

13  But  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  was  hard,  and 
he  hearkened  not  unto  them;  as  the  Lord 
had  spoken. 

14  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  The 
heart  of  Pharaoh  is  oljdurate,  he  refuseth  to 
let  the  people  go. 

15  Get  thee  unto  Pharaoh  in  the  morning; 
lo,  he  goeth  out  unto  the  water;  and  thou 
shalt  place  thyself  opposite  to  him  by  the 
Ijrink  of  the  river;  and  the  staff  which  was 
turned  to  a  serpent  shalt  thou  take  in  thy 
hand. 

IC  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  him.  The  Eter- 

"  It  must  be  understood  that  Pharaoh  had  refused  to 
listen  to  the  demand  of  Moses  uuder  the  plea  that  he 
knew  not  who  was  the  "Eternal  God"  in  whose  name  the 
prophet  spoke.  When,  therefore,  Moses  and  his  brother 
were  sent  again,  it  was  to  be  expected  that  the  king 
would  require  some  extraordinary  attestation,  as  proof  that 
they  who  spoke  thus  had  a  power  to  enforce  their  mission, 

K 


nal,  the  God  of  the  Hebrews,  hath  sent  me 
unto  thee,  saying,  Let  my  people  go,  that 
they  may  serve  me  in  the  wilderness :  and,  be- 
hold, thou  wouldst  not  hear,  up  to  this  time. 

17  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  By  this  thou 
shalt  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  :  behold,  I 
will  smite  with  the  stall'  that  is  in  my  hand 
upon  the  waters  which  are  in  the  river,  and 
they  shall  be  turned  to  blood. 

18  And  the  fish  that  is  in  the  river  shall 
die,  and  the  river  shall  stink;  and  the  Egy2> 
tians  shall  loath  to  drink  water  from  the 
river. 

19  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Say 
unto  Aaron,  Take  thy  staff,  and  stretch  out 
thy  hand  over  tlie  waters  of  Egypt,  over  their 
streams,  over  their  rivers,  and  over  their 
ponds,  and  over  all  their  pools  of  water,  that 
they  become  blood;  and  there  shall  be  blood 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  also  in  ves- 
sels of  wood,  and  in  vessels  of  stone. 

20  And  M(jses  and  Aaron  did  so,  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded;  and  he  lifted  up  (his 
hand)  with  the  staff",  and  smote  the  waters 
thtit  were  in  the  river,  before  the  eyes  of  Pha- 
raoh, and  before  the  eyes  of  his  servants ;  and 
all  the  waters  that  were  in  the  river  were 
turnetl  to  blood. 

21  And  the  fish  that  was  in  the  river  died ; 
and  the  river  stank,  and  the  Egyptians  could 
not  drink  water  from  the  river ;  and  the  blood 
was  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egjqot. 

22  And  the  magicians  of  Egypt  did  so'' 
with  their  secret  arts:  and  the  heart  of  Phar 
raoh  remained  hai'dened,  and  he  did  not 
hearken  unto  them;  as  the  Lord  had  spoken. 

23  And  Pharaoh  turned  avfiiy  and  went 
into  his  house,  and  he  did  not  set  his  heart  to 
this  thing  also. 

24  And  all  the  Egyptians  dug  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  the  river  for  water  to  drink ;  for 
they  could  not  drink  of  the  water  of  the 
river. 

25  And  full  seven  days  elapsed,  after  that 
the  Lord  had  smitten  the  river." 

26  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go 
in  unto  Pharaoh,  and  say  unto  him.  Thus 

if  it  were  in  reality  the  word  and  will  of  an  unheard-of 
Deity,  of  superior  power  to  the  gods  of  Egypt. 

''  "With  the  water,  namely,  which  came  from  the  newly 
dug  wells;"  see  v.  24. — Arnheim. 

"  The  English  version  ends  here  the  seventh  chapter, 
but  the  Jlassoretio  text  commences  chap.  viii.  only  with 
the  fifth  verse  of  the  common  version. 

73 


EXODUS  VII.  VIII.    VAAYRAH. 


hath  said  the  Lord,  Let  my  people  go,  that 
they  may  serve  me. 

27  And  if  thou  refuse  to  let  them  go,  be- 
hold, I  will  smite  all  thy  liorders"  with  frogs : 

28  And  the  river  shall  bring  forth  frogs 
abundantly,  and  they  shall  go  up  and  come 
into  thy  house,  and  into  thy  sleeping-cham- 
ber, and  upon  thy  bed,  and  into  the  house  of 
thy  servants,  and  among  thy  people,  and  into 
thy  ovens,  and  into  thj'  kneachng-troughs; 

29  And  upon  thee,  and  upon  thy  people, 
and  upon  all  thy  servants,  shall  the  frogs 
come  up. 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

1  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Say  unto 
Aaron,  Stretch  forth  thy  hand  with  thy  staft' 
over  the  streams,  over  tlie  rivers,  and  over 
the  ponds,  and  cause  the  frogs  to  come  up 
over  the  land  of  Egypt. 

2  And  Aaron  stretched  out  his  hand  over 
the  waters  of  Egypt ;  and  the  frogs  came  up, 
and  covered  the  land  of  Egypt. 

3  And  the  mairicians  did  so  Avith  their 
secret  arts,  and  brought  up  tlie  frogs  over  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

4  Then  did  Pharaoh  call  for  Moses  and 
Aaron,  and  said.  Entreat  the  Lord,  that  he 
may  take  away  the  frogs  from  me,  and  from 
my  people ;  and  I  will  let  the  people  go,  that 
they  may  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord. 

5  And  Moses  said  unto  Pharaoh,  Arrogate 
thyself'  glory  over  me :  for  what  time  shall  I 
entreat  for  thee,  and  for  thy  servants,  and  for 
thy  people,  to  destroy  the  frogs  from  thee  and 
from  thy  houses,  that  tliey  may  remain  in  the 
river  only  ? 

6  And  he  said,  For  to-morrow;  and  he  said, 
Be  it  according  to  thy  word;  in  order  tliat 
thou  inayest  know  that  there  is  none  like 
unto  the  Lord  our  God.* 

7  And  the  frogs  shall   depart   from   thee, 

"  i.  <:,  the  wliole  country,  or  that  part  which  is  enclosed 
by  the  boundaries. 

''  iSDnn  the  hllhpiiel  from  1X3  "  to  gh)rify,"  hence  "  to 
assume  a  ghiry  for  oneself."  IMoses  meant  to  convey  to 
Pharaoh,  as  a  proof  of  his  divinely  delegated  power,  that 
even  tlie  fi.xing  of  a  period  to  the  plague,  whether  long  or 
short,  would  surely  bo  complied  with.  Hence  follows  the 
conclusion  referring  to  tiic  greatness  of  the  Lord. 

°  As  the  word  d:2  is  only  found  here  and  in  I'.salm  cv. 
8],  its  true  cluiracter  is  not  easily  defined.  I'liilippson 
renders  it  with  "ants,"  perhaps  {\iq  funnix  nlijra.  Others 
make  it  to  mean  "mosquito,"  the  culex  rcplniis.  T5oth 
these  insects  are  exceedingly  troublesome  in  Kgypt. 


and  fi'om  thy  houses,  and  from  thy  serA'ants- 
and  from  thy  people;  only  in  the  river  shall 
they  remain. 

8  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  out  from 
Pharaoh ;  and  Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord  on 
account  of  the  frogs  which  he  hatl  inflicted  on 
Pharaoh. 

9  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the  word 
of  Moses ;  and  the  frogs  died  out  of  the  houses, 
out  of  the  courts,  and  out  of  the  fields. 

10  And  tliey  gathered  them  together  in 
many  heaps;  and  the  land  stank. 

11  But  when  Pharaoh  saw  that  there  was 
a  respite,  he  hardened  his  heart,  and  heark- 
ened not  unto  them;  as  the  Lord  had  spoken. 

12  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Say 
unto  Aaron,  Stretch  out  thy  stafl'.  and  smite 
the  dust  of  the  earth,  and  it  shall  become  lice" 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

13  And  they  did  so;  and  Aaron  stretched 
out  his  hand  with  his  staff,  and  smote  the 
dust  of  the  earth,  and  the  lice  were  thus  on 
man,  and  on  beast;  all  the  dust  of  the  land 
became  lice  throughout  all  tlie  land  of  Egypt. 

14  And  the  magicians  did  so  with  their 
secret  arts  to  bring  forth  the  lice,  but  they 
could  not;  so  were  the  lice  upon  man  and 
upon  beast. 

15  Then  said  the  magicians  unto  Pharaoh, 
This  is  a  finger  of  God;  but  Pliaraoh's  heart 
remained  hardened,  and  he  hearkened  not 
unto  them;  as  the  Lord  had  spoken. 

16  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Rise 
up  early  in  the  morning,  and  place  thyself 
before  Pharaoh;  lo,  he  goeth  forth  to  the 
water;  and  say  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord,  Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may 
serve  me. 

17  For  if  thou  wilt  not  let  my  people  go, 
behold,  I  will  send  against  thee,  and  against 
thy  servants,  and  against  thy  people,  and  in- 
to thy  houses  various'"  wild  beasts:  and  the 

''  The  ancient  Jewish  commentators  render  31ii'  '  Arohr, 
only  found  here  and  in  Psalms,  as  derived  from  the  verb 
signifying  "to  mingle,"  &c.,  a  mixture  of  ravenous  beasts, 
serpents,  and  scorpions.  Kashbam  makes  it  derived  from 
mi'  ' Areh  "evening,"  hence  "the  night-wolf,"  jackall. — 
Philippsou  i-enders  it  with  "  beetle,"  referring  to  the 
hlattii  jEiji/ptiaca,  which  is  at  times  dangerous  to  human 
life.  (He  quotes  "  De  Katte's  Journey  to  Abyssiania,"  p. 
IIH.)  The  English  version  "swarms  of  flics"  needs  no 
refutation,  as  the  whole  context  shows  it  to  be  incorrect. 
See  especially  fardicv  down,  verse  20. 


EXODUS  VIIT.  IX.     VAAYRAII. 


houses  of  tlie  Egyptians  shall  l)e  full  of  the 
wild  beasts,  and  also  the  ground  whereon 
they  dweli. 

IS  And  I  will  distinguish  on  that  day  the 
land  of  Goshen,  in  which  my  people  abideth, 
so  that  no  wild  beasts  shall  be  there;  to  the 
end  thou  niayest  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  in 
the  midst  of  the  earth."* 

19  And  I  will  put  a  distinction  between 
my  people  and  thy  people;  to-morrow  shall 
this  sign  be. 

20  And  the  Lord  did  so;  and  there  came 
a  grievous  multitude  of  beasts  into  the 
house  of  Pharaoh,  and  into  the  house  of  his 
servants ;  and  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt,  the 
land  was  laid  waste  by  reason  of  the  wild 
beasts. 

21  And  Pharaoh  called  for  Moses  and  for 
Aaron,  and  said.  Go  ye,  sacrifice  to  your  God 
in  the  land. 

22  And  Moses  said.  It  is  not  proper  to  do 
so;  for  the  abomination  of  the  Egyptians  must 
we  sacrifice  to  the  Eternal  our  God :  lo,  if  we 
should  sacrifice  the  aljomination  of  the  Egyp- 
tians Ijefore  their  eyes,  would  they  not  stone  us? 

23  A  three  days'  journey  will  we  go  into 
the  wilderness,  and  sacrifice  to  the  Lord  our 
God,  just  as  he  may  say  unto  us. 

24  And  Pharaoh  said,  I  will  surely  let  you 
go,  that  ye  may  sacrifice  to  the  Eternal  your 
God  in  the  wilderness;  only  do  not  go  very 
far  away :  entreat  for  me. 

2-5  And  Moses  said,  Behold,  I  am  going  out 
from  thee,  and  I  w'ill  entreat  the  Lord,  and 
the  wild  beasts  shall  depart  from  Pharaoh, 
from  his  servants,  and  from  liis  people,  to- 
morrow ;  oidy  let  not  Pharaoli  deal  deceitfully 
any  more,  so  as  not  to  let  the  people  go  to 
sacrifice  to  the  Lord. 

20  And  Moses  went  out  from  Pharaoh, 
and  entreated  the  Lord. 

27  And  the  Lord  did  according  to  the 
word  of  Moses;  and  he  removed  the  wild 
beasts  from  Pharaoh,  from  his  servants,  and 
from  hi-s  people ;  there  remained  not  one. 

28  But  Pharaoh  hardened  his  heart  at  this 
time  also,  and  he  did  not  let  the  people  go. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  x\nd  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  in 

'  "Land." — Arnheim. 

^  After  Rashi,  wlio  renders  [tik;  with  nn'-^n  "lieat;" 


unto  Pharaoh,  and  speak  to  him,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Eternal,  the  God  of  the  Hebrews, 
Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  serve  me. 

2  For  if  thou  refuscst  to  let  them  go,  and 
still  boldest  on  to  them,  "~ 

3  Behold,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  will  be 
sent  against  thy  cattle  which  is  in  the  field, 
against  the  horses,  against  the  asses,  against 
the  camels,  against  the  oxen,  and  against  the 
sheep ; — a  very  grievous  j^estilence. 

4  And  the  Lord  will  distinguish  between 
the  cattle  of  Israel  and  the  cattle  of  Egypt ; 
and  not  one  head  shall  die  of  all  that  belong- 
eth  to  the  children  of  Israel. 

5  And  the  Lord  appointed  a  set  time,  say- 
ing. To-morrow  will  the  Lord  do  this  thing 
in  the  land. 

6  And  the  Lord  did  this  thing  on  the 
morrow^,  and  all  the  cattle  of  Egypt  died ;  but 
of  the  cattle  of  the  children  of  Israel  there 
died  not  one. 

7  And  Pliartioh  sent,  and,  behold,  there 
had  not  died  of  the  cattle  of  the  Israelites 
even  one  ;  but  the  heart  of  Pliaraoh  remained 
hardened,  and  he  did  not  let  the  people  go. 

8  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and  unto 
Aaron,  Take  unto  yourselves  your  hands  full 
of  soot  of  the  furnace,  and  let  Moses  throw  it 
heavenward  before  tlie  ej^es  of  Pharaoh. 

9  And  it  shall  become  small  dust  over  all 
the  land  of  Egypt,  and  shall  become  upon 
man  and  beast  an  inflammation,''  producing 
toils,  throughout  all  the  land  of  Egypt. 

10  And  they  toolv  the  soot  of  the  furnace, 
and  stood  before  Pharaoh ;  and  Moses  threw 
it  up  heavenward ;  and  it  jjecame  an  infiam- 
mation,  producing  boils,  upon  man,  and  upon 
beast. 

11  And  the  magicians  could  not  stand  be- 
fore Moses  because  of  the  inflammation ;  for 
the  inflammation  was  upon  the  magicians, 
and  upon  all  the  Egyptians. 

12  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of 
Pharaoh,  and  he  hearkened  not  unto  them; 
as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses. 

13  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Rise 
up  early  in  the  morning,  and  place  thyself 
before  Pharaoh,  and  say  unto  him.  Thus  hath 
said  the  Eternal,  the  God  of  the  Hebrews, 
Let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  serve  me. 


"  a  red  swelling  in  the  skin,' 
boils. 


which  speedily  prnducod 


75 


EXODUS  IX.  X.     BO. 


14  For  at  this  time  I  send  all"  my  plagues 
against  thy  heart,  and  against  thy  servants, 
and  against  thy  people;  in  order  that  thou 
mayest  know  that  there  is  none  like  me  on 
all  the  earth. 

15  For  even  now  I  might  have  stretched 
out  my  hand,  and  I  might  have  smitten  thee 
and  thy  people  with  the  pestilence;  and  thou 
wouldst  have  been  cut  off  from  the  earth  ; 

16  But  for  this  cause  have  I  allowed  thee 
to  remain,  in  order  to  show  thee  my  power; 
and  in  order  that  they  may  proclaim  my 
name  throughout  all  the  earth. '=^ 

,17  If  thou  dost  yet  wantonly  oppress  my 
people,  so  as  not  to  let  them  go : 

18  Behold,  then  will  I  let  rain,  about  this 
time  to-niuri-ow.  a  very  grievous  hail,  the  like 
of  whicli  h.'itli  not  been  in  Egypt  since  the 
day  of  its  iuundatiun  even  until  ncnv. 

19  And  now  send,  and  bring  under  shelter 
thy  cattle,  and  all  that  thou  hast  in  the  field ; 
(for)  every  man  and  beast  that  shall  be  found 
in  the  field,  and  shall  not  be  brought  mto  the 
house,  upon  them  shall  the  hail  come  dowij, 
and  they  shall  die. 

20  He  that  feared  the  word  of  the  Lord 
among  the  servants  of  Pharaoh  made  his 
servants  and  his  cattle  flee  into  the  houses : 

21  And  he  that  regarded  not  the  word  of 
the  Lord  left  his  servants  and  his  cattle  in 
the  field. 

22  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses, 
Stretch  forth  thy  hand  toward  heaven,  and 
there  shall  be  hail  in  all  the  land  of  Egypt, 
upon  man,  and  upon  beast,  and  upon  every 
herb  of  the  field,  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

23  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  staff  to- 
ward heaven ;  and  the  Lord  sent  thunder  and 
hail,  and  the  fire  ran  down  to  tlie  ground; 
and  the  Lord  rained  hail  upon  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

21  And  there  was  hail,  and  fire  was  flam- 
ing up  amidst  the  hail,  very  grievous,  the 
like  of  which  had  not  laeen  in  all  the  land  of 
Egypt,  since  it  had  become  a  nation. 

25  And  the  hail  smote  throughout  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  all  that  was  in  the  field,  both 


•  "All  my  roiiiaiiiiiig  plagues,"  Anilieira,  wlio  refers  to  a 
similar  construction  in  Exodus  x.xix.  12,  where  mn  Sj 
"all  the  blood"  relates  to  that  which  was  left  after  the 
sprinkling  spoken  of  in  the  beginning  of  the  verse. 

""  At  first  when  Moses  .spoke  in  the  name  of  the  new 
Deity,  "  The  Eternal,  the  God  of  the  Hebrews,"  Pharaoh 
did  not  recognise   Him;    but  now  under  the  weight  of 


man  and  beast;  and  every  herb  of  the  field 
did  the  hail  smite,  and  every  tree  of  the  field 
did  it  break. 

26  Only  in  the  land  of  Goshen,  where  the 
children  of  Israel  were,  there  was  no  hail. 

27  And  Pliaraoh  sent,  and  called  for  Moses 
and  Aaron,  and  he  said  unto  them,  I  have 
sinned  this  time ;  the  Eternal  is  the  righte- 
eous,''  and  I  and  my  people  are  the  wicked. 

28  Entreat  the  Lord  that  there  may  be  no 
more  of  the  thunders  of  God,  and  hail ;  and  I 
will  let  you  go,  and  ye  shall  no  longer  stay  here. 

29  And  Moses  said  unto  him.  As  soon  as  I 
am  gone  out  of  the  city,  I  will  spread  out  my 
hands  unto  the  Lord:  the  thunders  shall 
cease,  and  the  hail  shall  not  l^e  any  more ;  in 
order  that  thou  mayest  know  liow  that  to  the 
Lord  belongeth  the  earth. 

30  But  as  for  thee  and  thy  servants,  I 
know  tliat  ye  are  not  yet  afraid  before  the 
Lord  God. 

31  And  the  flax  and  the  barley  were  smit- 
ten ;  for  the  barley  was  in  the  ear,  and  the 
flax  was  boiled. 

32  But  the  wheat  and  the  millet  were  not 
smitten ;  for  they  are  late-ripening.''' 

33  And  Moses  went  away  from  Pharaoh 
out  of  the  city,  and  spread  out  his  hands  inito 
the  Lord:  and  the  thunders  and  hail  ceased, 
and  the  rain  was  not  poured  out  upon  the 
earth. 

''  34  And  when  Pharaoh  saw  that  the  rain 
and  the  hail  and  the  thunders  had  ceased,  he 
sinned  yet  farther,  and  hardened  his  heart,  he 
and  his  servants. 

35  And  the  heart  of  Pharaoh  remained 
hardened,  and  he  did  not  let  the  children  of 
Israel  go;  as  the  Lord  had  spoken  by  the 
hand  of  Moses. 

Ilaphturah  in  Ezckiel  xxviii.  25  to  xxi.x.  21. 


SECTION  XV.     BO,  N3. 
CHAPTER   X. 

1  *(\  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  in 
unto  Pharaoh ;  for  I  have  hardened  his  heart, 
and  the  heart  of  his  servants,  in  order  that  I 

affliction,  he  acknowledged  Him,  his  justice,  and  his  own 
wickedness  and  the  sins  of  the  Egyptians  ;  hence  also,  not 
p'lX  "righteous,"  but  the  emphatic  pnvn  "the  right- 
eous," r.  e.,  in  the  contest  then  going  on,  God  was  the 
party  who  had  justice  on  his  side,  whilst  Pharaoh  and  his 
people  were  those  in  the  wrong.  For  the  meaning  of  the 
word  ),'W\  in  this  sense,  see  above,  ii.  13. 


EXODUS  X.     BO. 


might  display  these  my  signs  in  the  midst 
ol'  tht'iii  :'■ 

2  And  in  order  that  thon  mayest  tell  in  the 
cars  of  thy  son,  and  of  thy  son's  son,  the 
wonders  which  I  have  wrouglit^'  in  Egypt,  and 
my  signs  -which  I  have  shown  among  tliem; 
and  ye  shall  know  how  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

3  And  Moses  and  Aaron  came  in  nnto 
Pharaoh,  and  said  unto  him.  Thus  saith  the 
Eternal,  the  God  of  the  Hebrews,  H(jw  long 
yet  wilt  thou  refuse  to  humble  thyself  before 
me  ?  let  my  people  go,  that  they  may  serve  me. 

4  For,  if  thou  refusest  to  let  my  people  go, 
behold,  1  will  l)ring  to-morrow  locusts  into 
thy  boundary. 

5  And  the}'  shall  cover  the  face"  of  the 
earth,  so  that  one  shall  not  be  able  to"  see  the 
earth ;  and  they  shall  eat  the  residue  of  that 
which  escaped,  which  hath  been  left  unto 
you  from  the  hail,  and  they  shall  eat  oft' 
every  tree  which  groweth  for  you  out  of  the 
field: 

6  And  thy  houses,  and  the  houses  of  all 
thy  servants,  and  the  houses  of  all  the  Egyp- 
tians shall  be  full  of  them;  such  as  neither 
thy  fathers,  nor  thy  fathers'  fathers  have  seen, 
since  the  day  of  their  being  upon  the  earth, 
until  this  day ;  and  he  turned  himself,  and 
went  out  from  Pharaoh. 

7  And  the  servants  of  Pharaoh  said  unto 
him.  How  long  shall  this  :uau  be  unto  us  for 
a  snare  ?  let  the  men  go,  that  they  may  serve 
the  Lord  their  God:  kuowest  thou  not  yet 
that  Egypt  is  destroyed  ? 

8  And  Moses  was  brought  back  with  Aaron 
unto  Pharai^li ;  and  he  said  unto  them.  Go  ye, 
serve  the  Lord  }our  God ;  who  all  are  they 
that  shall  go? 

9  And  Moses  said.  With  our  young  and 
with  our  old  will  we  go;  with  our  sons  and 
with  our  daughters,  with  our  Hocks  and  with 
our  herds  will  we  go;  for  we  are  to  h(.ild  a 
feast  unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  he  said  unto  them.  So  Ije  the  Lord 
with  you,  as  I  will  let  you  go,  together  w4th 

'  Hob.  "Of  hiin,"  I'liaranli  the  king  standiug  for  the 
whole  people. 

''  After  Onkelos.  Arnheim  renders,  "  how  I  have 
proved  myself  working  miracles." 

°  "i'  (eye)  here  remU-red  "face"'  should  be  given  with 
"the  view,"  or  "colour;"  but  the  sense  is  after  all  the 
same. 

''  "  Look,  for  the  wrong  yuu  purpose  to  do  is  before 


your  little  ones:  look,  surely  your  intentions 
are  evil.'' 

11  Not  so;  go  uow  ye  men,"  and  serve  the 
Lord,  for  this  you  desire:  and  tlie^-  werv; 
driven  out  from  Pharaoh's  presence.''' 

12  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Stretch 
out  thy  liand  over  the  land  of  Egypt  for  the 
locusts,  and  they  shall  come  up  over  the  land 
of  Egypt,  and  eat  every  herb  of  the  earth,  ;\\\ 
that'the  hail  hath  left. 

13  And  Moses  stretched  ibrth  his  stall 
over  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  the  Lord  urged 
an  east  wind  over  the  laud  all  that  day,  and 
all  the  night;  when  it  was  morning,  the  east 
wind  bore  along  the  locusts. 

14  And  the  locusts  went  uj)  over  all  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  rested  in  all  the  bounda- 
ries of  Egypt;  in  very  large  masses;  before 
them  there  were  no  such  locusts  as  they,  and 
after  them  there  will  not  be  any  such. 

15  And  they  covered  the  face  of  the  whole 
earth,  so  that  the  earth  was  darkened;  and 
they  ate  every  herb  of  the  land,  and  all  the 
fruit  of  the  trees  which  the  hail  had  left :  ;uid 
thei'e  was  not  left  any  green  thing  on  the 
trees,  or  on  the  herbs  of  the  field,  throughout 
allth.o  land  of  Egypt. 

10  Then  made  Pharaoh  haste  to  ctdl  for 
Moses  and  Aaron ;  and  he  said,  I  have  s-inned 
against  the  Lord  your  God,  and  against  you. 

17  And  now  forgive,  I  pray  thee,  my  sin 
only  this  once,  and  entreat  the  Lord  your 
God,  that  lie  may  take  away  from  me  or.ly 
this  death. 

18  And  he  went  out  from  Pharaoh,  and 
entreated  the  Lord. 

11)  And  the  Lord  turned  a  very  strong 
west  wind,  whicli  bore  away  the  locusts, 
and  cast  them  into  the  Eed  Sea;  there  was 
not  left  one  locust  in  all  the  boundar}-  of 
Egypt. 

20  But  the  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh's  heart, 
so  that  he  did  not  let  the  children  of  Isrtiel  go. 

21  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Stretch 
out  thy  hand  toward  heaven,  and  there  shall 

your  face   to  testify  against  you." — Okkelos.     Literally 
it  is  thus  :   "  See,  for  evil  is  before  your  face." 

"  It  is  evident  that  Pharaoh  in  temporizing  with  Mo.ses 
about  the  dismis.^al  of  the  Israelites,  had  all  along  the 
idea  of  letting  them  go  but  a  short  distance,  after  which 
they  should  return ;  hence  he  averred  that  the  children 
were  of  no  use  for  such  an  expedition,  and  be  therefore 
desired  to  retain  them,  as  ho.stages  for  the  return  of  the 
fathers. 

77 


EXODUS  X.  XL  XII.     130. 


be  darkness  over  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  it 
shall  be  a  darkness  of  the  night." 

22  And  Moses  stretched  forth  his  hand  to- 
ward heaven ;  and  there  was  a  thick  darkness 
in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  three  days : 

23  They  saw  not  one  another,  neither  did 
they  rise,  any  one  from  his  place,  for  three 
days;  but  for  all  the  children  of  Israel  there 
was  light  in  their  dwellings.* 

2-4  And  Pharaoh  called  for  Moses,  and 
said.  Go  ye,  serve  the  Lord  ;  only  your  flocks 
and  your  herds  shall  remain  behind:  also 
your  little  ones  may  go  with  you. 

25  And  Moses  said,  Ev^en  thou  also  must 
give  into  our  hand  sacrifices  and  burnt^oifer- 
ings,  that  we  may  sacrifice  (them)  unto  the 
Eternal,  our  God. 

26  And  also  our  cattle  must  go  with  us, 
there  shall  not  be  left  behind  a  single  hoof, 
for  thereof  must  we  take  to  serve  the  Lord 
our  God;  and  we  cannot  know  with  what 
we  must  serve  the  Lord,  until  we  come 
thither. 

27  But  the  Lord  hardened  Pharaoh's  heart, 
and  he  would  not  let  them  go. 

28  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  him.  Get  thee 
away  from  me;  take  heed  to  thyself,  see  my 
face  no  more ;  for  on  the  day  thou  seest  my 
face  thou  shalt  die. 

29  And  Moses  said,  Tliou  hast  spoken  well, 
I  will  not  see  thy  face  again  any  more. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  *[[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Yet  one 
plague  more  will  I  bring  upon  Pharaoh,  and 
upon  Egypt;  after  that  he  will  let  you  go 
hence:  when  he  doth  let  you  go,  he  shall 
surely  thrust  you  out  altogether  from  here. 

2  Speak  now  in  tlie  ears  of  the  people,  and 
let  them  ask  every  man  of  his  neighbour,  and 
every  woman  of  her  neighbour,  vessels  of 
silver,  and  vessels  of  gold. 

3  And  the  Lord  gave  the  [)eople  favour  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Egyptians;  also  the  man 
Moses''  was  very  great  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 


"  Accordiug  to  Raslii,  who  renders  tyo'l  ;is  k^dn'T  and 
explains  "  tlicrc  shall  (^omc  over  tlicni  a  darkness  thicker 
than  that  of  the  night,  and  the  darkness  of  the  night 
shall  continue  into  the  Inllowing  days."  From  cmedi, 
"yesterday;"   henee  td  remain  over  from  the  yesterday. 

''  Although  above,  eliap.  x.  7,  the  servants  of  Pharaoh 
sailed  Moses  "the  snare"  of  Egypt,  they  eould  not  avoid 
honouring  the  man  who  was  so  signally  favoured  by  the 
God  of  Israel,  wliose  jxiwcr  (licy  had  felt. 
78 


in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh's  servants,  and  in  the 
eyes  of  the  people.* 

4  Tl  And  Moses  said,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  About  midnight  will  I  go  out  in  the 
midst  of  Egypt: 

5  And  there  shall  die  every  first-born  in 
the  land  of  Egypt,  from  tlie  first-born  of  Plui- 
raoh  that  is°  to  sit  upon  his  throne,  even  unto 
the  first-born  of  the  maid-servant  that  is  be- 
hind the  mill ;  and  every  first-born  of  cattle. 

G  And  there  shall  be  a  great  cry  through- 
out all  the  land  of  Egypt,  the  like  of  which 
hath  never  been,  and  the  like  of  which  will 
not  be  any  more. 

7  But  against  any  of  the  children  of  Israel 
not  a  dog  shall  move''  his  tongue,  neither 
against  man  nor  beast;  in  order  that  ye  may 
know  how  that  the  Lord  doth  distinguish  be- 
tween the  Egyptians  and  Israel. 

8  And  all  these  thy  servants  shall  come 
down  unto  me,  and  bow  themselves  down 
unto  me,  saying.  Get  thee  out,  and  all  the 
people  that  followeth  thee;''  and  after  that  I 
will  go  out:  and  he  went  out  from  Pharaoh 
in  a  burning  auger. 

9  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Pha- 
raoh will  not  hearken  unto  you;  in  order  that 
my  wonders  may  be  multiplied  in  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  did  all  these 
wonders  before  Pharaoh;  and  the  Lord  har- 
dened Pharaoh's  heart,  and  he  did  not  let  the 
children  of  Israel  go  out  of  his  land. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  T[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
Aaron  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  saying, 

2  This  month  shall  be  unto  you  the  chief 
of  months :  the  first  shall  it  be  unto  30U  of 
the  months  of  the  year. 

3  Speak  ye  unto  all  the  congregation  of 
Israel,  saying,  On  the  tenth  day  of  this  month 
they  shall  take  to  themselves  every  man  a 
lamb  for  every  family,^  a  lamb  for  every 
house : 


'  "Who  in  future  is  to  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  king- 
dom."— Onkklos. 

''  Heb.  "sharpen,"  "point,"  indicative  of  the  motion 
and  appearance  of  the  dog's  tongue  in  barking. 

°  llob.  "That  is  at  thy  feet,"  meaning,  that  follows 
where  the  prophet  leads. 

'  ('.  c.  A  family  divided  in  several  households.  Hebrew, 
"house  of  fatlier,"  or  those  springing  frcun  one  an- 
cestor; :iN  n'3  is  a  subdivision  of  nniity:3,  "main  family." 


EXODUS  XII.     BO. 


4  And  if  the  household  be  too  ymall  for  a 
lamb,  then  shall  he  take  it  with  his  iieigh- 
boiu-  who  is  next  unto  his  house,  according  to 
the  number  of  the  souls;  every  man  accord- 
ing to  wliat  he  eateth  shall  ac  make  a  count 
for  the  lamb. 

5  A  lamb  without  blemish,  a  male  of  the 
first  year  shall  ye  have;  from  the  sheep,  or 
from  the  goats  may  ye  take  it. 

6  And  ye  shall  have  it  in  keeping  until 
the  fourteenth  day  of  tlie  same  month;  and 
then  the  whole  assembly  of  the  congregation 
of  Israel  shall  kill  it  toward  evening." 

7  And  they  shall  take  of  the  blood,  and 
put  it  on  the  two  side-posts  and  on  the  upper- 
door-post,  in  the  houses,  wherein  thej^  shall 
eat  it. 

8  And  they  shall  eat  the  flesh  in  that 
night,  roasted  by  the  fire,  witli  unleavened 
bread;  together  with  bitter  herljs  shall  the}- 
eat  it. 

9  You  shall  not  eat  of  it  raw,  nor  in  any- 
wise sodden  with  watei';  but  roasted  by  the 
fire;  its  head  with  its  legs,  and  with  its  en- 
trails.'' 

10  And  ye  shall  not  let  any  thing  of  it  re- 
main imtil  morning;  and  that  which  remain- 
eth  of  it  until  morning  ye  shall  burn  -with 
fire. 

11  And  thus  shall  3'e  eat  it.  With  your 
loins  girded,  your  shoes  on  your  feet,  and 
your  staff  in  your  hand ;  and  ^'e  shall  eat  it 
in  haste,  it  is  passover  unto  the  Lord. 

12  And  I  will  pass  through  the  land  of 
Egj-pt  in  this  night,  and  I  will  smite  every 
first-)x)rn  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  both  man 
and  beast;  and  against  all  the  gods  of  Egypt 
will  I  execute  judgments  :  I  am  the  Lord.'' 

13  And  the  blood  shall  lie  to  you  for  a 
token  upon  the  houses  where  ye  are;  and 
when  I  see  the  blood,  I  will  pass  over  you; 

in  the  s.ame  manner  as  this  is  in  ivgard  to  la^B',  "tribo." 
n'3,  "the  household,"  or  family  in  the  narrow  sense  it 
often  has  in  P]nglish,  is  the  smallest  division.  Several 
households  could  thus  unite  to  celebrate  the  Passover  in 
one  domicile.  This  note  must  suffice  to  explain  any  vari- 
ation in  the  version  of  the  same  words  in  the  original 
text,  should  any  such  occur  hereafter. 

'  Heb.  "Between  the  two  evenings,"  /.  e.  between  the 
time  the  sun  begins  to  decline  till  sunset,  or  "  the  after- 
noon," from  the  third  hour,  or  the  ninth  after  the  Jewish 
mode  of  computing  time.  This  was  the  practice  in  the 
Temple. 

''  After  being  washed  as  usual  with  sacrifices.  (See 
tixod.  xxix.  17.) 


and  there  shall  be  no  plague  against  you  to 
destroy,  when  I  smite  (others)  in  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

14  And  this  day  shall  be  unto  you  for  a 
memorial;  tind  ye  shall  celebrate  it  as  a  feast 
unto  the  Lord;  throughout  your  generations, 
as  an  ordinance  for  ever  shall  ye  celebrate  it. 

15  Seven  days  shall  ye  eat  unlea\ened 
bread ;  but  on  the  first  day  ye  shall  ha\-e  put 
away  leaven  out  of  your  houses;  for  whoso- 
ever eateth  leavened  bread,  that  soul  shall  be 
cut  oft'  from  Israel,  from  the  first  day  until 
the  seventh  day. 

16  And  on  the  first  day  there  shall  be  a 
holy  convocation,  and  on  the  seventh  day- 
there  shall  be  a  holy  convocation  to  you;  no 
manner  of  work  shall  be  done  on  them,  save 
what  is  eaten  b}-  every  man,  that  only  may 
be  prepared  by  yon. 

17  And  ye  shall  observe  the  unleavened 
bread;  for  on  this  selfsame  day  have  I  brought 
forth  your  armies  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ; 
therefore  shall  ye  observe  this  dny  in  your 
generations  as  an  ordinance  for  ever. 

18  In  the  first  month,  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  the  month,  at  evening,  shall  ye  eat  im- 
leavened  bread,  until  the  one  and  "twentieth 
day  of  the  month  at  evening. 

19  Seven  days  no  leaven  shall  be  found  in 
your  houses;  for  whosoever  eateth  that  which 
is  leavened,  even  that  soul  shall  ))e  cut  oft" 
from  the  congregation  of  Israel,  whether  he 
be  a  stranger,  or  one  born  in  the  land. 

20  Nothing  that  is  leavened  shtiU  ye  eat; 
in  all  your  halntations  shall  ye  eat  unleavened 
bread.* 

21  ]|  And  Moses  called  for  all  the  elders 
of  Israel,  and  said  unto  them.  Draw  out  and 
take  for  yourselves  lambs  according  to  y^)ur 
families,  and  kill  the  ^^assover  sacrifice. 

22  And  ye  shall  take  a  bunch  of  hyssop, 


"  This  vor.se  is  well  explained  thus,  "I  am  the  Lord,"  I 
myself  will  do  this,  and  not  through  a  messenger.  It 
must  not  be  lost  sight  of  that  the  punishment  of  the 
Egyptians  and  the  redemption  of  the  Israelites  were  to  be 
as  lessons,  to  both  the  parties  affected  thereby,  of  the 
greatness  and  irresistible  power  of  the  Lord ;  hence  the 
slaying  of  the  first-born  was  effected  without  the  media- 
torial agency  of  Moses  even  as  in  the  other  plagues;  and 
as  Pharaoh  and  his  wise  men  relied  ujion  the  power  of 
their  idols,  these  too  were  overthrown  in  the  night  of 
the  deliverance  of  Israel,  by  Israel's  God.  "Judgment" 
stands  for  "judicial  decrees,"  or  punishment. 

79 


EXODUS  XII.     BO. 


and  dijD  in  the  blood  that  is  in  the  basin,  and 
strike  the  lintel  and  the  two  side-posts  with 
the  blood  that  is  in  the  basin;  and  none  of 
vou  shall  go  out  from  the  door  of  his  house 
until  the  morning. 

23  And  the  Lord  will  pass  through  to 
smite*  the  Egyptians;  and  when  he  seeth  the 
blood  upon  the  lintel,  and  on  the  two  side- 
posts,  the  Lord  will  pass  over  the  door,  and 
will  not  sutler  the  destroyer  to  come  in  unto 
your  houses  to  smite. 

24  And  ye  shall  observe  this  thing,  as  an 
ordinance  for  thee  and  for  thy  sons  for  ever. 

25  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  ye  be 
come  iiito  the  land  which  the  Lord  will  give 
you,  according  as  he  hath  promised,  that  ye 
shall  keep  this  service. 

26  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  your 
children  shall  say  unto  you,  What  mean  ye 
by  this  service? 

27  That  ye  shall  say.  It  is  the  sacrifice  of 
the  passover  unto  the  Lord,  who  passed  over 
the  houses  of  the  children  of  Israel  in  Egypt, 
when  he  smote  the  Egyptians,  and  our  houses 
he  spared;  and  the  people  bent  the  head  and 
bowed  themselves. 

28  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  away, 
and  did  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses 
and  Aaron,  so  did  they.* 

29  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  at  midnight, 
that  the  Lord  smote  every  first-born  in  the 
land  of  Egypt,  from  the  first-born  of  Pharaoh 
that  was  to  sit  on  his  throne  unto  the  first- 
born of  the  captive  that  was  in  the  dungeon ; 
and  all  the  first-ljorn  of  cattle. 

30  And  Pharaoh  rose  up  in  the  night,  he, 
and  all  his  servants,  and  all  the  Egyptians; 
and  there  was  a  great  cry  in  Egypt ;  for  there 
was  not  a  house  where  there  was  not  some 
one  dead. 

31  And  he  called  for  Moses  and  Aaron  by 
night,  and  said,  Rise  up,  get  you  forth  from 
among  ray  people,  both  ye  and  the  children 
of  Israel;  and  go,  serve  the  Eternal,  as  ye 
have  spoken.'' 

32  Also  your  flocks  and  your  herds  take, 
as  ye  have  spoken,  and  be  gone;  and  bless 
me  also. 

33  And  the  Egyptians  were  urgent  upon 


"  njjS  literally  "to  plague." 

'  "Let  all  be   as  ye  have  spoken,  even   the   cattle  ye 
asked  of  mo  for  sacrilices  take,  and  only  pray  for  me,  for 
I  too  am  iirst-born." — Kaswi. 
80 


the  people,  to  make  haste  to  send  them  away 
out  of  the  land;  for  they  said.  We  are  all 
dying. 

34  And  the  people  took  up  their  dough 
before  it  was  yet  leavened,  their  kneading- 
troughs  beiug  bound  up  in  their  clothes  upon 
their  sliouklers. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  had  done  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  Moses ;  and  they  had 
asked  of  the  Egyptians  vessels  of  silver,  and 
vessels  of  gold,  and  garments. 

36  And  the  Lord  had  given  the  people 
favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  Egyptians,  so  tlaat 
they  gave  unto  them  what  they  required; 
and  they  emptied  out  Egypt. 

37'  ^f  And  the  children  of  Israel  journeyed 
from  Ra'meses  to  Succoth,  about  six  hundred 
th(,)usand  men  on  foot,  beside    children. 

38  And  a  mixed  multitude  also  went  up 
with  them;  and  flocks,  and  herds,  a  very 
large  amount  of  cattle. 

31)  And  they  baked  of  the  dough,  which 
they  had  l>rought  forth  out  of  Egypt,  un- 
leavened cakes,  for  it  was  not  leavened;  be- 
cause they  were  thrust  out  of  Egypt,  and 
could  not  tarry,  neither  had  they  prepared 
any  provisions  for  themselves. 

40  Now  the  time  of  the  residence  of  the 
children  of  Israel.  Avhich  they  dwelt  in  Egypt, 
was  four  hundred  and  thirty  years. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  the 
four  hundred  and  thirty  years,  and  it  happened 
even  on  the  selfsame  day,  that  all  the  armies 
of  the  Lord  went  out  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 

42  A  night  to  be  observed"  was  this  unto 
the  Lord  to  luring  them  out  from  the  land  of 
Egypt:  this  is  that  night  holy  to  the  Lord, 
to  be  observed  Ijy  all  the  children  of  Israel  in 
their  generations. 

43  *i]  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and 
Aaron,  This  is  the  ordinance  of  the  passover : 
No  stranger  shall  eat  thei'eof. 

44  But  every  man's  servant  that  is  bought 
for  money,  when  thou  hast  circumcised  him, 
then  shall  he  eat  thereof. 

45  A  resident  foreigner  and  a  hired  ser- 
vant shall  not  eat  thereof. 

46  In  one  house  shall  it  be  eaten;  thou 
shalt  not  carry  forth  aught  of  the  flesh  abroad 

"  "  Whiob  the  Lord  watched  and  looked  for  to  fulfil  his 
promise  to  bring  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,"  Eashi; 
otber.s  explain,  "Tnwbifb  be  watched  over  the  Israelites  to 
preserve  them  safe  amidst  the  plague." 


EXODUS  XII.  Xin.     BESHALLACH. 


3ut  of  the  house ;  and  no  Ijoue  shall  ye  break  [ 
in  it. 

47  All  the  congregation  of  Israel  shall  pre- ! 
pare  it. 

48  And  when  a  stranger  sojourneth  with 
thee,  and  will  prepare  the  passover  to  the 
Lord,  let  all  his  males  be  circumcised,  and 
then  let  him  come  near  and  prepare  it,  and 
he  shall  be  as  one  that  is  born  in  the 
laud;  but  no  uncircumcised  person"  shall  eat 
thereof. 

49  One  law  shall  be  to  him  that  is  home- 
born,  and  unto  the  stranger  that  sojourneth 
among  you. 

50  And  all  the  children  of  Israel  did  so;  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses  and  Aaron, 
so  did  they. 

51  Tf  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  selfsame 
day,  that  the  Lord  did  bring  fortli  the  children 
of  Israel  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  by  their 
armies.* 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  Sanctify  unto  me  all  the  first-born,  what^ 
soever  openeth  the  womb  among  the  children 
of  Israel,  both  of  man  and  of  beast:  it  is 
mine. 

3  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people.  Re- 
member this  day,  on  which  ye  came  out  from 
Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  slavery ;  for  by 
strength  of  hand  the  Lord  brought  you  out 
from  here:  and  no  leavened  bread  shall  be 
eaten. 

4  This  day  go  ye  out,  in  the  month 
of  Abib.^ 

5  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  Lord  doth 
brill"-  thee  into  the  land  of  tlie  Canaanites, 
and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Emorites,  and  the 
llivites,  and  the  Jebusites,  which  he  hath 
sworn  unto  thy  fathers  to  give  unto  thee,  a 
land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  that  tliou 
shalt  perforin  this  service  in  this  month. 

G  Seven  days  shalt  thou  eat  unleavened 
bread,  and  on  the  seventh  day  shall  be  a  feast 
to  the  Lord. 

7  Unleavened  bread  shall  be  eaten  these 
seven  days;  and  there  shall  not  be  seen  ^vith 
thee  any  leavened  bread,  neither  shall  there 
be  seen  with  thee  any  leaven  in  all  thy  boun- 
daries. 

8  And  thou  shalt  tell  thy  son  on  that  day, 

*  This  includes  even  an  uncircumcised  Israelite. 


saying.  This  is  done  for  the  sake  of  that  which 
the  Lord  did  unto  me  when  I  came  forth  out 
of  Egypt. 

9  And  it  shall  be  unto  thee  for  a  sign  upon 
thy  hand,  and  for  a  memorial  between  thy 
eyes,  in  order  that  the  law  of  the  Lord  may 
be  in  thy  mouth;  for  with  a  strong  hand 
hath  the  Lord  brought  thee  forth  out  of 
Egypt. 

lU  And  thou  shalt  keep  this  ordinance  in 
its  season,  from  year  to  year. 

11  Tl  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  Lord  doth 
bring  thee  into  the  land  of  tlie  Canaanites,  as 
he  hath  sworn  unto  thee  and  to  thy  fathers, 
and  giveth  it  to  thee, 

12  That  thou  shalt  set  apart  all  that  open- 
eth the  womb  unto  the  Lord;  and  every  first- 
ling that  cometli  of  a  beast  which  thou  shalt 
have,  the  males,  shall  Ijelong  to  tlie  Lord. 

Id  And  every  firstling  of  an  ass  shalt  thou 
I'edeem  with  a  lamb;  and  if  thou  wilt  not  re- 
deem it,  then  shalt  thou  break  its  neck :  and 
all  the  first'born  of  man  among  thy  children 
shalt  thou  redeem.* 

14  And  it  shall  be,  when  thy  son  asketli 
thee  in  time  to  come,  saying.  What  is  this? 
that  thou  shalt  say  unto  him.  By  strength  of 
hand  the  Lord  brought  us  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
out  of  the  house  of  slavery  ; 

15  And  it  came  to  i)ass,  when  Pharaoh 
obstinately  refused  to  let  us  go,  that  the  Lord 
slew  all  the  first-born  in  the  land  (jf  Egypt, 
both  the  first>born  of  man,  and  the  first-born 
of  beast;  therefore  do  I  sacrifice  to  the  Lord 
all  that  openeth  the  womb,  being  males;  Init 
all  the  first-born  of  my  children  must  I  re- 
deem. 

16  And  it  shall  be  for  a  sign  upon  thy 
hand,  and  for  frontlets  between  thy  eyes; 
that  Ijy  strength  of  hand  the  Lord  brought  us 
forth  out  of  Egypt. 

Ilaphtorah  in  .Jeremiah  xlvi.  \?>  to  27 


SECTION  XVI.     BESHALLACH,  nSu'3. 

17  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Pharaoh  let 
the  people  go,  that  God  did  not  lead  them  the 
way  through  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  lie- 
cause  it  was  near;  lor  God  said.  Lest  perad- 
venture  the  people  repent  when  they  see  war, 
and  return  to  Egypt. 

18  But  God  led  the  people  about,  l)y  the 

*■  The  month  in  which  the  grain  ripens  iu  Kirvpt. 

si' 


EXODUS  XIII.  XIV.     BESHALLACH. 


way  of  the  mlderness  to  the  Red  sea:  aud 
the  children  of  Israel  went  up  armed  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

19  And  Moses  took  the  bones  of  Joseph 
with  him;  for  he  had  caused  the  children  of 
Israel  to  swear,  saying,  God  will  surely  visit 
you,  and  ye  shall  then  carry  up  my  bones 
away  hence  with  you. 

20  And  they  took  their  journey  from  Suc- 
coth,  and  encamped  in  Etham,  at  the  edge  of 
the  wilderness. 

21  And  the  Lord  went  before  them  by  day 
in  a  pillar  of  cloud,  to  lead  them  the  way; 
and  by  night  in  a  pillar  of  fire,  to  give  light 
to  them;  that  they  might  go  by  day  and  by 
night : 

22  He  took  not  away  the  pillar  of  cloud 
by  day,  nor  the  pillar  of  fire  by  night,  from 
before  the  people. 

CHAPTER  XIV 

1  Tf  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  turn  back  and  encamp  before  Pi-hachi- 
roth,  between  Migdol  and  the  sea;  in  front 
of  Baal-zephon ;  opposite  to  this  shall  ye  en- 
camp hy  the  sea. 

3  And  Pharaoh  will  say  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  They  are  entangled  in  the  land,  the 
wilderness  hath  shut"  them  in. 

4  And  I  will  harden  the  heart  of  Pharaoh, 
that  he  shall  follow  after  them;  and  I  will  get 
myself  honour  on  Pharaoh,  and  on  all  his 
host ;  and  the  Egyptians  shall  know  that  I 
am  the  Lord;  and  they  did  so. 

5  And  it  was  told  to  the  king  of  Egypt 
that  the  people  had  Hed;*"  and  the  heart  of 
Pharaoh  and  of  his  servants  was  changed" 
with  respect  to  the  people,  and  they  said. 
What  is  this  which  we  have  done,  tliat  we 
have  let  Israel  go  from  serving  us? 

6  And  he  made  i-eady  his  cliariot,  and  took 
his  people  with  him. 


'  Philippson  traimlates,  "  The  wilderne.ss  is  closed 
against  tlioiii,"  nn-aiiiiig,  tliat  they  had  not  entered  the  pro- 
]ier  distriet  to  effect  ihm  escape,  but  were  roaming  about  at 
random  without  plan  or  concert  I'hilippson  contends 
that  his  version  is  correct,  because  they  liad  n<3t  yet  entered 
the  wilderness.  The  word  "entangled"  used  here  must 
be  taken  in  the  sense  of  "  they  had  lost  their  way,"  near 
I  lie  sea-shore,  without  the  possibility  of  an  egress, 

'■  "Was  riiaming  abnut." — I'mi-II'l'SdN. 

"■  "Turned  against." — English  version. 
Hi 


7  And  he  took  six  hundred  chosen  chariots, 
and  all  the  chariots  of  Egypt,  and  captains'^ 
over  every  one  of  them. 

8  And  the  Lord  hardened  the  heart  of 
Pharaoh,  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  he  pursued 
after  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  the  children 
of  Israel  went  out  with  a  high  hand.''' 

9  And  the  Egyptians  pursued  after  them, 
and  they  overtook  them  encamping  by  the 
sea,  all  the  horses  and  chariots  of  Pharaoh, 
and  his  horsemen,  and  his  army,  beside  Pi- 
hachiroth,  before  Baill-zephon. 

10  And  when  Pharaoh  drew  nigh,  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  lifted  up  their  eyes,  and  be- 
hold, the  Egyptians  were  marching  after 
them,  and  they  were  greatly  afraid;  and  the 
children  of  Israel  cried  out  unto  the  Lord. 

11  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  Is  it  because 
there  were  no  graves  in  Egypt,  that  thou 
hast  taken  us  away  to  die  in  the  Avildemess? 
what  is  this  which  tliou  hast  done  to  us,  to 
bring  us  forth  out  of  Egypt  ? 

12  Is  not  this  the  word  that  we  spoke  unto 
thee  in  Egypt,  saying,  Let  us  alone,  that  we 
may  serve  the  Egyptians?  for  it  is  better  for 
us  to  serve  the  Egyptians  than  that  we  should 
die  in  the  wilderness. 

13  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people.  Fear 
ye  not,  stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation'"  of 
the  Lord,  which  he  will  do  for  you  to-day; 
for  as  ye'  have  seen  the  Egyptians  to-day,  ye 
shall  not  see  them  again  any  more  for  ever. 

14  The  Lord  will  fight  for  jou,  and  ye 
shall  hold  your  peace.* 

15  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses, 
Wherelbre  criest  thou  unto  me?  speak  luito 
the  children  of  Israel,  that  they  go  forward ; 

IG  But  do  thou  lift  up  thy  staft",  and 
stretch  out  thy  hand  over  the  sea,  and  divide 
it;  and  the  children  of  Israel  shall  go  through 
the  midst  of  the  sea  on  dry  ground. 

17  And  I,  behold,  I  will  harden  the  heart 
of  the  Egyptians,  and  they  shall  follow  them : 
and   I  will   get  myself  honour  on    Pharaoh, 


^  "Those  that  fought  in  chariots  upon  all,"  Arnheim; 
who  translates  ty'^tS',  Shahlish,  always  in  the  same  man- 
ner. 

"  "  Deliverance,"  Onkelos.  "Assistance,"  Mendels- 
sohn, and  others. 

'  The  word  ityx  has  been  rendered,  after  Onkelos,  as 
though  it  were  ttyxD,  "in  the  manner  that;"  in  this  seuse 
the  prophecy  has  been  literally  fulfilled,  which  wouli'  not 
be,  if  we  render  it,  "the  Egyptians  whom  ye  see;"  thnugb 
Arnheim  aud  others  translate  in  tlie  last  manner. 


EXODUS  XIV.  XV.     BESHALLACH. 


and  on  all  his  host,  on  his  chariots,  and  on 
his  horsemen. 

18  And  the  Egyptians  shall  know  that  I 
am  the  LoKU,  when  I  have  got  ni^yself  honour 
on  Pharaoh,  on  his  chariots,  and  on  his  horse- 
men. 

19  And  the  angel  of  God,  that  went  liefore 
the  camp  of  Israel,  removed  and  went  behind 
them ;  and  the  pillar  of  cloud  removed  from 
before  them,  and  stood  behind  them ; 

20  And  it  came  between  the  camp  of  the 
Egyptians  and  the  camp  of  Israel ;  and  it  was 
a  cloud  and  darkness  (to  the  first),  but  it 
gave  light  by  night  (to  these)  :  and  the  one 
came  not  near  unto  the  other  all  the  night. 

21  And  Moses  stretched  out  his  hand  over 
the  sea;  and  the  Lord  drove  back  the  sea 
with  a  strong  east  wind  all  that  night,  and 
made  the  sea  dry  land,  and  the  waters  were 
divided. 

22  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  into 
the  midst  of  the  sea  upon  the  dry  ground : 
and  the  waters  were  a  wall  unto  them,  on 
their  right  hand,  and  on  their  left. 

23  And  the  Egyptians  pursued,  and  went 
in  after  them,  all  Pharaoh's  horses,  his  chari- 
ots, and  his  horsemen,  to  the  midst  of  the 
sea. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning 
watch,  that  the  Lord  looked  unto  the  camp 
of  the  Egyptians  with  the  pillar  of  fire  and 
of  the  cloud,  and  brought  into  confusion  the 
camp  of  the  Egyptians ; 

25  And  he  took  off  the  wheels  of  their 
chariots,  and  caused  tliem  to  move  onward 
with  difficulty;  and  the  Egyptians  said,  Let 
us  flee  from  the  face  of  Israel ;  for  the  Lord 
fighteth  for  them  against  the  Egyptians. "'■ 

26  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses, 
Stretch  out  thy  hand  over  the  sea,,  and  the 
waters  shall  return  over  the  Egyptians,  over 
their  chariots,  and  over  their  horsemen. 

27  And  Moses  sti'etched  forth  his  hand 
over  the  sea,  and  the  sea  returned,  when  the 
morning  appeared,  to  its  strength;  while  the 
Egyptians  were  fleeing  against  it;  and  the 
Lord  o\'erthrew  the  Eg^'ptians  in  the  midst 
of  the  sea. 

28  And  the  waters  returned,  and  covered 
the  chariots,  and  the  horsemen  with  all  the 
host  of  Pharaoh  that  came  after  them  into 
the  sea  :  there  remained  of  them  not  even  one. 

20  But  the  children  of  Israel  walked  upon 
dry  ground  in  the  midst  of  the  sea;  and  the 


waters  were  vnito  them  a  Avail  on  their  right' 
hand,  and  on  their  left. 

30  Thus  the  Lord  saved  Israel  on  that  day 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians  ;  and  Israel 
saw  the  Egyptians  dead  upon  the  shore  of 
the  sea. 

31  And  Israel  saw  that  great  jwwer  whicli 
the  Lord  had  shown  on  the  Egyptians :  and 
the  people  feared  the  Lord,  and  they  believed 
in  the  Lord,  and  in  Moses  his  servant. 

CHAPTER   XV. 

1  Tl  Then  sang  Moses  and  the  children  of 
Israel  this  song  unto  the  Lord,  and  thus  did 
they  say,  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  he 
hath  triumphed  gloriously :  the  horse  and  his 
rider  hath  he  thrown  into  the  sea. 

2  My  strength  and  song  is  the  Lord,  and 
lie  is  become  my  salvation :  he  is  my  God, 
and  I  will  declare  his  praise,"  the  God  of  my 
father,  and  I  will  exalt  him. 

3  The  Eternal  is  the  lord  of  war ;  the 
Eternal  is  his  name. 

4  The  chariots  of  Pharaoh  and  his  host 
hath  he  hurled  into  the  sea;  and  the  chosen 
of  his  captains  are  sunk  in  the  Red  Sea. 

5  The  depths  have  covered  them;  they 
went  down  to  the  bottom  as  a  stone. 

G  Thy  right  hand,  0  Lord,  is  Ijccome  glori- 
ous in  power;  tliy  right  hand,  0  IjORD,  hath 
dashed  in  pieces  the  enenu'. 

7  And  in  the  greatness  of  thy  I'xcellency 
hast  thou  overthrown  those  that  rose  up 
against  thee;  thou  didst  send  forth  thy  wrath, 
it  consumed  them  as  stuliljle. 

8  And  with  the  breatli  of  thy  nostrils  the 
waters  were  heaped  up  together,  the  floods 
stood  upright  as  a  Mall ;  congealed  were  the 
depths  in  the  heart  of  the  sea. 

9  The  enemy  said,  I  will  piu'sue.  I  will 
overtake,  I  will  divide  the  spoil;  wry  desire 
shall  be  satisfied  upon  them ;  I  will  draw  my 
sword,  my  hand  sliall  destroy  them. 

10  Thou  didst  Ijlow  with  thy  wind,  the  sea 
covered  them :  they  sunk  as  lead  in  mighty 
waters. 

11  Who  is  like  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  among 
the  mighty?  who  is  like  unto  thee,  glorious 
in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doins  wonders? 

12  Thou  didst  stretch  out  thy  right  hand, 
the  earth  swallowed  them. 

13  Thou   leadest  forth  in  thv  kindness  the 


''Others  trau.slatc,  "I  will  builJ  liim  a  liiiMtaliini." 


EXODUS  XV.  XVI.     BESHALLACH. 


"people  thou  hast  redeemed;  thou  guidest  it 
in  tliy  strength  unto  the  habitation  of  tliy 
lioliness. 

14  Nations  hear  it  and  tremble:  sorrow 
seizetli  the  inhabitants  of  Palestine. 

15  Then  were  troubled  the  dukes  of  Edom; 
the  mighty  men  of  Moab,  trembling  seizetli 
them ;  faint-hearted''  become  all  the  inhabit' 
ants  of  Canaan. 

IG  Fear  and  dread  shall  fall  upon  them; 
by  the  greatness  of  thy  arm  they  shall  be  still 
as  a  stone :  till  thy  people  jJ^iss  over,  0  Lord, 
till  this  jjeople  pass  over,  which  thou  hast 
jjurchased. 

17  Thou  wilt  bring  them,  and  plant  them 
on  the  mountain  of  thy  inheritance,  the  place, 
0  Lord,  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  thy  resi- 
dence, the  sanctuary,  0  Lord,  which  thy 
hands  have  established. 

18  Tlie  Lord  will  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

19  For  the  horse  of  Pharaoh  went  in  with 
his  chariots  and  with  his  horsemen  into  the 
sea,  and  the  Lord  brought  again  upon  them 
the  waters  of  the  sea;  but  the  children  of 
Israel  went  on  dry  ground  through  the  midst 
of  the  sea. 

20  ^  Then  took  Miriam  the  prophetess, 
the  sister  of  Aaron,  a  timbrel  in  her  hand; 
and  all  the  women  went  out  after  her  with 
timbrels  and  with  dances. 

21  And  Miriam  began  her  song  to  them, 
Sing  ye  to  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed 
gloriously:  the  horse  and  his  rider  hath  he 
thrown  into  the  sea. 

22  ^  And  Moses  caused  Israel  to  depart 
from  the  Eed  Sea,  and  they  went  out  into  the 
wilderness  of  Shur ;  and  they  went  three  days 
in  the  Avilderness,  and  found  no  water. 

23  And  they  came  to  Marah;  but  they 
could  n(jt  drink  the  waters  of  Marali,  for  they 
were  bitter;  therefore  they  called  its  name 
Marah.^ 

24  And  the  people  nun-mured  against 
Moses,  saying.  What  shall  we  drink  ? 

25  And  he  cried  unto  the  Lord;  and  the 
Lord  showed  him  a  tree,  which  he  cast  into 
the  waters,  and  the  waters  were  made  sweet : 
there  he  made  lor  them  a  statute  and  an  ordi- 
nance, and  there  lie  jiroved  tln'iii. 

2G  And   he   said,   If  thou   wilt  diligently 


"  Jjit.  "  Tliey  are  lueltcd,"  i.  e.  from  fear. 
''  Miirnh  signitic-i  "  liit.tor."     The  thvdwing  in  of  a  tree 
in  tliu  wak'r,  to  cure  it,  was  another  cvideiioc  of  the  power 


hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 
and  wilt  do  that  which  is  right  in  his  eyes, 
and  wilt  give  ear  to  his  commandments,  and 
wilt  keep  all  his  statutes :  I  will  put  none  of 
those  diseases  upon  thee,  which  I  have  brought 
upon  the  Egyptians;  for  I  the  Lord  am  thy 
jihysician.* 

27^  And  they  came  to  Elim,  and  there  were 
twelve  wells  of  Avater,  and  seventy  palm-trees : 
and  they  encamped  there  by  the  water. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  And  they  took  their  journey  from  Elim, 
and  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel  came  unto  the  wilderness  of  Sin,  which 
is  between  Elim  and  Sinai,  on  the  fifteenth 
day  of  the  second  month  after  their  departing 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

2  And  the  whole  congregation  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  murmured  against  Moses  and 
Aaron  in  the  wilderness  : 

3  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto 
them,  AVould  to  Gt)d  that  we  had  died  by  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  when 
we  sat  by  the  tiesh-pot,  when  we  ate  bread  to 
the  full ;  for  ye  have  brought  us  forth  into 
this  wilderness,  to  kill  this  whole  assembly 
with  hunger. 

4  ^  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  Moses,  Behold, 
I  will  let  rain  for  you  bread  from  heaven ; 
and  the  people  shall  go  out  and  gather  a  cer- 
tain pcn-tion  every  day,  in  order  that  I  may 
prove  it,  ^vhether  it  will  walk  in  my  law,  or 
not. 

5  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  on  the'  sixth 
da}',  when  they  prepare  what  they  shall  lui\e 
brought  in,  that  it  shall  be  twice  as  much  as 
they  shall  gather  daily. 

6  And  Moses  and  Aaron  said  unto  all  the 
children  of  Israel,  At  evening,  then  shall  ye 
know  that  it  is  the  Lord  who  hath  brought 
•you  out  from  the  land  of  Egy})t : 

7  And  in  the  morning,  then  shall  ^e  see 
the  glory  of  the  Lord;  since  he  heareth  your 
nuirnnn-ings  against  the  Lord;  and  what  are 
we,  that  ye  should  murmur  against  us? 

8  And  Moses  said,  When  the  Lord  giveth 
you  in  the  evening  flesh  to  eat,  and  bread  in 
the  morning  to  the  full;  since  the  Lord  hear- 
eth   your    murmurings    ■which   ye    murnuir 


of  God  to  jiroducc  an  effect  with  means  by  no  means  ade- 
quate ;  nut  that  tliere  wa.s  any  special  power  iu  the  wood 
itself. 


EXODUS  XVI.     BESIIALLACH. 


against  liiiii : — what  are  Ave  then?  not  against 
us  are  your  murmurings,  but  against  the  Lord. 

9  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Say  vmto 
all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
Come  near  before  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  heard 
your  murmurings. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  Aaron  was 
speaking  unto  the  whole  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  that  they  turned  round  to- 
ward the  wilderness,  and,  behold,  the  glorj- 
of  the  Lord  appeared  in  the  cloud.''' 

11  1[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

12  1  have  heard  the  murmurings  of  the 
childi'en  of  Israel:  speak  imto  them,  saying. 
Toward  evening  ye  shall  eat  llesli,  and  in  the 
morning  ye  shall  be  filled  with  bread;  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Eternal  your  God. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  at  evening 
the  quails  came  up,  and  covered  the  camp; 
and  in  the  morning  there  was  a  layer  of  dew 
round  aljout  the  camp. 

14  And  when  the  layer  of  dew  was  gone 
up,  behold,  there  Avas  upon  the  face  of  the 
wilderness  something  fine  in  grains,  small  as 
the  hoar-frost,  on  the  ground. 

15  And  Avhen  the  children  of  Israel  saw 
it,  they  said  one  to  another.  It  is  manna,  for 
they  knew  not  Avhat  it  was ;  and  Moses  said 
unto  them,  This  is  the  bread  Avhich  the  Lord 
hath  given  j^ou  to  eat." 

16  This  is  the  thing  which  the  L(«d  hath 
commanded,  Gather  of  it  eA'ery  man  according 
to  his  eating;  an  omer  for  CAcry  head,  accord- 
ing to  the  numljer  of  your  persons  that  every 
may  hath  in  his  tent,  shall  ye  take. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so;  and 
they  gathered,  some  much,  some  little. 

18  And  Avhen  they  measured  it  Avith  an 
omer,  he  that  had  gathered  much  had  nothing 
over,  and  he  that  had  gathered  little  had  no 
lack  :  every  man  according  to  his  eating,  had 
they  gathered. 

19  And  Moses  said,  Let  no  man  leave  of 
it  till  the  morning. 


'  Mendelssohn,  after  some  authorities,  renders  xin  p 
like  ,sin  no  with  "  What  is  this ;"  to  -which  Moses  natu- 
rally replies,  "  This  is  the  bread,"  &c.  But  as  we  have 
no  warrant  to  substitute  p  for  nn,  the  word  has  been  left 
as  it  appears  at  first  view,  "It  is  manna,"  which  Arnheim 
thus  explains:  The  Israelites  were  acquainted  with  the 
Arabic  manna,  and  called  this  new  product  therefore,  from 
its  similarity,  by  the  same  term ;  either  because  the}' 
know  no  better  name,  or  because  they  thought  it  identical. 


20  But  they  hearkened  not  unto  Moses; 
but  some  men  left  of  it  until  morninoi:,  and  it 
l)red  Avorms,  and  stank;  and  Moses  Avas  Avroth 
Avith  them. 

21  And  so  they  gathered  it  e\-er\'  morning, 
every  man  according  to  his  eating;  and  Avhen 
the  sun  Avaxed  hot,  it  melted. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  sixth  day, 
that  they  gathered  tA\'of(>ld  bread,  tA\'o  omers 
lor  every  one;  and  all  the  rulers  of  the  con- 
gregation came  and  told  it  to  Moses. 

23  And  he  said  unto  them,  This  is  Avhat 
the  Lc»rd  hath  spoken,  A  rest,  a  holy  rest  is 
unto  the  Lord  to-morroAA- :  that  Avliich  ye  Avill 
Ijake  bake  to-day,''  and  Avhat  ac  Avill  seethe 
seethe  to-day;  and  all  the  remainder  lay  up 
for  you  to  be  kept  until  the  morning. 

24  And  they  laid  it  uji  till  the  morning,  as 
Moses  had  bidden;  and  it  did  not  stink,  nor 
Avas  there  any  worm  therein. 

25  And  Moses  said.  Eat  it  to-da^-;  for  a 
sabbath"  is  this  day  unto  the  Lord  :  to-daA'  ye 
Avill  not  find  it  in  the  field. 

26  Six  days  shall  a'c  gather  it;  but  on  the 
seventh  day,  the  sabbath,  on  it  there  shall  be 
none. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh 
day,  that  there  Avent  out  some  of  the  people 
to  gather ;  but  they  found  nothing. 

28  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  IIoav 
long  refuse  ye  to  keep  my  commandments 
and  my  laws  ? 

29  See,  that  the  Lord  hath  given  you  the 
sabbath,  therefore  he  giveth  you  on  the  sixth 
day  bread  for  tAvo  days;  remain  ye,  every 
man  in  his  place,  let  no  man  go  out  of  his 
place  on  the  seA'enth  day. 

30  So  the  people  rested  on  the  seventh  day. 

31  And  the  house  of  Israel  called  the  name 
thereof  Manna,  [Man]  ;  and  it  Avas  like  cori- 
ander-seed, Avhite,  and  its  taste  Avas  like 
Avafers  made  AA'ith  lioney. 

32  And  Moses  saitl,  This  is  the  thing 
Avhicli  the  Lord  hath  commanded.  One  omer- 
full  of  it  is  to  be  kept  for  your  generations ;  in 


Moses,  however,  corrected  their  opinion,  by  saying  that  it 
was  a  miraculous  gift  of  God.  Kashi  gives  it,  "  This  is  a 
preparation  of  food." 

''  The  word  "  to-day"  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  but  it  is 
implied  in  the  impcratu-e  13N  &c.,  which  form  always 
refers  to  the  action  which  is  to  be  performed  at  once.  Tlie 
present  version  is  after  Onkelos  and  Rashi. 

"  Properly,  shaUiath,  "a  rest,"  from  roiy,  aliahotli,  "to 
cease;"  hence  "to  refrain  from  labour,"  "to  rest." 

85 


EXODUS  XVI.  XVII.  XVIII.     YITHRO. 


order  that  they  may  sec  the  bread  which  I 
gave  you  to  eat  in  the  wilderness,  when  I 
brought  you  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

33  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  take  a 
flask,  and  put  therein  an  omer-full  of  manna, 
and  lay  it  up  before  the  Lord,  to  be  kept  for 
your  generations. 

34  As  the  Lord  had  eommanded  Moses,  so 
did  Aaron  lay  it  uj)  before  the  Testimony,  to 
be  kept. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  ate  the 
manna  forty  years,  until  they  came  to  an  in- 
habited land ;  the  manna  they  did  eat,  until 
they  came  unto  the  borders  of  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

36  But  the  omer"  is  a  tenth  part  of  an 
epliah.* 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^  And  all  the  congregation  of  the  children 
of  Israel  journeyed  from  the  wilderness  of 
Sin,  after  their  journeyings,  by  the  order  of 
the  Lord;  and  they  encamped  in  Rephidim, 
and  there  was  no  water  for  the  people  to 
drink. 

2  And  the  people  quarrelled  with  Moses, 
and  said.  Give  us  water  that  we  may  drink; 
and  Moses  said  unto  them,  Why  will  ye 
quarrel  with  me?  why  will  ye  tem2:)t  the 
Lord  ? 

3  And  tlie  people  thirsted  there  for  water ; 
and  the  people  murmui'ed  against  Moses,  and  i 
said,  For  what  purpose  is  it  that  thou  hast 
brought  us  up  out  of  Egypt,  to  kill  me''  and 
my  cliildren  and  my  cattle  with  thirst? 

4  And  Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 
What  shall  I  do  unto  this  people  ?  but  little 
is  wanting  and  they  will  stone  me. 

5  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Pass  on 
before  the  people,  and  take  with  thee  some  of 
the  eldei's  of  Israel ;  and  thy  staff',  wherewith 
thou  smotest  the  river,  take  in  thy  hand,  and 

6  Behold,  I  will  be  standing  before  thee 
there  upon  the  rock  at  Horeb  ;  and  thou  shalt 
smite  the  rock,  and  there  shall  come  out  from 
it  water,  and  the  people  shall  drink;   and 


'  The  contents  of  an  cphah  is  said  by  rabbinical  autlio- 
rity  to  bo  i-Vl  ogg.s;  consequently  an  omeris43J  (fowl's) 

>-'gg«- 

''  Tlic  lingular  is  iisrd  here,  as  in  otlier  ]>hices,  to  denote 

probably  tliat  one  spoke  for  the  conununity.     So  also  in 
tJenosia  xxiii.  G,  "  Hear  us,  my  lord." 
86 


Moses  did  so  before  the  eyes  of  the  elders  of 
Israel. 

7  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  place 
Massali"  and  Meribah ;  because  of  the  quarrel- 
ling of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  because 
they  tempted  the  Lord,  saying.  Is  then  the 
Lord  among  us,  or  not  ? 

8  ^  Then  came  Amalek,  and  fought  Avith 
Israel  in  Rephidim. 

9  And  Moses  said  unto  Joshua,  Choose  for 
us  men,  and  go  out,  fight  Avith  Amalek ;  to 
morrow  I  will  stand  on  the  top  of  the  hill  with 
the  staffs  of  God  in  my  hand. 

10  And  Joshua  did  as  Moses  had  said  to 
him,  to  fight  Avith  Amalek;  and  Moses,  Aaron, 
and  Chur  Avent  up  to  the  top  of  the  hill. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  Avhen  Moses  held 
up  his  hand,  that  Israel  prevailed :  and  when 
he  let  doAvn  his  hand,  that  Amalek  pre\'ailed. 

12  But  Avhen  the  hands  of  Moses  became 
heavy,  they  took  a  stone,  and  put  it  under  him, 
and  he  sat  thereon;  and  Aaron  and  Chur  suj> 
ported  his  hands,  one  on  one  side,  and  the 
other  on  the  other  side;  and  his  hands  were 
steady  until  the  going  doA\'n  of  the  sun. 

13  And  Joshua  discomfited  Anmlek  and 
his  people  Avith  the  edge  of  the  sAvord.* 

14  ^\  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Write 
this  for  a  memorial  in  the  Ijook,''  and  rehearse 
it  in  the  ears  of  Joshua;  for  I  Avill  utterly 
);)lot  out  the  remembrance  of  Amalek  from 
under  the  heavens. 

15  And  Moses  built  an  altar,  and  called  its 
name  Adonaij  Nisi-y  [The  Lord  is  my  Banner]. 

16  And  he  said.  Because''  the  Lord  hath 
sworn  on  his  throne,  that  the  Lord  will  have 
Avar  Avith  Amalek  from  generation  to  geftera- 
tion. 

Ilaphtorah  in  -Judges  iv.  4  to  v.  31.     The  Portuguese  com- 
mence at  V.  1. 


SECTION  XVIL     YITHRO,  Tin'. 

CHAPTER  XVin. 

1  ]|  And  J  ithro,  the  priest  of  Midian,  Moses' 
father-in-laAv,  heard  all  that  God  had  done 

°  "  Tempting  and  quarrel,"  from  noj  "  to  prove,  to 
tempt,"  and  311  "to  contend,  to  quarrel." 

■^  The  book  of  the  Records  of  Israel,  wherein  doubt- 
lessly all  the  occurrences  of  the  nation  bad  been  preserved. 

'  Arnheim,  after  Ralbag,  (quoted  in  the  name  of  his 
father,)  renders,  "Yea  the  hand  on  the  throne  of  Yuh  (is 
stretched  out)  for  a  war  with  Amalek,"  &c. 


EXODUS  XVITI.     YITIIRO. 


for  Moses,  and  for  Israel  his  people,  that  the 
Lord  had  brought  forth  Israel  out  of  Egypt. 

2  Then  took  Jithro,  the  fiither-in-law  of 
Moses,  Zipporah,  the  wife  of  Moses,  after  he 
had  sent  her  back, 

3  And  her  two  sons ;  of  whom  the  name  of 
the  one  was  Gershom;  for  he  said,  I  have 
been  a  stranger  in  a  foreign  land : 

4  And  the  name  of  the  other  was  Eliezer;-'' 
for  the  God  of  my  father  was  my  help,  and 
delivered  me  from  the  sword  of  Pharaoh. 

5  And  Jithro,  the  father-in-law  of  Moses, 
came  with  his  sons  and  his  wife  unto  Moses, 
unto  the  wilderness,  where  he  was  encamped 
at  the  mount  of  God. 

6  And  he  sent  word  unto  Moses,  I  thy 
father-in-law  Jithro  am  coming  imto  thee, 
with  thy  wife,  and  her  two  sons  with  her. 

7  And  Moses  went  out  to  meet  his  father- 
in-law,  and  bowed  hims'elf,  and  kissed  him; 
and  they  asked  each  other  after  their  welfare ; 
and  they  went  into  the  tent. 

8  And  Moses  told  his  fathei'-in-law  all 
which  the  Lord  had  done  unto  Pharaoh  and 
to  tlie  Egyptians  on  account  of  Israel ;  all  the 
hardship  which  had  come  upon  them  by 
the  way,  and  how  the  Lord  had  delivered 
them. 

9  And  Jithi'o  rejoiced  over  all  the  goodness 
which  the  Lord  had  done  to  Israel,  that**  he 
had  delivered  it  out  of  the  hand"  of  the 
Egyptians. 

10  And  Jithro  said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord, 
who  hath  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Pha- 
raoh, w'ho  hath  delivered  the  people  from  un- 
der the  ha«d  of  the  Egyptians. 

11  Now  I  know  that  the  Eternal  is  great 
above  all  gods  ;  for  b}'  the  very  thing  wherein 
they  sinned  presumptuously  'was  punishment 
brought  upon  them.'' 

12  And  Jithro,  the  father-in-law  of  Moses, 

'  From  El,  "  God,"  and  rr.er,  "  help." 

^  Onkelos  renders  '\tsv.  with  "who  had,"  &c.,  referring 
to  the  antecedent  "  Lord." 

"  T  "  Hand,"  has  several  significations  iu  Hebrew  :  first, 
the  hand  itself;  then,  "power,"  as  in  this  instance;  or 
"means,"  (as  in  Esodus  ix.  35,)  "As  the  Lord  had 
spoken  through  the  hand  of  Moses ;"  "  a  fixed  place,  the 
margin  of  a  river,"  (Exodus  ii.  5,)  and  "  portion,"  "share," 
"claim,"    (2  Samuel  xix.  44,)  &e. 

''  After  Onkelos.  Rashi  adds,  "  They  endeavoured  to 
destroy  the  Israelites  by  water,  and  they  were  lost  iu 
water."  Philippson  renders,  "  namely  therein  whereby 
ihey  had  sinned  against  them,"  meaning  that  God's  su- 


ofiered  a  burnt-oifering  and  sacritices  unto 
God;  and  Aaron  came,  with  all  the  elders  of 
Israel,  to  eat  bread  with  the  fother-in-law  of 
Moses,  before  God.* 

13  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  Moses  sat  to  judge  the  people;  and  the 
people  stood  around  Moses  from  the  morning 
unto  the  evening. 

14  And  the  father-in-law  of  Moses  saw  all 
that  he  did  to  the  people;  and  he  said,  Wliat 
is  this  thing  that  thou  doest  to  the  people  ? 
why  sittest  thou  thyself  alone,  and  all  the 
people  standeth  around  thee  from  morning 
until  evening? 

15  And  Moses  said  unto  his  lather-in-law. 
Because  the  people  cometh  unto  me  to  inquire 
of  God. 

16  When  they  have  a  matter  of  dispute, 
they  come  unto  me;  and  I  judge  between  one 
and  the  other,  and  I  make  them  know  the 
statutes  of  God,  and  his  laws. 

17  And  the  father-in-law  of  Moses  said 
unto  him.  The  thing  that  thou  doest  is  not 
good. 

18  Thou  wilt  surely  wear  away,  Ijoth  thou, 
and  this  people  that  is  with  thee;  for  the 
thing  is  too  heavy  for  thee;  thou  wilt  not 
be  able  to  perform  it  by  thj-self  alone. 

19  Now  hearken  unto  my  voice,  I  will  give 
thee  counsel,  and  ma}-  God  be  with  thee,  Be 
thou  for  the  people  a  mediator"  with  God, 
that  thou  mayest  bring  the  causes  unto  God. 

20  And  thou  shalt  explain  to  them  the 
statutes  and  the  laws;  and  tliou  shalt  make 
them  know  the  way  wherein  they  must  walk, 
and  the  work  that  they  must  do. 

21  Moreover,  thou  shalt  select  out  of  all  the 
people  able  men,  such  as  fear  God,  men  of 
truth,  hating  (their  own)  gain  ;^  and  place 
these  over  them,  as  rulers  of  thousands,  rulers 
of  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifties,  and  rulers  of 
tens. 

periority  was  displayed,  since  the  Egyptians  and  their 
gods  prevailed  not  in  the  very  acts  of  their  presumptimi 
agaiust  Israel.  The  English  version  seems  to  have  adopt- 
ed in  some  degree  the  same  view.  Arnheim,  after  Aben 
Ezra,  renders  "For  he  punished  them  because  they  had 
acted  wickedl}'  toward  them." 

"  Meaning,  that  3Ioses  should  represent  the  people  with 
God,  hear  what  he  teaches,  and  then  instruct  those  who 
had  sent  him. 

'  This  means,  disintere.sted  men,  who  in  hearing  causes 
brought  before  them  will  decide  without  reference  whe- 
ther their  own  advantage  be  secured  by  their  judgment 
or  not. 

87 


// 


EXODUS  XVIII.  XIX.     YITHRO. 


22  And  let  them  judge  the  people  at  all 
times;  and  it  shall  be,  that  every  great  mat- 
ter they  shall  Ijring  unto  thee,  but  every 
small  matter  they  shall  judge  themselves:  so 
shall  it  be  easier  for  thee,  when  they  shall 
bear  with  thee. 

23  If  thou  wilt  do  this  thing,  and  God 
commandeth  it  thee,  then  wilt  thou  be  able 
to  endure;  and  also  the  whole  of  this  people 
will  come  to  its  place  in  peace.* 

24  And  Moses  hearkened  to  the  voice  of 
his  father-in-law,  and  did  all  that  he  had 
said. 

25  And  Moses  chose  able  men  out  of  all 
Israel,  and  placed  them  as  heads  over  the 
people,  rulers  of  thousands,  rulers  of  hun- 
dreds, rulers  of  fifties,  and  rulers  of  tens. 

26  And  they  judged  the  people  at  all 
times ;  any  difficult  cause  they  brought  unto 
Moses,  but  every  small  cause  they  judged 
themselves. 

27  And  Moses  dismissed  his  fiither-in-law ; 
and  he  went  his  way  unto  his  own  land.* 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ^[  In  the  third  month,  after  the  children  of 
Israel  were  gone  forth  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  the  same  day  they  came  into  the 
wilderness  of  Sinai. 

2  For  they  had  departed  from  Rephidim, 
and  they  came  to  the  desert  of  Sinai,  and  en- 
camped in  the  wilderness;  and  Israel  en- 
camped there  opposite  the  mount. 

3  And  Moses  went  np  unto  God,  and  the 
Lord  called  unto  him  from  the  mount,  saying. 
Thus  shalt  thou  say  to  the  house  of  Jacob, 
and  tell  the  children  of  Israel : 

4  Ye"  have  yourselves  seen  wliat  I  have 
done  unto  the  Egyptians,  and  how  I  bore  you  on 
eagles'  wings,*"  and  brought  you  unto  myself 

5  Now  therefore,  if  you  will  truly  obey  ray 
voice,  and  keep  my  covenant,  then  sliall  ye 
be  unto  me  a  peculiar  treasure  abo\'e  all  na- 
tions; for  all  the  earth  is  mine: 

6  And  ye  shall  be  unto  me  a  kingdom  of 
priests,  and  a  holy  nation  ;  these  are  the  words 
which  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children  of 
Israel. 


"  The  things  which  I  have  done  to  Egypt  are  not  a 
tradition  among  you  or  brought  to  your  notice  by  messen- 
ger or  witness ;  through  many  sins  had  they  been  guilty 
before  they  injured  you;  but  I  did  not  punish  them  ex- 
cept for  your  sake. — Rasiii. 

''  "  As  the  eagle  Ijears  aloft  his  viiiiii;,  over  every  obsta- 


7  And  Moses  came  and  called  for  the  elders 
of  the  people,  and  laid  Itefore  them  all  these 
words  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  him. 

8  And  all  the  people  answered  unani- 
mously, and  said,  All  that  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  will  we  do;  and  Moses  returned  the 
words  of  the  people  unto  the  Lord. 

9  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Behold,  I 
will  come  unto  thee  in  a  thick  cloud,  for  the 
sake  that  the  people  raaj  hear  when  I  speak 
with  thee,  and  that  also  in  thee  they  shall 
believe"  for  ever:  and  Moses  told  the  words 
of  the  people  unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go  unto 
the  people,  and  sanctify  them  to-day  and  to- 
morrow, and  let  them  wash  their  clothes. 

11  And  they  shall  be  ready  against  the 
third  day;  for  on  the  third  day  will  the  Lord 
come  down,  before  the  eyes  of  all  the  people, 
upon  mount  Sinai.   * 

12  And  thou  shalt  set  bounds  unto  the 
people,  round  about,  saying,  Take  heed  to 
yourselves,  that  yc  go  not  up  into  the  mount, 
nor  touch  the  border  of  it;  whosoever  touch- 
eth  the  mount  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

13  Yet  not  a  hand  shall  touch  him,  but  he 
shall  surely  be  stoned,  or  shot  through ; 
whether  it  be  beast  or  man,  it  shall  not  live; 
when  the  trumpet  soundeth  long,  they'^  may 
come  up  to  the  mount. 

14  And  Moses  went  down  from  the  mount 
unto  the  people,  and  sanctified  the  people: 
and  they  washed  their  clothes. 

15  And  he  said  unto  the  people.  Be  ready 
against  the  third  day;  approach  not  unto  a 
woman. 

16  And  it  came  to  j^ass  on  the  third  day 
when  it  was  morning,  that  there  were  thun- 
ders and  lightnings,  and  a  heavy  cloud  was 
upon  the  mount,  and  the  voice  of  the  cornet 
was  exceedingh'  loud;  so  that  all  the  people 
that  were  in  the  camp  tremljled. 

17  And  Moses  brought  forth  the  people 
out  of  the  camp  to  meet  with  God  ;  and  they 
placed  themselves  at  the  foot  of  the  mount. 

18  And  mount  Sinai  smoked  in  every  part, 
because  the  Lord  had  descended  upon  it  in 
fire;  and  the  smoke  thereof  ascended  as  the 

cle,  and  carries  them  even  across  the  sea,  so  have  I  brought 
you  safely  through  the  sea,  and  you  were  not  injured." — 
DUBNO. 

°  ■/.  f.    Have   trust   or   confidence    in   the   truth  of   his 


mission. 
"  Abci 


i-efers  tins  to  Aaron,  his  sons  and  the  elders 


EXODUS  XIX.  XX.     YITHEO. 


smoke  of  a  furnace,  ard   the   whole  mount 
quaked  greatly. 

19  And  the  voice  of  the  cornet  A\ent  on, 
and  waxed  louder  and  louder;  Moses  spoke, 
and  God  answered  him  with  a  loud  voice.* 

20  And  the  Lord  came  down  upon  mount 
Sinai,  on  the  top  of  the  mount;  and  the  Lord 
called  Moses  up  to  the  top  of  the  mount,  and 
Moses  went  up. 

21  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go 
down,  charge  the  people,  lest  they  break 
through  unto  the  Lord  to  gaze,  and  many  of 
them  might  perish. 

22  And  the  priests  also,  who  come  near 
to  the  Lord,  shall  sanctify  themselves;  lest 
the  Lord  break  forth  among  them. 

23  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  The 
people  cannot  come  up  to  mount  Sinai;  for 
thou  hast  charged  us,  saying.  Set  bounds 
about  the  mount  and  sanctify  it. 

24  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Go,  get 
thee  down,  and  then  shalt  thou  come  up, 
thou,  and  Aaron  with  thee;  but  the  priests 
and  the  people  shall  not  break  through  to 
come  up  unto  the  Lord,  lest  he  Ijreak  forth 
among  them. 

25  So  Moses  went  down  unto  the  people, 
and  spoke  unto  them. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ][  And  God  spoke  all  these  words,  say- 
ing, 

2^1  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  have 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of 
the  house  of  slavery.'' 

3  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before 
me. 

4  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thyself  any 
graven  image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing 
that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  on  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under 
the  earth. 

5  Thou   shalt   not  bow  thyself  down    to 

'  Heb.  "House  of  servants"  or  "slaves,"  and  means 
simply  the  state  of  bondage  or  slavery.  According  to 
Jewish  opinions,  "I  am  the  Lord  thy  God"  is  the  Jirst 
conuuandment,  and  enjoins  on  us  to  believe  in  the  Eter- 
nal alone,  as  God  and  Creator,  who  manifested  himself  to 
us  when  we  were  bondmen  in  Egypt,  whence  he  redeemed 
us  through  the  great  deeds  he  wrought  in  our  behalf. 
"  Thou  shalt  have,"  &c.  commences  the  second  command- 
ment. 

''  This  means,  "watchful  of  his  glory,  and  unwilling  to 
1  anion  idolatry." 

•  "If  the  children  hate  me." — Rashbam.  Onkelos 
M 


them,  nor  serve  them;  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous*"  God,  visiting  the  iniquity 
of  the  fiithers  upon  the  children,  unto  the 
third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that 
hate"  me; 

6  And  showing  mercy  unto  the  thousandth 
generation  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep 
my  commandments. 

7  T[  Thou  shalt  not  take''  the  name  of  tlio 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in 
vain. 

8  ^  Remember  the  sabbath  day  to  keep  it 
holy.^ 

9  Six  days  shalt"  thou  labour,  and  do  all 
thy  work. 

10  But  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  in 
honour  of  the  Lord  thy  God ;  on  it  thou  shalt 
not  do  any  woi'k,  neither  thou,  nor  thy  son, 
nor  thy  daughter*,  thy  man-seivant,  nor  thy 
maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger 
that  is  within  thy  gates; 

11  For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that 
is  in  them,  and  rested  on  the  seventh  day; 
therefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath  day, 
and  liallowed  it. 

12  ^  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother; 
in  order  that  tliy  days  may  be  prolonged 
upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giv- 
eth  thee. 

13  Tf  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

][  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 
il  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 
][  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbour. 

14  ^  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's 
house. 

Tl  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  wife, 
nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his  maid-servant, 
nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is 
thy  neighbour's.* 

15  T[  And    all  the   people  perceived*^  the 


paraphrases,  "if  the  children  persevere  to  sin  after  their 
fathers." 

^  This  means,  that  we  shall  not  utter,  "bear  on  our 
lips,"  the  blessed  Name. — "Vain"  includes  hoth  false /j/ 
and  itscUsslff. 

°  Others  render,  "mayest,"  or  "canst:"  still  the  sense 
is  the  same;  meaning,  that  whatever  labour  is  performed 
must  be  done  in  the  six  week-days,  to  the  exclusion  of 
the  sabbath. 

'  The  Hebrew  word  D'NT  from  riNI  "  to  see,"  is  evi- 
dently used  here  in  the  general  sense,  "to  perceive,"  "tc 
become  aware  of." 

80 


EXODUS  XX.  XXI.     MISIIPAHTIM. 


thunders,  and  the  lightnings,  and  the  sound 
of  the  cornet,  and  the  mountain  smoking ; 
and  when  the  people  saw  it,  they  removed 
trembling,  and  stood  afar  off. 

16  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  Speak  thou  j 
with  us,  and  we  will  hear;"  but  let  not  God 
speak  with  us,  lest  we  die. 

17  And  Moses  said  unto  the  people.  Fear 
not;  for  in  order  to  prove  you,  did  God  come, 
and  in  order  that  his  fear  may  be  before  your 
faces,  that  ye  sin  not. 

18  And  the  people  stood  afar  off,  and 
Moses  drew  near  unto  the  thick  darkness 
where  God  was.* 

19  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Thus 
shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Ye 
have  seen  that  from  heaven  I  have  spoken 
with  you. 

20  Ye  shall  not  make  any  thing  with  me; 
gods  of  silver,  and  gods  of  gold  ye  shall  not 
make  unto  yourselves. 

21  An  altar  of  earth  shalt  thou  make  unto 
me,  and  shalt  sacrifice  thereon  thy  burnt^ 
offerings,  and  thy  peace-offerings,  thy  sheep,^ 
and  thy  oxen ;  in  every  place  where  I  shall 
permit  my  name  to  be  mentioned,  I  will  come 
unto  thee,  and  I  will  bless  thee. 

22  And  if  thou  wilt  make  me  an  altar  of 
stone,  thou  shalt  not  build  it  of  hewn  stone; 
for  if  thou  lift  up  thy  tool  upon  it,  thou  hast 
polluted  it. 

23  Neither  shalt  thou  go  up  by  steps  upon 
my  altar,  that  thy  nakedness  be  not  laid  open 
thereon. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  vi.  1  to  13.     The  Germans  read  to  vii. 
6,  and  add  ix.  5  and  6. 


SECT.  XVIII.    MISHPAHTIM,  D'LDGtTO. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  these  are  the  laws  of  justice  which 
thou  shalt  set  before  them. 

2  If  thou  buy  a  Hebrew  servant,  six  years 


'  Onkelos  gives,  "  We  will  accept,"  thus  signifying 
their  willingness  to  follow  what  might  be  taught  them  in 
the  name  of  God,  whose  presence  they  feared  henceforth 
to  cncounlcr.  15ut  Moses,  in  accepting  this  trust,  assured 
them  that  the  Lord's  object  in  showing  his  glory,  was 
merely  that  they  might  always  remember  this  scene  and 
Bin  not. 

''  llashi  regards  "  thy  sheep  and  thy  oxen"  as  an  ex- 
planation of  the  preceding  words ;  thus,  "  thy  peace-offer- 
ings of  thy  sheep  and  of  thy  oxen." 
90 


"shall  he  serve;  and  in  the  seventh  he  shall 
go  out  free  for  nothing. 

3  If  he  came  in  by  himself,  he  shall  go  out 
by  himself;  if  he  was  the  husband  of  a 
woman,  then  shall  his  wife  go  out  with 
him. 

4  If  his  master  should  give  him  a  wife,  and 
she  bear  him  sons  or  daughters:  the  wife 
and  her  children  shall  belong  to  her  master, 
and  he  shall  go  out  by  himself 

5  And  if  the  servant  should  plainly  say,  I 
love  my  master,  my  wife,  and  my  children ; 
I  will  not  go  out  free : 

6  Then  shall  his  master  bring  him  unto 
the  judges,  and  he  shall  bring  him  to  the 
door,  or  unto  the  door-post;  and  his  master 
shall  bore  his  ear  through  with  an  awl;  and 
he  shall  serve  him  till  the  jubilee." 

7  ]|  And  if  a  man  sell  his  daughter  for  a 
maid-servant,  she  shall  not  go  out  as  the  men- 
servants  go  out. 

8  If  she  please  not  her  master,  to  whom 
he*  hath  assig-ned  her,  then  shall  he  aid  her 
to  be  redeemed;  unto  a  strange  nation  he 
shall  have  no  power  to  sell  her,  seeing  he  hath 
dealt  faithlessly  with  her. 

9  And  if  he  should  assign  her  unto  his  son, 
then  shall  he  do  unto  her  after  the  right 
of  the  daughters. 

10  If  he  take  himself  another  wife,  her 
food,  her  raiment,  and  her  duty  of  marriage, 
shall  he  not  diminish. 

11  And  if  he  do  not  these  three  things 
unto  her,  then  shall  she  go  out  free,  without 
money. 

12  ][  He  that  smiteth  a  man,  so  that  he 
die,  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

13  And  if  he  did  not  lie  in  wait,  but  God 
let  it  come  into  his  hand,  then  will  I  appoint 
thee  a  place  whither  he  shall  flee. 

14  ^f  But  if  a  man  come  presumptuously 
upon  his  neighbour,  to  slay  him  with  guile, 
from  my  altar  shalt  thou  take  him,  that  he 
may  die. 


"Lit.  "for  ever;"  but  servitude  is  hereafter  (Levit. 
XXV.  10)  limited  to  the  Juhike,  which  is  accordingly  the 
eternity  of  bondage,  beyond  wliieh  it  could  not  exist. 

'' Arnheim  makes  the  word  "man"  of  verse  7,  the 
nominative  of  all  the  verbs  in  verse  8,  and  renders  the 
last,  "since  he  acteth  faithlessly  by  her;"  meaning,  in 
case  he  sell  her  to  a  foreigner  who  cannot  marry  her,  by 
which  she  becomes  a  bondwoman,  which  the  children  of 
Israel  should  never  be.  Tiiis  is  a  strong  proof  of  the  high 
esteem  females  enjoyed  among  the  early  Israelites. 


KETURN     OK     MOSliS     KROM     IVlOUNX    SIKAI. 


EXODUS  XXI.  XXII.     MISHPAHTIM. 


15  Tl  And  he  that  smitotli  his  father,  or 
his  mother,  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

16  ^[  And  he  that  stealeth  a  man,  and 
selleth  him,  and  he  be  found"  in  his  hand, 
shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

17  ^[  And  he  that  curseth  his  father,  or 
his  mother,  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

18  ][  And  if  men  strive  together,  and  one 
smite  the  other  with  a  stone,  or  with  the  fist, 
and  he  die  not,  but  keepeth  his  bed : 

19  If  he  rise  again,  and  walk  abroad  upon 
his  crutch,  then  shall  he  that  smote  him  be 
quit;  only  he  shall  pay  for  the  loss  of  his 
time,  and  shall  cause  him  to  be  thoroughly 
healed.''' 

20  ][  And  if  a  man  smite  his  servant  or 
his  maid,  Avith  a  rod,  and  he  die  under  his 
hand,  it  shall  be  surely  avenged. 

21  Nevertheless,  if  he  continue  alive  a  day 
or  two,  it  shall  not  be  avenged;  for  he  is  his 
money. 

22  ][  If  men  strive,  and  hurt  a  woman 
with  child,  so  that  her  children  depart  from 
her,  and  vet  no  farther  mischief  follow:  he 
shall  be  surely  punished,  (with  a  fine,)  accord- 
ing as  the  husband  of  the  woman  will  lay 
upon  him;  and  he  shall  pay  this  by  the 
decision  of  the  judges. 

23  And  if  any  mischief  follow,  then  shalt 
thou  give  life  for  life, 

24  Eye  for  eye,''  tooth  for  tooth,  hand  for 
hand,  foot  for  foot, 

25  Burning  for  burning,  wound  for  wound, 
bruise  for  bruise. 

26  ^  And  if  a  man  smite  the  eye  of  his  sei'- 
vant,  or  the  eye  of  his  maid,  that  it  perish, 
he  shall  let  him  go  free  for  the  sake  of  his 
eye. 

27  And  if  he  strike  out  his  man-servant's 
tooth,  or  his  maid-servant's  tooth,  he  shall  let 
him  go  free  for  the  sake  of  his  tooth. 

28  \  If  an  ox  gore  a  man  or  a  woman, 
that  he  die:  then  shall  the  ox  be  surely 
stoned,  and  his  flesh  shall  not  be  eaten;  but 
the  owner  of  the  ox  shall  l^e  quit. 

29  But  if  the  ox  ^vere  wont  to  gore  in  time 
past,   and  warning  have  been  given  to  his 


•  If  witnesses  have  seen  that  he  has  stolen  and  sold 
him,  and  he  was  found  before  the  sale. — Rashi,  after 
Sanhedrin,  85. 

*■  According  to  the  laws  as  executed  in  Israel,  (see 
Baha  Kama,  viii.  §  1,)  this  injunction  was  understood  as 
applying  merely  to  make  restitution  in  money  for  the  in- 
jury inflicted.     That  this  exposition  is  strictly  conform- 


owner,  and  he  hath  not  kept  him  in,  and  he 
killeth  a  man  or  a  woman:  the  o.x  shall  be 
stoned,  twid  his  owner  also  should  of  right  be 
put  to  death ; 

30  But  there  shall  be  laid  on  him  a  sum 
of  money  in  atonement,  and  he  shall  give  the 
ransom  of  his  life  whatsoever  may  be  laid 
upon  him. 

31  If  he  gore  a  son,  or  gore  a  daughter,  ac- 
cording to  this  judgment  shall  be  done  unto 
him. 

32  If  the  ox  gore  a  man-servant  or  a  maid- 
servant, thirty  shekels  of  silver  shall  he"  give 
to  his  master,  and  the  ox  shall  be  stoned. 

33  ^  And  if  a  man  open  a  pit,  or  if  a  man 
dig  a  pit,  and  do  not  cover  it,  and  an  ox  or 
an  ass  fall  therein: 

34  The  owner  of  the  pit  shall  make  it 
good,  he  shall  make  restitution  in  money  unto 
the  owner  thereof;  and  the  de.ad  beast  shall 
be  his. 

35  \  And  if  one  man's  ox  hurt  the  ox  of 
another,  that  he  die :  then  shall  they  sell  the 
live  ox,  and  divide  his  money;  and  the  dead 
ox  also  they  shall  divide. 

36  But  if  it  be  known  that  tne  ox  was 
wont  to  gore  in  time  past,  and  his  o^vner  hath 
not  kept  him  in :  he  shall  surely  pay  ox  for 
ox;  and  the  dead  shall  belong  to  him.'' 

37  \  If  a  man  steal  an  ox  or  a  sheep,  and 
kill  it,  or  sell  it:  five  oxen  shall  he  restore 
for  one  ox,  and  four  sheep  for  one  sheep. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  If  a  thief  be  found  while  breaking  in, 
and  be  smitten  so  that  he  die,  there  shall  no 
blood  be  shed  for  him. 

2  If  the  sun  be  risen  upon  him,  there  shall 
be  blood  shed  for  him;  he  shall  make  full 
restitution ;  if  he  have  nothing,  then  shall  he 
be  sold  for  his  theft. 

3  If  the  thing  stolen  be  actually  found  in 
his  hand  alive,  whether  it  be  ox,  or  ass,  or 
sheep,  he  shall  restore  double.* 

4  ^  If  a  man  cause  a  field  or  vineyard  to 
be  eaten  ofi',  and  he  let  his  beasts  enter,  and 
they  feed  in   another  man's  field:  with  the 

able  to  the  sacred  test,  can  be  proved  from  the  passage, 
Numbers  xxxv.  31,  "And  ye  shall  not  take  a  ransom  for 
the  life  of  a  miu'dcrer  who  is  guilty  of  death,"  which 
clearly  means  "from  a  murderer  ye  shall  take  no  ransom, 
but  ye  may  do  it  from  one  who  inflicts  a  wound  only." 

"  The  owner  of  the  ox. 

^  The  English  version  ends  hero  chap.  xxi. 

91 


EXODUS  XXII.     MISHPAHTIM. 


Ijest  of  his  own  field,  and  with  best  of  his  own 
vineyard,  shall  he  make  restitution. 

5  ^  If  a  fire  break  out,  and  meet  wdth 
thorns,  so  that  stacks  of  corn,  or  the  standing 
corn,  or  the  field,  be  consumed  thereby,  he 
that  kindled  the  fire  shall  surely  make  resti- 
tution. 

6  ^  If  a  man  do  deliver  unto  his  neigh- 
bour money  or  vessels  to  keep,  and  it  be 
stolen  out  of  the  man's  house :  if  the  thief  be 
found,  he  shall  pay  double. 

7  If  the  thief  l^e  not  found,  then  shall  the 
master  of  the  house  be  brought  unto  the 
judges,  (to  swear)  that  he  have  not  stretched 
out  his  hand  against  his  neighboui''s  goods. 

8  For  all  manner  of  trespass,  for  ox,  for 
ass,  for  lamb,  for  raiment,  or  for  any  manner 
of  lost  tiling,  of  which  he"  can  say,  This  is  it, 
before  the  judges  shall  come  the  cause  of 
both  parties,  and  he,  whom  the  judges  may 
condemn,  shall  pay  double  unto  his  neigh- 
bour. 

9  ^  If  a  mau  deliver  unto  his  neighbour 
an  ass,  or  an  ox,  or  a  lamb,  or  any  beast,  to 
keep;  and  it  die,  or  be  hurt,  or  driven  away, 
no  man  seeing  it : 

10  Then  shall  an  oath  of  the  Lord  be  lie- 
tween  them  both,  that  he  have  not  stretched 
out  his  hand  against  his  neighbour's  goods; 
and  the  owner  of  it  shall  accept  this,  and  he 
shall  not  make  it  good. 

11  But  if  it  be  stolen  from  him,  he  shall 
make  restitution  unto  the  owner  thereof. 

12  K  it  be  torn  in  pieces,  then  let  him 
bring  it  as  evidence ;''  that  which  was  torn  he 
shall  not  make  good. 

13  ][  And  if  a  man  borrow  aught  of  his 
neighbour,  and  it  be  hurt,  or  die,  the  owner 
thereof  not  being  with  it,  he  shall  surely  make 
it  good. 

14  But  if  the  owner  thereof  be  with  it,  he 
shall  not  make  it  good ;  if  it  be  a  hired  thing, 
the  loss  is  included  in  its  hire." 

15  ^  And  if  a  man  seduce  a  virgin  that  is 
not  betrothed,  and  lie  with  her,  he  shall 
surely  endow  her  to  be  his  wife. 

*  "  The  witness,"  »'.  e.  which  he  can  identify. — Aben 
Ezra. — From  6  to  8  is  considered  as  rehiting  to  a  case 
where  the  goods  arc  left  without  cliarge  for  keeping;  but 
from  9  to  12  where  hire  is  paid  for  the  care  required. 

''Compare  with  Amos  iii.  12.  Rashi  and  Onkelos: 
"  He  shall  bring  witnesses." 

"  Meaning,  tiie  owner  can  only  claim  the  money  agreed 
upon  for  the  hire,  but  no  farther  restitution.  This  ver- 
92 


16  If  her  father  refuse  to  give  her  unto 
him,  he  shall  pay  money  according  to  the 
dowry  of  virgins. 

17  1[  Thou  shaft  not  suffer  a  witch  to  live. 

18  Whosoever  lieth  with  a  beast  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death. 

19  ^  lie  that  sacrificeth  unto  any  god, 
save  imto  the  Lord  only,  shall  be  utterly  de- 
stroyed. 

20  And  a  stranger  thou  shalt  not  vex,  and 
shalt  not  oppress  him ;  for  strangers  ye  were 
in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

21  Ye  shall  not  afflict  any  widow,  or  father- 
less child. 

22  If  thou  afflict  him  in  anj'  wise;"^  (for  if 
he  cry  at  all  unto  me,  I  will  surely  hear  his 
cry:) 

23  My  wrath  shall  wax  hot,  and  I  will 
slay  you  with  the  sword;  and  your  wives 
shall  be  widows,  and  your  children  fatherless. 

24  ^  If  thou  lend  money  to  my  people,  to 
the  poor  by  thee,  thou  shalt  not  be  to  him  as 
a  lender  of  money ;  thou  slialt  not  lay  upon 
him  usury. 

25  If  thou  take  at  all  thy  neighbour's 
raiment  in  pledge,  thou  shalt  restore  it  unto 
him  by  the  time  the  sun  goeth  do'wn ; 

26  For  it  is  his  only  covei'ing,  it  is  his 
raiment  for  his  skin;  wherein  shall  he  sleej)? 
and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  he  crieth 
unto  me,  that  I  will  hear;  for  I  am  gracious.* 

27  ^  The  judges  thou  shalt  not  revile;" 
and  a  ruler  among  thy  people  thou  shalt  not 
curse. 

28  The  first  of  thy  ripe  fruits,  and  of  thy 
liquors,  shalt  thou  not  delay  to  offer;  the 
first-born  of  thy  sons  shalt  thou  give  unto 
me. 

29  In  like  manner  shalt  thou  do  with  thy 
ox,  Avith  thy  sheep;  seven  days  it  shall  be 
with  its  dam;  on  the  eighth  day  thou  shalt 
give  it  me. 

30  And  holy  men  shall  ye  be  unto  me: 
and  fiesh  that  is  torn  of  beasts  in  the  field, 
shall  ye  not  eat;  to  the  dogs  shall  ye 
cast  it. 


sion  is  according  to  Ben  'Uzziel  and  Mendelssohn;  literally, 
"it  comes  (in)  with  its  hire." 

*  Kashi  regards  this  as  an  elliptical  verse,  thus  :  "If 
thou  afflict  him,  thou  shalt  surely  be  punished,  because, 
should  he  cry  unto  me,  I  will  hear  his  cry." 

'  "  This  is  a  prohibition  both  against  blasphemy,  and 
cursing  tin-  judges  who  sit  in  the  place  of  God  to  do 
justice." — Hasiii,  after  Saiihedrin,  67. 


EXODUS  XXIII.     xMISHPAHTlM. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^  Thou  shalt  not  receive  a  false  report : 
put  not  thy  hand  with  tlae  wicked  to  be  an 
unrighteous  witness. 

2  ][  Thou  slialt  not  follow  a  multitude  to 
do  evil;  neither  shalt  thou  speak  in  a  cause, 
to  incline  after  many,  to  wrest  judgment. 

o  Neither  shalt  thou  countenance  a  poor 
man  in  his  cause. 

4  ]y  If  thou  meet  thy  enemy's  ox  or  his  ass 
going  astray,  thou  shalt  surely  bring  it  back 
to  him  again. 

5  T[  If  thou  see  the  ass  of  him  that  hateth 
thee  lying  under  his  burden,  and  wouldest  for- 
bear to  unload  him,  (thou  must  not  do  so,  but) 
thou  shalt  surely  unload  with  him.* 

G  ][  Thou  shalt  not  wrest  the  judgment  of 
thy  poor  in  his  cause. 

7  Kepp  thyself  far  from  a  false  speech ;  and 
him  who  hath  been  declared  innocent  and 
rigliteous  thou  shalt  not  slay ;  for  I  will  not 
justify  the  wicked. 

8  And  thou  shalt  take  no  bribe ;  for  the 
bribe  blindeth  the  clear-sighted,  and  per- 
verteth  the  words  of  the  righteous. 

9  And  a  stranger  slialt  thou  not  oppress ; 
for  ye  know  well  the  spirit  of  the  stranger, 
seeing  ye  yourselves  were  strangers  in  the 
laud  of  Egypt. 

10  And  six  years  shalt  thou  sow  thy  land, 
and  shalt  gather  in  the  fruits  thereof; 

11  But  the  seventh  year  shalt  thou  let  it 
rest  and  lie  still ;  that  the  needy  of  thy  people 
may  eat  (of  it) ;  and  what  they  leave  the 
beasts  of  the  field  shall  eat:  in  like  manner 
shalt  thou  deal  with  thy  vineyard,  and  with 
thy  olive  tree. 

12  Six  days  shalt  thou  do  thy  work,  and  on 
the  seventh  day  shalt  thou  rest ;  that  thy  ox 
and  thy  ass  may  repose,  and  the  son  of  thy 
hand-maid,  and  tlie  stranger,  may  be  refreshed. 

13  And  in  all  things  that  I  have  said  unto 
you  be  on  your  guard;  and  of  tlie  name  of 
other  gods  ye  shall  make  no  mention,  it  shall 
not  be  heard  out  of  thy  mouth. 

14  Three  times  shalt  thou  keep  a  feast 
unto  me  in  the  year. 

15  The  feast  of  unleavened  bread  shalt 
thou  keep;  seven  days  shalt  thou  eat  unlea- 
vened bread,  as  I  commanded  thee,  in  the  time 
appointed  of  the  month  of  Abib ;  for  in  it  thou 
earnest  out  from  Egypt:  and  none  shall  ap- 
pear betore  me  empty. 


16  And  the  feast  of  harvest,  of  the  first- 
fruits  of  thy  labours,  which  thou  hast  sown  in 
thy  field :  and  the  feast  of  ingathering,  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  year,  when  thou  gatherest 
in  thy  labours  out  of  the  field. 

17  Three  times  in  the  year  shall  all  thy 
males  appear  before  the  Lord,  the  Eternal. 

18  Thou  shalt  not  ofler  the  blood  of  my 
sacrifice  with  leavened  bread;"  neither  shall 
the  fat  of  my  festive  sacrifice  remain  until 
morning. 

19  The  first  of  the  first^ruits  of  thy  land 
shalt  thou  bring  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord 
thy  God.  Thou  shalt  not  seethe  a  kid  in  its 
mother's  milk.'-' 

20  ^  Behold,  I  send  an  angel  before  thee,  to 
keep  thee  on  the  way,  and  to  bring  thee  unto 
the  place  which  I  have  jjrepared. 

21  Beware  of  him,  and  obey  his  voice, 
disobey  him  not ;  for  he  will  not  pardon  your 
transgression,  because  my  name  is  in  him. 

22  But  if  thou  wilt  carefully  hearken  to 
his  voice,  and  do  all  that  I  shall  speak :  then 
will  I  be  an  enemy  unto  thy  enemies,  and  af- 
flict those  that  afflict  thee. 

23  For  my  angel  shall  go  before  thee,  and 
bring  thee  in  unto  the  Emorites,  and  the  Hit^ 
tites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Canaanites, 
the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites ;  and  I  will  cut 
them  off. 

24  Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  to  their  gods, 
nor  serve  them,  nor  do  after  their  deeds ;  but 
thou  shalt  utterly  overthrow  them,  and  com- 
pletely break  down  their  statuary  images. 

25  And  ye  shall  serve  the  Lord  your  God, 
and  he  will  bless  thy  bread,  and  thy  water; 
and  I  will  remove  sickness  from  the  midst  of 
thee.* 

26  ^  There  shall  be  no  one  casting  her 
children,  nor  a  barren  woman,  in  thy  land: 
the  number  of  thy  days  I  will  make  full. 

27  My  terror  will  I  send  Ijefore  thee,  and 
will  l)ring  in  confusion  all  the  people  to  which 
thou  shalt  come ;  and  I  will  make  all  thy  ene- 
mies turn  their  back  unto  thee. 

28  And  I  will  send  hornets  before  thee, 
and  they  shall  drive  out  the  Hivite,  the  Ca- 
naanite,  and  the  Hittite,  from  before  thee. 

29  I  will  not  drive  them  out  from  Ijeforc 
thee  in  one  year ;  lest  the  land  become  deso- 


"  This  moans  that  the  passover-lamh  shall  not  he  slain 
on  the  fourteenth  of  the  first  mouth,  till  all  the  kaveu 
has  heen  previously  removed. 


EXODUS  XXIV.     MISHPAIITIM. 


late,  and  the  beast  of  the  field  multiply  against 
thee. 

30  Little  by  little  will  I  drive  them  out 
from  before  thee,  until  thou  be  increased  and 
canst  possess  the  land. 

31  And  T  will  set  thy  bounds  from  the  Red 
Sea  unto  the  sea  of  tlie  Philistines,  and  from 
the  desert  unto  the  river;  for  I  will  deliver 
into  your  hand  the  inhabitants  of  the  land, 
and  thou  shalt  drive  them  out  before  thee. 

32  Thou  shalt  not  make  a  covenant  with 
them,  nor  with  their  gods. 

33  They  shall  not  dwell  in  thy  land,  lest 
they  cause  thee  to  sin  against  me ;  for  thou 
mightest  (be  led*  to)  serve  their  gods,  and  this 
would  surely  be  a  snare  unto  thee. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ][  And  unto  Moses  he  said.  Come  up  un- 
to the  Lord,  thou,  and  Aaron,  Nadab,  and 
Abihu,  and  seventy  of  the  eldei's  of  Israel; 
and  ye  shall  bow  yourselves  down  afar  off. 

2  And  Moses  alone  shall  come  near  unto 
the  Lord,  but  they  shall  not  come  nigh;  and 
the  people  shall  not  go  up  with  him. 

3  And  Moses  came  and  told  the  people  all 
the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  laws  of 
justice ;''  and  all  the  people  answered  with 
one  voice,  and  said.  All  the  words  which  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  will  we  do. 

4  And  Moses  wrote  down  all  the  words  of 
the  Lord,  and  he  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  built  an  altar  at  the  foot  of  the 
mount,  and  twelve  pillars,  according  to  the 
twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 

5  And  he  then  sent  the  young  men"  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  they  oifered  burnt- 
offerings,  and  sacrified  peace-ofierings  unto 
the  Lord,  of  oxen. 

6  And  Moses  took  the  half  of  the  blood, 
and  put  it  in  basins;  and  the  (other)  half  of 
the  blood  he  sprinkled  on  the  altar. 

7  And  he  took  the  book  of  the  covenant, 

■Mendelssohn;  Rashi,  however,  renders,  "that  thou 
mightest  serve  their  gods,  which,"  &c. 

''  Those  laws  according  to  which  judgment  is  to  be 
pronounced  by  the  judges.  The  word  D'OStyo  in  this 
sense,  is  rendered  in  the  English  version  "judgments," 
which  is  the  same  used  for  □•□■Jiy,  properly  "judicial  pu- 
nishments." 

'  "The  first-born." — Onkelos  and  Eashi. 

''  "In  the  vision  of  prophecy."  (See  Isaiah  vi.  1.) — 
Abf.n  Ezra. 

''  v'7jT  nnni  is  correctly  given  by  Arnlu'iui,  "  that 
under  his  feet,"  i.  c.  the  footstool,  or,  there  where  his 
04 


and  read  in  the  hearing  of  the  people ;  and 
they  said.  All  that  the  Lord  hath  spoken  will 
we  do  and  obey. 

8  And  Moses  took  the  blood  and  sprinkled 
it  on  the  people,  and  said,  Behold  the  blood 
of  the  covenant,  which  the  Lord  hath  made 
with  you  concerning  all  these  wox'ds. 

9  Then  went  up  Moses,  with  Aaron,  Nadab, 
and  Abihu,  and  seventy  of  the  elders  of  Israel. 

10  And  they  saw*  the  God  of  Israel ;  and 
the  place"  imder  his  feet  was  like  a  paved 
work  of  brilliant  sapphire,  and  like  the  colour 
of  heaven  in  clearness. 

11  And  against  the  nobles  of  the  children 
of  Israel  he  stretched  not  forth  his  hand ;  and 
they  saw  (the  glory  of)  God,  and  did  eat  and 
drink.*^ 

12  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  come 
up  to  me  to  the  mount,  and  remain  there: 
and  I  will  give  thee  the  tables  of  stone,  with 
the  law,  and  the  commandment  which  I  have 
written,  to  teach  them. 

13  And  Moses  rose  up,  and  his  servant  Jo- 
shua ;  and  Moses  went  up  to  the  mount  of  God. 

14  .And  unto  the  elders  he  said,  Tarry  ye 
for  us  here,  until  the  time  we  come  again  un- 
to you;  and,  behold,  Aaron  and  Chur  are 
with  you,  whoever  may  have  an}^  cause  to  be 
decided,  let  him  come  unto  them. 

15  And  Moses  went  up  to  the  mount,  and 
the  cloud  covered  the  mount.''' 

16  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  abode  upon 
mount  Sinai,  and  the  cloud  covered  it  six 
days;  and  he  called  unto  Moses  on  the  seventh 
day  out  of  the  midst  of  the  cloud. 

17  And  the  aj^pea ranee  of  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  was  like  a  devouring  fire  on  the  toji  of 
the  mount,  before  the  eyes  of  the  children  of 
Israel. 

18  And  Moses  went  into  the  midst  of  the 
cloud,  and  ascended  the  mount;  and  Moses 
was  on  the  mount  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

Haphtorah  in  Jeremiah  xxxiv.  8-22  and  xxxiii.  25,  20. 

feet  rested.  So  also  the  Septuagint,  jtoi  ra  vnii  roi-s  Ttoia; 
avtov 

'  Onkelos  paraphrases  this  verse  :  "  And  unto  the  chiefs 
of  the  children  of  Israel  there  happened  no  injury,  and 
they  beheld  the  glory  of  God,  and  they  rejoiced  in  the 
favourable  reception  of  their  sacrifices,  as  though  they  ate 
and  drank,"  Dulmo,  after  Ramban  :  "  They  ate  the  peace- 
ofi'erings  before  tiie  altar,  at  the  foot  of  the  mount,  and 
they  drank,  making  the  occasion  one  of  joy,  and  a  holi- 
day ;  for  it  is  a  duty  to  rejoice  at  the  reception  of  the  law; 
see  also  Deuteroiiuniy  xxvii.  7,  '  And  thou  shalt  slay 
peace-offerings,  and  eat  lliem  there.'" 


EXODUS  XXV.     TERUMAH. 


SECTION  XIX.     TERUMAH,  HOnn. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  may  bring  me  an  oflering;"  from  every 
man  whose  heart  prompteth  him  thereto  shall 
ye  take  my  ofteriug. 

3  And  this  is  the  offering  which  ye  shall 
take  from  them :  gold,  and  silver,  and  co^^per, 

4  And  blue,  and  j^urple,  and  scarlet  yarn, 
and  linen  thread,  and  goats'  hair, 

5  And  rams'  skins  died  red,  and  badgers' 
skins,  and  shittim  wood,"" 

6  Oil  for  lighting,  spices  for  the  anointing 
oil,  and  for  the  incense  of  spices, 

7  Onyx  stones,  and  stones  for  setting,  for 
the  ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate. 

8  And  the3'  shall  make  me  a  sanctuary; 
and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  them. 

9  In  accordance  with  all  that  I  show  thee, 
the  pattern  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  pattern 
of  all  the  instruments  thereof,  even  so  shall 
ye  make  it. 

10  ][  And  they  shall  make  an  ark  of  shittim 
wood;  two  culjits  and  a  half  shall  be  its 
length,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  its  breadth, 
and  a  cubJ-t  and  a  half  its  height. 

11  And  thou  shaft  overlay  it  ^vith  pure 
gold,  within  and  without  shalt  thou  overlay 
it;  and  thou  slialt  make  upon  it  a  crown  of 
gold  round  about. 

12  And  thou  shalt  cast  for  it  four  rings  of 
gold,  and  put  them  on  the  four  corners 
thereof;  namely,  two  rings  shall  be  on  the 
one  side  of  it,  and  two  rings  on  the  other  side 
of  it. 

13  And  thou  slialt  make  staves  of  shittim 
wood,  and  overlay  them  with  gold. 

14  And  thou  shalt  place  tlie  staves  into  the 
rings,  upon  the  sides  of  the  ark,  that  the  ark 
may  be  borne  with  them. 


"  nann,  elsewhere  given  with  "  heave-offering,"  is  ex- 
plained bj'  Rashi  to  mean  "  something  separated  from  a 
mass,"  and  it  saj's  here,  "  they  shall  set  aside  for  me  from 
their  money  a  free-will  offering." 

"  Some  render  this  word  with  "acacia  wood,"  viz.  that 
of  the  Acacia  arahica,  which  is  said  to  be  very  durable, 
light,  but  growing  dark  with  age.  The  word  is  of  Egyp- 
tian origin. — After  PlllLlprsoN. 

■^  The  English  version,  after  the  Vulgate  and  Luther, 
readers  mgj  with  "mercy-seat,"  no  doubt  deriving  the 


15  In  the  rings  of  the  ark  shall  the  staves 
remain ;  they  shall  not  be  removed  therefrom. 

16  And  thou  shalt  put  into  the  ark  the 
testimony  which  I  will  give  unto  thee.* 

17  And  thou  shalt  make  a  cover''  of  pure 
gold  ;  two  cubits  and  a  half  shall  be  its  length, 
and  a  cubit  and  a  half  its  breadth. 

18  And  thou  shalt  make  two  cherubim  of 
gold,  of  beaten  work  shalt  thou  make  them, 
on  the  two  ends  of  the  cover. 

19  And  make  one  cherub  on  the  one  end, 
and  the  other  cherub  on  the  other  end;  from 
the  cover  itself  shall  ye  make  the  cherubim 
on  the  two  ends  thereof 

20  And  the  cherubim  shall  be  spreading 
forth  their  wings  on  iiigh,  overshadowing  the 
cover  with  their  wings,  with  their  faces  turned 
one  to  the  other;  toward  the  cover  shall  the 
faces  of  the  cherubim  be  directed. 

21  And  thou  shalt  put  the  cover  aljove 
upon  the  ark;  aud  in  the  ark  shalt  thou  put 
the  testimony  which  I  will  give  unto  thee. 

22  And  I  will  meet  with  tliee  there,  and  I 
will  speak  with  thee  from  above  the  cover, 
from  between  the  two  cherubim  which  are 
upon  the  ark  of  the  testimony,  all  that  which 
I  will  command  thee  unto  the  children  of 
Israel. 

23  ^  Thou  shalt  also  make  a  table  of  shittim 
wood ;  two  cubits  shall  be  its  length,  and  a  cubit 
its  breadth,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  its  height. 

24  And  thou  shalt  overlay  it  with  pure  gold, 
and  make  thereto  a  crown  of  gold  round  about. 

25  And  thou  shalt  make  unto  it  a  rim  of 
a  hand's  breadth  round  about ;  and  thou  shalt 
make  a  golden  crown  on  its  rim  round  about. 

26  And  thou  shalt  make  for  it  four  rings 
of  gold,  and  thou  shalt  put  the  rings  on  the 
four  corners  that  are  on  its  four  feet. 

27  Close  under  the  rim  shall  the  rings  be; 
as  receptacles  for  the  staves,  to  bear  the  table. 

28  And  thou  shalt  make  the  staves  of  shit- 
tim wood,  and  overlay  them  with  gold;  and 
the  table  shall  be  borne  with  them. 


word  from  1-33  "to  pardon,"  thus:  "The  place  whence 
pardon  is  obtained."  The  Midrash  Tancliuraa  agrees 
with  this,  saying,  "Why  was  it  called  msD?  because  it 
atoned  for  the  sins  niSDO  of  Israel."  The  Septuaginf 
and  Japheth  (the  last  cjuoted  by  Aben  Ezra)  combine  both 
ideas,  "the  cover  of  atonement."  Philippson  translate.^ 
accordingly  with  "  SuhnpJaltc"  Rashi,  however,  gives 
it  simply  'loj  "cover."  In  the  course  of  this  work  it  is 
probable  that  "  mercy-seat"  may  be  used — as  a  para- 
phrase, however,  not  as  a  literal  version  of  the  word. 

Bo 


EXODUS  XXV.  XXVI.     TERUMAII. 


29  Aud  thou  shalt  make  its  dishes,  and  its 
spoons,  and  its  supporters,"  and  its  purifying 
tubes,  wherewith  (the  bread)  is  to  be  covered : 
of  pure  gold  shalt  thou  make  them. 

00  And  thou  shalt  set  upon  the  table  show- 
bread  Ijefore  me  always.* 

31  ][  Aud  thou  shalt  make  a  candlestick'' 
of  pure  gold :  of  beaten  work  shall  the  candle- 
stick be  made;  its  shaft,  and  its  branches,  its 
bowls,  its  knobs,  and  its  flowers,  shall  be  out 
of  one  piece  with  it. 

32  And  six  branches  shall  come  out  of  its 
sides;  three  branches  of  the  candlestick  out 
of  the  one  side,  and  three  branches  of  the 
candlestick  out  of  the  other  side. 

33  Three  bowls,  almond-shaped,  shall  be 
on  one  branch,  with  a  knob  and  a  flower; 
and  three  bowls  almond-shaped  on  the  other 
branch,  with  a  knob  and  a  flower:  so  on  the 
six  branches  that  come  out  of  the  candlestick. 

34  And  on  the  candlestick  itself  shall  be 
four  bowls,  almond-shaped,  (with)  its  knobs 
and  its  flowers. 

35  And  there  shall  be  a  knob  under  the 
two  branches  that  come  out  of  the  same,  and  a 
knob  under  the  two  branches  that  come  out  of 
the  same,  and  a  knob  under  the  two  branches 
that  come  out  of  the  same;  for  the  six 
brandies  that  proceed  out  of  the  candlestick. 

36  Their  knobs  aud  their  branches  shall  be 
out  of  one  piece  with  it ;  all  of  it  shall  be  one 
piece  of  beaten  work  of  pure  gold. 

37  And  thou  shalt  make  its  seven  lamps; 
and  when  they  light  its  lamps,  it  shall 
give  light  toward  the  body  of  it. 

38  And  its  tongs,  and  its  snufl-dishes  shall 
be  of  pure  gold. 

39  Out  of  a  talent  of  pure  gold  shall  he" 
make  it,  with  all  these  vessels. 

40  And  look  that  thou  make  them  after 
their  pattern,  which  thou  wast  shown  on  the 
mount.* 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  ][  The  tabernacle  also  shalt  thou  make 
of  ten  curtains,  of  twisted  linen  thread,  aud 

°  "  The  supporters"  ai-e  said  to  have  been  four  stakes 
of  gohl  standing  upun  the  floor,  two  on  each  side  of  the 
table;  they  were  groiived  so  as  to  receive  tlic  "purifying 
tubes,"  whicli  wen;  placed  between  one  loaf  of  the  show- 
bread  and  the  other,  so  as  to  admit  of  a  fresh  ])assage  of 
air  between  them  ;  others  reverse  the  onhM-,  and  render, 
"its  tubes  and  its  supporters." 

''  More  correctly,  "chandelier." 
96 


blue,  and  purple,  aud  scarlet  yum,  \\ith  che- 
rubim, of  weaver's''  work  shalt  thou  make 
them. 

2  The  length  of  each  curtain  shall  be  eight 
and  twenty  cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  each 
curtain  four  cubits:  there  sliall  be  one  mea- 
sure for  all  the  curtains. 

3  Five  of  the  curtains  shall  be  coupled 
together,  one  to  another;  and  the  other 
five  curtains  shall  be  coupled,  one  to  an- 
other. 

4  And  thou  shalt  make  loops  of  blue  on 
the  edge  of  the  one  curtain  which  is  on  the  out- 
side in  the  (one)  coupling;  and  the  like  shalt 
thou  make  on  the  edge  of  the  curtain  which 
is  the  outmost  iu  the  second  coupling. 

5  Fifty  loops  shalt  thou  make  on  the  one 
curtain,  and  fifty  loojjs  shalt  thou  make  on 
the  edge  of  the  curtain  that  is  in  the  second 
coupling;  the  loops  shall  be  fixed  opposite 
each'other. 

6  And  thou  shalt  make  fifty  hooks  of  gold; 
and  thou  shalt  couple  the  curtains  together 
one  unto  the  other  with  the  hooks,  and  the 
tabernacle  shall  thus  be  one  piece. 

7  And  thou  shalt  make  curtains  of  goats' 
hair  for  a  tent  over  the  tabernacle;  eleven 
curtains  shalt  thou  make  the  same. 

8  The  length  of  each  curtain  shall  be  tliirty 
cubits,  and  the  Ijreadth  of  each  curtain  four 
cubits:  there  shall  be  one  measure  for  the 
eleven  curtains. 

9  And  thou  shalt  couple  five  of  the  cur- 
tains by  themselves,  and  six  of  the  curtains 
l^y  themselves;  aud  thou  shalt  doul^le  the 
sixth  curtain  towiird  the  front  side  of  the 
tabernacle. 

10  And  thou  shalt  make  fifty  loops  on  the 
edge  of  the  one  curtain  that  is  the  outmost  in 
the  (one)  coupling,  and  fifty  loops  on  the 
edge  of  the  curtain  of  the  second  coupling. 

11  And  thou  shalt  make  fifty  hooks  of  cop- 
per; and  thou  shalt  put  the  hooks  into  the 
loops,  and  couple  the  tent  together,  that  it 
may  be  one  piece. 

12  And  the  part  hanging  over  in  the  excess 


°  i.  e.  The  unknown  maker,  whoever  he  may  be.  This 
construction  is  very  common  in  Hebrew. 

''  3tyn  "weaver,"  is  here  used  in  contradistinction  to 
□pi  "the  embroiderer."  The  figures  in  this  instance  were 
to  be  woven  in,  while  in  the  other  they  were  to  be  wrought 
with  a  needle,  as  the  "embroiderer"  does.  The  weaver  is 
called  3tyn  from  the  fact  that  "thought"  or  "art"  is  re- 
quired ta  produce  the  figures  in  the  loom ;   therefore,  per- 


EXODUS  XXVI.     TERUMAH. 


of  the  curtains  of  the  tent,"  the  half  curtain 
which  is  over,  shall  hang  down  over  the  back 
part  of  the  tabernacle. 

13  And  the  cubit  on  the  one  side,  and  the 
cubit  on  the  other  side  in  the  excess  in  the 
length  of  the  curtains  of  the  tent,  shall  be 
luiniiint!;  down  over  the  sides  of  the  tabernacle 
on  this  side  and  on  that  side,  to  cover  it. 

14  And  thou  shalt  make  a  cover  for  the 
tent  of  rams'  skins  dyed  red,  and  a  cover  of 
badgers'  skins  above.'-' 

15  T[  And  thou  shalt  make  the  boards  for 
the  tabernacle  of  shittim  wood,  standing  up. 

16  Ten  cubits  shall  be  the  length  of  each 
board,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  shall  be  the 
breadth  of  each  one  board. 

17  There  shall  be  two  tenons  for  every 
board,  fitted  in,  one  against  the  other:  the 
like  shalt  thou  make  for  all  the  boards  of  the 
tabernacle. 

18  And  thou  shalt  make  the  boards  for  the 
tabernacle:  twenty  boards  for  the  south  side, 
on  the  right. 

19  And  forty  sockets  of  silver  shalt  thou 
make"  under  the  twenty  boards ;  two  sockets 
under  the  one  board  lor  its  two  tenons,  and 
two  sockets  under  the  other  board  for  its  two 
tenons. 

20  And  for  the  other  side  of  the  tabernacle, 
for  the  north  side,  there  shall  be  twent}^ 
boards ; 

21  And  their  forty  sockets  of  silver;  two 
sockets  under  the  one  board,  and  two  sockets 
under  the  other  board. 

22  And  for  the  back  wall  of  the  tabernar 
cle,  westward,  thou  shalt  make  six  boards. 

23  And  two  boards  shalt  thou  make  for 
the  corners  of  the  tabernacle  in  the  back 
wall. 

24  And  they  shall  be  closely  fitting  to- 
gether  beneath,  and   they  shall   be   closely 

baps,  "artificial  weaver;"  German,  "  Kunstweber;"  tbe 
simple  artisan  is  called  jix. 

'  Tbat  is :  wbat  exceeds  tbe  lengtb  of  tbe  former  or 
tabernacle  curtains,  they  being  but  ten,  wbilo  tbe  tent 
curtains  were  eleven,  or  forty  cubits  against  forty-four, 
shall  hang  trailing  down  at  the  back  of  the  tabernacle, 
while  the  other  half,  or  two  cubits  in  breadth,  was  to 
.  be  doubled  over  and  hung  down  in  the  front,  over  the  en- 
trance curtain  of  the  sacred  structure,  as  a  species  of 
festoon. 

^  Meaning:  the  boards  were  wrought  so  as  to  fit  quite 
smoothly,  one  to  the  other;  and  the  upper  end  was  cut  in 
about  an  inch  from  each  border,  through  which  a  ring,  or 
clamp,  was  inserted  to  hold  each   two  together.      While 

N 


joined  together  on  the  top  by  means  of  one 
ring:''  thus  shall  it  be  for  both  of  them;  for 
the  two  corners  shall  they  be. 

25  And  so  they  shall  be  eight  boards,  and 
their  sockets  of  silver,  sixteen  sockets:  two 
sockets  under  the  one  board,  and  two  sockets 
under  the  other  board. 

20  And  thou  shalt  make  bars  of  shittim 
wood:  five,  for  the  boards  of  the  one  side  of 
the  tabernacle; 

27  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the 
other  side  of  the  tabernacle,  and  five  bars  for 
the  Ijoards  of  the  side  of  the  tabernacle,  for 
the  back  wall,  westward ; 

28  And  the  middle  bar  in  the  midst  of  the 
boards,  passing  from  the  one  end  to  the  other 
end. 

29  And  the  boards  thou  shalt  overlay  with 
gold,  and  their  rings  thou  shalt  make  of  gold, 
as  receptacles  for  the  bars;  and  tliou  shalt 
overlay  the  bars  with  gold. 

30  And  thou  shalt  rear  up  the  tabernacle, 
according  to  the  fashion  thereof,  which  thou 
hast  been  shown  on  the  mount.* 

31  ^  And  thou  shalt  make  a  vail  of  blue, 
and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and  twisted 
linen,  of  weavers'  work  shall  it  be  made,  with 
cherubim. 

32  And  thou  shalt  hang''  it  upon  four  pillars 
of  shittim  wood  overlaid  Avith  gold;  their 
hooks  also  shall  be  of  gold;  upon  four  sockets 
of  silver. 

33  And  thou  shalt  hang  up  the  vail  under 
the  hooks;'  and  thou  shalt  bring  in  thither 
within  the  vail  the  ark  of  the  testimony;  and 
the  vail  shall  divide  unto  you  between  the 
holy  place  and  the  holy  of  holies. 

34  And  thou  shalt  put  the  cover  upon  the 
ark  of  the  testimony  in  the  holy  of  holies. 

35  And  thou  shalt  set  the  table  without 
the  vail,  and  the  candlestick  over  against  the 


thus  tbe  tops  of  the  boards  were  firmly  joined,  the  bars 
next  described  were  either  inserted  in  the  rings,  on  the 
outside  of  the  boards,  or  through  their  centre,  tlius  ren- 
dering the  temporary  structure  one  of  great  firmness. 

■=  Lit.  "Thou  shalt  place."     The  same  is  also  in  v.  3.3. 

''  Above  we  are  told  that  the  curtains,  forming  what  i.s 
called  the  "tabernacle,"  should  be  coupled  by  means  of 
golden  hooks.  This  work  was  thrown  over  the  boards 
after  they  were  set  up ;  and  as  it  rested  over  the  front  of 
the  sanctuary,  the  books  of  course  were  at  tbe  end  of  the 
twentieth  cubit  thereof;  consequently  they  divided  the 
tabernacle  proper  into  two  unequal  parts :  the  one  of 
twenty  cubits  was  tbe  holy  place;  the  other  i if  ten  cubits, 
beyond  the  vail,  the  holy  of  holies. 


EXODUS  XXVI.  XXVII.  XXVIll.     TETZAVVEH. 


talile  on  the  side  of  the  tabernacle,  toward  the 
south;  and  the  table  thou  shalt  put  on  the 
north  side. 

36  And  thou  shalt  make  a  hanging  for  the 
door  of  the  tent,  of  blue,  and  purple,  and 
scarlet  .yarn,  and  twisted  linen ;  the  work  of 
the  embroiderer. 

37  And  thou  shalt  make  for  the  hanging 
five  pillars  of  shittim  wood,  and  overlap-  them 
with  gold,  their  hooks  also  shall  be  of  gold; 
and  thou  shalt  cast  for  them  five  sockets  of 
copper.* 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  thou  shalt  make  the  altar  of 
shittim  wood :  five  cubits  long,  and  five  cubits 
broad,  a  foursquare  shall  the  altar  be,  and 
three  cubits  shall  be  its  height. 

2  And  thou  shalt  make  its  horns  on  its 
four  corners,  from  itself  shall  its  boms  be; 
and  thou  shalt  overlay  it  with  copper. 

3  And  thou  shalt  make  its  pots  to  receive 
its  ashes,  and  its  shovels,  and  its  basins,  and 
its  forks,  and  its  fire-pans ;  all  its  vessels  thou 
shalt  make  of  copper. 

4  And  thou  shalt  make  for  it  a  grating,  of 
a  network  of  copper;  and  thou  shalt  make 
upon  the  net  four  rings  of  copper,  on  its  four 
corners. 

5  And  thou  shalt  put  it  under  the  compass* 
of  the  altar  beneath,  and  the  net  shall  reach 
even  to  the  half  of  the  altar. 

6  And  thou  shalt  make  staves  for  the 
altar,  staves  of  shittim  wood,  and  overlay 
them  with  copper. 

7  And  the  staves  shall  be  put  into  the 
riugs,  and  the  staves  shall  be  upon  the  two 
sides  of  the  altar,  when  they  bear  it.'' 

8  Hollow,  of  boards,  shalt  thou  make  it; 
a.s  it  was  shown  to  thee  on  the  mount,  so 
shall  they  make  it.* 

9  ^  And  thou  shalt  make  the  court  of  the 
tabernacle:  for  the  south  side,  on  the  right, 
the  hangings  for  the  court,  of  twisted  linen, 
shall  be  a  hundred  cubits  in  length,  for  the 
one  side. 

10  And  its  pillars  shall  be  twenty,  with 
their  twenty  sockets  of  copper;  the  hooks  of 
the  pillars  and  their  fillets  shall  ho  of  silver. 

11  Aud  likewise  for  the  north  side  in  the 
length  there  shall  be  hangings  one  hundred 

•  I.  e.  A  sort  of  gallerj'  running  round  the  altar,  on 
which  the  priests  stood  iu  ofiering. 
98 


cubits  in  length,  and  its  pillars  twenty  with 
theii'  twenty  sockets  of  copper;  the  hooks  of 
the  pillars  and  their  fillets  shall  be  of  silver. 

12  And  (for)  the  breadth  of  the  court  on 
the  west  side  shall  be  fifty  cubits  of  hangings ; 
their  pillars  shall  be  ten,  and  their  sockets 
ten. 

13  And  the  breadth  of  the  court  on  the 
'  front  side,  eastward,  shall  be  fifty  cubits. 

!  14  And  fifteen  cubits  of  hangings  shall  be 
on  the  one  wing;  their  pillars  shall  be  three 
and  their  sockets  three. 

15  And  on  the  other  wing  shall  be  fifteen 
cubits  of  hangings ;  their  j^iHars  shall  be  three, 
and  their  sockets  three. 

16  And  for  the  gate  of  the  court  shall  be 
a  hanging  of  twenty  cubits,  of  blue,  and  pur- 
ple, and  scarlet  yarn,  and  twisted  linen,  the 
work  of  the  embroiderer;  with  four  pillars  for 
the  same,  and  their  four  sockets.'^' 

17  All  the  pillars  round  about  the  court 
shall  be  filleted  with  silver;  their  hooks  shall 
be  of  silver,  and  their  sockets  of  copper. 

18  The  length  of  the  court  shall  be  one 
hundred  cubits,  and  the  breadth  fifty  b_y  fifty, 
and  the  height  five  cubits,  of  twisted  linen, 
and  the  sockets  for  the  same  of  copper. 

19  All  the  vessels  of  the  tabernacle  iu  all 
the  service  thereof,  aud  all  its  pins,  and  all 
the  pins  of  the  court,  shall  be  of  copper. 

Haphtorah  in  1  Kings  v.  26  to  vi.  13. 


SECTION  XX.     TETZAVVEH,  mvn. 

20  *(\  And  tliou  shalt  command  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  that  they  bring  thee  pure  olive 
oil,  beaten  out,  for  the  lighting,  to  cause  a 
light  to  burn  always. 

21  In  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
without  the  vail,  which  is  before  the  testi- 
mony, shall  Aaron  with  his  sous  arrange  it 
(for)  from  the  evening  to  the  morning,  be- 
fore the  Lord;  as  a  statute  for  ever  unto 
their  generations,  on  behalf  of  the  children  of 
Israel. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  And  thou  shalt  let  come  near  unto 
thee  Aaron  thy  brother,  and  his  sons  with 
him,  from  among  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
he  may  be  a  priest  unto  me;  Aaron,  Nadab 

''  This  implies,  that  at  other  times  they  shall  be  taken 
out,  but  from  the  ark  they  were  never  to  be  iiio\ed. 


EXODUS  XXVIII.     TETZAVVJ]H. 


and  Abihu,  Elazar  and  Ithamar,  the  sons  of 
Aai'on. 

2  And  thou  shalt  make  holy  garments  for 
Aaron  thy  brother,  for  glory  and  for  orna- 
ment. 

3  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  all  that  are 
■wiseheartcd,  whom  I  have  filled  with  the 
spirit  of  wisdom,  that  they  may  make  gar- 
ments for  Aaron,  to  sanctify  him,  that  lie 
may  be  a  priest  unto  me. 

4  And  these  are  the  garments  which  they 
shall  make :  a  breastplate,  and  an  ephod,  and 
a,  robe,  and  a  checkered  coat,  a  mitre,  and  a 
girdle;  and  they  shall  make  holy  garments 
for  Aaron  thy  brother,  and  for  his  sons,  to  Ije 
a  i^riest  unto  me. 

6  And  they  shall  take  the  gold,  and  the 
blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and  the 
linen. 

6  ^  And  they  shall  make  the  ephod,  of 
gold,  of  blue,  and  of  purple,  of  scarlet  yarn," 
and  twisted  linen,  of  weaver's  work. 

7  Two  shoulder-pieces  shall  it  have  joined 
at  the  two  edges  thereof;  by  which  it  shall 
be  joined  together.'' 

8  And  the  belt  for  girding,  which  is  upon 
it,  shall  he  of  the  same  make,  out  of  the  same 
piece  with  itself;  of  gold,  of  blue,  and  purple, 
and  scarlet  yarn,  and  twisted  hnen. 

9  And  thou  shalt  take  two  onyx  stones, 
and  engrave  on  them  the  names  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel : 

10  Six  of  their  names  on  the  one  stone,  and 
the  names  of  the  remaining  six  on  the  other 
stone,  according  to  the  order  of  their  birth. 

11  With  the  work  of  an  engraver  in  stone, 
like  the  engraving  of  a  signet,  shalt  thou  en- 
grave the  two  stones  with  the  names  of  the 
children  of  Israel;  fitted  in  settings  of  gold 
shalt  thou  make  them. 

12  And  thou  shalt  put  the  two  stones  upon 
the  shoulder-pieces  of  the  epliod  as  stones  of 
memorial  unto  the  children  of  Israel;  and 
Aaron  shall  bear  their  names  before  the  Lord 
upon  his  two  shoulders  for  a  memorial.* 


°  Where  this  word  is  used  in  the  present  version,  it 
means  "woollen"  yarn;  the  term  is  not  employed  how- 
ever in  the  Hebrew,  which  merely  has  always  "blue,  pur- 
ple, and  scarlet." 

*"  Arnheim  thinks  that  this  means  "to  the  breastplate," 
which  was,  as  afterward  directed,  joined  to  the  ephod; 
but  Rashi  understands  it  to  convey  that  the  shoulder- 
pieces  should  be  sewed  on  the  ephod,  not  woven  with  it 
iu  one  piece. 


13  •[[  And  thou  shalt  make  casings  of  gold ; 

14  And  two  chains  of  pure  gold,  with 
knots  at  the  ends,  of  wreathed  work  shalt 
thou  make  them,  and  thou  shalt  fasten  the 
wreathed  chains  to  the  casings. 

15  ^f  And  thou  shalt  make  the  breastjjlate 
of  judgment,  of  weaver's  work;  after  tlie 
work  of  the  ephod  thou  shalt  make  it;  of 
gold,  of  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn, 
and  of  twisted  linen,  shalt  thou  make  it. 

16  Four-square  shall  it  be,  double;  a  span 
in  length,  and  a  span  in  breadth. 

17  And  thou  shalt  set  in  it  settings  of 
stones,  even  four  rows  of  stones :  the  first  row, 
a  sardius,''  a  topaz,  and  an  emerald ;  this  shall 
be  the  first  row. 

18  And  the  second  row,  a  carbuncle,  a 
sapphire,  and  a  diamond. 

19  And  the  third  row,  an  opal,  a  turquoise, 
and  an  amethyst. 

20  And  the  fourth  row,  a  chrysolite,  and 
an  onyx,  and  a  jasper:  they  shall  be  litlcd 
in  golden  casings  when  they  are  set  in. 

21  And  the  stones  shall  be  according  to 
the  names  of  the  children  of  Israel,  twelve, 
according  to  their  names ;  (engraved)  with  the 
engraving  of  a  signet,  every  one  according  to 
his  name,  shall  they  be  for  the.  twelve  tribes. 

22  And  thou  shalt  make  on  the  breastplate 
chains  with  knots  at  the  ends,  of  wreathed 
work,  of  pure  gold. 

23  And  thou  shalt  make  ou  the  breast- 
plate two  rings  of  gold,  and  shalt  put  the  two 
rings  on  the  two  ends  of  the  breastplate. 

24  And  thou  shalt  put  the  tAvo  wreathed 
chains  of  gold  in  the  two  rings,  on  the  ends 
of  the  breastplate. 

25  And  the  (other)  two  ends  of  the  two 
wreathed  chains  thou  shalt  fasten  on  the  two 
casings,  and  put  them  ou  the  shoulder-pieces 
of  the  ephod  on  the  outside  thereof. 

26  And  thou  shalt  make  two  rings  of  gold, 
;md  thou  shalt  put  them  on  the  two  ends  of 
the  breastplate  on  its  border,  which  is  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  ephod,  in\\'ard. 


'  "Or  ruby."  The  correct  meaning  of  the  names  of 
the  jewels  in  the  breastplate  is  so  uncertain  that  both 
Mendelssohn  and  Arnheim  have  left  them  untranslated. 
They  are  supported  in  this  omission  by  the  great  diversity 
of  opinion  prevailing  among  commentators.  The  version 
given  in  the  present  text  must  therefore  be  looked  upon 
as  an  approximation,  developed  in  a  note  to  Arnheim's 
version. 

99 


EXODUS  XXVIII.  XXIX.     TETZAVVEH. 


27  And  thou  shalt  make  two  more  rings 
of  gold,  and  shalt  put  them  on  the  two 
shoulder-iaieces  of  the  epliod  underneath,  to- 
ward its  front  part,  close  by  its  seam,  above 
the  gii'dle  of  the  ephod, 

28  And  they  shall  fasten  the  breastplate 
by  its  rings  unto  the  rings  of  the  e2)hod  with 
a  lace  of  blue,  that  it  may  remain  on  the 
girdle  of  the  ephod,  and  that  the  breastplate 
be  not  loosed  from  the  ephod. 

29  And  Aaron  shall  bear  the  names  of  the 
children  of  Israel  in  the  breastplate  of  judg- 
ment upon  his  heart,  when  he  goeth  in  unto 
the  holy  jalace,  for  a  memorial  before  the 
Lord  continually. 

30  And  thou  shalt  put  into  the  breastplate 
of  judgment  the  Urim  and  the  Thummim, 
and  they  shall  be  ujjon  Aaron's  heart,  when 
he  goetli  in  before  the  Lord  ;  and  Aaron  shall 
bear  the  judgment  of  the  children  of  Israel 
upon  his  heart  before  the  Lord  continually.'^' 

31  ^  And  thou  shalt  make  the  robe  of  the 
ephod  altogether  of  blue  woollen  yarn. 

32  And  there  shall  be  an  opening  in  the 
top  of  it,  in  the  midst  thereof;  it  shall  have 
a  binding  of  woven  work,  round  about  its 
opening,  as  it  is  on  the  opening  of  an  haber- 
geon, so  shall  it  be  thereon,  that  it  be  not 
rent. 

33  And  thou  shalt  make  on  its  lower  hem 
pomegranates  of  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet 
yarn,  round  about  its  lower  hem;  and  bells 
of  gold  between  them  round  about: 

34  A  golden  bell  and  a  pomegranate,  a 
golden  bell  and  a  pomegranate,  on  the  lower 
hem  of  the  robe  round  about. 

35  And  it  shall  be  upon  Aaron  when  he 
ministereth;  and  his  sound  shall  be  heard 
when  he  goeth  in  unto  the  holy  place  before 
the  Lord,  and  when  he  cometh  out,  that  he 
die  not. 

3G  T[  And  thou  shalt  make  a  plate  of  pure 
gold,  and  grave  upon  it,  like  the  engraving  of 
a  signet,  Holy  unto  the  Lord. 

37  And  thou  shalt  fasten  it  on  a  lace  of 
blue,  and  it  .^^liall  be  upon  the  mitre;  upon 
the  front  of  the  mitre  shall  it  be. 

38  And  it  shall  be  upon  Aaron's  forehead; 
and  Aaron  shall  atone  for  the  iniquity  of  the 
holy  things,  which  the  children  of  Israel  shall 
hallow  in  all  their  holy  gifts;  and  it  shall  be 
upon  his  forelipad  always,  that  they  may  be 
received  in  iavour  befcjre  the  Lord. 

39  And  tliou  .shalt  make  the  coat  of  linen 
100 


checkered,  and  thou  shalt  make  a  mitre  of 
linen,  and  a  girdle  shalt  thou  make  of  em- 
broiderer's work. 

40  And  for  Aaron's  sons  shalt  thou  make 
coats,  and  thou  shalt  make  for  them  girdles ; 
and  bonnets  thou  shalt  make  for  them,  for 
glory  and  for  ornament. 

41  And  thou  shalt  clothe  therewith  Aaron 
thy  brother,  and  his  sous  with  him ;  and  thou 
shalt  anoint  them,  and  consecrate"  them,  and 
sanctify  them,  that  they  may  be  priests  unto 
me. 

42  And  thou  shalt  make  them  linen 
breeches  to  cover  their  nakedness ;  from  the 
loins  even  unto  the  thighs  shall  they  reach. 

43  And  they  shall  be  upon  Aaron,  and 
upon  his  sons,  when  they  come  in  unto  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  or  when  they 
come  near  unto  the  altar  to  minister  in  the 
holy  place ;  that  they  bear  not  iniquit}-,  and 
die  ;  a  statute  for  ever  shall  it  be  for  him  and 
for  his  seed  after  him.* 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ][  And  this  is  the  thing  that  thou  shalt  do 
unto  them  to  hallow  them,  to  become  priests 
unto  me:  Take  one  young  bullock,  and  two 
rams  without  blemish, 

2  And  unleavened  bread,  and  unleavened 
cakes,  mingled  with  oil,  and  unleavened 
wafers,  anointed  with  oil;  of  fine  wheaten 
flour  shalt  thou  make  them. 

3  And  thou  shalt  put  them  into  one  basket, 
and  Ijring  them  near*"  in  the  basket,  with  the 
bullock  and  the  two  rams. 

4  And  Aaron  and  his  sons  shalt  thou  bring 
near  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  and  shalt  wash  them  with 
water. 

5  And  thou  shalt  take  the  garments,  and 
clothe  Aaron  with  the  coat,  and  the  robe  of 
the  ephod,  and  the  ephod,  and  the  breasts 
plate,  and  gird  him  with  the  girdle  of  the 
ejjhod : 

C  And  thou  shalt  put  the  mitre  upon  his 
head,  and  thou  shalt  fasten  the  holy  crown 
upon  the  mitre. 

7  Then  shalt  thou  take  the  anointing  oil, 
and  poiu'  it  upon  his  head,  and  anoint  him. 


*  Heb.  "  Fill  their  hand ;"  the  consecration  is  to  say  a 
gift,  placed  in  the  Land  of  a  man,  thu.s  filling  it  with  the 
same. 


EXODUS  XXIX.     TETZAVVEH. 


8  And  his  sons  shalt  thou  bring  near,  and 
clothe  them  with  coats. 

9  And  thou  shalt  gird  them  with  the  gir- 
dles, Aaron  and  his  sons,  and  bind  the  bonnets 
on  them;  and  the  priest's  office  shall  be  theirs 
for  a  perpetual  statute :  and  thus  shalt  thou 
consecrate  Aaron  and  his  sons. 

10  And  thou  shalt  cause  the  bullock  to  be 
brought  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congre- 
gation :  and  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  lay  their 
hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock. 

11  And  thou  shalt  kill  the  bullock  before 
the  Lord,  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation. 

12  And  thou  shalt  take  of  the  blood  of  the 
bullock,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the 
altar  with  thy  finger,  and  all  the  remaining" 
blood  shalt  thou  pour  out  beside  the  bottom 
of  the  altar. 

13  And  thou  shalt  take  all  the  fat  that 
covereth  the  inwards,  and  the  midriff  alcove 
the  liver,  and  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat 
that  is  upon  them,  and  Ijurn  them  upon  the 
altar. 

14  But  the  flesh  of  the  bullock,  and  his 
skin,  and  his  dung,  shalt  thou  burn  with  fire, 
without  the  camp :  it  is  a  sin-oflering. 

15  And  the  one  ram  shalt  thou  take;  and 
Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  la}-  their  hands  upon 
the  head  of  the  ram. 

16  And  thou  shalt  slay  the  ram,  and  thou 
shalt  take  his  blood,  and  sprinkle  it  upon  the 
altar  round  about. 

17  And  the  ram  shalt  thou  cut  in  jjieces, 
and  wash  his  inwards,  and  his  legs,  and  put 
them  with  his  pieces,  and  with  his  head. 

18  And  thou  shalt  burn  the  whole  ram 
upon  the  altar,  it  is  a  burnt-ofltering  unto  the 
Lord;  it  is  a  sweet  savour,  an  offering  made 
by  fire  unto  the  Lord.'^ 

19  And  thou  shalt  take  the  other  ram ; 
and  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  lay  their  hands 
upon  the  head  of  the  ram. 

20  Then  shalt  thou  kill  the  ram,  and  take 
of  his  blood,  and  put  it  upon  the  tip^  of 
Aaron's  right  ear,  and  upon  the  tip  of  the 
right  ear  of  his  sons,  and  upon  the  thumb  of 
their  right  hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of 


*  The  literal  rendering  would  be  "  all  the  blood,"  the 
word  "  remaining"  is  supplied  by  Kashi,  and  is  required 
by  the  context,  as  likewise  in  other  parallel  passages. 

''  More  correctly,  the  central  prominent  portion  of  the 
ear,  the  anti-helix. 


their  right  foot,  and  sprinkle  the  blood  upon 
the  altar  round  about. 

21  And  thou  shalt  take  of  the  Ijlood  that 
is  upon  the  altar,  and  of  the  anointing  oil, 
and  sprinkle  them  upon  Aaron,  and  upon  liis 
garments,  and  upon  his  sons,  and  upon  the 
garments  of  his  sons  with  him  :  and  he  shall 
be  hallowed,  together  with  his  garments,  and 
his  sons,  and  the  garments  of  his  sons  with 
him. 

22  And  thou  shalt  take  from  the  ram  the 
fat  and  the  rump,  and  the  fat  that  covereth 
the  inwards,  and  the  midriff  above  the  liver, 
and  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is  uptm 
them,  and  the  right  shoulder;  for  it  is  a  ram 
of  consecration ; 

23  And  one  loaf  of  bread,  and  one  cake  of 
the  oiled  bread,  and  one  wafer,  out  of  the 
basket  of  the  unleavened  bread  that  is  before 
the  Lord. 

24  And  thou  shalt  put  all  this  upon  the 
hands  of  Aaron,  and  upon  the  hands  of  his 
sons;  and  thou  shalt  make  with  them  a 
waving  before  the  Lord. 

25  And  thou  shalt  then  take  them  from 
their  hands,  and  burn  them  upon  the  altar 
upon  the  burnt>offering ;  for  a  sweet  savour 
before  the  Lord,  it  is  an  offering  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lord. 

26  And  thou  shalt  take  the  breast  of  the 
ram  of  the  consecration  that  belongeth  to 
Aaron,  and  make  therewith  a  waving"  before 
the  Lord;  and  it  shall  belong  to  thee  as  thy 
portion. 

27  And  thou  shalt  sanctify  the  breast  which 
hath  been  waved,  and  the  shoulder  Avhich 
hath  been  lifted  up,  which  was  waved,  and 
which  was  heaved  up,  of  the  ram  of  the  co  i- 
secration,  of  tliat  which  belongeth  to  Aaron, 
and  of  that  which  belongeth  to  his  sons  : 

28  That  they  shall  belong  to  Aaron  and  to 
his  sons,  as  a  statute  forever,  from  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel ;  for  it  is  a  heave-offering ;  and  a 
heave-offering  it  shall  remain  from  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  from  the  sacrifices  of  their  peace- 
offerings,  as  their  heave-offering  unto  the  Lord. 

29  And  the  holy  garments  belonging  to 
Aaron  shall  be  for  his   sons   after  him,  to 


°  The  owner  of  the  sacrifice  placed  the  pieces  on  his 
hands,  and  the  priest  put  his  under  the  other's,  and  they 
together  waved  the  sacrifice  to  the  four  corners  of  heaven, 
lifted  and  lowered  it;  this  is  the  "  waving  and  lifting  up'' 
spoken  of  iu  the  text. 

101 


EXODUS  XXIX.  XXX.     TETZAVVEH. 


anoint  them  therein,  and  to  consecrate  them 
therein. 

30  Seven  days  shall  that  one  of  his  sons 
put  them  on  who  is  to  be  priest  in  his  place, 
who  is  to  go  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation to  minister  in  the  sanctuary. 

31  And  the  ram  of  the  consecration  shalt 
thou  take,  and  seethe  liis  flcsli  in  a  holy  place. 

32  And  Aaron  with  his  sons  shall  eat  the 
flesh  of  the  ram,  and  the  bread  that  is  in  the 
basket,  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

33  And  they  shall  eat  those  things  where- 
with the  atonement  was  made,  to  consecrate 
them  and  to  sanctify  them;  but  a  stranger 
shall  not  eat  thereof,  because  they  are  holy. 

34  And  if  aught  of  the  flesh  of  the  conse- 
cration sacrifice,  or  of  the  bread,  remain  unto 
the  morning,  then  shalt  thou  burn  the  re- 
mainder with  fire ;  it  shall  not  be  eaten,  be- 
cause it  is  holy. 

35  And  thou  shalt  do  unto  Aaron,  and  to 
his  sons  thus,  all  as  I  have  commanded  thee; 
seven  days  shalt  thou  consecrate  them. 

36  And  a  bullock  shalt  thou  ofier  every 
day  for  a  sin-offering  as  an  atonement :"  and 
thou  shalt  cleanse  the  altar,  in  as  much  as 
thou  makest  an  atonement  upon  it ;  and  thou 
shalt  anoint  it,  to  sanctify  it. 

37  Seven  days  shalt  thou  make  an  atone- 
ment ujjon  the  altar  and  sanctify  it ;  and  the 
altar  shall  be  most  holy;  whatsoever''  toucheth 
the  altar  shall  be  holy.* 

38  ^f  And  this  is  what  thou  shalt  offer  upon 
the  altar :  Two  sheep  of  the  first  year  for 
eveiy  day,  continually. 

39  The  one  sheep  shalt  thou  offer  in  the 
morning ;  and  the  other  sheep  shalt  thou  offer 
toward  evening. 

40  And  a  tenth  part  of  fine  flour  mingled 
with  the  fourth  part  of  a  hin  of  beaten  oil, 
and  the  fourth  part  of  a  hin  of  wine  for  a 
drink-offering,  shall  be  for  the  one  sheep. 

41  And  the  other  sheep  shalt  thou  offer  to- 
ward evening;  according  to  the  meat-offering 

.  of  the  morning,  aud  according  to  its  drink- 
olli'ring  shalt  thou  do  unto  it,  for  a  sweet 
savour,  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 


"  After  llaslii.  But  Aben  Ezra  renders,  "  in  addition 
to  the  atonement,"  referring  to  the  two  rams  mentioned 
above. 

^  Aben  Ezra  quotes  an  opinion,  which  is  partly  that  of 
Onkelos,  that  this  should  be  rendered,  "  whoever  toucheth 
102 


42  A  cofitinual  burnf^offering  throughout 
your  generations  (shall  this  be)  at  the  door 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  before 
the  Lord;  where  I  will  meet  with  you,  to 
speak  unto  thee  there. 

43  And  I  will  meet  there  with  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  it  shall  be  sanctified  by  my  glory. 

44  And  I  will  sanctify  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  the  altar:  and  both 
Aaron  and  his  sons  will  I  sanctify,  that  they 
may  be  priests  unto  me. 

45  And  I  will  dwell  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  I  will  be  to  them  for  a  God. 

46  And  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Eternal,  their  God,  who  brought  them  forth 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  that  I  might  dwell 
among  them :  I  am  the  Lord  their  God. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  *i\  And  thou  shalt  make  an  altar  to  burn  in- 
cense upon,  of  shittim  wood  shalt  thou  make  it. 

2  A  cubit  shall  be  its  length,  and  a  cubit 
its  Ijreadth.  foursquare  shall  it  be;  and  two 
cu]:)its  shall  Ije  its  height ;  from  itself  shall  its 
horns  be. 

3  And  thou  shalt  overlay  it  with  piu'e  gold, 
its  top,  and  its  sides  round  about,  and  its 
horns;  and  thou  shalt  make  unto  it  a  crown 
of- gold  round  about. 

4  And  two  rings  of  gold  shalt  thou  make 
for  it  beneath  its  crown,  on  its  two  corners 
shalt  thou  make  them,  ujDon  both  its  sides; 
and  the_y  shall  be  as  receptacles  for  the  staves 
to  bear  it  by  means  of  them. 

5  Aud  thou  shalt  make  the  staves  of  shit- 
tim wood,  and  overlay  them  with  gold. 

6  And  thou  shalt  put  it  before  the  vail 
that  is  before  the  ark  of  the  testimony,  before 
the  mercy-seat  that  is  over  the  testimony, 
where  I  will  meet  with  thee. 

7  And  Aaron  sluiU  burn  thereon  incense 
of  spices;  every  morning  when  he  dresseth 
the  lamps,  shall  he  burn  it.'-' 

8  And  when  Aaron  lighteth  the  lamps  to 
ward  evening,  shall  he  burn  it;  a  per2)etual 
incense  before  the  Lord,  throughout  3'our 
generations. 

9  Ye  shall  not  offer  thereon  any  strange" 


the  altar  must  be  holy,"  excluding  those  who  are  unclean 
from  touching  thereon.     Arnheim  translates  in  the  same 


manner. 

°  i.  r.   Any 
after,  v.  34. 


iithor  incense  than  that  commanded  liere- 
(8ec  also  Levit.  x.  1.) 


EXODUS  XXX.     KI  TISSAH. 


Incense,  or  burnt-sacrifice,  or  meat-ofiering; 
and  a  drink-ofl'ering  shall  yc  not  pour  thereon. 
10  And  Aaron  shall  make  au  atonement 
upon  its  horns  once  in  a  year;  with  the  blood 
of  the  sin-oflering  of  the  day  of  atonement,' 
once  in  the  year,  shall  he  make  atonement 
upon  it,  throughout  your  generations;  it  is 
most  holy  unto  the  Lokd. 

Haphtorah  in  Ezokiel  xliii.  10  to  27. 


SECTION  XXI.     KI  TISSAH,  Uti'n  O. 

11  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

12  When  thou  takest  the  sum  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  of  those  who  are  to  be  num- 
bered of  them,  then  shall  they  give  every 
man  a  ransom  for  his  soul  unto  the  Lord, 
when  they  number  them;  that  there  be  no 
plague  among  them,  when  they  number  them. 

13  This  shall  they  give,  every  one  that 
passeth  among  those  that  are  numbered,  Half 
a  shekel  after  the  shekel  oi  the  sanctuary; 
twenty  gerahs  to  the  shekel;  the  half  of  the 
shekel  shall  be  the  tribute  to  the  Lord. 

14  Every  one  that  passeth  among  those 
that  are  numbered,  from  twenty  years  old 
and  above,  shall  give  the  tribute  unto  the 
Lord. 

15  The  rich  shall  not  give  more,  and  the 
poor  shall  not  give  less  than  the  half  of  a 
shekel,  as  a  tribute  unto  the  Lord,  to  make 
an  atonement  for  your  souls. 

16  And  thou  shalt  take  the  money  of  the 
atonement  from  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
shalt  employ  it  for  the  service  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation;  and  it  shall  be 
unto  the  children  of  Israel  as  a  memorial  be- 
fore the  Lord,  to  make  an  atonement  for  your 
souls. 

17  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

18  Thou  shalt  also  make  a  laver  of  copper, 
with  its  foot  of  copper,  to  wash  withal :  and 
thou  shalt  set  it  between  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation  and  the  altar,  and  thou  shalt 
put  therein  water. 

19  And  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall  wash  out 
of  it  their  hands  and  their  feet. 


'  See  Leviticus  xvi.  18,  where  it  is  ordained  that  on  the 
Day  of  Atonement  the  Wood  of  a  steer  and  a  goat  should 
be  sprinkled  on  this  altar;  at  other  times  nothing  but  in- 
cen.se  was  burnt  on  it. 


20  When  they  go  into  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  shall  tliey  wash  themselves 
with  water,  that  they  die  not;  or  when  they 
come  near  to  the  altar  to  minister,  to  laiu-n  an 
offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

21  And  they  shall  wash  their  hands  and 
their  feet,  that  they  die  not;  and  it  shall  be 
to  them  a  statute  for  evei",  even  to  him  and 
to  his  seed  throughout  their  generations. 

22  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

23  And  thou,  take  unto  thj'self  princi})al 
spices:  of  pure  myrrh  five  hundred  shekels, 
and  of  sweet  cinnamon,  its  half'  shall  be  two 
hundred  and  fifty  shekels,  and  of  sweet  cahv 
mus  two  hundred  and  fifty  shekels, 

24  And  of  cassia  five  hundred  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  and  of  olive- 
oil  one  hin. 

25  And  thou  shalt  make  of  it  an  (jil  of 
holy  anointing,  a  mixture,  compounded  after 
the  art  of  the  apothecary:  an  oil  of  holy 
anointing  shall  it  be. 

26  And  thou  shalt  anoint  therewith  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  the  ark  of 
the  testimony, 

27  And  tlie  table  and  all  its  vessels,  and 
the  candlestick  and  its  vessels,  and  the  altar 
of  incense, 

28  And  the  altar  of  burnt-oflering  with  all 
its  vessels,  and  the  laver  and  its  foot. 

29  And  thou  shalt  sanctify  them,  and  they 
shall  be  most  holy ;  whatsoever  toucheth  them 
shall  be  holy. 

30  And  Aaron  and  his  sons  shalt  thou 
anoint,  and  consecrate  them  to  be  priests 
unto  me. 

31  And  unto  the  children  of  Israel  shalt 
thou  speak,  sajing.  An  oil  of  holy  anointing 
shall  this  be  unto  me  throughout  your  gene- 
rations. 

32  Upon  the  flesh  of  man  shall  it  not  be 
poured,  and  after  its  proportion  shall  ye  not 
make  any  thing  like  it;  it  is  holy,  and  holy 
shall  it  be  unto  you. 

33  Whosoever  compouudeth  the  like  of  it, 
or  whosoever  putteth  any  of  it  upon  a  stran- 
ger, shall  be  cut  ofi'  from  his  people. 

34  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take 

*■  "The  half  of  what  is  brought  of  it  shall  be  two  hun- 
dred shekels,  which  gives  the  weight  of  the  whole  e()ual 
to  that  of  the  myrrh." — Talmod  Keritotii. 

103 


EXODUS  XXX.  XXXI.     KI  TISSAH. 


unto  thee  spices,  balm,  and  0113  eha,  and  gal- 
banum,  spices,  with  pure  frankincense :  of 
each  shall  there  be  an  equal"  weight. 

35  And  thou  shalt  make  it  an  incense,  a 
mixture  after  the  art  of  the  apothecary,  well 
mingled''  together,  pure  and  holy. 

36  And  thou  shalt  pound  some  of  it  fine, 
and  ofier  of  it  before  the  testimony  in  the  taljer- 
nacle  of  the  congregation,  where  I  will  meet 
with  thee ;  most  holy  shall  it  be  unto  you. 

37  And  as  for  the  incense  which  thou  shalt 
make,  according  to  its  proportion,  shall  ye 
not  make  any  unto  yourselves :  holy  shall  it 

'be  unto  thee  for  the  Lord. 

38  Whosoever  shall  make  the  like  of  it,  to 
smell  thereon,  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

2  See,  I  have  called  by  name  Bezalel  the 
son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Chur,  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah : 

3  And  I  have  filled  him  with  the  sjairit  of 
God,  in  wisdom,  and  in  understanding,  and  in 
knowledge,  and  in  all  manner  of  workman- 
ship, 

4  To  devise  works  of  art,  to  work  in  gold, 
and  in  silver,  and  in  copj^er, 

5  And  in  the  cutting  of  stones,  to  set  them, 
and  in  the  carving  of  wood,  to  work  in  all 
manner  of  workmanship. 

6  And  behold,  I  have  also  given  with  him 
Aholialj,  the  son  of  Achissamach,  of  the  tribe 
of  Dan,  and  in  the  heart  of  all  that  are  wise- 
hearted  have  I  put  wisdom ;  and  they  shall 
make  all  that  I  have  commanded  thee; 

7  The  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
the  ai'k  of  the  testimony,  and  the  cover  that 
is  thereupon,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the  taber- 
nacle; 

"  After  Onkelos  aud  Talmud ;  but  Aben  Ezra  translates, 
"  I'jach  shall  be  prepared  separately." 

'  Abon  Ezra  considered  nSoD  as  derived  from  nSo 
"salt,"  thus,  "salted,"  that  is,  "bestrewed  with  salt  of 
Sodnm,  or  nitre."  Rosenmiiller,  as  quoted  by  Arnheim, 
considers  this  kind  of  salt  referred  to  under  the  words 
"pure,  holy,"  in  contradistinction  to  common  salt.  The 
use  of  salt  of  Sodom  with  the  incense  is  traditional. 

°  "Although  I  have  ordered  thee  to  charge  them  con- 
cerning the  building  of  the  tabernacle,  the  Sabbath  must 
not  be  undervalued  in  thy  eyes;  for  though  you  are  busily 
engaged  in  the  labour  of  building,  the  Sabbath  must  on 
no  account  be  violated  to  do  the  least  of  this  work." — • 
Hash  I. 

104 


•  8  And  the  table  and  its  vessels,  and  the 
pure  candlestick  with  all  its  vessels,  and  the 
altar  of  incense ; 

9  And  the  altar  of  burnt-ofiering  with  all 
its  vessels,  and  the  laver  and  its  foot; 

10  And  the  cloths  of  service,  and  the  holy 
garments  for  Aaron  the  priest,  and  the  gar- 
ments of  his  sons,  to  minister  therein ; 

11  And  the  anointing  oil,  and  the  incense 
of  spices  for  the  holy  place:  all  as  I  have 
commanded  thee  shall  they  do. 

12  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  as 
foUoweth, 

13  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  saying.  Above  all,"  my  sabbaths 
shall  ye  keep;  for  a  sign  it  is  between  me 
and  you  throughout  your  generations;  that 
ye  may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  who  doth 
sanctity  you. 

14  And  ye  shall  keep  the  sabbath,  for  it  is 
holy  unto  you;  every  one  that  defileth  it 
shall  surely  be  put  to  death;  for  whosoever 
doeth  any  work  thereon,  that  soul  shall  be 
cut  ofl'  from  among  his  jDeople. 

15  Six  days  may  work  be  done;  but  on 
the  seventh  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  holy  to  the 
Lord  :  whosoever  doeth  any  work  on  the  sab- 
bath-day, shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

16  And  the  children  of  Israel  shall  keep 
the  sabbath,  to  observe  the  sabbath  through- 
out their  generations,  for  a  perpetual  cove- 
nant. 

17  Between  me  and  the  children  of  Israel 
it  shall  be  a  sign  for  ever;  for  in  six  days 
the  Lord  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and 
on  the  seventh  day  he  rested,  and  was  re- 
freshed.'^ * 

18  ^  And  he  gave  unto  Moses,  when  he 
had  finished  speaking  with  him  upon  mount 
Sinai,  the  two  tables  of  the  testimony,  tables 
of  stone,  inscribed  with  the  finger  of  God. 


^  This,  like  many  other  expressions  in  Scripture,  must 
be  taken  merely  as  expressing  divine  acts  by  human 
words.  Mendelssohn  renders  freely  "and  attained  his 
aim,"  but  this  is  scarcely  the  sense  of  the  word  ty-jyi. 
Philippson  renders  curiously,  "and  was  by  himself,"  i.  c. 
"happy  in  his  own  contemplation,"  rendering  the  word 
literally  as  derived  from  n/phesh,  "soul."  Perhaps  Men- 
delssohn translated  it  freely  as  he  did  from  the  same  view 
of  the  subject.  But  even  the  word  "rested"  is  as  little 
applicable  as  "refreshed,"  since  the  Creator  has  neither 
labour  nor  fatigue;  but  it  is  all  figurative.  Arnheim 
gives  '3  in  this  verse  with  "that,"  and  not  "for,"  mean- 
ing that  the  Sabbath  is  the  token  that  we  believe  that 
God  created  all  in  specific  time. 


i;X()I)US  XXXII.     KI  TI8SAII. 


CiiAPTElJ  XXXll. 

1  And  wliL'ii  tlie  people  saw  that  Moses 
dela3'ed  to  come  down  from  the  mount,  the 
people  assembled  themselves  together  around 
Aaron,  and  tliey  said  unto  him,  Up,  make  us 
gods,  that  shall  go  before  us;  for  of  this  man 
Moses,  who  hath  In-ought  us  up  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  we  know  not  what  is  become 
of  him. 

2  And  Aaron   said   unto   them.  Take  out 
the  golden  ear-rings,  which  are  in  the  ears  of ' 
your  wives,  of  your  sons,  and  of  your  daugh- 
ters, and  bring  them  unto  me. 

'3  And  all  the  people  took  out  the  golden 
ear-rings  which  were  in  their  ears,  and  brought 
them  unto  Aaron. 

4  And  he  took  them  from  their  hand,  and 
fashioned  it  in  a  mould,  and  he  made  of  it  a 
molten  calf;  and  they  said,  These  are  thy 
gods,  0  Israel,  that  have  brought  thee  up  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

5  And  when  Aaron  saw  this,  he  built  an 
altar  before  it;  and  Aaron  called  out,  and 
said,  A  feast  unto  the  Lord  is  to-morrow. 

6  And  they  rose  up  early  on  the  morrow, 
and  oftered  liurnt-ofterings,  and  brought  near  i 
peace-offerings  f  and  the  people  sat  down  to  [ 
eat  and  to  drink,  and  rose  up  to  play. 

7  T[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  Go, 
get  thee  down;  for  thy  people,  which  thou 
hast  brought  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
hath  become  corrupt: 

8  They  have  turned  aside  quickly  from  the 
way  which  I  have  commanded  them;  they 
have  made  themselves  a  molten  calf;  and 
they  have  bowed  themselves  to  it,  and  have 
sacrificed  unto  it,  and  have  said.  These  are 
thy  gods,  0  Israel,  that  have  brought  thee  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  I  have 
seen  this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is  a  stift- 
necked  people. 

10  And  now  let  me  alone,  and  my  wrath 
shall  wax  hot  against  them,  and  I  will  make 


'  In  the  preceding  verso,  Aaron  is  represented  as  telling 
the  people  that  on  the  morrow  there  should  be  a  festival 
unto  the  Lord,  no  doubt  expecting  the  return  of  Moses, 
which  would  occasion  a  renewed  fidelity  to  their  great 
Deliverer.  But  early  the  next  morning,  the  frantic 
people  assembled  round  the  statue  of  their  idol,  j-hout- 
ed,  sacrificed,  played,  rioted,  sang,  in  the  manner  of 
the  heathen,  forgetful  of  the  events  which  their  own 
eyes  had  seen.     Aaron,  however,  must  not  be  supposed 

0 


an  end  of  them;   and  I  will  make  of  thee  a 
great  nation. 

11  Thereupon  Moses  besought  the  Lord 
his  God,  and  said,  Why,  0  Lord,  shall  thy 
wrath  wax  hot  against  thy  people,  that  thou 
hast  brought  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
with  great  power  and  with  a* mighty  haud";' 

12  Wherefore  should  the  Egyptitms  say 
thus,  For  mischief  did  he  bring  them  out,  to 
slay  them  in  the  mountains,  and  to  destroy 
them  from  the  face  of  the  earth  ?  Turn  from 
thy  fierce  wrath,  and  repent  thee  of  the  evil 
decreed  against  thy  people. 

13  Remember  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Israel, 
th}'  servants,  to  whom  thou  didst  swear  by 
thy  own  self,  and  speak  unto  them,  I  will 
multijjly  your  seed  as  the  stars  of  heaven; 
and  all  this  land  that  I  have  spoken  of  will  I 
give  unto  your  seed,  and  they  shall  inherit  it 
for  ever. 

14  And  the  Lord  bethought  himself  of  the 
evil  which  he  had  spoken  to  do  unto  his 
people. 

16  ^  And  Moses  turned  about,  and  went 
down  from  the  moimt  with  the  two  tables  of 
the  testimony  in  his  hand:  tables  inscribed 
on  both  their  sides;  on  the  one  side  and  on 
the  other  wei'e  they  inscribed. 

16  And  the  tables  were  the  work  of  God, 
and  the  writing  was  the  writing  of  God,  en- 
graved upon  the  tables. 

17  And  Joshua  heard  the  noise  of  the  peo- 
ple in  its  shouting,  and  he  said  unto  Moses, 
There  is  a  noise  of  war  in  the  camp. 

18  And  he  said.  It  is  not  the  voice  of  a 
shout  for  mastery,  neither  is  it  the  Aoice  of  a 
cry  for  deteat;  the  noise  of  singing  do  I  hear. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  came 
nigh  unto  the  camp,  and  he  saw  the  calf,  and 
the  dancing :  that  the  anger  of  Moses  waxed 
hot,  and  he  cast  from  his  hands  the  tables, 
and  broke  them  at  the  foot  of  the  mount. 

20  And  he  took  the  calf  which  the}'  had 
made,  and  burnt''  it  in  fire,  and  ground  it 
to    a   powder,   and  he  strewed  it  upon  the 


as  having  farther  participated  in  the   sin   than   making 
the  calf 

"  Arnheim  adds  ''partly,"  and  supposes  that  the  body 
of  the  calf  was  a  frame-work  of  wood,  and  the  gold  merely 
a  covering  for  it.  Philippson,  however,  after  Michlol 
YoPHi,  thinks  that  Moses  melted  the  calf  first,  then  re- 
duced it  by  beating  and  rolling  to  plates  of  the  utmost 
possible  thinness,  which  he  then  mixed  with  water,  as 
described  in  the  test. 

105 


EXODUS  XXXIT.  XXXIII.     KI  TISSAH. 


water,  and  made  tlie  children  of  Israel  drink 
of  it. 

21  A  id  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  What  hath 
this  people  done  unto  thee,  that  thou  hast 
brought  upon  it  so  great  a  sin  ? 

22  And  Aaron  said,  Let  not  the  anger  of 
my  lord  wax  hot :  thou  knowest  the  people, 
that  it  is  bent  on  mischief 

23  And  they  said  unto  me,  Make  us  gods 
that  shall  go  before  us ;  for  of  this  man  Moses, 
who  brought  us  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
we  know  not  what  hath  become  of  him. 

24  And  I  said  unto  them,  Who  hath  any 
gold  ?  They  took  it  off  themselves  and  gave 
it  to  me,  and  I  cast  it  into  the  fire,  and  there 
came  out  this  calf 

25  And  Moses  saw  the  people  that  it  had 
become  unruly ;  for  Aaron  had  made  it  unruly 
for  a  disgrace  among  their  opponents. 

26  Moses  then  placed  himself  in  the  gate 
of  the  camp,  and  said.  Whoever  is  on  the 
Lord's  side,  let  him  come  unto  me !  and  there 
assembled  themselves  unto  him  all"  the  sons 
of  Levi. 

27  And  he  said  unto  tliem,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Eternal,  the  God  of  Israel,  Put  ye 
every  man  his  sword  by  bis  side,  and  go  ye 
hither  and  tliitlier,  from  uate  to  oate  in  the 
camp,  and  slay  ye  every  man  his  brother, 
and  every  man  his  companion,  and  every 
man  his  relative. 

28  And  the  children  of  Levi  did  according 
to  the  word  of  Moses:  and  there  fell  of  the 
people  on  that  day  about  three  thousand  men. 

29  And  Moses  said.  Consecrate  yourselves 
to-day  to  the  Lord,  yea  even  every  man  on 
his  son,  and  on  his  brother;  and  to  bestow 
upon  you  this  day  a  blessing. 

oO  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  Moses  said  unto  the  jjeople.  Ye  have  sin- 
ned a  great  sin :  and  now  I  will  go  up  unto 
the  Lord;  peradventure  I  may  obtain  an 
atonement  for  your  sin. 

31  And   Moses  returned  unto  the  Lord, 


"  Arnhc'im  wishes  to  understand  under  "all"  not  the 
whole,  but  the  far  greater  majority,  so  as  to  reconcile  it 
with  verse  '2!t,  which  Raslii  expounds  as  referring  to  step- 
brothers and  sons,  belonging  to  other  tribes. 

''  Klliptieal;  meaning,  "If  thou  furgivcst,  it  is  well; 
but  if  not,"  &c.  This  passage  proves  tluit  no  one  cau  be 
permitted  to  assume  the  guilt  of  another. 

°  This  verse,  e(|nally  with  the  passage  commencing 
with  verse  12,  is  exceedingly  difficult  of  interpretation  ;  it 
is  therefore  intended  to  give  merely  au  idea  of  the  mcan- 
106 


and  said,  (_)h,  this  people  hath  sinned  a  great 
sin,  and  they  have  made  themselves  gods  of 
gold. 

32  Yet  now,  if  thou  wilt  forgive  their 
sin — ;*  but  if  not,  blot  me  out,  I  pray  thee, 
from  thy  book  which  thou  hast  written. 

33  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Whoso- 
ever hath  sinned  against  me,  him  will  I  blot 
out  from  my  book. 

34  And  now  go,  lead  the  people  unto  the 
place  of  which  I  have  spoken  unto  thee ;  be- 
hold, my  angel  shall  go  before  tliee;  but  on 
the  day  when  I  visit  I  will  visit  their  sin 
upon  them. 

35  And  the  Lord  sent  a  plague  among  the 
people,  because  that  they  had  made  the  calf 
which  Aaron  made. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Depart, 
go  up  from  here,  thou  and  the  people  that 
thou  hast  In'ought  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
unto  the  land  Avhich  I  swore  unto  Abraham, 
to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob,  saying.  Unto  thy  seed 
will  I  give  it; — 

2  And  I  will  send  before  thee  an  angel; 
and  I  will  drive  out  the  Canaanite,  the  Emor- 
ite,  and  the  Hittite,  and  the  Perizzite,  the 
Hivite,  and  the  Jebusite; — 

3  Unto  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  ho- 
ney ;  for  I  will  not  go  up  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
because  thou  art  a  stifFnecked  people;  lest  I 
consume  thee  on  the  way. 

4  And  when  the  people  heard  these  evil 
tidings,  they  mourned;  and  no  man  did  put 
his  ornaments  on  him. 

5  For  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Moses,  Say 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Ye  are  a  stiff- 
necked  people ;  should  I  go"  up  one  moment, 
in  the  midst  of  thee,  I  would  consume  thee ; 
now  therefore  jnit  off  thy  ornaments  from 
thee,  iiiul  I  shall  know  what  I  will  do  unto 
thee. 

6  The   children   of  Israel    then   stripped 

ing  in  this  note.  God  had  said  that  his  own  visible  glory 
should  not  go  with  the  people  on  their  journey,  an  angel, 
a  messenger,  was  all  they  could  expect;  as  his  own  pre- 
sence would  consume  them,  should  they  sin  again,  they 
being  stiffnccked,  or  disobedient.  Their  ornaments  should 
bo  laid  aside  as  an  evidence  that  they  were  under  the  dis- 
pleasure of  Heaven  ;  this  humiliation,  however,  should  not 
save  them  from  farther  punishment;  for  God  would  know 
how  to  make  them  feel  in  future  the  weight  of  their  sin. 
(See  above,  xxxii.  ;J4.) 


EXODUS  XXXIII.  XXXIV.     KI  TISSAH. 


themselves  of  their  ornaments  (they  wore) 
from  (the  time  they  were  at)  Mount  Horeb. 

7  And  Moses  took  the  tent,  and  pitched  it 
without  the  camp,  afar  off  from  the  camp,  and 
called  it,  Tabernacle  of  the  congregation ;  and 
it  came  to  pass,  that  every  one  who  sought 
(instruction  of)  the  Lord  went  out  unto  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  which  was 
without  the  camp. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Moses 
went  out  unto  the  tent,  all  the  people  would 
rise  up,  and  stand  every  man  at  the  door  of 
his  tent,  and  look  after  Moses,  until  he  was 
gone  into  the  tent. 

9  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  as  Moses 
entered  into  the  tent,  the  pillar  of  cloud  de- 
scended, and  stood  at  the  door  of  the  tent, 
and  spoke  with  Moses. 

10  And  when  all  the  people  saw  the  pillar 
of  cloud  stand  at  the  door  of  the  tent:  then 
all  the  people  rose  up  and  prostrated  them- 
selves, every  man  at  the  door  of  his  tent. 

11  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  face  to 
face,  as  a  man  speaketh  unto  his  friend ;  and 
then  he  returned  into  the  camp;  but  his  ser- 
vant, Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  a  young  man, 
departed  not  out  of  the  tent. 

12  *[\  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  See, 
thou  sayest  unto  me.  Bring  up  this  people ; 
but  thou  hast  not  let  me  know  whom  thou 
wilt  send  with  me  :  and  yet  thou  hast  said,  I 
have  chosen  thee  by  name,  and  thou  hast  also 
found  grace  in  my  eyes. 

13  Now,  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  if  I  have 
found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  do  make  me  know 
thy  way,  that  I  may  know  thee,  in  order  that 
I  may  find  grace  in  thy  eyes ;  and  consider 
that  this  nation  is  thy  people. 

14  And  he  said,  My  presence  shall  go  in 
advance,  and  I  will  give  thee  rest. 

15  And  he  said  unto  him.  If  thy  presence 
go  not  (with  us,)  carry  us  not  up  from  here. 

16  For  wherein  shall  it  be  known  in  any 
wise  that  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  I 
with  thy  people  ?  is  it  not  in  that  thou  goest 
with  us  ?  so  shall  we  be  distinguished,  I  and 
thy  people,  from  all  the  people  that  are  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth.='' 

17  Tf  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Also 
this  thhig  that  thou  hast  spoken  will  1  do ; 

'  Ainheim  renders  :  "  And  I  will  proclaim  before  thee 
the  name,  Eternal,  and  how  I  am  gracious  to  whom  I  am 
gracious,  and  how  I  have  mercy  on  him  to  whom  I  show 


for  thou  hast  found  grace  in  my  eyes,  and  I 
have  chosen  thee  Ijy  name. 

18  And  he  said.  Let  me  see,  I  beseech 
thee,  thy  glory. 

19  And  he  said,  I  will  cause  all  my  good- 
ness to  pass  before  thy  face,  and  I  will  pro- 
claim," by  name,  the  Lord  before  thee ;  and  I 
will  be  gracious  to  whom  I  will  be  gracious, 
and  I  will  show  mercy  to  whom  I  will  show 
mercy. 

20  And  he  said,  Thou  canst  not  see  my 
face ;  for  no  man  can  see  me,  and  live. 

21  And  the  Lord  said.  Behold,  there  is  a 
place  by  me,  and  thou  shalt  stand  upon  the 
rock : 

22  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  while  my 
glory  paeseth  by,  that  I  will  put  thee  in  the 
cleft  of  the  rock,  and  I  will  cover  thee  with 
my  hand,  until  I  have  passed  by. 

23  And  then  I  will  take  away  my  hand, 
and  thou  shalt  see  my  back  parts;  but  my 
face  shall  not  be  seen.* 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Hew 
thyself  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto  the  first; 
and  I  A\ill  write  upon  these  tallies  the  words 
which  were  on  the  first  tables,  which  thou 
didst  break. 

2  And  be  ready  by  the  morning,  and  come 
up  in  the  morning  unto  mount  Sinai,  and 
present  thjself  there  to  me  on  the  top  of  the 
mount. 

3  And  no  man  shall  come  up  with  thee, 
neither  let  any  man  be  seen  throughout  all 
the  mount ;  neither  let  the  flocks  or  herds 
feed  near  this  mount. 

4  And  he  hewed  two  tables  of  stone  like 
unto  the  first,  and  Moses  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  went  up  unto  mount  Sinai,  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  him ;  and  he  took 
in  his  hand  the  two  tables  of  stone. 

5  And  the  Lord  descended  in  the  cloud, 
and  stood  Avith  him  thei'e,  and  proclaimed,  by 
name,  the  Lord. 

6  And  the  Lord  passed  by  before  him,  and 
proclaimed.  The  Lord  is  the  immutal^le,  eter- 
nal Being,  the  omnipotent  God,  merciful  and 
gracious,  long-suffering  and  abundant  in  benefi- 
cence and  truth; 


mercy;"  and  he  explains  the  verse:  "This  is  the  nature 
of  this  Divine  Name,  and  this  is  also  mi/  way,  for  the  know- 
ledge of  which  thou  hast  prayed." 

107 


EXODUS  XXXIV.     KI  TTSSAH. 


7  Kef'piug  mercy  unto  the  tliousandtli  (ge- 
neration )  forgiving  iniquit}'  and  transgression 
and  sin,  but  who  will  by  no  means  clear  the 
guilty;  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children,  and  upon  the  children's 
children,  unto  the  third  and  to  the  fourth 
generation. 

8  And  Moses  made  haste,  and  liowed  his 
head  toward  the  earth,  and  prostrated  himself. 

9  And  he  said,  If  now  I  liave  found  grace 
in  thy  eyes,  0  Lord,  let  the  Lord,  I  i)ray  thee, 
go  among  us ;  even  because"  it  is  a  stiflhecked 
people  ;  and  pardon  thou  our  iniquity  and  our 
sin,  and  take  us  for  thy  heritage.''' 

10  And  he  said,  Behold,  I  make  a  cove- 
nant: before  all  thy  people  will  I  perform 
wonders,  such  as  have  not  been  done  on  all 
the  earth,  nor  in  any  nation;  and  all  the  peo- 
ple amongst  whom  thou  art  shall  see  the 
work  of  the  Lord;  for  it  is  a  terrible  thing 
that  I  will  do  with  thee. 

11  Observe  thou  that  which  I  command 
thee  this  day ;  behold,  I  will  drive  out  before 
thee  the  Emorite,  and  the  Canaanite,  and  the 
Hittite,  and  the  Perizzite,  and  the  Hivite,  and 
the  Jebusite. 

12  Take  heed  to  thyself,  lest  thou  make  a 
covenant  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land 
against  which  thou  goest  up,  lest  it  be  for  a 
snare  in  the  midst  of  thee ; 

13  But  their  altars  shall  ye  destroy,  and 
their  statues  shall  ye  break,  and  their  groves 
shall  ye  cut  down. 

14  For  thou  shalt  worship  no  other  god; 
for  the  Lord  whose  name  is  Watchful,  is  a 
watchful  God. 

15  Make  thou  then  no  covenant  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  land ;  lest  that,  if  they  go 
astray  after  their  gods,  and  sacrifice  unto  their 
gods,  any  one  call  thee,  and  thou  eat  of  liis 
sacrifice ; 

16  And  lest  thou  take  of  his  daughters 
unto  thy  sons ;  and  when  his  daughters  go 
astray  after  their  gods,  they  make  tliy  sons 
also  go  astray  after  their  gods. 

17  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thyself  any 
molten  gotls. 

18  The  feast  of  unleavened  bi'ead  shalt  thou 


*  After  Arnheiin,  who  comments:  Moses  prayed  tliat 
God  liimself  should  go  before  them,  not  .send  au  angel, 
who  would  inexorably  punish,  (.\.xiii.  21,)  for  he  had  no 
power  to  pardon  But  the  glory  of  God  guiding  them, 
they  would  bo  under  his  immediate  providence,  and  he, 
loa 


keep ;  seven  days  shalt  thou  eat  unleavened 
bread,  as  I  have  commanded  thee,  in  the  time 
of  the  month  of  Abib ;  for  in  the  month  of 
Abib  thou  wentest  forth  out  of  Egyjjt. 

19  All  that  openeth  the  womb  is  mine; 
and  every  firstling  that  is  a  male  among  thy 
cattle,  whether  ox  or  lamb. 

20  But  the  firstling  of  an  ass  shalt  thou  re- 
deem with  a  lamb;  and  if  thou  redeem  him 
not,  then  shalt  thou  break  his  neck ;  all  the 
first-born  of  thy  sons  shalt  thou  redeem ;  and 
none  shall  appear  before  me  empty. 

21  Six  days  thou  mayest  Avork,  but  on  the 
seventh  day  shalt  thou  rest :  even  in  plough- 
ing time  and  in  harvest  shalt  thou  rest. 

22  And  the  feast  of  weeks  shalt  thou  ob- 
serve, with  the  first-fruits  of  the  wheat  har- 
vest ;  and  the  feast  of  ingathering  at  the  clos- 
ing of  the  jear. 

2.3  Thrice  in  the  yeav  shall  all  thy  males 
appear  before  the  Lord,  the  Eternal,  the  God 
of  Israel. 

24  For  I  will  cast  out  nations  before  thee, 
and  enlarge  thy  borders ;  yet  shall  no  man 
desire  thy  land,  when  thou  goest  up  to  appear 
in  the  presence  of  the  Lord  thy  God  thrice  in 
the  year. 

25  Thou  shalt  not  offer  the  blood  of  my 
sacrifice  with  leaven;  neither  shall  be  left 
unto  the  morning  the  sacrifice  of  the  feast  of 
the  passover. 

26  The  first  of  the  first-fruits  of  thy  land 
shalt  thou  bring  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord 
thy  God:  thou  shalt  not  seethe  a  kid  in  his 
mother's  milk.* 

27  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Write 
thee  down- these  words;  for  after  the  tenor  of 
these  words  liave  I  made  with  thee  a  covenant 
and  with  Israel. 

28  And  he  remained  there  with  the  Lord 
forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  bread  he  did  not 
eat,  and  water  he  did  not  drink ;  and  he 
wrote  upon  the  tables  the  words  of  the  cove- 
nant, the  ten  commandments. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  came 
down  from  mount  Sinai,  with  the  two  tables 
of  the  testimony  in  Moses'  hand,  when  he 
came  down  from  the  mount,  that  Moses  knew 


the  Merciful,  would  thus  forgive,  according  to  his  good- 
ness and  loving  grace  toward  sinners.  Rashi,  however, 
renders  o  like  dn  thus  :  "  If  it  be  a  stifFuecked  people, 
do  thou  pardon."  The  sense  in  either  case  is  still  the 
same. 


EXODUS  XXXIV.  XXXV.     VAYAKIIEL. 


not  that  the  skin  of  his  lace  shone,"  because 
he  had  spoken  with  him. 

30  And    Aaron    and   all   the   children    of 
Israel  saw  Moses,  and,   behold,  the  skin  of 
his  face  shone  :  and  they  were  afraid''  to  come  | 
nigh  unto  him. 

31  But  Moses  called  unto  them,  and  then 
returned  unto  him  Aaron  and  all  the  princes 
of  the  congregation:  and  Moses  spoke  to 
them. 

32  And  afterward  all  the  children  of  Israel 
came  nigh  :  and  he  commanded  them  all  that 
which  the  Lord  had  spoken  with  him  on 
mount  Sinai.* 

33  And  when  Moses  had  done  speaking 
with  them,  he  put  a  vail  over  his  face. 

34  But  when  Moses  went  in  before  the 
LoKD  to  speak  with  him,  he  took  the  vail  off, 
until  he  came  out;  and  then  he  came  out, 
and  spoke  unto  the  children  of  Israel  that 
which  he  had  been  commanded. 

35  And  the  children  of  Israel  saw  the  face 
of  Moses,  that  the  skin  of  Moses'  face  shone  : 
and  Moses  put  the  vail  again  over  his  face, 
until  he  went  in  to  speak  with  him. 

Haohtorah  i.  Kings  xviii.  1-39 :  some  commence  at  verse  20. 


SECTION 


XXII.     VAYAKHEL,  hnp'). 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  ^  And  Moses  gathered  together  all  the 
conoreoation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
said  unto  them.  These  are  the  things  which 
the  Lord  hath  commanded,  that  ye  should  do 
them. 

2  Six  days  shall  work  be  done,  but  on  the 
seventh  day  there  shall  be  to  you  a  holy  day, 
a  sabjjath  of  rest  to  the  Lord:  whosoever 
doth  work  thereon  shall  be  put  to  death. 

3  Ye  shall  not  kindle  any  fire  throughout 
your  habitations  upon  the  sal)l:)ath  day. 

4  ]|  And  Moses  said  unto  all  the  congreg;v 
tion  of  the  children  of  Israel,  as  followeth. 
This  is  tlie  tiling  which  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded, saying, 

5  Take  ye  from  among  you   an  offering 

°  Properly,  "  sent  forth  rays;"  the  skin  being  luminous, 
and  beaming. 

"  ''  Come  and  sec  how  groat  is  the  power  of  sin.    Before 
they  had  stretched  forth  their  hand  to  sin,  what  does  the 
Bible  say  ?     '  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  was  like  a  de- 
vouring fire  on  the  top  of  the  mount,  before  the  eyes  of  ,  the  Israelites  were  on  their  journey,  as  is  commanded  in 
the  children  of  Israel;'  and  they  neither  feared  nor  trem-  '  the  fourth  chapter  of  Numbers.     (See  Kashi.) 


unto  the  Lord  ;  whosoever  is  of  a  willing 
heart,  let  him  bring  it,  an  offering  of  the 
Lord  :  Gold,  and  silver,  and  copper, 

G  And  blue,  and  purjde,  and  scarlet  yarn, 
and  linen  thread,  and  goats'  hair, 

7  And  rams'  skins  dyed  red,  and  badgers' 
skins,  and  shittim  wood, 

8  And  oil  for  the  lighting,  and  spices,  for 
the  anointing  oil,  and  for  the  incense  of  spices, 

9  And  onyx  stones,  and  stones  for  setting, 
for  the  ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate. 

10  And  all  the  wise-hearted  among  j'ou 
shall  come,  and  make  all  that  which  the 
Lord  hath  commanded : 

11  The  tabernacle,  its  tent,  and  its  cover- 
ing, its  hooks,  and  its  boards,  its  bars,  its  pil- 
lars, and  its  sockets; 

12  The  ark,  and  its  staves,  (with)  the  mercy- 
seat,  and  the  vail  of  the  separation : 

13  The  table,  and  its  staves,  and  all  its 
vessels,  and  the  show-bread ; 

14  And  the  candlestick  for  the  lighting,  and 
its  vessel,  and  its  lamps,  with  the  oil  for  the 
lighting; 

1 5  And  the  altar  of  incense,  and  its  staves, 
and  the  anointing  oil,  and  the  incense  of 
spices,  and- the  hanging  for  the  door  at  the 
entrance  of  the  tabernacle ; 

16  The  altar  of  burnt^offeriug,  with  its 
grating  of  copper,  its  staves,  and  all  its  vessels, 
the  laver  and  its  foot; 

17  The  hangings  of  the  court,  its  pillars, 
and  its  sockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  door 
of  the  court ; 

18  The  pins  of  the  tabei'nacle,  and  the  pins 
of  the  court,  and  their  cords; 

19  The  cloths"  of  service,  to  do  service 
therewith  in  the  holy  place,  the  holy  gar- 
ments for  Aaron  the  priest,  and  the  garments 
of  his  sons,  to  minister  in  as  priests. 

20  And  all  the  congregation  of  the  cliil- 
dren  of  Israel  deisarted  from  the  presence  of 
Moses.* 

21  And  they  came,  every  man  whos6  heart 
stirred  him  up ;  and  e\'ery  one  whom  his 
spirit  made  willing,  brought  the  Lord's 
offering  for  the  work  of  the  taliernacle  of  the 

bled ;  but  now,  since  they  had  made  the  calf,  ;ven  before 
the  rays  of  glory  of  Moses  they  feared  and  tr  'mbled."  — 
Rashi. 

°  The  cloths  of  service  were  not  the  priestly  garments, 
but  those  used  for  the  covering  of  the  sacred  vessels  when 


EXODUS  XXXV.  XXXVI.     VAYAKHEL. 


congregation,  and  for  all  its  service,  and  for 
the  holy  garments. 

22  And  they  came,  the  men  with  the  wo- 
men; whoever  was  willing-hearted,  hrought 
bracelets,"  and  ear-rings,  and  finger-rings,  and 
tablets,  all  kinds  of  ornaments  of  gold,  and 
every  man  that  offered  an  oflering  of  gold 
unto  the  Lord. 

23  And  every  man,  with  whom  was  found 
blue,  and  jjurple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and  linen 
thread,  and  goats'  hair,  and  rams'  skins  dyed 
red,  and  badgers'  skins,  brought  them. 

24  Every  one  that  did  offer  an  offering  of 
silver  and  copper  brought  it  as  the  Lord's 
offering ;  and  every  one  with  whom  was  found 
shittim  wood  for  any  work  of  the  service, 
brought  it. 

25  And  all  the  women  that  wei'e  wise- 
hearted  spun  with  their  hands,  and  they 
brought  that  which  they  had  spun,  of  the  blue, 
and  of  the  purple,  and  of  the  scarlet  yarn, 
and  of  the  linen  thread. 

26  And  all  the  women  whose  heart  stirred 
them  up  in  wisdom  spun  the  goats'  hair. 

27  And  the  princes  brought  the  onyx 
stones,  and  the  stones  for  setting,  for  the 
ephod,  and  for  the  breastplate ;     • 

28  And  the  spice  and  the  oil,  for  lighting, 
.  and  for  the  anointing  oil,  and  for  the  incense 

of  spices. 

29  Every  man  and  woman,  whose  heart 
made  them  willing  to  bring  for  all  manner  of 
work,  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  to  he 
made,  by  the  hand  of  Moses,  even  that  brought 
the  children  of  Israel  as  a  free-will  offering 
unto  the  Lord.* 

30  ][  And  Moses  said  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  See,  the  Lord  hath  called  hy  name 
Bezalel  the  son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Chur,  of  the 
tribe  of  Judah ; 

31  And  he  liath  filled  him  with  the  spirit 
of  God,  in  wisdom,  in  understanding,  and  in 
knowledge,  and  in  all  manner  of  workman- 
sliip ; 

32  And  to  devise''  works  of  art,  to  work  in 
gold,  and  in  silver,  and  in  copper, 


°  Mendelssohn  renders,  "Ear-rings,  and  nose-rings, 
and  finger-rings,  and  bracelets."  These  words,  however, 
arc  of  somewhat  doubtful  signification,  like  many  other 
technical  terms  of  but  rare  occurrence  in  Scripture. 

''  "  To  devise  in  his  heart  works  of  art,  the  like  of  which 
had  never  been  .seen;  and  as  there  are  artificers  in  gold 
who  cannot  work  in  silver,  and  workers  in  stone  who  can- 
not work  in  wood,  it  is  said  of  Bczalol  that  he  was  perfect 
110 


33  And  in  the  cutting  of  stones,  to  set 
them,  and  in  the  carving  of  wood,  to  make 
any  manner  of  work  of  art. 

34  And  to  teach  hath  he  jjut  in  his  heart, 
both  to  him,  and  to  Aholiab,  the  son  of  Achis- 
samach,  of  tlie  tribe  of  Dan. 

35  lie  hath  filled  them  with  wisdom  of 
heart,  to  execute  all  manner  of  work,  of  the 
engraver,  and  of  the  designing  weaver,  and 
of  the  embroiderer,  in  blue,  and  in  j^urple,  in 
scarlet  yarn,  and  in  linen  thread,  and  of  the 
weaver,  of  those  that  do  every  species  of  work, 
and  of  those  that  devise  works  of  art. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  And  Bezalel  and  Aholiab,  and  every 
wise-hearted  man,  in  whom  the  Lord  hath 
put  wisdom  and  understanding  to  know  how 
to  do  every  manner  of  work  for  the  service  of 
the  sanctuary,  shall  make  all,  just  as  the  Lord 
hath  commanded. 

2  And  Moses  called  for  Bezalel  and  Aho- 
liab, and  every  wise-hearted  man  in  whose 
heart  the  Lord  had  put  wisdom,  every  one 
whose  heart  stirred  him  up  to  come  near  unto 
the  work  to  do  it: 

3  And  they  received  from  Moses  the  whole 
of  the  offering,  which  the  children  of  Israel 
had  brought  for  the  work  of  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary,  to  make  it;  and  these  brought 
unto  him  yet  more  free-will  offerings  morning 
after  morning. 

4  And  then  came  all  the  wise  men,  that 
wrought  all  the  work  of  the  sanctuary,  every 
man  from  his  own  work  which  they  were 
doing. 

5  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  thus.  The 
people  bring  more"  than  is  required  for  the 
service  of  the  work,  which  the  Lord  hath 
commanded  to  make. 

6  And  Moses  gave  the  command,  and  they 
caused  it  to  be  proclaimed  throughout  the 
camp,  saying,  Let  neither  man  nor  woman  do 
any  more  work  for  the  offering  of  the  sanc- 
tuary: so  the  people  were  restrained  from 
bringing  (more). 


in  all;  and  moreover  he  could  teach;  although  there  arc 
many  wise  men  who  have  a  difficulty  in  instructing 
others." — Aben  Ezr.v. 

°  A  singular,  though  nowise  uneomraon,  state  of  the 
public  mind !  At  first  instructed  by  the  Lord,  they  rebel 
and  worship  an  idol;  then  again  convinced  of  the  truth 
■of  God,  they  testify  their  renewed  adherence  by  the  dis- 
play of  a  liberality  which  needed  restraining  for  its  excess 


EXODUS  XXXVI.     VAYAKHEL. 


7  And  the  stuff  in-epared"  was  sufficient  for 
all  the  work  to  nudie  it,  and  there  was  some 
over.'-' 

8  T[  And  all  the  wise-liearted  men,  among 
those  who  wrought  the  work,  made  the  taber- 
nacle of  ten  curtains ;  of  twisted  linen  tlu'ead, 
and  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn;  with 
cherubim,  of  weavers  work,  made  he  them. 

9  The  length  of  each  curtain  was  tweuty- 
eiii'ht  cubits,  and  the  breadth  of  each  curtain 
four  cubits:  there  was  one  measure  for  all 
the  curtains. 

10  And  he  coupled  together  five  of  the 
curtains  one  to  another:  and  the  other  five 
curtains  he  coupled  one  to  another. 

11  And  he  made  loops  of  blue  on  the  edge 
of  the  one  curtain,  which  Avas  the  outside  in 
the  coupling :  the  like  he  made  on  the  border 
of  the  curtain,  which  was  the  outmost  on  the 
second  coupling. 

12  Fifty  loops  made  he  on  the  one  curtain, 
and  fifty  loops  made  he  on  the  edge  of  the 
curtain  which  was  in  the  second  coupling: 
the  loops  were  fixed  opposite  to  each  other. 

13  And  he  made  fifty  hooks  of  gold;  and 
he  coupled  the  curtains  together  one  unto  the 
other  with  the  hooks,  and  the  tabernacle''  be- 
came thus  one  piece.  , 

14  Tl  And  he  made  curtains  of  goats'  hair 
for  a  tent  over  the  tabernacle ;  eleven  curtaius 
made  he  the  same. 

15  The  length  of  each  curtain  was  thirty 
cubits,  and  four  cubits  was  the  breadth  of  each 
curtain :  there  was  one  measure  for  the  eleven 
curtains. 

16  And  he  coupled  five  of  the  curtains  by 
themselves,  and  six  of  the  curtains  by  them- 
selves. 

17  And  he  made  fifty  loops  on  the  edge  of 
the  curtain  that  was  the  outmost  in  the  coup- 
ling, and  fifty  loops  made  he  on  the  edge  of 
the  curtain  of  the  second  coupling. 

18  xind  he  made  iifty  hooks  of  copper,  to 


'  It  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  things  brought  for 
the  use  of  the  workmen  were  at  first  prepared  and  worked 
up  to  the  proper  shape  in  the  tents  of  the  donors.  Moses, 
therefore,  properlj-  prochiinied  that  the  people  should  pre- 
pare no  more,  and  consequently  should  bring  no  more 
than  was  already  in  the  hands  of  the  receivers.  Otherwise 
nDN'7'D  might  mean  "property,"  as  it  is  used  in  that  j 
seuse  in  Genesis  sxxiii.  14;  Exodus  xxii.  10;  1  Samuel  I 
XV.  9.  I 

''  The   inner   curtains,   which  formed   the  roof  of  the 
tabcruade  proper,  were  called  technically  "  the  taberua- 


couple  the  tent  together  that  it  might  be  one 
piece. 

19  And  he  made  a  covering  for  the  tent  of 
rams'  skins  dyed  red,  and  a  covering  of  bad- 
gers' skins  above.'-' 

20  ^  And  he  made  the  boards  for  the 
tabernacle,  of  shittim  wood,  standing  up. 

21  Ten  cubits  was  the  length  of  each 
board,  and  one  cubit  and  a  half  was  the 
breadth  of  each  one  board. 

22  There  were  two  tenons  for  every  board, 
fitted  in,  one  against  the  other:  the  like 
made  he  for  all  the  boards  of  the  tabernacle. 

23  And  he  made  the  boards  for  the  taber- 
nacle: twenty  Vjoards  for  the  south  side,  on 
the  right. 

24  And  forty  sockets  of  silver  made  he 
under  the  twenty  boards;  two  sockets  under 
the  one  board  for  its  two  tenons,  and  two 
sockets  under  the  other  board  for  its  two 
tenons." 

25  And  for  the  other  side  of  the  taber- 
nacle, for  the  north  side,  he  made  twenty- 
boards  : 

26  And  their  forty  sockets  of  silver;  two 
sockets  under  the  one  board,  and  two  sockets 
under  the  other  board. 

27  And  for  the  back  wall  of  the  taber- 
nacle, westward,  he  made  six  boards. 

28  And  two  boards  made  he  for  the  corners 
of  the  tabernacle  in  the  back  wall. 

29  And  they  were  closely  fitting  beneath, 
and  they  were  closely  joined  together  on  the 
top,  by  means  of  one  ring;  thus  he  did  to 
both  of  them,  for  both  the  corners. 

30  And  so  there  were  eight  boards,  and 
their  sockets  of  silver,  sixteen  sockets,  two 
sockets  under  every  board. 

31  And  he  made  bars  of  shittim  wood; 
five,  for  the  boards  of  the  one  side  of  the 
tabernacle; 

32  And  five  bars  for  the  boards  of  the 
other  side  of  the  tabernacle,  and  five  bars  for 


cle,"  as  they  formed  an  essential  and  visible  portion  of  the 
sacred  structure;  but  the  curtains  of  goats'  hair  were 
called  '-the  tent,"  as  they  served  merely  to  -irotect  the 
more  perishable  ones  which  they  covered. 

"  The  boards  were  provided  with  two  tenons  a  part  of 
the  thickness  of  the  boards  being  cut  away,  so  that  when 
they  were  inserted  in  the  sockets  calculated  to  receive 
them,  they  covered  exactly  the  surface;  the  boards  were 
thus  fixed  in  their  sockets,  which  formed  a  continuous 
row,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  steps  of  a  ladder  arc  in 
the  side-pieces. 

Ill 


EXODUS  XXXVI.  XXXVII.     VAYAKHEL. 


the  boards  of  the  tabernacle  for  the  back  wall, 
westward. 

33  And  he  made  the  middle  bar  to  pass 
through  the  midst  of  the  boards  from  the  one 
end  to  tlie  other  end. 

34  And  the  boards  he  overlaid  with  gold, 
and  their  rings  he  made  of  gold,  as  receptar 
cles  for  the  bars,  and  he  overlaid  the  bars 
with  gold. 

35  And  he  made  the  vail  of  blue,  and  pur- 
ple, and  scarlet  yarn,  and  twisted  linen;  of 
weaver's  work  made  he  it,  with  cherubim. . 

36  And  he  made  thereunto  four  j^iHai's  of 
shittim  wood,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold, 
their  hooks  also  were  of  gold;  and  he  cast 
for  them  four  sockets  of  silver. 

37  And  he  made  a  hanging  for  the  door 
of  the  tabernacle,  of  blue,  and  purple,  and 
scaiiet  yarn,  and  twisted  linen ;  the  work  of 
the  embroiderer; 

38  And  its  five  pillars  with  their  hooks: 
and  he  overlaid  their  tops  and  made  their 
fillets  with  gold;  and  their  five  sockets  were 
of  copper. 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

1  Tl  And  Bezalel  made  the  ark  of  shittim 
wood:  two  cubits  and  a  half  was  its  length, 
and  a  culait  and  a  half  its  breadth,  and  a  cubit 
and  a  half  its  height. 

2  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold  within 
and  without,  and  made  for  it  a  crown  of  gold 
round  about. 

3  And  he  cast  for  it  four  rings  of  gold,  for 
the  four  corners  thereof;  even  two  rings  on 
the  one  side  of  it,  and  two  rings  on  the  other 
side  of  it. 

4  And  he  made  staves  of  shittim  wood, 
and  overlaid  them  with  gold. 

5  And  he  put  the  staves  into  the  rings 
upon  the  sides  <jf  the  ark,  to  bear  the  ark. 

G  And  he  made  a  cover  of  pure  gold :  two 
cubits  and  a  half  was  its  length,  and  one 
cubit  and  a  half  its  breadth. 

7  And  he  made  two  cherubim  of  gold,  of 


'  Tlic  chcrnliini  were  made  out  (if  one  piceo  with  the 
cover,  hut  not  wrought  separately,  aud  afterward  soklered 
on.  'J'hey  wore  standing  on  eitlier  end,  their  faces  being 
turned  toward  each  other,  yet  so  tiiat  they  looked  down- 
ward upon  the  ark.  It  is  said  that  the  height  of  the 
wings  of  the  cherubim  from  the  cover  was  ten  hands' 
briMdili. 

"  The  crown  spoken  of  in  the  preceding  verse  was 
fixed  on  the  rim  mentioned  here.  It  is  doubtful  whether 
112 


beaten  work  made  he  them,  on  the  two  ends 
of  the  cover; 

8  One  cherub  was  on  the  one  end,  and 
the  other  cherub  on  the  other  end;  out  of  the 
cover  itself  made  he  the  cherubim  on  the  two 
ends  thereof" 

9  And  the  cherubim  were  spreading  forth 
their  wings  on  high,  overshadowing  with 
their  wings  the  cover,  with  their  faces  one  to 
the  other;  toward  tlie  cover  were  the  faces 
of  the  cherubim  directed. 

10  ^  And  he  made  the  tahle  of  shittim 
wood :  two  cubits  was  its  length,  and  a  cubit 
its  breadth,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  its  height; 

11  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  and 
made  thereto  a  crown  of  gold  round  aljout. 

12  And  he  made  unto  it  a  rim  of  a  hand's 
breadth  round  al^out,  and  made  a  golden 
crown  on  its  rim''  round  about. 

13  And  he  cast  for  it  four  rings  of  gold, 
and  he  put  the  rings  on  the  four  corners,  that 
were  on  the  four  feet  thereof 

14  Close  under  the  rim  were  the  rings,  as 
receptacles  for  the  staves  to  bear  the  table. 

15  And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim 
wood,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold,  to  bear 
the  table. 

16  And  he  made  the  vessels  which  were 
upon  the  table,  its  dishes,  and  its  spoons, 
-and  its  purifying  tubes,  and  the  supporters 
wherewitli  (the  bread)  was  covered,  of  pure 
gold.* 

17  ][  And  he  made  the  candlestick  of  pure 
gold:  of  beaten  work"  made  he  the  candle- 
stick, its  shaft,  itnd  its  branches,  its  bowls,  its 
knobs,  and  its  tlowers,  were  out  of  one  piece 
with  it. 

18  And  six  branches  were  coming  out  of 
its  sides;  three  branches  of  the  candlestick 
out  of  its  one  side,  and  three  branches  of  the 
candlestick  out  of  the  other  side  thereof 

19  Three  bowls,  iilmoiid-shaped,  were  on 
one  branch,  with  a  knob  and  a  llower;  and 
three  bowls,  almond-shaped,  were  on  the 
other  branch,  with  a  knob  and  a  llower;  so 


the  rim  reached  above  the  table  or  was  placed  beneath  the 
top;  but  the  probabilities  arc  in  favour  of  its  having  been 
placed  above. 

'  Like  the  cover  of  the  ark,  so  was  the  candlestick,  or 
more  properly  "the  ciumdelier,"  made  out  of  a  solid  piece 
of  gold;  that  is  to  say,  the  parts  were  not  made  separately 
and  afterward  soldered  tiigether,  but  it  was  beaten  out, 
and  the  branches  oniamcutcd  and  cut  into  shape  by  means 
of  instruments. 


IHtC     HWAVKK    <JK    JA.COt5. 


EXODUS  XXXVII.  XXXVIII.     VAYAKHEL. 


on  the  six  branches  that  were  coming  out  of 
the  candlesticls;. 

20  And  on  the  candlestick  itself  were  four 
lx»wls  almond-shaped,  with  its  knobs,  and  its 
flowers : 

21  And  a  knob  was  under  two  branches 
that  came  out  of  the  same,  and  a  knob  under 
two  branches  that  came  out  of  the  same,  and 
a  knob  under  two  branches  that  came  out  of 
the  same,"  for  the  six  branches  that  proceeded 
out  of  it. 

22  Their  knobs  and  their  branches  were 
out  of  one  piece  with  it;  all  of  it  was  one 
piece  of  beaten  work,  of  pure  gold. 

23  And  he  made  its  seven  lamps,  and  its 
snuffers,  and  its  snuff-dishes,  of  pure  gold. 

24  Of  a  talent  of  pure  gold  made  he  it,  and 
all  its  vessels. 

25  ^  And  he  made  the  altar  of  incense  of 
shittim  wood :  its  length  was  a  cubit,  and  its 
breadth  a  cubit;  it  was  foursquare,  and  two 
cubits  was  its  height;  from  itself  were  its 
horns.'' 

26  And  he  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold,  its 
top,  and  its  sides  round  about,  and  its  horns : 
and  he  made  unto  it  a  crown  of  gold  round 
about. 

27  And  two  rings  of  gold  he  made  for  it 
beneath  its  crown,  on  its  two  corners,  upon 
both  its  sides,  as  receptacles  for  the  staves  to 
bear  it  by  means  of  them. 

28  And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim 
wood,  and  overlaid  them  with  gold. 

29  And  he  made  the  holy  anointing  oil, 
and  the  pure  incense  of  spices,  according  to 
the  work  of  the  apothecary.* 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  ^  And  he  made  the  altar  of  burnt-offer- 
ing of  shittim  wood:  five  cubits  was  its 
length,  and  five  cubits  its  breadth;  it  was 
foursquare,  and  three  cubits  was  its  height. 

2  And  he  made  its  horns  on  its  four 
corners,  from  itself  were  its  horns;  and  he 
overlaid  it  with  copper. 

'  The  knobs  were  on  the  centre  shaft  of  the  caudle- 
stick,  and  from  each  of  them  sprung  two  branches,  one 
on  each  side,  so  that  each  knob  supported  one  pair. 

''  The  horns,  or  prominent  points  coming  out  of  the 
corners  of  the  altar  of  incense,  as  well  as  that  of  burnt- 
offering,  were  carved  out  of  the  body  of  the  wood,  but  not 
made  separately  and  afterwards  joined  on. 

"  Mirrors  of  highly  polished  cojiper  were  employed  be- 
fore the  introduction  of  looking-glasses;  and  it  is  recorded 


0  And  he  made  all  the  vessels  of  the  altar, 
the  jDOts,  and  the  shovels,  and  the  basins,  and 
the  forks,  and  the  fire-pans :  all  its  vessels 
made  he  of  copper. 

4  And  he  made  for  the  altar  a  grating,  a 
network  of  co2D23er,  under  its  compass  beneath, 
even  unto  the  half  of  it. 

5  And  he  cast  four  rings  on  the  four 
corners  of  the  grating  of  coppei",  as  rece^^tacles 
for  the  staves. 

6  And  he  made  the  staves  of  shittim  wood, 
and  overlaid  them  with  copper. 

7  And  lie  put  the  staves  into  the  rings  on 
the  sides  of  the  altar,  to  bear  it  by  means  of 
them ;  hollow,  of  boards,  made  he  it. 

8  ^  And  he  nuide  the  laver  of  copper,  and 
its  foot  of  cop^x^r,  of  the  mirrors"  of  the  assem- 
bled women,  who  had  assembled  in  troops  at 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

9  ^  And  he  made  the  court:  on  the  south 
side,  on  the  right,  the  hangings  of  the  court 
were  of  twisted  linen,  of  one  hundred  cul)its; 

10  Their  pillars  were  twenty,  with  their 
twenty  sockets  of  copper;  the  hooks  of  the 
pillars  and  their  fillets  were  of  silver. 

11  And  for  the  north  side  one  hundred 
cubits;  their  pillars  were  twenty,  with  their 
twenty  sockets  of  copper;  the  hooks  of  the 
pillars  and  their  fillets  were  of  silver. 

12  And  for  the  west  side  were  hangings  of 
fifty  cubits;  their  pillars  were  ten,  and  their 
sockets  ten;  the  hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their 
fillets  were  of  silver. 

13  And  for  tlie  front  side,  eastward,  fifty 
cubits. 

14  Hangings,  of  fifteen  cubits,  were  on  the 
one  wing;  their  pillars  were  three,  and  their 
sockets  three. 

15  And  for  the  other  wing,  on  both  sides 
of  the  oate  of  the  court,  were  haui^imis  of  111- 
teen  cubits;  their  ^jillars  were  three,  and  their 
sockets  three. 

16  All  the  hangings  of  the  court  round 
about  were  of  twisted  linen. 

17  And  the  sockets  for  the  pillars  were  of 


that  even  these  necessary  articles  for  the  arranging  of  the 
female  attire  were  cheerfully  given  by  the  women,  who 
came  in  troops  to  offer  this  contribution  to  the  residence 
of  their  God.  From  the  phraseology  employed  it  would 
appear  that  the  copper  thus  obtained  is  not  included  in 
the  gross  weight  recorded  chap  sxxviii.  2[l;  since,  among 
the  articles  made  thereof,  the  laver  aud  its  foot  are  not 
mentioned. 

113 


EXODUS  XXXVIII.  XXXIX.     PEKUDAY. 


copper;  the  hooks  of  the  pillars  and  their 
fillets,  of  silver;  aud  the  overlaying  of  their 
tops  was  of  silver ;  and  all  the  pillars  of  the 
court  were  filleted  with  silver.* 

18  And  the  hanging  for  the  gate  of  the 
court  was  the  work  of  the  embroiderer,  of 
blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and 
twisted  linen :  and  twenty  cubits  was  the 
length,  and  the  height,  in  the  breadth,  was 
five  cubits,  answering  to  the  hangings  of  the 
court. 

19  And  the  pillars  for  the  same  were  four, 
with  their  four  sockets  of  copper ;  their  hooks 
were  of  silver,  and  the  overlaying  of  their 
tops  and  their  fillets,  of  silver. 

20  And  all  the  pins  of  the  tabernacle,  and 
of  the  court  round  about  were  of  copper. 

Haphtorah  in  1  Kings  vii.  13  to  26.    Tlie  Germans  read  from 
vii.  40  to  50. 


SECTION  XXIII.     PEKUDAY,  mp3. 

21  ^  These  are  the  accounts  (of  the  arti- 
cles furnished)  for  the  tabernacle,  even  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony,  which 
were  counted,  according  to  the  order  of 
Moses,  the  service  of  the  Levites,  by  the 
hand  of  Ithamar,  the  son  of  Aaron,  the 
priest. 

22  And  Bezalel  the  son  of  Uri,  the  son  of 
Chur,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  made  all  that  the 
Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

23  And  with  him  was  Aholiab  the  son  of 
Achissamach,  of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  an  engraver, 
and  a  skilful  weaver,  and  an  embroiderer  in 
blue,  aud  in  purple,  and  in  scarlet  yarn,  and 
in  linen  thread. 

24  *i\  All  the  gold  that  was  applied  to  the 
work  in  all  the  work  of  the  sanctuary,  to  wit, 
the  gold  of  the  oftering,"  was  twenty  and  nine 
talents,  aud  seven  hundred  and  thirty  shekels, 
after  tlie  shekel  of  the  sanctuary. 

25  And  the  silver  of  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  the  congregation  was  one  hundred 
talents,  and  a  thousand  seven  hundred  and 


'  Tlie  word  used  hero,  in  v.  29,  and  in  xxxv.  22,  is 
niJUn:  whereas  in  the  ])reeeding  passages  nonr\  is  used. 
The  Hebrew  is  peculiarly  rich  in  the  terms  necessary  to 
express  the  ideas  cnnneeted  witii  the  worship  of  the 
sanctuary,  so  as  to  distinguish  every  shade  of  meaning; 
hut  in  English  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  convey  these 
peculiarities  by  single  words.  Arnheim,  however,  renders 
the  latter  word  "tribute,"  us  has  been  done  at  times  in 
this  version,  and  the  former,  the  one  employed  in  this 
114 


seventy  and  five  shekels,  after  the  shekel  of 
the  sanctuary : 

26  A  bekah  for  every  head,  that  is,  half  a 
shekel,  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary,  for 
every  one  that  went  to  be  numbered,  from 
twenty  years  old  and  upward,  for  six  hun- 
dred thousand  and  three  thousand  and  five 
hundred  and  fifty. 

27  And  the  hundred  talents  of  silver 
served  to  cast  the  sockets  of  the  sanctuary, 
and  the  sockets  of  the  vail;  one  hundred 
sockets  to  the  hundred  talents,  a  talent  for 
every  socket. 

28  And  of  the  thousand  seven  hundred 
seventy  and  five  shekels  he  made  hooks  for 
the  pillars,  and  overlaid  their  tops  and  filleted 
them. 

29  And  the  copper  of  the  offering  was 
seventy  taleuts,  and  two  thousand  and  four 
hundred  shekels. 

30  And  he  made  therewith  the  sockets  of 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  the  altar  of  copper,  and  the  grating  of 
copper  for  it,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the  altar; 

31  Aud  the  sockets  of  the  court  round 
about,  and  the  sockets  of  the  court  gate,  and 
all  the  pins  of  the  talternacle,  and  all  the  pins 
of  the  court  round  aljout. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  And  of  the  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet 
yarn,  they  made  the  cloths  of  service,  to  do 
the  service  in  the  holy  place ;  and  they  made 
the  holy  garments  which  were  for  Aaron,  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses.* 

2  ][  And  he  made  the  ephod,  of  gold, 
blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and 
twisted  linen  ; 

3  And  they  did  beat  the  gold  into  thin 
plates,  and  cut  it  into  wires,  to  work  it  in  the 
blue,  and  in  the  purple,'  and  in  the  scarlet 
yarn,  iind  in  the  linen,  with  weaver's  work. 

4  They  made  shoulder-pieces  for  it,  joined 
on ;  on  both  its  edges  was  it  thus  joined''  to- 
gether. 


passage,    "sacred    gifts;"  but    the    latter    term    is   arbi- 
trary. 

''  The  shoulder-pieces  of  the  ephod  were  made  sepa- 
rately aud  sewed  on  afterward.  The  ephod  itself  appears 
to  have  been  a  species  of  cloak  which  reached  to  the  heels, 
but  required  the  support  of  the  shoulder-pieces,  through 
which  it  was  joined  by  means  of  the  chains  aud  rings  to 
the  breastplate,  and  the  belt  which  fastened  it  round  the 
body  of  the  wearer. 


EXODUS  XXXIX.     PEKUDAY. 


5  And  the  belt  for  girding  it  on,  that  was 
upon  it,  was  of  the  same  piece  with  itself,  of 
the  same  make :  of  gold,  blue,  and  purple, 
and  scarlet  yarn,  and  twisted  linen ;  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

G  11  And  they  wrought  the  onyx  stones  en- 
closed in  casings  of  gold,  engraved  with  the 
engra\ang  of  a  signet,  after  the  names  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

7  And  he  put  them  on  the  shoulder-pieces 
of  the  ephod,  as  stones  of  memorial  to  the 
children  of  Israel ;  as  the  Lord  had  command- 
ed Moses. 

8  ^  And  he  made  the  breastplate  with  wea- 
ver's work,  like  the  work  of  the  ephod :  of 
gold,  blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  yarn,  and 
twisted  linen. 

9  It  was  foursquare,  double  did  they  make 
the  breastplate  :  it  was  a  span  in  length,  and 
a  span  in  breadth,  double. 

10  And  they  set  in  it  four  rows  of  stones : 
the  first  row,  a  sardius,  a  topaz,  and  an  eme- 
rald ;  this  was  the  first  row. 

1 1  And  the  second  row,  a  carbuncle,  a  sap- 
phire, and  a  diamond. 

12  And  the  third  row,  an  opal,  a  turquoise, 
and  an  amethyst. 

13  And  the  fourth  row,  a  chrysolite,  an 
onyx,  and  a  jasper  :  they  were  fitted  in  golden 
casings  wlien  they  were  set  in. 

14  And  the  stones  were  according  to  the 
names  of  the  children  of  Israel,  twelve,  ac- 
cording to  their  names,  (engraved)  with  tlie 
engraving  of  a  signet,  every  one  according  to 
his  name,  for  the  tM-elve  tribes. 

15  And  they  made  upon  the  breastplate 
chains  with  knots*  at  tlie  ends,  of  wreathed 
work,  of  pure  gold. 

16  And  they  made  two  casings  of  gold, 
and  two  golden  rings;  and  they  put  the  two 
rings  on  the  two  ends  of  the  breastphite. 

17  And  they  put  the  two  wreathed  chains 
of  gold  in  the  two  rings  on  the  ends  of  the 
breastplate. 

18  And  the  two  ends  of  the  two  wreathed 
chains  they  fastened  on  the  two  casings,  and 
they  put  them  on  the  shoulder-pieces  of  the 
ephod,  on  the  outside  thereof. 

"  These  wreathed  chains  had  a  knot  at  the  end,  ?o  that 
they  did  not  slip  through  the  rings  of  the  breastplate  and 
ephod. 

"^  The  rings  on  the  girdle  of  the  ephod  were  so  placed  as 
to  be  opposite  those  on  the  lower  seam  of  the  breastplate, 


19  And  they  made  two  golden  rings,  and 
put  them  on  the  two  ends  of  the  breastplate, 
on  its  border,  which  was  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  ephod,  inward. 

20  And  they  made  two  more  golden  rings, 
and  put  them  on  the  two  shoulder-pieces  of 
the  ephod  underneath,  toward  its  front  part, 
close  by  its  seam,  above  the  girdle  of  the 
ephod. 

21  And  they  fastened  the  breastplate  by 
its  rings  unto  the  rings  of  the  ephod  with  a 
lace  of  blue,  that  it  might  remain  on  the  girdle 
of  the  ephod,  and  that  the  breastplate  might 
not  be  loosed  from  the  ephod;''  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses.''' 

22  ^  And  he  made  the  robe  of  the  cphf)d  of 
woven  work,  altogether  of  blue  woollen  yarn. 

23  And  there  was  an  opening  in  the  midst 
of  the  robe,  as  the  opening  of  an  habergeon, 
with  a  binding  round  about  the  opening,  that 
it  should  not  be  rent. 

24  And  they  made  upon  the  lower  hem  of 
the  robe  pomegranates  of  blue,  and  pur])le, 
and  scarlet  j^arn,  twisted. 

25  And  they  made  bells  of  pure  gold ;  and 
they  put  the  bells  between  the  pomegranates 
upon  the  lower  hem  of  the  robe,  round  aljout, 
between  tlie  pomegranates; 

26  A  bell  and  a  pomegranate,  a  bell  and  a 
pomegranate,  round  about  the  lower  hem  of 
the  ro)je,to  minister  therein;  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded  Moses. 

27  ][  And  they  made  the  coats  of  linen,  of 
woven  work,  for  Aaron  and  for  his  sons. 

28  And  the  mitre  of  linen,  and  the  goodly 
bonnets  of  linen,  and  linen  breeches  of  twisted 
linen  thread. 

29  And  the  girdle  of  twisted  linen,  and 
blue,  and  purple,  and  scarlet  jarn,  the  work  of 
the  embroiderer;  as  the  Lord  had  conimaiHled 
Moses. 

30  1\  And  they  made  the  plate  of  the  holy 
crown  of  pure  gold,  and  wrote  u])on  it  a  writ^ 
ing,  like  the  engraving  of  a  signet,  Holy  to 
THE  Lord. 

31  And  they  put  on  it  a  lace  of  blue,  to 
place  it  upon  the  mitre  above  f  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses. 


and  when  the  blue  lace  was  passed  through  them,  the  two 
garments  became  united  together. 

°  The  plate  was  tied  on  both  ends  and  at  (lie  ccnln'  l.i 
laces  of  blue  woollen  yarn,  and  hung  (m  the  tup  ni'  iIil- 
mitre,  so  that  it  rested  on  the  forehead  of  the  wearer. 


EXODUS  XXXIX.  XL.     PEKUDAY. 


32  ]|  Thus  was  finished  all  the  work  of 
the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the  conoresation ; 
and  the  children  of  Israel  had  made  it  in 
accordance  with  all  that  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses,  so  had  they  made  it.* 

o3  ^  And  they  brought  the  tabernacle  unto 
Moses,  the  tent,  and  all  its  vessels,  its  hooks, 
its  boai'ds,  its  bars,  and  its  pillars,  and  its 
sockets, 

34  And  the  covering  of  rams'  skins  dyed 
red,  and  the  covering  of  badgers'  skins,  and 
the  vail  of  the  sejmration ; 

35  The  ark  of  the  testimony,  and  its 
staves,  and  the  mercy-seat ; 

36  The  table,  and  all  its  vessels,  and  the 
showbread ; 

37  The  pure  candlestick,"  with  its  lamps, 
the  hTmps  to  be  set  in  order  thereupon,  and 
all  its  vessels,  and  the  oil  for  the  lighting, 

38  And  the  golden  altar,  and  the  anointing 
oil,  and  the  incense  of  spices,  and  the  hanging 
for  the  door  of  the  tabernacle; 

39  The  copper  altar,  and  the  grating  of 
copper  which  belonged  to  it,  its  staves,  and 
all  its  vessels,  the  laver  and  its  foot; 

40  The  hangings  of  the  court,  its  pillars 
and  its  sockets,  and  the  hanging  for  the  court- 
gate,  its  cords,  and  its  pins,  and  all  the  vessels 
of  the  service  of  the  tabernacle,  for  the  tent 
of  the  congregation ; 

41  The  cloths  of  service  to  do  the  service 
in  the  holy  place,  and  the  holy  garments  for 
Aaron  the  priest,  and  the  garments  of  his 
sons,  to  minister  therein. 

42  All,  just  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses,  so  had  the  children  of  Israel  done  all 
the  work. 

43  And  Moses  did  look  over  all  the  work, 
and,  behold,  they  had  done  it  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded,  even  so  had  they  done  it :  and 
Moses  blessed  them.* 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

2  On  the  first  day  of  the  first  month  shalt 
thou  set  up  the  tabernacle  of  the  tent  of  the 
congregation. 


'  Others  render,  "  The  camllcstiek  of  ]iure  f^cilJ."  But 
as  the  f'euiiuiue  ninan  ilnes  not  agree  witli  the  maseuline 
27[',  it  must  refer  to  the  wnnl  mj*:,  jjerhajis  from  its 
bring  made  of  pure  gold. 

*■  "  Thi^i  means,  a  prutcetion,  fur  it  was  a  separatiou." — 
IIU 


3  And  thou  shalt  put  therein  the  ark  of 
the  testimony,  and  separate''  the  ark  with  the 
vail. 

4  And  thou  shalt  bring  in  the  table,  and 
arrange  the  order  of  the  sliowbread  upon 
it;  and  thou  shalt  bring  in  the  candlestick, 
and  light  the  lamps  thereof. 

5  And  thou  shalt  set  the  altar  of  gold  for 
the  incense  before  the  ark  of  the  testimony; 
and  thou  shalt  put  up  the  hanging  at  the 
door  to  the  tabernacle. 

G  And  thou  shalt  set  the  altar  of  burntr 
ofiering  before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  tent  of  the  congregation. 

7  And  thou  shalt  set  the  laver  between 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  and  the 
altar,  and  thou  shalt  put  water  therein. 

8  And  thou  shalt  set  up  the  court  round 
about,  and  put  up  the  hanging  at  the  gate  of 
the  court. 

9  And  thou  shalt  take  the  anointing  oil, 
and  anoint  the  tabernacle,  and  all  that  is 
therein;  and  thou  shalt  hallow  it,  with  all  its 
vessels,  and  it  shall  be  holy. 

10  And  thou  shalt  anoint  the  altar  of 
burnt-oflering,  and  all  its  vessels;  and  thou 
shalt  sanctify  the  altar,  and  the  altar  shall  be 
most  holy. 

11  And  thou  shalt  anomt  the  laver  with  its 
foot,  and  sanctify  it. 

12  And  thou  shalt  bring  near  Aaron  and 
his  sons  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  wash  them  with 
water. 

13  And  thou  shalt  clothe  Aaron  with  the 
holy  garments;  and  thou  shalt  anoint  him, 
and  sanctify  him,  that  he  may  be  a  priest 
unto  me. 

14  And  his  sons  shalt  thou  bring  near,  and 
clothe  them  with  coats : 

15  And  thou  shalt  anoint  them,  as  thou 
hast  anointed  their  father,  that  they  may 
be  priests  unto  me;  and  this  shall  be,  that 
their  anointing  shall  be  unto  them  for  an 
everlasting  priesthood  throughout  their  gene- 
rations. 

16  And  Moses  did  so;  all,  just  as  the  Lord 
had  connaanded  him,  so  did  he.''' 

R.Asiir.  Tliat  is  to  say,  by  hanging  up  the  vail,  by  means 
of  which  the  piu'tion  for  the  ark  was  separated  h"m  the 
remainder  of  the  sanctuary,  it  was  protected  fnnii  the  ap- 
proach of  those  who  came  into  the  holy  place. 


EXODUS  XL.     PEKUDAY. 


17  •[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  first 
inontli  in  the  second  year,  on  tlie  first  of  the 
luontli,  that  the  tahernacle  was  reared  up. 

18  And  Moses  reared  up  the  tai^ernacle, 
and  placed  its  soclvets,  and  set  up  its  boards, 
and  put  in  its  bars,  and  reared  up  its  pilhirs. 

19  And  he  spread  the  tent*  over  the  tabex'- 
nacle,  and  put  the  covering  of  the  tent''  over 
it  above;  as  tlie  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

20  ^  And  he  took"  and  put  tlie  testimony 
into  tiie  ark,  and  placed  the  staves  on  the 
ark;  and  he  put  the  mercy-seat  upon  the 
ark  aljove. 

21  And  he  brought  tlie  ark  into  the  taber- 
nacle, and  set  up  the  vail  of  tlie  separation, 
and  made  therewith  a  separation  for  the  ark 
of  the  testimony;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses. 

22  ][  And  he  put  the  table  in  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  upon  the  side  of 
the  tabernacle,  northward,  without  the  vail. 

23  And  he  arranged  upon  it  the  order  of 
bread'  before  the  Lord;  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses. 

24  T[  And  he  placed  the  candlestick  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  opposite  the 
table,  on  the  side  of  the  tabernacle,  south- 
ward. 

25  And  he  lighted  the  lamps  before  the 
Lord;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

26  ][  And  he  placed  the  golden  altar  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  coniiiregation  before  the  vail. 

27  And  he  burnt  thereon  the  incense  of 
spices;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses.'-' 

28  ][  And  he  put  up  the  hanging  at  the 
door  to  the  tabernacle. 

29  And  the  altar  of  burnt-offering  he 
placed  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
tent  of  the  congregation ;  and  he  offered  upon  it 
the  burnt-offering  and  the  meat-offering;  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

30  ^  And  he  set  the  laver  lietween  the 


*  This  means  the  curtains  of  goats'  hair  over  the  fine 
ones,  called  the  "tabernacle." — ll.\SHl. 

''  The  skins  of  animals  which  served  as  a  covering. 

°  He  took  the  tables  of  the  Testimony  from  the  wooden 
ark,  which  was  in  the  tent  of  Moses,  and  brought  them 
into  the  tabernacle. — Ramban.  (See  Exodus  xxxiii.  7, 
and  Deuteronomy  x.  1-3.) 


tabernacle  of  the  consreoation  and  the  altar, 
and  put  water  there,  lor  washing. 

31  And  Moses"  and  Aaron  and  his  sons 
washed  therefrom  their  hands  and  their  feet. 

32  When  the}-  went  in  unto  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  and  when  they  came  near 
unto  the  altar,  they  washed  themselves;  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

33  ^  And  he  reared  up  the  court  round 
about  the  tabernacle  and  the  altar,  and  put 
up  the  hanging  of  the  gate  of  the  court;  and 
so  did  Moses  finish  the  Avork.''' 

34  ^  And  the  cloud  covered  the  tent  of 
the  congregation,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
filled  the  tabernacle. 

35  And  Moses  was  nof  able  to  enter  into 
the  tent  of  the  congregation;  because  the 
cloud  abode  thereon,  and  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  filled  the  tabernacle. 

3G  And  when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  from 
over  the  tabernacle,  the  children  of  Israel 
were  wont  to  go  onward  in  all  their  journey- 
ings. 

37  But  if  the  cloud  was  not  taken  up,  then 
they  journeyed  not  till  the  day  that  it  was 
taken  up. 

38  For  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was  upon  the 
tabernacle  by  day,  and  a  fire  was  by  night 
on  it,  before  the  eyes  of  all  the  house  of 
Israel,  throughout  all  their  journeyings. 

Haplitorah,  according  to  the  Germans,  in  1  Kings  vii.  51 
to  viii.  21.    The  Portuguese  read  from  vii.  40  to  50. 

Maphtere  for  Shekalim  in  Exodus  sxx.  11  to  10. 

Haphtorah  for  Shekalim  in  2  Kings  xii.  1  to  17.  The  Portu- 
guese commence  at  xi.  17. 

Maphtere  for  Zachor  in  Deuteronomy  xxv.  IT  to  19. 

Haphtorah  for  Zachor  in  1  Samuel  xv.  2  to  34.  The  Portu- 
guese commence  v.  1. 

Maphtere  for  Parah  in  Numbers  xis.  1  to  22. 

Haphtorah  for  Parah  in  Ezokiel  xxxvi.  10  to  38.  Tlie  Por- 
tuguese end  at  v.  30. 

Maphtere  for  Hachodesh  in  Exodus  xii.  1  to  20. 

Haphtorah  for  Hachodesh  in  Ezekiel  xlv.  10  to  xlvi.  18. 
The  Portuguese  read  from  xlv.  18  to  xlvi.  15. 


^  The  on'?  11.J7  "the  order  of  bread,"  hero  employed, 
explains  what  is  given  above  merely  as  I3l>'  "its  order;" 
for  which  reason  it  is  rendered  above,  verse  4,  "  the  order 
of  showbread." 

•  During  the  week  of  consecration,  and  then  only, 
Moses  officiated  as  priest,  for  which  reason  he  was  for  the 
time  also  bound  to  wash  hands  and  feet  at  the  laver. 

117 


THE  BOOK  OF  LEVITICUS, 

VAYIKRA,  Nlpn. 

CONTAINING  THE  ORDINANCES  FOR  THE  SACRIFICES,  SANCTUARY, 

PURIFICATIONS,  FESTIVALS,  &c. 


SECTION  XXIV.     VAYIKRA,  Klpn. 

CHAPTER  L 

1  *\\  And  the  Lord  called  unto  Moses,  and 
spoke  unto  liim  out  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  If  any  one  of  you  wish  to 
bring  an  offering  unto  the  Lord  :  of  the  cattle, 
either  of  the  herds,  or  of  the  flocks,  shall  ye 
bring  your  offering. 

3  If  his  offering  be  a  burut^sacrifice  of  the 
herds,  then  shall  he  offer  a  male  without  ble- 
mish :  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  shall  he  bring  it,  that  it  may  be 
favourably  received  for  him  before  the  Lord. 

4  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head 
of  the  burnt^offering ;  and  it  shall  be  accepted 
for  hiin  to  make  atonement  for  him. 

5  And  he  shall  kill  the  young  steer  before 
the  Lord:  and  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests 
shall  bring  near  the  lilood,  and  they  shall 
sprinkle  the  lilood  round  about  upon  the  altar 
that  is  by  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

.  G  And  he  shall  flay  the  burnt-offering,  and 
cut  it  into  its  pieces. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priest  shall 
put  fire  upon  the  altar,  and  lay  the  wood  in 
order  upon  the  fii'e; 

8  And  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests  shall 
lay  in  order  the  ])arts,  the  head,  and  the  fat,"* 
upon  the  wood  that  is  on  the  fire  which  is 
u2)on  the  altar; 

9  But  its  inwards  and  its  legs  shall  he 
wash  in  water;  and  the  jn-iest  shall  burn  the 


'  Some  translate  mu  with  "midriff:"  tlir  word  itself 
is  of  rare  occurrence,  hence  not  of  a  ileeided  signification; 
but  it  is  translated  here  according  to  I  he  old  authorities. 

"  AH  the  sacrifices  called  "most  holy,"  re([uired  to  be 
slain  on  the  north  side  of  the  altar  of  burnt-sacrifices;  these 
are  the  burnt,  sin,  trespass,  and  national  peace-oflFerings. 
118 


whole  on  the  altar,  as  a  burnt-sacrifice,  an 
ofiering  made  by  fire,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto 
the  Lord. 

10  ^  And  if  his  offering  be  of  the  flocks^ 
of  the  sheep,  or  of  the  goats,  tor  a  Ijurnt-sacri- 
fice:  then  shall  he  offer  a  male  without  ble- 
mish as  the  same. 

11  And  he  shall  kill  it  on  the  side  of  the 
altar,  northward,''  before  the  Lord;  and  the 
sous  of  Aaron  the  priests  shall  sprinkle  its 
blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 

12  And  he  shall  cut  it  into  its  pieces,  with 
its  head  and  its  fat;  and  the  priest  shall  lay 
them  in  order  on  the  wood  that  is  on  the  fire 
which  is  upon  the  altar; 

13  But  the  inwards  and  the  legs  shall  he 
wash  with  water;  and  the  priest  shall  bring 
near  the  whole,  and  burn  it  upon  the  altar; 
it  is  a  burnt-sacrifice,  an  offering  made  by  fire, 
of  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord.* 

14  T[  And  if  of  fowls  be  the  burnt-sacrifice 
for  his  oftering  to  the  Lord  :  then  shall  he  bring 
his  offering  of  turtle-doves,  or  of  young  pigeons. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  bring  it  near"  unto 
the  altar,  and  pinch  oft'  its  head,  and  burn  it 
on  the  altar;  and  the  blood  thereof  shall  be 
wrung  out  on  the  wall  of  the  altar. 

IG  And  he  shall  remove  its  crop  with  its 
feathers,  and  cast  it  beside  the  altar  on  the 
east  part,  at  the  place  of  the  ashes. 

1 7  And  he  shall  cleave  it  by  its  wings,  but 
shall  not  divide  it  asunder;  and  the  jiriest 
shall  burn  it  upon  the  altar,  upon  the  wood 
that  is  on  the  fire :  it  is  a  burutr-sacrifice,  an 
offering  made  by  fire,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto 
the  Lord. 


"  The  term  3ipn  has  been  for  the  most  part  rendered  in 
this  version  with  "to  bring  near,"  that  is,  to  the  altar 
where  all  sacrificial  rites  were  performed;  and  when  simply 
rendered  with  "bring,"  it  has  the  same  sense.  Otherwise 
the  term  "offer"  has  also  been  used,  as  it  is  the  root  of 
the  word  pip  "offering." 


LEVITICUS  II.  III.     VAYIKRA. 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  And  when  any  person  wish  to  offer  a 
meat-offering  unto  the  Lord:  then  shall  his 
offering  be  of  fine  flour;  and  he  shall  pour 
upon  it  oil,  and  put  thereon  frankincense ; 

2  And  he  shall  bring  it  to  one  of  the  sons 
of  Aaron  the  priest ;  and  he  shall  take  there- 
from his  handful  of  its  flour,  and  of  its  oil, 
with  all  its  frankincense;  and  the  priest  shall 
burn  tiie  memorial  of  it  upon  the  altar,  as  an 
offering  made  by  fii'e,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto 
the  Lord. 

3  And  what  is  left  of  the  meat-offering 
shall  belong  to  Aaron  and  to  his  sons :  it  is  a 
most  holy  thing,  from  the  fire-offerings  of  the 
Lord. 

4  ^  And  if  thou  bring  an  oblation  of  a 
mcat>offering  baked  in  the  oven,  it  shall  be 
of  fine  flour,  unleavened  cakes  mingled  with 
oil,  or  unleavened  wafers  anointed  with  oil. 

5  ^  And  if  thy  oblation  be  a  meat^oflering 
baked  in  a  pan,  it  shall  be  made  of  fine  flour 
miugled  with  oil,  unleavened. 

G  Thou  shalt  break  it  in  pieces,  and  pour 
thereon  oil:  it  is  a  meat-offering.* 

7  ^  And  if  thy  oblation  be  a  meat-offering 
baked  in  the  deep  pan,  it  shall  be  made  of 
fine  flour  with  oil. 

8  And  thou  shalt  bring  the  meat-offering, 
which  shall  be  made  of  these  thmgs,  unto  the 
Lord;  and  the  offerer  shall  present  it  unto 
the  priest,  who  shall  bring  it  near  unto  the 
altar. 

9  And  the  priest  shall  take  up  from  the 
meat-offering  its  memorial,  and  shall  burn  it 
upon  the  altar:  it  is  an  offering  made  by 
fire,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

10  And  that  which  is  left  of  the  meat- 
offering shall  belong  to  Aaron  and  his  sons : 
it  is  a  most  holy  thing,  from  the  fire-ofterings 
of  the  Lord. 

11  No  mea1>oflering,  which  ye  shall  bring 
unto  the  Lord,  shall  be  prej^ared  leavened; 
fur  of  whatever  is  leaven,  or  of  any  honey,  ye 
shall  not  sacrifice  an  offering  made  by  tire 
unto  the  Lord. 

12  As  an  oblation  of  the  firs1>fi"uits  shall 


'  Arnheim  renders  here  and  elsewhere,  "And  that  on 
the,"  &c. 

"  Others,  "caul." 

°  The  first  sacrifice  ofiered  daily  upon  the  altar,  was  the 
daily  burnt-ofli'cring ;  and  before  it  had  been  placed  ou  the 


ye   ofier   them  unto   the   Lcird;    but  on  the 
altar  shall  they  not  come  for  a  sweet  savour. 

13  And  every  oblation  of  thy  meat-oftering 
shalt  thou  season  with  salt;  and  thou  shalt 
not  sufler  the  salt  of  the  covenant  of  th}-  God 
to  be  lacking  from  thy  meat-offering:  with  all 
thy  offerings  shalt  thou  ofter  salt. 

14  ^  And  if  thou  ofier  a  meat-offering  of 
the  first-fruits  unto  the  Lord  :  of  ripe  ears  of 
corn  dried  by  the  fire,  of  pounded  corn  out  of 
full  ears,  shalt  thou  ofier  the  meat-offering  of 
thy  first-fruits. 

15  And  thou  shalt  put  upon  it  oil,  and  lay 
thereon  frankincense :  it  is  a  meat-offering. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  burn  its  memorial, 
from  its  pounded  corn,  and  from  its  oil,  with 
all  its  frankincense :  it  is  an  oft'ering  made  by 
fire  unto  the  Lord.* 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ][  And  if  his  olilation  Ijo  a  sacrifice  of 
peace-offering,  if  he  ofier  it  of  the  herds, 
whether  it  be  a  male  or  female,  he  shall 
offer  it  without  blemish  before  the  Lord. 

2  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head 
of  his  offering,  and  kill  it  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation :  and  the  sons 
of  Aaron  the  priests  shall  sprinkle  the  blood 
upon  the  altar  round  about. 

3  And  he  shall  offer  of  the  sacrifice  of  the 
peace-offering,  as  a  fire-oflering  unto  the  Lord, 
the  fat  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the 
fat  that  is  upon  the  inwards, 

4  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is 
on  them,  which  is  on  the  flanks,"  and  the 
midriff''  above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys, 
shall  he  remove  it. 

5  And  Aaron's  sons  shall  Ijurn  it  on  the 
altar,  upon  the  burnt-oftering,"  which  is  upon 
the  wood  that  is  on  the  fire :  it  is  an  ofiering 
made  by  fire,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord. 

6  ][  And  if  of  the  flocks  be  his  ofiering  for 
a  sacrifice  of  peace-oftering  unto  the  Lord, 
male  or  female,  without  blemish,  shall  he 
ofl'er  it. 

7  If  he  offer  a  sheep  for  his  offering,  then 
shall  he  bring  it  near  before  the  Lord. 


fire,  no  other  sacrifice  could  be  burnt  there;  hence  the 
phrase  "upon  the  burnt-ofiering  which  is  upon  the  wood." 
Rashi,  however,  renders  h}!  like  '\2hr2  "besides;"  still  the 
sense  is  the  same  in  both  cases. 

119 


LEVITICUS  III.  IV.     VAYIKRA. 


8  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the  head 
of  his  offering,  and  kill  it  before  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation :  and  the  sons  of 
Aaron  sliall  sprinlvle  its  blood  npon  the  altar 
round  aljout. 

9  And  he  shall  offer  of  the  sacrifice  of  the 
peace-offering,  as  a  fire-ofiering  unto  the  Lord, 
the  best  part""  thereof,  the  whole  rump,  hard 
by  the  backbone  shall  he  take  it  off;  and  the 
fat  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat 
that  is  upon  the  inwards; 

10  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that 
is  upon  them,  which  is  on  tlie  flanks,  and  the 
midriff'  above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys, 
shall  he  remove  it. 

11  And  the  priest  shall  burn  it  upon  the 
altar:  it  is  the  food  of  the  offering  made  by 
fire  unto  the  Lord. 

12  ][  And  if  a  goat  be  his  offering,  then 
sliall  lie  In'ing  it  near  before  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  its 
head,  and  kill  it  before  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation:  and  the  sons  of  Aaron  shall 
sprinkle  its  blood  upon  the  altar  round  about. 

14  And  he  shall  offer  thereof  his  offering, 
as  a  fire-oflering  unto  the  Lord,  the  fat  that 
covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat  that  is 
upon  the  inwards, 

15  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that 
is  upon  them,  which  is  on  the  flanks,  and  the 
midriff  above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys 
shall  he  remove  it. 

16  And  the  priest  shall  burn  them  upon  the 
altar;  as  the  food  of  the  ofiering  made  by  fire 
for  a  sweet  savour,  is  all  the  fat  unto  the  Lord. 

17  A  perpetual  statute  shall  it  be  for  your 
generations  throughout  all  your  dwellings:  no 
fat  nor  blood  shall  ye  eat.* 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  *i\  And  the  Lord  spolve  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying. 
If  any  person  do  sin  througli  ignorance  against 
any  of  the  prohibitions'"  of  the  Lord  which 
ought  not  to  be  done,  and  do  any  of  them ; 


'  This  is  explained  by  the  uext  word.s,  "the  best  part, 
tbat  is  the  whole  rump;"  or  as  the.  moderus  have  it,  "the 
whole  fat  tail,"  referring  to  the  Syrian  sheep,  the  tail  of 
wliich  is  broad  and  fat. 

''  IJotli  the  negative  and  positive  precepts  are  command- 
ments; wherefore  the  first  may  also  bo  properly  called 
nii'D  "precepts." 

"  This  ia  explained,  that  the  high-priest's  siu  must  be 
120 


')  If  the  anointed  priest  do  sin  to  bring 
guiltiness"  on  the  people:  then  shall  he  bring 
near  for  his  sin,  which  he  hath  committed,  a 
young  bullock  without  blemish,  unto  the 
Lord,  for  a  sin-ofitbring. 

4  And  he  shall  bring  the  bullock  unto  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation 
before  the  Lord;  and  he  shall  lay  his  hand 
upon  the  head  of  the  bullock,  and  kill''  the 
bullock  before  the  Lord. 

5  And  the  anointed  priest  shall  take  some 
of  the  bullock's  blood,  and  binng  it  into  the 
ttxbernacle  of  the  congregation : 

6  And  the  pi'iest  shall  dip  his  finger  in  the 
blood;  and  he  shall  sprinkle  of  the  Ijlood 
seven  times  before  the  Lord,  before  the  vail 
of  the  sanctuary. 

7  And  the  priest  shall  put  some  of  the 
blood  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  of  the  in- 
cense of  spices  before  the  Lord,  which  is  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation;  and  all  the 
(remaining)  blood  of  the  bullock  shall  he  pour 
out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of  burnt-offer- 
ing, which  is  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation. 

8  And  all  the  fat  of  the  Indlock  of  the  sin- 
offering  shall  he  take  off  from  the  s;\me  :  the 
fat  that  covereth  the  inwards,  and  all  the  fat 
that  is  upon  the  inwards, 

9  And  the  two  kidnej's,  and  the  flxt  that 
is  upon  them,  which  is  on  the  flanks,  and  the 
midriff  above  the  liver,  with  the  kidney's, 
shall  he  remove  it; 

10  As  it  is  taken  off  from  the  bullock  of 
the  sacrifice  of  peace-offering;  and  the  priest 
shall  Iniru  tlie  same  upon  the  altar  of  burnt- 
offering;. 

11  And  the  skin  of  the  bullock,  and  all  his 
flesh,  with  his  head,  and  with  his  legs,  and 
his  inwards,  and  his  dung, 

12  Even  the  whole  bullock,  shall  he  carry 
forth  without  the  camp,  unto  a  clean  place, 
to  Avhere  the  ashes  are  poured  out,  and  burn 
him  on  the  w^ood  with  fire ;  upon  where  the 
ashes  are  poured  out  shall  he  be  burnt. 

13  ^  And    if  the    whole  congregation  of 


like  the  sin  of  the  elders  spoken  of  in  the  next  seotiou; 
/.  c,  that  he  give  a  wrong  decision,  which  the  people  fol- 
low, by  which  they  incur  guilt. 

*  The  word  anty  means  not  merely  to  kill,  but  to  pro- 
duce death  by  cutting  the  throat,  as  practised  in  Israel. 
This  explanations  holds  good  wherever  the  word  "kill" 
occurs  when  speaking  of  sacrifices,  or  of  animals  slain  lor 
the  ordinary  use  of  the  people. 


LEVITICUS  IV.     VAYIKRA. 


Israel  sin  tlirough  ignorance,  and  a  thing  be 
hidden  from  the  eyes  of  the  assembly,"  and 
tliey  do  any  one  of  all  the  prohibitions  of  the 
Lord  which  ought  not  to  be  done,  and  they 
become  guilty ; 

14  When  now  the  sin  becometh  known, 
tlirough  which  they  have  siimed :  then  shall 
the  congregation  ofler  a  young  bullock  for  a 
sin-oftering,  and  shall  bring  him  before  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

15  And  the  elders  of  the  congregation  shall 
lay  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock 
betbre  the  Lord;  and  they  shall  kill  the  bul- 
lock before  the  Lord. 

16  And  the  anointed  priest  shall  luring 
some  of  the  bullock's  blood  into  the  tabenia- 
cle  of  the  congregation : 

17  And  the  priest  shall  dip  his  fuiger  in 
some  of  the  blood,  and  sprinkle  it  seven  times 
before  the  Lord,  before  the  vail. 

18  And  some  of  the  blood  shall  he  put 
upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  which  is  before 
the  Lord,  that  is  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation; and  all  the  (remaining)  blood  shall 
he  pour  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar  of 
burnt-oflering,  which  is  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

19  And  all  his  fat  shall  he  take  from  him, 
and  burn  it  upon  the  altar. 

20  And  he  shall  do  with  the  bullock  as  he 
did  with  the  bullock  of  the  sin-oflering;  so 
shall  he  do  with  this:  and  the  priest  shall 
make  an  atonement  for  them,  and  it  shall  be 
forgiven  unto  them. 

21  And  he  shall  carry  forth  the  bullock  to 
without  the  camp,  and  burn  him  as  he  bunit 
the  first  bullock ;  it  is  a  sm-oflering  of  the 
congregation. 

22  *i\  If  a  ruler  should  sin,  and  do  any  one 
of  the  prohibitions  of  the  Lord  his  God  which 
ought  not  to  be  done,  through  ignorance,  aud 
become  guilty ;'' 

23  If  now  his  sin,  wherein  he  hath 
sinned,  come  to  his  knowledge :  he  shall 
bring  as  his  oftering,  a  goat,  a  male,  without 
blemish ; 

24  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the 
head  of  the  goat,  and  kill  it  on  the  place 


'  This  is  explaiued,  that  the  assembled  judges  decide 
err.meously  concerning  any  one  of  the  acts  for  which 
excision  (ni^)  is  denounced,  that  it  is  permitted,  aud  the 
people  do  according  to  this  erroneous  decision,  thus  sin- 


where  they  kill  the  burnt-offering  before  the 
Lord  ;  it  is  a  sin-offering. 

25  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
blood  of  the  siu-ofiering  with  his  finger,  and 
put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  of  burnt- 
offering;  and  (the  remainder  of)  its  blood 
shall  he  pour  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar 
of  burnt-offering. 

2C  And  all  its  fat  shall  he  burn  upon  the 
altar,  as  the  fat  of  the  sacrifice  of  peace-offer- 
ing; and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  him  concerning  lais  sin,  and  it  shall  be 
forgiven  unto  him.''' 

27  T[  And  if  any  person  of  the  common 
people  should  sin  through  ignorance,  by  his 
doing  any  one  of  the  prohibitions  of  the  Lord, 
which  ought  not  to  be  done,  and  become 
guilty; 

28  K  now  his  sin,  which  he  hath  committed, 
come  to  his  knowledge :  then  shall  he  bring  as 
his  offering,  a  goat,  a  female,  without  blemish, 
for  his  sin  which  he  hath  committed; 

29  And  he  shall  lay  his  hand  upon  the 
head  of  the  sin-offering,  and  slay  the  sin-offei- 
iug  on  the  place  of  the  burnt-offering. 

30  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
blood  thereof  with  his  finger,  and  put  it  upon 
the  horns  of  the  alt;ir  of  burnt-offering;  and 
all  the  (remaining)  blood  thereof  shall  he  pour 
out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar. 

31  And  all  the  fat  thereof  shall  he  remove, 
as  the  fat  is  removed  from  off  the  sacrifice  of 
peace-offering;  and  the  priest  shall  burn  it 
upon  the  altar  for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord  ;  and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  him,  and  it  sliall  be  forgiven  unto  him. 

32  ^  And  if  he  bring  a  sheep  for  a  sin- 
offering,  a  female  without  blemish  shall  he 
bring  it. 

33  And  he  shall  lay  liis  hand  upon  the 
head  of  the  sin-offering,  and  slay  it  for  a  sin- 
offering  on  the  place  where  they  kill  the  burnt- 
offering. 

34  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
blood  of  the  sin-offering  with  his  finger,  and 
put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  of  bui-nt-offer- 
ing;  and  all  the  (remaining)  blood  thereof 
shall  he  pour  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar : 


ning  against  a  vital  principle  through  ignorance,  upon  the 
instruction  of  their  highest  religious  authority. 

''  Mendelssohn  translates  this  expression,  wherever  it  oc- 
curs, "  And  he  becomes  aware  of  his  guilt,"  or  as  above, 
"they  become  aware  of  their  guilt." 

121 


LEVITICUS  IV.  V.     VAYIKRA. 


35  And  all  the  fat  thereof  shall  he  remove, 
as  the  fat  of  the  sheep  is  removed  from  the 
sacrifice  of  the  peace-offering ;  and  the  priest 
shall  bum  the  same  upon  the  altar,  upon 
the  offerings  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord; 
and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
him  for  his  sin  that  he  hath  committed,  and 
it  shall  be  forgiven  unto  him. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  *[[  And  if  any  person  sin,  because  he 
heareth  the  voice  of  adjuration,  and  he  is  a 
witness,  since  he  liath  either  seen  or  knoweth 
something ;  if  he  do  not  tell  it,  and  thus  bear 
his  iniquity ; 

2  Or  if  there  be  a  person  who  toucheth  any 
unclean  thing,  whether  it  be  the  carcass  of  an 
unclean  beast,  or  the  carcass  of  unclean  cattle, 
or  the  carcass  of  an  unclean  creeping  thing, 
and  it  escape  his  recollection ;  but  (he  becom- 
eth  aware  that)  he  is  unclean,  and  hath 
(thus)  incurred  guilt; 

3  Or  if  he  touch  the  uncleanness  of  man, 
whatsoever  unclean ness  of  the  kind  it  be  b}' 
which  he  can  be  defiled,  and  it  escape  his  re- 
collection ;  but  he  becometh  aware  of  it,  and 
(that)  he  hath  (thus)  incurred  guilt ; 

4  Or  if  any  p'jrson  swear,  by  pronouncing 
with  his  lips"  to  i  lo  evil,  or  to  do  good  (to  him- 
self), in  whatsoever  it  be  that  a  man  pro- 
nounceth  with  an  oath,  and  it  escape  his 
recollection ;  but  he  becometh  aware  of  it  that 
he  hath  incurred  guilt  by  any  one  of  these  : 

5  And  it  shall  be,  if  he  have  incurred  guilt 
by  any  one  of  these  (things,)  that  he  shall  con- 
fess that  concerning  which  he  hath  sinned; 

G  And  he  shall  bring  his  trespass-offering 
unto  the  Lord  for  his  sin  which  he  hath  com- 
mitted, a  female  from  the  flocks,  a  sheep  or  a 
goat,  for  a  sin-offering;  and  the  priest  shall 
make  an  atonement  for  him  concerning  his 
sin. 

7  And  if  his  means  be  not  sufficient  for  a 
sheep,  then  shall  he  biing  as  his  offering  (for 
the  trespass)  which  he  hath  committed,  two 
turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons,  unto  the 
Lord  ;  one  for  a  sin-oftering,  and  the  other  for 
a  burnt-offering. 

8  And  he  shall  bring  them  unto  the  priest, 
and  he  shall  offer  tliat  which  is  for  the  sin- 


"  Philippson  renders,  "  Or  if  a  person  swear  thought- 
lessly to  do,"  &c.      llashi  .seems  to  assent  to  this  construc- 
(iou  by  commenting,  "witli  the  lips,  but  not  the  heart." 
122 


offering  first,  and  pinch  off  its  head  by  the 
back  of  its  neck,  but  shall  not  divide  it 
asunder : 

9  And  he  shall  sprinkle  some  of  the  blood 
of  the  sin-offering  upon  the  wall  of  the  altar ; 
and  the  rest  of  the  blood  shall  be  wrimg 
out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar;  it  is  a  sin- 
offering. 

10  And  the  second  shall  he  prepare  as  a 
burnt-offering,  according  to  the  prescribed 
order;  and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  for  his  sin  which  he  hath  com- 
mitted, and  it  shall  be  forgiven  unto  him.''' 

1 1  T[  But  if  his  means  be  not  sufficient  for 
two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young  pigeons,  then 
shall  he  bring  as  his  offering  for  that  wliich 
he  hath  sinned,  the  tenth  part  of  ;vn  ephah  of 
fine  flour  for  a  sin-offering;  he  shall  not  put 
upon  it  any  oil,  nor  shall  he  put  thereupon 
any  frankincense ;  for  it  is  a  sin-offering. 

12  And  he  shall  bring  it  to  the  priest;  and 
the  priest  shall  take  from  it  his  handful,  as 
its  memoriiil,  and  burn  it  on  the  altar,  upon 
the  fire-offerings  of  the  Lord:  it  is  a  sin- 
offering. 

13  And  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  him  concerning  his  sin  that  he  hath  com- 
mitted in  one  of  these,  and  it  shall  be  for- 
given unto  him ;  and  it  shall  belong  to  the 
priest,  as  the  meat-offering. 

14  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

15  If  any  person  commit  a  trespass,  and 
sin  through  ignorance,  against  the  holy  things 
of  the  Lord:  then  shall  he  bring  as  his  tres- 
pass-offering unto  the  Lord  a  ram  without 
blemish  out  of  the  flocks,  in  value  of  two 
shekels  of  silver,  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, for  a  trespass-offering. 

16  And  that,  in  which  he  hath  sinned 
against  the  holy  thing,  shall  he  pay,  and  shall 
add  its  fifth  part  thereto,  and  give  it  unto  the 
priest;  and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  with  the  ram  of  the  trespass- 
offering,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  unto  him. 

n  %  And  if  any  person  sin,  and  commit 
any  one  of  the  prohibitions  of  the  Lord  which 
ought  not  to  be  done;  and  he  knoAv''  not 
whether  he  have  incurred  guilt,  and  so  bear 
his  iniquity : 

^  i.  e.  It  is  probable  that  he  has  unawares  committed  a 
capital  sin,  without  being  certain  whether  it  be  so :  /.  e.  that 
both  lawful  and  prohibited  food  had  been  before  him. 


LEVITICUS  V.  VI.     TZAV. 


18  Then  shall  he  bring  a  ram  without 
blemish  out  of  the  flocks,  of  the  usual  value, 
for  a  trespass-oftering,  unto  the  priest;  and 
the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for  him 
concerning  his  sin  of  ignorance,  wherein  he 
hath  erred  and  knoweth  it  not,  and  it  shall 
be  forgiven  unto  him; 

19  It  is  a  trespass-oflering :  he  hath  in  tres- 
passing trespassed  against  the  Lord." 

20  *!  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

21  If  any  person  sin,  and  commit  a  tres- 
pass against  the  Lord  ;  if  he,  namely,  lie  unto 
his  neighbour  in  that  which  was  delivered 
to  him  to  keep,  or  in  a  loan,  or  in  a  thing- 
taken  away  by  violence,  or  if  he  have  with- 
held the  wages  of  his  neighbour ; 

22  Or  if  he  have  found  something  which 
was  lost,  and  lie  concerning  it,  and  swear 
ialsely ;  in  any  one  of  all  these  which  a  man 
can  do,  to  sin  thereby :  _ 

23  Then  shall  it  be,  when  he  hath  sinned, 
and  is  conscious  of  his  guilt,  that  he  shall  re- 
store what  he  hath  taken  violently  away,  or 
the  wages  which  he  hath  withheld,  or  that 
which  was  delivered  to  him  to  keep,  or  the 
lost  thing  which  he  hath  found,* 

24  Or  any  one  thing  about  which  he  may 
have  sworn  falsely;  and  he  shall  restoi'e  it  in 
its  principal,  and  the  fifth  part  thereof  shall 
he  add  thereto;  unto  him  to  whom  it  apper- 
taineth  shall  he  give  it,  on  the  day  when  he 
confesseth  his  trespass. 

25  And  his  trespass-oflering  shall  he  bring 
unto  the  Lord,  a  ram  without  blemish  out  of 
the  flocks,  of  the  usual  value,  for  a  trespass- 
offering,  unto  the  priest: 

26  And  the  priest  shall  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  before  the  Lord,  and  it  shall  be 
forgiven  unto  him,  for  any  one  thing  of  all 
that  he  may  have  done  to  trespass  thereby. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Isai.ah  xliii.  21  to  xliv.  23. 


SECTION  XXV.     TZAV,  IV. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ][   And    the    Lord    spoke    unto    Moses, 
saying, 


"  In  the  Eug.  ver.  the  fifth  chapter  ends  here. 
^  Lit.  "  Upon  the  place  of  burning." 
"  t.  e.  The  altar. 

*  This  word  must  be  so  understood  :  the  meat-offering 
is  brought  to  the  altar;   the  greater  part  is  given  to  the 


2  Command  Aaron  and  his  sons,  saj'ing, 
This  is  the  law  of  the  burnt-oflering :  It  is 
the  burnt-ofiering,  which  shall  be  burning'' 
upon  the  altar  all  night  unto  the  morning,  and 
the  fire  of  the  altar  shall  be  burning  on  it.° 

3  And  the  priest  shall  put  on  his  linen 
garment,  and  linen  breeches  shall  he  put  upon 
his  flesh,  and  he  shall  lift  up  the  ashes  which 
the  fire  hath  made  by  consuming  the  burnt- 
ofiering  on  the  altar,  and  he  shall  place  them 
beside  the  altar. 

4  And  he  shall  take  off  his  garments,  and 
put  on  other  garments,  and  carry  forth  tlie 
ashes  to  without  the  camp,  unto  a  clean  place. 

5  And  the  fire  upon  the  altar  shall  be 
burning  on  it,  it  shall  not  be  put  out,  and  the 
priest  shall  burn  wood  on  it  every  morning; 
and  he  shall  lay  in  order  upon  it  the  burnt- 
offering,  and  he  sliall  burn  thereon  the  fat  of 
the  peace-ofierings. 

6  A  perpetual  fire  shall  be  burning  upon 
the  altar;  it  shall  not  go  out. 

7  ][  And  this  is  the  law  of  the  meat-offering : 
(one  of)  the  sons  of  Aaron  shall  bring  it  near 
before  the  Lord,  in  front  of  the  altar. 

8  And  he  shall  lift  up  from  it  his  handful, 
of  the  flour  of  the  meat-offering,  and  of  its  oil, 
and  all  the  frankincense  which  is  upon  the 
meat-oftering,  and  he  shall  burn  it  upon  the 
altar,  for  a  sweet  savour,'  as  its  memorial,'* 
unto  the  Lord. 

9  And  what  is  left  thereof  shall  Aaron  and 
his  sons  eat :  unleavened  shall  it  be  eaten  in  a 
holy  place;  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation  shall  they  eat  it. 

10  It  shall  not  be  baked  leaven;  as  their 
portion  have  I  given  it  from  my  offerings 
made  by  fire;  it  is  most  holy,  as  is  the  sin- 
offering,  and  as  is  the  trespass-offering. 

11  All  the  males  among  the  children  of 
Aaron  shall  eat  of  it,  as  a  fixed  portion  for 
ever  in  your  generations  from  the  fire-offer- 
ings of  the  Lord:  every  one  that  toucheth 
the  same  shall  be  holy.* 

12  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

13  This  is  the  offering  of  Aaron  and  of  his 
sons,  which  they  shall  offer  imto  the  Lord  on 
the  day  when  he  is  anointed :  the  tenth  part 


priest ;  but  the  portion  offered  on  the  altar  is,  as  it  were, 
that  which  causeth  the  offerer  to  be  remembered  on  high. 
Philippson  translates  the  word  as  "  the  part  to  praise 
therewith." 

123 


LEVITICUS  VI.  VII.     TZAV. 


of  an  ephah  of  fine  flour  for  a  meat-offering 
perpetually;  half  of  it  in  the  morning,  and 
the  other  half  of  it  in  the  evening. 

14  In  a  pan,  with  oil,  shall  it  be  made,  well 
sodden"  shalt  thou  bring  it;  twice  baked,  a 
meat-offering  of  broken  pieces,  shalt  thou  offer 
it  for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord. 

15  And  the  priest  that  shall  be  anointed 
in  his  stead  among  his  sons  shall  offer  it:  it 
is  a  statute  for  ever,  unto  the  Lord;  it  shall  be 
wholly  burnt. 

16  And  every  meat-offering  of  a  priest 
shall  be  wholly  burnt,  it  shall  not  be  eaten. 

17  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

18  Speak  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  sons,  say- 
ing, This  is  the  law  of  the  sin-offering :  On  the 
place  where  the  burnt-ofiering  is  killed  shall 
the  sin-offering  be  killed  before  the  Lord;  it 
is  most  holy. 

19  The  priest  who  maketh  atonement  with 
its  blood  shall  eat  it :  in  a  holy  place  shall  it 
be  eaten,  in  the  court  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

20  Whatsoever  may  touch  the  flesh  there- 
of shall  be  holy:  and  if  there  should  be 
sprinkled  any  of  its  blood  upon  a  garment, 
whatever  it  hath  been  sprinkled  on  shalt  thou 
wash  out  in  a  holy  place. 

21  And  any  earthen  vessel  wherein  it  may 
have  been  boiled  shall  be  broken :  and  if  it 
have  been  boiled  in  a  copper  vessel,  it  shall 
be  both  scoured  and  rinsed  with  water. 

22  Every  male  among  the  priests  may  eat 
thereof:  it  is  most  holy. 

23  And  every  sin-ofiering  whereof  any  of 
the  blood  is  brought  into  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  to  make  atonement  therewith  in 
the  holy  place,  shall  not  be  eaten;  it  shall  be 
burnt  in  fire. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ^  And  this  is  the  law  of  the  trespass- 
offering:  It  is  most  holy. 

2  On  the  place  where  they  kill  the  burnt- 
offering  shall  they  kill  the  trespass-offering; 


"  So  Rashi  explains  the  word  n^D^D  "sodden  sufficient 
in  hot  water ;"  after  which  it  was  baked  in  an  oven,  broken 
in  pieces,  and  baked  again  in  the  pan.  Others  explain 
tiiis  term  with  "  softened  with  oil."  Hut  tiiis  being  one 
of  the  words  wliich  occur  in  but  one  passage,  it  is  difficult 
to  state  it«  precise  signification. 

''  This  is  variously  explalMcd,  so  as  to  agree  with  the 
121 


and  the  blood  thereof  shall  be  sprinkled  upon 
the  altar  round  about. 

3  And  all  its  ftit  shall  be  offered  up  from 
it;  the  rump,  and  the  fit  that  covereth  the 
inwards, 

4  And  the  two  kidneys,  and  the  fat  that  is 
on  them,  which  is  on  the  flanks,  and  the  mid- 
riff above  the  liver,  with  the  kidneys  shall 
he  remove  the  same  : 

5  And  the  priest  shall  burn  them  upon  the 
altar  for  an  ofiering  made  l)y  fire  unto  the 
Lord;  it  is  a  trespass-oftering. 

G  Ever}'  male  among  the  priests  may  eat 
thereof;  in  a  holy  place  shall  it  be  eaten :  it 
is  most  holy. 

7  As  the  sin-ofiering  is,  so  is  the  trespass- 
offering;  there  is  one  law  for  them:  the  priest 
that  maketh  atonement  therewith,  his  shall 
it  be. 

8  And  the  priest  that  offeretli  any  man's 
burnt-ofiering, — the  skin  of  the  burnt-offering 
which  he  hath  ofiered  shall  belong  to  this 
priest  alone. 

9  And  every  meat-offering  that  is  baked  in 
the  oven,  and  all  that  is  dressed  in  the  deep 
pan,  and  in  the  flat  2">an,  shall  belong  to  the 
priest  that  ofl'ereth  it  alone.*" 

10  And  every  meat-offering  which  is  min- 
gled with  oil,  or  dry,  shall  Ijelong  to  all  the 
sons  of  Aaron,  to  one  as  much  as  the  other.'" 

11  T[  And  this  is  the  law  of  the  sacrifice 
of  peace-offering,  which  one  may  happen  to 
ofler  unto  the  Lord. 

12  If  he  offer  it  for  a  thanksgiving,  then 
shall  he  offer  with  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiv- 
ing unleavened  cakes  mingled  with  oil,  and  un- 
leavened wafers  anointed  withoil,  and  fine  flour, 
well  sodden,  made  into  cakes  mingled  with  oil. 

13  Together  with  cakes  of  leavened  bread 
shall  he  bring  his  offering,  with  the  sacrifice 
of  his  thanksgiving  peace-offering. 

14  And  he  shall  offer  tliereol'  one  out  of 
every  oblation  for  a  heave-offering  unto  the 
Lord;  to  the  priest  that  sprinkleth  the  blood 
of  the  i)eace-offering — to  him  sludl  it  lielong. 

15  And   the   flesh   of  the   sacrifice  of  his 


next  verse.  First,  that  it  is  the  absolute  property  of  the 
officiating  priest,  to  distribute  it  at  his  option  among  his 
fellows;  secondly,  that  it  belongs  to  the  family  division 
of  the  sacrificer  who  may  have  the  duties  to  perform  on 
the  day  of  the  sacrifice.  Arnhcim  and  others  render 
verse  10,  "]5ut,"  &c.,  thus  making  a  distinction  between 
the  various  kinds  of  sacrifices. 


LEVITICUS  VII.     TZAV. 


tlianksghing-peace-oifering  shall  be  eaten  the 
same  day  that  it  is  ofiered;  he  shall  not  leave 
any  of  it  until  the  morning. 

16  But  if  the  sacrifice  of  his  offering  be  a 
vow,  or  a  voluntary  offering,  it  shall  be  eaten 
the  same  day  that  he  offereth  his  sacrifice: 
and  on  the  morrow  also  shall  what  is  left 
thereof  be  eaten. 

17  But  what  is  left  of  the  flesh  of  the  sacri- 
fice, on  the  third  day  shall  it  be  burnt  with 
fire. 

18  And  if  the  intention"  was  to  eat  of  the 
flesh  of  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace-offering  on 
the  thii'd  day,  it  shall  not  be  favourably  re- 
ceived ;  to  him  who  oflereth  it  shall  it  not  be  ac- 
counted; it  shall  be  an  abomination,  and  the 
person  that  eateth  of  it  shall  bear  liis  iniquity. 

19  And  the  flesh,  that  toucheth  an}-  unclean 
thing,  shall  not  be  eaten,  with  fire  shall  it 
be  burnt:  and  as  for  the  flesh,  every  one 
tluvt  is  clean  may  eat  thereof 

20  But  the  person  that  eateth  the  flesh  of 
the  sacrifice  of  peace-offering,  that  pertaineth 
unto  the  Lord,  having  his  uncleanness  upon 
him,  even  that  person  shall  be  cut  ofi"  from 
his  people. 

21  And  any  pensoii  that  toucheth  any  un- 
clean thing,  as  the  uncleanness  of  man,  or  any 
unclean  beast,  or  any  abominable  unclean 
thing,  and  eateth  of  the  flesh  of  the  sacrifice 
of  peace-offering,  which  pertaineth  unto  the 
Lord,  even  that  person  sliall  be  cut  off  from 
his  people. 

22  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

23  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  say- 
ing, Every  manner  of  fat,  of  ox,''  or  of  sheep, 
or  of  goat  shall  ye  not  eat. 

24  And  the  tat  of  a  beast  that  dieth  of 
itself,  and  the  tat  of  that  which  is  torn  by- 
beasts,  may  be  used  for  any  manner  of  work, 
but  ye  shall  in  no  wise  eat  of  it. 

25  For  whosoever  eateth  the  fat  of  tlie 
cattle,  of  which  one  can  offer  an  offering  made 
by  fire  unto  the  Lord,  cacu  the  person  that 
eateth  it  shall  be  cut  off  from  his  people. 

26  Moreover  ye  shall  eat  no  manner  of 

'  After  Rashi,  in  accordance  with  Zebachim,  folio  28  a. 
See  also  Wesscli's  note  to  this  verse,  where  he  proves  that 
it  would  be  incorrect  to  render  "if  any  of  the  flesh,  &c. 
be  eaten." 

''  These  are  thb  species  of  which  a  sacrifice  can  be 
brought:  consequently,  the  fat  of  the  deer-kind  is  per- 
mitted. 


blood,  in  any  of  your  dwellmgs,  whether  it  l)e 
of  fowl  or  of  cattle.' 

27  Whatsoever  person  it  be  that  eateth 
any  manner  of  blood,  even  that  person  shall 
be  cut  ofl"  from  his  people. 

28  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying,^ 

29  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  say- 
ing, He  that  offereth  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace- 
offering  unto  the  Lord  shall  bring  his  oblation 
unto  the  Lord  from  the  sacrifice  of  his  peace- 
oftering. 

30  His  own  hands  shall  bring  it,  as  the 
fire-oflerings  of  the  Lord:  the  fat  with  the 
breast  shall  he  bring,  the  breast  that  it  may 
be  waved  for  a  wave-offering  before  the  Lord. 

31  And  the  priest  shall  burn  the  fat  upon 
the  altar;  but  the  breast  shall  belong  to 
Aaron  and  to  his  sons. 

32  And  the  right  shoulder  shall  ye  give 
unto  the  priest  for  a  heave-offering,  of  the 
sacrifices  of  your  peace-offerings. 

33  The  one  that  offereth  the  blood  of  the 
peace-offerings  and  the  fat,  among  the  sons 
of  Aaron,  shall  have  the  right  shoulder  for 
his  part. 

34  For  the  breast  which  hath  been  waved 
and  the  shoulder  which  hath  been  lifted  up 
have  I  taken  from  the  children  of  Israel  from 
the  sacrifices  of  their  peace-offerings;  and  I 
have  given  them  unto  Aaron  the  priest  and 
unto  his  sons  as  a  fixed  portion*  for  ever  from 
the  children  of  Israel. 

35  This  is  the  portion  of  the  anointing"  of 
Aaron,  and  of  the  anointing  of  his  sons,  from 
the  fire-ofterings  of  the  Lord,  on  the  day 
when  he  brought  them  near  to  become  priests 
unto  the  Lord; 

36  AVhich  the  Lord  commanded  to  give 
unto  them,  on  the  day  that  he  anointed  them, 
from  the  children  of  Israel,  as  a  fixed  portion 
for  ever  throughout  their  generations. 

37  This  is  the  law  of  the  burnt-offering,  of 
the  mea<>offering,  and  of  the  sin-offering,  and 
of  the  trespass-offering,  and  of  the  consecra- 
tion-offering, and  of  the  sacrifice  of  the  peace- 
offering  ; 

°  The  blood,  however,  of  all  four-footed  animals,  as  well 
as  of  birds,  is  interdicted,  without  distinction,  whether  the 
individual  be  fit  for  sacrifice  or  not. 

^  The  word  pn,  otherwise  rendered  "statute,"  is  here 
given,  after  Mendelssohn,  with  "fixed  portion."  (See 
Genesis  xlvii.  22.) 

'  i.  e.  His,  in  consequence  uf  his  being  anointed. 

-•j 


LEVITICUS  VII.  VIII.     TZAV. 


38  Which  the  Lord  commanded  Moses  on 
mount  Sinai,  on  the  day  that  he  commanded 
the  children  of  Israel  to  offer  their  oblations 
unto  the  Lord,  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai.* 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Take  Aaron  and  his  sons  with  him,  and 
the  garments,  and  the  anointing  oil,  and  the 
bullock  for  the  sin-offering,  and  the  two  rams, 
and  the  basket  of  unleavened  bread ; 

3  And  all  the  congregation  shalt  thou  as- 
semble together  unto  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation. 

4  And  Moses  did  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded him ;  and  the  assembly  came  together 
unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

5  And  Moses  said  unto  the  congregation. 
This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded to  do. 

6  And  Moses  brought  near  Aaron  and  his 
sons,  and  washed  them  with  water. 

7  And  he  put  upon  him  the  coat,  and 
girded  him  with  the  girdle,  and  clothed  him 
with  the  robe,  and  put  upon  him  the  ephod, 
and  he  girded  him  with  the  Ijelt  of  the  ej)hod, 
and  bound  it  unto  him  therewith. 

8  And  he  put  on  him  the  breastplate ;  and 
he  put  in  the  breastj)late  the  Urim  and  the 
Thummim. 

9  And  he  put  the  mitre  upon  his  head; 
and  he  placed  upon  the  mitre,  toward  the 
front  thereof,  the  golden  plate,  the  holy 
crown;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

10  And  Moses  took  the  anointing  oil,  and 
anointed  the  tabernacle  and  all  that  was 
therein,  and  sanctified  them. 

11  And  he  sprinkled  thereof  upon  the 
altar  seven  times;  and  he  anointed  the  altar 
and  all  its  vessels,  also  the  laver  and  its  foot, 
to  sanctify  them. 

12  And  he  poured  of  the  anointing  oil  upon 
Aaron's  head,  and  he  anointed  him,  to  sanc- 
tify him. 


'  This  is  the  manner  in  which  Arnheim  and  Wesseli 
explain  ontyi  used  here  and  in  verses  19  and  23,  it  hav- 
ing in  all  these  instances  a  disjunctive  accent.  Mcndels- 
siilin,  however,  after  Torath  Kohanim,  both  transl.ates 
"and  Moses  slew  and  took  the  blood,"  and  comments  that 
prcibalily  during  the  week  of  consecration  the  killing  of 
the  sacrifices  was  recjuired  to  be  done  by  Moses,  periiaps 
to  show  the  people  the  manner  of  kiUinj^  the  same,  as 
120 


13  And  Moses  brought  near  the  sons  of 
Aaron,  and  clothed  them  with  coats,  and 
girded  them  with  girdles,  and  bound  the  bon- 
nets on  them;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses.* 

14  And  he  brought  near  the  bullock  of  the 
sin-offering:  and  Aaron  and  his  sons  laid 
their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  bullock  of 
the  sin-offering. 

15  And  some  one°  slew  him;  and  Moses 
took  the  blood,  and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of 
the  altar  round  about  with  his  finger,  and 
purified  the  altar,  and  the  (remaining)  blood 
he  poured  out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar,  and 
sanctified  it,  to  make  henceforth  atonement 
upon  it. 

16  And  he  took  all  the  fat  that  was  upon 
the  inwards,  and  the  midrifi'  of  the  liver,  and 
the  two  kidneys,  and  their  fat,  and  Moses 
burnt  them  upon  the  altar. 

17  But  the  bullock,  and  his  hide,  and  his 
flesh,  and  his  dung,  he  burnt  with  fire  with- 
out the  camp;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses. 

18  And  he  brought  near  the  ram  of  the 
burnf>of}ering ;  and  Aaron  and  his  sons  laid 
their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  ram. 

19  And  some  one  killed  him;  and  Moses 
sprinkled  the  blood  upon  the  altar  round 
about. 

20  And  the  ram  he''  cut  into  the  proper 
pieces;  and  Moses  burnt  the  head,  and  the 
pieces,  and  the  fat. 

21  And  he  washed  the  inwards  and  the 
legs  in  water;  and  Moses  burnt  the  whole 
ram  upon  the  altar :  it  was  a  burntr-saorifice 
for  a  sweet  savour,  an  offering  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lord;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses.* 

22  And  he  brought  near  the  other  ram, 
the  ram  of  consecration;  and  Aaron  and  his 
sons  laid  their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the 
ram. 

23  And  some  one  slew  him;  and  Moses 
took  some  of  his  blood,  and  put  it  upon  the 
tip  of  Aaron's  right  ear,  and  upon  the  thumb 

he  performed  all  the  other  duties  of  the  service  to  show 
them  all  the  laws  thereof. 

''  M^^sseli  and  Arnheim  remark  that  the  cutting  up 
and  the  washing  of  the  sacrifice  were  probably  performed 
by  another  person,  as  above,  verse  15;  as  they  do  not 
properly  belong  to  the  net  of  sacrificing,  and  could  there- 
fore be  done  liy  a  person  not  connected  with  the  priest- 
hood. 


LEVITICUS  VIII.  IX.     SHEMINEE. 


of  bis  right  hand,  and  upon  tiio  great  toe  of 
his  right  foot. 

24  And  he  brought  near  Aaron's  sons,  and 
Moses  put  some  of  the  blood  upon  the  tip  of 
their  right  ear,  and  upon  the  tliunib  of  their 
right  hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of  their 
right  toot;  and  Moses  sprinkled  the  blood 
upon  the  altar  round  about. 

25  And  he  took  the  fat,  and  the  rump, 
and  all  the  fat  that  was  upon  the  inwards, 
and  the  midriff  of  the  liver,  and  the  two  kid- 
neys, and  their  fat,  and  the  right  shoulder ; 

26  And  out  of  the  basket  of  unleavened 
bread,  that  was  before  the  Lord,"  he  took  one 
unleavened  cake,  and  one  cake  of  oiled  bread, 
and  one  wafer,  and  he  put  them  on  the  fat, 
and  upon  the  right  shoulder : 

27  And  he  placed  the  whole  upon  the 
hands  of  Aaron,  and  upon  the  hands  of  his 
sons,  and  made  with  them  a  waving  before 
the  Lord. 

28  And  Moses  then  took  these  things  from 
ofl'  their  hands,  and  burnt  them  on  the  altar 
upon  the  burnt-ofFeriug  ^  they  were  a  conse- 
cration-offering for  a  sweet  savour,  a  fire-offer- 
ing were  they  unto  the  Lord. 

29  And  Moses  took  the  breast,  and  made 
therewith  a  waving  before  the  Lord;  from 
the  ram  of  consecration  was  it  given  to  Moses 
as  his  portion;  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses.* 

30  And  Moses  took  some  of  the  anointing 
oil,  and  of  the  blood  which  Avas  ujjon  the 
altar,  and  sprinkled  the  same  upon  Aaron, 
and  upon  his  garments,  and  upon  his  sons, 
and  upon  the  garments  of  his  sons  with  him ; 
and  he  sanctified  Aaron,  his  garments,  and 
his  sons,  and  the  garments  of  his  sons  with 
him. 

31  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron  and  to  his 
sons,  Boil  ye  the  flesh  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation;  and  there 
shall  ye  eat  it  with  the  bread  that  is  in  the 
basket-  of  the  consecration;  as  I  have  com- 
manded, saying,  Aaron  and  his  sons  shall 
eat  it. 

32  And  that  which  is  left  of  the  flesh  and 
of  the  bread  shall  ye  burn  with  fire.* 

33  And  from  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of 


"  Meaning,  the  basket  which  had  been  placed  near  the 
altar,  as  by  this  means  it  was  more  in  the  presence  of  God 
than  in  any  other  place. 

'  Lit.  "Shall  he  (the  consecrator)  fill  your  hand." 


the  congregation  shall  ye  not  go  forth  seven 
days,  until  the  days  of  your  consecration  be 
at  an  end;  for  seven  days  shall  your  conse- 
cration last.'' 

34  As  they  have  done  this  day,  so  haih 
the  Lord  commanded  to  do  farther,  to  make 
an  atonement  for  3'ou. 

35  And  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  shall  ye  abide  day  and  night 
seven  days,  and  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord, 
that  ye  die  not;  for  so  have  I  been  com- 
manded. 

36  And  Aaron  aitd  his  sons  did  all  the 
things  which  the  Lord  had  commanded  jjy 
the  hand  of  Moses. 

Haphtorah  in  Jeremiah  vii.  21  to  viii.  3  and  is.  22,  23. 


SECTION  XXVL     SHEMINEE,  'yDC 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  <  n  the  eighth  day 
that  Moses  called  Aaron  and  his  sons,  and 
the  elders  of  Israel ; 

2  And  he  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  unto  thy- 
self a  young  calf"  for  a  sin-offering,  and  a  ram 
for  a  burnt-offering,  without  blemish,  and 
bring  them  near  before  the  Lord. 

3  And  unto  the  children  of  Israel  shalt 
thou  speak,  sajdng,  Take  ye  a  he-goat  for  a 
sin-offering;  and  a  calf  and  a  sheep,  both  of 
the  first  year,  without  blemish,  for  a  burnt- 
offering  ; 

4  Also  a  bullock  and  a  ram  for  peace-offer- 
ings, to  sacrifice  before  the  Lord,  and  a  meat- 
offering mingled  with  oil;  for  this  day  the 
Lord  will  appear  unto  you. 

5  And  they  brought  that  which  Moses  had 
commanded  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation :  and  all  the  congregation  drew  near 
and  stood  before  the  Lord. 

6  And  Moses  said.  This  thing  which  the 
Lord. hath  commanded  shall  ye  do:  and  then 
will  tlie  glory  of  the  Lord  appear  ur  to  you. 

7  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Draw  near 
unto  the  altar,  and  prepare  thy  sin-oflering. 
and  thy  burnt-ofiering,  and  make  an  atone- 
ment for  thj'self,  and  lor  the  people ;  and  pre- 
pare the  offering  of  the  people,  and  make  an 


°  This  phrase  ip3  p  Sj;?  is  said  to  mean  a  steer  of  two 
years,  so  likewise  "ram"  signifies  one  two  years  old;  but 
when  the  words  Sji'  and  n/ij  "calf"  and  "sheep"  are 
used,  they  mean  animals  one  year  old. 

127 


LEVITICUS  IX.  X.     SHEMINEE. 


atonement  for  them;  as  the  Lord  hath  com- 
mauded.  * 

8  And  Aaron  drew  near  nnto  the  altar; 
and  he  slew  the  calf  of  the  sin-ofiering,  which 
Avas  for  himself. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Aaron  brought  the 
blood  unto  him;  and  he  dipped  his  finger  in 
the  blood,  and  put  it  upon  the  honis  of  the 
altar;  and  the  (remaining)  blood  he  poured 
out  at  the  bottom  of  the  altar 

10  And  the  fat,  and  the  kidneys,  and  the 
midriflf  from  the  liver  of  the  sin-offering,  he 
burnt  upon  the  altar;  tis  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses. 

11  And  the  flesh  and  the  hide  he  burnt 
with  fire  without  the  camp. 

12  And  he  slew  the  burnt-offering;  and 
the  sons  of  Aaron  presented  unto  him  the 
blood,  and  he  sprinkled  it  upon  the  altar 
round  about. 

13  And  the  burnt-offering  they  presented 
unto  him,  in  its  proper  pieces,  together  with 
the  head:  and  he  burnt  them  upon  the 
altar. 

14  And  he  washed  the  inwards  and  the 
legs;  and  he  burnt  them  uj^on  the  burnt- 
offering  on  the  altar. 

15  And  he  brought  near  the  people's  offer- 
ing ;  and  he  took  the  goat  of  the  sin-offering 
which  belonged  to  the  people,  and  slew  it, 
and  made  atonement"  with  its  blood,  as  the 
first. 

16  And  he  brought  near  the  burnt-offering, 
and  offered  it  according  to  the  prescribed 
manner.* 

17  And  he  brought  near  the  meat-offering, 
and  he  filled  his  hand  thereof,  and  burnt  it 
upon  the  altar,  beside  the  burnt-sacrifice  of 
the  morning. 

18  He  slew  also  the  bullock  and  the  ram, 
the  sacrifice  of  peace-offering  which  belonged 
to  the  people:  and  the  sous  of  Aaron  pre- 
sented unto  him  the  blood,  and  he  sprinkled 
it  upon  the  altar  round  about, 

19  Also  the  fat  of  the  bullock,  and  of  the 
ram,  the  rumj),  and  that  which  covereth  the 

'  Onkelos  thus  renders  iDNBrri,  aud  views  it  as  express- 
ing that  the  priest  made  of  it  a  siu-ofForing  by  sprin- 
kling the  blood:  the  word  UowJ,  however,  is  not  in  the 
text,  and  is  merely  understood.  So  also  above,  vi.  19, 
and  elsewhere. 

"  The  guilt  of  the  sons  of  Aaron  (more  correctly  Aha- 
ron) evidently  consisted  in  their  bringing  incense  upon  a 
censa'  which  had  not  been  commanded,  as  it  was  merely 
128 


inwards,  and  the  kidneys,  and  the  midriff  of 
the  liver; 

20  And  they  put  these  jiieces  of  fot  upon 
the  breasts,  and  he  burnt  the  lat  upon  the 
altar; 

21  And  with  the  breasts  and  the  right 
shoulder  Aaron  made  a  waving  before  the 
Lord;  as  Moses  had  commanded. 

22  And  Aaron  lifted  \i\)  his  hands  toward 
the  people,  and  blessed  them ;  and  came  down 
after  he  had  offered  the  sin-offering,  and  the 
burnt-offering,  and  peace-offerings. 

23  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  into  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  came  then 
out,  and  blessed  the  people :  and  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  appeared  unto  all  the  people.* 

24  And  there  came  forth  a  fire  from  before 
the  Lord,  and  consumed  upon  the  altar  the 
burnt^offering  and  the  fat;  and  when  all  the 
people  saw  this,  they  shouted,  and  lell  on 
their  faces. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  And  Nadab  and  Abihu,  the  sons  of 
Aaron,  took  each  his  censer,  and  they  put 
therein  fire,  and  put  thereon  incense:  and 
they  brought  near  before  the  Lord  a  strange 
fire,*  which  he  had  not  commanded  them. 

2  Anc\  there  went  out  a  fire  from  Ijefore 
the  Lord,  and  consumed  them,  and  they  died 
before  the  Lord. 

3  Then  said  Moses  unto  Aaron.  This  is 
what  the  Lord  hath  sjwken,  saying,  On  those 
who  are  near  unto  me  will  I  be  sanctified, 
and  before  all  the  people  will  I  be  glorified: 
and  Aaron  held  his  peace. 

4  And  Moses  called  unto  Mishael  and  El- 
zaphan,  the  sons  of 'Uzziel,  the  uncle  of  Aaron, 
and  said  unto  them,  Come  near,  carry  your 
brethren  from  before  the  sanctuary  to  without 
the  camp. 

5  And  they  came  near,  and  carried  them 
in  their  coats  to  without  the  camp ;  as  Moses 
had  spoken. 

6  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  and  unto 
Elazar  and  unto  Ithamar,  his  sons.  The  hair 


to  be  sacrificed  on  the  altar  which  was  within  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  then  but  twice  every  d.-iy.  .^nd  wliilo  they 
were  engaged  in  this  unacceptable  ministry,  they  were 
slain  in  the  tabernach^  by  the  mysterious  fire.  The 
words  "consumed  thciu"  must,  however,  be  understood, 
not  as  a  perfect  burning,  but  as  merely  em  iigh  to  cause 
death,  or  else  they  could  not  have  been  carried  forth  to  be 
buried  iu  their  garments. 


LEVITICUS  X.  XL     SHEMINEE. 


of  your  head  you.  shall  not  let  grow  long,  and 
your  garments  you  shall  not  rend,  that  ye 
die  not,  and  that  he  be  not  Avroth  upon  the 
Avhole  congregation;  but  your  Ijrethren,  the 
whole  house  of  Israel,  nuxy  bewail  the  burn- 
ing which  the  Lord  hath  kindled. 

7  And  from  the  door  of  the  taljernacle  of 
the  congregation  shall  ye  not  go  out,  lest  ye 
die;  for  the  anointing  oil  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
you ;  and  they  did  according  to  the  word  of 
Moses. 

8  T[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Aaron, 
saying, 

9  Wine  or  strong  drink"  shalt  thou  not 
drink,  neither  thou,  nor  thy  sons  with  thee, 
when  ye  go  in  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, lest  3'e  die :  it  shall  Ije  a  statute  for 
ever  throughout  your  generations. 

10  So  that  ye  may  be  able  to  distinguish 
between  Ihe  lioly  and  the  unholy,  and  be- 
tween the  unclean  and  the  clean  ; 

11  And  that  ye  may  he  able  to  teach  the 
children  of  Israel  all  the  statutes  which  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  unto  them  by  the  hand  of 
Moses.* 

12  ][  And  Moses  spoke  unto  Aaron,  and 
unto  Elazar  and  unto  Ithamar  his  sons,  that 
were  left,  Take  ye  the  meat-offering  that  is 
left  of  the  fire-offerings  of  the  Lord,  and  eat 
it  unleavened  beside  the  altar ;  for  it  is  most 
holy. 

13  And  ye  shall  eat  it  in  a  holy  place,  be- 
cause it  is  thy  fixed  portion,  and  the  fixed 
portion  of  thy  sons,  from  the  fire-ofierings  of 
the  Lord;  for  so  have  I  been  commanded. 

14  And  the  breast  which  hath  been  waved 
and  the  shoulder  which  hath  been  lifted  up, 
shall  ye  eat  in  a  clean  place,  thou,  and  thy 
sons,  and  thy  daughtei's  with  thee ;  for  as  thy 
fixed  portion,  and  the  fixed  portion  of  thy 
sous,  have  they  been  given  from  the  sacrifices 
of  peace-offerings  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

15  The  shoulder  which  is  waved  and  the 

'  From  the  fact  that  this  section  follows  immediately 
the  one  containing  the  death  of  Aaron's  sons,  it  was  the 
opinion  of  Rabbi  Ishmael,  that  they  had  entered  the  sanc- 
tuary in  a  state  of  drunkenness;  be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  an 
energetic  prohibition  against  the  use  of  any  intoxicating 
drink,  by  priests  or  judges,  before  they  engage  in  their 
solemn  duties. 

''  Aaron  uo  doubt  meant  to  exhibit  to  Moses,  that  as  he 
had  not  enumerated  the  sin-offering  among  the  things  to  be 
eaten,  (verse  12,)  it  would  have  been  wrong  for  him  to  eat 
thereof,  while  his  sons  were  yet  unburied ;  and  he  there- 
fore had  it  burnt,  as  it  could  not  lawfully  be  kept  till  the 
R 


breast  which  is  lifted  up,  shall  they  bring  with 
the  fat  of  the  fire-offering,  to  make  thei-ewith 
a  waving  before  the  Lord;  and  then  shall  it 
be  thine,  and  thy  sons  with  thee,  as  a  fixed 
portion  tor  ever;  as  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded.* 

IG  And  the  goat  of  the  sin-offering  Moses 
sought  diligently,  and  behold,  it  was  burnt : 
and  he  was  angry  with  Elazar  and  Ithamar, 
the  sous  of  Aaron  who  had  been  left,  and 
said, 

17  Wherefore  have  ye  not  eaten  the  sin- 
offering  in  the  holy  place,  seeing  that  it  is 
most  hoi}',  and  that  he  hath  given  it  to  you 
to  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  congregation,  to 
make  atonement  for  them  before  the  Lord  ? 

18  Behold,  its  blood  was  not  brought  with- 
in the  holy  place :  ye  should  then  have  eaten 
it  in  the  holy  place,  as  I  commanded. 

19  And  Aaron  spoke  unto  Moses,  Behold, 
this  day  have  they  offered  their  sin-offering, 
and  their  burnt-oflcring  before  the  Lord  ;  and 
things  as  these  have  befallen  me :  and  if  I  had 
eaten  the  sin-ofiering  to-da}',^  would  it  have 
been  pleasing  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  ? 

20  And  when  Moses  heard  this,  it  was 
pleasing  in  his  eyes.* 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
to  Aaron,  saying  unto  them, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
These  are  the  beasts  which  ye  may  eat  among 
all  the  laeasts''  that  are  on  the  earth. 

3  Whatsoever  divideth  the  hoof,  and  is 
cloven-footed,  and  cheweth  the  cud,  among 
the  beasts,  that  may  ye  eat. 

4  But  these  shall  ye  not  eat,  of  those  that 
chew  the  cud,  or  of  those  that  divide  the 
hoof:  the  camel ;  because  he  cheweth  the  cud, 
but  divideth  not  the  hoof;  he  is  unclean  unto 


you. 


5  And  the  conv;  because  he  cheweth  the 


next  day.  And  though  he  had  concluded  wrongly,  still 
Moses  was  satisfied;  as  he  had  acted  from  pure  intentions. 
— After  Wesseli. 

"  nrDHD  in  this  and  subsequent  verses  is  rendered  by 
Arnheim  "  fourfonted,"  i.  eranimals.  Usually  it  is  given 
with  "  cattle,"  that  is,  the  domestic  ones,  in  opposition  to 
rrn  "the  beast"  which  roams  wild.  But  as  "beast"  in 
English  includes  both  the  wild  and  domestic  animal,  the 
word  has  been  used  to  express  both  rrn  and  n-ina,  fnim 
the  difficulty  of  translating  them  always  with  the  proper 
synonyme. 


LEVITICUS  XL     SIIEMINEE. 


cud,  but  dividetli  not  the  hoof;  he  is  unclean 
unto  you. 

6  And  the  hare;  because  he  cheweth  the 
cud,  but  divideth  not  the  hoof;  he  is  unclean 
unto  you. 

7  And  the  swine;  because  he  divideth  the 
hoof,  and  is  cloven-footed,  but  he  cheweth  not 
the  cud ;  he  is  unclean  unto  you. 

8  Of  their  flesh  shall  ye  not  eat,  and  their 
carcass  shall  ye  not  touch;  they  ai-e  unclean 
unto  you. 

9  These  may  ye  eat,  of  all  that  are  in  the 
waters:  All  that  have  fins  and  scales  in  the 
waters,  in  the  seas,  and  in  the  rivers,  them 
may  ye  eat. 

10  But  all  that  have  not  fins  and  scales  in 
the  seas,  and  in  the  rivers,  of  whatever  moy- 
eth  in  the  waters,  and  of  any  living  thing 
which  is  in  the  waters,  shall  be  an  abomina- 
tion unto  you  : 

11  And  an  aliominatiou  shall  they  remain 
unto  you ;  of  their  flesh  shall  ye  not  eat, 
and  their  carcasses  ye  shall  liave  in  abomina^ 
tion. 

12  Whatsoever  hath  not  fins  and  scales  in 
the  waters,  shall  be  an  abomination  unto 
you. 

13  And  these  shall  ye  have  in  abomination 
among  the  fowls;  they  shall  not  be  eaten, 
they  are  an  abomination :  The  eagle,"  and  the 
ossifrage,  and  the  osprey, 

14  And  the  vulture,  and  the  kite  after  his 
kind ; 

1 5  Every  raven  after  his  kind ; 

16  And  the  ostrich,  and  the  night-hawk, 
and  the  cuckoo,  and  the  hawk  after  his 
kind ; 

17  And  the  little  owl,  and  the  cormorant, 
and  the  great  owl, 

18  And  the  swan,  and  the  pelican,  and  the 
gier-eagle, 

19  And  the  stork,  tlie  heron  after  his  kind, 
and  the  lapwing,  and  the  bat. 

20  All  flying  insects  that  walk  upon  four 
feet,  shall  be  an  ahomination  unto  you. 

21  Yet  these  may  ye  eat,  among  all  the 


'  The  meaning  of  some  of  the  birds'  names,  like  that  of 
the  stones  in  the  breastplate,  are  of  very  uncertain  signi- 
fication.    (See  also  Dent.  xiv.  12-18.) 

■■  All  these  are  species  of  the  locust — the  particular 
kinds  are  not  known  ;  hence  they  are  left  untranslated,  as 
has  been  done  by  Mendelssohn  and  Aruheim.  The  same 
uncertainty  prevails  concerning  the  animals  nieutioncd  in 
Verse.-i  iiU  and  o  1, 
130 


flying  insecis  that  walk  on  four  feet,  which 
have  spring-legs  above  their  feet,  to  leap 
therewith  upon  the  earth. 

22  These  of  them  may  ^-e  eat :  The  locust 
after  its  kind,  and  the  sol'am''  after  its  kind, 
and  the  chargol  after  its  kind,  and  the  chagab 
after  its  kind. 

23  But  all  flying  insects,  which  have  four 
feet,  shall  be  an  abomination  unto  you; 

24  And  through  these  shall  ye  be  rendered 
unclean:  whosoever  toucheth  tlie  carcass  of 
them  shall  be  unclean  until  the  evening; 

25  And  who.soever  beareth  aught  of  their 
carcass  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean 
imtil  the  evening. 

26  Every  species  of  beast,''  which  divideth 
the  hoof  and  is  not  cloven-footed  nor  cheweth 
the  cud,  is  unclean  unto  30U  :  every  one  that 
toucheth  the  same  shall  be  unclean. 

27  And  all  that  walk  upon  their  paws, 
among  all  manner  of  beasts  that  walk  on  four 
feet,  are  unclean  unto  you ;  whosoever  touch- 
eth their  carcass  shall  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

28  And  he  that  beareth  their  carcass  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening:  unclean  shall  they  be  unto  30U. 

29  ^[  And  these  shall  be  unclean  unto  you 
among  the  creeping  things  that  creep  upon 
the  earth :  The  weasel,  and  the  mouse,  and  the 
tortoise  after  its  kind, 

30  And  the  hedgehog,  and  the  chame- 
leon, and  the  lizard,  and  the  snail,  and  the 
mole. 

31  These  shall  be  unclean  to  you  among 
all  that  creep:  whosoever  doth  touch  them, 
when  they  are  dead,  shall  be  unclean  until 
the  evening. 

32  And  every  thing  upon  which  any  ])art 
of  them,  when  they  are  dead,  doth  lull,  shall 
be  unclean ;  whether  it  be  any  ^'essel  of  Mood, 
or  raiment,  or  skin,  or  sack,  ever^-  ^■essel 
wherewith  any  work  can  be  done,  must  be  put 
into  water,  and  it  shall  be  unclean  until  the 
evening,  Avlien  it  shall  be  clean.''' 

33  And    every   earthen    vessel    whereinto 

"  In  this  the  prohibition  is  rendered  general,  that  any 
animal  which  has  a  hoof  that  is  not  divided  tiiruugh, 
though  it  be  partially  split,  shall  be  unclean.  The  touch- 
ing to  render  man  unclean,  refers  to  the  carcass,  not  the 
living  animal,  as  appears  from  the  wdiole  tenor  of  the  pre- 
cept given  here  with  regard  to  uncleanuess  arising  from 
touching  unclean  animals.  Verse  27  interdicts  all  animals 
that  iiayc  neither  niark  of  cleanness  bci'ore  given, 


LEVITICUS  XI.  XII.     TAZREEANG. 


any  part  of  them  falletli,  whatsoever  is  in  it 
shall  be  unclean;  and  itself  shall  ye  break. 

34  All  kinds  of  food  which  may  be  eaten," 
on  which  water  cometh,  shall  be  unclean :  and 
all  drink  that  may  be  drunk,  shall  be  render- 
ed unclean  in  every  vessel. 

35  And  every  thing  whereupon  any  part 
of  their  carcass  falleth,  shall  be  unclean;  an 
oven,^  or  ranges  for  pots,  shall  be  broken 
down,  they  are  unclean;  and  unclean  shall 
they  be  unto  j^ou. 

36  Nevertheless,  a  fountain,  or  pit,  recepta- 
cles for  water,  shall  be  clean;' but  lie"*  that 
toucheth  their  carcass  shall  be  unclean. 

37  And  if  any  part  of  their  carcass  fall 
upon  any  sowing-seed  which  hath  been*  sown, 
it  shall  be  clean. 

38  But  if  any  water  be  ^nit  upon  the  seed, 
and  any  part  of  their  carcass  tall  thereon,  it 
shall  be  unclean  unto  you. 

39  ][  And  if  any  cattle  die,  which  is  allow- 
ed to  you  as  food :  he  that  toucheth  its  car- 
cass shall  be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

40  And  he  that  eateth  of  its  carcass  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening ;  he  also  that  beareth  its  carcass  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

41  And  every  creeping  thing  that  creepeth 
upon  the  earth  is  an  abomination,  it  shall  not 
be  eaten. 

42  Whatsoever  goeth  upon  the  belly,  and 
whatsoever  goeth  upon  four  feet,  down  to 
whatsoever  hath  many  feet  among  all  creep- 
ing things  that  creep  upon  the  earth,  shall  ye 
not  eat;  for  they  are  an  abomination. 

43  Ye  shall  not  make  yourselves  abomina- 
ble with  any  creeping  thing  that  creepeth; 
and  ye  shall  not  make  yourselves  unclean 
with  them,  that  ye  should  be  defiled  thereby. 

44  For  I  am  the  Lord  30ur  God ;  ye  shall 
therefore  sanctifj'  yourselves,  and  ye  shall  be 
holy ;  for  I  am  holy :  neither  shall  ye  make 
yourselves  unclean  with  any  manner  of  creep- 
ing thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth.* 

45  For  I  am  the  Lord  that  have  Ijrought 
you  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  }'our 

'"This  refers  to  the  preceding  verse;  whatever  food 
on  wliich  water  has  been  put,  as  also  all  manner  of  drink 
which  shall  happen  to  be  in  the  unclean  vessel,  shall  be 
rendered  unclean." — Rashi. 

'  Tradition  defines  these  to  mean  movable  earthen 
ovens  and  ranu-es. 


God ;  }'e   shall   therefore  be  holy,   for  I  am 
holy. 

46  This  is  the  law  of  the  beasts,  and  of 
the  fowl,  and  of  every  living  creature  that 
moveth  in  the  waters,  and  of  every  creature 
that  creepeth  upon  the  earth : 

47  To  distinguish  between  the  unclean  and 
the  clean,  and  between  the  beast  that  may  be 
eaten  and  the  beast  that  may  not  be  eaten. 

Haphtorah  in  2  Samuel  vi.  1  to  19.     The  Germans  read  to 
vii.  3,  and  the  Italians  to  verso  17. 


SECTION  XXVII.    TAZREEANG,  >'nrn 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  *(\  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
If  a  woman  have  conceived  seed,  and  born  a 
male  child:  then  shall  she  be  unclean  seven 
days,  even  as  in  the  dajs  of  the  separation 
for  her  infirmity  shall  she  be  unclean. 

3  And  on  the  eighth  day  shall  the  flesh  of 
his  foreskin  be  circumcised. 

4  And  thirty  and  three  days  shall  she  then 
continue  in  the  blood  of  her  pui-ification  ;  any 
thing  hallowed  shall  she  not  touch,  and  into 
the  sanctuary  shall  she  not  come,  initil  the 
days  of  her  puinfication  be  at  an  end. 

5  But  if  she  bear  a  female  child,  then  shall 
she  be  unclean  two  Aveeks,  as  in  her  separa- 
tion; and  sixty  and  six  days  shall  she  con- 
tinue in  the  blood  of  the  purification. 

6  And  at  the  completion  of  the  days  of  her 
purification,  for  a  son,  or  for  a  daughter,  she 
shall  bring  a  sheep  of  the  first  jear  lor  a 
burnt-oflering,  and  a  joung  pigeon,  or  a 
turtle-dove,  for  a  sin-ofl'ering,  unto  the  door 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  unto  the 
priest. 

7  And  he  shall  bring  it  near  before  the 
Lord,  and  make  an  atonement  for  her,  and 
she  shall  be  cleansed  irom  the  issue  of  her 
blood;  this  is  the  law  for  her  tliat  hath  given 
birth  to  a  male  or  to  a  female. 

8  And  if  her  mealis  will  not  suffice  for  a 


°  "  Even  should  a 
■i  "  Though  he   be 

water." — Kasui. 
'  "  In   a  way  that 

Jonathan. 


carcass  lie  therein." — Arniieim. 
at  the  time  in  a  fountain  or  pit  of 

il   call   be   sown   in  a  dry  state." — 

J31 


LEVITICUS  XII.  XIII.     TAZREEANG. 


lauib,  then  shall  she  take  two  turtle-doves,  or 
two  young  pigeons,  the  one  for  a  burnt^ 
offering,  and  the  other  for  a  sin-oftering;  and 
the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement  for  her, 
and  she  shall  be  clean. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

2  If  a  man  shall  have  in  the  skin  of  his 
flesh  a  swelling,"'  a  rising,  or  a  bright  spot, 
and  it  might  become*  in  the  skin  of  his  flesh 
the  plague  of  leprosy :  then  shall  he  be  brought 
unto  Aaron  the  priest,  or  unto  one  of  his  sons 
the  priests. 

3  And  if  the  priest  shall  see  the  plague 
in  the  skin  of  the  flesh,  and  the  hair  in  the 
plague  be  turned  white,  and  the  appearance  of 
the  plague  be  deeper  than  the  skin  of  his 
flesh :  it  is  a  plague  of  leprosy ;  and  (so  soon 
as)  the  priest  shall  see  him,  he  shall  pro- 
nounce him  unclean. 

4  But  if  it  be  a  white  bright  spot  in  the 
skin  of  his  flesh,  and  its  appearance  be  not 
deeper  than  the  skin,  and  the  hair  be  not 
turned  white :  then  shall  the  priest  shut  up 
the  plague  seven  days. 

5  And  the  priest  shall  see  him  on  the 
seventh  day;  and,  behold,  if  the  plague  have 
remained  unchanged  in  its  appearance,  the 
l^lague  have  not  spread  in  the  skin :  then  shall 
the  priest  shut  him  up  seven  days  more.* 

6  And  the  priest  shall  see  him  again  on 
the  seventh  day;  and,  behold,  if  the  plague 
be  somewhat  pale,  and  the  plague  have  not 
spread  in  the  skin :  then  shall  the  priest  pro- 
nounce him  clean;  it  is  a  rising,  and  he  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  be  clean. 

7  But  if  the  rising  should  spread  abroad  in 
the  skin,  after  he  hath  been  seen  by  the  priest 
for  his  cleansing,  he  shall  be  seen  again  by 
the  priest. 

°  This  is  according  to  the  version  of  Mendelssohn. 
Arnhcim  renders  nn3D  "  tetter,"  or  a  tetter-like  affection. 
Jonatlian  gives  it  with  'aiSp  "peeling,"  "scale,"  or  ".scab." 
I'hilippson  translates  nxw  simply  with  "spot,"  and  com- 
ments that  this  is  the  first  symptom  of  leprosy  :  this  view 
explains  quite  naturally  the  "  depression"  spoken  of  iu 
tli(!  next  verse. 

''  Both  Jlendelssohn  and  Arnheim  translate  rrm  as 
here  given  :  it  means  then,  that  so  soon  as  there  is  an  ap- 
pearance which  might  terminate  iu  leprosy,  the  patient 
shall  be  brought  to  the  priest  fur  inspection. 

°  Tradition  requires  us  to  render  "or,"  as  Mendelssohn 
dues.     Arnheim  and  others  give  it  with  --and." 
132 


8  And  if  the  priest  see  that,  behold,  the 
rising  have  spread  abroad  in  the  skin,  then 
shall  the  priest  pronounce  him  unclean :  it  is 
leprosy. 

9  ][  If  the  plague  of  leprosy  happen  to  be 
on  a  man,  then  shall  he  be  brought  unto  the 
priest ; 

10  And  the  priest  shall  see,  and,  behold,  if 
there  be  a  white  swelling  in  tlie  skin,  and  the 
hair  in  it  have  turned  white,  or"  there  be  a 
trace  of  healthy''  flesh  in  the  swelling : 

11  It  is  an  inveterate  leprosy  in  the  skin 
of  his  flesh,  and  the  priest  shall  pronounce 
him  unclean ;  he  shall  not  shut  him  up,  for  he 
is  unclean. 

1 2  And  if  the  leprosy  break  out  abroad  in  the 
skin,  and  the  leprosy  cover  all  the  skin  of  (him 
that  hath)  the  plague  from  his  head  even  to 
the  feet,  so  far  as  the  eyes  of  the  priest  can  see : 

13  If  now  the  priest  should  see,  that,  be- 
hold, the  leprosy  nave  covered  all  his  flesh, 
he  shall  pronounce  the  plague  clean ;  it  is  all 
turned  white,  he  is  clean. 

14  But  on  the  day  that  healthy  flesh  ap- 
peareth  therein,  he  shall  be  unclean. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  see  the  healthy 
flesh,  and  pronounce  him  to  be  unclean  ;  the 
healthy  flesh  is  unclean,  it  is  the  lepros}'. 

16  Or  if  the  healthy  flesh  turn  again,  and 
be  changed  unto  white,  he  shall  come  unto 
the  priest ; 

17  And  if  the  priest  see  him,  and,  behold, 
the  plague  be  turned  into  white :  then  shall 
the  priest  pronounce  the  j^lague''  clean,  he  is 
clean.'-" 

18  ^  And  if  there  be  a  jjerson  who  hath  had 
in  his  skin  an  inflammation,  and  hath  been 
healed, 

19  And  if  there  be  on  the  place  of  the  in- 
flammation a  white  swelling,  or  a  white  and 
dark  red*^  bright  spot,  he  shall  be  shown  to 
the  priest ; 

''  Others  translate  this  with  "raw  flesh." 
'  "Plague"  stands  for  "him  who  hath  the  plague." 
'  This  version  of  "  dark  red"  is  after  Mendelssohn,  who 
views  after  the  Rabbins,  dtdin"  and  Pipi'  as  the  inten- 
sives  of  mx  and  pT,  therefore  "dark  red,  dark  green." 
The  verse  should  then  be  explained,  that  there  be  upon 
the  place  where  a  wound  or  a  sore  has  been  in  the  skin  a 
swelling  or  spot  not  decidedly  white,  but  intermingled 
with  dark  red  streaks,  which  peculiar  appearance  is  a  dis- 
tinctive mark  of  leprosy,  not  of  a  scar  of  the  wound,  if  the 
other  signs,  the  depression  of  the  skin  and  the  white  hair, 
should  be  present.  The  same  ii!  the  case  with  the  next 
section. 


LEVITICUS  XIIT.     TAZREEANG. 


20  And  if  the  priest  see,  and,  behold,  its 
appearance  be  lower  than  the  skin,  and  the 
hair  thereof  have  been  turned  white :  then 
shall  the  priest  pronounce  him  unclean,  it  is 
the  plague  of  leprosy  broken  out  in  the  in- 
Uararaation. 

21  But  if  the'  priest  see  it,  and,  behold, 
there  be  no  white  hair  therein,  and  if  it  be 
not  lower  than  the  skin,  and  it  be  pale: 
then  shall  the  priest  shut  him  up  seven  daj's. 

22  And  if  it  now  spread  abroad  in  the 
skin,  then  shall  the  priest  pronounce  him  un- 
clean :  it  is  the  plague  (of  lej^rosj) . 

23  But  if  the  bright  spot  remain  in  its 
place,  and  spread  not,  it  is  a  scar  of  the  in- 
tlammation;  and  the  priest  shall  pronounce 
him  clean.* 

24  ][  Or  if  there  be  a  person  in  whose  skin 
there  is  a  p.lace  burnt  by  tire,  and  the  mark 
of  the  burning  become  a  bright  spot,  white 
and  dark  I'ed,  or  white ; 

25  And  if  the  priest  see  it,  and,  behold, 
the  hair  in  the  bright  spot  have  been  turned 
white,  and  its  appearance  be  deeper  than  the 
skin :  it  is  leprosy,  broken  out  in  the  fire- 
wound;  and  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him 
unclean,  it  is  the  plague  of  leprosy. 

26  But  if  the  priest  see  it,  and,  behold, 
there  be  in  the  bright  spot  no  white  hair, 
and  it  be  not  lower  than  the  skin,  and  it  be 
pale :  then  shall  the  priest  shut  him  up  seven 
days. 

27  And  the  priest  shall  see  him  on  the 
seventh  day ;  if  now  it  have  spread  al^road  in 
the  skin,  then  shall  the  priest  pronounce  him 
unclean :  it  is  the  plague  of  leprosy. 

28  And  if  the  bright  spot  remain  in  its 
place,  (and)  it  have  not  spread  abroad  in  the 
skin,  and  it  be  pale:  it  is  a  swelling  of  the 
fire-wound;  and  the  priest  shall  pronounce 
him  clean ;  for  it  is  a  scar  of  the  fire-wound.* 

29  ^  And  if  there  be  a  man  or  woman 
on  whom  there  arise  a  plague,  on  the  head  or 
on  the  beard; 

30  Then  shall  the  priest  see  the  plague; 
and,  behold,  if  its  appearance  Ije  deeper  than 
the  skin,  and  there  be  in  it  a  yellow  thin 
hair:  then  shall  the  priest  pronounce  him 
unclean,  it  is  a  dry  scall,  it  is  the  leprosy  of 
the  head  or  of  the  beard. 

31  And  if  the  priest  see  the  plague  of  the 


'  The  spreading  of  the  disorder  being  a  sign  of  unelean- 
ness,  it  is  equally  so  whethor  it  happen  during  tlie  time 


scall,  and,  behold,  its  appearance  be  not 
deeper  than  the  skin,  and  there  be  no  black 
hair  in  it:  then  shall  the  priest  shut  up  the 
plague  of  the  scall  seven  daj's. 

32  And  the  priest  shall  see  the  plague  on 
the  seventh  day;  and,  behold,  if  the  scall 
ha^•e  not  spread,  and  there  be  in  it  no  yellow 
hair,  and  the  appearance  of  the  scall  be  not 
deeper  than  the  skin  : 

33  Then  shall  he  be  shaved,  but  the  scall 
he  shall  not  shave;  and  the  priest  shall  shut 
up  the  scall  seven  days  moi"e. 

34  And  the  priest  shall  see  the  scall  on  the 
seventh  day;  and,  behold,  if  the  scall  hiwa 
not  spread  in  the  skin,  and  its  appearance  l)e 
not  deeper  than  the  skin:  then  shall  the 
priest  pronounce  him  clean,  and  he  shall  wash 
his  clothes,  and  be  clean. 

35  But  if  the  scall  should  spread'^  aljroad 
in  the  skin  after  his  being  pronounced  clean  : 

36  Then  shall  the  priest  see  him;  and,  be- 
hold, if  the  scall  have  spread  in  the  skin,  the 
priest  shall  not  seek  for  the  yellow  hair;  he 
is  unclean. 

37  But  if  the  scall  have  remained  sta- 
tionary in  its  colour,  and  black  hair  have 
grown  up  therein :  the  scall  is  then  healed,  he 
is  clean ;  and  the  priest  shall  pronounce  him 
clean. 

38  ^  And  if  there  ha  a  man  or  a  woman 
having  in  the  skin  of  their  flesh  bright  spots, 
white  bright  spots; 

39  And  if  the  priest  do  see,  and,  behold. 
there  are  in  the  skin  of  their  flesh  bright 
spots,  pale  and  white :  it  is  a  freckl}'  eruption 
grown  in  the  skin;  he  is  clean.* 

40  ]|  And  if  there  be  a  man  whose  hair  of 
the  head  fall  off,  he  is  a  bald  head;  he  is 
clean. 

41  And  if  from  the  side  of  his  fiice  his  hair 
fall  off,  he  is  forehead-bald ;  he  is  clean. 

42  But  if  there  be  on  the  liald  head,  or  the 
bald  forehead,  an  eruption,  white  and  dark 
red:  it  is  the  leprosy  sprung  up  on  his  bald 
head,  or  his  bald  forehead. 

43  And  the  priest  shall  see  him;  and,  be- 
hold, if  the  swelling  of  the  eruption  be  white 
and  dark  red  on  his  bald  head,  or  on  his  bald 
forehead,  like  the  appearance  of  the  leprosy 
on  the  (other  parts  of  the)  skin  of  the  flesh : 

44  He  is  a  leprous  man,  he  is  unclean; 


that  the  leper  is  shut  up,  and  before  the  decision  of  the 
priest,  or  after  he  has  pronounced  him  clean. 

l:J3 


LEVITICU8  XIII.  XIV.     xMETZORANG. 


the  priest  shall  pronounce  him  unclean;  his 
plague  is  on  his  head. 

45  And  the  lejier  on  whom  the  plague  is, 
his  clothes  shall  be  rent,  and  his  head  shall 
be  bare,"  and  he  shall  cover  himself  up  to  his 
upper  lip,  and,  Unclean,  unclean,  shall  he 
call  out. 

46  All  the  days  whereon  the  plague  which 
rendereth  unclean  is  on  him,  he  shall  be  un- 
clean; alone  shall  he  dwell;  without  the 
camp  shall  his  habitation  be. 

47  Tj  And  if  there  be  a  garment  on  which 
there  arise  a  plague  of  leprosy,  whether  it 
be  on  a  woollen  garment,  or  on  a  linen  gar- 
ment; 

48  Whether  it  be  on  the  warp,''  or  on  the 
woof;  of  linen,  or  of  woollen;  whether  on  a 
skin,  or  on  any  tiling  made  of  skin ; 

49  And  the  plague  be  dark  green  or  dark 
red,  on  the  garment,  or  on  the  skin,  or  on 
the  warp,  or  on  the  woof,  or  on  any  article 
made  of  skin :  it  is  the  plague  of  leprosy ;  and 
it  shall  be  shown  unto  the  priest. 

50  And  the  priest  shall  see  the  plague,  and 
shut  up  the  plague  seven  days. 

51  And  if  he  see  the  plague  on  the  seventh 
day,  that  the  plague  have  spread  in  the  gar- 
ment, either  in  the  warp,  or  in  the  woof,  or 
in  the  skin,  or  in  any  article  that  is  made  of 
skin:  the  plague  is  a  corroding"  leprosy;  it  is 
unclean. 

52  And  he  shall  then  burn  that  garment, 
whether  warp  or  woof,  in  woollen  or  in  linen, 
or  any  article  of  skin,  whereon  the  plague  is; 
for  it  is  a  corroding  leprosy,  in  fire  shall  it  be 
burnt. 

53  And  if  the  priest  shall  see,  and,  behold, 
the  plague  have  not  spread  on  the  garment, 
either  on  the  warp,  or  on  the  woof,  or  on  any 
article  of  skin : 

54  Then  shall  the  priest  command  that 
they  wash  the  thing  whereon  the  plague  is, 
and  lie  shall  shut  it  up  seven  days  niore.^-' 

55  And  if  the  priest  see,  after  the  plague 


'  "  He  shall  let  his  hair  grow  long." — Kashi.  And 
after  this  manner  y\2  has  been  rendered  above,  x.  6; 
perhaps  this  word  includes  both  ideas. 

''  Philippson  renders  "plain  woven  or  twilled  stuif  of 
linen  or  wool." 

°  In  verse  49  the  words  "it  is  the  plague  of  leprosy" 
are  used,  without  its  being  thereby  decided  whether 
the  garment,  kc,  be  unclean  or  not,  which  is  not  the 
case  with  human  beings  who  are  unclean,  when  the 
leprosy  is  evident.  Garments,  however,  need  to  be 
affected   with   a   leprosy  niXOO  or  nnna   "currosiou"  or 


hath  been  washed,  and,  behold,  the  plague 
have  not  changed  its  colour,  and  the  plague 
have  not  spread:  it  is  unclean,  in  fire  shalt 
thou  burn  it;  it  is  a  decay  on  its  inside  or  on 
its  outside. 

56  And  if  the  priest  see,  and,  behold,  the 
plague  have  become  pale  after  its  having  been 
washed :  then  shall  he  tear  it  out  from  the 
garment,  or  from  the  skin,  or  from  the  warp, 
or  from  the  woof."' 

57  And  if  it  appear  again  on  the  garment, 
either  on  the  warp,  or  on  the  w^oof,  or  on  any 
instrument  of  skin:  it  is  a  growing  plague; 
with  fire  shalt  thou  burn  that  whereon  the 
plague  is. 

58  And  the  garment,  either  the  warp  or 
the  woof,  or  every  instrument  of  skin,  which 
thou  shaLt  wash,  and  the  plague  depart  there- 
from, shall  be  washed  the  second  time,  when 
it  shall  be  clean. 

59  This  is  the  law  of  the  plague  of  leprosy 
on  a  garment  of  woollen  or  of  linen,  either  in 
the  warp,  or  the  woof,  or  any  article  of  skin, 
to  pronounce  it  clean,  or  unclean. 

Haphtorah  in  2  Kings  iv.  42  to  v.  19. 


SECTION  XXVIII.    METZORANG,ni'0. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

111  O" 

2  This  shall  be  the  law  of  the  leper  on  the 
day  of  his  being  cleansed :  He  shall  be  brought 
unto  the  priest. 

3  And  the  priest  shall  go  forth''  to  with- 
out the  camp;  and  if  the  priest  see,  and,  be- 
hold, the  plague  of  leprosy  be  healed  on  the 
lejier : 

4  Then  shall  the  priest  command  to  take 
for  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed  two  healthy, 
clean  birds,"  and  cedar  wood,  and  a  string  of 
scarlet  yarn,  and  hyssop. 

5  And  the  j^riest  shall  command  that  one 

decay,"  before  they  can  be  pronounced  unclean. — After 
Arniikim. 

^  'J'hc  bringing  before  the  priest,  in  the  preceding  verse, 
is  explained  in  this,  that  he  is  to  go  out  of  the  camp  to 
tlie  dwelling  of  the  leper,  to  satisfy  himself  whether  or  not 
the  leper  can  return  unto  the  camp  after  the  next  pre- 
scribcil  ccri'inonics  have  been  performed. 

"  Glean  birds,  means  those  which  are  permitted  to  be 
eaten,  consequently  none  of  the  prohibited  kinds  could  be 
taken,  nvn  is  rendered  here,  "  healthy,"  but  not  "living," 
ill  :iecordance  with  traditiuii.   (^See  also  Exodus  i.  19.) 


LEVITICltS  XIV.     METZOEANG. 


of  the   birds   be  killed  in  an  earthen  vessel 
over  running  water. 

G  As  for  the  living  l)ird.  he  shall  take  it, 
and  the  cedar  wood,  and  the  string  of  scarlet 
yarn,  and  the  hyssop,  and  he  shall  dip  these 
and  the  living  bird  into  the  blood  of  the  bird 
that  was  killed  over  the  rinming  water: 

7  And  he  shall  sprinkle  upon  him  that  is 
to  be  cleansed  from  the  lepro.^^  seven  times; 
and  when  he  hath  cleansed  him,  he  shall  let 
the  living  bird  tly  forth  into  the  open  field. 

8  And  he  that  is  to  l)e  cleanse<l  shall  wash 
his  clothes,  and  shave  oft"  all  his  hair,  and 
wash  himself  in  water,  and  he  shall  be  clean, 
and  after  that  he  may  come  into  the  camp; 
but  he  shall  tarry  outside  of  his  tent  seven  days. 

9  And  it  shall  be  on  the  seventh  day,  that 
he  shall  shave  oft"  all  his  hair,  his  head,  and 
his  beard,  and  his  eyebrows,  even  all  his  hair 
shall  he  shave  oft':  and  he  shall  wash  his 
clothes,  he  shall  also  wash  his  flesh"  in  watex', 
when  he  shall  be  clean. 

10  And  on  the  eighth  da}*  he  shall  take 
two  sheep  without  blemish,  and  one  ewe  of 
the  first  jear  without  blemish,  and  three- 
tenth  parts  of  fine  flour  for  a  meat-oftering, 
mins'led  with  oil,  and  one  loo;  of  oil. 

11  And  the  priest  who  cleanseth  shall 
cause  the  man  that  is  to  be  made  clean,  and 
these  things,  to  stand  before  the  Lord,  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation : 

12  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  one  sheep, 
and  offer  the  same  for  a  trespass-oft'ering,  with 
tile  log  of  oil ;  and  he  shall  make  with  them 
a  waving  before  the  Lord.'-' 

13  And  he  shall  slay  the  sheep  on  the 
place  where  the  sin-oftering  and  the  burnt^ 
offering  are  killed,  in  the  holy  place;  for  as 
the  sin-offering''  so  doth  the  trespass-offering 
belong  to  the  priest :  it  is  most  holy. 

14  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
blood  of  the  trespass-offering;  and  the  priest 
shall  put  it  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of 
him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  and  updn  the 
thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the  great 
toe  of  his  right  foot. 

15  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
log  of  oil,  and  pour  it  into  the  palm  of  his 
omi  left  hand. 

*  This  phrase,  used  here  and  elsewhere,  means  simply 
"  to  bathe  the  whole  body  at  once." 

"  This  is  explained  thus  :  As  the  blood  of  the  sin-offer- 
ing must  be  sprinkled,  and  the  fat  thereof  be  burnt  upon 


16  And  the  priest  shall  dip  his  finger  of 
the  right  hand  in  the  oil  that  is  in  his  left 
hand,  and  he  shall  sprinkle  of  the  oil  with  his 
finger  seven  times  before  the  Lokd. 

17  And  of  the  rest  of  the  oil  that  is  in  his 
hand  shall  the  priest  put  upon  the  tip  of  the 
right  ear  of  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  and 
upon  the  thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon 
the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot,. upon  the  blood 
of  the  trespass-oft'ering. 

18  And  what  is  left  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the 
priest's  hand,  he  shall  put  upon  the  head  of 
him  that  is  to  be  cleansed:  and  the  priest 
shall  (thus)  make  an  atonement  for  him  be- 
fore the  Lord. 

19  And  the  jiriest  shall  prepare  the  sin- 
offering,  and  make  an  atonement  for  him  that 
is  to  lie  cleansed  from  his  uncleanness;  and 
afterward  shall  he  kill  the  burnt-olTering: 

20  And  the  priest  shall  oft'er  the  burnt- 
oft'ering  and  the  meat-offering  upon  the  altai-; 
and  the  priest  shall  (thus)  make  an  atonement 
for  him,  and  he  shall  be  clean.* 

21  ^  But  if  he  be  poor,  and  his  means  do 
not  suffice,  then  shall  he  take  one  sheep  for  a 
trespass-oflfering  to  be  waved,  to  make  an 
atonement  for  him ;  and  one-tenth  part  of  fine 
flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a  meat-offering,  and 
a  log  of  oil ; 

22  And  two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young 
pigeons,  for  which  his  means  suffice;  and  one 
shall  be  a  sin-off'ering,  and  the  other  a  burnt- 
offering. 

23  And  he  shall  bring  them  on  the  eighth 
day  of  his  being  cleansed  unto  the  priest,  unto 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
before  the  Lord. 

24  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  sheep  of 
the  trespass-off'ering,  and  the  log  of  oil;  and 
the  priest  shall  make  with  them  a  waving  be- 
fore the  Lord. 

25  And  he  shall  kill  the  sheep  of  the  tres- 
pass-offering; and  the  priest  shall  take  some 
of  the  blood  of  the  trespass-off'ering,  and  put  it 
upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of  him  that  is  to 
be  cleansed,  and  upon  the  thumb  of  his  right 
hand,  and  upon  the  great  toe  of  his  right  foot. 

26  And  some  of  the  oil  shall  the  priest 
pour  into  the  palm  of  his  own  left  hand  : 


the  altar,  before  the  priest  can  eat  of  it,  so  is  it  with  the 
present  trespass-offering ;  although  in  this  place  it  is 
merely  ordered  that  the  blood  be  put  upon  the  man  that 
is  to  be  cleansed. 

136 


LEVITICUS  XIV.     METZOIIANG. 


27  And  the  priest  shall  sprinkle  with  his 
finger  of  the  right  hand  some  of  the  oil  that 
is  in  his  left  hand,  seven  times  before  the 
Lord  ; 

28  And  the  priest  shall  put  of  the  oil  that 
is  in  his  hand  upon  the  tip  of  the  right  ear  of 
him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  and  ujion  the 
thumb  of  his  right  hand,  and  upon  the  great 
toe  of  his  right  foot;  upon  the  place"  of  the 
blood  of  the  trespass-offering ; 

29  And  what  is  left  of  the  oil  that  is  in  the 
priest's  hand  he  shall  put  upon  the  head  of 
him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  before  the  Lord. 

30  And  he  shall  offer  the  one  of  the  turtle- 
doves, or  of  the  young  pigeons,  from  what  his 
means  enable  him  (to  bring) ; 

31  Even  what  his  means  enable  him,  the 
one  for  a  sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a 
burnt-offering,  with  the  meat-offering:''  and 
the  priest  shall  (thus)  make  an  atonement 
for  him  that  is  to  be  cleansed,  before  the  Lord. 

32  This  is  the  law  of  him  on  whom  is  the 
plague  of  leprosy,  whose  means  are  not  suffi- 
cient when  he  is  cleansed.* 

33  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

34  When  ye  come  into  the  land  of  Canaan, 
which  I  give  to  you  for  a  possession,  and  I 
put  the  plague  of  leprosy  on  a  house  of  the 
land  of  your  possession : 

35  Then  shall  he  that  owneth  the  house 
come  and  tell  the  priest,  saying.  Something'' 
like  a  leprosy  hath  shown  itself  to  me  in  the 
house. 

36  And  the  priest  shall  command  that 
they  clear  out  the  house,  before  the  priest  go 
into  it  to  see  the  plague,  that  all  be  not  made 
vmclean  that  is  in  the  house :  and  after  this 
shall  the  priest  go  in  to  see  the  house. 

37  And  he  shall  view  the  plague,  and, 
behold,  if  the  plague  be  in  the  walls  of  the 
house,  in  depressions,  dark  green  or  dark  red, 
and  their  appearance  be  deeper  than  the  wall : 

"  That  is,  upon  the  spot  where  the  blood  of  the  sacrifice 
nas  been  put,  there  shall  the  oil  also  be  applied,  though  in 
the  nuMii  time  the  blood  may  have  been  removed  therefrom. 

''  The  offering  (jf  flour  which  accompanied  the  trespass- 
sacrifice,  but  not  a  special  gift;  this  meat-offering  \yas  not 
eaten,  and  but  burnt  on  the  altar. 

°  "  Even  if  he  be  a  man  learned  in  the  law,  and  knows 
it  to  be  leprosy,  he  is  not  to  pronounce  absolutely  '  A 
plague  has  shown  itself/  but  'something  like  a  plague  '  " 
— Kasiu. 
136 


38  Then  shall  the  priest  go  out  of  tne 
house  to  the  door  of  the  house,  and  lock  up 
the  house  seven  days. 

39  And  the  priest  shall  come  again  on  the 
seventh  day ;  and  if  he  see,  that,  behold,  the 
plague  have  spread  in  the  walls  of  the  house : 

40  Then  shall  the  priest  command  thai 
they  break  out  the  stones  on  which  the  plague 
is;  and  they  shall  cast  them  forth  without  the 
city  on  an  unclean  place. 

41  And  the  house  he  shall  cause  to  Ijc 
scraped  within  round  about;  and  they  shall 
pour  out  the  rubbish*  that  they  have  scraped 
off  without  the  city  on  an  unclean  place; 

42  And  they  shall  take  other  stones,  and 
put  them  into  the  place  of  these  stones;  and 
other  mortar  shall  he  take,  and  shall  plaster 
the  house. 

43  And  if  the  plague  come  again,  and 
break  out  in  the  house,  after  he  hath 
taken  away  the  stones,  and  after  the  house 
hath  been  scraped,  and  after  it  hath  been 
plastered : 

44  Then  shall  the  priest  come;  and  if  he 
see  that,  behold,  the  plague  have  spread  in 
the  house,  it  is  a  corrosive  leprosy  in  the 
house;  it  is  unclean. 

45  And  he  shall  break  down  the  house,  its 
stones,  and  the  timbers  thereof,  and  all  the 
mortar  of  the  house;  and  he  shall  carry  them 
forth  to  Avithout  the  city,  unto  an  unclean 
place. 

46  And  he  that  goeth  into  the  house,  all 
the  days  that  it  is  locked  up,  shall  he  unclean 
until  the  evening. 

47  And  he  that  lieth  in  the  house  shall 
wash  his  clothes;  and  he  that  eateth  in  the 
house  shall  wash  his  clothes. 

48  But  if  the  px'iest  should  come  in,  and 
see,  and,  behold,  the  plague  have  not  spread 
in  the  hou.se,  alter  the  house  was  plastered: 
then  shall  the  priest  pronounce  the  house 
clean,  because  the  plague  is  healed. 

49  And  he  shall  take,  to  atone"  for  the 


■*  13;>  otherwise  "dust,"  is  rendered  here,  according  to 
Arnheim,  with  "rubbish,"  or  the  "old  mortar;"  and  in 
the  next  verse  it  is  given  with  "  mortar." 

°  Tlie  word  NonS  in  the  Fiel  form,  means,  to  remove 
ilNOn  or  "sin,"  therefore,  "to  remove  the  sin  of  the 
house,"  or  simply  "  to  atone  for  the  house;"  in  this  sense 
it  is  the  same  with  -\33h  "  to  make  an  atonement,"  where- 
fore both  words  have  been  given  here  with  the  same  Eng- 
lish term,  'i'he  leprosy  of  a  house  was  considered  as  a 
piinislimenl  for  the  owner;  hence  the  atonement. 


LEVITICUS  XIV.  XV.     METZORANG. 


house,  two  birds,  and  cedav  wood,  and  a  string 
of  scarlet  yarn,  and  h_yssop ; 

50  And  ho  shall  kill  the  one  liird  in  an 
earthen  vessel  over  running  water ; 

51  And  he  shall  take  the  cedar  wood,  and 
the  hyssop,  and  the  scarlet  yarn,  and  the 
living  bird,  and  dip  them  in  the  blood  of  the 
slain  bird,  and.  in  the  running  water,  and 
sprinkle  on  the  house  seven  times: 

52  And  he  shall  atone  for  the  house  with 
the  blood  of  the  bird,  and  vnth  the  running 
water,  and  with  the  living  liird,  and  with  the 
cedar  wood,  and  witli  the  hyssop,  and  witli 
the  string  of  scarlet  yarn ; 

53  But  he  shall  let  tly  forth  the  living  bird 
out  of  the  city  into  the  open  field,  and  make 
(thus)  an  atonement  for  the  house,  and  it 
shall  be  clean.* 

54  This  is  the  law  for  all  manner  of  plague 
of  leprosy,  and  scall, 

55  And  for  the  leprosy  of  a  garment  and 
of  a  house, 

56  And  for  a  swelling,  and  for  a  rising,  and 
for  a  bright  spot; 

57  To  teach  on  the  day  when  something 
is  unclean,  and  on  the  day  when  it  is  clean : 
this  is  the  law  of  the  leprosy. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
to  Aaron,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  cliildren  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them.  When  any  man  have  a  run- 
ning issue  out  of  his  flesh  :  because  of  his  issue 
is  he  unclean. 

3  And  this  shall  be  his  uncleanness  in  his 
issue  :  whether  his  flesh  run  with  his  issue,  or 
his  flesh  be  stopped  from  his  issue,  it  is  his 
uncleanness. 

4  Every  bed,  whereon  he  may  lie  that 
hath  the  issue,  shall  bo  unclean  :  and  every 
vessel,  whereon  he  may  sit,  shall  be  unclean. 

5  And  any  man  that  toucheth  his  bed  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water, 
and  be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

6  And  he  that  sitteth  on  any  vessel  where- 
on he  that  hath  the  issue  may  sit,  shall  wash 
his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and 
be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

7  And  ho  that  toucheth  the  flesh  of  him 
that  hath  the  issue  shall  wash  his  clothes, 
and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean 
until  the  evenins. 

<S  And  if  he  that  hath  the  issue  spit  upon 


him  that  is  clean :  then  shall  this  one  wasli 
his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and 
be  unclean  luitil  the  evening. 

9  And  what  saddle  soever  he  that  hath 
the  issue  may  ride  upon  shall  be  unclean. 

10  And  whosoever  toucheth  any  thing, 
that  may  be  under  him,  shall  be  unclean  un- 
til the  evening :  and  he  that  beareth  any  of 
these  things  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  l)athe 
himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

11  And  whomsoever  he  that  hath  the  issue 
may  touch,  and  he  have  not  rinsed  his  hands" 
in  water,  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe 
himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

12  And  an  earthen  vessel  that  he  who  liath 
the  issue  may  touch,  shall  be  broken;  and 
every  vessel  of  wood  shall  be  rinsed  in  water. 

13  And  when  he  that  hath  an  issue  be- 
cometh  clean  of  his  issue :  then  shall  he  num- 
ber to  himself  seven  days  for  his  cleansing, 
and  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  his  flesh  iu 
running  water,  and  then  shall  he  be  clean. 

14  And  on  the  eighth  day  shall  he  take 
unto  himself  two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young 
pigeons,  and  come  before  the  Lord,  unto  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  give  them  unto  the  priest : 

15  And  the  priest  shall  offer  them,  the  one 
for  a  sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a  burnt- 
ofiering ;  and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atone- 
ment for  him  before  the  Lord  for  his  issue. '^ 

16  1j  And  if  any  man's  seed  of  copulation 
go  out  from  him,  then  shall  he  bathe  all  his 
flesh  in  Avater,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

17  And  any  gamient,  and  any  skin,  where- 
on the  seed  of  copulation  may  be,  shall  be 
washed  with  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

18  And  if  a  man  should  lie  with  a  woman 
with  seed  of  copulation,  then  shall  they  bathe 
themselves  in  water,  and  be  unclean  until  the 
evening. 

19  ^[  And  if  a  woman  have  an  issue,  so 
that  Islood  flow  from  her  flesh :  then  shall  she 
be  in  her  state  of  separation  seven  days;  and 
whosoever  toucheth  her  shall  be  unclean  until 
the  evening. 

20  And  every  thing  that  she  may  lie  upon 


"  This  is  explained  to  mean  that  he  hath  liot  bathed 
hiuiwlf  after  the  termination  of  the  disease. 

137 


LEVITICUS  XV.  XVI.     ACHARAY  MOTH. 


in  her  .separation  .shall  Ix'  nnclean :  and  what- 
ever she  may  sit  upon  shall  be  unclean. 

21  Anil  whosoever  touclieth  her  bed  shall 
wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water, 
and  be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

22  And  whosoever  toucheth  any  vessel, 
that  she  may  sit  upon,  shall  wash  his  clothes, 
and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be  unclean 
until  the  evenino;. 

23  And  if  something  be  on  the  bed,  or  on 
any  thing  whereon  she  may  sit,  when  he 
toucheth  it,  he  shall  be  imclean  until  the 
evening. 

24  And  if  any  man  should  lie  with  her, 
and  the  uncleanness  of  her  separation  come 
U2X)U  him,  he  shall  be  unclean  seven  days; 
and  every  l)ed  whereon  he  may  lie  shall  be 
unclean. 

25  ^  And  if  a  woman  have  an  issue  of  her 
blood  many  days  out  of  the  time  of  her  sepa- 
ration, or  if  it  run  beyond  the  time  of  her 
separation :  all  the  days  of  the  issue  of  her  un- 
cleanness shall  she  be  as  in  the  days  of  her 
separation ;  she  shall  be  unclean. 

26  Every  bed  whereon  she  may  lie  all  the 
days  of  her  issue  shall  be  unto  her  as  the  bed 
of  her  separation ;  and  whatever  vessel  she 
may  sit  upon  shall  be  unclean,  as  the  un- 
cleanness of  her  separation. 

27  And  whosoever  toucheth  these  things 
shall  be  unclean ;  and  he  shall  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  be 
unclean  until  the  evening. 

28  And  when  she  becometh  clean  of  her 
issue,  then  shall  she  number  to  herself  seven 
days,  and  after  that  shall  she  be  clean.* 

29  And  on  the  eighth  day  shall  she  take 
unto  herself  two  turtle-doves,  or  two  young 
pigeons,  and  bring  them  unto  the  priest,  to 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

30  And  the  priest  shall  offer  the  one  for  a 
sin-offering,  and  the  other  for  a  burnt-offering; 
and  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement"  for 
her  before  the  Lord  for  the  issue  of  her  un- 
cleanness.* 

31  And  ye  shall  separate  the  children  of 
Israel  from  their  uncleanness ;  that  they  may 

"  As  all  lefirnsy  and  kindred  uncleanness  were  consider- 
ed as  a  punishnient  tor  sin,  the  leper  or  other  sufferer  had 
to  bring  a  proper  sacrifice  at.  the  period  nf  jiis  purification, 
to  obtain  atonement  for  the  guilt  wiiicii  had  caused  his 
visitation. 

*"  Not  with  the  usual  eight  ornanu'utal  garments  of  his 
order,  but  in  plain  white  attire  should  the  priest  enter  the 
138 


not  die  in  their  uncleanness,  when  thej  defile 
my  tabernacle  that  is  in  their  midst. 

32  This  is  the  law  of  him  that  hath  an 
issue,  and  of  him  whose  seed  goeth  from  him, 
and  is  defiled  therewith ; 

33  And  of  her  tliat  is  suflering  in  her  sepa- 
ration, and  of  him  that  hath  an  issue,  of  the 
man,  and  of  the  woman,  and  of  him  that  lieth 
with  her  that  is  unclean. 

Haphtorah  in  2  Kings  vii.  3  to  20. 


SECTION  XXIX.     ACHARAY  MOTH, 

nn  nnx. 

CHAPTER  XVL 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  after 
the  death  of  the  two  sons  of  Aaron,  when 
they  had  come  near  before  the  Lord,  and  died : 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Speak 
unto  Aaron  thy  l)rother,  that  he  come  not  at 
all  times  into  the  holy  place  within  the  vail, 
before  the  mercy-seat,  which  is  upon  the  ark, 
that  he  die  not;  for  in  the  cloud  will  I  appear 
upon  the  mercy-seat. 

3  With  this  shall  Aaron  come  into  the  holy 
place :  with  a  young  bullock  for  a  sin-oflering, 
and  a  ram  for  a  burnt-offering. 

4  A  holy  linen''  coat  shall  he  put  on,  and 
linen  breeches  shall  he  have  upon  his  flesh, 
and  with  a  linen  girdle  shall  he  gird  himself, 
and  a  linen  mitre  shall  he  bind  on  his  head; 
these  are  holy  garments;  therefore  shall  he 
wash  his  flesh  in  water,  and  then  put  them  on. 

5  And  from  the  congregation  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  shall  he  take  two  goats  for  a 
sin-oflfering,  and  one  ram  for  a  burnt-offering. 

6  And  Aaron  shall  bring  near  the  l)ullock 
of  the  sin-oflering,  which  is  for  himself,  ;uid 
make  an  atonement  for  himself,  and  for  his 
house. 

7  And  he  shall  take  the  two  goats,  and 
place  them  before  the  Lord  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

8  And  Aaron  shall  put  lots  upon  the  two 
goats ;  one  lot  "  for  the  Lord,"  and  the  other 
lot  "for'Azazel."" 


holy  of  holies;  these  articles  are  therefore  pre-eminently 
called  holy. 

°  "  Scapegoat,"  Eng.  ver. ;  but  there  is  no  reason  for  so 
giving  it.  The  whole  service  of  the  day  of  atonement  ac- 
cording to  our  tradition,  is  correctly  de.><cribed  in  the 
'  Aboihili  of  the  Moossaph  for  Kippur,  according  to  the  cus- 
tom of  the  iSej)hardim,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 


LEVITICUS  XVI.     ACHARAY  MOTIT. 


9  And  Aaron  shall  Iji-ing  near  the  goat 
upon  which  fell  the  lot  "-lor  the  Lord,"  and 
offer  him  for  a  sin-offeriug. 

10  But  the  goat  on  which  fell  the  lot  "for 
'Azazel,"  shall  he  placed  alive  before  the  Lord, 
to  make  an  atonement  with  him,  by  sending 
him  away  to  'Azazel  into  the  wilderness. 

11  And  Aaron  shall  bring  near  the  bullock 
of  the  sin-offering,  which  is  for  himself,  and 
he  shall  make"  an  atonement  for  himself,  and 
for  his  house;  and  he  shall  kill  the  bullock 
of  the  sin-offering  which  is  for  himself 

12  And  he  shall  take  a  censer  fnll  of  burn- 
ing coals  of  fire  from  off  the  altar  before  the 
Lord,  and  both  his  hands  full  of  incense  of 
spices,  ponnded  fine,  and  bring  it  within  the 
vail; 

13  And  he  shall  put  the  incense  upon  the 
fire,  before  the  Lord;  that  the  cloud  of  the 
incense  may  envelop  the  mercy-seat  that  is 
upon  the  testimony,  that  he  die  not. 

14  And  he  shall  take  of  the  blood  of  the 
bullock,  and  sprinkle  it  with  his  finger  above 
toward  the  mercy-seat,''  eastward;  and  before 
the  mercy-seat  shall  he  sprinkle  seven  times 
of  the  blood  Avith  his  finger. 

15  And  he  shall  kill  the  goat  of  the  siii- 
ofiering,  that  is  for  the  people,  and  bring  his 
blood  to  within  the  vail,  and  do  with  that 
blood  as  he  did  with  the  blood  of  the  bullock, 
and  sprinkle  it  above  the  mercy-seat,  and  be- 
fore the  mercy-seat. 

IG  And  he  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
the  holy  place,  because  of  the  uncleanness"  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  because  of  their 
transgressions  in  all  their  sins :  and  so  shall 
he  do  for  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
that  abideth  among  tliem  in  the  midst  of  their 
uncleanness. 

17  And  there  shall  not  be  any  man  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  when  he  goeth 
in  to  make  an  atonement  in  the  holy  place, 
until  he  come  out:  and  so  shall  he  make  au 
atonement  for  himself,  and  for  his  household, 
and  for  the  whole  congregation  of  Israel.* 

18  And  he  shall  then  go  out  unto  the  altar 
that  is  before  the  Lord,  and  make  an  atone- 

*  i.  e.  By  making  a  confession.  (See  the  'Abodah.) 
"■  Meaning  that  the  priest  raised  his  hand  in  the  direc- 
tion above  the  cover  of  the  ark  and  sprinkled  the  blood  in 
the  air,  which  fell  then  down  on  the  floor;  and  so  with 
the  other  seven  sprinklings,  where  he  directed  his  finger 
downward.     (See  the  'Abodah.) 

'  nx"3iD   is  in   the   plural,   and    means,   ther'^^'ore,   nets 


ment  upon  it;  and  he  shall  take  of  the  lilond 
of  the  bullock,  and  of  the  blood  of  the  goat. 
and  put  it  upon  the  horns  of  the  altar  round 
about. 

lU  And  he  shall  sprinkle  upon  it  of  the 
blood  with  his  finger  seven  times;  and  he 
shall  cleanse  it,  and  hallow  it  from  the  un- 
cleanness of  the  children  of  Israel. 

20  And  when  he  hath  made  an  end  of 
atoning  for  the  holy  place,  and  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation,  and  the  altar:  then  sliall 
he  bring  near  the  live  goat. 

21  And  Aaron  shall  lay  both  his  hands 
upon  the  head  of  the  live  goat,  and  confess 
over  him  all  the  iniquities  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  all  their  transgressions  in  all  their 
sins,  putting  them  upon  the  head  of  the  goat, 
and  he  shall  send  him  away  by  the  hand  of  a 
man  appointed  thereto  into  the  wilderness : 

22  And  the  goat  shall  bear  upon  him  all 
their  iniquities  unto  a  land  not  inhabited; 
and  so  shiill  he  send  away  the  goat  into  the 
wilderness. 

23  And  Aaron  shall  then  go  into  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  and  he  shall  take  off 
the  linen  garments,  which  he  had  put  on 
when  he  went  into  the  holy  place,  and  he 
shall  leave  them  there : 

24  And  he  shall  bathe  his  flesh  with  water 
in  a  holy  place,  and  put  on  his  garments;'' 
and  come  then  forth,  and  ofler  his  burnt- 
offering,  and  the  burnt-offering  of  the  people, 
and  make  an  atonement  for  himself,  and  for 
the  people.* 

25  And  the  fiit  of  the  sin-offering  shall 
he  burn  upon  the  altar. 

2C  And  he  that  carrieth  the  goat  to  'Azazel 
shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  bathe  his  flesh  in 
water,  and  afterward  he  may  come  into  the 
camp. 

27  And  the  bullock  for  the  sin-oftering, 
and  the  goat  for  the  sin-offering,  the  blood  of 
which  was  brought  in  to  make  atonement  in 
the  holy  place,  shall  one  carry  forth  withoitt 
the  camp;  and  they"  shall  burn  in  fire  their 
skins,  and  their  flesh,  and  tlieir  dung. 

28*  And  he  that  burneth  them  shall  wash 


which   cause   uncleanness.     So   also   in   the   end   of  this 
verse,  and  in  verse  19. 

■*  The  usual  ornamental  garments  of  the  high-prie.st,  in 
which  he  officiated. 

"  Both  N'sr  and  i-j-iiyi  are  indefinite  in  their  meaning; 
"one"  whoever  he  be  that  shall  carry  forth;  and  "they" 
whoever  may  be  those  who  do  the  burning. 

139 


LEVITICUS  XVI.  XVII.     ACHARAY  MOTH. 


liis  clothes,  and  bathe  liis  Hesh  in  water,  and 
afterward  he  may  come  into  the  camp. 

29  And  it  shall  be  unto  _you  a  statute  for 
ever:  in  the  seventh  montli,  on  the  tenth  of 
the  month,  ye  shall  afflict  yourselves  (by- 
fasting),  and  no  work  shall  ye  do,  Avhether  it 
be  one  of  3'our  own  country,  or  the  stranger 
that  soj(  urneth  among  you  ; 

30  For  on  that  day  shall  (the  high-priest) 
make  an  atonement  lor  you,  to  cleanse  you; 
from  all  your  sins  before  the  Lord  shall  ye  be 
clean. 

31  It  shall  be  a  sabbath  of  rest  unto  you, 
and  ye  shall  afliict  yourselves  (by  festing),  as 
a  statute  for  ever. 

32  And  the  priest,  who  shall  be  anointed, 
and  who  shall  be  consecrated"  to  minister  as 
priest  in  his  father's  stead,  shall  make  tlie 
atonement;  and  he  shall  put  on  the  linen 
clothes,  the  holy  garments. 

33  And  he  shall  make  an  atonement  for 
the  holy  of  holies;  and  for  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  for  the  altar  shall  he 
make  an  atonement;  and  also  for  the  priests, 
and  for  all  the  people  of  the  congregation 
shall  he  make  an  atonement. 

34  And  this  shall  be  unto  you  as  a  statute 
for  everlasting,  to  make  an  atonement  for  the 
children  of  Israel  for  all  their  sms  once  a 
year:  and  he  did  as  the  Lord  had  commanded 
Moses.''' 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons, 
and  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
luito  them,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord 
hath  commanded,  saying, 

3  Any  man  whatsoever  of  tlie  house  of 
Israel,  that  killeth  an  ox,  or  a  sheep,  or  a 
goat,  in  the  camj),  or  that  killeth  it  out  of  the 
camp, 

4  And  bringeth  it  not  to  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to  offer  it  as 
an  offering  unto  the  Lord  before  the  taber- 

°  This  means,  that  whether  the  high-priest  was  anointed, 
as  (luring  tiic  first  temple,  or  was  inducted  into  office  by  in- 
vestiture with  the  high-priestly  garments,  as  in  the  second, 
lie  should  officiate  in  the  place  of  Aaron. 

^  No  doubt  tliat,  while  in  Wgypt,  the  Israelites  had 
learned  to  sacrifice  to  idols;  they  were  therefore  com- 
manded, during  their  sojourn  in  the  wilderness,  to  bring 
all  sacrificial  animals  to  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  to  offer 
HO 


nacle  of  the  Lord:  as  blood-guiltiness  shall  it 
be  imputed  unto  that  man,  l)]ood  hath  he 
shed;  and  that  man  shall  lie  cut  (iff  from 
among  his  people. 

5  In  order  that  the  children  of  Israel  nuiy 
bring  their  sacrifices,  which  they  sla_y  in  the 
open  field,  and  bring  them  unto  the  Lord,  to 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
unto  the  priest,  and  slay  them  as  sacrifices 
of  peace-offerings  unto  the  Lord. 

6  And  the  jii'iest  shall  sprinkle  the  blood 
ujion  the  altar  of  the  Lord  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation;  and  he  shall 
burn  the  fat  for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord. 

7  So  that  they  shall  offer  no  more''  their 
sacrifices  unto  evil  spirits,  after  which  they 
have  gone  astray:  a  statute  for  ever  sliall  this 
be  unto  them  throughout  their  generations.* 

8  And  unto  them  shalt  thou  say.  Whatso- 
ever man  there  be  of  the  house  of  Israel,  or 
of  the  strangers  who  may  sojourn  among 
them,  that  ofiereth  a  burnt-offering  or  a  sacri- 
fice, 

9  And  bringeth  it  not  unto  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to  offer  it  unto 
the  Lord:  even  that  man  shall  be  cut  off 
from  among  his  people. 

10  And  if  there  be  any  man  of  the  house 
of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers  that  sojourn 
among  them,  that  eateth  any  manner  of 
blood :  I  will  set  my  face  against  the  person 
that  eateth  the  blood,  and  I  will  cut  him  off 
from  among  his  people. 

11  For  the  life  of  the  flesh  is  in  the  blood; 
and  I  have  appointed  it  for  you  ujjon  the 
altar  to  make  an  atonement  for  your  souls; 
for  the  blood  it  is  that  maketh  an  atonement 
for  the  soul." 

12  Therefore  have  I  said  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  No  one  of  you  sliall  eat  1)1  ood,  and 
the  stranger  tliat  sojourneth  among  you  shall 
not  eat  blood. 

13  And  if  there  be  any  man  whatsoever 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers 
that  sojourn  among  them,  who  catcheth  by 

them  to  the  Lord  as  peace-oflFerings,  before  being  per- 
mitted to  eat  the  flesh.  □•Ti'B'  "goat-demons,"  no  doubt 
imaginary  idols,  like  the  satyrs  of  the  Greeks. 

°  Amheim  renders,  "For  the  blood  itself  maketh  atone- 
ment through  the  life,"  and  comments,  L  e.  "through 
the  life  that  is  in  the  .same;  for  the  atonement  is  upon  the 
principle  'life  for  life;'  in  the  blood  itself,  therefore,  is 
only  the  principle  of  life,  not  the  essence  of  atonement." 


LEVITICUS  XVII.  XVIII. 


ACHARAY  MOTH. 


Iiunting  any  beast  or  fowl  that  may  be  eaten : 
then  sliall  he  pour"  out  the  Ijlood  thereof,  and 
cover  it  up  with  dust. 

14  For  the  life  of  all  flesh  is  its  blood,  on 
which  its  life-  dependeth;  therefore  luive  I 
said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  The  blood  of 
every  manner  of  tlesh  shall  ye  not  eat;  for 
the  life  of  all  llesh  is  its  blood,  every  one  who 
eateth  it  shall  be  cut  oft". 

15  And  every  person  that  eateth  that 
which  hath  died  of  itself,  or  that  which  was 
torn  b}^  beasts,  be  this  one  born  in  your  own 
country,  or  a  stranger,  shall  botli  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  l^e 
unclean  until  the  evening,  when  he  shall  be 
clean. 

16  But  if  he  wash  (them)  not,  nor  bathe 
his  flesh,  then  shall  he  bear  his  iniquity. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  I  am  the  Lord  jour  God. 

o  After  the  doings  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
wlierein  ye  have  dwelt,  shall  ye  not  do;  and 
after  the  doings  of  the  land  of  Canaan  whither 
I  am  l)ringing  you,  shall  ye  not  do;  and  in 
tlieir  customs  shall  ye  not  walk. 

4  My  ordinances  shall  ye  do.  and  my 
statutes  shall  ye  keep,  to  walk  therein :  I 
am  the  Lord  your  God. 

5  And  ye  shall  keep  my  statutes,  and  my 
ordinances,  which  if  a  man  do,  he  shall  live 
in  them :  I  am  the  Lord.'^' 

G  ^  None  of  you  shall  approach  to  any 
that  are  near  of  kin  to  him,  to  uncover  their 
nakedness:  I  am  the  Lord. 

7  ^  The  nakedness  of  thy  father,  or  the 
nakedness  of  thy  mother,  shalt  thou  not  un- 
cover: she  is  thy  mother,  thou  shalt  not  un- 
cover her  nakedness. 

8  ][  The  nakedness  of  thy  father's  wife 
shalt  thou  not  uncover:  it  is  tliy  father's 
nakedness. 

9  ^  The  nakedness  of  th}'  sister,  the 
daughter  of  thy  father,  or  tlie  daughter  of 
thy  mother,  whether  she  l)e  born  at  home,  or 


*  i.  e.  By  cutting  the  throat. 

"  Arnhuiin  gives  ny£3j3  with  "its  body;"  thus,  "is  the 
blood  in  its  body."   The  version  in  the  text  is  after  Rashi. 

°  "nxS  is  rendered  by  Mendelssohn  "  to  e.xcite  jealousy." 
The  eviileiit  eoustructiou  of  this  verse,  aceordinjr  to  which 


born  aliroad, — even  the  nakedness  of  any  of 
these,  shalt  thou  not  uncover. 

10  ^  The  nakedness  of  thy  son's  daughter, 
or  of  thy  daughter's  daughter, — even  the 
nakedness  of  an}'  of  these,  shalt  thou  not  un- 
cover; for  theirs  is  thy  own  nakedness. 

11  T[  The  nakedness  of  thy  father's  wife's 
daughter,  begotten  of  thy  father,  she  is  thy 
sistei", — thou  shalt  not  uncover  her  naked- 
ness. 

12  ^  The  nakedness  of  thy  father's  sister 
shalt  thou  not  uncover:  she  is  thy  father's 
near  kinswonuin. 

1.3  ][  The  nakedness  of  thy  mother's  sister 
shalt  thou  not  uncover;  for  she  is  thy  mother's 
near  kinswoman. 

14  *[]  The  nakedness  of  thy  father's  brother 
shalt  thou  not  uncover:  his  wife  shalt  thou 
not  approach,  she  is  thy  aunt. 

lo  ^  The  nakedness  of  thy  daughter-in- 
law  shalt  thou  not  uncover:  she  is  thy  son's 
wife,  thou  shalt  not  uncover  her  mdvcdness. 

16  ^[  The  nakedness  of  thy  brother's  Avife 
shalt  thou  not  uncover:  it  is  thy  brother's 
nakedness. 

17  ^  The  nakedness  of  a  Avoman  and  her 
daughter  shalt  thou  not  uncover:  her  sou's 
daughter,  or  her  daughter's  daughter  shalt 
thou  not  take,  to  uncover  her  nakedness;  lor 
they  are  near  kinswomen ;  it  is  incest. 

18  And  a  woman  together  with  her  sister 
shalt  thou  not  take,  to  vex  her,'"  to  uncover 
her  nakedness,  beside  the  other,  in  her  life- 
time. 

19  And  a  woman  in  the  separation  of  her 
uncleanness  shalt  thou  not  approach,  to  un- 
cover her  nakedness. 

20  And  with  thy  neighl)our's  wife  shalt 
thou  not  lie  carnally,  to  defile  thyself  with 
her. 

21  And  any  of  thy  seed  shalt  thou  not  let 
pass  through  (the  fire)  to  Molech,  and  thou 
shalt  not  proftme  the  name  of  thy  God :  I  am 
the  Lord.'-= 

22  And  with  a  man  shalt  thou  not  lie,  as 
with  a  woman:  it  is  an  abomination. 

23  And  with  any  beast  shalt  thou  not  lie 
to  defile  thyself  therewitli;  neither  shall  any 


Jewish  authorities  have  always  decided,  is  that  only  dur- 
ing the  lifetime  of  the  one  is  it  pmhibited  to  marry  the 
other  sister,  even  if  a  divorce  should  have  taken  place; 
but  for  this  reason  the  prohibition  also  ceases  when  the 
cause  given  no  longer  operates. 


LEVITICUS  XVIII.  XIX.     KEDOSHIM. 


woman    stand    before    a   beast    to    lie    down 
thereto:  it  is  confusion. 

24  Do  not  defile  yourselves  through  any  of 
these  things;  for  through  all  these  have  be- 
come defiled  the  nations  which  I  cast  out 
before  you : 

25  And  the  land  became  defiled;  where- 
fore I  have  visited  its  iniquity  upon  it, 
and  the  land  itself  vomited  out  its  inhabits 
ants.* 

26  Ye  shall  therefore  keejo  my  statutes 
and  my  ordinances,  and  ye  shall  not  com- 
mit any  of  these  abominations;  neither  any 
of  your  own  nation,  nor  the  stranger  that 
sojoui'neth  among  you; 

27  (For  all  these  abominations  have  the 
men  of  the  land  done,  who  were  before  you, 
and  the  land  hath  become  defiled;)* 

28  That  the  land  may  not  vomit  you  out 
also,  when  ye  defile  it,  as  it  hath  vomited  out 
the  nations  that  were  before  you. 

29  For  whosoever  shall  conimit  any  of 
these  abominations, — even  the  souls  that  com- 
mit them  shall  be  cut  off  from  among  their 
people. 

oO  Therefore  shall  ye  keep  my  charge,  so 
that  ye  commit  not  any  one  of  these  abomi- 
nable customs,  which  were  committed  before 
you,  and  that  ye  do  not  defile  yourselves 
therewith :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

Haphtorah  in  Ezekiel  xsii.  1  to  16.     The  Germans  read  to 

verse  18. 


SECTION  XXX.     KEDOSHIM,  D'tinp. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ][  And  the  Lohd  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  all  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  say  unto  them.  Ye 
shall  be  holy;  for  I  the  Eternal  your  God 
am  holy. 

3  Ye  shall  fear,  every  man,  his  mother 
and  his  father,  and  my  sabbaths  shall  ye 
keep:  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

4  Ye  shall  not  turn  unto  the  idols,  and 
molten  gods  shall  ye  not  make  to  yourselves: 
I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

5  And  if  ye  oft'er  a  sacrifice  of  peace-ofler- 

'  Sec  above,  vii.  18. 

''  This  i.s  the  version  aceording  to  our  authorities;  sec  also 
ahovc  v.  21,  where  the  difl'erent  specifications  are  given. 
142 


ing  unto  the  Lord,  ye  shall  offer  it  so  that  it 
may  be  favourably  received  from  ^ou. 

6  On  the  same  day  }e  offer  it  shall  it  be 
eaten,  and  on  the  morrow  :  and  whatever  is  left 
until  the  third  day,  shall  be  burnt  with  fire. 

7  And  if  the  intention  was  that  it  should" 
be  eaten  on  the  tliird  day,  it  is  an  abominar 
tion,  it  shall  not  be  favourably  received. 

8  And  whoever  eateth  it  shall  bear  his 
iniquity ;  because  he  hath  profaned  the  hal- 
lowed thing  of  the  Lord:  and  that  soul  shall 
be  cut  off'  I'rom  among  his  peojile. 

9  And  when  ye  reap  the  harvest  of  your 
land,  thou  slialt  not  ^\•holly  reap  the  corners 
of  thy  field,  neither  slialt  thou  gather  up 
the  gleanings  of  thy  harvest. 

10  And  thou  slialt  not  glean  thy  vineyard, 
and  the  single  grapes  that  drop  in  thy  vine- 
yard shalt  thou  not  gather  up ;  for  the  poor 
and  the  stranger  shalt  thou  leave  them :  I  am 
the  Lord  your  God. 

11  Ye  shall  not  steal;  neither  shall  ye 
deny*"  (another's  jDroperty  in  3'our  hands),  nor 
lie  one  to  another. 

12  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name 
falsely,  and  thou  shalt  not  thus  profane  the 
name  of  thy  God :  I  am  the  Lord. 

10  Thou  shalt  not  v.'ithhold  any  thing  from 
thy  neighbour,  nor  rob  him :  there  shall  not 
abide  with  thee  the  wages  of  him  that  is  hired, 
through  the  night  until  morning. 

14  Thou  shalt  not  curse  the  deaf  nor  put 
a  stumbling-block  before  the  blind;  but  thou 
shalt  be  afraid  of  thy  God :  I  am  the  Lord.''' 

15  Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judg- 
ment; thou  shalt  not  respect''  the  person  of 
the  poor,  nor  honour  the  person  of  the  great; 
in  righteousness  shalt  thou  judge  thy  neigh- 
bour. 

16  Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  tlown  as  a 
talebearer  among  thy  people;  thou  shalt  not 
stand  (idly)  by  the  blood'  of  thy  neighbour: 
I  am  the  Lord. 

17  Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  l)ro11ier  in  thy 
heart:  thou  shalt  indeed  rebuke  thy  neigh- 
bour, and  not  bear  sin  on  account  of  liim. 

18  Thou  shalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear  any 
grudge  against  the  children  of  thy  people; 
but  thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself: 
I  am  the  Lord. 


°  i.  e.  Not  to  favour  the  poor,  nor  to  dread  ofitiuliug 
the  great,  but  to  act  according  to  strict  justice. 


,  e.  Danger  of  HIV 


LEVITICUS  XIX.  XX.     KEDOSHIM. 


19  My  (Statutes  shall  ye  keep;  thy  cattle 
shalt  tliou  not  let  gender  with  a  diverse  kind; 
thy  held  shalt  thou  not  sow  with  mingled 
seeds;  and  a  garment  of  mingled  kinds,  of 
linen  and  woollen,  shall  not  come  upon  thee. 

20  And  if  a  man  lie  carnally  with  a 
woman,  that  is  a  bond-maid,  betrothed  to  a 
man.  but  who  hath  neither  been  redeemed, 
nor  hath  her  freedom  been  given  her:  there 
shall  a  scourging  be  decreed;"  they  shall  not 
be  put  to  death,  because  she  Avas  not  tree. 

21  And  he  shall  bring  his  trespass-offering 
unto  the  Lord,  unto  the  door  of  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation:  a  ram  for  a  trespass- 
offering. 

22  And  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement 
lor  him  with  the  ram  of  the  trespass-offering 
before  the  Lord  for  his  sin  which  he  hath 
done ;  and  he  shall  Ix'  Ibi'given  for  his  sin 
which  he  hath  committed.* 

23  ^  And  when  ye  come  into  the  land, 
and  plant  any  kind  of  tree  bearing  edible 
fruit,  then  shall  ye  count  the  fruit  thereof 
as  uncircumcised :  three  years  shall  it  be 
as  uncircumcised  unto  you,  it  shall  not  be 
eaten. 

24  But  in  the  fourth  year  shall  all  its  fruit 
be  holy  for  praisegiving''  unto  the  Lord. 

25  And  in  the  lifth  year  shall  ye  eat  of  its 
fruit,  in  order  that  it  may  increase"  unto  you 
its  productiveness:  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

26  Ye  shall  not  eat  upon  the  blood ;''  nor 
shall  ye  use  enchantment,  nor  observe  times. 

27  Ye  shall  not  cut  round  the  corners  (of 
the  hair)  of  your  head,  neither  shalt  thou  de- 
stroy the  corners  of  thy  beard. 

28  And  for  the  dead  shall  ye  not  make  any 
incision  in  your  Hesh;  and  any  etched-in 
writing  shall  you  not  fix  on  yourselves:  I  am 
the  Lord. 

29  Do  not  profane  thy  daughter,  to  cause 
her  to  be  a  prostitute;  lest  the  land  fall  to 

'  "She  shall  be  scourged,  uot  he." — Rashi. 

''  The  fruit  of  the  fourth  year  was  to  be  eaten  at  Jeru- 
salem, as  a  holy  thing  belonging  to  the  owner. 

•=  After  Rashi.  Philippson  renders  it,  "That  after 
this  it  may  give  you  eimstantly  more  fruit,"  and  com- 
ments, that  after  the  fcnirth  year,  as  the  tree  becomes 
naturally  more  productive,  the  fruit  should  belong  un- 
disturbed to  the  owner. 

■^  This  is  variously  explained :  for  instance,  uot  to  eat 
of  the  sacrifices  till  the  blood  be  sprinkled;  not  to  eat  of 
any  animal  till  life  be  entirely  extinct  by  the  running 
out  of  all  the  blood.  Mendelssohn  and  others  translate 
"near"   or  "by  the  blood."      Rut  Rashbam  and  Wesstdi 


prostitution,  and  the  land  become  full  of  in- 
cest. 

30  My  sabbaths  shall  ye  keep,  and  my 
sanctuary  shall  ye  reverence:  I  am  the  Lord. 

31  Turn  not  unto  them  that  liaAC  familiar 
spirits,  and  unto  wizards;  seek  (them)  not,  to 
be  defiled  Ijy  them:  I  am  the  Lord  your  Cod. 

32  Before  the  hoary  head  shalt  thou  rise 
up,  and  honour  the  face  of  the  old  man ;  and 
thou  shalt  be  afraid  of  thy  God:    I  am  the 

LORD.'^' 

33  ^  And  if  a  stranger  sojourn  with  thee, 
in  your  land,  ye  shall  not  vex  him. 

34  As  one  born  in  the  land  among  }t)U, 
shall  be  unto  you  the  stranger  that  sojourueth 
with  you,  and  thou  shalt  love  him  as  thyself; 
for  ye  were  strangers  in  the  laud  of  Egypt :  I 
am  the  Lord  your  God. 

35  Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judg- 
ment, in  metejard,  in  weight,  or  in  measure. 

36  Just  balances,  just  weights,  a  just  ephah, 
and  a  just  hin,  shall  3'e  have:  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God,  who  have  brought  you  Ibrth  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

37  Ye  shall  tlierefore  observe  all  my  sta- 
tutes, and  all  my  ordinances,  and  do  them : 
I  am  the  Lord.'-' 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

2  And  to  the  children  of  Israel  shalt  thou 
say.  Whatsoever  num  of  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, or  of  the  strangers  that  sojourn  in  Israel, 
that  giveth  any  of  his  seed  unto  Molech,  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death;  the  people  of  the 
land"  shall  stone  him  with  stones. 

3  And  I  will  set  my  face  against  that  man, 
and  I  will  cut  him  off  from  among  his  people ; 
because  of  his  seed  hath  he  given  unto  Mo- 
lech, in  order  to  defile  my  sanctuary,'  and  to 
profane  my  holy  name. 

suppose  that  it  was  customary  among  heathens  to  eat 
upon  the  spot  where  the  blood  had  run,  from  some  super- 
stitious notions;  hence  the  Israelites  were  prohibited 
to  follow  this  practice;  and  it  connects  therefore  also 
with  what  follows. 

"  ]'ixn  Dy  rendered  above,  iv.  27,  "common  people," 
includes  all  Israelites  except  the  king,  the  higii-priest, 
and  the  great  sanhedrin  of  .seventy-one.  Rashi  adds,  "  It 
the  court  be  not  able  to  enforce  the  decree,  the  people 
should  aid  them." 

'  Whatever  acts  tend  to  withdraw  the  people  from  the 
worship  of  God,  or  to  divert  any  thing  to  the  service  of 
idols,  is  a  profanation  of  the  divine  Miijest}'  who  promised 

143 


LEVITICUS  XX.     KEDOSHIM. 


4  And  if  the  people  of  the  land  should  in 
any  way  hide  their  eyes  from  that  man,  when 
he  giveth  of  his  seed  unto  Molech,  so  as  not 
to  kill  him  : 

5  Then  will  I  set  my  flice  against  that 
man,  and  against  his  family,  and  I  will  cut 
him  off,  and  all  that  go  astray  after  him,  to 
go  astray  after  Molech,  from  among  their 
jjeople. 

6  And  the  person  that  turneth  unto  such 
as  have  familiar  spirits,  and  unto  wizards,  to 
go  astray  after  them, — then  will  I  set  my 
face  against  that  person,  and  will  cut  him  off 
from  among  his  people. 

7  Sanctify  j'ourseh-es  therefore,  and  be  ye 
holy;  for  I  am  the  Lokd  your  God.* 

8  And  ye  shall  keep  my  statutes,  and  do 
them :  I  am  the  Lord  who  sanctify  you. 

9  For  every  one  whatever  that  curseth  his 
father  or  his  mother  shall  be  put  to  death : 
his  father  or  his  mother  hath  he  cursed,  his 
blood  shall  be  upon  him. 

10  And  if  there  be  a  man  that  committeth 
adultery  with  a  man's  wife,  (whoever  it  be) 
that  committeth  adultery  with  his  neighljour's 
wife  :  then  shall  the  adulterer  be  put  to  death, 
together  with  the  adulteress. 

11  And  a  man  that  lieth  with  his  father's 
wife,  hath  uncovered  his  father's  nakedness : 
both  of  them  shall  be  put  to  death ;  their  blood 
shall  be  upon  them. 

12  And  if  a  man  lie  with  his  daughter-in- 
law,  both  of  them  shall  be  put  to  death :  they 
have  committed  an  unnatural  deed;  their 
blood  shall  he  upon  them. 

lo  And  if  a  man  lie  with  a  male,  as  they 
lie  with  a  woman,  both  of  them  have  com- 
mitted an  aljomination :  they  shall  be  put  to 
death;  their  blood  shall  be  upon  them. 

14  And  if  a  man  take  a  woman  and  her 
mother,  it  is  incest:  in  fire  shall  they  burn 
him  and  them;  that  there  be  no  incest  among 
you. 

15  And  a  man  that  lieth  with  a  beast 
shall  be  put  to  death :  and  the  beast  also  shall 
ye  slay. 

16  And  if  a  woman  approach  unto  any 
beast  to  lie  down  thereto,  then  shalt  tliou 
kill  the  woman,  and  the  beast:  they  shall  be 

to  dwell  in  Israel.  If  then  a  man  (l(!V(ik's  his  offspriiig  to 
the  fire  of  Molrch,  he  profanes  the  ehiklren  of  the  cove- 
nant, given  to  him  by  God,  to  an  object  abhorrent  to  the 
Deity,  while  at  the  same  time  his  example,  should  he  rc- 
144 


put  to  death ;  their  blood  shall  be  put  upon 
them. 

17  And  if  a  man  take  his  sister,  the 
daughter  of  his  father,  or  the  daughter  of  his 
mother,  and  he  see  her  nakedness,  and  she  see 
his  nakedness  :  it  is  a  disgraceful  deed  ;  and 
they  shall  be  cut  off  before  the  eyes  of  their 
people;  the  nakedness  of  his  sister  hath  he 
uncovered ;  his  iniquity  shall  he  bear. 

18  And  if  a  man  lie  with  a  woman  suffer- 
ing of  her  separation,  and  uncover  her  naked- 
ness, and  he  lay  open  her  fountain,  and  she 
uncover  the  fountain  of  her  blood :  then  shall 
both  of  them  be  cut  off  from  the  midst  of 
their  people. 

19  And  the  nakedness  of  th}'  mother's  sis- 
ter, or  of  thy  father's  sister  shalt  thou  not  un- 
cover ;  for  his  near  of  kin  he  xmcovereth : 
their  iniquity  shall  they  bear. 

20  And  the  man  that  lieth  with  his  uncle's 
wife,  hath  uncovered  his  uncle's  nakedness : 
their  sin  shall  they  bear;  childless  shall  they  die. 

21  And  if  a  man  do  take  his  brother's  wife, 
it  is  an  abominable  act:  the  nakedness  of  his 
brother  hath  he  uncovered ;  childless  shall 
they  remain. 

22  And  keep  ye  all  my  statutes,  and  all 
my  ordinances,  and  do  them ;  that  the  land, 
whither  I  bring  j'ou  to  dwell  therein,  may 
not  vomit"  you  forth.''' 

23  And  ye  shall  not  walk  in  the  customs 
of  the  nation  which  I  cast  out  before  you  ;  for 
all  these  things  they  committed,  and  there- 
fore I  felt  loathing  for  them. 

24  And  I  said  unto  you,  Ye  shall  possess 
their  land,  and  f  will  give  it  unto  you  to  pos- 
sess it,  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey : 
I  am  the  Eternal  your  God,  who  have  sepa- 
rated you  from  the  nations.* 

25  Ye  shall  therefore  make  a  difference  be- 
tween the  clean  beast  and  the  unclean,  and 
between  the  unclean  fowl  and  the  clean  ;  and 
ye  shall  not  make  your  souls  abominable  by 
the  beast,  or  by  the  fowl,  or  by  any  manner 
of  thing  that  creepeth  on  the  ground,  which  I 
have  separated  for  you  as  unclean. 

26  And  ye  shall  be  holy  unto  me,  for  1  the 
Lord  am  holy ;  and  I  have  separated  you  from 
the  nations,  that  ye  should  be  mine. 

main  unpunished,  would  mislead  others  to  acts  of  wicked- 
ness, though  they  even  might  not  reach  the  greatness  of 
his  transgressions. 

°  {.  e.  Cast  out,  as  it  were,  the  sinners  dwelling  in  it. 


LEVITICUS  XX.  XXI.     EMORE. 


27  And  if  there  be  among  men  or  women 
one  that  hatli  a  laniiliar  spirit,  or  that  is  a 
wizard,  they''  sliall  be  put  to  death ;  with 
stones  shall  they  stone  them ;  their  blood  shall 
be  upon  them. 

Haphtorali  in  iVmos  ix.  7  to  15.     The   Purtuguesu   read  in 
Ezekiel  ss.  2  to  20.     Otliors  begin  at  verse  1. 


SECTION  XXXI.     EMORE,  n^N- 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Speak 
unto  the  priests  the  sons  of  Aaron,  and  say 
unto  them,  None  (of  them)  shall  defile  him- 
self on  the  dead,  among*  his  people  ; 

2  But  on  his  kin,  that  is  near  unto  him. 
(that  is,)  on  his  mother,  and  on  his  father, 
and  on  his  son,  and  on  his  daughter,  and  on 
liis  brother, 

3  And  on  his  sister  that  is  a  virgin,  that  is 
nigh  unto  him,  who  hath  had  no  husband: 
on  her  may  he  defile  himself 

4  The  chief"  man  among  his  people  shall 
not  defile  himself,  to  be  profaned  thereljy. 

5  They  shall  not  make  any  baldness  upon 
their  head,  and  the  corner  of  their  beard  slitdl 
they  not  shave  of!',  and  in  their  flesh  sliall 
they  not  make  any  incision. 

6  Holy  shall  they  be  unto  their  God.  and 
they  shall  not  profane  the  name  of  their  God ; 
for  the  firc-ofl'erings  of  the  Lokd,  the  bread  of 
their  God,  do  they  oft'er,  they  shall  therefore 
be  holy. 

7  A  woman  that  is  a  harlot,  or  one  pro- 
faned, shall  they  not  take ;  and  a  woman  put 
away  from  her  husband  shall  the}-  not  take ; 
for  holy''  is  he  unto  his  God. 

8  And  thou  shalt  sanctify  him  f  for  the 
bread  of  thy  God  doth  he  ofier:  holy  shall  he 
be  unto  thee;  for  I  the  Lokd,  who  sanctity 
you,  am  holy. 

9  Ami  if  tlie  daughter  of  any  priest  profane 


'  Tlie  plural  is  again  used  Iiere  after  the  .singular, 
though  preceded  by  the  disjunctive  "  or;"  and  seems  thus 
to  say,  that  if  there  be  uuiny  guilty  of  this  sin,  they  shall 
all  be  punished  alike. 

''  This  is  explained,  '■  when  others  are  there  to  bury  the 
dead  ;"  but  if  a  priest  find  a  corpse  and  no  one  is  there  to 
inter  it,  he  himself  must  do  it. 

"  Eashbam  translates,  "  A  husband  among  the  priests 

shall  not  defile    himself  (on   his   wife)   to    be    profaned 

thereby."     Tradition,   however,   limits  this  to  a  woman 

whom  the  priest  should  of  right  not  marry.     Our  version 

T 


herself  by  committing  incest,  her  father  doth 
she  profane :  with  fire  shall  she  be  burnt. 

10  Tl  And  the  priest  tluit  is  higliest  among 
his  brethren,  upon  whose  head  the  anointing 
oil  hath  been  ])0ured,  and  who  hath  been  con- 
secrated to  put  on  the  garments,  sluiU  not  let 
the  hair  of  his  head  grow  long,  and  his  gar- 
ments shall  ho  not  rend ; 

11  Neither  shall  he  go  in  to  any  dead 
body ;  even  on  his  father",  and  on  his  mother 
shall  he  not  defile  himself. 

12  And  out  of  the  sanctuary  shall  he  not 
go,  that  he  may  not  profane  the  sanctuary  of 
his  God ;  for  the  crown^  of  the  anointing  oil 
of  his  God  is  upon  him :  I  am  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  shall  take  a  wife  in  lier  virgin 
state. 

14  A  widow,  and  a  divorced  womtm,  and 
one  profiined,  (and)  a  harlot,  these  shall  he 
not  take;  Ijut  a  virgin  of  his  own  people  shall 
he  take  for  wife  ; 

15  So  that  he  may  not  proftme  his  seed 
among  his  people ;  for  I,  the  Lord,  do  sanctify 
him.'^' 

16  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

17  Speak  unto  Aaron,  saying.  Whosoever 
of  th}-  seed  in  their  generations  it  be  on  whom 
there  is  any  blemish,  shall  not  approach  to 
ofter  the  bread  of  his  God. 

18  For  whatsoe^■er  man  it  be  on  whom 
there  is  a  l)lemish,  shall  not  approach :  a  blind, 
or  a  lame  man,  or  one  that  hath  a  flattened 
nose,  or  a  m;iu  one  of  Avhose  limbs  is  too 
long. 

19  Or  a  man  who  htith  ;i  broken  foot,  or  a 
broken  hand, 

20  Or  a  crookbiicked,  or  a  dwarf,  or  one 
that  hath  a  blemish  in  his  eye,  or  the  itch,  or 
the  scurvy,  or  the  testicles  broken. 

21  Every  man  on  whom  there  is  a  blemish, 
of  the  seed  of  Aaron  the  priest,  shall  not  come 
niiili  to  offer  the  fire-ofierings  of  the  Lord  : 


is  after  Onkelos,  and  refers  to  the  high-priest,  see  farther, 
ver.  11. 

''  (".  <•.  Each  individual  priest. 

■^  "  Sanctify  him  even  against  his  will,  so  that  if  he 
will  not  put  away  such  a  woman  as  just  mentioned,  com- 
pel him  by  punishment  to  do  so.  Holy  shall  he  be  to 
thee,  that  is,  look  upon  him  as  holy,  to  commence  as 
the  first  in  every  thing,  and  to  be  the  first  to  say  the  bless- 
ing at  the  table." — R.\shi. 

'  Arnheim  and  others  render  i;:  as  "  setting  apart," 
hence  "  the  consecration." 

145 


LEVITICUS  XXI.  XXII.     EMORE. 


there  is  a  blemish  on  him ;  he  shall  not  come 
nigh  to  offer  the  bread  of  liis  God. 

22  The  bread  of  his  God,  both  of  the  most 
holy,  and  of  the  holy  things  he  may  eat. 

23  Only  unto  the  vail,  and  unto  the  altar 
shall  he  not  come  nigh,  because  there  is  a 
blemish  on  him :  that  he  profane  not  my  holy 
things ;  for  I  the  Lokd  do  sanctify  them. 

24  And  Moses  spoke  thus  unto  Aaron,  and 
to  his  sons,  and  unto  all  the  cJiildren  of 
Israel. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

2  Speak  unto  Aaron  and  to  his  sons,  that 
they  keep  themselves  away  from  the  holy 
things  of  the  children  of  Israel,  (so  that  they 
profiuie  not  my  holy  name)  which"  they  hal- 
low unto  me:  I  am  the  Lord. 

3  Say  unto  them.  In  your  generations,  if 
there  be  any  man  of  all  your  seed,  that  ap- 
proacheth  unto  the  holy  things,  which  the 
children  of  Israel. li allow  unto  the  Lord,  hav- 
ing his  uncleanness  upon  him,  that  soul  shall 
be  cut  off  from  my  presence :  I  am  the  Lord. 

4  Any  man  whatsoever  of  the  seed  of 
Aaron,  that  is  a  leper,  or  hath  a  running 
issue,  shall  not  eat  of  the  holy  things,  until 
he  be  clean;  and  ^\dioso  toucheth  any  thing 
that  is  unclean  by  the  dead,  or  a  man  whose 
seed  goeth  from  him ; 

5  Or  a  man  who  toucheth  any  creeping 
thing,  whereby  he  may  be  made  unclean,  or  a 
man  through  whom  he  can  be  rendered  un- 
clean, through  any  kind  of  uncleanness  which 
he  hath  : 

6  The  i)erson  that  toucheth  any  su(}h  shall 
l)e  unclean  until  the  evening,  and  he  shall 
not  eat  of  the  holy  things,  unless  he  have 
bathed  his  flesh  in  water. 

7  And  when  the  sun  hath  set,  he  shall  be 
clean ;  and  afterward  he  may  eat  of  the  holy 
things;  because  it  is  his  food. 

8  That  which  dietli  of  itself,  or  is  torn  by 
beasts,  shall  lie  not  eat,  to  defile  himself  there- 
with:  I  am  the  Lord. 

9  And   they  shall   keep   my  charge,   that 


'  This  rpf(TS  back  "  to  the  holy  things  of  the  children 
of  Isnicl."  ''  One  a  stranger  to  the  priesthood. 

"  By  .sojourner,  is  understood  a  Hebrew  servant,  whose 
car  was  bored,  who  stays  till  the  jubilee;  and  by  a  hired 
servant,  one  who   stays  till    the    end   of  the   sixth  year. 
— Kasui.     I  Sec  Exodus  xxi.j 
146 


they  may  not  bear  sin  through  it,  ;uid  die 
therefor,  if  they  jjrofane  it:  1  am  the  Lord 
who  sanctity  them. 

10  And  no  stranger''  shall  eat  of  a  holy 
thing :  a  sojourner"  of  a  priest,  or  a  hired  ser- 
vant, shall  not  eat  of  a  holy  thing. 

11  But  if  a  priest  buy  a  person  with  his 
money,  then  may  he  eat  of  it;  and  those 
that  are  born  in  his  house,  may  eat  of  his 
bread. 

12  And  if  the  daughter  of  a  priest  be  mar- 
ried unto  a  stranger,  she  may  not  eat  of  the 
offered  part'  of  holy  things. 

13  But  the  daughter  of  a  priest,  if  she  be  a 
widow,  or  divorced,  and  have  no  child,  tind  is 
returned  unto  her  fathers  house,  as  in  her 
youth,  may  eat  of  her  father's  bread ;  Ijut  no 
stranger  shall  eat  thereof 

14  And  if  a  man  eat  a  holy  thing  unwit- 
tingly, then  sliall  he  ;idd  the  fifth  i)art  thereof 
unto  it,  and  he  shall  make  good  unto  the 
priest  the  holy  thing. 

15  And  they  shall  not  pi'oftine  the  holy 
things  of  the  children  of  Israel,  which  they 
offer  unto  the  Lord; 

16  And"  load  on  themselves  the  iniquity  of 
trespass,  when  they  eat  tlieir  holy  things; 
for  I  am  the  Lord  who  sanctifj-  them.''' 

17  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying,^ 

18  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons, 
and  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel,  a)id  say 
imto  them.  If  there  be  any  man  of  the  house 
of  Israel,  or  of  the  strangers  in  Israel,  that 
offereth  his  oblation,  be  it  for  any  manner  of 
vows,  or  for  any  manner  of  freewill-offerings, 
which  they  may  offer  unto  the  Lord  for  a 
burnt^offering : 

19  Then  shall  it  be,  tluit  it  may  be  f\ivour- 
ably  received  for  you,  a  male  without  blemish, 
of  the  oxen,  of  the  sheep,  or  of  the  goats. 

20  Whatsoever  on  which  there  is  a  blemish 
shall  ye  not  offer;  for  it  will  not  be  favour- 
ably received  for  you. 

21  And  when  a  man  offereth  a  sacrifice  of 
peace-offering  unto  the  Lord  as  a  vow,  or  a 
freewill-off'ring  of  the  herds  or  of  the  flocks: 
it  shall  be  without  blemish  to  be  favourably 

''  The  breast  and  shoulder  of  the  peace-offeriugs.  (Sec 
Leviticus  x.  15.) 

"  Aruheini  renders,  (after  Rashbatn,)  "that  these  load 
themselves  with  the  guilt  of  trespass,  in  their  eating  the 
holy  things,"  referring  to  those  strangers  to  the  priest- 
hood, who  are  not  permitted  to  do  so.     Our  version  refers 


LEVITICUS  XXII.  XXIII.     EMORE. 


received;  no  kind  of  bodily  defect  shall  be 
thereon. 

22  A  blind,  or  broken-limbed,  or  maimed 
animal,  or  one  having  a  wen,  or  itch,  or 
scurx-}-, — ye  shall  not  offer  these  unto  the 
Lord,  and  a  fire-offering  shall  ye  not  make  of 
them  upon  the  altar  unto  the  Lord. 

23  And  an  ox  or  a  lamb  that  hath  a  limb 
too  long  or  too  sliort,  that  mayest  thou  offer 
for  a  freewill-offering;"  but  for  a  vow  it  shall 
not  be  favourably  received. 

24  And  one  that  is  bruised,  or  crushed,  or 
broken,  or  cut  in  the  testicles,  shall  ye  not 
offer  unto  the  Lord;  and  in  30ur  land  shall 
ye  not  make  the  like. 

25  And  from  a  stranger's  hand  shall  ye 
not  offer  the  bread  of  your  God  from  any  of 
these ;''  because  their  corruption  is  on  them,  a 
bodily  defect  is  on  them:  they  shall  not  Ije 
favourably  received  for  you. 

26  *i\  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ings 

27  When  a  bullock,  or  a  sheep,  or  a  goat, 

is  brought  forth,  then  shall  it  remain  seven 
days  b}'  its  mother;  and  from  the  eighth  day 
and  thenceforth  shall  it  be  favourably  received 
for  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

28  And  whether  it  be  ox"  or  sheep,  ye  shall 
not  kill  it  aud  its  young  both  in  one  da}'. 

29  And  when  ye  ofler  a  sacrifice  of  thanks- 
giving unto  the  Lord,  offer  it  so  that  it  may 
be  favourably  received  of  you. 

30  On  the  same  day  shall  it  be  eaten  up; 
ye  shall  leave  none  of  it  until  the  morning:  I 
am  the  Lord. 

31  And  ye  shall  keep  my  commandments 
and  do  them:  I  am  the  Lord. 

32  And  ye  shall  not  profane  my  holy 
name ;  so  that  I  may  be  sanctified  among  the 
children  of  Israel ;  I  am  the  Lord  who  sanc- 
tify you, 

33  That  brought  you  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  t(j  be  unto  you  a  God:  I  am  the  Lord.* 


to  the  priests  themselves,  who  are  to  abstain  from  the 
sacred  gifts  when  unclean.     This  is  the  view  of  Onkelos. 

°  ('.  e.  It  may  be  devoted  to  the  expenses  of  the  temple, 
but  not  for  a  .sacrifice. 

''  No  complaisance  to  a  stranger  to  Israel  could  allow  us 
to  accept  from  him  such  an  animal  for  sacrifice  as  was 
prohibited  to  us.  Otherwise  heathens  were  permitted  to 
offer  at  the  altar  through  the  priest. 

"  Eng.  ver.  "  cow  or  ewe ;"  but  the  Hebrew  has  "  ox 
or  sheep." 

''  The  word  riDD  in  the  precedmi;  verse  is  evidently  of 
a  difi'erent  signification  fmni  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread 


CHAPTER  XXlll. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 


mo;. 


2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  The  feasts  of  the  Lord,  which 
ye  shall  proclaim  to  be  holy  convocations, — 
these  are  my  feasts : 

3  Six  days  may  woi'k  be  done;  but  on  the 
seventh  day  is  the  sabl)ath  of  rest,  a  holy  con- 
vocation ;  no  kind  of  work  shall  ye  do  thereon ; 
it  is  the  sabbath  (holy)  unto  the  Lord  in  all 
your  dwellings. 

4  ^  These  are  the  feasts  of  the  Lord,  the 
holy  convocations,  which  ye  shall  proclaim  in 
their  seasons : 

5  On  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first  month, 
toward  evening,  is  the  passover-lamb  to  be 
offered  unto  the  Lord. 

G  Aud  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  same 
month  is  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread"*  unto 
the  Lord  :  seven  days  must  ye  eat  unleavened 
bread. 

7  On  the  first  dtiy  there  shall  be  ;i  holy 
convociition  unto  yon ;  no  servile  work  shall 
ye  do  thereon. 

8  And  ye  shall  offer  an  ofl'ering  nunle  by 
fire  unto  the  Lord  seven  days:  on  the  seventh 
day  is  a  holy  convocation;  no  servile  work 
shall  ye  do. 

9  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  inito  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  tliem,  When  ye  shall  have  come  into 
the  land  which  I  give  inito  you,  and  reap  the 
harvest  thereof:  then  shall  ye  bring  an  omer 
full   of  the   first  of  Aour   harvest   unto    the 


11  Aud  he  shall  wave  the  omer  before  the 
Lord,  that  it  may  be  ftivouraljly  received  for 
you;  on  the  morrow  after  the  holy  day''  shall 
the  priest  wtive  it. 

12  And  ye  shall  offer  on  the  day  when  ye 

mentioned  here;  hence  the  word  has  been  rendered  accord- 
ing to  Rashi  :  "The  passover-lamb,"  with  the  addition  un- 
derstood, "is  to  be  offered."  The  fifteenth  day,  commenc- 
ing the  evening  before,  is  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread. 

'  The  word  in  Hebrew  is  nlty  "the  rest,"  which  ap- 
plies equally  well  to  the  strict  holy  days,  when  no  work 
is  to  be  done,  as  to  the  weekly  day  of  rest,  the  sabbath 
proper.  '•  The  morrow  after  the  holy  day,"  in  this  verse, 
refers  to  the  second  day  of  the  Passover,  from  which,  till 
the  Pentecost,  are  forty-nine  days.  The  word  n^ty  signi- 
fies also  "week,"  probably  because  each  wci-k  has  one 
sabbath. 

147 


LEVITICUS  XXm.     EMORE. 


wave  the  omer,  a  male  sheep  without  blemish 
of  the  first  year  for  a  bunit-ofiering  unto  the 
Lord. 

13  And  the  meat-oftei'ino'  thereof  shall  be 
two  tenth  parts  of  line  tioiw  mingled  with  oil, 
as  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord,  for 
a  sweet  savour;  with  its  drink-offering  of 
wine,  the  fourth  part  of  a  bin. 

14  And  neither  bread,  nor  parched  corn, 
nor  green  ears,  shall  ye  eat,  until  the  self- 
same day,  until  ye  have  brought  the  ofiering 
of  your  God:  it  shall  be  a  statute  for  ever 
throughout  your  generations  in  all  your  dwell- 
ings. 

15  ^  And  ye  shall  count  unto  you  from 
the  morrow  after  the  holy  day,  from  the  day 
that  ye  bring  the  omer  of  the  wave-offering, 
(that)  it  be  seven  complete  weeks : 

16  Even  unto  the  morrow  after  the  seventh 
week  shall  ye  number  fifty  days ;  and  ye  shall 
then  offer  a  new''  meat-offering  unto  the  Lord. 

17  Out  of  your  own  habitations  shall  ye 
bring  two  wave-loaves  of  two  tenth  parts ;  of 
fine  fiour  shall  they  be;  leavened  shall  they 
be  Ijaked;  they  are  the  first-fruits  unto  the 
Lord. 

18  And  ye  sliall  offer  with  the  bread  seven 
sheep  without  blemish  of  the  first  year,  and 
one  young  bullock,  and  two  rams :  they  shall 
be  for  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord,  Avith 
their  meat-ofit'ring,  with  their  drink-offerings, 
an  ofiering  made  by  fire,  of  a  sweet  savour 
unto  the  Lord. 

19  And  ye  shall  sacrifice  one  he-goat  for  a 
sin-offering,  and  two  sheep  of  the  first  year 
for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering. 

20  And  the  priest  shall  make  with  them 
together  with  the  bread  of  the  first-fruits  a 
waving  before  the  Lord,  together  with  the 
two  sheep ;  holy  shall  they  be  to  the  Lord  for 
the  priest. 

21  And  ye  shall  proclaim  on  the  self-same 
day,  that  it  may  be  a  holy  convocation  unto 
you;  no  servile  work  shall  ye  do;  it  shall  be 
a  statute  for  ever  in  all  your  dwellings 
throughout  your  generations. 

22  And  Avhen  ye  reap  the  harvest  of  your 
land,  thou  shalt  not  cut  away  altogether  the 


*  /.  e.  Of  the  now  wheat. 

''  Hcb.  "Ye  shall  afflict  ymir  iiersdiis;"  Imt  this  phrase  is 
always  employed  as  synoiiynious  with  nii"  "fasfiiir;,"  used  in 
the  prophetic  books,  but  not  found  in  the  Pentateuch.  It 
is,  perhaps,  also  move  comprehensive,  as  ou  the  day  of 
atouemcnt  all  iudulgcuccs  of  whatever  kind  are  prohibited 
148 


corners  of  thy  field  when  thou  reapest,  and 
the  gleaning  of  thy  harvest  shalt  thou  not 
gather  up ;  unto  the  poor,  and  to  the  stranger 
shalt  thou  leave  them :  I  am  the  Lord  your 
God.* 

23  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

24  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  say- 
ing. In  the  seventh  month,  on  the  first  day 
of  the  month,  shall  ye  have  a  rest,  a  (day  of) 
memorial  of  sounding  the  cornet,  a  holy  con- 
vocation. 

25  No  servile  work  shall  ye  do :  and  ye 
shall  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the 
Lord. 

26  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

27  But  on  the  tenth  day  of  this  seventh 
month  is  the  day  of  atonement,  a  holy  convo- 
cation shall  it  be  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  fast ;'' 
and  ye  shall  offer  an  offering  made  ))v  fire' 
unto  the  Lord. 

28  And  no  manner  of  work**  shall  ye  do  on 
this  same  day ;  for  it  is  a  day  of  atonement, 
to  make  an  atonement  for  you  befoi'e  tlie 
Lord  your  God. 

29  For  whatsoever  person  it  be  that  fasteth 
not  on  this  same  day,  shall  be  cut  off'  from 
among  his  people. 

30  And  if  there  be  any  person  tliat  doth 
any  work  on  this  same  day,  then  will  I  de- 
stroy the  same  person  from  among  his  people. 

31  No  manner  of  work  shall  ye  do:  it  shall 
be  a  statute  for  ever  throughout  your  genera- 
tions, in  all  j-our  dwellings. 

32  A  sabbath  of  rest  it  shall  be  unto  you, 
and  ye  shall  fast:  on  the  ninth  day  of  the 
month  at  evening'"  (shall  ye  begin),  from  even- 
ini;-  unto  evening  shall  ve  celebrate  your  sab- 
bath.* 

33  ^f  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

34  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  say- 
ing. On  the  fifteenth  day  of  this_  seventh 
month,  shall  be  the  feast  of  tabernacles  for 
seven  days  unto  the  Lord. 

35  On  the  first  day  shall  be  a  holy  convo- 
cation; no  servile  work  shall  ye  do. 

■=  The  offering  is  specified  in  the  parallel  passages,  above, 
chapter  xvi.,  and  Numbers,  chapter  xxi.x.  7  to  Jl. 

''  Not  even  the  preparation  of  food,  which  is  peruiitted 
on  other  holy  days;  this  being  equal  to  the  usual  sabbath, 
a  nn3B'  n^ty  a  day  of  rest  in  the  highest  degree. 

''  The  other  festivals  also  begin  at  evening,  as  indicated- 


LEVITICUS  XXIII.  XXIV.     EMORE. 


(lay  of  the  seventh 
lave  gathered  in   the  IVuit 


.d6  Seven  days  shall  ye  offer  an  offering 
made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord:  on  the  eighth 
day  shall  be  a  holy  convocation  unto  .you; 
and  ye  shall  offer  an  offering  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lokd,  it  is  a  solenni"  assembly;  no 
servile  work  shall  ye  do. 

?)7  These  are  the  feasts  of  the  Lokd.  which 
ye  shall  proclaim  to  be  holy  convocations,  to 
offer  an  offering  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord, 
buriit-dfT'ering,  and  meat-dflering,  sacrilice,  and 
drink-oil'erings,  every  thing  upon  its  day: 

08  Beside  the  sabbaths''  of  the  Lord,  and 
l)eside  your  gifts,  and  Ix'side  all  your  vows, 
and  beside  all  your  freewiU-otlerings,  which 
ye  may  give  unto  the  Lord. 

.39  But  on  tlie  fifteenth  dav 
month,  when  ye 

of  the  land,  shall  ye  keep  the  feast  of  the 
Lord  seven  davs:  on  the  first  dav  shall  be  a 
rest,  and  on  the  eighth  day  shall  be  a  rest. 

40  And  3'e  shall  take  unto  }ourselves°  on 
the  first  day  the  fruit  of  the  ti'ee  hadar,'^ 
branches  of  palm-trees,  and  the  boughs  of  the 
myrtle-tree,  and  willows  of  the  brook;  and  ye 
shall  rejoice  before  the  Lord  your  God  seven 
days. 

41  And  ye  shall  keep  it  as  a  feast  unto 
the  Lord  seven  days  in  the  A-ear:  it  shall  be 
a  statute  for  ever  throughout  your  generations ; 
in  the  seventh  mouth  shall  ye  celebrate  it. 

42  In  booths  shall  ye  dwell  seven  days;  all 
that  are  Isi'aelites  bom  shall  dwell  in  l)ooths. 

43  In  order  that  your  generations  may 
know,  that  I  caused  the  children  of  Israel  to 
dwell  in  booths,  when  I  brought  them  forth 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt:  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God. 

44  And  Moses  declared  the  feasts  of  the 
Lord  unto  the  children  of  Israel.* 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  1[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Conunand  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  bring  unt(j  thee  pure  beaten  olive-oil,  for 


•Philippson:  "Fiast  of  conclusion,"  mx;'  from  ti'i' 
"to  shut  up,"  "to  restrain." 

*"  /'.  c.  Beside  tlie  two  lambs,  the  additional  sacrifice  for 
the  sabbath,  which  are  mentioned  in  Numbers  xxviii. 
9,  10. 

°  "Each  of  you  .shall  take  of  his  own." — Wesseli.  In 
the  same  manner  all  similar  phrases  must  be  explained. 

^  Our  tradition  teaches  us  that  this  means  the  citron- 
tree.     The  oritrin  of  the  name  Hadar  is  otherwise  duubt- 


the  lighting,  to  cause  the  lamp  to  l)urn  con- 
tinually. 

3  Without  the  vail  of  the  testimony,  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  shall  Aaron 
put  it  in  order  (I'or)  from  evening  unto  morn- 
ing before  the  Lord  continually;  as  a  statute 
for  ever  in  your  generations. 

4  Upon  the  pure  candlestick  shall  he  put 
in  order  the  lamps,  before  the  Lord,  con- 
tinually. 

5  ^i  And  thou  slialt  take  fine  flour,  and  Ijake 
thereof  twelve  cakes:  of  two  tenth  parts  sliall 
each  one  cake  be. 

G  And  thou  shalt  place  them  in  two  rows, 
six  in  a  row,  upon  the  [)ure  table  Ijeibre  the 
Lord. 

7  And  thou  shalt  put  upon  each  row  pm-e 
ft'ankincense,  that  it  may  be  unto  the  Ijread 
for  a  memorial,"  as  a  fire-offering  mi  to  the 
Lord. 

8  On  every  and  each  sabbath  day  shall  he 
place  it  in  order  before  the  Lord  continualh", 
(obtained)  from  the  children  of  Israel  as  an 
everlasting  covenant. 

9  And  it  shall  belong  to  Aaron  and  to  his 
sons;  and  they  shall  eat  it  in  a  holy  place; 
for  it  is  most  holy  unto  him,  from  the  fire- 
offerings  of  the  Lord,  as  a  perpetual  fixed 
portion. 

10  T[  And  there  went  forth  a  son  of  an 
Israelitish  woman,  but  who  Avas  the  son  of  an 
Egyptian  man,  among  the  children  of  Israel; 
and  there  quarrelled  together  in  the  camp 
this  son  of  the  Israelitish  wonuin  and  an 
Israelitish  man. 

11  And  the  son  of  the  Israelitish  woman 
pronounced'^  the  (holy)  Name,  and  blasphem- 
ed; and  they  brought  him  unto  Mo.ses:  (and 
his  mother's  name  was  Shelomith.  the  daugh- 
ter of  Dibri,  of  the  tribe  of  Dan ;) 

12  And  they  placed  him  in  ward,  until  the 
decision  of  the  Lord  could  be  explained  to 
them. 

13  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 


ful.  The  English  version  of  this  verse  is  too  incorrect  to 
require  remark. 

"  The  bread  belonged  to  the  priests;  but  the  frankin- 
cense alone  was  burnt;  consequently  it  was  the  memorial 
for  the  showbread,  the  same  as  above,  ii.  2,  &c.,  with  tlie 
ordinary  meat-offering. 

'  "As  Onkelos  explains,  he  pronounced  the  most  holy 
name  of  God,  which  they  had  heard  on  Sinai,  and  bla*- 
phcujcd." — E.vsm. 

H'.) 


LEVITICUS  XXIV.  XXV.     BEHAR. 


14  Lead  forth  the  bhisphemer  to  without 
the  camp;  and  all  that  have  heard  him  shall 
lay  their  hands  upon  his  head ;  and  all  the 
congregation  shall  stone  him. 

15  And  mito  the  children  of  Israel  shalt 
thou  speak,  saying.  Whatsoever  man  tliat 
blasphemeth  his  God  shall  bear  his  sin. 

16  But  he  that  pronounced  the  name  of 
the  Lord  (with  blasphemy)  shall  be  put  to 
death,  all  the  congregation  shall  stone  him; 
be  he  a  stranger,  or  be  he  one  that  is  born  in 
the  land,  when  he  pronounceth  the  (holy) 
Name  (with  blasphemy,)  he  shall  be  put  to 
death. 

1 7  And  he  that  taketh  the  life  of  any  man 
shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

18  And  he  that  taketh  tlie  life  of  a  beast 
shall  make  it  good:  beast  for  beast. 

19  And  if  a  man  cause  a  bodily  defect  in 
his  neighbour,  as  he  hath  done,  so  shall  be 
done  to  him; 

20  Breach  for  breach,  eye  for  eye,  tooth 
for  tooth:  in  the  manner  as  he  hath  caused  a 
bodily  defect  in  a  man,  so  shall  it  be  done  to 
him.* 

21  And  he  that  killeth  a  beast,  shall  make 
restitution  for  it;  and  he  that  killeth  a  man, 
shall  be  put  to  deatli. 

22  One  manner  of  judicial  law  shall  ye 
have,  the  stranger  shall  be  equal  with  one  of 
your  own  country;  for  I  am  the  Lord  your 
God. 

23  And  Moses  spoke  to  the  children  of 
Israel;  and  they  led  forth  the  blasphemer 
to  without  the  camp,  and  they  stoned  him 
with  stones;  and  the  children  of  Israel  did  as 
tlie  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

Haphtorah  in  Ezekiel  xliv.  15  to  31. 


SECTION  XXXII.     BEIIAR,  nn3. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  sjtoko  unto  Moses  on 
mount  Sinai,  saying, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  thein,  Wben  ye  come  into  tlic  land 
which  I  give  unto  you;  then  shall  the  land 
keep  a  sabbath  imto  the  Lord. 

3  Six  years  shalt  thou  st)\v  thy  field,  and 


*  Properly,  Yohcl.      Raslii   dorivcs   this  word  from  SdV 
"the  ram,"  because  the  ram's  horn  (cornet)  was  bhnvn  to 
announce  it;   but  as  liorns  from  otlmr  animals  were  also 
150 


six  years  shalt  thou  prune  thy  vineyard,  and 
gather  in  the  fruit  thereof; 

4  But  in  the  seventh  year  there  shall  be  a 
sabbath  of  rest  unto  the  land,  a  sabbath  (in 
honour)  of  the  Lord:  thy  field  shalt  thou 
not  sow,  and  thy  vineyard  shalt  thou  not 
prune. 

5  That  which  groweth  of  its  own  accord 
of  thy  harvest  shalt  thou  not  reap,  and  the 
grapes  of  thy  undressed  vine  shalt  thou  not 
gather:  a  year  of  rest  shall  it  he  unto  the 
land. 

6  And  (the  product  of)  tlie  sabbath  of  the 
land  shall  be  unto  you  for  food,  for  thee,  and 
for  thy  man-.servant,  and  lor  thy  maid-ser- 
vant, and  for  thy  hired  labourer,  and  for  thy 
stranger,  that  sojourn  with  thee; 

7  And  lor  thy  cattle,  and  tor  the  beasts 
that  are  in  thy  land,  shall  all  its  products  be 
(left)  for  food. 

8  Tl  And  thou  shalt  number  unto  thee 
seven  sabbaths  of  years,  seven  years  seven 
times;  and  the  space  of  the  seven  salj))aths 
of  3'ears  shall  be  unto  thee  forty  and  nine 
years. 

9  And  then  shalt  thou  cause  the  sound  of 
the  cornet  to  be  heard,  in  the  seventh  month, 
on  the  tenth  day  of  the  month:  on  the  day 
of  atonement  shall  ye  sound  the  cornet 
throughout  all  your  land. 

10  And  ye  shall  hallow  the  fiftietli  year, 
and  proclaim  freedom  throughout  the  land 
unto  all  the  inhabitants  thereof:  it  shall  be  a 
jubilee''  unto  you;  and  ye  shall  return,  every 
man,  unto  his  possession,  and  ye  shall  return, 
eveiy  man,  unto  his  family. 

11  A  jubilee  shall  this,  the  fiftietli  year,  be 
unto  you :  ye  shall  not  sow,  nor  reap  that 
which  groweth  of  itself  in  it,  nor  gather  in  it 
the  fruit  of  the  undressed  vines. 

12  For  it  is  the  jubilee;  holy  shall  it  be 
unto  you :  from  the  field  shall  ye  eat  the  pro- 
ducts thereof 

13  In  this  year  of  the  jubilee  shall  je  re- 
turn, every  man,  unto  his  possession.* 

14  And  if  thou  sell  aught  unto  thy  neigh- 
bour, or  buy  aught  of  thy  neighbour's  hand, 
ye  shall  not  overreach  one  the  other; 

15  According  to  the  number  of  years  after 
the  jubilee  shalt  thou  buy  of  thy  neighbour, 


permitted  for  this  service,  Ramban  derives  it  from  ^3' 
which  signifies  in  Hiphil  "to  bring,"  that  is,  the  year 
when  each  man  is  brought  back  to  his  own 


LEVITICUS  XXV.     BEHAR. 


according  unto  tlic  iiiunber  of"  harvest-years" 
shall  he  sell  unto  thee; 

16  According  to  the  multitude  of  years 
slialt  thou  increase  the  price  thereof",  and  ac- 
cording to  the  fewness  of  years  shalt  thou 
diminish  the  price  thereof;  for  a  munber  of 
harvests  doth  he  sell  unto  thee. 

17  And  ye  shall  not  overreach''  one  the 
other;  but  thou  shalt  be  afraid  of  thy  God; 
for  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

IS  And  ye  shall  do  my  statutes,  and  my 
ordinances  shall  ye  keep  and  do  them;  and 
then  shall  ye  dwell  in  the  land  in  safety.* 

19  And  the  land  shall  yield  its  fruit,  and 
ye  shall  eat  your  fill,  and  dwell  in  safety 
therein . 

20  And  if  ye  should  say.  What  shall  we 
eat  in  the  seventh  year?  behold,  we  are  not 
permitted  to  sow,  and  we  cannot  gather  in  our 
harvest : 

21  Then  will  I  command  my  blessing  unto 
you  in  the  sixth  year,  and  it  shall  bring  forth 
a  harvest  for  three  years. 

22  And  when  ye  sow  in  the  eighth  year, 
then  shall  ye  eat  yet  of  the  old  harvest;  until 
the  ninth  year^  until  its  harvest  come  in, 
shall  ye  eat  of  the  old  store. 

23  And  the  land  shall  not  be  sold  for  a 
permanence  (to  the  purchaser) ;  for  the  land 
is  mine;  for  strangers  and  sojourners  are  ye 
with  me. 

24  And  in  all  the  land  of  your  possession 
ye  shall  grant  a  redemption  tor  the  land.* 

25  T[  If  thy  brother  become  poor,  and  sell 
away  some  of  his  possession :  then  may  his 
nearest  of  kin  come  and  I'edeem  what  his 
brother  hath  sold. 

26  And  if  the  man  have  none  to  redeem  it, 
and  he  acquire  the  means,  suiHcient  to  be  aljle 
to  redeem  it  himself: 

27  Then  let  him  reckon  the  years  since  his 
sale,  and  restore  the  overplus  unto  the  man 
to  whom  he  sold  it;  and  so  shall  he  return 
unto  his  possession. 


"  /.  c.  While  harvesting  is  permitted  to  the  buyer,  or 
the  years  that  are  to  elapse  till  the  jubilee;  for  then  the  j 
land  returns  to  the  original  owner.     Hence  the  price  is 
higher  it"  the  time  to  the  jubilee  be  long,  and  smaller  in 
proportion ;  as  in  nest  verse. 

'  Tradition  makes  i:in  not  "deceive,"'  but  to  "offend"  | 
with  words,  to  "excite  to  anger."  But  in  our  version  we  ; 
followed  Onkelos  and  others.  i 

°  Rashi  renders  this,  "If  a  man  purchase  from  the  Le- 
vites,"  &c.     Our  translation  is  after  Arnheim,  who  com-  j 


28  But  if  his  means  do  not  suffice  to  enable 
him  to  restore  it  to  him :  then  shall  that 
which  he  hath  sold  remain  in  the  hand  of 
him  that  hath  bought  it  until  the  year  of 
the  jubilee;  and  it  shall  be  freed  in  the 
jubilee,  and  he  shall  return  unto  his  posses- 
sion.* 

29  ^[  And  if  a  nmn  sell  a  dwelling-house 
in  a  walled  city,  then  shall  the  time  of  re- 
demption last  till  the  end  of  the  year  of  his 
sale;  ti  full  vear  shall  his  time  of  redemption 
last. 

30  And  if  it  be  not  redeemed  within  the 
expiration  of  a  full  year:  then  shall  the  house 
which  is  in  the  walled  city  remain  as  a  per- 
nmnence  to  him  that  bought  it  throughout 
his  generations;  it  shall  not  become  freed  in 
the  jubilee. 

31  But  the  houses  of  the  villages  which 
have  no  wall  round  about  them  shall  Ije 
counted  as  the  fields  of  the  country :  they 
shall  have  the  right  of  redemption,  and  they 
shall  become  freed  in  the  jubilee. 

32  And  (respecting)  the  cities  of  the  Le- 
vites,  the  houses  of  the  cities  of  their  posses- 
sion, a  perpetual  right  of  redemj^tion  shall 
belong  to  the  Levites. 

33  And  if  a  man  of  the  Levites  redeem'' 
something:  then  shall  the  house  that  was 
sold,  and  the  city  of  his  possession,  become 
freed  in  the  jubilee;  for  the  houses  of  the 
cities  of  the  Levites  are  their  possession 
among  the  children  of^  Israel. 

34  And  ii  field  of  the  sul)urbs  of  their  cities 
shall  not  be  sold;''  for  a  perpetual  possession 
is  it  unto  them. 

oG  T[  And  if  thy  brother  become  poor,  and 
fall  in  decay  with  thee :  then  shalt  thou  assist 
him,  (yea)  a  stranger,  or  a  sojourner,  that  he 
may  live  with  thee. 

36  Thou  shalt  not  take  of  him  any  usury 
or  increase;  but  thou  shalt  be  afraid  of  thy 
God:   that  thy  brother  may  live  with  thee. 

37  Thy  money  shalt   thou   not   give   him 


ments,  that  if  a  Levite  should  redeem  a  property  sold  by 
another  of  his  tribe,  it  will  revert  to  the  original  owner  at 
the  jubilee;  whereas,  as  regards  the  lands  of  other  Israel- 
ites, the  law  is  silent,  provided  (.mly  that  it  must  revert  to 
the  tribe  of  the  seller.  Philipp.son  renders,  "any  one  of 
the  Levites  may  redeem,"  &c.,  and  connects  it  with  the 
preceding  verse;  and  it  then  means,  it  requires  no  relative 
to  redeem,  but  any  one  of  the  Levitical  tribe. 

■^  This  is  said  to  refer  to  a  tield  sanctified  by  a  Levi, 
which  is  not  to  be  forfeited  to  the  priests  as  m  xxvii.  21. 


LEVITICUS  XXV.  XXVI.     BECHUCKOTAY. 


upon  usury,  uor  leud  liiui  tli\  victuals  for  in- 
crease. 

38  I  am  the  Lord  your  God,  who  have 
brought,  you  forth  out  of  tlie  hind  of  Egypt,  to 
give  unto  you  tlie  hind  of  Canaan,  to  be  unto 
you  a  God.'^' 

39  ^  And  if  thy  brother  become  poor  near 
thee,  and  be  sold  unto  thee :  thou  shalt  not 
compel  him  to  work  as  a  bond-servant. 

40  But  as  a  hired  labourer,  as  a  sojourner, 
shall  he  be  with  thee;  until  the  year  of  the 
jubilee  shall  he  serve  with  thee: 

41  And  then  shall  he  depart  fi-om  thee,  he 
and  his  children  with  him;  and  he  shall  re- 
turn unto  his  own  family,  and  unto  the  pos- 
session of  his  fathei's  shall  he  return. 

42  For  my  servants  are  they,  whom  I 
brought  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt:  they 
shall  not  be  sold  as  bond-men  are  sold. 

43  Thou  shalt  not  rule  over  him  with 
rigour;  but  thou  shalt  have  fear  of  thy  God. 

44  But  thy  bond-man,  and  thy  l:)ond-wo- 
man  that  shall  remain  thine,  shall  be  of  the 
nations  that  are  round  about  3"ou;  of  them 
may  ye  buy  bond-man  and  bond-woman. 

45  And  also  of  the  children  of  the  strangers 
that  sojourn  with  you,  of  them  may  ye  Ijuy, 
and  of  their  families  that  ai'e  with  you,  which 
they  have  begotten  in  your  land;  and  they 
shall  remain  to  you  as  a  possession. 

46  And  ye  may  transfer  them  as  an  inherits 
ance  for  your  children  after  you.  to  inherit 
them  for  a  possession ;  you  may  hold  them  to 
service  for  ever;  but  over  your  brethren  the 
children  of  Israel,  one  over  the  other,  ye"' 
shall  not  rule  with  rigour.'-' 

47  ^  And  if  a  stranger  or  sojourner  wax 
rich  near  thee,  and  thy  brother  become  poor 
near  him,  and  he  sell  himself  unto  the  so- 
journing stranger  near  thee,  or  to  a  descend- 
ant of  a  stranger's  family : 

48  After  he  hath  sold  himself  shall  he 
have  the  right  of  redemption ;  one  of  his 
brethren  may  redeem  him. 

49  Either  his  uncle,  or  his  uncle's  son,  may 
redeem  him,  or  any  that  is  near  of  kin  unto 
him  of  his  family  nuiy  redeem  him ;  or  if  he 
obtain  the  means,  he  may  redeem  himself 

•50  And  he  shall  reckon  with  him  that 
bought  him  from  the  year  that  he  sold  him- 
self to  him  unto  the  year  of  the  jubilee :  and 


"  llol).  "Thou  shalt  not  rule,"  acfiivding  to  ttio  Hebrew 
ididiii. 


the  price  of  his  sale  shall  be  according  to  the 
number  of  years,  as  the  time  of  a  hired 
labourer  shall  he  have  been  with  him. 

51  If  there  be  yet  many  years,  according 
to  them  shall  he  return  the  price  of  his  re- 
demption out  of  his  purchase-money. 

52  And  if  there  remain  but  few  years  unto 
the  year  of  the  jubilee:  then  shall  he  reckon 
with  him;  according  to  his  years  shall  he 
return  the  price  of  his  redemption. 

53  As  a  lal)0urer  hired  from  3"ear  to  year 
shall  he  be  with  him;  he  shall  not  rule  over 
him  with  rigour  before  thy  eyes. 

54  And  if  he  be  not  redeemed  by  (one  of) 
these  means ;  then  shall  he  go  out  in  the  year 
of  the  jubilee,  both  he,  and  his  children  with 
him.''' 

55  For  unto  me  are  the  children  of  Israel 
servants,  my  servants  are  they,  whom  I  have 
brought  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt:  1  am 
the  Eternal  jour  God. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  Ye  shall  not  make  yourselves  any  idols, 
and  a  graven  im-age,  or  a  standing  image 
shall  ye  not  rear  up  inito  you,  and  any  carved 
stone  shall  you  not  place  in  your  hmd,  to  l)ow 
down  upon  it;  for  I  am  the  Eternal  \"our 
God. 

2  My  sabbaths  shall  ye  keep,  and  my 
sanctuary  shall  ye  reverence:  I  am  the  Lokd. 

Haphtorah  in  Jeromiah  xxxii.  <i  tu  '2' . 


SECTION  XXXIII.     BECHUCKOTAY, 

'npnn. 

3  ^  If  in  my  statutes  ye  walk,  and  if  my 
commandments  ye  keep,  and  do  them : 

4  Then  will  I  give  you  rains  in  their  due 
season,  and  the  earth  shall  yield  her  pro- 
ducts, and  the  tree  of  the  field  shall  yield  its 
fruit. 

5  And  the  thresliing  shall  reach  with  you 
unto  the  vintage,  and  the  vintage  shall  reach 
unto  sowing-time;  and  ye  shall  eat  your 
bre;id  to  the  full,  and  ye  shall  dwell  in  safety 
in  your  land.'-'' 

G  And  I  will  give  peace  in  the  lan<l.  and  ye 
shall  lie  down,  with  none  to  nuU\e  you  afraid; 
and  1  will  remove  evil  beasts  out  of  the  land, 
and  tne  sword  shall  not  pass  through yoiu'land. 

7  And  ye  shall  chase  your  enemies,  and 
they  shall  fall  betbre  you  by  the  sword. 


JOSEPH     INTEKPKETIXG    PHARAOHS    DREAM. 


LEVITICUS  XXVI.     BECHUCKOTAY. 


8  And  five  of  you  shall  chase  a  hundred, 
aiul  a  hundred  of  you  shall  chase  ten  thou- 
sand ;  and  your  enemies  shall  fall  before  you 
by  the  sword. 

9  And  I  will  turn  myself  unto  you,  and 
make  you  fruitful,  and  multipW  you;  and  I 
will  establish  my  covenant  with  30U.* 

10  And  \e  shall  eat  very  old  stox'e,  and 
the  old  shall  ye  remove  away  because  of  the 
new. 

11  And  I  will  set  my  dwelling  among  you; 
and  my  soul  shall  not  loath"  you. 

12  And  I  will  walk  among  you,  and  I  will 
be  to  you  a  God,  and  ye  shall  be  to  me  a 
people. 

13  I  am  the  Eternal  your  God,  who  have 
brought  you  forth  out  of  the  laud  of  Egypt, 
that  ye  should  not  be  their  bond-men ;  and  I 
have  broken  the  bands  of  your  yoke,  and 
caused  you  to  walk  upright. 

14  ^1  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me, 
and  will  not  do  all  these  commandments; 

15  And  if  my  statutes  ye  despise,  and  if 
my  ordinances  your  soul  loath,  so  as  not  to 
do  all  my  commandments,  in  that  ye  break 
my  covenant : 

16  Then  will  I  also  do  this  unto  you,  and 
I  will  inflict  on  you  terror,  consumption,  and 
the  burning  ague,  that  consume  the  eyes,  and 
cause  sorrow  of  heart;  and  ye  shall  sow  in 
vain  your  seed,  for  your  enemies  shall  eat  it.'' 

17  And  I  will  set  my  face  against  you,  and 
ye  shall  be  struck  down  before  3'our  enemies : 
and  they  that  hate  you  shall  bear  rule  over 
you;  and  ye  shall  flee  Avhile  there  is  no  one 
pursuing  you. 

18  And  if  with  these  things  even  ye  will 
not  yet  hearken  unto  me :  then  will  I  chastise 
you  yet  more,  sevenfold  for  your  sins. 

19  And  I  will  break  the  pride  of  your 
power ;  and  I  will  make  your  heaven  as  iron, 
and  your  earth  as  copper : 

20  And  in  vain  shall  your  strength  be 
spent;  for  your  land  shall  not  yield  her  pro- 
ducts, and  the  tree  of  the  land  shall  not  yield 
its  fruit. 

21  And  if  ye  walk  yet  contrary  unto  me. 


'  "  Fear  not  that  after  a  long  time  I  will  be  tired  of  you 
and  choose  another  nation  to  render  it  higher  than  you; 
for  I  the  Lord  change  not;  and  if  you  do  your  part,  to 
walk  in  my  statutes,  my  dwelling  shall  be  among  you  for 
ever." — Wesseli. 

''  "You  .shall  sow,  but  nothing  will  grow;  but  if  you 
Li 


and  if  30U  lefuso  to  hearken  unto  me:  then 
will  I  bring  more  plagues  upon  you,  seven- 
fold according  to  jour  sins. 

22  And  I  will  send  out  against  you  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  which  shall  rob  you  of  your 
children,  and  destroy  your  cattle,  and  dimi- 
nish yourselves;  so  that  your  roads  shall  be 
desolate. 

23  And  if  notmthstanding  these  things  ye 
will  not  be  reformed  by  me,  and  walk  con- 
trary unto  me : 

24  Then  will  I  also  walk  contrary  unto 
you,  and  I  also  will  punish  you,  sevenfold  for 
your  sins. 

25  And  I  will  bring  over  you  the  sword, 
avenging  the  quarrel  of  my  covenant,  so  that 
ye  shall  be  gathered  together  within  your 
cities;  and  then  will  I  send  the  pestilence 
among  you,°  that  ye  shall  deliver  yourselves 
into  the  hand  of  the  enemy; 

26  When  I  break  unto  you  the  stafi"  of 
bread;  and  ten  women  shall  bake  your  bread 
in  one  oven,  and  they  shall  deliver  your 
bread  again  by  weight;  and  ye  shall  eat,  and 
not  be  satisfied. 

27  ^  And  if  notwithstanding  this  ye  will  not 
hearken  unto  me,  but  walk  contrary  unto  me : 

28  Then  will  I  also  walk  contrary  unto 
you  in  fury;  and  I,  even  I,  Avill  chastise  you, 
sevenfold  for  your  sins. 

29  And  ye  shall  eat  the  flesh  of  your  sons, 
and  the  flesh  of  your  daughtei-s  shall  ye  eat. 

30  And  I  will  destroy  your  high -places, 
and  cut  down  your  suu-images,  and  cast  your 
carcasses  upon  tlie  carcasses  of  your  idols; 
and  my  soul  shall  loath  you. 

■31  And  I  will  render  your  cities  a  waste, 
and  I  will  make  desolate  your  sanctuaries, 
and  I  will  not  smell  the  savour  of  your  sweet 
odours. 

32  And  I  will  surely  make  desolate  the 
land:  and  your  enemies  who  dwell  thei'eiu 
shall  be  astonished  at  it. 

33  And  you  will  I  scatter  among  the  nar 
tions,  and  I  will  draw  out  after  you  the 
sword;  and  your  land  shall  be  a  'desolate 
wild,  and  your  cities  shall  be  a  waste. 


should  have  any  thing  in  your  fields,  then  shall  your  ene- 
mies come  and  eat  it." — Rashi. 

°  Meaning,  the  people  having  violated  the  covenant,  God 
would  send  enemies  into  the  land,  fleeing  before  whom 
they  should  seek  refuge  in  the  towns,  whence  the  plague 
should  drive  them  again  into  the  power  of  their  pursuers 

153 


LEVITICUS  XXVI.  XXVII.     BECHUCKOTAY. 


34  Then  shall  the  laud  satisfy''  its  sab- 
baths, all  the  days  of  its  desolation,  when  ye 
are  in  the  land  of  your  enemies :  then  shall 
the  laud  rest,  and  satisfy  its  sabbaths. 

35  All  the  days  of  its  desolation  shall  it 
rest,  the  time  which  it  did  not  rest  in  3'our 
sabbaths,  when  ye  dwelt  upon  it. 

36  And  regarding  those  that  are  left  of 
you,  I  will  send  a  faintuess  into  their  hearts 
in  the  lands  of  their  enemies;  and  the  sound 
of  a  leaf  shaken  shall  chase  them ;  and  they 
shall  tlce,  as  fleeing  from  the  sword ;  and  they 
shall  fall  with  none  pursuing. 

37  And  they  shall  stumble  one  over  the 
other,  as  l^efore  the  sword,  without  one  pur- 
suing: and  ye  shall  have  no  power  to  stand 
up  before  your  enemies. 

38  Arid  3'e  shall  be  lost  among  the  nations, 
and  the  land  of  your  enemies  shall  consume 
you. 

39  And  they  that  are  left  of  you  shall  pine 
away  in  their  iniquity  in  the  land  of  your ' 
enemies;  and  also  through  the  iniquities  of 
their    fathers    shall    they    pine    away    with  J 
them. 

40  And  they  shall  then  confess  their  ini- 
quity, and  the  iniquity  of  their  fathers,  (that) 
through  their  trespass  which  they  trespassed 
against  me,  and  also  that  (because)  they  had 
walked  contrary  unto  me : 

411  also  had  to  walk*  contrary  unto  them, 
and  to  bring  them  into  the  land  of  their  ene- 
mies; aud  then  shall  their  uucircumcised 
heart  be  humbled,  and  then  shall  they  satisfy 
their  iniquity. 

42  And  I  will  then  remember  my  covenant 
with  Jacob,  and  also  my  covenant  with  Isaac, 
and  also  my  covenant  with  Abraham  will  I 
remember;  and  the  land  will  I  remember. 

43  For  the  land  shall  be  forsaken  by  them, 
and  shall  satisfy  its  sabbaths,  while  it  lieth 
desolate  without  them,  and  they  shall  satisfy" 
their  iniquity;  because,  even  because  my  ordi- 
nances they  despised,  and  my  statutes  their 
soul  loathed. 

44  And  yet  for  all  that,  though  they  be  in 

*  Make  compensation  for  the  years  of  release  which  the 
Israelites  did  not  observe  according  to  the  dictates  of  the 
law. 

''  After  riiilipj).son;  as  l^X  is  the  future  form;  thus  ex- 
pressing an  act  arising  from  a  foregone  cause,  ix  IN  given 
liere  with  "and  then,"  may  also  mean,  as  llashi  com- 
ments, ''perhaps  then,"  or  "whether  then."  Thus:  "I 
also  had  to  walk  contrary  unto  them,  and  bring  them  into 
154 


the  land  of  their  enemies,  will  1  not  cast 
them  away,  neither  will  I  loath  them,  tn 
destroy  them  utterly,  to  break  m_v  co\'enant 
with  them;  for  I  am  the  Lokd  their  God. 

45  But  I  will  remember  for  their  sakes  the 
covenant  of  tln'ir  ancestors,  whom  I  Ijrought 
forth  out  of  the  laud  of  Egjpt  Ix'fore  the  eves 
of  the  nations,  that  I  might  be  imto  them  a 
God:  I  am  the  Lord. 

46  Tlie.se  are  the  statutes  and  ordinances 
and  laws,"*  which  the  Lord  made  between 
him  and  the  children  of  Israel  on  mount 
Sinai,  l)y  the  hand  of  Moses.''" 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  •[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Isiael.  and 
sa}'  unto  them,  If  a  man  make  a  particular 
vow,  (to  give)  the  estimated  value  of  persons 
in  honour  of  the  Lord  : 

3  If  the  estimated  value  concern  a  male 
from  twenty  years  old  and  unto  sixty 
years  old,  then  shall  the  estimation  be  fifty 
shekels  of  silver,  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanc- 
tuary. 

4  And  if  it  be  a  female,  then  shall  the  esti- 
mation be  thirty  shekels. 

5  And  if  (the  person  be)  from  five  years 
old  and  unto  twenty  years  old,  then  shall  the 
estimation  of  the  male  be  twenty  shekels, 
and  for  the  female  ten  shekels. 

6  Aud  if  (the  person  be)  IVoui  a  muntli 
old  aud  unto  five  yeai's  old,  then  shall  the 
estimation  of  the  male  be  five  shekels  of 
silver,  and  for  tlie  female  the  estimation 
(shall  be)  three  shekels  of  silver. 

7  And  if  (the  person  be)  from  si.xty  years 
old  and  upward,  if  it  be  a  male,  then  shall  the 
estimation  be  fifteen  shekels,  and  for  the 
female  ten  shekels. 

8  But  if  he  be  too  poor  for  this  estimation, 
tlien  shall  he  present  himself  before  the  priest, 
and  the  priest  shall  value  him;  according  to 
the  ability  to  pay  of  him  that  hath  voweil 
shall  the  priest  value  him. 

the  land  of  their  enemies,  (to  see)  whether  then  their  uu- 
circumcised heart  would  be  humbled,  and  they  would  then 
atone  for  their  iniquitj'." 

°  This  word,  employed  also  in  verses  34  and  41,  means 
that  they  sliall  suffer  such  punishment  as  will  be  in  full 
satisfaction  for  the  guilt  they  have  incurred. 

''  Arnheim  adds,  as  an  ellipsis,  "of  the  covenant,"  tc 
tally  with  what  follows,  "between  him,"  lic. 


LEVITICUS  XXVII.     BECHUCKOTAY. 


9  ^  Ami  if  it  be  a  l3east,"  whereof  men  can 
bring  an  offering  unto  the  Lord,  all  tliat**  a 
man  giveth  of  such  unto  the  Lord  shall  be 
holy. 

10  lie  shall  not  alter  it,  nor  change  it,  a 
good  for  a  bad  one,  or  a  bad  for  a  good  one: 
and  if  he  should  change  beast  for  beast,  then 
shall  it  together  with  its  exchange  be  holy. 

11  And  if  it  be  any  unclean  beast,  of  which 
they  cannot  offer  a  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord, 
then  sliall  he  present  the  beast  before  the 
priest : 

12  And  the  priest  shall  value  it,  wliethcr 
it  be  good  or  bad;  as  the  priest  valueth  it,  so 
shall  it  be. 

lo  And  if  he  will  redeem  it,  then  sliall  he 
add  a  fifth  part  thereof  unto  the  estimated 
value. 

14  And  if  a  man  sanctify  his  house  as  holy 
unto  the  Lord,  then  shall  the  priest  value  it, 
whether  it  be  good  or  bad;  as  the  priest  may 
value  it,  so  shall  it  stand. 

15  And  if  he  that  sanctified  it  will  redeem 
his  house,  then  shall  he  add  the  fifth  part  of 
the  money  of  the  estimated  value  unto  it,  and 
it  shall  remain  his.* 

16  And  if  a  man  sanctify  some  part  of  a 
field  of  his  possession  unto  the  Lord,  then 
shall  the  estimation  be  in  proportion  to  its  re- 
cpiired  seed :  the  seed  of  a  chomer  of  barley  at 
tifty  shekels  of  silver. 

17  If  immediately  after  the  year  of  the 
jubilee  he  sanctify  his  field,  according  to  this 
estimation  shall  it  stand. 

18  But  if  after  the  jubilee  he  sanctify  his 
field,  then  shall  the  priest  reckon  uuto  him 
the  money  in  proportion  to  the  years  that  re- 
main, until  the  year  of  the  jubilee,  and  it 
shall  be  deducted  from  the  estimation. 

19  And  if  he  that  sanctified  the  field  will 
redeem  it,  then  shall  he  add  the  fifth  part  of 
the  money  of  the  estimated  value  unto  it,  and 
it  shall  be  assured  to  him. 

20  But  if  he  will  not  redeem  the  field,  or 
if  he"  have  sold  the  field  to  another  man,  it 
shall  not  be  redeemed  any  more. 

21  But  the  field,  when  it  is  freed  in  tlie 

'  This  means  only  domestic  animals,  cattle  proper,  the 
ox,  sheep,  and  goat;  for  these  only  could  be  sacriticod. 

''  "  If  a  man  said,  The  leg  of  this  shall  be  a  burnt-oifer- 
ing,  his  words  were  valid,  and  it  was  sold  for  the  purposes 
of  the  burnt-ofl'ering,  and  all  the  proceeds  were  prof^me 
property,  with  the  exception  of  the  value  of  that  limb."- — • 
K.vsHi. 


jubilee,  shall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord,  as  a  de- 
voted field :  to  the  priest  shall  it  belong  as  his 
possession.* 

22  And  if  a  man  sanctify  a  field  which  he 
hath  bought,  wliich  is  not  of  the  fields  of  his 
possession,  unto  the  Lord: 

23  Then  shall  the  priest  reckon  unto  him 
the  amount  of  the  estimated  value  to  the  year 
of  the  jubilee;  and  he  shall  give  this  estima- 
tion on  that  day,  as  a  holy  thing  unto  the 
Lord. 

24  In  the  year  of  the  jubilee  the  field  shall 
return  unto  him  of  whom  he  bought  it,  to  the 
one  to  whom  belongeth  the  possession  of  the 
land. 

25  And  all  estimations  of  value  shall  be 
according  to  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuaiy; 
twenty  gerahs  shall  be  the  shekel. 

26  Only  the  first-born  which  shall,  bj-  be- 
ing first  born,  Ije  sacred  unto  the  Lord  among 
cattle,  no  man  shall  sanctify ;''  w'hether  it  be 
ox,  or  lamb,  it  is  the  Lord's. 

27  And  if  it  be  an  unclean  animal,  then 
shall  he  I'edeem  it  according  to  the  estimated 
value,  and  he  shall  add  its  fifth  part  thereto ; 
and  if  it  be  not  redeemed,  then  shall  it  be 
sold  accoi'ding  to  the  estimated  value. 

28  But  any  devoted  thing,  which  a  man 
may  devote  unto  the  Lord  of  all  that  he  hath, 
both  of  man  and  beast,  and  of  the  field  of  his 
possession,  shall  not  be  sold  nor  redeemed : 
every  devoted  thing  is  most  holy  unto  the 
Lord.* 

29  Any  one  condemned,^  who  shall  be  con- 
demned to  death  amone  men,  shall  not  be  re- 
deemed:  he  shall  be  put  to  death. 

30  And  every  tithe  of  the  land,  of  the 
seed  of  the  land,  or  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree, 
belongeth  to  the  Lord:  it  is  holy  unto  the 
Lord. 

31  And  if  a  man  will  redeem  any  part  of 
his  tithe,  its  fifth  part  shall  he  add  thereto.* 

32  And  concerning  the  tithe  of  the  herds, 
or  of  the  flocks,  whatsoever  passeth  under  the 
rod,'  the  tenth  shall  be  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

33  He  shall  not  search  whether  it  be  good 
or  bad,  neither  shall  he  change  it :  and  if  he 


°  i.  e.  The  treasurer  of  the  sanctuary. 

■*  For  the  purpose  of  sacrifice,  it  being  sacred  by  its 
birth. 

'  According  to  Rashi's  commentary;  and  it  says  that 
the  offering  of  the  above  valuations  for  the  life  of  a  con- 
demned criminal  shall  be  of  no  avail. 

'  "When  he  comes  to  tithe  them,  he  causes  them  to  go 


NUMBERS  I.    BEMIDBAR. 


should  change  it,  then  both  it  and  the  ex- 
change thereof  shall  be  holy ;  it  shall  not  be 
redeemed. 

34  These  are  the   commandments,  which 


the  Lord  commanded  Moses  for  the  childrei/ 
of  Israel  on  mount  Sinai. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Jeremiah  xvi.  19  to  xvii.  14. 

Haphtorali  for  Sabbath  Haggadole  in  Mahxcbi  iii.  4  tu  24. 


THE  BOOK  OF  NUMBERS, 

BEMIDBAR,  nm03. 
CONTAINING  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  ISRAELITES  IN  THE  DESERT. 


SECTION  XXXIV.     BEMIDBAR, -im03. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai,  in  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  on  the  first  day  of  the 
second  month,  in  the  second  year  after  their 
going  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  saying, 

2  Take  ye  the  sum  of  all  the  congregation 
of  tlie  children  of  Israel,  after  their  families, 
by  the  descent  from  their  fathers,"  by  num- 
bering the  names,*  every  male  according  to 
their  polls; 

3  From  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  all 
that  are  able  to  go  forth  to  war  in  Israel: 
these  shall  ye  number  according  to  their 
armies,  thou  and  Aaron. 

4  And  with  you  there  shall  be  one  man 
each  of  every  tribe ;  a  man  who  is  the  head 
of  his  fiimily  division. 

5  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  men 
that  shall  stand  with  you;  of  Reiiben:  Elizur 
the  son  of  Shedeiir. 

6  Of  Simeon :  Shelumiijl  the  son  of  Zuri- 
shaddai. 

7  Of  Judah :  Nachshon  the  son  of  'Ammi- 
nadab. 


through  a  doorway,  one  after  the  other,  and  the  tenth  he 
strikes  with  a  rod  having  paint  on  it,  that  the  animal  may 
be  recognised  as  the  tithe;  and  so  was  done  to  the  lambs 
and  calves  of  every  year." — R.\SHr. 

*  So  Rashi  explains  the  term  3X  n'3  "family  descent 
reckoned  from  the  father."  But  generally  it  is  nearly 
.synonymous  with  the  word  nnsiyo  family,  and  it  may  be 
renden'd  "family  division,"  or  "  branch,"  and  is  conse- 
quently a  subdivision  of  "family,"  which  itself  is  less  than 
"  tribe  "  In  other  instances  3X  n"3  appears  the  major, 
nnatyo  the  lesser  division.  But  in  reality  it  means  at 
166 


8  Of  Issachar :  Nethanel  the  son  of  Zuar. 

9  OfZebulun:  Eliiib  the  son  of  Chelon. 

10  Of  the  children  of  Joseph,  of  Ephraim: 
Elishama  the  son  of  'Ammihud ;  of  Menasseh : 
Gamlitil  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

11  Of  Benjamin :  Abidan  the  son  of  Gidoui. 

12  Of  Dan:  Achiezer  the  son  of 'Ammi- 
shaddai. 

13  Of  Asher:  Pagiel  the  son  of 'Ochran. 

14  Of  Gad:  Elyassaph  the  son  of  Deiiel. 

15  Of  Naphtali:  Achira  the  son  of 'Enaii. 

16  These  were  tlie  selected"  of  the  congre- 
gation, the  princes  of  the  tribes  of  their 
fathers ;  the  heads  of  the  thousands''  of  Israel 
were  they. 

17  And  Moses  and  Aaron  took  these  men 
who  are  expr-essed  by  name : 

18  And  all  the  congregation  they  assem- 
bled together  on  the  first  day  of  tlie  second 
month,  and  they  were  enrolled  in  the  lists  of 
their  pedigrees  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
according  to  their  polls. 

19  As  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses,  so 
did  he  number  them  in  the  wilderness  of 
Sinai.* 

last  only  those  who  have  a  common  ancestry;  hence  it 
will  be  found  variously  rendered,  to  prevent  the  too  fre- 
quent repetition  of  the  same  term. 

''"With  the  number  of  their  names." — Eyicflish  ver- 
sion. 

°  'xnp  "the  called,"  from  xip  "to  call;"  hence,  those 
called  to  the  meetings  of  the  chiefs,  the  srkchncn,  repre- 
sentatives; and  so  it  is  rendered  elsewhere. 

''  Philippson  translates  'sha  not  with  "thousands,"  but 
with  "families,"  as  synonymous  with  's^hn  in  Genesis 
x.xxvi.  4y. 


NUMBERS  I.     BEMIDBAR. 


20  ^  And  there  were  of  the  children  of 
Reiiljen  the  first-born  of  Israel,  by  their  gene- 
rations, after  their  iamilies,  by  the  descent  from 
their  lathers,  hy  nunil)eriug  the  names,  ac- 
cording to  their  polls,  every  male  from  twenty 
years  old  and  npward,  all  that  were  aljle  to 
go  forth  to  war; 

21  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Reuben,  were  forty  and  six  thousand  and 
five  hundred. 

22  ][  Of  the"  children  of  Simeon,  hy  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  lathers,  those  that  were 
numbered  of  them,  by  numbei'ing  the  names, 
according  to  their  polls,  every  male  from 
twenty  3'ears  old  and  upward,  all  that  were 
able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

23  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Simeon,  were  fifty  and  nine  thousand  and 
three  hundred. 

24  ^[  Of  the  children  of  Gad,  by  their  gene- 
rations, after  their  families,  by  the  descent 
from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the  names, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upAvard,  all  that 
were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 

25  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Gad,  were  forty  and  five  thou.sand  six  hun- 
dred and  fifty. 

26  ^  Of  the  children  of  Judah,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  fiimilies,  hy  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

27  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah,  were  seventy  and  four  thousand 
and  six  hundred. 

28  ][  Of  the  children  of  Issachar,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

29  Those  that  wei'e  numljered  of  the  tribe 
of  Issachar,  were  fifty  and  lour  thousand  and 
four  hundred. 

30  ][  Of  the  children  of  Zebulun,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 


*  The  1  prefixed  to  each  name  must  be  taken  in  the 
Bense  of  "of,"  as  though  it  read,  "  there  were  of  the  sons 
nf  Simeon,  &c.,  those  that  were  nnuiborcd,  fifty  and  nine 
thousand  and  three  hundred,"  &e. 


31  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Zebulun,  were  fifty  and  seven  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

32  ^  Of  the  children  of  Joseph,  namely,  of 
the  children  of  Ephraim,  by  their  generations, 
after  their  families,  by  the  descent  from  their 
fathers,  by  numbering  the  names,  from  twenty 
years  old  and  upward,  all  that  were  able  to 
go  forth  to  war; 

33  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Ephraim,  were  forty  thousand  and  five 
hundred. 

34  ^  Of  the  children  of  Menasseh,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

35  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  trilte 
of  Menasseh,  were  thirty  and  two  thousand 
and  two  himdred. 

36  ][  Of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  tlie  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

37  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Benjamin,  were  thirty  and  five  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

38  T[  Of  the  children  of  Dan,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  upward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

39  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Dan,  were  sixty  and  two  thousand  and 
seven  hundred. 

40  ][  Of  the  children  of  Asher,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  npward, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

41  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  trilie 
of  Asher,  were  forty  and  one  thousand  and 
five  hundred. 

42  T[  Of  the  children  of  Naphtali,  by  their 
generations,  after  their  families,  by  the  de- 
scent from  their  fathers,  by  numbering  the 
names,  from  twenty  years  old  and  lunvard, 
all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war; 

43  Those  that  were  numbered  of  the  tribe 
of  Naphtali,  Avere  fifty  and  three  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

44  ^  These  are  those  that  were  numbered, 

whom  Moses  nimibered  Avith  Aaron,  and  the 

157 


NUMBEES  I.  II.     BEMIDBAR. 


princes  of  Israel,  being  twelve  men :  one  man 
each  for  his  family  division  were  they. 

45  Thus  were  all  those  that  were  numbered 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  by  the  descent  from 
their  fathers,  from  twenty  years  old  and  up- 
ward, all  that  were  able  to  go  forth  to  war  in 
Israel, — 

46  Even  all  they  that  were  numbered, 
were  six  hundred  thousand  and  three  thou- 
sand and  iive  hundred  and  fifty. 

47  But  the  Levites,  after  the  tribe  of  their 
fathers,  were  not  numbered  among  them. 

48  T[  For^  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto 
Moses,  saying, 

49  Only  the  tribe  of  Levi  shalt  thou  not 
number,  and  their  sum  shalt  thou  not  take, 
among  the  children  of  Israel ; 

50  But  thou  shalt  appoint  the  Levites  over 
the  tabernacle  of  the  testimon}',  and  over  all  its 
vessels,  and  over  all  things  that  belong  to  it: 
they  shall  carry  the  tabernacle,  and  all  its 
vessels;  and  they  shall  minister  unto  it;  and 
round  about  the  tabernacle  shall  they  en- 
camp. 

51  And  when  the  tabernacle  is  to  be  car- 
ried forward,  the  Levites  shall  take  it  doA\'n ; 
and  when  the  tabernacle  is  to  be  pitched,  the 
Levites  shall  set  it  up :  and  the  stranger''  that 
cometh  nigh  shall  be  put  to  death. 

52  And  the  children  of  Israel  shall  pitch"^ 
their  tents,  every  man  by  his  own  camp,  and 
every  man  by  his  own  standard,  according  to 
their  armies. 

53  But  the  Levites  shall  encamp  round 
al)out  the  tabernacle  of  the  testimony,  that 
there  be  no  wrath  upon  the  congregation  of 
the  children  of  Israel :  and  the  Levites  shall 
keep  the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  testi- 
mony. 

54  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so :  all. 
just  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses,  so 
did  they.* 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  Tf  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unt«  Aaron,  saying, 

2  Every  man  by  his  own  standard,  by  the 
ensigns  of  their  family  division,  shall  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  pitch  their  tent:  at  some  dis- 

"  /.  c  The  not,  mimboring  of  the  Levites  among  the  other 
~ons  of  Israel  was  owing  to  a  previous  command  that 
they  should  not  be  reckoned  among  them  for  secular 


tance  round  about  the  tabernacle  of  the  con 
gregation  shall  they  encamp. 

3  And  they,  who  encamp  on  the  east,  to- 
ward the  rising  of  the  sun,  shall  be  (tho.se 
who  belong  to)  the  standard  of  the  camp  of 
Judah  according  to  their  armies :  and  the 
prince  of  the  children  of  Judah  shall  he  Nacli- 
shon  the  son  of  'Amminadab. 

4  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  seventy  and  four  thou- 
sand and  six  hundred. 

5  And  those  that  encamp  next  unto  him 
shall  be  the  tribe  of  Issachar  :  and  the  prince 
of  the  children  of  Issachar  shall  be  Nethanel 
the  son  of  Zuar. 

6  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered thereof,  were  fifty  and  four  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

7  (Then)  the  tribe  of  Zebulun  :  and  the 
prince  of  the  children  of  Zebulun  shall  be 
Eliab  the  son  of  Chelon. 

8  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered thereof,  were  fifty  and  seven  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

9  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  camp  of 
Judah  were  one  hundred  thousand  and  eighty 
thousand  and  six  thousand  and  four  hundred, 
according  to  their  armies  :  they  shall  first  set 
ibrward. 

10  T[  The  standard  of  the  camp  of  Eeiiben 
shall  be  on  the  south  side,  according  to  their 
armies :  and  the  prince  of  the  children  of 
Beiil^en  shall  be  Elizur  the  son  of  Shedeiir. 

11  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered thereof,  were  forty  and  six  thousand 
and  five  liundred. 

12  And  those  that  encamp  by  him  shall  be 
the  tribe  of  Simeon  :  and  the  prince  of  the 
children  of  Simeon  shall  be  Shelumiel  the  son 
of  Zurishaddai. 

13  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  Avere  fifty  and  nine  thousand 
and  three  hundred. 

14  Then  the  trilje  of  Gad  :  and  the  prince 
of  the  sons  of  Gad  shall  be  Elyassaph  the  son 
of  Reiiel. 

15  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  forty  and  five  thousand 
and  six  hundred  and  fifty. 


[lurposes. 


168 


'•  The  word  11  used  here  and  elsewhere,  signifies  "one 
strange  in  the  matter  specified;"  here,  therefore,  any  one 
of  Israel  who  is  not  a  Levite. 

°  Lit.  "  Shall  encamp." 


NUMBERS  II.  III.     BEMIDBAR. 


16  All  tliiit  were  numbered  of  the  camji 
of  Reiiben  were  one  hundred  thousand  and 
fifty  and  one  thousand  and  four  hundred  and 
fifty,  according  to  their  armies;  and  as  the 
second  shall  they  set  forward. 

17  T[  Then  shall  the  tabernacle  of  the  con. 
gregation,  the  camp  of  the  Levites,  set  for- 
Avard  in  the  midst  of  the  camps :  as  they 
encamp,  so  shall  they  set  forward,  every  man 
in  his  place  after  their  standards. 

18  *[\  The  standard  of  the  camp  of  Ephraim 
shall  be  on  the  west  side,  according  to  their 
armies :  and  the  prince  of  the  sons  of  Ephraim 
shall  be  Elishama  the  son  of  "Anunihud. 

19  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  forty  thousand  and  five 
hundred. 

20  And  by  him  shall  be  the  tribe  of  Me- 
nasseh;  and  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Me- 
nasseh  shall  be  Gamliel  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

21  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
1  lered  of  them,  were  thirty  and  two  thousand 
and  two  hundred. 

22  Then  the  tribe  of  Benjamin:  and  the 
prince  of  the  sons  of  Benjamin  shall  be  Abi- 
dau  the  son  of  Gidoui. 

23  And  his  host,  and  those  that  Avere  num- 
bered of  them,  were  thirty  and  five  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

24  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  camp 
of  Ephraim  were  one  hundred  thousand  and 
eight  thousand  and  one  hundred,  according 
to  their  armies ;  and  as  the  third  shall  they 
set  forward. 

25  ^  The  standard  of  the  camp  of  Dan 
shall  be  on  the  north  side,  according  to  their 
armies :  and  the  prince  of  the  children  of 
Dan  shall  be  Achiezer  the  son  of  'Ammi- 
shaddai. 

26  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  sixty  and  two  thousand 
and  seven  hundred. 

27  And  those  that  encamp  by  him  shall 
be  the  ti'ibe  of  Asher :  and  the  jirince  of  the 
children  of  Asher  shall  be  Pagiel  the  son  of 

Ochran. 

28  And  his  host,  and  those  that  Avere  num- 
bered of  them,  were  forty  and  one  thousand 
and  five  hundred. 

29  Then  the  tribe  of  Naphtali :  and  the 

*  This  would  seem  to  indicate  that  each  tribe  had  its 
separate  banner,  besides  the  general  division-standards  of 
JuJah,  Reiiben,  Ephraim,  and  Dan. 


prince  of  the  cliildren  of  Naphtali  shall   lie 
Achira  the  son  of  'Enan . 

30  And  his  host,  and  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  A\ere  fifty  and  three  thousand 
and  four  hundred. 

31  All  those  that  were  numbered  of  the 
camp  of  Dan  were  one  hundred  thousand  and 
fifty  and  seven  thousand  and  six  hundred  ; 
the  hindmost  shall  they  set  forward  according 
to  their  standards." 

32  ^[  These  are  those  that  were  numbered 
of  the  children  of  Israel  according  to  their 
family  divisions :  and  all  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  the  camps,  according  to  their  armies, 
were  six  hundred  thousand  and  three  thou- 
sand and  five  hundred  and  fifty. 

33  But  the  Levites  were  not  numbered 
among  the  children  of  Israel ;  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses. 

34  And  the  childi'en  of  Israel  did  all  just 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses,  so  did 
the}-  encamp  by  their  standards,  and  so  did 
they  set  forward  every  one  after  his  family,  by 
his  division.* 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  *\\  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Aaron 
and  Moses,  on  the  day  that  the  Lord  spoke 
with  Moses  on  mount  Sinai. 

2  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Aaron :  the  first-born  Nadab,  and  Abihu,  ELo- 
zar,  and  Ithamar. 

3  These  are  the  names  of  the  sons  of  Aaron, 
the  priests  that  ^ycYQ  anointed,  who  were  con- 
secrated to  minister  as  priests. 

4  And  Nadab  and  Abihu  died  before  the 
Lord,  when  they  offered  a  strange  fire  before 
the  Lord,  in  the  walderness  of  Sinai,  and  they 
had  no  children  :  and  Elazar  and  Ithamar 
ministered  as  priests  in  the  life-time  of  Aai'on 
their  father. 

5  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

6  Bring  the  tribe  of  Levi  near,  and  present 
the  same  before  Aaron  the  priest,  that  they 
may  serve  him. 

7  And  they  shall  keep  his  charge,  and  the 
charge  of  the  whole  congregation''  before  the 
tent  of  the  congregation,  to  do  the  service  of 
the  tabernacle. 


*"  The  whole  congregation  are  interested  that  the  duties 
of  the  sanctuary  be  well  performed ;  consequently  the 
ministration  of  the  Leyites  is  doing  the  work  of  all  Israel. 

159 


NUMBERS  III.     BEMIDBAR. 


8  And  they  shall  keep  all  the  vessels  of 
the  tent  of  the  congregation,  and  the  charge 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  to  do  the  service  of 
the  tabernacle. 

9  And  thou  shalt  give  the  Levites  unto 
Aaron  and  to  his  sons  :  as  associates  are"  they 
given  unto  him  out  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

10  And  Aaron  and  his  sons  shalt  thou  in- 
struct, that  they  shall  guard  well  their  priest's 
office ;  and  the  stranger  that  cometh  nigh 
shall  be  put  to  death. 

11  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

12  And  I,  behold,  I  have  taken  the  Levites 
from  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel  in- 
stead of  every  first-born  that  openeth  the 
womb  among  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  the 
Levites  shall  be  mine. 

13  Because  mine  is  every  first-born;  on 
the  day  when  I  smote  every  first-born  in  the 
land  of  Egypt  I  hallowed  unto  me  every  first- 
born in  Israel,  both  man  and  beast:  mine 
shall  they  be;  I  am  the  Lord.* 

14  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai,  saying, 

15  Number  the  children  of  Levi  after  their 
divisions,  by  their  famihes;  every  male  of 
them  from  a  month  old  and  upward  shalt 
thou  number. 

16  And  Moses  numbered  them  according 
to  the  order  of  the  Lord,  as  he  had  been 
commanded. 

17  And  these  were  the  sons  of  Levi  by 
their  names :  Gershon,  and  Kehath,  and  Me- 
rari. 

18  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  sons 
of  Gershon  after  their  families :  Libni,  and 
Sliimi. 

19  And  the  sons  of  Kehath  after  their 
families :  'Amram,  and  Yizhar,  Chebron,  and 
'Uzziel. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Merari  after  their  fa- 
milies :  Machli,  and  Mushi ;  these  are  the 
fiimilios  of  the  Levites  accoi'ding  to  their 
family  divisions. 

21  Of  Gershon :  the  family  of  the  Libnites, 
and  the  family  of  the  Shimites ;  these  are  the 
families  of  the  Gershunites. 

22  Those  that  were  numbered  of  them,  by 
the  numbering  of  all  the  males  from  a  month 


'  After  Arnhcim,  who  takos  the  first  Djm:  as  a  predi- 
frate  of  tho   Levites;   and  means  tlien   that  (iiey  are  ap- 
pointed DJirU  "associates"  in  the  priest's  ollicc 
160 


old  and  upward,  even  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  were  seven  thousand  and  i\ve 
hundred. 

2.3  The  families  of  the  Gershunites  used  to 
encamp  laehind  the  tabernacle,  westward. 

24  And  the  prince  of  the  family  division 
of  the  Gershunites  was  Elyassaph  the  sou  of 
Lael. 

25  And  the  cliarge  of  the  sons  of  Gershon 
in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  was  the 
taljernacle  and  the  tent,  its  covering,  and  the 
hanging  for  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation, 

26  And  the  hangings  of  the  court,  and 
the  curtain  for  the  door  of  the  court,  which  is 
by  the  taljernacle  and  by  the  altar,  round 
about,  and  its  cords  for  all  the  service  thereof 

27  T[  And  of  Kehath  :  the  family  of  the 
'Amramites,  and  the  family  of  the  Yizharites, 
and  the  family  of  the  Chebronites,  and  the 
iamily  of  the  'Uzzielites;  these  are  the  families 
of  the  Kehathites. 

28  By  the  numbering  of  all  the  males, 
from  a  month  old  and  upward,  they  were 
eight  thousand  and  six  hundred,  keeping  the 
charge  of  the  sanctuary. 

29  The  families  of  the  sons  of  Kehath  used 
to  encamp  on  the  side  of  the  tabernticle, 
southward. 

30  And  the  prince  of  the  division  of  the 
families  of  the  Kehathites  was  Elizaphan  the 
son  of  'Uzziel. 

31  And  their  charge  was  the  ark,  and  the 
table,  and  the  candlestick,  and  the  altars,  and 
the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary  which  are  used 
for  the  service,  and  the  vail,  and  all  belonging 
tliereto. 

32  And  the  chief  over  the  princes  of  the 
Levites  was  Elazar  the  son  of  Aaron  the 
priest,  having  the  oversight  of  those  that 
kept  the  charge  of  the  sanctuary. 

33  Of  Merari :  the  family  of  the  MachUtes, 
and  the  family  of  the  Mushites;  these  ai'e 
the  families  of  Merari. 

34  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  them, 
by  the  numbering  of  all  the  males,  from  a 
month  old  and  upward,  were  six  thousand 
and  two  hundred. 

35  And  the  chief  of  the  division  of  the 
families  of  Merari  was  Zuriel  the  son  of  Abi- 
chayil :  they  used  to  encaiup  on  the  side  of 
the  tabernacle,  northward. 

36  And  under  tbe  custody  and  cliarge  of  the 
sons  of  Mel  ari  Aveiv  the  boards  of  the  tabeniar 


NUMBERS  III.  IV.     BEMIDBAR. 


cle,  and  its  bars,  and  its  pillars,  and  its  sockets, 
and  all  its  vessels,  and  all  that  belongeth 
thereto, 

37  And  the  pillars  of  the  court  round 
about,  and  their  sockets,  and  their  pins,  and 
their  cords. 

38  But  those  that  encamped  before  the  ta^ 
bernacle  toward  the  east,  e\'en  before  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  toward  the 
rising  of  the  sun,  were  Moses,  and  Aaron,  and 
his  sons,  keeping  the  charge  of  the  sanctuary 
for  the  charge  of  the  children  of  Israel ;  and 
the  stranger  that  came  nigh  was  to  be  put  to 
death. 

39  All  that  were  numbered  of  the  Levites, 
whom  Moses  numbered  with  Aaron,  at  the 
order  of  tlie  Lord,  according  to  their  fami- 
lies, all  the  males  from  a  month  old  and  up- 
ward, were  twenty  and  two'  thousand."^' 

40  *i\  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Num- 
ber all  the  first-born  males  of  the  children  of 
Israel  from  a  month  old  and  upward,  and 
take  the  number  of  their  names. 

41  And  thou  shalt  take  the  Levites  for 
me,''  I  am  the  Lord,  instead  of  all  the  firsts 
born  among  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  the 
cattle  of  the  Levites  instead  of  all  the  first- 
born among  the  cattle  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

4:^  And  Moses  numbered,  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded  him,  all  the  first-born  among  the 
children  of  Israel. 

43  And  aU  the  first>boru  males,  by  the 
numbering  of  the  names,  from  a  month  old 
and  upward,  of  those  that  were  numbered  of 
them,  were  twenty  and  two  thousand  two 
hundred  and  seventy  and  three. 

44  ^1"  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ino" 

45  Take  the  Levites  instead  of  all  the  first- 
born among  the  children  of  Israel,  and  the 
cattle  of  the  Levites  instead  of  their  cattle; 
and  the  Levites  shall  be  mine :  I  am  the  Lord." 

46  And  (for)  those  that  are  to  be  redeem- 
ed, the  two  hundred  and  seventy  and  three 
of  the  first-born  of  the  cliildren  of  Israel,  wdio 
are  more  than  the  Levites, 

'  Which  Aben  Ezra  comments  on,  "beside  three  hun- 
dred first-born  among  them,  as  these  did  not  redeem  the 
fii-st-born  of  Israel." 

''  Mendelssohn  renders  "unto  me  the  Lord;"  but  it 
seems  to  be  the  phrase  frequently  found  by  positive  enact- 
ments or  prohibitions,  and  means  to  declare  that  they  are 
the  authoritative  injunctions  of  the  great  SoYcreign,  wliich 
is  the  only  reason  assigned  for  their  enactment. 

V 


47  Thou  shalt  take  five  shekels  apiece  for 
the  poll;  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary 
shalt  thou  take,  twenty  gerahs  to  the  shekel ; 

48  And  thou  shalt  give  unto  Aaron  and  to 
his  sons  the  money,  (lor)  those  who  are  to  Ije 
redeemed  of  those  that  are  over  the  number 
of  them. 

49  And  Moses  took  the  redemption-money 
of  those  that  were  over  in  number  above  those 
who  were  redeemed  Ity  the  Levites : 

50  Of  the  first-born  of  the  children  of  Israel 
did  he  take  the  money;  a  thousand  three 
hundred  and  sixty  and  five  shekels,  after  the 
shekel  of  the  sanctuary. 

51  And  Moses  gave  the  money  of  those 
wdio  were  redeemed  unto  Aaron  and  unto  his 
sons,  by  the  order  of  the  Lord;  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses.* 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
imto  Aaron,  saying, 

2  Take  the  sum  of  the  sons  of  Kehath 
from  among  the  sons  of  Levi,  after  their  fami- 
lies, by  their  divisions, 

3  From  thirty  3ears  old  and  upward  even 
luitil  fifty  years  old,  all  that  are  fitted  for  the 
service,'*  to  do  work  at  the  taljernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

4  This  shall  be  the  service  of  the  sons  of 
Kehath  at  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation: 
The  most  holy  things. 

5  And  iVaron  shall  come  with  his  sons, 
when  the  camp  setteth  forward,  and  they 
shall  take  down  the  vail  of  the  separation, 
and  cover  therewith  the  ark  of  the  testimony; 

6  And  the}-  shall  [)ut  over  it  a  covering  of 
badgers'  skins,  and  they  shall  sjjread  over  all 
a  cloth  wholly  of  blue  (woollen  yarn),  and 
they  shall  put  in  its  staves." 

7  And  over  the  table  of  the  showbread 
shall  they  spread  a  cloth  of  blue,  and  put 
thereon  the  dishes,  and  the  spoons,  and  the 
tubes,  and  the  staves  of  the  covering;  and  the 
continual  bread  shall  be  thereon: 

8  And  they  shall  spread  over  them  a  cloth 

"  "Me  the  Lord." — Mendel.ssoun. 

''After  Mendelssohn;  lit.,  "That  enter  the  ai'uiy"  or 
"host,"  (■.  e.  of  those  who  do  the  service  at  the  taber- 
nacle, or  those  who  are  from  thirty  to  fifty  years  ot 
age. 

"  L  c.  In  the  rings  fitted  for  their  reception. 

'  /.  (.  The  bread  which  is  to  be  always  upon  the 
table. 

161 


NUMBERS  IV.     NAHSSO. 


of  scarlet,  and  cover  the  same  with  a  covering 
of  badgers'  slvins;  and  they  shall  put  in  its 
staves. 

9  And  they  shall  take  a  cloth  of  1)1  ue,  and 
cover  the  candlestick  of  the  lighting,  and  its 
lamps,  and  its  tongs,  and  its  snuft-dishes,  and 
all  the  oil-vessels  thereof,  wherewith  they 
minister  by  it : 

10  And  they  shall  put  it  and  all  its  vessels 
within  a  covering  of  badgers'  skins,  and  they 
shall  put  it  upon  a  barrow. 

11  And  over  the  golden  altar  shall  they 
spread  a  cloth  of  blue,  and  cover  it  with  a 
covering  of  badgers'  skins ;  and  they  shall  put 
in  its  staves. 

12  And  they  shall  take  all  the  vessels  of 
the  service,  wherewith  they  minister  in  the 
sanctuary,  and  put  them  in  a  cloth  of  blue, 
and  cover  them  with  a  covering  of  badgers' 
skins;  and  they  shall  put  them  on  a  barrow. 

13  And  they  shall  take  away  the  ashes 
from  the  altar,  and  spread  over  it  a  cloth  of 
purple ; 

14  And  they  shall  put  upon  it  all  its  ves- 
sels, wherewith  they  minister  upon  it,  the 
fire-pans,  the  forks,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
basins,  all  the  vessels  of  the  altar;  and  they 
shall  spread  over  it  a  covering  of-  badgers' 
skins,  and  put  in  its  staves. 

15  And  when  Aaron  and  his  sons  have 
thus  made  an  end  of  covering  the  sanctuarj^, 
and  all  the  vessels  of  the  sanctuary,  when  the 
camp  is  to  set  forward :  then  shall,  after  that, 
the  sons  of  Kehath  come  to  carry  it;  but 
they  shall  not  touch  any  holy  thing,  lest  they 
die;  these  are  the  things  which  the  sons  of 
Kehath  are  to  carry  at  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

16  And  under  the  supervision  of  Elazar 
the  son  of  Aaron  the  jiriest  shall  be  the  oil  for 
the  lighting,  and  the  incense  of  spices,  and 
the  daily  meat-offering,  and  the  anointing-oil ; 
the  supervision  of  all  the  tabernacle,  and  of 
all  that  is  therein,  over  the  sanctuary,  and 
over  its  vessels.*  * 

17  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

18  Do  ye"  not  cause  the  tribe  of  the  fami- 
lies of  the  Kehathites  to  be  cut  off  from  among 
the  Levites ; 


"  This  is  an  injunction  to  the  chief  superintendent  of 
thf  sanctuary  not  to  allow  those  who  arc  to  be  engaged  in 
carrying  it,  to  touch   it  in  any  wise  before  it  is  time,  for 
162 


19  But  thus  do  unto  them,  that  they  may 
live,  and  not  die,  when  they  approach  unto 
the  most  holy  things:  Aaron  and  his  sons 
shall  go  in,  and  appoint  them,  every  one,  to 
his  service  and  to  his  burden ; 

20  That  they  may  not  go  in  to  see  when 
the  holy  things  are  covered,  and  die. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Hosea  ii.  1  to  22. 


SECTION  XXXV.     NAHSSO,  NCI 

21  ^    And    the   Lord  spoke   unto   Moses, 
lying, 

22  Take  also  the  sum  of  the  sons  of  Ger- 
shon,  by  their  divisions,  after  their  families; 

23  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward  until 
fifty  years  old  shalt  thou  number  them ;  all 
that  are  fitted  for  the  service,  to  do  ^\'ork  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

24  This  shall  be  the  service  of  the  families 
of  the  Gershunites,  to  serve,  and  to  carry : 

25  They  shall  carry  the  curtains  of  the 
tabernacle,  and  of  the  tent  of  the  congrega- 
tion, its  covering,  and  the  covering  of  the  bad- 
gers' skins  that  is  over  it  above,  and  the  hang- 
ing for  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, 

20  And  the  hangings  of  the  court,  and  the 
hanging  for  the  door  of  the  gate  of  the  court, 
which  is  by  the  tabernacle  and  )jy  the  altar 
roinid  about,  and  their  cords,  and  all  the  ves- 
sels of  their  service;  and  all  that  is  delivered'' 
to  them  shall  they  perform. 

27  By  the  order  of  Aaron  and  his  sons 
shall  be  all  the  service  of  the  sons  of  the  Ger- 
shunites, in  all  their  carrying,  and  in  all  their 
service :  and  ye  shall  designate  unto  them  in 
charge  all  which  they  have  to  carry. 

28  This  is  the  service  of  the  families  of  the 
sons  of  the  (iershunites  at  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation ;  and  their  charge  shall  be 
under  the  supervision  of  Ithamar  the  son  of 
Aaron  the  priest. 

29  ^[  The  sons  of  Merari,  shalt  thou  num- 
ber after  their  families,  by  their  divisions; 

30  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  e\en 
until  fifty  years  old,  shalt  tiiou  number  them, 
every  one  that  is  fitted  for  the  service,  to  do  the 
work  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

by  this  they  would  incur  the  penalty  of  death.     Hence 
the  great  care  enjoined  here. 

"  After  Onkclos,  who  renders  ntyj?'  in  the  sense  "to  be 


NUMBEES  IV.  V.     NAHSSO. 


31  And  this  is  wliat  is  confided  to  tlicm  to 
oarry,  regarding  all  their  service  at  the  taber- 
uable  of  the  congregation :  The  boards  ot  tlie 
tabernacle,  and  its  bars,  and  its  pillars,  and 
its  sockets, 

32  And  tlie  pillars  of  the  court  round 
about,  and  tlieir  sockets,  and  their  pins,  and 
their  cords,  with  all  tlieir  instruments,  and 
all  which  belongeth  thereto;  and  by  name 
shall  ye  designate  (to  them)  the  vessels  which 
are  confided  to  them  to  carry. 

33  This  is  the  service  of  the  families  of  the 
sons  of  Merari,  regarding  all  their  service,  at 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  under  the 
supervision  of  Ithamar  the  son  of  Aaron,  the 
priest.* 

34  And  Moses  with  Aaron  and  the  princes 
of  the  congregation  numbered  the  sons  of  tlie 
Kehathites  after  their  tamilies,  and  after  their 
divisions, 

35  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward,  even 
imtil  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  was  fitted 
for  the  service,  for  the  work  at  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation. 

36  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  them 
after  their  families  were  two  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  fifty. 

37  These  were  they  that  were  numbered 
of  the  families  of  the  Kehathites,  all  that 
could  do  service  at  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, whom  Moses  with  Aaron  numl^ered 
by  the  order  of  the  Lokd  through  tlie  hand 
of  Moses.* 

38  ^  And  those  that  were  numbered  of 
the  sons  of  Gershou,  after  their  families,  and 
after  their  divisions, 

39  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward, 
even  until  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  was 
fitted  for  the  service,  for  the  work  at  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 

40  Even  those  that  Avere  numljered  of 
them,  after  their  families,  after  their  divi- 
sions, were  two  thousand  and  six  hundred 
and  thirty. 

41  These  are  they  that  were  numbered  of 
the  families  of  the  sons  of  Gershou,  all  that 
could  do  service  at  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 


made  over,"  or  "assigued."     Others  render,  ''and  what- 
ever is  to  be  done  thereon." 

*  Perliaps  referring  to  the  priests,  for  they,  being  Le- 
vites,  were  also  numbered  with  the  other  Kehathites. 
Rashi  refers  it  to  the  music-  and  singing,  which  devolved 
uu  the  Levit/;s.     Jonathan  has,  '•  the  service  of  watching." 


gregation,  whom  Moses  with  Aaron  numbered 
by  the  order  of  the  Lord. 

42  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  the 
families  of  the  sons  of  Merari.  after  their  I'auii- 
hes,  after  their  divisions, 

43  From  thirty  jears  old  and  upward, 
even  until  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that  was 
fitted  for  the  service,  lor  the  work  at  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 

44  Even  those  that  were  numbered  of 
them  after  their  families,  were  three  thousand 
and  two  hundred. 

45  These  are  those  thatw'ere  numbered  of 
the  tamilies  of  the  sons  of  Meraii,  whom 
Moses  with  Aaron  numbered  Ijy  the  order  of 
the  Lord  through  the  hand  of  Moses. 

46  All  those  that  were  numbered  of  the 
Levites,  whom  Moses  with  Aaron  and  the 
chiefs  of  Israel  numl)ered,  after  their  families, 
and  after  their  divisions, 

47  From  thirty  years  old  and  upward, 
even  until  fifty  years  old,  every  one  that 
came  to  do  the  service  of  the  ministry,"  and 
the  service  of  the  carrying  at  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation, 

48  Even  those  that  were  iiuml)ered  of 
them,  were  eight  thousand  and  five  hundred 
and  eighty. 

49  By  the  order  of  the  Lord  through  the 
hand  of  Moses,  did  he  ajjpoint''  them,  every 
one  to  his  proper  service,  and  to  his  proper 
carrying:  and  they  were  numbered,  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded  Moses.* 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
in  o* 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  send  out  of  the  camp  every  leper,  and 
every  one  that  hath  an  issue,  and  whosoever 
is  defiled  by  tlie  dead : 

3  Both  male  and  female  shall  ye  send  out, 
to  without  the  camp  shall  ye  send  them;  that 
they  defile  nOt  their  camps,  in  the  midst 
whereof  I  dwell. 

4  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so,  and 
they  sent  them  out  to  without  the  camp:  as 

Aben  Ezra  comments,  "to  raise  the  tabernacle,  to  make 
the  bread,  to  slay  (^the  sacrifices,)  and  to  watch." 

''  The  different  versions  of  the  word  nps  in  this  passage 
are  according  to  Mendelssohn;  still,  "appointing''  is  lite- 
rally a  "counting  off"  of  nil    those   arc   to   do   a  certain 

work  together. 

16:3 


NUMBERS  V.     NAHSSO. 


the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses,  so  did  the 
children  of  Israel. 

5  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

G  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  If  any 
man  or  woman  commit  any  sin  against  a  fel- 
lo\s"-mau,  thereby  doing  a  trespass  against  the 
Lord,  and  this  person  thus  become  guilty : 

7  Then  shall  they"  confess  their  sin  which 
the}^  have  committed;  and  he  shall  make 
restitution  for  his  trespass  with  the  principal 
thereof,  and  its  fifth  part  shall  he  add  thereto, 
and  give  it  unto  him  against  whom  he  hath 
trespassed.'' 

8  But  if  the  man  have  no  kinsman  to 
whom  restitution  could  be  made  for  the  tres- 
pass, then  shall  the  trespass  which  is  restored 
unto  the  Lord,  belong  to  the  priest;  besides 
the  ram  of  the  atonement,  whereby  an  atone- 
ment shall  be  made  for  him. 

9  And  every  oflering  of  all  the  holy  things 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  which  they  bring 
unto  the  priest,  shall  be  his. 

10  And  every  man's  hallowed  things  shall 
be  his:'^  whatsoever  any  man  giveth  to  the 
priest,  shall  Ijelong  to  him.* 

11  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  imto  Moses, 
saying,^ 

12  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  If  the  wife  of  any  man  go 
aside,  and  commit  a  trespass  against  him, 

13  And  a  man  lie  with  her  carnally,  and 
it  be  hidden  from  the  eyes  of  her  husband, 
because  she  hath  been  secretly  defiled;  and 
there  be  no  witness  against  her,  and  she  have 
not  been  detected  in  the  fact; 

14  And  the  sjjirit  of  jealousy  come  over 
him,  and  he  be  jealous  of  his  wife,  and  she 
have  been  defiled;  or  the  spirit  of  jealousy 
come  over  him,  and  he  be  jealous  of  his  wife, 
and  she  have  not  been  defiled : 

15  Then  shall  the  man  bring  his  wife  unto 
the  priest,  and  he  shall  bring  her  offering  for 
her,  the  tenth  part  of  an  ephali  of  barley- 
meal;  he  shall  not  pour  any  oil  upon  it,  nor 

^  Tlic  nipid  change  here  from  the  singular  to  the  plural, 
is  a  peculiarity  in  Hebrew,  easily  understood,  and  has 
been  noticed  before. 

*' i.  c.  If  he  should  be  living;  but  if  dead,  to  his  near 
relatives.  This  will  explain  the  succeeding  verse,  where 
a  person  is  spoken  of  who  leaves  no  one  authorized  to 
claim  his  property. 

°  A  man  has  the  right  to  bestow  the  gifts  of  the  priest- 
hood on  whomsoever  he  pleases,  although  he  cannot  use 
161 


put  any  frankincense  thereupon;  for  it  is  a 
meat-offering  of  jealousy,  a  meat-offering  of 
memorial,  Ijringing  iniquity  to  remembrance. 

16  And  the  jjriest  shall  Ijring  her  near, 
and  place  her  before  the  Lord; 

17  And  the  priest  shall  take  holy  water'' 
in  an  earthen  vessel;  and  of  the  dust  that  is 
on  the  floor  of  the  tabernacle  the  priest  shall 
take,  and  put  it  into  the  water; 

18  And  the  priest  shall  jjlace  the  woman 
before  the  Lord,  and  uncover  the  woman's 
head,  and  put  upon  her  hands  the  meat-offer- 
ing of  memorial,  it  is  the  mea1>offering  of 
jealousy;  and  in  the  hand  of  the  priest 
shall  be  the  bitter  waters  that  bring  the 
curse. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  charge  her  by  an 
oath,  and  he  shall  sa}'  unto  the  woman.  If  no 
man  have  lain  Avith  thee,  and  if  thou  hast 
not  gone  aside  to  uncleanness  behind  thy  hus- 
band: then  be  thou  free  from  these  bitter 
waters  that  bring  the  curse. 

20  But  if  thou  hast  gone  aside  behind  thy 
husband,  and  if  thou  hast  been  defiled,  and 
some  man  have  lain  with  thee  besides  thy 
husband : — " 

21  And  the  priest  shall  charge  the  woman 
with  an  oath  of  imprecation,  and  the  priest 
shall  s;i^  unto  the  woman,  The  Lord  then 
make  thee  a  curse  and  an  oath  among  thy 
people,  when  the  Lord  doth  cause  thy  thigh 
to  fall  away,  and  thy  belly  to  swell; 

22  And  these  waters  that  bring  the  curse 
shall  go  into  thy  bowels,  to  cause  the  belly  to 
swell,  and  the  tliigh  to  fall  away;  and  the 
woman  shall  sa}'.  Amen,  amen. 

23  And  the  priest  shall  write  these  curses 
on  a  roll,  and  he  shall  blot  them  out  with  the 
bitter  waters. 

24  And  he  shall  cause  the  woman  to  drink 
the  bitter  waters  tlmt  bring  the  curse;  and 
the  waters  that  bring  the  curse  shall  enter 
into  her  for  bitterness. 

25  And  the  priest  shall  take  out  of  the 
woman's  hand  the  meat^olTering  of  jealousy, 


them  himself  No  individual  priest  has  any  claim  on  any 
Israelite  for  the  sacred  things;  but  when  once  parted 
with,  then  are  they  the  priest's  in  lull  riiilit. 

""  ('.  ('.  That  which  has  been  sanctitie(l  in  the  laver. 
The  preparation  of  the  bitter  waters  as  here  described,  of 
the  meanest  materials  in  a  mean  vessel,  was  to  typify  the 
abhorrence  of  incest  in  the  estimation  of  the  Lord. 

°  Here  the  idea  breaks  off,  and  is  resumed  in  the  next 
verse  at  the  words,  "The  Lord  then  make  thee." 


^1 


NUMBERS  V.  VI.     NAHSSO. 


and   he  shall  wave  the  meat-offering  before 
the  Lord,  and  bring  it  near  to  the  altar: 

26  And  the  priest  shall  take  a  handful 
from  the  meat-offering,  as  its  memorial,  and 
burn  it  upon  the  altar,  and  after  that  shall  he 
cause  the  woman  to  drink  the  water. 

27  And  when  he  hath  made  her  drink  the 
water,  then  shall  it  come  to  pass,  if  she  have 
been  defiled,  and  have  committed  a  trespass 
against  her  husband,  that  the  waters  that  bring 
the  curse  shall  enter  into  her,  for  bitterness, 
and  her  belly  shall  swell,  and  her  thigh  shall 
fall  away ;  and  the  woman  shall  become  a 
curse  among  her  people. 

28  And  if  the  woman  have  not  been  de- 
fded,  but  be  clean  :  then  shall  she  remain  un- 
harmed, and  she  shall  conceive  seed. 

29  This  is  the  law  of  jealousies,  when  a 
woman  goeth  aside  behind  lier  husl:)and,  and 
hath  been  defiled ; 

30  Or  when  the  spirit  of  jealousy  cometh 
over  liim,  and  he  be  jealous  of  his  wife ;''  and 
he  shall  place  the  woman  before  the  Lord, 
and  the  priest  shall  do  unto  her  altogether 
according  to  this  law. 

31  And  the  man  shall  be  guiltless  from 
iniquity;  but  this  woman  shall  bear  her  ini- 
rpiity.'' 

CHAPTER  VL 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  imto  Moses,  say- 

2  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  "When  either  man  or  woman 
pronounce  an  especial  vow,  the  vow  of  a  Na- 
zarite,  to  be  abstinent  in  honour  of  the  Lord  : 

3  Then  shall  he  abstain  from  wine  and 
strong  drink,  vinegar  of  wine,  or  vinegar  of 
strong  drink  shall  he  not  drink,  and  any 
infusion  of  grapes  shall  he  not  drink,  and 
grapes,  fresh  or  dried,  shall  he  not  eat. 

4  All  the  days  of  his  abstinence  shall  he 
eat  nothing  that  is  made  of  the  grape-vine, 
from  the  kernels  even  to  the  husk. 

5  All  the  days  of  the  vow  of  his  abstinence 
no  razor  shall  pass  over  his  head  :  until  the 
days  be  completed,  in  which  he  abstaineth  in 
honour  of  the  Lord,  shall  he  be  holy,  letting 
grow  untouched  the  hair  of  his  head. 


'  Here  is  evidently  understood,  "  And  she  hath  not 
been  defiled." — Arnheim. 

"  Even  if  he  should  have  exposed  her  without  full 
cause  to  the  above  disgraceful  procedure ;  since,  if  it  was 


6  All  the  days  of  his  abstinence  in  honour 
of  the  Lord  shall  he  not  come  near  any  dead 
body. 

7  On  his  father,  or  on  his  mother,  on  his 
brother,  or  on  his  sister,  shall  he  not  make 
himself  unclean,  when  they  die;  because  the 
consecration  of  his  God  is  upon  his  head. 

8  All  the  days  of  his  al)stinence  is  he  holy 
unto  the  Lord. 

9  And  if  some  one  die  very  suddenly  by 
him,  and  he  thus  defile  his  consecrated  head  : 
then  shall  he  shave  his  head  on  the  day  of  his 
being  cleansed,  on  the  seventh  day  shall  he 
shave  it. 

10  And  on  the  eighth  day  shall  he  In-ing 
two  turtle-doves,  or  two  3'oung  pigeons,  to  the 
l)riest,  to  the  door  of  the  taljernacle  of  the 
congregation : 

11  And  tlie  priest  shall  prepare  the  one 
for  a  sin-offering,  and  the  otiier  for  a  burnt- 
offering,  and  make  an  atonement  for  him,  Iw- 
cause  he  hatli  sinned  through  the  dead;  and 
he  shall  hallow''  his  head  on  that  same  day. 

12  And  he  shall  consecrate  unto  the  Lord 
(again)  the  days  of  his  altstinence,  and  he 
shall  bring  a  sheep  of  the  first  year  for  a  tres- 
pass-offering ;  but  the  prior  days  shall  not  be 
counted,  because  his  consecration  liath  ])een 
defiled. 

13  And  this  is  the  law  of  tiie  Nazarite : 
On  the  day  when  tlie  days  of  his  abstinence 
are  completed,  sliall  he  present  himself  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ; 

14  And  lie  sliall  luring  his  offering  unto  the 
Lord,  one  male  shcej)  of  the  first  year  witli- 
out  blemish  Ibi-  a  burnt-offering,  and  one  ewe 
of  the  first  year  without  blemish  for  a  sin- 
offering,  and  one  ram  without  blemish  for  a 
peace-offering, 

15  And  a  l)asket  of  unleavened  bread, 
cakes  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil,  and  un- 
leavened wafers  anointed  with  oil;  and  their 
meat-offering,  and  their  driuk-oflcrings. 

IG  And  the  priest  sliall  bring  them  near 
before  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  prepare  his 
sin-offering,  and  his  burnt-ofteriiig: 

17  And  tiie  ram  sliall  he  pi"e[>are  lor  a 
sacrifice  of  peace-offering  unto  the  Lord,  with 
the    basket  of   unleavened    bread;    and   the 


even  an  improper  levity  of  conduct,  alone,  by  which  she 
has  excited  his  jealousy,  she  has  incurred  guilt,  and  de- 
serves a  just  punishment. — Arniiei.m. 

"  !.  r.  Ooninience  anew  to  let  his  hair  grow. 

105 


NUMBERS  VI.  VII.     NAHSSO. 


priest  shall  prepare  his  iiieat-oft'eriiig  and  his 
driuk-ofFering. 

18  And  the  Nazarite  shall  shave  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  his 
consecrated  head ;  and  he  shall  take  the  hair 
of  his  consecrated  head,  and  put  it  on  the  fire 
which  is  under  the  sacrifice  of  the  peace- 
offering. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  shoulder 
of  the  ram  when  it  is  cooked,  and  one  unlea^ 
vened  cake  out  of  the  basket,  and  one  unlea- 
vened wafer,  and  he  shall  put  them  upon  the 
hands  of  the  Nazarite,  after  he  hath  shaved 
his  consecrated  (head). 

20  And  the  priest  shall  make  with  them  a 
waving  before  the  Lord  ;  it  is  a  holy  gift  for 
the  priest,  together  with  the  breast  that 
was  waved  and  the  shoulder  that  was  lifted 
up  :"  and  after  that  may  the  Nazarite  drink 
wine. 

21  This  is  the  law  of  the  Nazarite  who 
hath  vowed ;  his  ofieriug  unto  the  Lord  for 
his  abstinence,  besides  that  whicji  he- may  be 
able  to  give :  according  to  his  vow  which  he 
may  vow,  so  must  he  do  in  addition  to  what 
is  required  Ijy  the  law  of  his  abstinence. 

22  *\\  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

23  Speak  unto  Aaron  and  unto  his  sons, 
saying,  Thus''  shall  ye  bless  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying  unto  them, 

24  ^  The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  preserve 
thee ; 

25  ^f  The  Lord  make  his  face  shine  unto 
thee,  and  be  gracious  to  thee ; 

26  ^  The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance 
unto  thee,  and  give  thee  peace. 

27  *\\  And  they  shall  put  my  name"  upon 
the  children  of  Israel :  and  I  will  bless  them.* 

'  As  usual  with  other  peace-offerings. 

^  You  shall  not  bless  them  with  a  blessing  of  your 
own,  as  a  man  says  :  May  such  a  good  come  upon  the 
head  of  that  one ;  but  unto  me  shall  ye  pray  that  I  may 
bless  them  ;  as  it  is  said  here,  "  May  the  Lord  bless  thee;" 
and  F  will  iiear  your  voice  and  bless  Israel. — R.vshbam. 
The  blessings,  however,  are  not  for  the  bestowal  of  worlilly 
goods  merely ;  for  they  also  refer  to  the  Divine  grace  and 
light,  whicli  are  the  greatest  good  unto  man. 

°  This  eitiier  means,  as  Rashi  says,  that  in  blessing  tlie 
people  the  priests  should  pronounce  the  most  holy  name 
of  the  Lord,  or  that  they  should,  as  said  already,  refer 
the  issue  of  (ivents  to  God  alone,  who  would  bless  as  might 
seem  best  in  his  wisdom. 

''  After  the  altar  liad  been  duly  consecrated  by  the  cere- 
monies and  sacrifices  detailed  in  their  proper  places,  the 
j)riiices  of  the  congregation  volunteered  yet  more  than  the 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  day  that 
Moses  had  finally  set  up  the  tabernacle,  and 
had  anointed,  and  sanctified  it,  and  all  its  ves- 
sels, as  also  the  altar  and  all  its  vessels,  and 
had  anointed  them,  and  sanctified  them  : 

2  That  the  princes  of  Israel,  the  heads  of 
their  family  divisions,  who  were  tlie  princes 
of  the  tribes,  tlie  same  who  had  superintended 
the  numbering,  oftered. 

3  And  they  brought  their  ofiering  befoi'e 
the  Lord,  Six  covered  wagons,  and  twelve 
oxen ;  a  wagon  for  two  princes,  and  ;ui  ox 
for  each  one :  and  they  presented  them  be- 
fore the  tal^ernacle. 

4  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  saying, 

5  Take  it  from  them,  that  they  may  lie 
used  to  do  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation ;  and  thou  shalt  give  them  unto 
the  Levites,  to  every  man  according  to  his 
service. 

6  And  Moses  took  the  wagons  and  the 
oxen,  and  gave  them  unto  the  Levites. 

7  Two  of  the  wagons  and  four  of  the  oxen 
he  gave  unto  the  sons  of  Gershon,  according 
to  their  service : 

8  And  four  of  the  wagons  and  eight  of  the 
oxen  he  gave  unto  the  sons  of  Merari,  accord- 
ing to  their  service,  under  the  supervision  of 
Ithamar,  the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest. 

9  But  unto  the  sons  of  Kehath  he  gave 
none ;  because  the  service  of  the  sanctuary 
belonged  unto  them,  they  were  to  bear  upon 
their  shoulders. 

10  The  princes  also  offered  for  the  dedi- 
cating of  the  altar  on  the  day  that  it  was 
anointed ;  and  the  princes  presented  their 
ofiering  before  the  altar.'' 

large  gifts  bestowed  by  them  fur  the  erection  of  the  taber- 
nacle, to  testify  their  devotion  for  the  religion  which  they 
had  received.  The  first  offering  they  brouglit,  consisting 
of  six  covered  wagons,  with  twelve  draught  oxen,  Moses 
would  not  accept,  till  he  was  ordered  to  do  so,  and  to  ap- 
ply them  to  the  use  of  the  Levites.  Now  the  most  holy 
things,  as  the  ark,  the  altars,  the  table,  and  the  candle- 
stick, were  intrusted  to  the  sons  of  Keiiath  ;  but  as  all 
these  were  to  be  carried  upon  the  slioulder,  no  beast  of 
burden  was  assigned  to  tliem.  Diflerent,  however,  was  it 
with  those  who  were  charged  with  the  transportation  of 
the  heavier  articles  belonging  to  the  tabernacle,  to  wit, 
the  sons  (if  Gershon,  and  they  received  therefore  two 
wagons  and  four  oxen,  while  those  who  carried  tlio 
boards,  pillars,  and  sockets,  &c.,  of  the  tabernacle  and 
j  eiiurt,  the  sons  of  Merari,  obtained  four  wagons  and  eight 
I  oxen  to  aid  them  in  their  more  laborious  work.     In  addi- 


NUMBERS  VTI.     NAHSSO. 


11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  One 
prince  each  on  a  given  day,  shall  they  offer 
their  offering,  for  the  dedication  of  the 
altar* 

12  T[  Anil  he  that  offered  his  offering  on 
the  first  day  was  Nachshon  the  son  of  'Am- 
minadab,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  : 

13  And  his  offering  was  one  silver  charger, 
the  weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  Hour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

14  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full 
of  incense ; 

15  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering; 

16  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

17  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-oftering,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep  of 
the  first  year ;  this  was  the  offering  of  Nach- 
shon the  son  of  'Amminadab. 

18  ^  On  the  second  day  Nethanel  the  son 
of  Zuiir,  the  prince  of  Issachar,  did  offer  : 

19  He  offered  for  his  offei'ing  one  silver 
charger,  the  weight  whereof  was  a  hundred 
and  thirty  shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy 
sliekels,  after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary ; 
both  of  them  full  of  fine  fiour  mingled  with 
oil  tor  a  meat-offering ; 

20  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full 
of  incense ; 

21  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt^oftering ; 

22  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offerinsi- ; 

23  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-ofiering,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep  of 
the  first  year; 
thanel  the  son  of  Zuiir. 

24  ^  On  the  third  day  Ehab  the  son  of 
Chelon.  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Zebulun, 
(did  offer): 

25  His  oflering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  siher  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;   both  of 


tion  to  these  presents,  the  princes  also  came  charged  each 
with  the  same  sacrifices  and  vessels  for  the  use  of  the 
sanctmiry  ;  and  so  well  was  this  liberality  received  by  the 
Most  High,  that  Moses  was  ordered  to  enjoin  upon  the 
princes  that  the  sacrifices  should  not  be  offered  all  at  once, 
but  during  a  period  of  twelve  days,  and  that  they  should  use 
the  order  in  which  they  moved  forward  in  their  march  : 


this  was  the  offering  of  Ne- 


them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

26  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full 
of  incense ; 

27  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering ; 

28  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering ; 

29  And  tor  a  sacrifice  of  peace-ofiering,  two 
oxen,  five  rams,  five  lie-goats,  five  sheep  of 
the  first  year ;  this  was  the  offering  of  Eliab 
the  son  of  Chelon. 

30  ^  On  the  fourth  day  Elizur  the  son  of 
Shedeiir,  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Reuben, 
(did  ofier): 

31  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weio'ht  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirtv  she- 
kels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels,  after 
the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary ;  both  of  them  full  of 
fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a  meat-oflering ; 

32  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full 
of  incense ; 

33  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  }car,  for  a  burnt-ofiering ; 

34  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering ; 

35  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  oi' 
Elizur  the  son  of  Shedeiir. 

36  ^  On  the  fifth  day  Shelumiel  the  sou 
of  Zurishaddai,  the  prince  of  the  children  iif 
Simeon,  (did  offer): 

37  His  offei'ing  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirtv 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  fir  a 
meat-offering ; 

38  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

39  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering; 

40  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

41  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  oftering  of  She- 
lumiel the  son  of  Zurishaddai.* 


Judah  first,  then  Zebulun,  Issachar,  &c.,  ending  with 
Naphtali,  not  according  to  the  order  of  the  birth  of  the  fa- 
thers of  the  tribes.  There  was  no  difference  whatever  in 
the  gifts  of  the  various  chiefs;  thus  showing  that  all  were 
alike  acceptable,  whether  descended  from  Leah  and  Kachel, 
or  from  Zilpali  and  Bilhah.  This  is  also  probably  the 
reason  why  thev  are  all  separately  recorded. 

1U7 


NUMBERS  VII.     NAHSSO. 


42  ^  On  the  sixth  day  Elyassaph  the  son 
of  Deiiel,"  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Gad, 
(did  offer): 

43  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

44  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

45  One  young  buUoclc,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering ; 

46  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering: 

47  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-oftering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Elyassapli  the  son  of  Deiiel. 

48  Tl  On  the  seventh  day  Elishama  the 
son  of  'Ammihud,  the  prince  of  the  children 
of  Ephraim,  (did  offer) : 

49  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering; 

50  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

51  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering; 

52  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

53  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Elishama  the  son  of  'Ammihud. 

54  ^  On  the  eighth  day  Gamliel  the  son  of 
Pcdahzur,  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Me- 
nasseh,  (did  offer): 

55  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  witli  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

5G  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

57  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-oflfering; 

58  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-ofiering; 

59  And  for  a   sacrifice   of  peace-offering. 


*  This  name  is  elsewhere  (ii.  14)  given  as  Keiiel,  the  T 
resh  being  substituted  for  T  dahth. 


two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Gamliel  the  son  of  Pedahzur. 

60  ][  On  the  ninth  day  Abidan  the  son  of 
Gidoni,  the  prince  of  the  children  of  Benja- 
min, (did  offer): 

61  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventv  shekels. 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  Avitli  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

62  One  spoon  often  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

63  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering ; 

64  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

65  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Abidan  the  son  of  Gidoni. 

06  ^  On  the  tenth  day  Achiezer  the  son 
of  'Ammishaddai,  the  prince  of  the  children 
of  Dan,  (did  oiler): 

67  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

68  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense : 

69  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burntroffering ; 

70  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-oftering; 

71  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Achiezer  the  son  of  'Ammishaddai.* 

72  Tl  On  the  eleventh  day  Pagiel  the  son 
of  'Ochian,  the  prince  of  the  children  of 
Asher,  (did  offer) : 

73  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  flour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

74  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  fidl  of 
incense ; 

75  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  3'ear,  for  a  burnt-offering; 

76  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

77  And  for  a   sacrifice   of  peace-offering, 


NUMBERS  VII.  VIII.     BEHANGALOTECHA. 


two  oxen,  five  rami!?,  live  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of  Pa- 
giel  the  son  of  'Ov'hran. 

78  T[  On  the  twelfth  day  Achira  the  son 
of  'Enau,  tlie  prince  of  the  children  of  Naph- 
tali,  (did  ofter): 

79  His  offering  was  one  silver  charger,  the 
weight  whereof  was  a  hundred  and  thirty 
shekels,  one  silver  bowl  of  seventy  shekels, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  both  of 
them  full  of  fine  tlour  mingled  with  oil  for  a 
meat-offering ; 

80  One  spoon  of  ten  shekels  of  gold,  full  of 
incense ; 

81  One  young  bullock,  one  ram,  one  sheep 
of  the  first  year,  for  a  burnt-offering ; 

82  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering; 

83  And  for  a  sacrifice  of  peace-offering, 
two  oxen,  five  rams,  five  he-goats,  five  sheep 
of  the  first  year;  this  was  the  offering  of 
Achira  the  sou  of  'Enan. 

84  ^  This  was  the  dedication-offering  of 
the  altar,  on  the  day  when  it  was  anointed, 
from  the  princes  of  Israel:  Twelve  silver 
chargers,  twelve  silver  bowls,  twelve  golden 
spoons ; 

85  A  hundred  and  thirty  shekels  was  the 
weight  of  each  silver  charger,  and  seventy  of 
each  bowl;  the  silver  of  all  the  vessels  was 
two  thousand  and  foin-  hundred  shekels,  after 
the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary; 

86  Twelve  golden  spoons,  full  of  iBcense;* 
ten  shekels  was  the  weight  of  each  spoon, 
after  the  shekel  of  the  sanctuary;  all  the  gold 
of  the  spoons  was  a  hundred  and  twenty 
shekels.* 

87  All  the  oxen  for  the  burnf^ofFering  were 


'  Rasbi,  after  Talmud  3Ienaclioth,  remarks:  "We  find 
no  mention  of  incouse  for  an  individual,  nor  such  an  ofter- 
ing  upon  the  outer  altar,  (('.  c.  that  of  burnt-ofi'ering,)  ex- 
cept in  this  instance,  (;'.  e.  at  the  consecration  of  the 
tabernacle.)  and  it  was  merely  permitted  as  rii'iy  nxiin  a 
temporary  rule  only  for  the  time."  In  farther  explana- 
tion of  this  view,  it  may  be  added,  that  incense  was  a  na- 
tional offering,  ordered  to  be  burnt  upon  the  golden  altar, 
before  the  vail,  morning  and  evening,  and  to  be  carried 
within  the  vail  on  the  day  of  atonement.  A  special  dis- 
pensation must  therefore  have  been  granted  to  do  as  the 
princes  did  at  the  consecration,  though  probably  the  mix- 
ture was  not  identical  with  that  prepared  for  the  sanctuary 
under  the  superintendence  of  Moses.  This,  however,  in 
no  wise  abolishes  the  force  of  the  general  prohibition,  nor 
can  it  legalize  our  deviating  therefrom,  unless  by  an  equally 
authoritative  dispensation;  and  thus  a  strange  incense 
could  on  no  account  be  offered  on  either  altar,  after  the 

W 


twelve  bullocks,  the  rams  were  twelve,  the 
sheep  of  the  first  year  twelve,  with  their 
meat-offering ;  and  the  he-goats  for  sin-offering 
were  twelve. 

88  And  all  the  oxen  for  the  sacrifice  of  the 
peace-offerings  were  twenty  and  four  bullocks, 
the  rams  were  sixty,  the  he-goats  sixty,  the 
sheep  of  the  first  year  sixty:  this  was  the 
dedication-offering  of  the  altar,  after  it  had 
been  anointed. 

89  And  when  Moses  went  into  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation  to  speak  with  Him, 
then  heard  he  the  voice  speaking  unto  him 
from  off  the  mercy-seat  that  was  ujDon  the 
ark  of  testimony,  from  between  the  two  che- 
rubim: and  thus  he  spoke  unto  him. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Judges  xiii.  2  to  25. 


SECTION  XXXVI.     BEHANGALO- 
TECHA, "inS^HD. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say 

mg, 

2  Speak  unto  Aaron,  and  say  unto  him, 
When  thou  lightest  the  lamps,''  then  shall  the 
seven  lamps  give  light  toward  the  body  of  the 
candlestick. 

3  And  Aaron  did  so;  toward  the  body  of 
the  candlestick  did  he  light  its  lamps;  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

4  And  this  was  the  workmanship  of  the 
candlestick :  It  was  of  beaten  gold,  from  the 
shaft  thereof,  unto  the  flowers  thereof,  it  was 
beaten    work;    according    unto    the   pattern 


event  under  consideration.  There  are  other  instances  in 
Scripture,  of  a  temporary  suspension  of  certain  precepts, 
such  as  the  officiating  of  Moses  before  Aaron's  assumption 
I  nf  the  priestly  office;  the  sacrifice  of  Elijah  on  Carmel, 
against  the  positive  order  of  the  law  not  to  offer  any- 
thing at  any  other  place  save  the  chosen  sanctuary.  But 
it  will  always  be  seen  that  there  were  weighty  reasons  for 
the  suspensions, — that  they  were  sanctioned  or  ordained 
by  the  Holy  Spirit;  and  that  consequently  we  are  from 
such  premises  not  authorized  to  suspend  any  precept  by 
our  own  authority,  except  there  be  an  absolute  necessity 
which  compels  us  to  disobey. 

'■  The  middle  light,   which  was  not  on  the  branches, 

but  on  the  body  of  the  candlestick;  the  wicks  of  the  six 

lamps,  upon  the  six  branches,  of  the  three  eastern,  as  well 

i  as  of  the  three  western,  were  turned  toward  the  middle 

!  lamp — Rashi.     In  this  manner  the  whole  seven  lights 

were  all  turned  to  one  point. 

169 


NUMBERS  VIII.     BEHANGALOTECHA. 


which  the  Lord  had  shown  Moses,  so  made 
he  the  candlestick. 

5  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  saying, 

6  Take  the  Levites  from  the  midst  of  the 
cliildren  of  Israel,  and  cleanse  them. 

7  And  thus  shalt  thou  do  unto  them,  to 
cleanse  them:  Sprinkle  upon  them  water  of 
purification,  after  they  have  let  the  razor  pass 
over  all  their  tlesh,  and  then  let  them  wash 
their  clothes,  and  so  shall  they  be  clean. 

8  And  they  shall  take  a  young  bullock 
with  his  meat-offering,  fine  flour  mingled 
with  oil;  and  another  young  bullock  shalt 
thou  take  for  a  sin-oflbring. 

9  And  thou  shalt  bring  near  the  Levites 
before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation: 
and  tliou  shalt  assemble  together  the  whole 
congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

10  And  when  thou  hast  brought  near  the 
Levites  before  the  Lord,  then  shall  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  lay  their  hands  upon  the  Le- 
vites : 

11  And  Aaron  shall  make  with  the  Le- 
vites a  waving  before  the  Lord  from  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  that  they  may  be  ready  to 
execute  the  service  of  the  Lord. 

12  And  the  Levites  shall  lay  their  hands 
upon  the  heads  of  the  bullocks:  and  thou 
shalt  prepare  the  one  as  a  sin-offering,  and 
the  other  as  a  burnt-offering,  unto  the  Lord, 
to  make  an  atonement  for  the  Levites. 

13  And  thou  shalt  place  the  Levites  before 
Aaron  and  before  his  sons,  and  make  with 
them  a  waving  befoi'c  the  Lord. 

14  Thus  shalt  thou  separate  the  Levites 
from  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel :  and 
the  Levites  shall  be  mine.* 

15  And  after  that  shall  the  Levites  go  in 
to  do  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation: after  thou  shalt  have  cleansed 
them,  and  made  with  them  a  waving. 

16  For  they  are  wholly  given"  unto  me 
from  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel :  in- 
stead of  every  one  that  openeth  the  womb, 
of  every  first-born  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
have  I  taken  them  unto  me. 


°  Rashi  comments  on  □•jnj  D'jn:  "they  are  given  for 
carrying,  given  for  singing."  (See,  however,  for  a  differ- 
ent version,  aceonling  to  our  authorities,  above,  iii.  9.) 

''  /.  c.  At  this  period  tliey  should  coninieneo  to  learn 
the  .service,  which  they  entered  on  at  thirty  years.  Rash- 
bam  reconciles  the  difficulty  of  iv.  3,  &c.,  where  thirty 
years  are  named,  that  that  limit  applied  only  to  the  car- 
ITU 


17  For  mine  are  all  the  first-born  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  both  of  man  and  beast :  on 
the  day  that  I  smote  every  first-born  in  the 
land  of  Eoypt  did  I  sanctify  them  unto  m^•- 
self 

IS  And  I  have  taken  the  Levites,  instead 
of  all  the  first-jjorn  among  the  children  of  Is- 
rael. 

19  And  I  have  given  the  Levites  as  a  gift 
to  Aaron  and  to  his  sons  from  the  midst  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  to  do  the  service  of 
the  children  of  Israel  in  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  to  make  an  atonement 
for  the  children  of  Israel;  that  there  be  no 
plague  among  the  children  of  Israel,  when 
the  children  of  Israel  come  nigh  unto  the 
sanctuary. 

20  And  so  did  Moses,  and  Aaron,  and  all 
the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  to 
the  Levites:  according  unto  all  that  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses  concerning  the  Le- 
vites, so  did  the  children  of  Israel  unto  them. 

21  And  the  Levites  purified  themselves, 
and  they  washed  their  clotlies;  and  Aaron 
made  with  them  a  waving  before  the  Lord  : 
and  Aaron  made  an  atonement  for  them  to 
cleanse  them. 

22  And  after  that  went  the  Levites  in  to 
do  their  service  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation before  Aaron,  and  before  his  sons: 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses  concern- 
ing the  Levites,  so  did  they  unto  them. 

23  ^1  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

24  This  shall  be  the  rule  for  the  Levites : 
From  twenty  and  five''  years  old  and  upward 
shall  he  2:0  into  the  ranks  to  do  the  service 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation; 

25  And  from  the  age  of  fifty  years  shall  he 
go  out  of  the  ranks  of  the  service,  and  he 
shall  serve  no  more  ; 

20  But  he  shall  wait  on  his  In-ethren  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  to  keep 
the  charge,  but  the  service  shall  he  not  per- 
form ;  thus  shalt  thou  do  unto  the  Levites  in 
the  discharge  of  their  office.* 


rying  of  the  holy  vessels  and  parts  of  the  tabernacle, 
which  also  terminated  with  the  fiftieth  year;  hut  that  all 
other  Levitical  functions  commenced  at  twenty-five  and 
continued  while  the  faculties  lasted.  Oukelos  and  Rashi 
also  render  verse  2(5,  "But  he  shall  serve  with  his 
brethren,"  thus  also  confining  the  excluded  service  t« 
the  carrying  of  the  sanctuary. 


NUMBERS  IX.     BEHANGALOTECIIA. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

1  •[[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai,  in  the  second  year 
after  their  coming  out  of  the  Land  of  Egypt, 
ill  the  first  montli,  saying. 

2  That  the  chikh-en  of  Israel  shall  prepare 
the  passover-lanib  at  its  appointed  season. 

.3  On  the  fourteenth  day  of  this  month,  to- 
ward evening,  shall  ye  prepare  it  at  its  ap- 
pointed season:  according  to  all  its  ordi- 
nances, and  according  to  all  its  prescribed 
rules,  shall  ye  prepare  it. 

4  And  Moses  spoke  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  they  should  prepare  the  passover- 
lamb. 

5  And  they  prepared  the  passover-lamb  on 
the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first  month  toward 
evening  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai :  according 
to  all  that  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses, 
so  did  the  children  of  Israel. 

6  But  there  were  certain  men,  who  had 
been  defiled  by  the  dead  body  of  a  man,  and 
they  could  not  j^repare  the  passover-lamb  on 
that  day:  and  they  came  before  Moses  and 
before  Aaron  on  that  day. 

7  And  these  men  said  unto  him.  We  are 
defiled  by  the  dead  body  of  a  man :  where- 
fore shall  we  be  kept  back,  so  as  not  to  offer 
the  sacrifice  of  the  Lord  at  its  appointed  sea- 
son in  the  midst  of  the  (other)  children  of 
Israel ? 

8  And  Moses  said  unto  them,  Wait  ye,  and 
I  will  hear  what  the  Lord  will  command  con- 
cerning you. 

9  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  say- 
ing. If  any  man  whatever  should  be  unclean 
by  reason  of  a  dead  body,  or  be  on  a  distant 
journey,"  among  you  or  your  posterity:  yet 
shall  he  prepare  the  passover-lamb  unto  the 
Lord; 

11  In  the  second  month  on  the  fourteenth 
day  toward  evening  shall  they  prepare  it, 
with  unleavened  bread  and  bitter  herbs  shall 
they  eat  it. 

12  They  shall  leave  none  of  it  until  morn- 
ing, and  no  bone  shall  they  break  on  it :  ac- 


°  This  is  explained  to  mean  any  distance  which  pre- 
vents one  from  being  within  the  precincts  of  the  temple 
at  the  time  of  the  slaying  of  the  passover-lamb. 


cording  to  the  whole  ordinance  of  the  pass- 
over-lamb shall  the}'  prej^are  it. 

13  But  the  man  tliat  is  clean,  and  is  not 
on  a  journey,  and  forbeareth  to  prepare  the 
passover-lamb,  even  that  same  soul  shall  be 
cut  ofi"  from  his  people ;  because  the  offering 
of  the  Lord  hath  he  not  brought  at  its 
appointed  season,  his  sin  shall  that  man 
bear. 

14  And  if  a  stranger  sojourn  among  you, 
and  will  prepare  the  passover-lamb  unto  the 
Lord  :  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  pass- 
over-lamb, and  according  to  its  prescribed 
rule,  so  shall  he  prepare  it ;  one  statute  shall 
be  for  you,  both  for  the  stranger,  and  for  the 
native  born  in  the  laud.''- 

15  T[  And  on  the  day  that  the  tabernacle 
was  reared  up  the  cloud  covered  the  tabernacle 
of  the  tent  of  the  testimony :  and  in  the  even- 
ing there  was  upon  the  tabernacle  as  it  were 
the  appearance  of  fire,  until  morning. 

16  So  it  used  to  be  always :  the  cloud  co- 
vered it  (by  day),  and  the  appearance  of  fire 
by  night. 

17  And  as  the  cloud  was  taken  up  fi'oin 
the  tabernacle,  then  after  that  did  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  journey  forward :  and  in  the 
place  where  the  cloud  halted,  there  did  the 
children  of  Israel  encamp. 

18  At  the  order  of  the  Lord  did  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  journey  forward,  and  at  the 
order  of  the  Lord  they  encamped :  all  the 
days  that  the  cloud  abode  upon  the  taberna- 
cle did  they  remain  in  camp. 

19  And  when  the  cloud  tarried  upon  the 
tabernacle  manj^  days,  then  did  the  children 
of  Israel  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord,  and 
journeyed  not  forward. 

20  And  at  times  it  was,  that  the  cloud  re- 
mained but  a  few  days  upon  the  tabernacle ; 
at  the  order  of  the  Lord  they  abode  in  camp, 
and  at  the  order  of  the  Lord  they  journeyed 
forward. 

21  And  at  times  it  was,  that  the  cloud 
remained  from  evening  until  morning;  and 
when  the  cloud  was  taken  up  in  the  morning, 
they  journeyed  forward ;  or  a  day  and  a  night, 
and  Avhen  the  cloud  was  taken  up,  they  jour- 
neyed forward ; 

22  Or  two  days,  or  a  month,  or  a  year;  so 
long  as  the  cloud  tarried  upon  the  tabernacle, 
to  remain  thereon,  did  the  children  of  Israel 
I'emain  encamped,  and  journeyed  not  forward  j 

171 


NUMBERS  IX.  X.     BEHANGALOTECHA. 


but  when  it  was  taken   up,  they  joume3'ed 
forward. 

23  At  the  order  of  the  Lord  they  remained 
in  camp,  and  at  the  order  of  the  Lord  they 
journeyed  forward :  the  charge  of  the  Lord 
they  kept,  at  the  order  of  the  Lord  by  the 
hand  of  Moses. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

2  Make  unto  thyself  two  trumpets  of  silver, 
beaten  out  of  one  piece  shalt  thou  make  them ; 
and  they  shall  serve  thee  for  the  calling  of 
the  congregation,  and  for  the  setting  forward 
of  the  camps. 

3  And  when  they  shall  blow"  with  both, 
all  the  congregation  shall  assemble  themselves 
unto  thee  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

4  And  if  they  blow''  with  but  one,  then  shall 
assemble  themselves  unto  thee  the  princes,  the 
heads  of  the  thousands  of  Israel. 

5  And  when  ye  blow  an  alarm,  then  shall 
set  forward  the  camps  that  encamp  on  the 
east  side. 

6  And  when  ye  blow  an  alarm  the  second 
time,  then  shall  set  forward  the  camps  that 
encamp  on  the  south  side :  an  alarm  shall 
they  blow  for  their  setting  forward. 

7  But  at  the  assembling  of  the  assembly, 
ye  shall  blow,  but  ye  shall  not  sound  an 
alarm. 

8  And  the  sons  of  Aaron,  the  priests,  shall 
blow  with  the  truinpets ;  and  they  shall  be 
to  you  for  an  ordinance  for  ever  throughout 
your  generations. 

9  And  if  ye  go  to  war  in  your  land  against 
the  oppressor  that  oppresseth  you,  then  shall 
ye  blow  an  alarm  with  the  trumpets ;  and  ye 
shall  be  remembered''  before  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  ye  shall  be  saved  from  your  enemies. 

10  And  on  the  day  of  your  gladness,  and 
on  your  appointed  festivals,  and  on  the  begin- 
nings of  your  months,  shall  ye  blow  with  the 
trumpets  over  your  burnt-offerings,  and  over 
the  sacrifices  of  your  peace-ofterings ;  and  they 
shall  ije  to  you  for  a  memorial  before  your 
God :  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 


•  The  "simple  blowing"  njj'pn  and  the  "alarm"  n;?nn 
are  the  sounds  now  blown  on  the  cornet  in  the  New-Year's 
festival. 

172 


11  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  second 
year,  in  the  second  month,  on  the  twentieth 
day  of  the  month,  that  the  cloud  was  taken 
up  from  ofi'  tlie  tabernacle  of  the  testimony. 

12  And  the  children  of  Israel  set  forward 
on  their  journeys  from  the  wildei'ness  of  Si- 
nai, and  the  cloud  halted  in  the  wilderness 
of  Paran. 

13  And  they  set  forward  for  the  first  time 
at  the  order  of  the  Lord  by  the  hand  of 
Moses. 

14  And  the  standard  of  the  camp  of  the 
children  of  Judah  set  forward  at  the  first,  ac- 
cording to  their  armies :  and  over  their  host 
was  Nachshon  the  son  of  'Annninadab. 

15  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Issachar  was  Nethanel  the  son  of 
Zuiir. 

16  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Zebuluu  was  Eliab  the  son  of 
Chelon. 

17  And  (in  the  mean  time)  the  tabernacle 
was  taken  down;  and  then  set  forward  the 
sons  of  Gershon  and  the  sons  of  Merari,  the 
bearers  of  the  tabernacle. 

18  Then  set  forward  the  standard  of  the 
camp  of  Reuben,  accoi'ding  to  their  armies: 
and  over  their  host  was  Elizur  the  son  of 
Shedeiir. 

19  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
childi-en  of  Simeon  was  Shelumiel  the  son  of 
Zurishaddai. 

20  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Gad  was  Elyassaph  the  son  of 
Deiiel. 

21  And  then  set  forward  the  Kehathites, 
the  bearers  of  the  sanctuary:"  and  the 
others  set  up  the  tabernacle  against  they 
came. 

22  Then  set  forward  the  standard  of  the 
camp  of  the  children  of  Ephraim  according  to 
their  armies:  and  over  their  host  was  Eli- 
shama  the  son  of  'Ammihud. 

23  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Menasseh  was  Gamliel  the  son  of 
Pedahzur. 

24  And  over  the  host  of  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Benjamin  was  Abidan  the  son  of 
Gidoni. 


'•  Obedience  to  Grod  alone  proves  that  those  who  claim 
his  protection  are  worthy  of  his  favour. 
°  i.  e.  The  holy  vessels.     (See  iv.  4.) 


NUMBERS  X.  XI.     BEHANGALOTECHA. 


25  Then  set  forward  the  standard  of  tlie 
camp  of  the  children  of  Dan,  the  rereward  of 
all  the  camps,  according  to  their  hosts:  and 
over  their  host  was  Achiezer  the  son  of  'Am- 
mishaddai. 

26  And  over  the  host  of  the  tril^e  of  the 
cliildren  of  Asher  was  Pagiel  the  son  of 
'Ochran. 

27  And  over  the  host  of  the  trilje  of  the 
children  of  Naphtali  was  Achira  the  son  of 
'Enan. 

28  In  this  order  were  the  jourueyings  of 
the  children  of  Israel  according  to  their  ar- 
mies, when  they  set  forward. 

29  T[  And  Moses  said  unto  C'hobab,  the 
son  of  Reiiel  the  Midianite,  the  flitlier-in-law 
of  Moses,  We  are  journeying  unto  the  place 
of  which  the  Lord  hath  said,  Tliis  will  I  give 
unto  you :  come  thou  with  us,  and  we  will  do 
thee  good;  for  tlie  Lord  hath  spoken  (to 
bring)  good  upon  Israel. 

30  And  he  said  unto  him,  I  will  not  go; 
but  to  my  own  hmd,  and  to  my  birthplace 
will  I  go. 

31  And  he  said,  Do  not,  I  pray  thee,  leave 
us;  since  thou  didst  find  out  the  places  where 
we  were  to  encamp  in  the  wilderness,  and 
thou  hast*  been  to  us  instead  of  eyes. 

32  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  go  with  us,  yea, 
it  shall  be,  that  the  same  goodness  whicli  the 
Lord  may  do  unto  us,  will  we  do  unto  thee. 

33  And  they  set  forward  fronr  the  mount 
of  the  Lord  a  three  days'  journey :  and  the 
ark  of  tlie  covenant  of  the  Lord  went  before 
them  in''  the  three  days'  journey,  to  search 
out  for  them  a  resting-place. 

34  And  the  cloud  of  the  Lord  was  over 
them  by  day,  wdien  they  set  forward  from  the 
camp."'= 

35  Tf  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  ark 
set  forward,  that  Moses  said.  Rise  up.  Lord, 
and  let  thy  enemies  be  scattered;  and  let 
those  that  hate  thee  flee  Ijefore  thy  face. 

36  And  when  it  rested,  he  said,  Return,  0 
Lord,  among  the  myriads  of  the  thousands  of 
Israel. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  that  as  the  people 


"  After  Arnheim  ;  others  render,  "and  thou  wilt  be,"  &c. 
*■  Others  translate,  "a  distance  of  a  three  days' journey." 
°  "The  place  of  burning,"  hah'ei;  from  •\p2  "to  burn." 
"  Verses  7,  8,  and  9  must  be  taken  as  a  parenthesis 


complained  in  a  manner  displeasing  in  the 
cars  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord  heard  it,  and  his 
anger  was  kindled,  and  the  fire  of  the  Lord 
burnt  among  them,  and  consumed  at  tlic  ut- 
termost part  oi'  the  camp. 

2  And  the  people  then  cried  unto  Moses; 
and  Moses  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  fire 
disappeared. 

3  And  he  called  the  name  of  tlie  place 
TalVerah ;''  liecause  the  fire  of  the  Lord  had 
burnt  among  them. 

4  And  the  mixed  multitude  that  w^as 
among  them  felt  a  lustful  longing:  and  the 
children  of  Israel  also  wept  again,  and  said. 
Who  will  give  us  flesh  to  eat? 

5  We  remember  the  fish,  which  we  could 
eat  in  Egypt  for  naught;  the  cucumbers,  and 
the  melons,  and  the  leeks,  and  the  onions, 
and  the  garlic; 

6  But  now  our  soul  is  faint:  there  is  no- 
thing at  all,  only  to  the  manna  are  our  e^'es 
(directed) . 

7''  But  the  manna  was  like  coriander-seed, 
and  its  colour  as  the  colour  of  the  bdellium. 

8  The  people  went  about,  and  gathered  it, 
and  ground  it  in  a  mill,  or  pounded  it  in  a 
mortar,  and  boiled  it  in  a  pot,  or  made  cakes 
of  it :  and  its  taste  was  as  the  taste  of  cakes 
mixed  with  oil.' 

9  And  when  the  dew  fell  upon  the  camp 
in  the  night,  the  manna  fell  upon  it. 

10  And  Moses  heard  the  people  weej)  ac- 
cording to  their  families,  every  man  at  the 
door  of  his  tent :  and  the  anger  of  the  Lord 
was  kindled  greatly;  and  in  the  eyes  of  Moses 
also  was  it  displeasing. 

11  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  Where- 
fore hast  thou  done  evil  to  thy  servant?  and 
wherefore  have  I  not  found  favour  in  thy 
eyes,  that  thou  layest  the  burden  of  all  this 
people  upon  nie? 

12  Was  it  I  who  have  conceived  all  this 
people?  or  was  it  I  who  have  begotten  them? 
that  thou  shouldst  say  unto  me,  Carry  them 
in  thy  bosom,  as  a  nursing  father  beareth 
the  sucking  child,  unto  the  land  which  thou 
hast  sworn  unto  their  fathers? 

13  Whence  shall  I  obtain  flesh  to  give 
unto  all  this  people?  for  they  weep  around 

explaining  the  excellence  of  the  manna  which  the  people 
despised.     The  narrative  recommences  at  verse  10. 

°  After  Onkelos.     Arnheim  gives,  "  the  marrow  (^bestj 
of  oil." 

173 


NUMBERS  XL     BEHANGALOTECHA. 


me,    saying,    Give    us    flesh,    that   we    may 
eat. 

14  I  am  not  able  by  myself  alone  to  bear 
all  this  people,  because  it  is  too  heavy  for  me. 

15  And  if  thou  wilt  thus  deal  with  me, 
then  slay  me,  I  pray  thee,  at  once,  if  I  have 
found  iavour  in  thy  eyes ;  that  I  may  not  see 
my  wretchedness. 

16  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses, 
Gather  unto  me  seventy  men  of  the  elders  of 
Israel,  whom  thou  knowest  to  be  the  elders 
of  the  people,  and  its  officers;  and  take  them 
unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
they  shall  stand  there  with  thee. 

17  And  I  will  come  down  and  speak  with 
thee  there  :  and  I  will  take  some  of  the  spirit 
which  is  upon  thee,  and  I  will  put  it  upon 
them  ;"  and  they  shall  bear  with  thee  the  bui'- 
den  of  the  people,  and  thou  shalt  not  bear  it 
by  thyself  alone. 

18  And  unto  the  people  shalt  thou  say. 
Hold  yourselves  ready  against  to-morrow,  that 
ye  may  eat  flesh ;  for  ye  have  wept  in  the 
ears  of  the  Lord,  saying.  Who  shall  give  us 
flesh  to  eat?  for  it  was  better  with  us  in 
Egypt :  thus  will  the  Lord  give  you  flesh, 
and  ye  shall  eat. 

19  Not  one  day  shall  ye  eat,  nor  two  days, 
nor  five  days,  nor  ten  days,  nor  twenty  days ; 

20  But  up  to  a  full  month,  until  it  come 
out  at  your  nostrils,  and  it  become  loathsome 
vmto  you  ;  Ijecause  that  ye  have  despised  the 
Lord  who  is  in  the  midst  of  you,  and  ye  have 
we]it  ))efore  him,  saying,  Why  did  we  come 
forth  out  of  Egypt? 

21  And  Moses  said.  Six  hundred  thousand 
men  on  loot  is  the  people,  in  the  midst  of 
whom  I  am;  and  yet  thou  hast  said.  Flesh  will 
I  give  them,  that  they  may  eat  a  whole  month. 

22  Shall  flocks  and  herds  be  slain  for  them, 
that  they  may  suffice  for  them  ?  or  shall  all 
tlie  fish  of  the  sea  be  gathered  together  for 
them,  that  they  may  suffice  for  them  ? 

23  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Should 
the  Lord's  hand  be  too  short?  now  shalt 
thou  .see  whether  my  word  shall  come  to  pass 
unto  thee  or  not. 

21  And  Moses  went  out,  and  spoke  to  the 
[jeople  the  words  of  the  Lord;  and  he  assem- 


'  Unto  what  was  Moses  like  at  that  hour 
standing  upon  a  candlestick,  by  which  all 
lamps,  while  its  litilit  is  in  nmviso  diiiiinisln'il, 


to  a  lamp 
light  their 
— EA.tHI. 


bled  seventy  men  from  the  elders  of  the  people, 
and  placed  them  round  about  the  tabernacle. 

25  And  the  Lord  came  down  in  a  cloud, 
and  sp>oke  unto  him;  and  he  took  some  of 
the  spirit  that  was  upon  him,  and  put  it  upon 
the  seventy  men,  the  elders :  and  it  came  to 
pass,  that,  when  the  spirit  rested  upon  them, 
they  prophesied,  but  they  did  not  so  any  more. 

26  And  there  remained  two  men  in  the 
camp,  the  name  of  the  one  was  Eldad,  and 
the  name  of  the  other  Medad ;  and  the  spirit 
rested  upon  them ;  and  thej^  were  of  tliose 
that  were  written  down,''  but  they  had  not 
gone  out  unto  the  tabernacle :  and  they  pro- 
phesied in  the  camp. 

27  And  there  ran  a  young  man,  and  told 
to  Moses,  and  said,  Eldad  and  Medad  are 
prophesying  in  the  camjj. 

28  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the  servant 
of  Moses  from  his  youth,  answered  and  said. 
My  lord  Moses,  forbid  them. 

2U  And  Moses  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  zeal- 
ous for  my  sake  ?  And  oh  that  one  might 
render  all  the  people  of  the  Lord  prophets, 
that  the  Lord  would  put  his  spirit  ujjon 
them  !* 

30  And  Moses  retired  back  into  the  camp, 
he  with  the  elders  of  Israel. 

31  And  a  wind  went  forth  from  the  Lord, 
and  drove  up  quails  from  the  sea,  and  scat- 
tered them  over  the  camp,  about  a  day's  jour- 
ney on  this  side,  and  about  a  day's  journey 
on  the  other  side,  round  about  the  camj),  and 
about  two  cubits  high  over  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

32  And  the  people  arose  all  that  day,  anil 
all  that  night,  and  all  the  following  day,  and 
they  gathered  the  quails ;  he  that  had  taken 
the  least,  had  gathered  ten  chomers:  and  they 
spread  them  out  for  themselves  round  about 
the  camp. 

33  The  flesh  was  yet  between  their  teetli, 
it  was  not  yet  chewed :  when  the  wrath  of 
the  Lord  was  kindled  against  the  people,  and 
the  Lord  smote  among  the  people  a  \ery  great 
{)lague. 

34  And  he  called  the  name  of  that  place 
Kil)rotii-hattaavali  f  because  there  the^'  bu- 
ried the  people  that  had  lustfully  craved. 

'■  It  is  priihable  that  seventy-two,  six  from  each  tribe, 
were  first  written  down,  wherefore  two  were  left  over. 
"  /.  ('.  "  The  graves  of  the  desire." 


174 


J 


NUMBERS  XI.  XII.  XIII.     SHELACH  LECHA. 


3-3  Fi-om  Kibrotli-hattaavah  the  people 
journe3-ed  unto  Chazeroth;  and  they  remain- 
ed at  Chazeroth. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ][  And  Miriam  and  Aaron  spoke  against 
Moses,  on  account  of  the  Ethiopian  woman 
whom  he  had  married ;  for  an  Etliiopian  wo- 
man had  he  married. 

2  And  they  said,  Hath  then  only  with" 
Moses  the  Lord  spoken  ?  hath  he  not  also 
spoken  with  us?  And  the  Lord  heard  it. 

3  (But  the  man  Moses  -was  ver}-  meek, 
more  so  than  any  man  Avho  was  upon  the 
face  of  the  earth.) 

4  ^  And  the  Lord  said  suddenly  unto 
Moses,  and  unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Miriam, 
Go  out  3'e  three  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation  ;  and  these  thi-ee  went  out. 

5  And  the  Lord  came  down  in  a  pillar  of 
cloud,  and  stood  at  the  door  of  the  taberna- 
cle; and  he  called  Aaron  and  Miriam,  and 
both  of  them  went  out. 

6  And  he  said,  Hear  now  my  words :  If 
there  be  a  prophet  of  your  kind,  I,  the  Lord, 
do  make  myself  known  unto  him  in  a  vision,'' 
in  a  dream  do  I  speak  with  him. 

7  Not  so  is  my  servant  Moses,  in  all  my 
house  is  he  faithful. 

8  Mouth  to  mouth  do  I  speak  with  him, 
even  evidently,  and  not  in  dark  speeches ; 
and  the  similitude  of  the  Lord  doth  he  Ix'hold : 
wherefore  then  were  ye  not  afraid  to  speak 
against  my  servant,  against  Moses  ? 

9  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  them,  and  he  went  away. 

10  And  the  cloud  departed  from  oft'  the 
tabernacle ;  and,  behold,  Miriam  became  le- 
prous, (white)  as  snow ;  and  Aaron  turned 
toward  Miriam,  and,  behold,  she  was  le- 
prous. 

11  Then  said  Aaron  unto  Moses,  Alas,  my 
lord,  do  not,  I  beseech  thee,  account  to  us  as 
sin  that  wherein  we  have  done  foolishly,  and 
wherein  we  have  sinned. 

'  After  Onkelos.  Others  give  "  through." 
^  Marah,  the  feminine,  denotes  the  indistinct,  dream- 
like perception,  followed  as  it  is  by  "dream;"'  march, 
however,  the  masculine,  expresses  the  clear  perception  of 
Divine  things.  Arnbeim  translates,  moreover,  v.  8,  in 
this  manner:  "To  him  I  speak  from  mouth  to  mouth, 
and  visibly,  not  in  riddles,  that  he  should  see  only  an 
image  of  the  Eternal,"  conceiving  the  word  xV  "not" 
to  be  understood  before  0'2" ;  but  the  construction  is  too 


12  Let  her  not  be  as  a  dead-burn  child,  of 
which  half  the  flesh  is  consumed,  when  it 
cometh  out  of  its  mother's  womb. 

13  And  Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 
0  God!  do  thou  heal  her,  I  beseech  thee.* 

14  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  If  her 
fiither  had  spit  in  her  face,  would  she  not 
be  ashamed  seven  days?  let  her  be  shut  up 
seven  days  outside  of  the  camp,  and  after  that 
let  her  be  brought  in  again. 

15  And  Miriam  was  shut  up  outside  of  the 
camp  seven  da}s;  and  the  people  did  not  set 
forward  till  Miriam  was  brought  in  again. 

16  And  afterward  the  people  removed  from 
Chazeroth,  and  encamped  in  the  wilderness 
of  Paran. 

Haphtorah  in  Zechariali  ii.  14  to  iv.  7. 


SECTION  XXXVII.    SHELACH  LECHA, 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Send  thou  out  some  men  that  they  may 
spy  out  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  I  give 
unto  the  children  of  Israel :  one  man  each  of 
every  tribe  of  their  fathers  shall  ye  send, 
every  one  who  is  a  prince  among  them. 

3  And  Moses  sent  them  out  from  the  wil- 
derness of  Paran  by  the  order  of  the  Lord  : 
they  all  were  men,  (who)  were  heads  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

4  And  these  are  their  names :  Of  the  tribe 
of  Reuben,  Shammua  the  son  of  Zaccur. 

5  Of  the  tribe  of  Simeon,  Shaphat  the  son 
of  Chori. 

6  Of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  Caleb  the  son  of 
Yephunneh. 

7  Of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  Yigal  the  son  of 
Joseph. 

8  Of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim,  Hoshea,  the  son 
of  Nun. 


forced,  nron  given  in  our  text,  as  in  Genesis  i.  26, 
with  "similitude"  or  "likeness,"  refers  to  the  higher 
conception  which  Moses  had  of  God's  power,  and  of  his 
government  of  the  world ;  and  is  to  be  considered 
merely  a  continuation  of  the  preceding  "and  not  in 
dark  speeches,"  which  is,  the  indistinct  perception  which 
all  prophets  had  of  what  they  themselves  foresaw  and 
foretold,  when  compared  with  Moses.  (See  Daniel 
xii.  8.j 

175 


NUMBERS  XIII.  XIV.     SHELACH  LECHA. 


9  Of  the  tribe  of  Benjai'iiin,  Palti  the  son 
of  Eaphu. 

10  Of  the  tribe  of  Zebuliui,  Gaddiel  the  son 
of  Sodi. 

11  Of  the  tribe  of  Joseph,  of  the  tribe  of 
Meuasseh,  Gaddi  the  sou  of  Sus.si. 

12  Of  the  tribe  of  Dan,  'Amuiiel  the  son  of 
GemalU. 

13  Of  the  tribe  of  Asher,  Sethur  the  son 
of  Michael. 

14  Of  the  trilje  of  Naphtali,  Nachbi  the 
son  of  Vophsi. 

15  Of  the  tribe  of  Gad,  Geiiel  the  son  of 
Machi. 

16  These  are  the  names  of  the  men  whom 
Moses senttospyouttheland;  and  Mosescalled 
HosheJi  the  son  of  Nun,  Joshua  [Yehoshua']." 

17  And  Moses  seut  them  to  spy  out  the 
land  of  Canaan,  and  he  said  unto  them,  Go 
you  up  this  way  at  the  south  side,  and  go  up 
into  the  mountain; 

18  And  see  the  land,  what  it  is;  and  the 
people  that  dwell  therein,  whether  they  be 
strong  or  weak,  whether  they  be  few  or 
many ; 

19  And  what  the  land  is  on  which  they 
dwell,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad;  and  what 
the  cities  are  in  which  they  dwell,  whether  in 
open  places,  or  in  strongholds ; 

20  And  what  the  land  is,  whether  it  be  fat 
or  lean,  whether  there  be  trees  therein,  or 

-not;  and  take  ye  courage,  and  take  away 
some  of  the  fruit  of  the  land.  Now  the  time 
was  the  season  of  the  first  ripening  of  grapes.'^' 

21  And  they  went  up,  and  spied  out  the 
land  from  the  wilderness  of  Zin  unto  Rechob, 
on  the  road  to  Chamath. 

22  And  they  ascended  on  the  south  side, 
and  came  unto  Hebron;  and  there  were  Achi- 
man,  Sheshai,  and  Talmai,  the  children  of 
'Anak;  (now  Hebron  had  been  built  seven 
years  before  Zolin  in  Egypt.) 

23  And  they  came  unto  the  valley  of  Esh- 
col,  and  they  cut  down  from  there  a  branch 
with  one  cluster  of  grapes,  and  the_\'  bore  it 
upon  a  barrow  between  two;  and  (they  took 
some)  of  the  pomegranates  and  of  the  figs. 

*  Signifying,  "May  the  Lord  aid  (thee.)'  Some  sup- 
pose that  this  name  was  given  to  Hoshca  at  the  time  he 
imtcrcd  the  service  of  Moses;  others,  however,  that  it  was 
bestowed  at  the  present  occasion,  and  is  to  bo  viewed  as  a 
prayer:  "May  the  Lord  save  thee  from  the  counsel  of  the 
spies." 

176 


24  That  place  was  called  the  valley  of 
Eshcol,''  on  account  of  the  cluster  which  the 
children  of  Israel  cut  down  from  there. 

25  And  they  returned  from  spying  out  the 
land  at  the  end  of  forty  da^s. 

26  And  they  went  and  came  to  Moses,  and 
to  Aaron,  and  to  all  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  unto  the  wilderness  of  Par 
ran,  to  Kadesh ;  and  they  brought  back  word 
unto  them,  and  unto  all  the  congTegation,  and 
showed  them  the  fruit  of  the  land. 

27  And  they  told  him,  and  said,  We  came 
unto  the  land  whither  thou  didst  send  us, 
and  truly  doth  it  flow  mth  milk  and  honey;" 
and  this  is  its  fruit. 

28  Nevertheless  the  people  are  strong  that 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  the  cities  are  very 
strongly  walled,  and  great;  and  the  children 
of  'Anak  also  have  we  seen  there. 

29  The  Amalekites  dwell  in  the  southern 
country;  and  the  Hittites,  and  the  Jebusites, 
and  the  Emorites,  dwell  in  the  mountains; 
and  the  Canaanites  dwell  by  the  sea,  and  by 
the  margin  of  the  Jordan. 

30  And  Caleb  stilled  the  people  toward 
Moses,  and  he  said.  We  can  easily  go  up,  and 
take  possession  of  it;  for  we  are  well  able  to 
overcome  it. 

31  But  the  men  who  had  gone  up  with 
him  said.  We  are  not  able  to  go  up  against 
the  people;  for  they  are  stronger  than  we. 

32  And  they  brought  up  an  evil  report  of 
the  land  which  the\'  had  spied  out  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  saying.  The  land  through 
which  we  have  passed  to  spy  it  out,  is  a  land 
that  consumeth  its  inhabitants;  and  all  the 
people  that  we  saw  in  it  are  men  of  a  great 
stature. 

33  And  there  we  saw  the  giants,  the  sons 
of  Anak,  of  the  giants'  (family):  and  we  were 
in  our  own  eyes  as  grasshoppers,  and  so  were 
we  in  their  eyes. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  And  all  the  congregation  lifted  up  their 
voice,  and  cried  aloud;  and  the  people  wept 
that  night. 

^  Eshcol  signifies  "cluster." 

°  To  obtain  credibility  for  their  evil  report,  they  spoke 
first  in  praise  of  the  products  of  the  land;  and  then  they 
expatiated  on  the  strength  of  the  people,  while  they 
averred  that  the  unhealthiness  of  the  climate  caused  the 
death  of  the  giants  even. 


VIOSES    AMU    A.A.KO.N     tiH:Kt:)RE     PHA.KA.OH. 


NUMBERS  XIV.     SHELACH  LECHA. 


2  And  all  the  people  murmured  against 
Moses  and  against  Aaron ;  and  the  whole 
congregation  said  unto  them,  Oh  who  would 
grant  that  we  had  died  in  the  land  of  Egypt! 
or  that  we  might  hut  die  in  this  wilderness! 

3  And  wherefore  doth  the  Lord  bring  us 
unto  yonder  land,  to  fall  by  the  sword?  that 
our  wives  and  our  children  may  become  a 
prey?  is  it  not  better  for  us  to  return  to 
Egypt? 

4  And  tliey  said  one  to  anotlier,  Let  us  ap- 
point a  chief,  and  let  us  return  to  Eg}  2)t. 

5  Then  fell  Moses  and  Aaron  on  their  faces 
before  all  the  assembly  of  the  congregation  of 
the  children  of  Israel. 

G  And  Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  and  Caleb 
the  son  of  Yephunneh,  of  those  that  had  spied 
out  the  land,  rent  their  garments. 

7  And  they  said  unto  all  the  (^.ongregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  as  foUoweth,  The 
land,  through  which  we  have  passed  to  spy  it 
out,  this  land  is  exceedingly  good.''" 

8  If  the  Lord  have  delight  in  us,  then 
will  he  bring  us  into  this  land,  and  give  it  to 
us:  a  land  which  is  flowing  with  milk  and 
honey. 

9  Onlj^  against  the  Lord  do  ye  not  rebel;" 
and  then  ye  need  not  fear  the  people  of  the 
land;  for  they  are  our  bread:  their  shadow'' 
is  departed  from  them,  while  the  Lord  is  with 
us;  fear  them  not. 

10  But  all  the  congi'egation  said  to  stone 
them  with  stones:  when  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  appeared  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation unto  all  the  children  of  Israel. 

11  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  How 
long  yet  shall  this  people  provoke'  me?  and 
how  long  3et  will  they  not  belie^'e  in  me. 
with  all  the  signs  which  I  have  shown  in  the 
midst  of  them  ? 

12  I  will  smite  them  with  the  pestilence, 
and  root  them  out,  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a 
nation  greater  and  mightier  than  they. 

13  And  Moses  said  unto  the  Lord,  But 
when  the  Egyptians  hear,  from  the  midst  of 

°  That  is  to  say,  It  is  rebellion  only  which  can  make 
the  Canaanites  formidable  enemies  to  the  sous  of  Israel ; 
since,  if  obedient  to  God,  the  conquest  will  be  an  easy 
thing,  the  people  being  as  readily  overcome  as  bread  can 
be  used  for  food. 

''"Shadow"  means,  in  Hebrew,  "protection,"  "secu- 
rity." Ilashi  therefore  explains,  "the  .«hadow  of  God  is 
departed  from  them;"  upon  which  then  the  next  clause 
follows  correctly,  "while  the  Lord  is  with  us." 

X 


whom   thou   hast  brought   up  in    thy  might 
this  people; — 

14  And  when  they  tell  to  the  inhabitants 
of  this  land,  who''  have  heard  that  thou, 
Lord,  art  in  the  midst  of  this  people,  that 
fiice"  to  face  thou.  Lord,  art  seen,  and  that 
thy  cloud  standeth  over  them,  and  that  in  a 
pillar  of  cloud  thou  goest  before  them  by  day, 
and  in  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night; — 

15  That  thou  hast  killed  this  people  as  one 
man :  then  will  the  nations  that  have  heard 
thy  fame,  say  in  this  manner, 

16  That  because  the  Lord  was  not  aljle  to 
bring  this  people  into  the  land  which  he  had 
sworn  unto  them,  hath  he  slain  them  in  the 
wilderness. 

17  And  now,  I  beseech  thee,  let  tlie  great- 
ness of  the  power  of  the  Lord  be  made  mani- 
fest, as  thou  hast  spoken,  saying, 

18  The  Eternal  is  long-suflering,  and  aljun- 
dant  in  beneficence,  forgiving  iniquity  and 
transgression;  but  who  will  by  no  means 
clear  the  guilty,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children,  upon  the  third 
and  upon  the  fourth  generation. 

19  Pardon,  I  beseech  thee,  the  iniquity  ot 
this  people,  according  to  the  greatness  of 
thj'  beneficence,  and  as  thou  hast  been  indul- 
gent to  this  people,  from  Egypt  even  until 
hitherto. 

20  And  the  Lord  said,  I  have  pardoned  ac- 
cording to  thy  word. 

21  But  as  truly  as  I  live,  and  as  all  the 
earth  is  filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord  : — 

22  That  all  the  men  who  have  seen  my 
glory,  and  my  signs,  which  I  have  displaced 
in  Egypt  and  in  the  wilderness,  and  have 
tempted  me  these  ten  times,  and  have  not 
hearkened  to  my  voice, 

23  Shall  surely  not  see  the  land  which  I 
have  sw(n'n  unto  their  fathers,  yea  all  those 
that  have  provoked  me  sluiU  not  see  it. 

24  But  my  servant  Caleb,  as  a  reward  that 
he  had  another  spirit  with  him,  and  followed 
me  fully, — therefore  will  I  bring  him  into  the 

"  Reject  me. — Arnheim. 

■*  The  word  "who"  is  supplied,  according  to  Onkelos. 
The  connection  of  the  verses  13— l(j  is  given  after  Arnheim, 
and  is  to  be  taken  in  this  manner:  "When  the  Egyjitians 
hear,  and  when  the  inhabitants  of  (his  land  (Canaan)  are 
told,  that  God  hath  killed  the  people  :  then  will  all  of 
them  say,  that  it  was  inability  in  God  to  accomplish  his 
promise." 

'  Heb.  "Eye  in  eye,"  ;'.  c.  seeing  and  seen. 


NUMBERS  XIV.  XV.     SHELACH  LECHA. 


land  wherein  to  he  went;  and  his  seed  shall 
possess  it. 

25  And  the  Amalekites  and  the  Canaanites 
dwell  in  the  valley:  to-moiTow  turn  you,  and 
.set  forward  into  the  wilderness  by  the  way  to 
tlie  Red  Sea.* 

26  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

27  How  long  (shall  indulgence  be  given)  to 
this  evil  congregation,  that  murmur  against 
me  ?  the  murmurings  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
which  they  murmur  against  me,  have  I  heard. 

28  Say  unto  them,  As  truly  as  I  live,  saith 
the  Lord,  as  ye  have  spoken  in  my  ears,  so 
will  I  do  to  you : 

29  In  this  wilderness  shall  your  carcasses 
fall,  and  all  that  were  numbered  of  you,  ac- 
cording to  your  whole  number,  from  twenty 
years  old  and  upward;  ye  who  have  murmured 
against  me; 

30  Truly  ye  shall  not  come  into  the  land, 
concerning  which  I  have  lifted  up  my  hand 
to  let  you  dwell  therein;  save  Caleb  the  son 
of  Yephunneh,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

ol  But  your  little  ones  of  which  ye  said, 
They  would  Ijecome  a  prey,  them  will  I  bring 
in,  and  they  shall  know  the  land  which  ye 
have  despised. 

32  But  as  for  you,  your  carcasses  shall  fall 
in  this  wilderness. 

33  And  your  children  shall  wander  about 
in  the  wilderness  forty  years,  and  bear  your 
backslidings,  until  your  carcasses  be  spent  in 
the  wilderness. 

34  After  the  number  of  the  days  in  which 
ye  spied  out  the  land,  forty  days,  yea,  each 
one  day  for  a  }'ear,  shall  ye  bear  for  your  ini- 
quities, forty  years;  and  ye  shall  experience 
my  withdrawal"  (of  protection) . 

35  1  the  Lord  have  spoken  it,  surely,  this 
will  I  do  unto  all  this  evil  congregation  that 
have  asscnd^led  against  me  :  in  this  wilderness 
shall  tliey  be  spent,  and  therein  shall  they 
die. 

3G  And  the  men  whom  Moses  liad  sent  to 
spj'  out  the  hind,  and  wlio  returned,  and 
caused  all  Ihc  congregation  to  murmur 
against  him,  l)y  bringing  up  an  evil  report 
against  the  land, 

'  Rashi  renders, "  And  ye  shall  know  that  you  have  with- 
drawn your  heart  from  nic."  Oiikelos  gives  more  freely, 
•'  that  ye  have  murmured  aj^ainst  me."    But  in  the  present 
version,  the  idea  of  Mendelssohn,  that  the  word  "  witii- 
178 


37  Even  these  men,  that  had  brought  up 
the  evil  report  of  the  land,  died''  by  the  plague 
before  the  Lord. 

38  But  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  Caleb 
the  son  of  Yephunneh,  remained  alive  of  those 
men,  wlio  had  gone  to  spy  out  the  land. 

39  And  Moses  spoke  these  words  unto  all 
the  children  of  Israel ;  and  the  people  mourned 
greatly. 

40  And  tliey  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  went  up  to  the  top  of  the  mountain,  say- 
ing, Lo,  here  we  are,  and  we  will  go  up  unto 
the  place  of  which  the  Lord  hath  spoken ;  for 
we  have  sinned. 

41  And  Moses  said,  Wherefore  now  do  ye 
transgress  the  order  of  the  Lord?  and  it  will 
not  prosper. 

42  Do  not  go  up,  for  the  Lord  is  not  among 
you ;  that  ye  may  not  be  smitten  before  your 
enemies. 

43  For  the  Amalekites  and  the  Canaanites 
are  there  before  you,  and  ye  will  fall  by  the 
sword;  since,  because  ye  are  turned  away 
from  the  Lord,  the  Lord  also  will  not  be  with 
you. 

44  Yet  they  persisted  to  go  up  unto  the 
top  of  the  mountain ;  but  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  the  Lord,  and  Moses,  did  not  move 
out  of  the  camp. 

45  Then  came  down  the  Amalekites,  and 
the  Canaanites  that  dwelt  on  that  mountain, 
and  smote  them,  and  discomfited  them,  even 
unto  Chormah. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Sjjeak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  When  ye  shall  have  come  into 
the  land  of  your  habitations,  which  I  give 
unto  you, 

3  And  ye  will  prepare  a  fire-oflering  unto 
the  Lord,  a  burnt-ofiering,  or  a  sacrilice,  in 
performing  a  j^ronounced  vow,  or  as  a  free- 
will-oflering,  or  on  your  solemn  feasts,  to  pre- 
pare a  sweet  stivour  unto  the  Lord,  of  the 
herds  or  of  the  flocks : 

4  Then  shall  he  that  bringeth  his  offering 
unto   the   Lord,   bring   as   a  meat-oilcring   a 

drawal"  refers  to  au  act  of  God,  has  been  adopted;   and  it 
means  then,  that  the  people  should  experience  the  differ- 
ence between  the  Divine  protection  and  wrath. 
''  i  e.  A  sudden,  unnatural  death. 


NUMBERS  XV.     SHELACH  LPX'HA. 


tfiitU"  part  of  fiue  flour  miuglud  with  the 
fourth  of  a  hin  of  oil. 

5  And  wine  for  a  drink-offering,  the  fourth 
of  a  liin,  shalt  thou  prepare  witli  the  burnt- 
oftbring  or  sacrifice,  for  each  one  sheep. 

G  But  for  a  ram,  shalt  thou  jJi'epare  as  a 
meat-offering  two  tenth  parts  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  the  third  of  a  hin  of  oil. 

7  And  wine  for  the  drink-ofl'ering,  the 
third  of  a  hin,  shalt  thou  bring,  for  a  sweet 
savour  unto  the  Lord.* 

8  And  when  thou  preparest  a  bullock  for  a 
burnt-offering,  or  for  a  sacrifice,  in  performing 
a  pronounced  vow,  or  as  a  peace-oflering  unto 
the  Lord: 

0  Then  shall  he  brmg  with  the  bullock  as 
a  meat-oftering,  three  tenth  parts  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  half  a  hin  of  oil. 

10  And  wine  shalt  thou  bring  for  a  drink- 
ofl'ering,  half  a  hin,  as  a  fire-offering  of  a  sweet 
sa\i)ur  unto  the  Lord. 

11  Thus  shall  it  be  done  for  each  one  bul- 
lock, or  for  each  one  ram,  or  for  a  lami),  be  it 
of  the  sheep  or  of  the  goats. 

12  According  to  the  number  that  ye  may 
prepare,  so  shall  ye  do  to  every  one  according 
to  their  number. 

13  All  that  are  born''  in  the  country  shall 
do  tlie.se  things  after  this  manner,  in  offering 
a  fire-offering  of  a  sweet  savour  unto  the 
Lord. 

14  And  if  a  stranger  sojourn  with  30U,  or 
whosoever  may  be  among  you  in  your  gene- 
rations, and  will  make  an  offering  made  hy 
fire,  of  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord  -.  as  ye 
do,  so  shall  he  do. 

15  Congregation!"  one  statute  shall  be  lor 
you,  and  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth:  a 
statute  for  ever  in  your  generations;  as  ye 
are,  so  shall  the  stranger  be  Ijetbre  the 
Lord. 

It)  One  law  and  one  code  shall  be  for  you, 
and  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  with 
you/'= 

17  %  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 


'  Wheuever  this  term  is  used,  it  means  "a  tenth  of  an 
ephah." 

''  In  oifering  a  sacrifice,  nothing  must  be  omitted  which 
the  law  requii-es,  in  order  to  make  it  acceptable  on 
high. 

"  This  word  is  merely  to  be  taken  as  an  addres?  to  the 
entire  people,  whether  native  or  adopted  strangers. 


18  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them.  When  ye  come  into  the  land 
whither  I  bring  you  : 

19  Then  shall  it  be,  that,  when  ye  eafof 
the  bread  of  the  land,  ye  shall  set  aside  a 
heave-offering  unto  the  Lord. 

20  As  the  first''  of  your  doughs  shall  ye  set 
aside  a  cake  for  a  heave-oftering;  like  the 
heave-oflering  of  the  threshing-floor,  so  shall 
ye  set  this  aside. 

21  Of  the  first  of  your  doughs  shall  ye  give 
unto  the  Lord  a  heave-oflering,  in  your  gene- 
rations. 

22  ^  And  if  ye  err,"  and  do  not  observe  all 
these  commandments,  which  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  mito  Moses, 

23  All  that  the  Lord  hath  commanded  you 
by  the  hand  of  Moses,  from  the  day  that  the 
Lord  commanded  (the  same)  and  thencefor- 
ward, among  your  generations : 

2-4  Then  shall  it  be,  if,  through  inadver- 
tence of  the  congregation,  it  was  committed 
by  ignorance,  that  all  the  congregation  shall 
prepare  one  young  bullock  for  a  burut-ofler- 
ing,  for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord,  with 
his  meat-oflering,  and  his  drink-ofl'ering,  ac- 
cording to  the  prescribed  manner,  and  one  he- 
goat  for  a  sin-oflering. 

25  And  the  priest  shall  make  an  atonement 
for  all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  unto  them;  for 
it  is  (a  sin  of)  ignorance;  and  they  have 
brought  their  oflering,  a  sacrifice  made  by  fire 
unto  the  Lord,  and  their  sin-offering  before 
the  Lord,  for  their  (sin  of)  ignorance : 

26  And  it  shall  be  forgiven  unto  all  the 
congi'egation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
unto  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  among 
them;  for  by  all  the  people  (was  it  done)  in 
ignorance.* 

27  ]|  And  if  any  person  sin  through  igno- 
rance, then  shall  he  briuii'  a  she-ii'oat  of  the 
first  year  for  a  sin-oflering. 

28  And  the  priest  shall  nutke  an  atonement 
for  the  person  that  hath  erred,  in  his  sinning 
through  ignorance  before  the  Lord;  to  make 


^  "  Before  ye  eat  of  your  dough,  you  shall  oiTer  a  por- 
tion to  the  Lord." — Rashi.  This  was  given  to  the  priest, 
and  had  no  fixed  proportion  by  the  letter  of  the  law;  but 
the  Rabbins  state,  a  twenty-fourth  part  b}'  a  housekeeper, 
and  a  forty-eighth  by  a  baker. 

'  This  refers  to  the  sin  of  idolatry,  according  to  our 
authorities. 

179 


NUMBERS  XV.  XVI.     KORACH. 


an  atonement  for  him,  that  it  may  be  forgiven 
unto  him. 

29  For  the  native  born  among  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  for  the  stranger  that  sojourneth 
among  them: — one  law  shall  be  for  jou,  for 
him  that  acteth  through  ignorance. 

30  But  the  jierson  that  doth  aught  with  a 
high  hand,"  be  he  one  born  in  the  land,  or  a 
stranger,  the  same  dishonoureth  the  Lord  ;  and 
that  person  shall  be  cut  off  from  among  his 
people. 

31  Because  the  word  of  the  Lord  hath  he 
despised,  and  his  commandment  hath  he 
broken ;  that  person  shall  be  cut  off,  his  ini- 
quity is  upon  him. 

32  ^  And  while  the  children  of  Israel  were 
in  the  wilderness,  they  found  a  man  gatlier- 
ing*'  sticks  upon  the  sabbath-day. 

33  And  they  that  found  him  gathering 
sticks  brought  him  for  judgment  unto  Moses 
and  Aaron,  and  unto  all  the  congregation. 

34  And  they  put  him  in  ward;  because  it 
had  not  been  declared  what  should  be  done 
to  him. 

35  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  The 
man  shall  be  put  to  death :  all  the  congregar 
tion  shall  stone  him  with  stones  without  the 
camp. 

36  And  all  the  congregation  brought  him 
forth  to  without  the  camp,  and  they  stoned 
him  with  stones,  and  he  died;  as  the  Lord 
had  connuanded  Moses.* 

37  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  as 
followeth, 

38  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  to  them,  that  they  shall  make  themselves 
fringes"  on  the  corners  of  their  garments 
throughout  their  generations,  and  that  thej- 
shall  put  upon  the  fringe  of  the  corner  a 
thread  of  blue : 

39  And  it  shall  be  unto  you  for  a  fringe, 
that  ye  may  look  upon  it,  and  remember  all 
tbe  commandments  of  the  Lord,  and  do  them ; 
and  that  ye  seek  not  after  (the  inclination  of) 
your  own  heart  and   (the  delight  of)   your 


"  4.  e.  Wilfully ;  and  for  such  sin  no  sacrifice  can  avail. 

''  Arnln'im  suggests,  that,  wti>pD  may  mean  "making 
small,"  "chipping,"  or  "splitting  wood;"  wherefore  he 
committed  a  direct  and  well-defined  labour  on  the  .sab- 
bath. 

"  Mendelssohn  and  his  successors  have  rendered  nx'i" 
with  "schaii/dde/i,"  literally,  "  threads  to  be  looked  upon.'' 
The  word  "  fringes"  has  been  retained  here,  because  there 
180 


eyes,  in  pursuit  of  which  ye  have  been  led 
astray. 

40  In  order  that  ye  may  remember,  and 
do  all  my  commandments,  and  be  holy  unto 
your  God. 

41  I  am  the  Lord  your  God,  who  brought 
you  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  to  be  your  God : 
I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

Haphtorah  in  Joshua  ii.  1  to  24. 


SECTION  XXXVIII.     KORACH,  Hip. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  *(\  Now  Korach,  the  son  of  Yizliar,  the 
son  of  Kehatli,  the  son  of  Levi,  was  presump- 
tuous,* together  with  Datlian  and  Abiram, 
the  sons  of  Eliab,  and  On,  the  son  of  Peleth, 
sons  of  Reiiben  : 

2  So  that  they  rose  up  before  Moses,  with 
certain  men  of  the  children  of  Israel,  in  num- 
ber two  hundred  and  fifty;  (who  were)  princes 
of  the  congregation,  called  to  the  assembly, 
men  of  renown. 

3  And  they  assembled  themselves  against 
Moses,  and  against  Aaron,  and  said  unto 
them,  Ye  assume  too  mucli ;  for  the  whole  of 
the  congregation  are  all  of  them  holy,  and  the 
Lord  is  among  them ;  wherefore  then  will 
you  lift  yourselves  up  above  the  congregation 
of  the  Lord  ? 

4  And  when  Moses  heard  it,  he  fell  upon 
his  face : 

5  And  he  spoke  unto  Korach  and  unto  all 
his  company,  saying,  To-morrow, — then  will 
the  Lord  make  known  who  is  his,  and  who  is 
holy,  that  he  may  cause  them  to  come  near 
unto  him ;  and  him  whom  he  shall  choose 
will  he  cause  to  come  near  unto  him. 

(1  This  do  ye :  Take  yourselves  censers, 
Koraoh  and  all  his  company ; 

7  And  put  therein  fire,  and  put  upon  them 
incense  before  the  Lord,  to-morrow ;  and  it 
shall   be  that  the  man  whom   the  Lord  will 


is  no  English  word  nearer  to  the  true  meaning,  from  a 
root  cither  signifying  "a  lock  of  hair"  or  "something  to 
look  on."  Israelites  are  well  acquainted  with  the  "corner 
fringe,"  which  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  memento  of  the  com- 
mandments, a  simple  yet  efficient  symbol  to  call  to  mind 
tlu!  duty  we  owe  to  God. 

''  He  presumed  to  .set  himself  apart  from  the  conniiu- 
nity  to  quarrel  about  the  priesthood. — Rashi. 


NUMBERS  XVT.     KORACH. 


choose,  he  shall  be  the  holy  one  ;  you  assume 
too  much,  ye  sons  of  Levi. 

8  And  Moses  said  unto  Korach,  Hear,  I 
pray  you,  ye  sons  of  Levi : 

9  Is  it  too  little  lor  you,  that  the  God  of 
Israel  hath  separated  you  from  the  congi'ega- 
tion  of  Israel,  to  bring  you  near  unto  himself, 
to  do  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord, 
and  to  stand  before  the  congregation  to  minis- 
ter for  them  ? 

10  And  he  hath  brought  thee  near,  and  all 
thy  brethren  the  sons  of  Levi  with  thee  :  and 
now  will  ye  seek  the  priesthood  also  ? 

11  For  which  cause  (beware),"  thou  and 
all  thy  company  that  are  gathered  together 
against  the  Lord  ;  for  Aaron,  what  is  he,  that 
ye  should  murmur  against  him  ? 

12  And  Moses  sent  to  call  Dathan  and 
Abiram,  the  sons  of  Eliab;  but  they  said, 
We  will  not  come  up  : 

13  Is  it  too  little  that  thou  hast  brought 
us  up  out  of  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
honey,  to  kill  us  in  the  wilderness,  that  thou 
wilt  assume  to  make  thyself  also  a  prince 
over  us  ?* 

14  Moreover  thou  hast  not  brought  us  into 
a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  and  thou 
hast  not*"  given  us  inheritance  of  fields  and 
vineyards :  wilt  thou  bore  out  the  eyes"  of 
these  men  ?  we  will  not  come  up. 

15  And  this  displeased  Moses  greatly,  and 
he  said  unto  the  Lord,  Have  no  respect  unto 
their  oftering :  I  have  not  taken  awaj'  an  ass 
of  any  one  of  them,  nor  have  I  done  wrong 
to  any  one  of  them. 

16  And  Moses  said  unto  Korach,  Thou 
and  all  thy  company,  be  ye  before  the  Lord, 
thou,  and  they,  and  Aaron,  to-morrow : 

17  And  take  ye  every  man  his  censer,"^  and 
put  incense  upon  them,  and  bring  ye  near 
before  the  Lord  every  man  his  censer,  two 
hundred  and  fifty  censers ;  thou  also,  and 
Aaron,  each  his  censer. 

18_  And  they  took  every  man  his  censer, 

*  After  Mendelssohn,  whd  renders  pS  in  the  sense  it  is 
used  in  Gen.  iv.  15,  as  a  threat,  Philippson  gives  it, 
"Do  you  therefore  assemble — against  the  Lord?"  Arn- 
heim,  "Surely — you  assemble  against  the  Lord."  But 
the  n  in  DHi'jn  favours  the  version  in  our  text. 

""  After  Kashi.  Arnheim  translates,  "so  that  thou 
couldst  give  us,"  &c. 

°  i.  r.  "  Wilt  thou  presume  to  blind  the  people  to  thy 
assumption  of  undue  power  and  bveaeh  of  promi.se  ?" 


and  put  fire  on  them,  and  laid  incense  there- 
upon ;  and  they  stood  at  the  door  of  the  tar 
bernacle  of  the  congregation  with  Moses  and 
Aaron. 

19  And  Korach  assembled  against  them 
all  the  congregation  unto  the  door  of  the  ta^ 
bernacle  of  the  congregation ;  and  the  glory 
of  the  Lord  then  appeared  unto  all  the  con- 
gregation.* 

20  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

21  Separate  yourselves  from  the  midst  of 
this  congregation,  and  I  will  make  an  end  of 
them  in  a  moment. 

22  And  tliey  fell  upon  their  faces,  and  said, 
0  God,  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,"  this 
one  man  doth  sin,  and  with  all  the  congregar 
tion  wouldst  thou  be  wroth  ? 

23  ]|  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

24  Speak  unto  the  congregation,  saying. 
Get  you  away  from  about  the  dwelling  of 
Korach,  Dathan,  and  Aliiram. 

25  And  Moses  ro.se  up  and  went  unto  Da- 
than and  Abiram  ;  and  there  went  after  him 
the  elders  of  Israel . 

26  And  he  spoke  unto  the  congregation, 
saying,  Depart,  I  pray  you,  from  the  tents  of 
these  wicked  men,  and  touch  nothing  which 
belongeth  to  them,  lest  ye  be  destroyed 
through  all  their  sins. 

27  So  they  got  away  from  the  dwelling  ol 
Korach,  Dathan,  and  Abiram,  on  every  side  : 
and  Dathan  and  Abiram  came  out,  standing 
(boldly)  at  the  door  of  their  tents,  with 
their  wives,  and  their  sons,  and  their  little 
ones. 

28  And  Moses  said.  Through  this  shall  ye 
know  that  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  to  do  all 
these  deeds ;  that  (I  have)  not  done  them 
out  of  my  own  heart. 

29  If  these  men  die  as  all  men  die,  and  if 
the  visitation  of  all  men  be  visited  on  them : 
then  hath  the  Lord  not  sent  me. 


^  This  refers  back  to  verse  5.  Moses  said  there  to 
Korach,  that  on  the  following  day  God  would  declare  who 
was  the  holy  and  chcscn  servant  of  the  tabernacle.  The 
test  now  proposed  was,  that  all  who  claimed  the  right  to 
act  as  priests,  should  come  with  incense  before  the  sanc- 
tuary, though  it  would  be  at  great  peril;  since  it  would 
be  destruction  to  all  but  the  one  who  was  justly  chosen 
The  text  tells  the  sequel. 

•  Arnheim  gives  this  word  elsewhere  with  "mortals." 

181 


NUMBERS  XVI.  XVII.     KORACH. 


30  But  if  the  Lord  do  create"  a  new  thing, 
and  the  earth  open  her  mouth,  and  swallow 
them  up,  with  all  that  appertaineth  unto 
them,  and  thej  go  down  alive  into  the  pit : 
then  shall  ye  understand  that  these  men  have 
provoked  the  Lord. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had 
made  an  end  of  speaking  all  these  words,  that 
the  ground  that  was  under  them  was  cloven 
asunder : 

32  And  the  eartli  opened  her  mouth,  and 
swallowed  them  up,  and  their  houses,  and  all 
the  men  that  appertained  unto  Korach,  and 
all  their  goods. 

33  And  they  went  down,  they,  and  all 
they  that  appertained  to  them,  alive  into  the 
pit;  and  the  earth  closed  over  them,  and 
they  disappeared  from  the  midst  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

34  And  all  Israel  that  were  round  ahout 
them  Heil  at  their  cry ;  for  they  said,  Perhaps 
the  eartli  may  swallow  us  up  (also). 

35  And  tliere  came  out  a  tire  from  the  Lord, 
and  consumed  the  two  hundred  and  fifty  men 
that  had  ofi'ei'ed  the  incense. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1''  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

2  Speak  unto  Elazar  the  son  of  Aaron  the 
priest,  that  he  lift  up  the  censers  out  of  the 
burning,  and  throw  out  the  fire  far  away ; 
foi'  they  have  been  hallowed  : 

3  The  censei's  of  these  sinners  against  their 
own  lives;  and  they  shall  make  of  them 
broad  plates  for  a  covering  for  the  altar ;  for 
they  brought  them  near  before  the  Lord,  and 
they  have  thus  become  hallowed ;"  and  they 
shall  serve  for  a  sign  unto  the  children  of 
Israel. 

4  And  Elazar  the  priest  took  the  copper 
censers,  which  they  that  were  burnt  had 
brought  near ;  and  they  beat  them  out  for  a 
covering  unto  the  altar  : 

5  As  a  memorial  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  in  order  that  no  stranger,  who  is  not 
of  the  seed  of  Aaron,  should  come  near  to 
burn  incense  before  the  Lord;  that  he  be- 

•  The  sudden  destruction  of  the  rebels  is  called  a  crea- 
tion, and  Moses  appealed  to  such  an  unheard-of  display 
of  power,  as  a  verification  of  his  truth. 

''  The  English  version  commences  eh.  xvii.  at  verse  10. 
182 


come  not  as  Korach,  and  as  his  company ;  as 
the  Lord  had  spoken  to  him  by  the  hand  oj' 
Moses. 

6  ^  And  all  the  congregation  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  murmui'ed  against  Moses  and 
Aaron,  on  the  morrow,  saying.  It  is  you*  who 
have  caused  the  people  of  the  Lord  to  die. 

7  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  congrega- 
tion assembled  against  Moses  and  against 
Aaron,  that  they  looked  toward  the  taberna- 
cle of  the  congregation,  and,  behold,  the  cloud 
covered  it;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  ap 
peared. 

8  And  Moses  came  with  Aaron  before  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation.* 

9  ]f  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
in  o' 

10  Remove  yourselves  from  the  midst  of 
this  congregation,  that  I  may  consume  them 
in  a  moment.     And  they  fell  upon  their  faces. 

11  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  the 
censer,  and  put  therein  fire  from  off  the  altar, 
and  jnit  on  incense,  and  carry  (it)  quickly 
unto  the  congregation,  and  make  an  atone- 
ment for  them ;  lor  the  wrath  is  gone  forth 
from  the  Lord;  the  plague  hath  begun. 

12  And  Aaron  took  as  Moses  had  com- 
manded, and  he  ran  into  the  midst  of  the  as- 
sembly ;  and,  behold,  the  j^k^gue  had  begun 
among  the  people  :  and  he  put  on  the  incense, 
and  made  an  atonement  for  the  people. 

13  And  he  stood  between  the  dead  and 
the  living;  and  the  plague  was  stayed. 

14  And  those  who  died  in  the  plague  were 
foiu'teen  thousand  and  seven  hundred,  besides 
those  that  had  died  about  the  matter  of 
Korach. 

15  And  Aaron  returned  unto  Moses,  to  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  af- 
ter the  plague  had  been  stayed.* 

1 6  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 

17  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
take  from  them  one  staft'  each  for  a  family 
division,  from  all  their  princes,  according  to 
their  family  divisions,  twelve  staves :  the  name 
of  each  man  shalt  thou  write  u})on  his  staff. 

18  And   the    name  of  Aai'on   shalt  thou 


°  Although  the  sacrifice  was  in  sin,  still  the  oft'criu" 
sanctified  the  instruments  used. 

''  They  ascribed  the  death  of  the  elders  to  the  agency  "f 
Mdses  and  Aaron 


NUMBERS  XVII.  XVIII.     KORACH. 


write  u[H)ii  the  staft'  of  Levi;  for  there  shall 
be  but  one  stafl'  for  the  head  of  their  family 
division. 

19  And  thou  shalt  lay  them  down  in  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation  l)efore  the  tes- 
timony, where  I  u.sually  meet  with  you. 

20  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  staff 
of  the  man  whom  I  shall  choose,  shall  blos- 
som :"  and  I  will  alia}-  from  around  me  the 
murmurings  of  the  children  of  Israel,  Avhich 
they  murmur  against  you. 

21  And  Moses  spoke  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  all  their  princes  gave  him  each  a 
staff,  one  for  every  prince,  according  to  their 
family  divisions,  twelve  staves  :  and  the  staft' 
of  Aaron  was  among  their  staves. 

22  And  Moses  laid  down  the  staves  be- 
fore the  Lord  in  the  tabernacle  of  the  testi- 
mony. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  as  Moses  went  into  the  tabernacle  of  the 
testimony,  behold,  the  staff  of  Aaron  for  the 
house  of  Levi  had  budded  ;*"  and  it  brought 
forth  buds,  and  produced  blossoms,  and  yielded 
ripe  almonds. 

24  And  Moses  brought  out  all  the  staves 
from  before  the  Lord  unto  all  the  children  of 
Israel;  and  they  looked  (at  them),  and  took 
away  every  one  his  staft'.* 

25  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Carry 
back  the  staff  of  Aaron  before  the  testimony, 
to  be  kept  as  a  token  against  the  children  of 
rebellion,  that  there  may  be  an  end  of  their 
murmurings  from  around  me,  and  they  die 
not. 

26  And  Moses  did  so ;  as  the  Lord  had 
commanded  him,  so  did  he. 

27  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto 
Moses,  thus.  Behold,  we  perisli,  we  are  lost, 
we  are  all  lost. 

28  Every  one  that  cometh  near  at  all  unto 
the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord  must  die :  shall  we 
totally  perish  ?•= 

*  In  ths  preceding  narrative,  the  selection  of  Aaron  was 
demonstrated  by  the  punishment  of  those  who  contended 
against  him.  The  present  attestation  was,  however,  to 
be  one  of  peace,  to  confirm  the  institution  of  the  priest- 
hood. 

''  Rashbam  comments,  that  the  evident  meaning  of  this 
in,  tliat  when  Moses  first  brought  out  Aaron's  staff  to  the 
people  it  had  just  budded ;  and  it  was  before  them  that 
the  buds  expanded,  opened  into  blossoms,  and  yielded  ripe 
almonds.  Rashi  renders  |"V  with  "the  young  fruit" 
which  appears  immediately  on  the  blossom's  falling. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Aaron,  Thou 
and  thy  sons  and  thy  father's  house  with  thee 
shall  bear  the  iniquity''  of  the  sanctuary  ;  and 
thou  and  thy  sons  with  thee  shall  bear  the 
iniquity  of  your  priesthood. 

2  And  also  thy  brethren,  the  tribe  of  Levi, 
the  tribe  of  thy  i'tither,  bring  thou  near  with 
thee,  that  they  may  be  joined  with  thee,  and 
minister  unto  thee;  while  thou  and  thy  sons 
witli  thee  shall  be  before  the  tabernacle  of 
the  testimony. 

3  And  they  shall  keep  thy  charge,  and  tlie 
charge  of  all  the  tal)ernacle:  oidy  unto  tJie 
vessels  of  the  sanctuar}-  and  unto  the  altar 
shall  they  not  come  netir,  that  they  may  not 
die,  either  they  or  30 u. 

4  And  they  shall  be  joined  unto  thee,  and 
keep  the  charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, respecting  all  the  service  of  the  ta- 
bernacle :  and  a  stranger  shall  not  come  nigh 
unto  you. 

•  r5  And  ye  shall  keep  the  charge  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  the  charge  of  the  altar ;  that 
there  be  not  any  more  wrath  upon  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel. 

G  And  I,  behold,  I  have  taken  your  bre- 
thren the  Levites  from  the  midst  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel ;  unto  you  are  they  given  as  a 
gift  for  the  Lord,  to  perform  the  service  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

7  And  tliou  and  thy  sons  with  thee  shall 
keep  your  priesthood  concerning  e\'ery  mat- 
ter of  the  altar,  and  for  that  within  the 
vail,  where  ye  shall  serve :  as  a  service  of 
gift  do  I  give  you  your  priesthood  ;  and  the 
stranger  that  cometh  nigh  shall  be  put  t(j 
death. 

8  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Aaron,  Arid 
I,  behold,  I  give  thee  the  charge  of  my  heave- 
offerings  ;  of  all  the  hallowed  things  of  the 
children   of  Israel,  unto   thee  have   I   given 

"  i.  c.  Since  every  attempt  to  approach  proves  fatal. 

''  "Against  the  sanctuary  ;"  "  against  your  priesthood." 
— Arnhei.m.  "  On  you  I  place  the  punishment  of  the 
strangers  that  may  commit  sin  through  the  hallowed 
things  which  are  intrusted  to  you  (the  priests  and  the 
sons  of  Kehath  :) — you  shall  sit  and  warn  every  stranger 
that  approaches,  from  touching  them  ;  while  thou  and  tiiy 
sons  the  priests  shall  bear  the  iniquity  of  your  priesthood, 
because  this  is  not  intrusted  to  the  Levites,  and  you  shall 
warn  these  not  to  interfere  in  your  proper  service." — 
Rashi. 

183 


NUMBERS  XVIII.     KORACH. 


the 01  as  an  official  portion,  and  to  thy  sons, 
as  a  fixed  right  for  ever. 

9  This  shall  belong  to  thee  of  the  most 
lioly  things,  from  the  fire- (offerings) :"  every 
oblation  of  theirs,  namely,  every  meat-offer- 
ing of  theirs,  and  every  sin-offering  of  theirs, 
and  every  tresjDass-offering  of  theirs,  which 
they  shall  render  unto  me,  shall,  as  most  holy 
things,  belong  to  thee  and  to  thy  sons. 

10  In  a  most  holy  place  shalt  thou  eat  it : 
every  male  shall  eat  it ;  holy  shall  it  be  unto 
thee. 

11  And  this  shall  be  thine,  as  the  heave- 
offering  of  their  gift,  of  all  the  wave-offerings  of 
the  children  of  Israel ;  unto  thee  have  I  given 
them,  and  to  thy  sons  and  to  thy  daughters 
with  thee,  as  a  fixed  portion  for  ever :  every 
one  that  is  clean  in  thy  house  may  eat  thereof 

12  All  the  best  of  oil,  and  all  the  best  of 
wine,  and  of  com,  the  first-fruits  thereof  which 
they  shall  offer  unto  the  Lord,  to  thee  have  I 
given  them. 

13  The  first  i*ipe  fruit  of  whatsoever  is  in 
their  land,  which  they  may  bring  unto  the. 
Lord,  shall  be  thine :  every  one  that  is  clean 
in  thy  house  may  eat  thereof 

14  Every  thing  devoted  in  Israel  shall  be 
thine. 

15  Whatever  openeth  the  womb  of  all 
flesh,  which  they  luring  unto  the  Lord,  be  it 
of  men  or  of  cattle,  shall  be  thine  :  neverthe- 
less thou  shalt  redeem  the  firstrborn  of  man, 
and  the  firstling  of  the  uncleau  cattle  shalt 
thou  redeem. 

16  And  those  that  are  to  be  redeemed  from 
a  month  old  shalt  thou  redeem,  according  to 
the  usual  estimation  of  five  shekels  of  silver, 
after  tlie  shelvel  of  the  sanctuary,  which  is 
twenty  geralis. 

17  But  tlie  firstling  of  an  ox,  or  tlie  first- 
ling of  a  sheep,  or  the  firstling  of  a  goat,  thou 
shalt  not  redeem  ;  they  are  holy  :  tlioir  bhjod 
shalt  thou  sprinkle  upon  the  altar,  and  their 
fat  shalt  thou  burn  .as  a  fire-offering,  for  a 
sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord.  ■ 


'  After  Aben  Ezra;  Onkelos,  Raslii,  and  others,  "what 
is  left  from  the  fire,"  ('.  e.  after  the  fat  has  been  burnt. 

"■  That  is,  "  as  unvarying  and  unifurna  as  the  salt, 
which  never  beeonies  corrupt  or  ])utrid." — After  IIashi. 

'■  The  priests  and  servants  of  the  [iOiiu  shmild  not  have 
political  ])c)vvcr  through  extended  possessions. 

■*  (".  e.  Wine  and  oil,  which  are  produced  by  means  of 
expressing  the  grape  and  olive ;  properly  therefore,  "  with 
184 


18  And  their  flesh  shall  be  thine:  as  the 
breast  that  is  waved  and  as  the  right  shoulde** 
shall  it  be  thine. 

19  All  the  heave-offei'ings  of  the  holy  things 
which  the  children  of  Israel  set  apart  unto  the 
Lord,  I  have  given  to  thee,  and  to  thy  sons  and 
to  tliy  daughters  with  thee,  as  a  fixed  portion 
for  ever :  it  is  a  covenant  of  salt''  for  ever  before 
the  Lord  for  thee  and  for  thy  seed  with  thee. 

20  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Aaron,  In  their 
land  shalt  thou  have  no  inheritance,  and  any 
portion  shalt  thou  not  have  among  them  f  I 
am  thy  portion  and  thy  inheritance  among 
the  children  of  Israel.'"' 

21  ^  And  to  the  children  of  Levi,  behold,  I 
have  given  every  tithe  in  Israel,  for  an  inhe- 
ritance, in  lieu  of  their  service  which  they 
render,  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

22  And  the  children  of  Israel  shall  not 
henceforth  come  nigh  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  to  bear  sin,  to  die  thereby. 

23  But  they  of  the  tribe  of  Levi  themselves 
shall  perform  the  service  of  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  and  they  shall  bear  their 
iniquity :  a  statute  for  ever  shall  it  be  through- 
out your  generations  ;  and  among  the  children 
of  Israel  shall  they  not  possess  any  inheritance. 

24  But  the  tithes  of  the  children  of  Israel, 
which  they  offer  as  a  heave-offering  unto  the 
Lord,  have  I  given  to  the  Levites  for  an  in- 
heritance :  therefore  have  I  said  unto  them. 
Among  the  children  of  Israel  shall  the}''  ob- 
tain no  inheritance. 

25  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

26  And  unto  the  Levites  shalt  thou  speak, 
and  say  unto  them.  When  ye  take  from  the 
children  of  Israel  the  tithes  which  I  have 
given  you  from  them  for  your  inheritance: 
then  shall  ye  separate  therefrom  a  heave-offer- 
ing of  the  Lord,  the  tenth  part  of  the  tithe. 

27  And  your  heave-offering  shall  be  reck- 
oned unto  you,  like  the  corn  of  the  threshing- 
floor,  and  as  the  fulness  of  the  wine-press.'' 


what  the  wine-press  is  filled."  The  verse  it.self  is  to  be 
so  understood :  The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  give 
a  fiftieth  part  of  their  annual  product  to  the  priests;  this 
gift  was  called  a  heave-offering  nonn ;  and  the  tithes  be- 
ing tlie  Levites'  threshing-floor  and  wine-press,  that  is, 
their  means  of  livelihood,  they  were  ordered  to  give  from 
their  income  also  a  portion  to  the  priests,  before  thej 
could  legally  use  it  for  their  own  purposes. 


NUMBERS  XVIII.  XIX.     CHUCKATH. 


28  Thus  shall  ye  also  ofler  a  heave-offering 
unto  the  Lord  from  all  your  tithes,  which  ye 
may  receive  from  the  children  of  Israel ;  and 
ye  shall  give  thereof  the  heave-off'ering  of  the 
Lord  to  Aaron  the  priest. 

1:9  From  all  your  gifts  shall  ye  set  apart 
every  heave-oftering  of  the  Lord,  from  every 
best  part  thereof,  its  hallowed  portion  there- 
from.'-' 

30  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  When 
ve  have  separated  the  best  thereof  from  it: 
then  shall  (the  remainder)  be  counted  unto 
the  Levites  as  the  produce  of  the  threshing- 
floor,  and  as  the  produce  of  the  wine-press. 

31  And  3e  may  eat  it  in  every  place,  ye 
and  your  households;  for  it  is  your  reward 
in  lieu  of  your  service  at  the  tabernacle  of  the 
(-ona-regation. 

32  And  ye  shall  not  bear  any  sin  by  rea- 
son of  it,  when  ye  have  separated  its  best  part 
from  it :  and  the  holy  things  of  the  children 
of  Israel  shall  ye  not  profane,  lest  ye  die. 

IIa|ihtorah  in  1  Samuel  xi.  14  to  sii.  22. 


SECTION  XXXIX.     CHUCKATH,  HpH. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Aaron,  saying, 

2  This  is  the  statute'*  of  the  law  which  the 
Lord  hath  commanded,  saying.  Speak  unto 
the  children  of  Israel,  that  they  bring  unto 
thee  a  completely  red  cow,  on  which  there  is 
no  blemish,  upon  which  no  yoke  hath  ever 
come. 

3  And  ye  shall  give  her  unto  Elazar  the 
priest,  and  he  shall  lead  her  forth  to  without 
the  camp,  and  some  one  shall  slay  her  Ijefore 
his  face: 

4  And  Elazar  the  priest  shall  take  some  of 
her  blood  with  his  finger;  and  he  shall  sprin- 
kle in  the  direction  of  the  front  of  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation  of  her  blood  seven 
times. 

5  And  some  one  shall  burn  the  cow  before 
his  eyes;  her  skin,  and  her  flesh,  and  her 
blood,  with  her  dung,  shall  he  burn. 


"  /.  e.  An  ordinance  for  which  no  reason  is  to  be  sought 
farther  than  that  it  is  the  will  of  the  Lord,  who  instituted 
it  as  a  test  of  obedience  to  Israel. 

"  "The  stranger"  here  signifies  one  that  has  adopted 
Y 


6  And  the  priest  shall  take  cedai'-wood, 
and  hyssop,  and  a  scarlet  string,  and  cast  it 
into  the  midst  of  the  burning  of  the  cow. 

7  And  the  priest  shall  wash  his  clothes, 
and  he  shall  bathe  his  flesh  in  water,  and 
afterward  may  he  come  into  the  camp;  and 
the  priest  sliall  be  unclean  until  the  even- 
ing. 

8  And  he  that  burnetii  her  shall  wash  his 
clothes  in  water,  and  bathe  his  flesh  in  water ; 
and  he  shall  be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

9  And  a  man  that  is  clean  shall  gather  up 
the  ashes  of  the  cow,  and  lay  them  up  with- 
out the  camp  in  a  clean  place ;  and  it  shall  be 
kept  for  the  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel  for  a  water  of  sprinkling :  it  is  a  purifi- 
cation-offering. 

10  And  he  that  gathereth  up  the  ashes  of 
the  cow  shall  wash  his  clothes,  and  be  un- 
clean until  the  evening:  and  it  shall  be  unto 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  unto  the  stranger'' 
that  sojourneth  auiong  them,  for  a  statute 
for  ever. 

11  He  that  toucheth  the  dead  body  of  any" 
human  person  shall  be  unclean  seven  da^-s. 

12  Such  a  one  shall  purify  himself  with  it 
on  the  third  day  and  on  the  seventh  day, 
when  he  shall  be  clean ;  but  if  he  purify  him- 
self not  on  the  third  day  and  on  the  seventh 
day,  he  shall  not  be  clean. 

13-  Whosoever  toucheth  the  dead  body,  the 
person  of  any  man  that  is  dead,  and  purifieth 
himself  not,  hath  defiled  the  tabernacle  of 
the  Lord;  and  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off' from 
Israel ;  because  the  water  of  sprinkling  was 
not  sprinkled  upon  him,  he  shall  be  unclean; 
his  uncleanness  is  yet  npon  him. 

14  This  is  the  law,  when  a  man  dieth  in  a 
tent:  Every  one  that  cometh  into  the  tent, 
and  all  that  is  in  the  tent,  shall  be  unclean 
seven  days. 

15  And  every  open  vessel,  on  which  there 
is  not  a  closely  fitting  cover,  is  unclean. 

16  And  whosoever  toucheth  in  the  open 
field  one  that  hath  been  slain  with  a  sword, 
or  a  dead  body,  or  a  bone  of  a  man,  or  a 
grave,  shall  be  unclean  seven  days. 

17  And  they  shall  take  for  the  unclean 
person  some  of  the  ashes  of  the  burnt  purifi- 

the  law  of  Israel.     The  same  is  the  case  whenever  this 
word  occux's  in  reference  to  observance  of  religious  duties. 
°  Meaning,  whether  the  dead  be  an  Israelite  or  gen- 
tile. 

185 


NUMBERS  XIX.  XX.     CHUCKATH. 


cation-offering,  and  they  shall  put  thereupon 
running  water  in  a  vessel.* 

18  And  a  clean  person  shall  take  hyssop, 
and  dip  it  in  the  water,  and  sprinkle  it  upon 
the  tent,  and  upon  all  the  vessels,  and  upon 
the  persons  that  have  been  there,  and  upon 
liim  that  hath  touched  the  bone,  or  the  one 
slain,  or  the  dead,  or  the  grave : 

19  And  the  clean  person  shall  sprinkle 
upon  the  unclean  on  the  third  day  and  on  the 
seventh  day;  and  when  he  hath  purified  him 
on  the  seventh  day,  then  shall  he  wash  his 
clothes,  and  bathe  himself  in  water,  and  shall 
be  clean  at  evening. 

20  But  a  man  that  is  unclean,  and  doth 
not  purify  himself,  that  soul  shall  be  cut  off 
from  among  the  congregation;  because  the 
sanctuary  of  the  Lord  hath  he  defiled;  the 
water  of  sprinkling  hath  not  been  sprinkled 
u^jon  him ;  he  is  unclean. 

21  And  it  shall  be  unto  them  for  a  per- 
petual statute;  and  he  that  sprinkleth"  the 
water  of  sprinkling  shall  wash  his  clothes; 
and  he  that  toucheth  the  water  of  sprinkling 
shall  be  unclean  until  the  evening. 

22  And  whatsoever  the  unclean  person 
may  touch  shall  be  unclean;  and  the  person 
that  toucheth  him''  shall  be  unclean  until  the 


CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ][  And  the  children  of  Israel,  the  whole 
congregation,  came  into  the  desert  of  Zin  in 
the  first  month,  and  the  people  abode  in  Ka- 
desh;  and  Miriam  died  there,  and  was  buried 
there. 

2  And  there  was  no  water  for  the  congre- 
gation; and  they  assembled  themselves  to- 
gether against  Moses  and  against  Aaron. 

3  And  the  people  quarrelled  with  Moses, 
and  said  thus.  Oh  that  we  had  but  perished 
when  our  brethren  perished  Ijefore  the  Lord! 

4  And  why  have  ye  brouglit  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  Lord  into  this  wilderness,  to  die 
there,  we  and  our  cattle? 

"  The  wiso  men  expound  this,  that  he  who  sprinkles 
the  water  nf  puriticatinn  sliall  not  be  rendered  unclean,  he 
is  merely  to  wash  his  garments;  while  all  others  engaged 
in  this  sacrifiee  are  made  unclean  thereby,  till  evening. 
Hence,  in  view  of  these  peculiarities,  it  is  pre-eminently  a 
statute,  or  a  positive  ordinance  of  the  Lord,  given  as  the 
will  of  our  Legislator. 

^  ('.  e.  One  defiled  by  touching  a  dead  body. 

*  "The  Scriptures  here  declare,  that  had  it  not  been 
186 


5  And  wherefore  have  ye  caused  us  to 
come  up  out  of  Egypt,  to  britig  us  jn  unto 
this  evil  place  ?  it  is  no  place  for  sowing,  or 
of  figs,  or  of  vines,  or  of  pomegranates;  and 
water  even  there  is  none  to  drink. 

6  And  Moses  and  Aaron  went  from  the 
presence  of  the  assembly  unto  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  they  fell 
upon  their  faces :  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
appeared  unto  them.* 

7  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
in  o* 

8  Take  the  staf!',  and  gather  the  assembly 
togetlier,  thou,  with  Aaron  thy  lirother,  and 
ye  shall  speak  unto  the  rock  before  their  eyes, 
that  it  shall  aive  forth  its  Avater;  and  tliou 
shalt  bring  forth  for  tliem  water  out  of  the 
rock,  and  give  drink  to  the  congregation  and 
their  cattle. 

9  And  Moses  took  the  staff  from  before  the 
Lord,  as  he  had  commanded  him. 

10  And  Moses  and  Aaron  assembled  the 
congregation  together  before  the  rock,  and  he 
said  unto  them,  Hear  now,  ye  rebels!  shall 
we  out  of  this  rock  bring  forth  water  for  you? 

11  And  Moses  lifted  up  his  hand,  and  he 
smote  the  rock  with  his  staff  twice :  and  there 
came  out  much  water,  and  the  congregation 
drank,  together  with  their  cattle. 

12  ^y  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and 
Aaron,  Because  ye  have  not  confided''  in  me, 
to  sanctify  me  before  the  ej'esof  the  children 
of  Israel  :  therefore  shall  ye  not  bring  this 
congregation  into  the  land  which  I  have  given 
to  them. 

13  The.se  are  the  waters  of  Meribah ;''  Avhcre 
the  children  of  Israel  quarrelled  with  the 
Lord,  and  through  which"  he  was  sanctified.* 

14  ^  And  Moses  .sent  messengers  from  Kor 
desh  unto  the  king  of  Edom.  Thus  hath  said 
thy  brother  Israel,  Thou  knowest  all  the 
hardship  that  hath  befallen  us. 

15  How  our  lathers  went  down  into  Egypt, 
and  we  dwelt  in  Egypt  many  days;  and  the 
Egyptians  did  evil  to  us,  and  to  our  fathers : 

for  this  sin,  they  would  have  entered  into  the  land,  that 
it  should  not  be  said  of  them  that  they  were  punished  for 
the  transgression  of  their  generation,  against  whom  the 
decree  had  been  pronounced,  that  they  should  not  come  to 
Palestine." — Rashi. 

''  Mirlhah  means  quarrelling.   (See  also  Exodus  xvii.  7.) 
"  This  refers  to  "  the  water,"  according  to  Rashi,  who 
adds,    "When    the    Lord   executes  judgment   upon  his 
saints,  he  becomes  feared  and  sanctified  among  men.' 


NUMBERS  XX.  XXI.     CHUCKATH. 


16  And  we  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
heard  our  voice,  and  he  sent  a  messenger, 
and  caused  us  to  go  forth  out  of  Egypt;  and, 
behold,  we  are  in  Kadesh,  a  city  at  the  out- 
most end  of  tliy  border. 

17  Let  us  pass,  we  pray  thee,  through  thy 
country;  we  will  not  pass  through  field,  or 
through  vineyard,  and  we  will  not  drink  the 
water  of  the  wells:  by  tlie  king's  highway 
will  we  go,  we  will  not  tnrn  to  the  right  hand 
nor  to  the  left,  until  we  have  passed  thy  Ijorder. 

18  And  Edom  said  unto  him,  Tliou  shalt 
not  pass  through  my  land,  lest  I  come  against 
thee  with  the  sword. 

19  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto 
him.  We  will  go  by  the  highway :  and  if  we 
drink  of  thy  water,  I  and  my  cattle,  then  will 
I  pay  its  value;  I  will  do  thee  no  injury," 
only  on  foot  will  I  pass  through. 

20  And  he  said,  Thou  shalt  not  pass 
through;  and  Edom  came  out  against  him 
with  much  people,  and  with  a  strong  hand. 

21  And  as  Edom  thus  refused  to  permit 
Israel  to  pass  through  his  border,  Israel 
turned  away  from  him.* 

22  ^  And  they  set  forward  from  Kadesh; 
and  the  children  of  Israel,  the  whole  congre- 
gation,'' came  unto  mount  Hor. 

23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses  and 
Aaron  at  mount  Ilor,  by  the  boundaiy  of  the 
land  of  Edom,  as  followeth, 

24  Aaron  shall  be  gathered  unto  his  peo- 
ple; for  he  shall  not  enter  into  the  land  which 
I  have  given  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  be- 
cause ye  rebelled  against  my  order  at  the 
waters  of  Meribah. 

25  Take"  Aaron  and  Elazar,  his  son,  and 
cause  them  to  go  up  unto  mount  Hor : 

26  And  cause  Aaron  to  take  off  his  gar- 
ments, and  clothe  therewith  Elazar  his  son; 
and  Aaron  shall  be  gathei'ed  in,  and  he  shall 
die  there. 

27  And  Moses  did  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded ;  and  they  went  up  to  mount  Hor  be- 
fore the  eyes  of  all  the  congregation. 


'  After  Onkelos.  Arnheim,  "It  is  not  the  least  even 
(I  desire)."     Philippson,   "It  is  surelj' nothing." 

'  All  righteous  and  ready  to  enter  Palestine;  there 
was  none  left  among  them  of  those  who  had  the  decree  of 
exclusion  pronounced  against  them;  for  the  whole  of  them 
had  already  perished,  and  of  those  who  then  remained,  it 
was  said,  "And  ye  who  have  adhered  unto  the  Lord  your 
God,  are  all  alive  this  day." — Kashi. 


28  And  Moses  caused  Aaron  to  take  off  his 
garments,  and  he  clothed  therewith  Elazar 
his  son ;  and  Aaron  died  there  on  the  top  of 
the  mount;  and  Moses  and  Elazar  then  came 
down  from  the  mount. 

29  And  when  all  the  congregation  saw  that 
Aaron  was  departed,  they  wept  for  Aaron 
thirty  days,  even  all  the  house  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  when  the  Canaanite,  the  king  of 
'Arad,  who  dwelt  in  the  south,  heard  that 
Israel  was  coming  by  the  way  of  the  spies :° 
he  made  an  attack  on  Israel,  and  took  from 
them  some  prisoners. 

2  And  Israel  made  a  vow  unto  the  Lord, 
and  said,  If  thou  wilt  but  deliver  this  people 
into  my  hand,  then  will  I  devote  their  cities. 

3  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  the  voice  of 
Israel,  and  he  deliverd  up  the  Canaanites ; 
and  they  devoted  them  and  their  cities :  and 
they  called  the  name  of  the  place  Chormah. 

4  ^  And  they  set  forward  from  mount  Hor 
by  the  way  to  the  Red  Sea,  to  go  round  the 
land  of  Edom :  and  the  spirit  of  the  people 
became  impatient  because  of  the  way.* 

5  And  the  people  spoke  against  God,  and 
against  Moses,  Wherefore  have  ye  brought  us 
up  out  of  Egypt  to  die  in  the  wilderness  ?  for 
there  is  no  bread,  and  there  is  no  water ;  and 
our  soul  loatheth  this  miserable  bread. 

6  And  the  Lord  let  loose  against  the  people 
poisonous  serpents,  and  they  bit  the  people; 
and  there  died  much  people  of  Israel. 

7  And  the  people  then  came  to  Moses, 
and  they  said,  We  have  sinned,  for  we  have 
spoken  against  the  Lord,  and  against  thee; 
pray  unto  the  Lord,  that  he  take  away  from 
us  the  serpents.  And  Moses  praj-ed  for  the 
people. 

8  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Make 
thyself  a  serpent,"  and  set  it  upon  a  pole :  and 
it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whoever  is  bitten 
shall  look  at  it,  and  he  shall  live. 

9  And  Moses  made  a  serpent  of  copper,  and 


°  According  to  the  Septuagint,  onnxn  is  the  name  of 
a  place,  "  Atharim." 

^  Although,  as  just  said,  the  people  had  been  purified 
by  the  death  of  the  fathers,  still  the  sons  also  murmured 
when  they  themselves  were  yet  detained  from  Palestine. 

°  When  they  looked  upward  and  subdued  their  heart 
to  their  Father  in  heaven,  they  were  healed;  and  if  not. 
they  perished. — Yoma. 

^  *^  187 


NUMBERS  XXI.     CHUCKATH. 


put  it  upon  a  pole ;  and  it  came  to  pass,  that, 
when  a  serpent  had  bitten  any  man,  and  he 
looked  up  to  the  serpent  of  copper,  he  re- 
mained alive.* 

10  And  the  children  of  Israel  set  forward, 
and  encamped  in  Oboth. 

11  And  they  journeyed  fronr  Oboth,  and 
encamped  at  'lye-ha'abarini;  in  the  wilder- 
ness, which  is  before  Moab,  toward  the  rising 
of  the  sun. 

12  From  there  they  set  forward  and  en- 
camped in  the  valley''  of  Zered. 

13  From  there  tliey  set  forward,  and  en- 
camped on  the  other  side  of  Anion,  which  is 
in  the  wilderness,  and  which  cometh  out  of 
the  boundary  of  the  Emorites ;  for  Anion  is 
the  border  of  Moab,  between  Moab  and  be- 
tween the  Emoi'ites. 

14  Therefore  mention  is  made  in  the  book 
uf  the  wars  of  the  Lord,  of  Vaheb  in  Supha,'' 
and  of  the  brooks  of  Arnon, 

15  And  the  descent  of  the  brooks,  that 
turnetli  toward  Shebeth-'Ar,  and  leaneth  upon 
the  border  of  Moiib ; 

16  And  from  there  to  the  well;  this  is 
the  well  where  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses, 
Assemble  the  people  and  I  will  give  them 
water. 

17  T[  Then  did  Israel  sing  this  song,  Come 
up,  0  well ;  sing  ye  unto  it : 

18  Well,  which  the  princes  have  dug,  which 
the  nobles  of  the  people  have  hollowed  out 
with  the  sceptre,  with  their  staves; — and 
from  the  wilderness  to  Mattanah ; 

19  And  from  Mattanah  to  Nachaliel ;  and 
from  Nachaliel  to  Bamoth  ; 

20  And  from  Bamoth  to  the  valley,  which 
is  in  the  fields  of  Moab,  to  the  top  of  Pis- 
gah,  which  looketh  toward  the  desert.* 

21  ^[  And  Israel  sent  messengers  unto  Si- 
chon  the  king  of  the  Emorites,  saying, 

22  Let  me  pass  through  thy  land  ;  we  will 
not  turn  aside  into  field,  or  into  vineyard ; 
we  will  not  drink  the  water  of  a  well :  by  the 


*  Tlio  wadys,  or  doop  valleys,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Palestiiio,  f^cnorally  have  a  stream  running  thruugh  them, 
whieh  swells  greatly  in  the  rainy  season.  Hence  '7nj  sig- 
nifies both  "  valley"  and  "  stream." 

■"  These  places,  and  those  mentioned  farther,  are  names 
whieh  occur  in  the  book  of  the  wars  of  the  LtiRD,  and  are 
unknown  to  us  now.  Arnon  has  several  branches  which 
form  the  main  stream.  The  descent  next  spoken  of  refers 
to  these  rivulets,  which  unite  and  How  toward  the  city  of 
18« 


king's  highway  will  we  go   along,  until  we 
have  passed  thy  border. 

23  But  Sichon  would  not  sufter  Israel  to 
pass  through  his  border ;  and  Sichon  assem- 
bled all  his  people  together,  and  went  out 
against  Israel  into  the  wilderness ;  and  he 
came  to  Yahaz,  and  fought  against  Israel. 

24  And  Israel  smote  him  with  the  edge  of 
the  sword,  and  took  possession  of  his  land 
from  Anion  unto  Yabbok,  even  unto  the  chil- 
dren of 'Amnion;  for  the  border  of  the  chil- 
dren of  'Amnion  was  strong.'^ 

25  And  Israel  took  all  these  cities ;  and 
Israel  dwelt  in  all  the  cities  of  the  Emorites, 
in  Cheshbon,  and  in  all  the  villages  thereof. 

26  For  Cheshbon  was  the  city  of  Sichon 
the  kino-  of  the  Emorites  ;  and  he  had  foimht 
against  the  former  king  of  Moiib,  and  taken 
all  his  land  out  of  his  hand,  up  to  the  Arnon. 

27  Therefore  said  the  poets.  Come  into 
Cheshbon,  let  the  city  of  Sichon  be  built  tuid 
established. 

28  For  a  fire  is  gone  out  of  Cheshbon,  a 
flame  from  the  city  of  Sichon :  it  hatli  con- 
sumed 'Ar-Moab,  the  men  of  the  high  places 
of  the  Arnon. 

29  Wo  to  thee,  Moab!  thou  art  lost,  0 
people  of  Kemosh :  he  hath  suftered  his  sons 
to  become  fugitives,  and  his  daughters  to  go 
into  Ciiptivity,  unto  the  king  of  the  Emorites, 
Sichon. 

30  A^e  have  thrown  them  down;  lost  is 
Cheshljon  even  unto  Dibon,  and  we  have  laid 
waste  (all)  up  to  Nophach,  which  reacheth 
unto  Medeba. 

31  Thus  Israel  dwelt  in  the  land  of  the 
Emorites. 

32  And  Moses  sent  to  spy  out  Ya'zer,  and 
they  captured  the  villages  thereof,  and  drove 
out  the  Emorites  that  were  there. 

33  And  they  turned  and  went  up  by  the 
way  to  Bashan;  and  'Og,  the  king  of  Bash  an, 
went  out  against  them,  he,  and  all  his  people, 
to  the  battle  at  Edrei.* 


'Ar-Moab,  here  called  Shebeth-'Ar,  literally,  "dwelling 
of  'Ar;"  whence  the  river  turned  to  the  well.  Beer,  which 
was  discovered  probably  in  a  couutry  otherwise  destitute 
of  good  drink  water.  (Jnkelos  renders,  "  .\nd  thence  was 
tlu^  well  given  them."  English  version,  "  And  from 
thence  they  went  to  Beer."  In  this  version,  Arnheim'a 
translation  has  been  followed. 

°  "  And  what  was  its  strength  'I   the  prohibition  of  God, 
who  liad  told  them,  'Attack  them  not,'"  &c. — Rasiii 


NUMBERS  XXI.  XXII.     BALAK. 


34  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Fear 
him  not;  for  into  thy  liand  have  I  delivered 
him,  and  all  his  people,  and  his  laud;  and 
thou  shalt  do  unto  him  as  thou  hast  done 
unto  Siehon.  the  king  of  the  Emorites,  who 
dwelt  at  Cheshbuu. 

35  And  they  smote  him  and  his  sons,  and 
all  his  people,  until  there  was  none  left  unto 
him  that  escaped;  and  they  took  possession 
of  his  land. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  And  the  children  of  Israel  set  forward, 
and  encamped  in  the  plains  of  Moab,  on  this 
side  of  the  Jordan,  opposite  Jericho. 

Haphtorah  in  Judges  xi.  1  to  33. 


SECTION  XL.     BALAK,  ph2. 

2  ][  And  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor  saw  all 
that  Israel  had  done  to  the  Emorites. 

3  And  Moiib  was  greatly  afraid  of  the  peo- 
ple, because  it  was  numerous ;  and  Moitb  was 
horrified  because  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

4  And  Moiib  said  unto  the  elders  of  Midian, 
Now  will  this  assemblage  devour  all  that  is 
rouud  about  us,  as  the  ox  devoureth  the  grass 
of  the  field ;  and  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor  Avas 
king  of  MoJib  at  that  time. 

5  x\nd  he  sent  messengers  unto  Bil'am"  the 
son  of  Beor  to  Pethor,  which  is  by  the  river, 
in  the  land  of  the  children  of  his  people,  to 
have  him  called;  saying.  Behold,  there  is  a 
people  come  out  from  Egypt ;  behold,  it  cover- 
eth  the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  it  is  abiding 
opposite  to  me: 

6  And  now  do  but  come,  curse  me  this 
people;  for  it  is  too  mighty  for  me;  perad- 
venture  I  may  be  able  to  smite  it,  that  I  may 
drive  it  out  of  the  land;  for  I  know  that  he 
whom  thou  blessest  is  blessed,  and  he  whom 
thou  cursest  is  cursed. 

7  And  the  elders  of  Moiib  and  the  elders 
of  Midian  departed  with  the  rewards''  ol'  divi- 
nation in  their  hand;  and  they  came  unto 
Bifam,  and  spoke  unto  him  the  words  of 
Balak. 

•  Eng.  ver.  "Balaam." 

''  According  to  Midrash  Rabba,  quoted  by  Rashi,  the 
translation  sbould  be,  "with  instrimieuts  of  divination  in 
their  hands." 

"  Bj'  not  stating  the  reasons  for  this  refusal,  the  mes- 
Bengers  were  left  in  doubt  as  regards  them.      Hence  they 


8  And  he  said  unto  them.  Remain  you 
here  this  night,  and  I  will  bring  you  word 
again,  as  the  Lokd  may  speak  unto  me;  and 
the  princes  of  Moiib  abode  with  Bil'am. 

9  And  God  came  unto  Bil'am,  and  said, 
Who  are  these  men  with  thee? 

10  And  Bil'am  said  unto  God,  Balak  the 
son  of  Zippor,  the  king  of  Moiib,  hath  sent 
unto  me,  (saying,) 

11  Behold,  there  is  the  people  that  is  come 
out  of  Egypt,  and  covereth  the  foce  of  tlie 
earth  :  now  come,  denounce  it  for  me ;  perad- 
ventui'e  I  shall  he  al)le  to  fight  against  it,  and 
drive  it  away. 

12  And  God  said  unto  Bil'am,  Thou  slialt 
not  go  with  them :  thou  shalt  not  curse  the 
people;  for  it  is  blessed.* 

13  And  Bil'am  rose  up  in  the  morning, 
and  said  unto  the  princes  of  Balak,  Go  back 
to  your  land;  for  the  Lord  refusoth  to  give 
me  leave  to  go  with"  you. 

14  And  the  jirinces  of  Moiib  rose  up,  and 
they  went  unto  Balak,  and  said,  Bil'am  refus- 
eth  to  come  with  us. 

15  And  Balak  sent  yet  again  princes,  more 
in  number,  and  more  honourable  than  those. 

IG  And  they  caine  to  Bil'am,  and  said  to 
him.  Thus  hath  said  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor, 
Do  not  suft'er  thyself.  I  pray  thee,  to  Ije  pre- 
vented from  coming  unto  me  ; 

17  For  I  will  honour  thee  greatly,  and 
whatsoever  thou  mayest  say  unto  me  will  I 
do :  and  only  come,  I  pray  thee,  denounce  me 
this  people. 

18  And  Bil'am  answered  and  said  unto  the 
servants  of  Balak,  If  Balak  would  give  me  his 
house  full  of  silver  and  gold,  I  could  not 
transgress  the  order  of  the  Lord  my  God,  to 
do  a  small  or  a  great  thing. 

19  And  now,  I  pray  you,  tarry  ye  also 
here  this  night,  that  I  may  know  what  the 
Lord  will  farther  speak  with  me. 

20  And  God  came  unto  Bil'am  at  night, 
and  said  unto  him,  If  to  call  thee  the  men 
have  come,  rise  up,  go  with  them ;  but  only 
the  word  which  I  shall  speak  unto  thee,  that 
shalt  thou  do.* 


and  the  king  thought,  perhaps,  that  it  was  because  the  de- 
putation had  not  been  commensurate  with  the  dignity  of 
the  prophet;  wherefore  Balak  despatched  a  second  more 
numerous  and  honoured  deputation  to  call  him,  and 
then  for  the  first  time  did  Bil'am  reveal  his  powerless- 
ness. 

189 


NUMBERS  XXII.  XXIII.     BALAK. 


21  And  Bil'am  rose  up  in  the  morning, 
and  saddled  his  ass,  and  went  with  the  princes 
of  Moiib. 

22  And  the  anger  of  God  was  kindled,  be- 
cause he  went;  and  an  angel  of  the  Lord 
placed  himself  in  the  way  to  be  a  hindrance 
to  him;  and  he  was  riding  upon  his  ass,  and 
his  two  servants  were  with  him. 

23  And  the  ass  saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
standing  in  the  way,  with  his  sword  drawn  in 
his  hand;  and  the  ass  turned  aside  out  of  the 
way,  and  went  into  the  field:  and  Bil'am 
smote  the  ass,  to  make  her  turn  into  the 
way. 

24  But  the  angel  of  the  Lord  stepped  into 
a  path  between  the  vineyards,  (with)  a  wall 
on  this  side,  and  a  wall  on  that  side. 

25  And  when  the  ass  saw  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  she  forced  herself  against  the  wall,  and 
pressed  Bil'am's  foot  against  the  wall :  and  he 
smote  her  again. 

26  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  went  yet 
farther,  and  stood  in  a  narrow  place,  Avhere 
there  was  no  way  to  turn  either  to  the  right 
or  to  the  left. 

27  And  when  the  ass  saw  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  she  lay  down  under  Bil'am :  whereupon 
Bil'am's  anger  was  kindled,  and  he  smote  the 
ass  with  a  stick. 

28  And  the  Lord  opened  the  mouth  of  the 
ass,  and  she  said  unto  Bil'am,  What  have  I 
done  unto  thee,  that  thou  hast  smitten  me 
these  three  times? 

29  And  Bil'am  said  unto  the  ass.  Because 
thou  hast  mocked  me :  had  I  Ijut  a  sword  in 
my  hand,  I  would  assuredly  have  now  killed 
thee. 

.^0  And  the  ass  said  unto  Bil'am,  Am  not 
I  thy  ass,  upon  which  thou  hast  ridden  from 
thy  commencement"  unto  this  da_y?  was  I 
ever  wont  to  do  so  unto  thee  ?  and  he  said, 
No. 

31  Then  the  Lord  opened  the  eyes  of 
Bil'am,  and  he  saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
standing  in  the  way,  with  his  sword  drawn  in 
his  hand :  and  he  bowed  down  his  head  and 
prostrated  himself  on  his  face. 

32  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 

*  Hob.  "From  thy  first  being,"  which  the  commentator 
to  Mendelssohn's  transhitiou  explains,  "from  the  first  time 
thou  didst  ride." 

''  Mendelssohn,  after  Kashi;  and  it  means  that  though 
permission  had  been  given  to  the  gentile  prophet  to  go  to 
190 


him,  Wherefore  hast  thou  smitten  thy  ass 
these  three  times?  behold,  I  went  out  to  be 
a  hindrance;  because  the  journey  which  is 
odious  to  me  was  too  quickly  begun.'' 

33  And  the  ass  saw  me,  and  turned  aside 
before  me  these  three  times;  if  she  had  not 
turned  aside  from  me,  I  would  surely  now  not 
only  have  slain  thee,  but  saved  her  alive. 

34  And  Bil'am  said  unto  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  I  have  sinned;  for'^  I  knew  not  that 
thou  wast  standing  against  me  in  tlie  way; 
but  now,  if  it  be  evil  in  thy  eyes,  I  will  return 
home  again. 

35  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 
Bil'am,  Go  with  the  men;  however,  only  the 
word  which  I  will  speak  unto  thee,  that  shalt 
thou  speak  :*  and  Bil'am  went  with  the  jjrinces 
of  Balak. 

36  And  when  Balak  heard  that  Bil'am  was 
come,  he  went  out  to  meet  him  unto  'Ir-Moab, 
which  is  on  the  border  of  Arnon,  which  is  at 
the  outmost  end  of  the  boundary. 

37  And  Balak  said  unto  Bil'am,  Did  I  not 
earnestly  send  unto  thee  to  have  thee  called? 
wherefore  camest  thou  not  unto  me?  in  truth, 
am  I  not  able  to  honour  thee? 

38  And  Bil'am  said  unto  Balak,  Lo,  I  am 
come  unto  thee;  have  I  now  any  power  Avhat^ 
ever  to  speak  the  least?  the  word  that  God 
may  put  in  my  mouth,  that  alone  must  I 
speak.* 

39  And  Bil'am  went  with  Balak,  and  the}- 
came  unto  Kiryath-chuzoth. 

40  And  Balak  slew  oxen  and  sheep,  and 
sent  to  Bil'am,  and  to  the  princes  that  were 
with  him. 

41  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning, 
that  Balak  took  Bil'am,  and  brought  him  ujj 
into  the  high  places  of  Baiil,  and  he  saw 
thence  a  portion  of  the  people. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  And  Bil'am  said  unto  Balak,  Build  me 
here  seven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  seven 
bullocks  and  seven  rams. 

2  And  Balak  did  as  Bil'am  had  spoken; 
and  Balak  and  Bil'am  offered  a  IjuUock  and  a 
ram  on  every  altar. 


Balak,  he  nevertheless  showed  too  great  and  culpable  an 
eagerness  to  attempt  cursing  the  people  of  God. 

"  Arnheini  renders  o  with  "that;"  Philippson,  with 
"nevertheless." 

''  Bil'am  was  evidently  anxious  to  injure  Israel. 


NUMBERS  XXIII.     BALAK. 


3  And  Biram  paid  \nito  Balak,  Place  thy- 
self bv  thy  burnt-oflering ;  and  I  will  go,  per- 
adveiiture  the  Lord  will  come  to  meet  me, 
and  whatsoevei-  he  ■  may  show  me  I  will  tell 
thee:  and  he  went  thoughttully  alone." 

4  And  God  met  BiFam :  and  he  said  unto 
him.  The  seven  altars  have  I  made  ready, 
and  I  have  offered  a  bullock  and  a  ram  upon 
every  altar. 

5  And  the  Lord  put  a  word''  in  Bil'am's 
mouth,  and  said,  Return  unto  Balak,  and  thus 
shalt  thou  speak. 

6  And  he  returned  unto  him,  and,  lo,  he 
was  standing  l)y  his  burnt-offering,  he,  and  all 
the  princes  of  Moiib. 

7  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said. 
From  Aram  did  Balak  send  for  me,  the  king 
of  MoJib,  out  of  the  mountains  of  the  east. 
Come,  curse  me  Jacob,  and  come,  defy  Israel. 

8  How  shall  I  denounce,  ^vliom  God  hath 
not  denounced?  and  how  shall  I  defy,  whom 
the  Lord  hath  not  defied? 

9  For  from  the  top  of  rocks  I  see  him,  and 
from  hills  I  behold  him:  lo,  it  is  a  people 
that  shall  dwell  alone,  and  among  the  nations 
it  shall  not  be  reckoned. 

10  Who  can  count  the  dust  of  Jacob,  and 
number  the  fourth  part  of  Israel  ?  May  my 
soul  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  may 
ni}-  last  end  be  like  his!" 

11  And  Balak  said  unto  Bil'am,  What  hast 
thou  done  unto  me?  to  denounce  my  enemies 
did  I  take  thee,  and,  behold,  thou  hast  even 
blessed  them. 

12  And  he  answered  and  said.  Must  I  not 
take  heed  to  speak  that  only  which  the  Lord 
may  put  in  my  mouth?* 

13  And  Balak  said  unto  him,  Come,  I  pray 
thee,  wdth  me  unto  another  place,  from  where 
thou  canst  see  them;  nevertheless  a  portion 
of  them  only  wilt  thou  see,  liut  the  whole  of 
them  thou  wilt  not  see :  and  denounce  them 
for  me  from  there. 

14  And  he  brought  him  to  the  field  of  the 
watchmen,  on  the  top  of  Pisgah,  and  he  built 


*  Mendelssohn  renders,  "to  a  mountain-top;"  but  On- 
kelos  gives  tpi'  "alone;"  Raslii  agrees  with  this.  Arn- 
hcim  renders  "devoutly."  In  the  present  version  it  has 
been  endeavoured  to  unite  both  these  ideas. 

^  Mendelssohn,  "ausvper;"   Philippson,  "speech." 

°  i.  e.  The  people,  personified  as  an  individual. 

''  Onkeios  refers  both  the  "  wrong"  and  "  perverseness" 
to  the  worship  of  idols,  and  so  is  it  rendered  by  Arnheim. 
^Sd  ni>nn  is  given  after  Onkclos.     Rashij  Easbbam,  and, 


seven  altars,  and  offered  a  bullock  and  a  ram 
on  every  altar. 

15  And  he  s;ud  unto  Balak,  Place  thyself 
here  by  thy  burnt-offering,  while  I  wall  repair 
to  yonder  place. 

16  And  tlie  Lord  met  Bil'am,  and  put  a 
word  in  his  mouth,  and  said.  Return  unto 
Balak,  and  thus  shalt  thou  speak. 

17  And  he  came  to  him,  and  behold,  he 
was  standing  by  his  burnt-offering,  and  the 
princes  of  MoJib  with  him;  and  Balak  said 
imto  him.  What  hath  the  Lord  spoken? 

18  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said. 
Rise  up,  Balak,  and  hear;  bend  hither  thy 
ear  unto  me,  son  of  Zippor ! 

19  God  is  not  a  man,  that  he  should  lie; 
nor  a  son  of  man,  that  he  should  repent: 
hath  he  said,  and  shall  he  not  do  it?  and 
hath  he  spoken,  and  shall  he  not  fulfil  it? 

20  Behold,  to  bless  I  have  received  (the 
word) ;  and  he  hath  blessed,  and  I  cannot  re- 
verse it. 

21  He  hath  not  beheld  any  wrong'"  in  Ja- 
cob, nor  hath  he  seen  perverseness  in  Israel: 
the  Lord  his  God  is  with  him,  and  the  glory 
of  the  king  dvvelletli  among  him. 

22  God,  who  brought  them  out  of  Egypt, 
is  to  them  like  the  heights"  of  the  reem. 

23  For  there  is  no  enchantment  in  Jacob, 
nor  is  there  any  divination  in  Israel :  at  the 
proper  time  shall  it  be  said  to  Jacol)  and  to 
Israel,  what  God  doth  work. 

24  Behold,  it  is  a  people,  that  shall  lise  up 
as  a  lioness,  and  as  a  lion  shall  it  raise  itself: 
it  will  not  lie  down  until  it  have  eaten  the 
prey,  and  have  drunk  the  blood  of  the  slain. 

25  And  Balak  said  unto  Bil'am,  Neither 
shalt  thou  denounce  them,  nor  shalt  thou  any 
wise  bless  them. 

26  But  Bil'am  answered  and  said  unto  Ba- 
lak, Have  I  not  spoken  unto  thee,  saying, 
All  that  the  Lord  will  speak,  that  must  I 
do?* 

27  And  Balak  said  unto  Bil'am,  Come,  1 
pray  thee,   I  will    take   thee    unto    anothei 

after  them,  Arnheim,  render  it  with  "love"  or  " kindness.'' 
Philippson,  "the  joyous  shout  of  the  king." 

"  Arnheim,  after  whom  this  verse  is  given,  thinks  that 
it  means  "  God  is  to  the  people  a  sure  refuge,  like  the 
Alpine  heights  are  to  the  reem,  which  he  supposes  to  be 
here  the  chamois,  where  it  is  safe  against  the  hunter."  On- 
keios translates  "  the  strength  and  height  are  his,"  (God's,) 
meaning  that  He  is  mightier  than  all.  0.  does  not  re- 
gard therefore  dni  as  the  name  of  an  animal  in  this  verse. 
^^  19i 


x^UMBERS  XXIII.  XXIV.     BALAK. 


place .  peradventure  it  may  be  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  God  that  thou  mayest  denounce  them 
for  me  from  there. 

28  And  Balak  took  Bil'am  unto  the  top  of 
Peer,  that  looketh  toward  the  desert. 

29  And  Bil'am  said  unto  Balak,  Build  me 
here  seven  altars,  and  prepare  me  here  seven 
bullocks  and  seven  rams. 

30  And  Balak  did  as  Bil'am  had  said,  and 
he  offered  a  Ijullock  and  a  ram  on  every  altar. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  And  when  Bil'am  saw  that  it  was  pleas- 
ing in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  to  bless  Israel, 
he  went  not,  as  at  other  times,  to  seek  for  en- 
chantments, but  he  set  his  face  toward  the 
wilderness. 

2  And  Bil'am  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  when 
he  saw  Israel  encamped  according  to  their 
tribes,  there  came  upon  him  the  spirit  of 
God. 

3  And  he  took  up  his  parable,  and  said, 
Thus  saith  Bil'am  the  son  of  Beor,  and  thus 
saith  the  man  whose  eyes  are  open ; 

4  Thus  saith  he  who  heareth  the  sayings 
of  God,  w^ho  seeth  the  vision  of  the  Almighty, 
falling  down,  with  unvailed  eyes  : 

•5  How  beautiful  are  thy  tents,  0  Jacob, 
thy  dwellings,  0  Israel ! 

6  As  streams"  are  they  spread  forth,  as 
gardens  by  the  river's  side,  as  aloe-trees, 
which  the  Lord  hath  planted,  as  cedar-trees 
beside  the  waters. 

7  Water  runneth  out  of  His**  buckets,  that 
his  seed  may  be  moistened  by  abundance  of 
water;  and  exalted  above  Agag  shall  be  his 
king,  and  raised  on  high  shall  be  his  kingdom. 

8  God,  who  In'ought  him  forth  out  of 
Egypt,  is  to  him  like  the  heights  of  the  reem; 
he  will  devour  nations,  his  opi)ressors,  and 
their  bones  will  he  break,  and  pierce  (them) 
through  with  his  arrows. 

9  He  coucheth,  he  lieth  down  as  a  lion, 
and  as  a,  lioness:  who  shall  make  him  rise  up? 
They  that  bless  thee  be  blessed,  and  they  that 
curse  thee  be  cursed. 

10  And  the  anger  of  Balak  was  kindled 

•  Others,  "valleys." 

''  Arnheim  refers  "  his"  to  God,  who  is  represented  as 
))lanting  the  trees  of  Israel  by  flowing  streams,  the  great 
fertilizers  in  all  eountries,  partieularly  in  warm  elimates; 
the  buckets  of  '.Jod,  his  clouds,  then  send  forth  a  con- 
stant supply,  that  the  seed  of  the  trees  spokeu  of  may  be 
102 


against  Bil'am,  and  he  struck  his  hands  to- 
gether :  and  Balak  said  unto  Bil'am,  To  de- 
nounce my  enemies  did  I  call  thee,  and,  be- 
hold, thou  hast  even  blessed  them  these  three 
times. 

11  And  now  flee  thou  to  thy  place:  I 
thought  to  honour  thee  greatly ;  but,  lo,  the 
Lord  hath  kept  thee  back  from  honour. 

12  And  Bil'am  said  unto  Balak,  Did  I  not 
already  speak  to  thy  messengers,  whom  thou 
sentest  unto  me,  saying, 

13  If  Balak  would  give  me  his  house  full 
of  silver  and  gold,  I  could  not  transgress  the 
order  of  the  Lord,  to  do  good  or  evil  out  of 
my  own  heart :  what  the  Lord  will  speak, 
that  must  I  sjjeak  ?* 

14  And  now,  behold,  I  am  going  unto  my 
people  :  come,  I  will  advi.se  thee  against  what 
this  peojjle  will  do  to  thy  people  in  the  end 
of  days. 

15  And  he  took  up  his  parable  and  said, 
Thus  saith  Bil'am  the  son  of  Beor,  and  thus 
saith  the  man  whose  eyes  are  open ; 

16  Thus  saith  he  who  heareth  the  sayings 
of  God,  and  knoweth  the  knowledge  of  the 
Most  High,  who  seeth  the  vision  of  the  Al- 
mighty, falling  down,  with  unvailed  eyes  : 

17  I  see  him,  but  not  now;  I  behold  him, 
but  not  nigh ;  there  steppeth  forth  a  star  out 
of  Jacob,  and  there  ariseth  a  sceptre  out  of 
Israel,  and  he  pierceth  the  chiefs"  of  Moiib,  and 
destroyeth  all  the  children  of  Sheth. 

18  And  Edom  shall  be  a  conquest,  and 
Seir  shall  be  a  conquest  for  his  enemies ;  and 
Israel  shall  do  valiantly. 

19  And  there  shall  rule  the  one  from  Jacob, 
and  he  shall  destroy  whatever  escapeth  out 
of  the  city. 

20  And  he  looked  on  Amalek,  and  he  took 
up  his  parable,  and  said,  The  first  of  nations* 
is  Amalek ;  but  his  latter  end  shall  be  de- 
struction" for  ever. 

21  And  he  looked  on  the  Kenites,  and 
took  up  his  parable,  and  said.  Strong  is  tliy 
dwelling-place,  and  placed  on  the  rock  is  thy 
nest.*^   ■ 

22  Nevertheless  the  Keuite  shall  be  wast^ 


blessed  by  the  abundance  of  the  element  through  which 
they  grow. 

°  After  Onkelos.    Arnheim  and  others,  "corners." 

^  To  war  against  Israel. — Onkelos. 

'  Leadeth  to  destruction. — Arnheim. 

'  i.  e,  The  mountain-strongholds  of  the  Kenites. 


NUMBERS  XXIV.  XXV.  XXVI.     PINECTIAS. 


ed :  whither''  will  Asshur   carry  thee   away 
captive  ? 

23  And  he  took  up  liis  parable,  and  said, 
Alas,  who  shall  live  when  God  doth  appoint 
this  one  ?'^ 

24  But  ships  will  come  from  tlie  coast  of 
Kittim,  and  will  afllict  Asshur,  and  will  afflict 
'Eber;  and  he  also  will  be  given  to  destruction 
for  ever. 

25  And  Bil'am  rose  up,  and  went  and  re- 
turned to  his  place ;  and  Balak  also  went  his 
way. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ]|  And  Israel  abode  in  Shittim,  and  the 
people  began  to  commit  incest  with  the 
daughters  of  Moab. 

2  And  they  called  tlie  people  unto  the  sa- 
crifices of  their  gods  :  and  the  people  did  eat, 
and  bowed  themselves  down  to  their  gods. 

3  And  Israel  joined  themselves  unto  Baal- 
peor;  and  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Isi'ael. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take 
all  the  heads  of  the  people,  and  (cause  them 
to)  hang''  the  (guilty)  up  before  the  Lord,  in 
the  face  of  the  sun,  that  the  fierce  angei'  of 
the  Lord  may  be  turned  away  from  Israel. 

5  And  Moses  said  unto  the  judges  of  Israel, 
Slay  ye  eveiy  one  his  men  that  have  been 
joined  unto  Baill-peor. 

6  And,  ))ehold,  one  of  the  children  of  Israel 
came,  and  brought  unto  his  brethren  a  Midi- 
anitish  woman,  before  the  eyes  of  Moses,  and 
before  the  eyes  of  all  the  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  these  were  weeping  by 
the  door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.* 

7  And  when  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Elazar, 
the  son  of  Aaron  the  priest,  saw  it,  he  rose  up 
from  the  midst  of  the  congregation,  and  took 
a  javelin  in  his  hand; 

8  And  he  went  after  the  man  of  Israel  into 
the  tent,  and  thrust  both  of  them  through, 
the  man  of  Israel,  and  the  woman  through 
her  Ijody :  and  the  plague  was  stayed  from 
the  children  of  Israel. 


"  Rashi.  How  long  will  it  he  when  Asshur  will,  &c. 
— Arnheim. 

''  i.  c.  When  God  sends  Asshur  to  execute  his  will. 
See  Isaiah  x.  5. — Philippson,  "Wo!  who  might  live,  if 
God  dispense  it!" 

'■■  And  judge  and  slay  those  who  deserve  death. — 
Onkei.os. 

Z 


9  And  those  that  dicil  in  the  ])laguc  were 
twenty  and  four  thousand. 

Haphtorah  in  ]Micab  v.  G  tu  vi.  S. 


SECTION  XLI.     PINECHAS,  DnrS. 

10  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses, 
saying, 

11  Phinehas,  the  s<m  of  Elazar,  the  son  of 
Aaron  the  jjriest,  hath  turned  away  my  wrath 
from  the  children  of  Israel,  while  he  was  zeal- 
ous in  my  stead'  in  the  midst  of  them,  that  I 
consumed  not  the  children  of  Israel  in  my 
indignation. 

12  Therefore  say.  Behold,  I  give  unto  him 
my  covenant  of  peace  ; 

13  And  it  shall  be  unto  him  and  unto  liis 
seed  after  him  a  covenant  of  an  everlasting 
l)riesthood ;  because  he  was  zealous  for  his 
God,  and  made  an  atonement  for  the  children 
of  Israel.  • 

14  Now  the  name  of  the  man  of  Israel  that 
was  slain,  who  was  slain  with  the  Midianitish 
woman,  was  Zimri,  the  son  of  Sahlu,  a  prince 
of  a  family  division  among  the  Simeonites. 

15  And  the  name  of  the  Midianitish  wo- 
man that  was  slain  was  Cozbi,  the  daughter 
of  Zur ;  he  was  head  of  tribes,  of  a  family  di- 
vision in  Midian. 

16  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Mo.ses, 
saying, 

17  Attack  the  Midianites  and  smite  them; 

18  For  they  ai"e  enemies  unto  you  with 
their  wiles,  wherewith  they  have  beguiletl 
you  in  the  matter  of  Peor.  and  in  the  matter 
of  Cozbi,  the  daughter  of  a  jirince  of  Midian, 
their  sister,  who  was  slain  on  the  day  of  the 
plague  for  the  sake  of  Peor. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  And  it  came  to  pa,ss  after  the  plague, 

^  That  tlie  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  and 
unto  Elazar  the  son  of  Aaron  the  jiriest,  say- 

2  Take  ye  the  sum  of  all  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  from  twenty  years 

^  Heb.  "  In  his  avenging  my  vengeance  ;"  meaning, 
that  Phinehas  executed  the  judgment  which  the  Lord 
would  otherwise  have  executed  upon  the  daring  Zimri. — 
The  word  "indignation"  is  used  here  for  'nNJp3,  as  this 
expresses  the  idea  of  "  wrath  existed  by  the  exhibition 
of  the  apostasy"  spoken  of  in  the  first  verses  of  this  chap- 
ter, better  than  "jealousy." 

i9a 


NUMBERS  XXVI 

old  and   upward,  by  the  descent  from   their 


PINECHAS. 


fathers,  all  that  are  able  to  go  forth  to  war  in 
Israel. 

0  And  Moses  witliErazar  the  priest  spoke 
with  them  in  the  plains  of  Moab  by  the  Jor- 
dan opposite  Jericho,  saying, 

4  (Take"  the  sum  of  the  peoj^le,)  from 
twenty  years  old  and  upward ;  as  the  Lokd 
commanded  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel, 
who  went  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt.* 

5  Heiiljen,  the  eldest  son  of  Israel :  the 
children  of  Reuben,  of  Chanoch,  the  family 
of  the  Chanochites;  of  Pallu,  the  family  of 
the  Palluites ; 

6  Of  Chezron,  the  family  of  the  Chezron- 
ites  ;  of  Carmi,  the  family  of  the  Carmites. 

7  These  are  the  families  of  the  Reiibenites; 
and  those  that  were  numbered  of  them  were 
forty  and  three  thousand  and  seven  hundred 
and  tliirty. 

8  And  the  sons  of  Pallu  :  Eliab. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Eliab  :  Nemuel,  and  Da- 
than,  and  Abiram.  These  are  Dathan  and 
Abiram.  men  called  to  the  assembly,  who 
(juarrelled  against  Moses  and  against  Aaron 
in  the  company  of  Korach,  at  the  time  they 
Quarrelled  against  the  Lord; 

1 0  When  the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and 
swallowed  them  up  together  with  Korach, 
while  that  company  died,  when  the  fire  de- 
voured the  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  ;  and 
they  became  a  sign.'' 

1  1   But  the  sons  of  Korach  did  not  die. 

V2  ^  The  sons  of  Simeon  after  their  fami- 
lies :  of  Nemuel,  the  family  of  the  Nemuelites; 
of  Yaniin,  the  family  of  the  Yaminites;  of 
Yachin,  the  family  of  the  Yachinites  ; 

13  Of  Zerach,  the  family  of  the  Zarchites  ; 
of  Sliaid,  the  family  of  the  Shaiilites. 

14  These  are  the  I'aniilies  of  the  Simeon- 
ites,  twenty  and  two  thousand  and  two  hun- 
dred. 

10  ^  The  children  of  Gad  after  their  fami- 
lies :  of  Ze})ho)i,  the  family  of  the  Zephonites; 
of  Cliaggi,  the  family  of  the  Chaggites;  of 
Slauii,  the  family  of  the  Shunites; 


16  Of  Ozni,  the  family  of  the  Oznites ;  of 
'Ei-i,  the  family  of  the  'Erites ; 

1 7  Of  Arod,  the  family  of  the  Arodites ;  of 
Areli,  the  family  of  the  Arelites  ; 

18  These  are  the  families  of  the  children 
of  Gad  according  to  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  forty  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

19  ^1  The  sons  of  Judah  were  Kv  and 
Onan  ;  and  'Er  with  Onan  died  in  the  land  of 
Canaan. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Judah  after  their  fami- 
lies were:  of  Shelah,  the  famil}'  of  the  She- 
lanites;  of  Perez,  the  family  of  the  Parzites ; 
of  Zerach,  the  family  of  the  Zarchites. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Perez  were  :  of  Chez- 
ron, the  family  of  the  Chezronites ;  of  Cha- 
mul,  the  i'amil_)  of  the  Chamulites. 

22  These  are  the  families  of  Judah,  accord- 
ing to  those  that  were  numbered  of  theiri, 
seventy  and  six  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

23  •[[  The  sons  of  Issachar  after  their  fami- 
lies: of  Tola',  the  family  of  the  Tolaites;  of 
Puva,  the  family  of  the  Punites  ; 

24  Of  Yashub,  the  tamily-  of  the  Yashubites; 
of  Shinn-on,  the  family  of  the  Shimronites. 

25  These  are  the  families  of  Issachar  ac- 
cording to  those  that  were  nundxM-ed  of  them, 
sixty  and  four  thousand  and  Ihree  hundred 

26  ][  The  sons  of  Zebulun  after  their  fami- 
lies :  of  Sered,  the  family  of  the  Sardite>; ;  of 
Elon,  the  family  of  the  Elonites;  of  Yachleel, 
the  family  of  the  Yachleelites. 

27  These  are  the  families  of  the  Zebuion- 
ites  according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of 
them,  sixty  thousand  and  five  hundred. 

28  T[  The  sons  of  Joseph  after  their  fami- 
lies are  Menas.seh  and  Ephraim. 

29  The  sons  of  Menasseh  :  of  Macliir.  the 
family  t)f  the  Machirites ;  and  Machir  begat 
Gil'ad  ;  of  Gil'ad,  the  family  of  the  Gil'adites. 

30  These  are  the  sons  of  Gil'ad  :  of  I'ezer, 
the  family  of  the  I'ezerites ;  of  Chelek,  the 
family  of  the  Chelkites; 

31 "  And  of  Assriel,  the  family  of  the  Assri- 
elites;  and  of  Shechem,  the  family  of  the 
Shichmites ; 


"  The  worJs  enclosed  in  parentheses  are  not  in  the  He- 
brew, as  is  likewise  tlie  ease  with  nearly  all  others  marked 
tiius  in  this  version;  but  they  are  such  as  are  absolutely 
required  by  the  context. 

'  The  )iunishnient  inflicted  on  the  trangressors  must 
always  be  Inoked  upon  as  a  means  of  guarding  others 
against  following  the  i-inful  cuMrsc  through  which  the 
VM 


evil  was  brought  upon  the  sinners ;  hence  the  persons  in 
the  text  are  said  to  have  become  a  "sign,"  or,  more  pro- 
perly, a  "  banner,"  or  a  signal  raised  up  on  high,  as  a  land- 
mark for  those  who  may  pass  the  road  where  tiie  banner 
is  planted.  Hashi,  tiierefore,  comments,  "  As  a  sign 
and  memorial,  in  order  that  no  stranger  shall  iu  future  ap- 
proach to  contend  about  the  priesthood." 


NUMBERS  XXVI.     PINECHAS. 


32  And  of  Shemida',  the  family  of  the  She- 
mida'ites;  and  of  Chepher,  the  family  of  the 
Cheph  rites. 

83  And  Zelophchad  the  son  of  Chepher 
had  no  sons,  hut  only  daughters;  and  the 
names  of  the  daughters  of  Zelophchad  were 
Machlah.  and  No' ah,  Choglah",  Milcah,  and 
Tirzah. 

34  These  are  the  families  of  Menasseh ;  and 
those  that  were  numbered  of  them  were  fifty 
and  two  thousand  and  seven  hundred. 

35  ^  These  are  the  sons  of  Ephraim  after 
their  families  :  of  Shuthelach,  the  family  of 
the  Shuthalehites ;  of  Becher,  the  family  of 
the  Bachrites ;  of  Tachan,  the  family  of  the 
Taehanites. 

30  And  tliese  are  the  sons  of  Shuthelach  : 
of  "Eran,  the  i'amily  of  the  'Eranites. 

37  These  are  the  families  of  the  sons  of 
Ephraim  according  to  those  that  were  num- 
bered of  them,  thirty  and  two  thousand  and 
five  hundred :  these  are  the  sons  of  Joseph 
after  their  families. 

38  |[  The  sons  of  Benjamin  after  their 
families  :  of  Bela',  the  family  of  the  Bal'ites ; 
of  xVshbel,  the  family  of  the  Ashbelites;  of 
Achiram,  the  family  of  the  Achiramites ; 

39  Of  Shephupham,''  the  family  of  the 
Shuphamites ;  of  Ohupham,  the  family  of  the 
Chuphamites. 

40  And  the  sons  of  Bela'  were  Ard  and 
Na'aman  :  ol"  Ard,  the  family  of  the  Ardites ; 
and  of  Na'aman,  the  family  of  the  Na'am- 
ites. 

41  These  are  the  sons  of  Benjamin  after 
their  families  ;  and  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them  were  forty  and  five  thousand  and  six 
hundred. 

42  ^  These  are  the  sons  of  Dan  after  their 
families  :  of  Shueham,  the  familj^  of  the  Slm- 
chamites ;  these  are  the  families  of  Dan  after 
their  families. 

43  All  the  families  of  the  Shuchamites, 
according  to  those  that  were  numbered  of 
them,  were  sixty  and  four  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

44  ^[  The  children  of  Asher  after  their 
fixmilies :  of  Yimnah,  the  family  of  the  Yim- 

'  In  comparing  the  names  of  the  families  of  Israel  with 
those  of  the  fathers  who  first  came  into  Egypt,  there  will 
be  found  considerable  variation  in  some  of  them ;  for  in- 
stance, the  name  in  the  text  is  i^hephupham  ;  in  Genesis 
xlvi.  21,  it  is  Muppira  ;  so  likewise  Nemuel  is  in  Genesis 


nites ;  of  Yishvi,  the  family  of  the  Yishvites ; 
of  Beri'ah,  the  family  of  the  Beri'ites. 

45  Of  the  sons  of  Beri'ah  :  of  Cheber,  the 
family  of  the  Chebrites ;  of  Malkiel,  the  family 
of  the  Makielites. 

46  And  the  name  of  the  daughter  of  Aslier 
was  Serach. 

47  These  are  the  families  of  the  sons  of 
Asher  according  to  those  that  were  numbered 
of  them,  fifty  and  three  thousand  and  four 
hundred. 

48  ][  The  sons  of  Naphtali  after  their  fami- 
lies :  of  Yachzeel,  the  family  of  the  Yachzeel- 
ites  ;  of  Guni,  the  family  of  the  Gunites  ; 

49  Of  Yezer,  the  family  of  the  Yizrites  ;  of 
Shillem,  the  family  of  the  Shillemites. 

5(J  These  are  the  families  of  Naphtali  ac- 
cording to  their  families ;  and  those  that  were 
numbered  of  them  were  forty  and  five  thou- 
sand and  four  hundred. 

51  These  were  the  numbered  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  six  hundred  thousand,  and  one 
thousand,  seven  hundred  and  thirty. •■' 

52  ^  And  the  Lokd  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

53  Unto  these  shall  tlie  land  be  divided  for 
an  inheritance  according  to  the  number  of  the 
names. 

54  To  the  large  tribe  shall  thou  give  the 
more  inheritance,  and  to  the  small  shalt  tliou 
give  the  less  inheritance :  to  each  according  to 
those  that  were  numbered  thereof  shall  its  in- 
heritance be  given. 

55  Nevertheless,  through  the  lot  shall  the 
land  be  divided  :  according  to  the  names  of 
the  tribes  of  their  fathers  shall  they  obtain 
their  inheritance. 

56  By  the  decision  of  the  lot  shall  the  in- 
heritance of  each  be  divided,  according  as  they 
ai'e  many  or  few. 

57  *\\  And  these  are  those  tliat  weie  num- 
bered of  the  Levites  after  their  families  :  of 
Gershon,  the  family  of  the  Gerslnniites;  oi' 
Kehath,  the  family  of  the  Kehathites ;  ot' 
Merari,  the  family  of  the  Merarites. 

58  These  are  the  families  of  Levi :  the 
family  of  the  Libnites,  the  family  of  the  Che- 
bronites,    the    family   of  the  Machlites,  the 


Yemuel;  Zoehar  there,  is  Zerach  here;  Yob  is  Yaslmb, 
&c.  The  reason  of  these  changes  is  not  very  ;ip|iarent  : 
perhaps  the  original  founders  of  the  family  were  known 
by  both  names,  or  these  may  have  become  corrupted  in 
the  process  of  time. 

195 


NUMBERS  XXVI.  XXVII.     PINECHAS. 


family  of  the   Mushites,  the  family  of  the 
Korciiites ;  and  Kehatli  begat  'Amram. 

59  And  the  name  of  'Amram's  wife  was 
Yochebed,  the  daughter  of  Levi,  whom  (her 
mother)  bore  to  Levi  in  Egypt ;  and  slie  bore 
unto  Anu-am,  Aaron  and  Moses,  and  Miriam 
their  sister. 

00  And  there  were  born  unto  Aaron,  Na- 
dab,  and  Abiliu,  Elazar,  and  Ithamar. 

61  And  Nadab  and  Abihu  died,  when  they 
offered  a  strange  tire  before  the  Lord. 

62  And  those  that  were  numbered  of  them 
were  twenty  and  three  thousand,  all  the  males 
from  a  month  old  and  upward;  for  they  were 
not  numbered  among  the  children  of  Israel, 
because  there  was  not  given  unto  them  ar.y 
inheritance  among  the  children  of  Israel. 

63  These  are  those  that  were  numbered  by 
Moses  and  Elazar  the  priest,  who  numbered 
the  children  of  Israel  in  the  plains  of  Moiib  by 
the  Jordan,  opposite  Jericho. 

64  And  among  these  there  was  not  one 
man  of  those  whom  Moses  and  Aaron  the 
priest  had  numbered,  who  numbered  the 
children  of  Israel  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

60  For  the  LoKij  had  said  of  them.  They 
shall  surely  die  in  the  wilderness :  and  there 
was  not  left  of  them  one  man,  save  Caleb  the 
son  of  Yephunneh,  and  Joshua  the  son  of 
Nun. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^f  And  there  came  nigh  the  daughters  of 
Zelophchad,  the  son  of  Chepher,  the  son  of 
Cil'ad,  the  son  of  Macliir,  the  son  of  Menas- 
seh,  of  the  families  of  Menasseh  the  son  of 
Joseph :  and  these  are  the  names  of  his 
daughters,  Machlah,  No' ah,  and  Choglah,  and 
Milcah,  and  Tirzah. 

2  And  they  stood  before  Moses,  and  before 
Elazar  the  priest,  and  before  the  princes,  and 
all  the  congregation,  by  the  door  of  the  taber- 
nacle ol"  tlie  congregation,  saying, 

3  Our  father  died  in  the  wilderness ;  but  he 
was  n(»t  among  the  company  of  those  that 
gathered  themselves  together  against  the  Lord 
in  the  (■(>iii])any  of  Korach ;  but  in  his  own 
sin  he  died,  and  sons  he  had  not. 

4  Why  should  the  name  of  our  father  be 
don('  away  fi'om  the  midst  of  his  family,  be- 


*  Meaning,    that   they  had    omitted   to    sanctify  God. 
Mendelssohn,  therefore,  translates  freely,  "  Because  you 
196 


cause  he  hath  no  son  ?     Give  unto  us  a  pos- 
session among  the  brothers  of  our  father. 

5  And  Moses  brought  their  cause  before 
the  Lord.* 

6  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing. 

7  The  daughters  of  Zelophchad  speak 
rightly  :  thou  shalt  indeed  give  them  a  pos- 
session as  an  inheritance  among  the  brothers 
of  their  father;  and  thou  shalt  cause  the  in- 
heritance of  their  father  to  pass  unto  them. 

8  And  unto  the  children  of  Israel  shalt 
thou  speak,  saying.  If  a  man  die,  and  have  no 
son,  then  shall  ye  cause  his  inheritance  to 
pass  unto  his  daughter. 

9  And  if  he  have  no  daughter,  then  shall 
ye  give  his  inheritance  unto  his  brothers. 

10  And  if  he  have  no  brothers,  then  shall 
ye  give  his  inlieritance  unto  his  father's  bi-o- 
thers. 

11  And  if  his  father  have  no  brothers,  then 
shall  ye  give  his  inheritance  unto  his  kinsman 
that  is  next  to  him  of  his  family,  anil  he  shall 
inherit  it ;  and  it  shall  be  unto  the  children 
of  Israel  a  statute  of  justice,  as  the  Lord  hath 
commanded  Moses. 

12  ]f  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Go 
thou  up  unto  this  mount  of  'Abarim,  and 
.see  the  land  which  I  have  given  unto  the 
children  of  Israel. 

13  And  when  thou  hast  seen  it,  then  shalt 
thou  also  be  gathered  unto  thy  people,  as 
Aaron  thy  brother  hath  been  gathered. 

14  Because  ye  rebelled  against  my  order  in 
the  desert  of  Zin,  at  the  quarrelling  of  the 
congregation,  to  sanctify"  me  through  the 
waters  before  their  eyes :  these  are  the  waters 
of  Meribah  in  Kadesh,  in  the  wilderness  of 
Zin. 

15  ^  And  Moses  spoke  unto  the  Lord,  say- 
ing, 

16  Let  the  Lord,  the  God  of  the  spirits  of 
all  tlesh,  appoint  a  man  over  tlie  congregation, 

17  Who  may  go  out  before  them,  and  who 
may  come  in  before  them,  and  who  may  lead 
them  out,  and  who  may  bring  them  in;  that 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord  be  not  as  a  tlock 
which  have  no  shepherd. 

LS  And  the  Lord  .said  unto  Moses.  Take 
to  thyself  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  a  man  in 


should  have  sanctified  me,  on  the  occasion  of  the  water, 
before  their  eyes." 


NUMBERS  XXVlt.  XXVI 1 1.     PINECHAS. 


vnd  thou  shalt  give  him  a  charge" 


U'hoin  there  is  a  spirit,  and  thou  shalt  lay  thy 
hand  upon  him  ; 

19  And  tlioil  shalt  cause  him  to  stand  ))e- 
fore  Elazar  the  priest,  and  before  all  the  con- 
ui-eiiiition  ; 
lid'ore  their  eyes. 

20  And  thou  slialt  put  some  of  thy  greatr 
ness  upon  him  ;  in  order  that  all  the  congrega- 
tion of  the  children  of  Israel  may  he  obedient. 

21  And  before  Elazar  the  priest  shall  he 
stand,  and  he  shall  ask  of  him  after  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Urim  before  the  Lord:  at  his''  di- 
rection shall  they  go  out,  and  at  his  direction 
shall  they  come  in,  he,  and  all  the  children 
of  Israel  with  liim,  and  all  the  coniireiia- 
tion. 

22  And  Moses  did,  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded him  ;  and  he  took  Joshua,  and  caused 
him  to  stand  before  Elazar  the  priest,  and  be- 
fore all  the  congregation ; 

2-3  And  he  laid  his  hands  upon  him,  and 
gave  him  a  charge :  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded by  the  hand  of  Moses.* 

CHAPTER  XXVin. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 


2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them.  My  ofi'ering,  my  bread  for  my  sa- 
.crifices  consumed  by  fire,  for  a  sweet  savour 
unto  me,  shall  ye  observe  to  offer  unto  me 
in  its  due  season." 

3  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  This  is 
the  offering  made  by  fire  which  ye  shall  bring 
unto  the  Lord  :  Sheep  of  the  first  year  with- 
out blemish,  two  on  every  day,  as  a  continual 
Ijurnt^offering. 

4  The  one  sheep  shalt  thou  prepare  in  the 
morning,  and  the  other  sheep  shalt  thou  pre- 
pare toward  evening; 

5  And  a  tenth  part  of  an  ephah  of  fine 
flour  for  a  meat-offering,  mingled  with  the 
fourth  part  of  a  bin  of  beaten  oil. 

G  It  is  a  continual  burnt-oftering,  as  it  was 
prepared  at  mount  Sinai,  for  a  sweet  savour,  a 
sacrifice  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

7  And  the  drink-oflering  thereof  shall  be 
the  fourth  part  of  a  bin  for  the  one  sheep :  in 
the  holy  place  shalt  thou  cause  the  strong 


"  Give  liim  publicly  a  distinct  injunction  of  the  manner 
in  which  he  is  to  administer  the  government,  exercise 
justice,  and  be  a  valiant  leader  in  battle. 

*■  That   is,  of  fllazar.       The   priest   invested   with    the 


wine  to  be  pouri'd  out  as  a  driid\;-()fi"ering  imto 
the  Lord. 

8  And  the  other  sheep  shalt  thou  |)i'('pare  to- 
ward evening:  as  the  meat-offering  of  the 
morning,  and  as  the  drink-offering  thereof, 
shalt  thou  prepare  it;  an  offering  made  Ijy 
fire,  for  a  sweet  savour  imto  the  LoitD. 

9  ^  And  on  the  sal;)bath-day  two  sheep  of 
the  first  year  without  blemish,  and  two  tenth 
parts  of  fine  flour  for  a  meat-offering,  mingled 
with  oil,  and  the  drink-offering  thereof 

10  This  is  the  burrit-offering  of  the  sal)])ath 
on  every  sabbath,  besides  the  continual  buint- 
offering,  and  its  drink-oft'ering. 


11  ][  And  on  the  beginnings  of  your 
months  shall  ye  bring  as  a  burnt-offering  unto 
the  Lord,  two  young  bullocks,  and  one  ram, 
seven  sheep  of  the  first  3'ear  without  blemish. 

12  And  three  tenth  parts  of  fine  flour  for  a 
meat-oftei'ing,  mingled  with  oil,  for  each  one 
bullock ;  aiid  two  tenth  parts  of  fine  ffour  for 
a  meat-offering,  mingled  with  oil,  for  the  one 
ram ; 

13  And  a  tenth  part  of  fine  flour  mingled 
with  oil  for  a  meat-offering  for  every  sheep  : 
as  a  burnt-offering  for  a  sweet  savour,  a 
sacrifice  made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

14  And  their  drink-offerings  shall  Ix'  half 
of  a  bin  of  wine  for  each  bullock,  and  the 
third  part  of  a  hin  for  the  ram,  and  a  fourth 
part  of  a  hin  for  every  sheep:  this  is  the 
burnt-offering  of  the  new  moon  for  every 
month  throughout  the  months  of  the  year. 

15  And  one  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering  unto 
the  Lord:  beside  the  continual  biu'nt-oflering 
shall  it  be  prepared  with  its  drink-offering.* 

16  T[  And  in  the  first  month,  on  the  Ibur- 
teenth  day  of  the  month,  the  passover-lamb 
(must  be  offered)  unto  the  Lord. 

17  And  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  this  month 
is  the  feast;  seven  days  shall  unleavened 
bi-ead  be  eaten. 

18  On  the  first  day  is  a  holy  convcx^ation ; 
no  manner  of  servile  work  shall  ye  do; 

19  And  ye  shall  bring  as  a  sacrifice  made 
by  fire  for  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord,  two 
young  bullocks,  and  one  ram,  and  seven  sheep 
of  the  first  year ;  witliout  blemish  shall  they 
be  unto  you; 


knowledge  derived  from  the  judgment  of  the  Urim,  should 
impart  to  the  political  chief  the  Divine  injunctions  for  the 
government  of  the  people. 

°  Whether  on  sabbath  or  week-days 


NUMBERS  XXVIII.  XXIX.     PINECHAS. 


20  And  their  meat-offering  shall  be  of  fine 
Hour  mingled  witli  oil;  three  tenth  parts  for 
each  bullock,  and  two  tenth  parts  for  the  ram 
shall  ye  offer; 

21  A  tenth  part  each  shalt  thou  oflfer  for 
every  sheep,  of  the  seven  sheep ; 

22  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-offering,  to  make 
an  atonement  for  you. 

23  Besides  the  burnt-offering  of  the  morn- 
ing, which  is  for  a  continual  burnt-offering, 
shall  ye  prepare  these. 

24  After  this  manner"  shall  ye  prepare 
daily,  throughout  the  seven  days,  the  food  of 
the  sacrifice  made  by  fire,  for  a  sweet  savour 
unto  the  Lord:  besides  the  continual  burnt- 
(jftei'ing  shall  it  be  prepared  with  its  drink- 
offering. 

25  And  on  the  seventh  day  shall  ye  liave 
a  holy  convocation;  no  servile  work  shall 
ye  do. 

26  ^f  And  on  the  day  of  the  *  first-fruits,' 
when  ye  bring  a  new  meat-offering  unto  the 
Lord,  after  your  weeks  are  out,  shall  ye  have 
a  holy  convocation;  no  servile  work  shall 
ye  do. 

27  And  ye  shall  bring  as  a  burnt-offering 
for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord,  two  young 
bullocks,  one  ram,  seven  sheep  of  the  first 
year; 

28  And  their  meat-offering  of  fine  flour 
mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth  parts  for  each 
one  bullock,  two  tenth  parts  for  the  one  ram, 

29  A  tenth  part  each  for  every  sheep,  of 
the  seven  sheep; 

30  One  he-goat  to  make  an  atonement  for 
you: 

31  Besides  the  continual  burnt^offering  and 
its  meatoffering  shall  ye  prepare  them ;  with- 
out blemish  shall  they  be  unto  you  together 
with  their  drink-ofterings. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  And  in  the  seventh  month,  on  the 
first  day  of  the  month,  shall  ye  have  a  holy 
convocation;  no  servile  work  shall  ye  do:  a 

'  lie}).  "Like  these." 

''  The  feast  of  weeks,  which  is  at  the  end  of  the  seven 
weeks  from  the  beginning  of  the  harvest,  or  the  second 
day  of  tlie  passovcr.  It  is  called  the  day  of  first-fruits, 
on  account  of  the  two  loaves  of  the  first  wheat  sacri- 
ficed thereon. 

°  Tlmugh  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month  is  an  espe- 
cial festival,  it  nevertheless  is  also  a  new-rnoon  day;  con- 
sequently the  .sacrifices  ordained  above  (xxviii.  11—15) 
198 


day  of  blowing  the  cornet  shall  it  be  unto 
you. 

2  And  ye  shall  prej^are  as  a  burnt-oft'ering 
for  a  sweet  savour  unto  the  Lord,  one  young 
bullock,  one  ram,  seven  sheep  of  the  first  yeai 
without  blemish; 

3  And  tlieir  meat-oflering  of  fine  flour  min- 
gled with  oil,  three  tenth  parts  for  the  Ind- 
lock,  and  two  tenth  parts  for  the  ram, 

4  And  one  tenth  part  for  every  sheep,  ot 
the  seven  sheep; 

5  And  one  he-goat  for  a  sin-ofiering,  to 
make  an  atonement  for  you : 

6  Besides  the  burnt>offering  of  the  new- 
moon,"  and  its  meatr-oftering,  and  the  daily 
burnt-offering,  and  its  meat-oflering,  and  their 
drink-offerings,  according  unto  their  prescrib- 
ed manner;  for  a  sweet  savour,  a  sacrifice 
made  by  fire  unto  the  Lord. 

7  ][  And  on  the  tenth  day  of  this  seventh 
montli  shall  ye  have  a  holy  convocation ;  and 
3^e  shall  afflicf  your  persons;  no  manner  of 
work  shall  ye  do. 

8  And  36  shall  bring  as  a  buint-offering 
unto  the  Lord  for  a  sweet  savour,  one  3'oung 
bullock,  one  rain,  seven  sheep  of  the  first 
year;  without  blemish  shall  they  be  unto 
you. 

9  And  their  meat>offei'iiig  shall  lje  of  fine 
flour  mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth  parts  for 
the  bullock,  two  tenth  parts  lor  the  one 
ram, 

10  A  tenth  part  each  for  every  sheep,  of 
the  seven  sheep; 

11  One  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering:  Ix'sides 
the  sin-offering  of  the  atonement,"  and  the 
continual  burnt-offering,  and  the  meat-oflering 
thereof,  and  their  drink-offerings.'^ 

12  Tf  And  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
seventh  month  shall  ye  have  a  holy  convocar 
tion;  no  servile  work  shall  ye  do;  and  ye 
shall  keep  a  feast  unto  the  Lord  seven  days. 

13  And  ye  shall  bring  as  a  burnt-offering, 
a  sacrifice  made  by  fire,  for  a  sweet  savour 
unto  the  Lord,  thirteen  young  bullocks,*^  two 

must  be  brought,  in  addition  to  the  festivo-ofFering  com- 
manded in  this  section. 

'^  i.  e.  By  fasting. 

°  In  addition  to  the  sin-oflFerings,  the  blond  of  which 
was  carried  into  the  holy  of  holies,  tiie  gout  for  'x\/azel, 
and  the  ram  for  a  burnt-offering,  menticmed  in  Leviticus 
xvi.,  shall  these  sacrifices  be  made. 

'  As  the  whole  scheme  of  sacrifices  is  merely  an  autho- 
ritative enactment  of  the  Lord,  it  would  be  needless  to 


NUMBERS  XXIX.  XXX.     PINECHAS. 


rams,  and  foiirteen  sheep  of  the  first  year; 
without  blemish  shall  they  be. 

14  And  their  meat-oflei'iiig  shall  be  of  fine 
Hour  mingled  with  oil,  three  tenth  parts  for 
every  bullock  of  the  thirteen  bullocks,  two 
tenth  parts  for  each  one  ram  of  the  two  rams. 

15  And  a  tenth  part  each  for  every  sheep 
of  the  fourteen  sheep. 

IG  And  one  he-goat  for  a  sin-otlering:  be- 
sides the  continual  burnt-ofi'ering,  its  meat- 
(jffering,  and  its  drink-offering. 

17  ^1  And  on  the  second  day,  twelve  young 
bullocks,  two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  the  first 
year  without  lileinish ; 

18  And  their  meat-oflering  and  their  driuk- 
ofiei'ings  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  tlie  prescribed  mannei-; 

lU  And  one  he-goat  for  a  sin-oflering:  be- 
sides the  continual  burnt-ofiering,  and  the 
meat-ofiering  thereof,  and  their  drink-ofier- 
ings. 

20  T[  And  on  the  third  day  eleven  bul- 
locks, two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  the  first 
year  without  blemish; 

21  And  their  meat-ofiering  and  their  drink- 
oflerings  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  the  prescribed  manner; 

22  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-ofi'ering:  besides 
the  continual  burnt-ofiering,  and  its  meat^ 
offering,  and  its  drink-ofiering. 

23  ^f  And  on  the  fourth  daj-  ten  bullocks, 
two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  the  first  year 
without  blemish ; 

24  Their  meat-oifering  and  their  drink- 
offerings  for  the  bulhjcks,  ftjr  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  the  prescribed  manner; 

25  And  one  he-goat  for  a  sin-offering:  te- 
sides  the  continual  burnt-ofiering,  its  meat^ 
offering,  and  its  drink-offering. 

2G  1J  And  on  the  fifth  day  nyie  bullocks, 
two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  the  first  year 
without  blemish; 

27  And  their  meat-ofiering  and  their  drink- 
ofi'erings  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  the  prescribed  manner; 


seek  f(ir  any  particular  reason  for  the  diver.sity  in  the  va- 
rious festivals.  Only  when  oiFered  as  ordained,  were  burnt 
and  other  oiferings  acceptable,  as  acts  of  obedience  and 
submission  to  the  supreme  will  of  Israel's  Ruler  and  King. 


28  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-offering:  besides 
the  continual  l)urnt^oflering,  and  its  meat- 
ofiering,  and  its  drink-ofiering. 

29  ^  And  on  the  sixth  day  eight  bullocks, 
two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  tlie  first  year 
without  blemish ; 

30  And  their  meat-ofTering  and  their  drink- 
offerings  for  the  bulk)cks,  for  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  sliall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  the  prescribed  manner; 

31  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-oftering:  besides 
the  continual  burnt-ofiering,  its  meat-ofiering, 
and  its  drink-offerings. 

32  ^  And  on  the  seventh  day  seven  bul- 
locks, two  rams,  fourteen  sheep  of  the  first 
year  without  blemish; 

33  And  their  meat-ofiering  and  their  drink- 
ofterings  for  the  bullocks,  for  the  rams,  and 
for  the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  num- 
ber, after  their  prescribed  manner; 

34  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-oftering:  besides 
the  continual  burnt-ofiering,  its  meat-offering, 
and  its  drink-oftering.'-' 

35  ^  On  the  eighth  day  shall  ye  htive  a 
solemn  assembly  f  no  servile  woi'k  shall  ye  do. 

36  And  ye  shall  bring  as  a  burnt-oftering, 
a  sacrifice  made  by  fire,  for  a  sweet  savour 
unto  the  Lord,  one  bullock,  one  ram,  seven 
sheep  of  the  first  year  without  blemish. 

37  Their  meat-ofiering  and  their  drink- 
ofterings  for  the  bullock,  for  the  ram,  and  tor 
the  sheep,  shall  be  according  to  their  number, 
after  the  prescribed  manner ; 

38  And  one  goat  for  a  sin-oftering:  besides 
the  continual  burnt-oft'ering,  and  its  meat- 
oftering,  and  its  drink-oftering. 

39  These  shall  ye  prepare  unto  the  Lord 
on  your  appointed  festivals ;  besides  your  vows, 
and  your  freewill-offerings,  consisting  of  your 
burnt-ofterings,  and  of  your  meat  offerings, 
and  of  your  drink-ofterings,  and  of  your  peace- 
offerings. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

l*"  And  Moses  said  to  the  children  of  Israel 
accoi'ding  to  all  that  the  Lord  had  command- 
ed Moses. 

Ilaplitorah  in  1  Kiu^s  xviii.  46  to  xix.  12I ;  but  if  it  Ijc  after  tlie 
17th  of  Tamuz,  in  .Jeremiah  i.  1  to  ii.  3. 

Hence,  also,  it  is  useless  to  seek  for  an  exact  solution  of 
the  various  ceremonies  attcndinj;  them. 

"  "  A  conclusion  feast." — Philippson. 

''  The  English  version  commences  ch.  sxx.  at  ver.  "2. 

IPO 


NUMBERS  XXX.  XXXI.     MATTOTH. 


SECTION  XLII.     MATTOTH,  ^\^Qr2. 

2  ^  And  Moses  spoke  unto  the  heads  of 
the  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel,  saying. 
This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded, 

3  If  a  man  make  a  vow  unto  the  Lord,  or 
he  swear  an  oath  to  bind  his  soul  with  au 
obligation :"  he  shall  not  profane  his  word; 
according  to  all  that  proceedeth  out  of  his 
mouth  shall  he  do. 

4  And  if  a  woman  make  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord,  and  l)in(l  herself  by  an  obligation,  be- 
ing in  her  father's  house  in  her  youth ; 

5  And  her  father  hear  her  vow,  and  her 
oliligation  wherewith  she  hath  bound  her 
soul,  and  her  father  be  silent  to  her:  then 
shall  all  her  vows  stand,  and  every  obligation 
wherewith  she  hath  bound  her  soul  shall 
stand. 

6  But  if  her  father  disallow  her  on  the 
day  that  he  heareth  it:  all  her  vows  or  her 
obligations,  wherewith  she  hath  bound  her 
soul,  shall  not  stand;  and  the  Lord  will  for- 
give her,  because  her  father  hath  disallowed 
her. 

7  And  if  she  be  given  to  a  man,  and  have 
vows  upon  her,  or  what  she  may  have  uttered 
with  her  lips,  wherewith  she  hath  bound  her 
soul ; 

8  And  her  husbaud  hear  it,  and  be  silent 
to  her  on  the  day  that  he  heareth  it:  then 
shall  her  vows  stand,  and  her  obligations, 
wherewith  she  hath  bound  her  soul,  shall 
stand. 

9  But  if  on  the  day  of  her  husband's  hear- 
ijig  it,  he  disallow  her:  then  doth  he  annul 
her  vow  which  is  upon  her,  and  that  which 
she  hath  uttered  with  her  lips,  wherewith  she 
hath  bound  her  soul;  and  the  Lord  will  for- 
give her. 

10  But  regarding  the  vow  of  a  widow,  or 
of  her  that  is  divorced,  all,  wherewith  she 
liatli  bound  her  soul,  shall  stand  for  her. 

1 1  And  if  she  had  vowed  in  her  husband's 


"  That  is,  to  prohibit  oneself  something  which  other- 
wise is  pprniitto<l  to  him,  whereas  a  vow  may  refer  to  do 
.something  which  otherwi.se  would  not  be  obligatory.  In 
cither  case,  wliether  it  was  by  an  oath  or  simple  declara- 
tion, we  are  warned  not  to  violate  our  word,  called  in  the 
text  to  profane  it. 

'  Verse  8  refers  evidently  to  oaths  made  before  the  en- 
gagement of  the  female  to  hor  husband,  although  a  second- 
'    200 


house,''  or  had  bound  her  soul  by  an  obliga- 
tion with  an  oath; 

12  And  her  husband  heard  it,  and  was 
silent  to  her,  and  disallowed  lier  not :  then  all 
her  vows  shall  stand,  and  every  obligation, 
wherewith  she  hath  bound  her  soul,  shall 
stand. 

13  But  if  her  husband  hath  annulled  them 
on  the  day  he  heard  them :  then  whatsoever 
^Droceeded  out  of  her  lips,  concerning  her  vows, 
or  concerning  the  obligation  of  her  soul,  shall 
not  stand;  her  husband  hath  annulled  them; 
and  the  Lord  will  forgive  her. 

14  Every  vow,  and  every  binding  oath  to 
afflict  the  person,  her  husband  may  confirm 
it,  or  her  husband  may  annul  it. 

15  But  if  her  husband  should  be  silent  to 
her  from  daj-  to  day:  then  hath  he  confirmed 
all  her  vows,  or  all  her  obligations,  which  are 
upon  her;  he  hath  confirmed  them,  because 
he  was  silent  to  her  on  the  day  that  he  heard 
them. 

16  But  if  he  should  annul  them  after  (the 
day)  that  he  hath  heard  them :  then  shall  lie 
bear  her  iniquity. 

17  These  are  the  statutes,  Avhich  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses,  between  a  man  and  his 
wife,  between  the  father  and  his  daughter, 
being  yet  in  her  youth,  in  her  father's  house.* 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
mo* 

2  Execute  the  vengeance  of  the  children  of 
Israel  on  the  Midianites,  after  which  thou 
shalt  be  gathered  unto  thy  people. 

3  And  Moses  spoke  unto  the  people,  say- 
ing. Arm  from  yourselves  some  men  for  the 
army,  and  let  them  go  against  the  Midian- 
ites, to  execute  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  on 
Midi  an. 

4  A  thousand  each  for  every  tribe,  of  all 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  shall  ye  send  to  the 
army. 

5  And  there  were  levied  out  of  the  thou- 


ary  rule  concerning  the  vows  of  a  minor,  who  is  betroth- 
ed, is  also  drawn  from  it;  whereas  the  present  addresses 
itself  to  those  made  after  marriage,  while  the  wife  is  in 
her  husband's  house.  It  is  also  inferred  from  this  that, 
if  a  woman,  during  her  husband's  life,  has  made  a  vow. 
to  take  effect  after  a  certain  time,  and  he  disallow  it, 
though  he  should  die  before  the  time,  still  the  vow  is  an- 
nulled. 


i 


NUMBERS  XXXI.     MATTOTH. 


sands   of  Israel,  a   thousand   of  every  tribe, 
twelve  thousand  armed  for  the  army. 

6  And  Moses  sent  them,  a  thousand  of 
every  tribe,  to  the  anny;  them  and  Phinehas 
the  son  of  Elazar  the  priest,  to  the  army,  with 
the  holy  vessels,  and  the  trumpets  for  blowing 
the  alarm  in  his  hand. 

7  And  the}-  marched  out  against  the  Mi- 
dianites,  as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses; 
and  the}-  slew  every  male. 

8  And  the  kings  of  Midian  they  slew,  be- 
sides the  rest  of  their  men  that  were  slain; 
namely,  Evi,  and  Rekem,  and  Zur,  and  Chur, 
and  Keba',  the  five  kings  of  Midian;  and 
Bifam  the  son  of  Beor  they  slew  with  the 
sword. 

'J  And  tlie  children  of  Israel  took  captives 
the  women  of  Midian,  and  their  little  ones; 
and  all  their  cattle,  and  all  tlieir  flocks,  and 
all  their  goods,  they  took  as  spoil. 

10  And  all  their  cities  wherein  they  dwelt, 
and  all  tlieir  castles  they  burnt  with  tire. 

11  And  they  took  all  the  spoil,  and  all  the 
boot}',  both  of  men  and  of  cattle. 

12  And  the_y  brought  unto  Moses,  and  to 
Ela/.ar  the  priest,  and  unto  the  congregation 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  the  captives,*  and 
the  booty,  and  the  spoil,  unto  the  camp,  to 
the  plains  of  Moab,  \vhich  are  by  the  Jordan 
opposite  Jericho.* 

13  ][  And  Moses,  and  Elazar  the  priest, 
and  all  the  princes  of  the  congregation,  went 
forth  to  meet  them,  to  without  the  camp. 

14  And  Moses  was  wroth  with  the  officers 
of  the  host,  the  captains  over  the  tliousands, 
and  the  captains  over  the  hundreds,  who  had 
come  from  the  war-campaign. 

15  And  Moses  said  unto  them.  Have  ye 
allowed  all  the  females  to  live? 

10  Behold,  these  chietly  were  the  cause 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  through  the  coun- 
sel of  Bil'am,  to  commit  the  gross  trespass 
against  the  Lord  in  the  matter  of  Peor; 
through  which  there  was  the  plague  among 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

17  And  now  kill  ye  every  male  among  the 


'The  word  "captives"  Oty  refers  to  human  beings; 
"spoil"  SSty  to  inanimate  things,  "booty"  nip'70  to  the 
cattle.  But  when  they  are  not  all  enumerated  together, 
both  SSty  and  nip'?^:  refer  to  all  things  taken  in  war,  as 
the  English  word  xjioil. 

'■  In  obedience  to  the  injunction  contiiined  in  chap,  xix., 
by  which  every  one  touching  a  dead  body  is  rendered  un- 

2A 


little  ones,  and  every  woman  that  hath  known 
man  by  lying  with  him  shall  ye  kill. 

18  But  all  among  the  women-children,  that 
have  not  known  a  man  by  lying  with  him, 
keep  alive  for  yourselves. 

19  But  ye, — you  must  abide  without  the 
camp  seven  dajs:  all  ye  who  have  killed  any 
person,  and  all  who  have  touched  any  one 
slain,  shall  purify  yourselves  on  the  third 
day,  and  on  the  seventh  day;*"  both  jou  and 
your  captives. 

20  And  every  garment,  and  whatever  is 
made  of  skins,  and  every  work  of  goats'  hair, 
and  every  vessel  made  of  wood,  shall  ye 
purify  unto  yourselves. 

21  ^  And  Elazar  the  priest  said  imto  the 
men  of  the  army  who  had  gone  to  the  battle, 
This  is  the  ordinance  of  the  law  which  the 
Lord  hath  commanded  Moses: 

22  Nevertheless''  the  gold,  and  the  silver", 
the  copper,  the  iron,  the  tin,  and  the  lead, 

23  Every  thing  that  cometh  into  the  fire 
shall  ye  make  go  through  the  fire,  and  it  shall 
be  clean;  only  it  shall  be  purified  with  the 
waters  of  sprinkling:  and  wliatsoever  doth 
not  come  into  the  iire  shall  ye  cause  to  go 
through  the  water. 

2-4  And  ye  shall  wash  your  clothes  on  the 
seventh  da}-,  and  ye  shall  be  clean,  and  after 
that  may  ye  come  into  the  camp.* 

25  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  as 
followeth, 

26  Take  the  sum  of  the  booty  of  the  cap- 
tives, both  of  man  and  of  cattle,  thon,  with 
Elazar  the  priest,  and  tlie  chiefs  of  the  fami- 
lies of  the  congregation : 

27  And  thou  shall  divide  the  booty,  l)e- 
tween  those  that  carried  on  the  war,  who 
went  out  to  the  army,  and  between  all  the 
congregation. 

28  And  thou  shalt  levy  a  tribute  unto  the 
Lord  from  the  men  of  war  who  went  out  to 
the  army,  one  individual  from  every  five  hun- 
dred, of  the  persons,  and  of  the  beef-cattle, 
and  of  the  asses,  and  of  the  sheep ; 

29  From  their  half  shall  ye  take  it;  and 


clean,  and  remains  so,  till  sprinkled  with  the  ashes  of  the 
red  cow. 

°  "Although  Moses  only  instructed  you  respecting  the 
law  of  uncleanness,  you  are  now  to  be  instructed,  in  addi- 
tion, concerning  the  purification  of  vessels  used  for  forbid- 
den food.  'Only'  means  an  exception:  you  are  not  to 
use  such  articles  even  after  they  have  been  cleansed  from 

201 


NUMBERS  XXXI.  XXXII.     MATTOTH. 


diou  ^sh;^lt  give  it  unto  Elazar  the  priest,  for  a 
heave-oftering  of  the  Loud. 

30  And  from  tlie  luilf  of  the  chikU-en  of 
Israel,  shalt  thou  take  one  individual,  as  it 
may  come,"  from  any  fifty,  of  the  persons,  of 
beet-cattle,  of  the  asses,  and  of  the  tlocks,  of 
all  manner  of  cattle;  and  thou  slialt  give 
the  same  unto  the  Levites,  who  keep  the 
charge  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord. 

31  And  Moses  with  Elazar  the  priest  did, 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

32  And  the  booty,  being  the  rest  of  the 
spoil  wdiich  the  men  of  the  army  had  taken, 
was  of  sheep  and  goats,  six  hundred  thousand 
and  seventy  thousand  and  five  thousand, 

33  And  of  beef-cattle,  seventy  and  two 
thousand, 

34  And  of  asses,  sixty  and  one  thousand, 

35  And  of  human  persons,  of  women  that 
had  not  knowai  man  hy  lying  with  him,  in  all 
thirty  and  tw(j  thousand. 

30  And  the  half,  the  portion  of  those  who 
had  gone  out  in  the  army,  was,  in  the  number 
of  sheep  and  goats,  three  hundred  thousand 
and  seven  and  thirty  thousand  and  five  hun- 
dred. 

37  And  the  tril)ute  unto  the  Lord  of  the 
flocks  was  six  hundred  and  seventy  and  five. 

38  And  the  beef-cattle  were  thirty  and  six 
thousand;  and  the  triljute  thereof  unto  the 
Lord  was  seventy  and  two. 

39  And  the  asses  were  thirty  thousand 
o^nd  five  hundred;  and  the  tribute  thereof 
unto  the  Lord  was  sixty  and  one. 

40  And  the  human  persons  were  sixteen 
thousand;  and  the  tribute  thereof  unto  the 
Lord  was  thirty  and  two  persons. 

4 1  And  Moses  gave  the  tribute,  the  Lord's 
heave-olfering,  unto  Elazar  the  priest,  as  the 
Lord  had  conuuanded  Moses.'-' 

42  And  from  the  half  of  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, which  Moses  divided  ofl"  from  the  men 
that  had  gone  forth  in  the  army, — 

43  (Now  the  half  of  the  congregation  was, 
of  sheep  and  goats  three  hundred  thousand 


the  uncieanness  of  the  dead,  till  they  have  been  treated 
nfter  the  manner  prescribed  in  this  section. — After 
R.Asin. 

'  inx  means  "to  seize;"  the  participle  here  employed 
means,  tlicrefnre,  "jn.st  as  it  came,"  or  "as  it  was  seized 
hold  of,"  that  is,  no  particular  care  being  em))l(iyed  in 
making  the  selection. 

''  Hv  niferring  to  l''::.i(.;us  .\x.x.  12,  it  will  be  found  that 
202 


land  thirt}'  thousand,  seven  thousand  and  ^^•e 
hundred, 

44  And  beef-cattle,  thirty  and  six  tlioii 
sand, 

45  And  asses  thirty  thousand  five  hundred, 

46  And  human  persons  sixteen  thousand;) 

47  And  Moses  took  from  this  half  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  as  it  came,  one  from  every 
fifty,  of  man  arid  of  cattle,  and  gave  the  same 
unto  the  Levites,  who  kept  the  charge  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  Lord;  as  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses. 

48  And  there  came  near  unto  Moses  the 
officers  who  had  been  over  the  thousands  of 
the  army,  the  captains  of  the  thousands,  and 
the  captains  of  the  hundreds, 

49  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  Thy  ser- 
vants have  taken  the  sum  of  the  men  of  war 
who  have  been  under  our  command,  and 
there  lacketh  not  one  man  of  us. 

50  We  have  therefore  brought  an  oblation 
imto  the  Lord,  each  what  he  hath  gotten  of 
vessels  of  gold,  chains,  and  bracelets,  finger- 
rings,  ear-rings,  and  tablets,  to  make  an  atone- 
ment'' for  our  souls  before  the  Lord. 

51  And  Moses  with  Elazar  the  priest  took 
the  gold  from  them,  all  kinds  of  wrouglit 
articles. 

52  And  all  the  gold  of  the  offering  tiial 
they  oflered  up  to  the  Lord,  was  sixteen  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  fifty  shekels,  I'rom 
the  captains  of  the  thousands,  and  from  the 
captains  of  the  hundreds. 

53  The  men  of  the  army  had  taken  spoil, 
every  man  for  himself 

54  And  Moses  and  Elazar  tlie  priest  took 
the  gold  from  the  captains  of  the  thousands 
and  of  the  hundreds,  and  they  brought  it  into 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  as  a  memo- 
rial for  the  children  of  Israel  before  the  Lord.''' 

CHAPTER  XXXIL 

1  ^  Now  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the 
childi'en  of  Gad  had  a  very  great  multitude 
of  cattle;    and  they  saw  the  land  of  Ya'zer, 


when  numbering  the  people,  it  was  ordained  that  every 
one  should  offer  half  a  shekel  as  an  atonement,  that 
"  there  might  be  no  plague  among  the  children  of  I'irael." 
It  was  no  doubt  this  commandment,  at  the  taking  of  the 
general  census,  which  induced  the  captains  of  the  army  to 
offer  a  similar  gift  as  an  atonement  for  the  numbering  of 
the  men  intrusted  to  their  command,  at  the  partial  census 
which  they  had  instituted. 


NUMBERS  XXXII.    MATTOTH. 


Lord    hath    given 


ami  the  hind  of  Girad.  that,  behold,  the  place 
was  a  [ilace  i'or  cattle. 

2  And  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Reiiljcn  came,  and  said  unto  Moses, 
and  unto  Elazar  the  priest,  and  unto  the 
princes  of  the  congregation,  as  foUoweth, 

;5  'Atarotli,  and  Dibon,  and  Ya'zei-,  and 
Ninirah,  and  Cheshbon.  and  El'aleh,  and  Se- 
bam,  and  Nebo,  and  Be'on, 

4  The  country  which  the  Lord  hath  smit- 
ten before  the  congregation  of  Israel,  is  aland 
for  cattle ;  and  th}'  servants  have  cattle. 

■3  ^  And  they  said.  If  we  have  found  grace 
in  thy  eyes,  let  this  land  be  given  unto  thy 
servants  for  a  possession:  do  not  compel  us 
to  go  over  the  Jordan. 

6  And   Moses  said  unto  the  children  of 
Gad,  and  unto  the  children  of  Reiibeu,  Sliall 
yonr  brethren  go  to   the  war.  nnd   will    ye' 
sit  here? 

7  And  wherefore  will  you  turn  aside  the 
heart  of  the  children  of  Israel  from  going  over 
into  the   land  which   the 
them  ? 

8  Thus  did  your  fothers,  when  I  sent  them 
fi"om  Kaflesh-baruea  to  see  the  land. 

9  For  they  went  up  as  far  as  the  valley  of 
Eslicol,  and  they  saw  the  land,  and  then  they 
turned  aside  the  heart  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  so  that  they  would  not  go  into  the 
land  which  the  Lord  had  given  them. 

10  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
on  that  day,  and  he  swore,  saying, 

11  Surel}'  none  of  the  men  that  came  up 
out  of  Egypt,  ti'om  twenty  ^ears  old  and  up- 
ward, shall  see  the  land  which  I  swore  unto 
Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob;  be- 
cause they  have  not  wholly  followed  me :'' 

12  Save  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephnnneh  the 
Keuizzite,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun ;  for 
they  have  wholly  followed  the  Lord. 

13  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  thus 
kindled  against  Israel,  and  he  made  them 
wander  about  in  the  wilderness  forty  years, 

"  Moses  thought,  jirobably,  that  it  was  an  unwillingness 
on  the  part  of  the  petitioners  to  enter  Palestine,  which 
caused  them  to  prefer  the  eastern  side  of  Jordan;  and 
that  their  refusal  to  participate  in  the  conquest  of  the 
western  part  might  perhaps  induce  the  other  tribes  to  re- 
bel, which  again  would  cause  the  wandering  in  the  desert 
to  be  continued  for  an  indefinite  length  of  time.  Hence 
his  remonstrances,  and  their  assurance  that  it  was  simply 
because  the  land  was  suited  for  the  pasture  of  their  cattle 
that  their  request  was  made. 


until  all  the  generation  was  spent,  that  had 
done  the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

14  And  now,  behold,  ye  are  risen  up  in 
your  fathers'  stead,  a  new  race  of  sinful  men, 
to  augment  yet  more  the  fierce  anger  of  the 
Lord  toward  Israel. 

15  For  if  ye  turn  away  from  after  him,  he 
will  yet  longer  leave  them  in  the  wilderness; 
and  y-e  will  thus  be  destruction  to  all  this 
people. 

16  ^  And  they  came  near  unto  him,  and 
said,  Sheepfolds  will  we  build  for  our  cattle 
here,  and  cities  for  our  little  ones; 

17  But  we  ourselves  will  go  ready  armed 
before  the  children  of  Israel,  until  that  we 
have  brought  them  unto  their  place ;  and  our 
little  ones  shall  d\\"ell  in  the  fortified  cities, 
because  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 

18  We  will  not  return  inito  our  houses, 
until  the  children  of  Israel  have  acquired  for 
themselves  every  man  his  inheritance. 

19  For  we  will  not  take  possession  with 
them  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan,  and 
farther  on :  when"  our  inheiitauce  hath  come 
to  us  on  this  side  of  the  Jordan  eastward.* 

20  ][  And  Moses  said  unto  them.  If  ye  will 
do  this  thing,  if  ye  will  arm  yourselves  before 
the  Lord  tor  the  war; 

21  And  every  armed  man  of  you  will  go 
over  the  Jordttn  before  the  Lord,  until  he 
have  driven  out  his  enemies  from  before  him; 

22  And  when,  only  after  the  land  hath 
been  subdued  before  the  Lord,  ye  will  return, 
and  ye  be  thus  guiltless''  before  the  Lord,  and 
before  Israel :  then  shall  this  land  be  yours 
for  a  possession  before  the  Lord. 

23  But  if  ye  will  not  do  so,  behold,  3-6 
have  sinned  against  the  Lord;  and  ye  shall 
experience  the  punishment^  of  your  sin  which 
will  overtake  you. 

24  Build  yourselves  cities  for  your  little 
ones,  and  folds  for  yoin"  flocks;  and  that 
Avhich  hath  proceeded  out  of  \  our  mouth  shall 
ye  do. 


*■  Hcb.  "They  have  not  filled  after  nie;'"  meaning,  that 
they  had  not  rendered  their  hearts  fully  willing  to  follow 
the  Lord. 

"  Onkelos  and  others,  "becau.se." 

''  Arnheim  renders  D"pJ  DjT'DI  with  "ye  have  discharged 
the  duty." — We  can  derive  from  this  a  lesson,  that  it  is 
not  enough  for  us  to  act  justly  before  (xod,  but  we  should 
also  strive  to  avoid  suspicion  from  man. 

°  nxDn  properly  signifies  "the  sin,"  and  then  also  the 
punishment  which  follows  on  the  same. 

203 


NUMBERS  XXXII.  XXXIII.     MASSAY. 


25  And  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  children 
of  Reiiben  said  unto  Moses,  as  foUoweth,  Thj 
servants  will  do  as  m^y  lord  commandeth. 

26  Our  little  ones,  our  wives,  our  flocks, 
and  all  our  cattle,  shall  remain  there  in  the 
cities  of  Gil'ad ; 

27  But  thy  servants  will  pass  over,  every 
one  that  is  armed  for  the  army,  before  the 
Lord,  to  the  war,  as  my  lord  speaketh. 

28  And  Moses  commanded  concerning 
them  Elazar  the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son 
of  Nun,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  fiiniilies  of  the 
tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel ; 

29  And  Moses  said  unto  them.  If  the  chil- 
dren of  Gad  and  the  children  of  Reuben  do 
pass  with  you  over  the  Jordan,  every  one 
that  is  armed  for  the  war,  before  the  Lord, 
and  the  land  shall  be  subdued  befoi'e  you : 
then  shall  ye  give  to  them  the  land  of  Gil'ad 
for  a  possession; 

30  But  if  they  should  not  pass  over  armed 
with  you,  they  shall  take  possessions  among 
you  in  the  land  of  Canaan." 

31  And  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Reiiben  answei*ed,  saying,  That  which 
the  Lord  hath  spoken  concerning  thy  ser- 
vants, even  so  will  we  do. 

32  We  will  indeed  pass  over  armed  before 
the  Lord  into  the  land  of  Canaan,  while  ours 
reraaineth  the  possession  of  our  inheritance 
on  this  side  of  the  Jordan. 

33  And  Moses  gave  unto  them,  to  the  chil- 
dren of  Gad,  and  to  the  children  of  Reiiben, 
and  to  half  the  tribe  of  Menasseh  the  son  of 
Joseph,  the  kingdom  of  Sichon,  the  king  of 
the  Emorites,  and  the  kingdom  of  'Og,  the 
king  of  Bashan,  the  land,  with  its  cities  with- 
in the  boundaries,  the  cities  of  the  country 
round  about. 

34  And  the  children  of  Gad  built  Dibon, 
and  'Ataroth,  and  'Aro'er, 

35  And  'Atroth-shophan,  and  Ya'zer,  and 
Yogbehah, 

36  And  Beth-nimrah,  and  Beth-haran,  forti- 
fied cities,  and  folds  for  flocks, 


*  As  eiicli  tribe  hail  to  sopuro  its  possession  by  conquest, 
(see  Jiulgfs  i.,)  it  was  a  proper  denunciation  of  punish- 
ment for  the  Roiibenites  and  tlicir  associates  to  be  com- 
pelled to  .-KMiuire  new  territory,  if  tliey  foi-feiied  the  land 
already  eoncjuerecl,  by  tluiir  brea<'h  of  this  oovenant. 

''  The  commentator  to  IMemlelssohn's  translation  sup- 
p').ses  'hat  iSiehon,  in  conquering  the  part  of  tlie  country  of 
Moiib  mentioned  above,  xxi.  '20,  had  given  now  names  to 
:;04 


37  And  the  children  of  Reiiben  built  Chesh 
bon,  and  El'aleh,  and  Kiryathayim, 

38  And  Nebo,  and  Ba'al-me'on  (theii 
names  being  changed),  and  Sibmah ;  and  they 
gave  the  former  names''  unto  the  cities  which 
they  built. 

39  And  tlie  children  of  Muchir  the  son  of 
Menasseh  went  to  Gil'ad,  and  conquered  it, 
and  dispossessed  the  Emorites  who  were  in  it.* 

40  And  Moses  gave  Gil'ad  unto  Machir 
the  son  of  Menasseh ;  and  he  dwelt  therein. 

41  And  Ya'ir  the  son  of  Menasseh  Avent  and 
conquered  the  small  towns  thereof,  and  called 
them  Chavotli-jair. 

42  And  Nobach  went  and  conquered  Ke- 
nath,  and  the  villages  thereof,  and  called  it 
Nobach,  after  his  own  name. 

Haphtorah  in  Jeremiah  i.  1  to  ii.  3. 


SECTION  XLIII.     MASSAY,  'i'DO. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  T[  These  are  the  journeys  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  who  went  forth  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt  according  to  their  armies,  under  the 
guidance  of  Moses  and  Aaron. 

2  And  Moses  wrote  their  departures  ac- 
cording to  their  journeys  by  the  order  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  the.se  are  their  journej-s  according 
to  their  departures. 

3  And  they  set  forward  from  Ra'meses  in 
the  first  month ;  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the 
first  month,  on  the  morrow  after  the  pass- 
over-sac  rifice"  the  cliildren  of  Israel  went  out 
with  a  high  hand  before  the  eyes  of  all  the 
Egyptians. 

4  And  the  Egy])tians  were  burying  all  the 
first-born,  whom  the  Lord  had  smitten  amono; 
them ;  and  upon  their  gods  also  did  the  Lord 
execute  judgments. 

5  And  the  children  of  Israel  removed  from 
Ra'meses,  and  encamped  in  Succoth. 

6  And  they  removed  from  Succoth,  and  en- 


thc  cities ;  and  that  the  Reiibenitcs  adopted  again  the 
Moabite  names,  except  Nebo  and  Ba'al-Me'on,  which  they 
changed.  But  Arnlieim  renders,  "  And  they  called  by 
various  names  the  cities  which  they  built;"  meaning,  that 
they  applied  new  names  to  the  towns  erected  by  them  in 
their  country 

°  I.  e.  The  day  after  the  sacrifice  of  the  passovcr-himb. 
See  note  above,  to  Leviticus  xxiii.  5. 


NUMBERS  XXXIII.     MASSAY. 


c-aniped  in  Etham,  which  is  on  the  edge  of 
the  Avihleniess. 

7  And  tlR\y  removed  from  Etham,  and  re- 
turned unto  Pi-hacliiroth,  which  is  hefoiv  Ba- 
"al-zephon  ;  and  tliey  encamped  l)efore  Miudol. 

S  And  they  removed  from  belbre  Pi-haehi- 
rotii.  and  passed  through  the  midst  of  the  sea 
into  the  wilderness;  and  they  went  a  three 
da^'s'  journey  in  the  wiklerness  of  Etham, 
and  encamped  in  Marah. 

9  And  they  removed  from  Marah,  and 
came  unto  Elim  ;  and  in  Elim  there  were 
twelve  springs  of  water,  and  seventy  palm- 
trees  ;  and  they  encamped  there. 

10  And  tliey  removed  from  Elim,  and  en- 
camjied  by  the  Red  Sea.''' 

11  And  they  removed  from  the  Red  Sea, 
and  encamped  in  the  wildei'ness  of  Sin. 

12  And  they  removed  from  the  wilderness 
of  Sin,  and  encamped  in  Dophkah. 

13  And  they  removed  from  Dophkah,  and 
encamped  in  Alush. 

14  And  they  removed  from  Alush,  and  en- 
camped at  Repliidim,  and  there  was  no  water 
for  the  people  to  drink. 

15  And  they  removed  from  Repliidim,  and 
encamped  in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

16  And  they  removed  from  the  wilderness 
of  Sinai,  and  encamped  in  Kibroth-lmttniivah. 

17  x\nd  they  removed  from  Kibi'oth-hat^ 
taiivah,  and  encamped  in  Chazeroth. 

18  And  they  removed  from  Chazeroth,  and 
encamped  in  Rithuiah. 

19  And  they  removed  from  Rithmah,  and 
encamped  in  Rimmon-perez. 

20  And  they  removed  from  Rimmon-perez, 
and  encamped  in  Libnah. 

21  And  they  removed  frorh  Libnali,  and 
encamped  in  Rissah. 

22  And  they  removed  from  Rissah,  and 
encamped  in  Kehelathah. 

23  And  they  removed  from  Kehelathah, 
and  encamped  in  mount  Shapher. 

24  And  they  removed  from  mount  Shapher, 
and  encamped  in  Charadah. 

25  And  they  removed  from  Charadah,  and 
encamped  in  Makheloth. 

26  And  they  removed  from  Makheloth, 
and  encamped  in  Tachath. 

27  And  they  removed  from  Tachath,  and 
encamped  in  Tarach. 

2S  And  tliey  removed  from  Tarach,  and 
encamped  in  Mithkah. 


29  And  they  removed  from  Mithkah,  and 
encamped  in  ('hashmonah. 

30  And  they  removed  lix)m  Chashmoiuih, 
and  encamped  in  Mosseroth. 

31  And  they  removed  from  Mosseroth,  and 
encamped  in  Bene-ya'akan. 

32  And  they  removed  from  Bene-ya'akan, 
and  encamiied  in  Chor-hagidgad, 

33  And  they  removed  from  Chor-hatiitljiad, 
and  encamped  in  Yotbathah. 

34  And  they  removed  from  Yotbathah, 
and  encamped  in  'Abronah. 

35  And  they  removed  from  'Abronah,  and 
encamped  at  'Ezyon-geber. 

36  And  the}'  removed  from  'Ezyon-geber, 
and  encamped  in  the  wilderness  of  Zin,  which 
is  Kadesh. 

37  And  they  removed  from  Kadesh,  and 
encamped  at  mount  Hor,  on  the  edge  of  the 
land  of  Edom. 

38  And  Aaron  the  priest  went  uj)  on 
mount  Hor  by  the  order  of  the  Lord,  and  died 
there,  in  the  fortieth  year  after  the  going  out 
of  the  children  of  Israel  from  the  land  of 
Egypt,  in  the  fifth  month,  on  the  first  of  the 
month. 

39  And  Aaron  was  a  hundred  and  twenty 
and  three  years  old  when  he  died  on  mount 
Hor. 

40  T[  And  the  Canaanite  the  king  of 
"Arad,  who  dwelt  on  the  south  side  in  the 
land  of  Canaan,  heard  of  the  coming  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

41  And  they  removed  from  mount  Hor, 
and  encamped  in  Zalmonah. 

42  And  they  removed  from  Zalmonah,  and 
encamped  in'Punon. 

43  And  they  removed  from  Punon,  and  en- 
camped in  Oboth. 

44  And  they  removed  from  Oboth,  and  en- 
camped in  'lyt^-ha'abarim,  on  the  border  of 
Moab. 

45  And  they  removed  from  13'im,  and  en- 
camped in  Dibon-gad. 

46  And  they  x-emoved  from  Dibon-gad,  and 
encamped  in  'Almon-diblathaymah. 

47  And  they  removed  from  "Almon-dibla- 
thaymah, and  encamped  on  the  mountains  of 
'Abarim,  before  Nebo. 

48  And  they  removed  from  the  mountains 
of  'Abarim,  and  encamped  in  the  plains  of 
Moab  by  the  Jordan  opposite  Jericho. 

49  And    they  encamped   by  the   Jordan, 

205 


NUMBERS  XXXIII.  XXXIV.     MASSAY. 


from   Beth-hayeshimoth  even  unto  Abel-ha- 
shittim  in  the  plains  of  Moab.* 

50  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  in 
the  phiins  of  Moab  by  the  Jordan  opposite 
Jericho,  saying, 

51  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
say  unto  them,  When  ye  pass  over  the  Jordan 
into  the  land  of  Canaan  : 

52  Then  shall  ye  drive  out  all  the  inha^ 
bitants  of  the  land  from  before  you,  and  ye 
shall  destroy  all  their  statues,  and  all  their 
molten  images  shall  ye  destroy,  and  devastate 
all  their  high  places. 

53  And  ye  shall  drive  out  (the  inhabitants 
of)  the  land,  and  ye  shall  dwell  therein  ;  for 
unto  you  have  I  given  the  land  to  possess  it. 

54  And  ye  shall  divide  the  land  by  lot  for 
an  inheritance  among  your  families ;  to  the 
numerous  shall  ye  give  the  more  inheritance, 
and  to  the  small  in  number  sliall  ye  give  the 
less  inheritance :  there,  where  the  lot  desig- 
nateth  it  for  him,  shall  every  one's  jjossessions 
be ;  according  to  the  tribes  of  your  fathers 
shall  ye  divide  it  among  yourselves. 

55  But  if  ye  will  not  drive  out  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  land  from  1  )efore  you :  then  shall 
it  come  to  pass,  that  those  whom  ye  will  let 
remain  of  them  shall  be  as  thorns  in  your 
eyes,  and  as  stings  in  your  sides,  and  they 
shall  trouble  you  in  the  land  wherein  ye 
dwell. 

56  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  as  I 
purposed  to  do  unto  them,  mil  I  do  unto 
you. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  T[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing.     . 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them.  When  ye  come  into  the  land  of 
Canaan,  shall  this  be  tlie  land  that  shall  fall 
unto  you  for  an  inheritance :  The  land  of  Ca- 
naan according  to  its  boundaries. 

3  And  the  southern  side  shall  be  unto  you 
from  the  wilderness  of  Zin  along  Ijy  the 
l)()undary  of  Edom,  and  your  southern  border 
shall  commence  at  the  outmost  edge  of  the 
Salt  Sea  on  its  east  side. 

4  And  the  border  shall  turn  for  you  from 


*  A  different  mount  from  the  niio  wliore  Aaron  dicrl ; 
'.lit  one  here  bring  a  liuadlanil  on  the  nortli-we.st,  tiow  call- 
206 


the  south  of  the  ascent  of  'Akrabbim,  and 
pass  on  to  Zin ;  and  its  terminating  points 
shall  be  to  the  south  of  Kadesh-barnea',  and 
shall  go  ou  to  Chazar-addar,  and  pass  on  to 
'Azmon ; 

5  And  the  border  shall  turn  from  'Azmon 
unto  the  river  of  Egypt,  and  its  terminating 
points  shall  be  at  the  sea. 

6  And  as  the  western  border,  shall  ye  have 
the  Great  Sea  for  a  border :  this  shall  be  your 
western  border. 

7  And  this  shall  be  unto  you  the  northern 
border  :  from  the  Great  Sea  shall  ye  mark  out 
for  you  (the  boundary  to)  mount  Ilor;'' 

8  From  mount  Hor  shall  ye  mark  out  (the 
boundary)  unto  the  entrance  of  Chanuith ; 
and  the  terminations  of  the  border  sliall  be 
toward  Zedad ; 

9  And  the  border  shall  go  on  to  Ziphrou.  and 
its  terminating  points  shall  be  atChazar-'enan  : 
this  shall  be  unto  you  the  northern  border. 

10  And  ye  shall  turn  yourselves  to  the 
eastern  border,  from  Chazar-'enan  to  Shepham ; 

11  And  the  boundary  shall  go  down  from 
Shepham  to  Riblah,  to  the  eastward  of 'Ayin; 
and  the  boundary  shall  descend,  and  sludl 
touch  upon  the  coast  of  the  sea  of  Kiiuiereth, 
eastward ; 

12  And  the  border  shall  go  down  tt)  the 
Jordan,  and  its  terminating  points''  sliall  be 
at  the  Salt  Sea :  this  shall  be  your  land  after 
its  boundaries  round  about. 

13  And  Moses  commanded  the  children  of 
Israel,  saying.  This  is  the  land  which  ye  shall 
divide  among  yourselves  by  lot,  which  the 
Lord  hj.th  commanded  to  give  unto  the  nine 
tribes,  and  to  the  half  tribe. 

14  For  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Reuben 
according  to  their  family  divisions,  and  the 
tribe  of  the  children  of  Gad  according  to  their 
family  divisions,  have  received, — and  the  half 
of  the  tribe  of  Menasseh  have  received  their 
inheritance ; 

15  The  two  tribes  and  the  half  tribe  have 
received  their  inheritance  on  this  side  of  the 
Jordan  o],)posite  Jericho  eastward,  toward 
the  rishig  of  the  sun.* 

16  ^[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 


ed  Ras-al-shnka,  between  Beirut  and  Trablos  (Tripoli ;) 
whereas  flie  other  is  at  the  soutli-cast. 

''  /'.  e.  Thet'arthest  points  of  the  boundary  in  that  direction 


NUMBERS  XXXIV.  XXXV.     MASSAY. 


17  These  are  the  names  of  the  men  who 
shall  parcel  out  unto  ,you  the  land  :  Elazar 
the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

18  And  one  prince  each  from  every  tribe 
shall  ye  take  to  paixel  out  the  land. 

19  And  these  are  the  names  of  the  men  : 
Of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  Caleb  the  son  of  Ye- 
phunneh ; 

20  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Si- 
meon, Shemuel  the  son  of  'Ammihud ; 

21  Of  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  Elidad  the 
son  of  Kisslon ; 

22  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Dan 
the  prince.  Bukki  the  son  of  Yogli ; 

23  Of  the  children  of  Joseph,  for  the  tribe 
of  the  children  of  Menasseh  the  prince,  Chan- 
niel  the  son  of  Ephod  ; 

24  And  of  the  ti'ibe  of  the  children  of 
Eiiliraim  the  prince,  Kemuel  the  son  of 
Shiplitau ; 

25  And  of  the  trilje  of  the  children  of 
Zebuhm  the  prince,  Elizaphan  the  son  of 
Parnacli ; 

26  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Issa- 
cliar  the  prince,  Paltiel  the  son  of  'Azzan ; 

27  And  of  the  trilie  of  the  children  of 
Asher  the  prince,  Achihud  the  son  of  She- 
lomi; 

28  And  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
Naphtali  the  prince,  Pedahel  the  son  of  'Am- 
iniliud. 

29  These  are  they  whom  the  Lord  hath 
commanded  to  divide  out  the  inheritance 
unto  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan.* 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  in 
the  plains  of  Moab  by  the  Jordan  opposite 
Jericho,  saying, 

2  Command  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
they  give  unto  the  Levites  from  the  inheri- 
tance of  their  possession  cities  to  dwell  in; 
and  an  open  space  for  the  cities  round  about 
them  shall  ye  give  (also)  unto  the  Levites. 


'  "And  afterward  he  mentions  two  thousand.  How  is 
this?  He  gives  them  two  thousand  cubits  all  round,  and 
of  these  the  inner  thousand  are  for  the  open  space,  and 
the  outer  thousand  for  fields  and  vineyards." — Kasiu  and 
Rasiih.v.m.  But  Philippson  conceives  that  the  whole 
snould  form  a  square  of  two  thousand  cubits,  in  the  centre 
of  which  the  city  should  be  situated,  which  would  make 
the  line  one  thousand  cubits  only  fmni  each  aide  of  the 


3  And  the  cities  shall  serve  them  to  dwell 
in ;  and  their  open  spaces  shall  be  for  their 
cattle,  and  for  their  goods,  and  for  all  their 
requirements. 

4  And  the  open  spaces  of  the  cities,  which 
ye  shall  give  unto  the  Levites,  shall  reach 
from  the  wall  of  the  city  and  outward  a 
thousand"  cubits  round  al)0ut. 

5  And  ye  shall  measure  from  without  the 
city  on  the  east  side  two  thousand  cubits,  and 
on  the  south  side  two  thousand  cubits,  and  on 
the  west  side  two  thousand  cubits,  and  on  the 
north  side  two  thousand  cubits,  with  the  city 
in  the  midst :  this  shall  be  to  them  the  open 
spaces  of  the  cities. 

6  And  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give  unto 
the  Levites  shall  be  the  six  cities  of  refuge, 
which  3'e  shall  appoint  that  the  manslayer 
may  flee  thither;  and  in  addition  to  them 
shall  ye  give  forty  and  two  cities. 

7  All  the  cities  which  ye  shall  (thus) 
give  to  the  Levites  shall  be  forty  and  eight 
cities,  they  with  their  open  spaces. 

8  And  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give  of  the 
possession  of  the  children  of  Israel,  from  the 
tribe  that  hath  many  shall  ye  give  many;  but 
from  the  one  that  hath  few  shall  ye  give  few  : 
every  one  according  to  its  inheritance  which 
it  may  inherit  shall  give  of  its  cities  unto  the 
Levites.* 

9  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses,  say- 
ing, 

10  Speak  unto  the  children  of  Isi-ael,  and 
say  unto  them,  When  ye  have  passed  over  the 
Jordan  into  the  land  of  (Janaan : 

11  Then  ye  shall  appoint  unto  yourselves 
proper  cities,  that  they  be  cities  of  refuge  for 
you ;  and  thither  shall  flee  the  manslayer  who 
killeth  any  person  at  unawares. 

12  And  these  cities  shall  be  unto  you  for  a 
refuge  from  the  avenger ;  that  the  manslayer 
die  not,  until  he  have  stood  before  the  congre- 
gation for  trial.'' 

13  And  the  cities  which  ye  shall  give,  shall 
be  six  cities  of  refuge  unto  you ; 

city  wall.  But  Rashi's  opinion  seems  preferable,  espe- 
cially if  we  consider  that  the  space  of  one  thousand  cubits 
was  to  be  for  pasture,  &c.,  and  they  would  have  thus  had 
nothing  for  fields  and  vineyards. 

"■  DStyob,  to  be  judged  and  inquired  into  whether  the 
deed  was  murder  or  accidental  homicide,  or  whether  it 
happened  at  all. — This  also  shows  us  that  even  open  mur- 
der had  to  be  tried  by  the  [uiblie  courts. 


NUMBERS  XXXV.  XXXVI.     M ASSAY. 


14  Three  of  these  cities  shall  ye  give  on 
this  side  of  the  Jordan,  and  the  three  other 
cities  shall  ye  give  in  the  land  of  Canaan : 
cities  of  refuge  shall  they  be; 

15  For  the  children  of  Israel,  and  for  the 
stranger,  and  for  the  sojourner  among  them, 
shall  these  six  cities  be  for  a  refuge:  that 
every  one"  may  flee  thither  that  killeth  any 
person  at  unawares. 

16  And  if  he  have  smitten  him  with  an 
instrument  of  iron,  so  that  he  die,  he  is  a 
murderer :  the  murderer  shall  surely  be  put 
to  death. 

17  And   if  he  have   smitten   him   with  a 
stone  which  one  can  take  in  the  hand,''  where- 
with he  may  die,  and  he  die,  lie  is  a  murder- ' 
er  :  the  murderer  shall  surel}'  be  put  to  death. 

18  Or  if  he  have  smitten  him  with  an  arti- 
cle of  M'ood,  which  one  can  take  in  the  hand, 
wherewith  he  may  die,  and  he  die,  he  is  a 
murderer :  the  murderer  shall  surely  be  put 
to  death. 

19  The  avenger  of  the  blood  himself  shall 
slay  the  nuirderer;  when  he  meeteth  him, 
shall  he  slay  him. 

'20  And  if  he  push"  against  him  out  of 
hatred,  or  he  have  hurled  at  him  (any  thing) 
by  lying  in  wait,  that  he  die ; 

2i  Or  if  in  enmity  he  have  smitten  him 
with  his  hand,  that  he  died,  he  that  smote 
him  shall  surely  be  put  to  death ;  (for)  he  is 
a  murderer:  the  avenger  of  the  blood  shall 
slay  the  murderer,  when  he  meeteth  with  him. 

22  But  if  he  have  pushed  against  him  ac- 
cidentally^ without  enmity,  or  have  cast  upon 
him  any  thing  without  lying  in  wait, 

23  Or  with  any  stone  wherewith  a  man 
may  die,  without  seeing  him,  and  he  have  let 
it  tall  ui)Ou  him,  that  lie  died;  whereas  he  was 
not  his  enemy,  and  did  not  seelc  his  harm : 

24  Then  shall  the  congregation  judge  be- 
tween the  slayer  and  the  avenger  of  the  blood 
according  to  these  institutions; 


"  Anotlior  injunction  to  treat  the  stninffcr  well. 

"'  That  is,  as  Rashi  says,  a  stone  tiiat  lills  the  hand,  and 
is  lari;e  enough  to  produce  dcatli ;  so  also  with  wood.  A 
.small  piece  of  iron,  however,  can  ])roduce  death;  no  size, 
therefore,  is  mentioned.  Mendelssohn  renders,  "If  he 
take  a  stone,  with  which  otic  can  be  slain,  in  the  hand, 
and  smite  some  one,"  kc.  But  the  evident  intention  of  the 
law  is  to  provide  that  the  stone  or  wood  must  be  of  a  size 
likely  to  produce  death,  and  to  exclude  from  wilful  mur- 
der when  tlic  nrtii-lc  was  of  that  kind  as  to  preclude  a 
2lJH 


25  And  the  congregation  shall  deli^■er  tht; 
manslayer  out  of  the  hand  of  the  avenger  of 
the  blood,  and  the  congregation  shall  restore 
him  to  the  city  of  his  refuge,  whither  he  had 
Hed ;  and  he  shall  abide  in  it  until  the  death 
of  the  high-priest,  Avho  hath  been  anointed 
with  the  holy  oil. 

26  But  if  the  manslayer  shouUl  at  any 
time  pass  the  boundary  of  the  city  of  his 
refuge,  whither  he  may  have  fled ; 

27  And  the  avenger  of  the  blood  should 
find  him  beyond  the  boundary  of  the  city  of 
his  refuge,  and  the  avenger  of  the  blood  should 
kill  the  manslayer:  he  shall  not  Ijc  guilty  of 
blood ;" 

28  Because  in  the  city  of  his  refuge  shall 
he  remain  until  tlie  death  of  the  higli-[)riest ; 
but  after  the  death  of  the  high-priest  the  man- 
slayer may  return  unto  the  land  of  his  pos- 
session .** 

29  And  these  things  shall  be  unto  you  lor 
a  statute  of  justice  throughout  your  genera- 
tions, in  all  your  dwellings. 

30  Whoever  it  be  that  killeth  a  person, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  witnesses  shall 
the  murderer  be  put  to  death ;  but  one  witness 
shall  not  testify  against  any  person  to  cause 
him  to  die. 

31  Moreover  ye  shall  take  no  redemption 
money  for  the  person  of  a  murderer,"  who  is 
guilty  of  death;  but  he  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death. 

32  And  ye  shall  take  no  redemption  money 
for  him  that  hath  fled  to  the  city  of  his  refuge, 
that  he  should  come  again  to  dwell  in  the 
land,  until  the  death  of  the  priest. 

33  And  ye  shall  not  defile  the  land  wherein 
ye  are ;  for  the  blood  it  is  which  defileth  the 
land  :  and  no  atonement  can  Ije  made  unto 
the  land  for  the  blood  which  hath  l)eeii  shed 
therein,  except  through  the  blood  of  him  that 
hath  shed  it. 

34  And  ye  shall  not  render   unclean  the 


murderous  intent,  though  death  should  have  accidentally 
ensued. 

°  "I'ush  him  down  from  a  high  place." — Aukn  Kzk.\. 

''  .\t  this  return  he  is  free  from  civil  punishment ;  cou- 
se(iuently,  to  kill  him  would  be  a  punishable  murder. 

"  This  prohibition,  not  to  take  money  to  redeem  a  mur- 
derer from  his  punishment,  permits  by  implication  that  if 
is  permitted  to  assess  a  fine  for  inflicting  a  wound  on  ano- 
ther, and  lint  to  take  actually  eye  for  eye  or  tooth  for 
tooth.     This  also  was  the  practice  of  J/wish  courts. 


HHA.RA.()H     A.HPEA.UIMO    To     MOSES    TO     OEl^AKl'     WI   IH 
THE    CHILDREN    OE    ISRAEL 


NUMBERS  XXXVI.     MASSAY. 


land  which  ye  inhabit,  in  the  midst  of  which 
I  dwell ;  for' I  the  Lord  dwell  in  the  midst  of 
the  children  of  Israel.* 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  .T[  And  there  came  near  the  chiefs  of  the 
divisions  of  the  famil}'  of  the  children  of  Gil- 
"ad.  the  son  of  Machir,  the  son  of  Menasseh, 
of  the  families  of  the  sons  of  Joseph  ;  and  they 
spoke  before  Moses,  and  before  the  princes, 
the  chiefs  of  the  divisions  of  the  children  of 
Israel ; 

2  And  they  said,  The  Lord  hath  command- 
ed my  lord  to  give  the  land  for  an  inherit- 
ance by  lot  to  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  my 
lord  hath  been  commanded  by  the  Lord  to 
give  the  inheritance  of  Zelophchad  onr  brother 
unto  his  daughters. 

3  And  if  they  become  the  wives  of  any  of 
the  sons  of  the  (other)  tribes  of  the  children 
of  Israel :  then  will  their  inheritance  be  taken 
from  the  inheritance  of  our  fathers,  and  be 
added  to  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  where- 
among  they  may  be  married;"  and  Irom  the 
lot  of  our  inheritance  will  it  be  taken  away. 

4  And  whenever  the  jubilee  shall  be  to 
the  children  of  Israel :  then  will  their  inherit- 
ance be  added  unto  the  inheritance  of  the 
tribe  wliereamong  they  may  be  married ;  and 
from  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  our  fathers 
will  their  inheritance  be  taken  away. 

5  And  Moses  commanded  the  children  of 
Israel  by  the  order  of  the  Lord,  saying.  The 
tribe  of  the  sons  of  Joseph  have  spoken  well. 

6  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  hath 
commanded''  concerning  the  daughters  of  Ze- 

"  D'a'ih  is  here  again  understood;  hence  the  word  "mar- 
ried" has  been  supplied. 

'  It  is  probable  that  the  restriction  now  made  known  was 
a  part  of  the  law  of  inheritance  communicated  to  Moses 


lophchad,  saying.  To  those  who  are  pleasing 
in  their  eyes  may  they  become  wives;  howe\er 
only  to  the  family  of  the  tribe  oi'  their  lather 
shall  they  become  waves. 

7  And  the  inheritance  of  the  children  of 
Israel  shall  not  pass  Irom  tribe  to  ti'il)e;  Init 
the  children  of  Israel  shall  adhere  every  one 
to  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  his  fathei's. 

8  And  ev<iry  daughter  that  inheriteth  any 
possession  out  of  any  tribe  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  shall  become  the  wife  unto  one  of  the 
family  of  the  tribe  of  her  father ;  in  order  that 
the  children  of  Israel  may'  inherit  every  one 
the  inheritance  of  his  fathers. 

9  And  no  inheritance  shall  })ass  irom  one 
tribe  to  another  tribe ;  but  the  tribes  of  the 
chidren  of  Israel  shall  adhere,  every  one,  to 
his  own  inheritance.* 

10  Even  as  the  Lord  had  commandeil 
Moses,  so  did  the  daughters  of  Zelophchad  ; 

11  And  Machlah,  Tirzah,  and  Choglah, 
and  Milcah,  and  No'ah,  the  daughters  of  Ze- 
lophchad became  the  wives  (;f  the  sons  of 
their  uncles. 

12  (To  persons)  of  the  families  of  the  sons 
of  Menasseh  the  son  of  Joseph  did  they  be- 
come wives,  and  their  inheritance  remained 
in  the  tribe  of  the  family  of  their  lather. 

13  These  are  the  commandments  and  the 
ordinances,  which  the  Lord  connnanded  by 
the  hand  of  Moses  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
in  the  plains  of  Mo;Uj  by  the  Jordan  op})osite 
Jericho. 

Haphtorah  in  Jeremiah  ii.  4  to  28  :  to  which  the  (iermans  add 
iii.  4:  and  the  Portuguese,  iv.  1  aud  2. 


with  the  other  clauses  above,  xxvii.  7  toll,  but  wa.s  with- 
held until  the  elders  most  interested  came  to  inquiry,  .s 
might  have  been  at  once  expected,  so  as  to  give  the  matter 
greater  sanction  and  force. 


2B 


THE  BOOK  OF  DEUTEKONOMY, 

DEBARIM,  Dn^-t. 

CONTAINING  A  RECAPITULATION  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  ISRAELITES  IN  THE 
DESERT,  AND  OF  SEVERAL  LAWS;  EMBRACING  ALSO  SOME  NEW  ENACTMENTS, 
AND  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  LAST  DAYS  OF  MOSES. 


SECTION  XLIV.     DEBARIM,  DHDl. 

CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^1  These  are  the  words  which  Moses 
spoke  unto  all  Israel  on  this  side  of  the  Jor- 
dan" in  the  wilderness,  in  the  plain  opposite 
Suph,  between  Paran,  and  Tophel,  and  La- 
ban,  and  Chazeroth,  and  Di-zahab. 

2  It  is  a  journey  of  eleven  days  from  Ho- 
reb  by  the  way  of  mount  Se'ir  unto  Kadesh- 
barnea. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fortieth''  year, 
ill  tke  eleventh  month,  on  the  first  day  of  the 
month,  that  Moses  spoke  unto  the  cliildren 
of  Israel,  according  to  all  that  the  Lord  had 
commanded  him  concerning  them; 

4  After  lie  had  smitten  Sichon  the  king  of 
the  Einorites,  who  dwelt  in  Cheshbon,  and 
'Og  the  king  of  Bashan,  who  dwelt  at  'Ashta- 
roth  ill  Edre'i. 

5  On  this  side  of  the  Jordan,  in  tlie  land  of 
Moab,  began  Moses  to  explain  this  law,  saying, 

6  The  Lord  our  God  spoke  unto  us  in  IIo- 
i-eb,  saying.  Ye  have  tarried  long  enough  at 
this  mount; 

7  Turn  you,  and  take  your  journey,  and 
go  to  the  mountaiu  of  the  Einorites,  and  unto 
all  its  neighbourmg  places,  in  the  plain,  in 
the  mountain,  and  in  the  lowlands,  and  in 
the  southern  country,  and  by  tlie  coast  of 
the  sea,  to  the  land  of  the  Canaan ites,  and 
unto  the  Lebanon,  up  to  the  gr(>at  river,  the 
river  Euphrates. 

S  liehold  I  have  given  up  the  land  before 


"  Properly  "Yardeii." 

^  {.  c.  After  the  going  (lut  from  Egyi't,  whieh  is  always 
the  era  mentioned  in  the  Bible  up  to  the  Babylonian 
captivity. 

°  This  verse  is  a  parenthesis :  Moses  says  in  the  pre- 
ceding one  that  he  was  not  able  to  bear  all  the  labour  of 
the  great  multitude:  and  adds  iiuverllieless,  may  it  be 
210 


3-ou:  go  in  and  take  possession  of  the  hind 
which  the  Lord  hath  swoni  unto  your  fathers, 
to  Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to  give 
it  unto  them  and  to  their  seed  alter  them. 

9  And  I  said  unto  you  at  that  time,  as  ibl- 
loweth,  I  am  not  able  alone  to  bear  you : 

10  The  Lord  your  God  hath  multiplied 
you,  and,  behold,  ye  are  this  day  as  the  stars 
of  heaven  for  multitude. 

11  May"  the  Lord  the  God  of  your  iathers 
make  you  a  thousand  times  as  many  more  as 
ye  are;  and  bless  you,  as  he  hath  spoken 
unto  you.* 

12  How  can  I  by  myself  alone  bear  jour 
cumbrance,  and  your  burden,  and  your  strife? 

13  Furnish  for  yourselves  wise  and  under- 
standing men,  and  those  known  among  your 
tribes,''  and  I  will  place  them  as  chiefs  over 
you. 

14  And  ye  answered  me,  and  said.  The 
thing  which  thou  hast  spoken  is  good  to  do. 

15  And  I  took  the  chiefs  of  your  tribes, 
wise  and  known  men,  and  I  set  them  as  heads 
over  you,  captains  over  thousands,  and  cap- 
tains over  hundreds,  and  cajitains  over  fifties, 
and  cajitains  over  tens,  and  as  officers  for 
your  trilies. 

16  And  I  commanded  your  judges  at  that 
time,  saying,  Hear  the  causes  between  your 
bretliren,  and  judge  righteously,  between  a 
man  and  his  brother,  and  between  his  stran- 
ger.^^ 

17  Ye  shall  not  respect  persons  in  Judg- 
ment; the  small  as  well  as  the  great  shall  ye 

the  will  of  God  to  add  to  them  a  thousand-fold  a.s  many; 
and  then  continues  with  the  narrative. 

''  According  to  the  Massorah,  "and  those  weU  known, 
according  to  j'our  trilies." 

°  The  law  knows  of  no  distinction  between  the  Israelite 
and  the  fircifiiuT ;  :;11  are  alike  brf're  the  Supnnir  . Judge 
uf  the  woild. 


DEUTERONOMY  I.     DEBARIM. 


heiir;  ye  shall  not  be  afraid  of  any  man;  for 
the  judgment  belongeth  to  God:  and  the 
cause  that  is  too  hard  for  you  shall  ye  bring 
unto  me,  and  I  will  hear  it. 

18  And  I  commanded  you  at  that  time  all 
the  things  which  ye  should  do. 

19  And  we  departed  from  Horeb,  and  we 
went  through  all  that  great  and  terrilile  wil- 
derness, which  ye  have  seen,  by  the  wa^-  of 
the  mountain  of  the  Emorites,  as  the  Lord 
our  God  had  commanded  us;  and  we  came 
as  far  as  Kadesh-barnea. 

20  And  I  said  unto  you,  Ye  are  come  unto 
the  mountain  of  the  Emorites,  which  the 
Lord  our  God  doth  give  unto  us. 

21  Behold,  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given 
up"  the  land  before  thee :  go  up  and  take  pos- 
session of  it,  as  the  Lord  the  God  of  thy 
fathers  hath  spoken  unto  thee;  do  not  fear, 
and  be  not  discouraged.* 

22  And  ye  alF'  came  near  unto  me  and 
said.  Let  us  send  out  men  before  us,  that  they 
may  search  out  for  us  the  land,  and  Ijring  us 
Avord  again  concerning  the  wa_y  by  which  we 
must  go  up,  and  the  cities  to  which  we  shall 
come. 

23  And  the  thing  was  pleasing  in  my  eyes; 
and  I  took  of  you  twelve  men,  one  man  for 
every  tribe : 

21  And  they  turned  and  went  up  into  the 
mountain,  and  came  unto  the  valley  of  Eshcol, 
and  spied  it  out. 

25  And  they  took  in  their  hand  some  of 
the  fruit  of  the  land,  and  brought  it  down 
unto  us ;  and  they  brought  us  word  again,  and 
said,  Tlie  land  which  the  Lord  our  God  doth 
give  us  is  good. 

26  But  you  would  not  go  up,  and  ye  re- 
belled against  the  order  of  the  Lord  your 
God; 

27  And  ye  murmured  in  your  tents,  and 
said.  On  account  of  the  hatred  of  the  LoRi: 
toward  us,  hath  he  brought  us  forth  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  to  deliver  us  into  the  hand 
of  the  Emorites,  to  desti'oy  us. 

'  Meaning,  "surrendered,  yielded  up;"  elsewhere  called 
"to  give  into  the  hands." 

'  "Confusedly;  and  elsewhere  (Deut. v.  20)  it  is  said, 
'  The  heads  of  your  tribes,  and  your  elders,'  &c. ;  that 
apprciacliing  was  a  worthy  one,  the  young  men  ho- 
noured the  elders  by  letting  them  go  in  advance;  and 
80  did  the  elders  to  the  chiefs  ;  but  in  this  case  you  all 
Ciiuie  in  confusion,  young  men  pushing  aside  tiie  ddir^ 
and  the  elders  the  chiefs  " — R.\t,Hl. 


28  Whither  shall  we  go  up?  our  l)rethren 
have  made  faint  our  heart,  saying,  The  i)eo- 
ple  is  greater  and  taller  than  we;  the  cities 
are  great  and  fortified  up  to  heaven ;  and 
moreover  the  sons  of  the  'Anakim  jiave  we 
seen  there. 

29  And  I  said  unto  you.  Have  no  dread, 
nor  be  36  afraid  of  them. 

30  The  Lord  your  (!od  who  gocth  hetbre 
you,  he  it  is  who  will  fight  for  you;  all  just  as 
he  did  for  you  in  Egypt  before  your  eyes ; 

31  And  in  the  wilderness  which'  thou  hast 
seen,  where  the  Lord  thy  God  bore  thee,  as  a 
man  doth  bear  his  son,  on  all  the  way  that 
ye  have  gone,  until  ye  came  unt(j  this  place. 

32  Yet  in  this  thing  do  ye  not  believe  in 
the  Lord  your  God, 

33  Who  goetli  before  you  on  the  way  to 
seek  out  for  you  a  place  for  your  encamping. 
in  fire  by  night,  to  cause  30U  to  see  on  the 
way  in  which  ye  are  to  go,  and  in  a  cloud 
by  aay. 

34  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  your 
words;  and  he  was  Avroth,  and  swore,  say- 
in  o' 

35  Surely  there  shall  not  one  of  these  men 
of  this  evil  generation  see  that  good  land, 
which  I  have  sworn  to  give  unto  your  fathers; 

36  Save  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephunneh.  he 
shall  see  it,  and  to  him  will  1  give  the  land 
upon  which  he  hath  trodden,  and  to  his  chil- 
dren; because  he  hath  whollj'  followed  the 
Lord. 

37  Also  with  me  was  the  Lord  angry''  for 
your  sakes,  saying.  Also  thou  shalt  not  go  in 
thither. 

38  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  who  sta-ndeth 
before  thee,  he  shall  go  in  thither :  him  en- 
courage; for  he  shall  cause  Israel  to  inhe- 
rit it.* 

39  And  your  little  ones,  of  whom  ye  said. 
They  will  become  a  prey,  and  your  children 
who  know  not  this  da}*  either  good  or  evil, 
these  shall  go  in  thither;  and  unto  thent  will 
I  give  it,  and  they  shall  possess  it. 


°  According  to  Rashi,  this  ought  to  read,  "Where  thnu 
hast  seen  that  the  Lord,  &c."  But  in  either  way  ihe  sense 
is  the  same. 

^  As  Moses  was  relating  the  ddoni  of  "  the  generation  uf 
the  desert,"  as  they  are  called  )jy  our  writers,  he  includes 
also  the  decree  which  was  pronounced  upon  him,  since  he 
too  did  not  pass  over  the  Joidan.  "For  your  sake  " 
nicnn^  onlv  that  the  disobedience  of  the  ]ieople  cau.se  1  his 
own  transgressiou. 


DEUTERONOxMY  I.  II.     DEBARIM. 


40  But  as  for  you,  turn  you,  and  take  your 
j  (unie}-  into  the  wilderness  by  the  way  of  the 
Eed  Sea. 

•41  And  ye  answered  and  said  unto  me, 
We  have  sinned  against  the  Lord;  we  indeed 
will  go  up  and  we  will  fight,  according  to  all 
that  the  Lord  our  God  hath  commanded  us; 
and  ye  girded  on  every  man  his  weapons  of 
Avar,  and  ye  insisted  to  go  up  into  the  moun- 
tain. 

42  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Say  unto 
them,  Go  not  up,  and  do  not  fight;  for  I  am 
not  among  you;  lest  ye  he  smitten  before 
your  enemies. 

4.3  And  I  spoke  unto  you;  but  ye  would 
not  hear;  and  ye  rebelled  against  the  order 
of  the  Lord,  and  you  were  presumptuous,  and 
went  up  into  the  mountain. 

44  And  the  Emorites,  who  dwelt  in  that 
mountain,  came  out  against  you,  and  they 
pursued  you,  as  the  bees  do,  and  they  over- 
threw you  in  Se'ir,  as  far  as  Chormah. 

45  And  ye  returned  and  wept  before  the 
Lord;  but  the  Lord  hearkened  not  to  your 
voice,  nor  gave  ear  unto  _you. 

46  And  ye  tarried  in  Kadesh  many  days, 
according  unto  the  days  that  ye  tarried  there. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  Then  we  turned,  and  took  our  journey 
into  the  wilderness  by  the  way  of  the  Red 
Sea,  as  the  Lord  had  spoke  unto  me:  and  we 
travelled  around  mount  Se'ir  many  days.* 

2  ^[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  as  fol- 
lowetii, 

3  Ye  have  travelled  long  enough  around 
this  mountain ;  turn  yourselves  northward. 

4  And  the  people  command  thou,  saying, 
Ye  are  passing  ty  the  bcnnk-r  of  your  brethren 
the  children  of  Esau,  who  dwell  in  Se'ir;  and 
they  will  be  afraid  of  you;  therefoix'  take  ye 
good  heed  unto  yourselves : 

5  Do  not  contend  with  them;  for  I  will 
not  give  unto  you  of  their  land,  even  so  much 
as  a  foot's  l)readtli ;  because  unto  Esau  have  I 
>riven  mount  Seir  for  an  inheritance. 

6  Food  shall  ye  buy  of  them  for  money, 
that  ye  may  eat;  and  water  also  shall  ye  buy 
ol"  them  I'or  money,  that  ye  may  drink. 


"  Moaning,  that  tlicy  could  Iiavc  no  excuse  for  asking 
favours  of  men,  since  their  wealth,  abundant  as  it  was, 
had  been  supplied  by  the  liberal  hand  of  their  God. 

''  Hcb.  I'T.  "lie  hath  known;"  a  knowledge  of  a  per- 
212 


7  For  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  blessed  thee 
in  all  the  works  of  thy  hand;"  he  hath  pro- 
vided for''  thy  wandering  through  this  great 
Avilderness:  these  forty  3'ears  the  Lord  thy 
God  hath  been  with  thee;  thou  hast  lacked 
nothing. 

8  And  we  passed  away  from  our  brethren 
the  children  of  Esau,  who  dwell  in  Seir,  iioni 
the  way  through  the  plain,  from  Elath,  and 
from  'Ezjon-galjer. 

^  And  we  turned  and  passed  the  Avay  of 
the  wilderness  of  Moab. 

9  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Do  not  at- 
tack the  Moabites,  nor  contend  with  them  in 
battle;  for  I  will  not  give  thee  from  their 
land  any  inheritance;  because  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Lot  have  I  given  'Ar  for  an  inherits 
ance. 

10  The  Emim  in  times  past  dwelt  therein, 
a  people  great,  and  numerous,  and  tall  as  the 
'Anakim; 

11  As  Repha'im'  were  also  they  accounted, 
equally  with  the  'Anakim;  and  the  Moiibites 
called  the  Emim. 

12  And  in  Se'ir  dwelt  the  Chorim  in  times 
past;  but  the  children  of  Esau  drove  tlieni 
out,  and  they  destroyed  them  from  before 
them,  and  dwelt  in  their  stead ;  as  Israel  hath 
done  unto  the  land  of  his  inheritance,  which 
the  Lord  hath  given  unto  them. 

13  Now  rise  up,  and  get  30U  over  the 
brook  Zered;  and  we  passed  over  the  brook 
Zered. 

14  And  the  time  which  we  came  from  Kar 
desh-barneil',  until  we  had  passed  OA-er  the 
brook  Zered,  was  thirty  and  eight  years;  until 
all  the  generation  of  the  men  of  war  A\ere 
spent  from  out  the  midst  of  the  camp,  as  the 
Lord  had  sworn  unto  them. 

15  And  also  the  hand  of  the  Lokd  was 
against  them,  to  destroy  them  from  the  midst 
of  the  camp;  until  they  were  spent. 

16  So  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  men 
of  war  were  spent  by  dj'ing  from  the  midst  of 
the  people, 

17  ^  That  the  Lord  spoke  unto  me,  say- 
ing, 

18  Thou  art  passing  this  day  ly  the  bor- 
der of  Moiib,  by  'Ar, 

son's  wants  being  requisite,  before  his  benefactor  can  fur- 
nish him  with  the  needful. 

°  "Mighty  ones." — Onkelos.  "Giants." — EmjUsh 
version. 


DEUTEEONOMY  IT.  III.     DEBARIM. 


19  And  tliou  oomest  nigh  opposite  the  chil- 
nrvu  of  'Ainiiion :  do  not  attack  them,  nor 
contend  with  them;  for  I  will  not  give  nnto 
thee  of  the  land  of  the  children  of  'Annnon 
anv  inheritance;  because  unto  the  children 
of  Lot  have  I  given  it  for  an  inheritance. 

20  As  a  land"  of  Rephaim  was  it  also  ac- 
counteil:  Re}ihaim  dwelt  therein  in  times 
past;  and  the  "Annnonites  called  them  Zam- 
zunnnim ; 

21  A  people  great,  and  lunnerous,  and  tall, 
as  the  'Anakim;  but  the  Lohd  destroyed  them 
before  them;  and  they  drove  them  out,  and 
dwelt  in  their  stead  : 

22  As  he  hath  done  to  the  children  of 
Esau,  who  dwell  in  Seir,  from  before  whom 
he  destroyed  the  Cliorim;  and  the>'  drove 
them  out  and  dwelt  in  their  stead,  even  unto 
this  da}-. 

23  And  the  'Avvim,  who  dwelt  in  open 
towns,''  as  far  as  unto  Gazzah, — the  Caphto- 
rim,  who  came  forth  out  of  Caphtor,  de- 
stroyed them,  and  dwelt  in  their  stead. 

24  Rise  ye  up,  set  forward,  and  pass  over  the 
brook  Anion;  behold  I  have  given  into  thy 
hand  Sichon  the  king  of  Cheshbon,  the  Enio- 
rite,  and  his  land :  begin  to  drive  him  out, 
and  contend  with  him  in  l)attle. 

25  This  day  will  I  begin  to  put  the  dread 
of  thee  and  the  fear  of  thee  upon  the  nations 
that  are  under  the  whole  heaven ;  whoever 
will  hear  the  report  of  thee,  shall  tremble, 
and  shall  quake  because  of  thee. 

26  And  I  sent  mes!?engers  out  of  the  wil- 
derness of  Kedemoth  unto  Sichon,  the  king  of 
Cheshbon,  with  words  of  peace,  saying, 

27  Let  me  pass  through  thy  land :  always 
by  the  highway  will  I  go  along;  I  will  not 
turn  unto  the  i-ight  hand  or  unto  the  left. 

28  Food  shalt  thou  sell  me  for  money,  that 
I  may  eat;  and  water  for  money  shalt  thou 
give  me,  that  I  may  drink :  only  let  me  pass 
through  on  foot ; 

29  (As  the  children  of  Esau  who  dwell  in 

"  Not  only  the  land  of  'Og,  the  king  of  Bashan,  was 
the  one  at  times  called  the  "giant  country,"  Ere/^  Bi- 
jiho'im ;  since  the  people  of  Moiib  and  'Animon  also  had 
taken  possession  of  two  districts  belonging  to  the  same 
general  tribe  of  men. 

'  Kabbi  Joseph  Schwarz,  in  his  Geography  of  Palestine, 
renders  this  with  "the  towns  called  Chazer,"  or  "  Chaze- 
rim ;"  as  there  were  several'  in  the  southern  district  hav- 
ing this  as  a  general  name. 

'  This  must  not  be  understood  as  if  the  Israelites  had 


Seir,  and  the  Moiibites'"  wdio  dwell  in  'Ar, 
have"  done  unto  me;)  until  that  I  shall  [lass 
over  the  Jordan  into  the  layd  which  the  Lord 
our  God  givetli  us. 

30  But  Sichon,  the  king  of  Cheshbon,  would 
not  suffer  our  passing  Ijy  him ;  for  the  Loud 
thy  God  had  hardened  his  spirit,  and  had 
made  obstinate  his  heart,  that  he  might  de- 
liver him  into  thy  hand,  as  (hath  happened) 
this  day.* 

31  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Behold, 
I  have  begun  to  give  up  Sichon  and  his  land 
before  thee:  begin  to  drive  him  out.  that  thou 
mayest  inherit  his  land. 

32  And  Sichon  came  out  against  us.  he 
and  all  his  people,  to  the  battle  at  Yahaz. 

33  And  the  Lord  our  God  gave  him  up  be- 
fore usj  and  we  smote  him,  and  his  sons,  and 
all  his  people. 

34  And  we  conquered  all  his  cities  at  that 
time,  and  devoted  every  inhabited  cit}-,  and 
the  women,  and  the  little  ones;  we  left  none 
tliat  escaped. 

00  Only  the  cattle  we  took  as  booty  mito 
oiu'selves,  and  the  spoil  of  the  cities  which  we 
had  captured. 

30  From  'Aro'er,  which  is  by  the  bank  of 
the  brook  of  Arnon,  and  the  city  that  is  in 
the  brook,  even  unto  Gil'atl,  there  was  not  one 
city  which  was  too  strong  for  us;  the  whole 
did  the  Lord  our  God  give  up  before  us. 

37  Only  unto  the  land  of  the  children  of 
'Ammon  didst  thou  not  come  nigh,  unto  the 
wdiole  margin  of  the  brook  Yalibok,  and  the 
cities  in  the  mountain,  and  unto  whatsoever 
the  Lord  our  God  had  forbidden  us. 

CHAPTER  in. 

1  And  we  turned,  and  went  iq)  the  way  to 
Bashan;  and  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan  came 
out  against  us,  he  and  all  his  people,  to  tlie 
battle  at  Edre'i. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Fear  him 
not;  for  into  thy  hand  have  I  given  him,  and 


been  permitted  to  pass  through  the  countries  of  Jloiib 
and  Edom  :  Moses's  rec[uest  was  twofold,  to  pass  througli 
the  country  and  to  purchase  provisions.  We  can  therefore 
infer  that  the  Edumeans  and  JMoiibites  sold  provisions  to 
the  Israelites,  while  Sichon  alone  prepared  to  attack  them. 
But  as  the  Moiibites  were  relatives  of  Israel,  their  sordid- 
ness  in  refusing  to  meet  them  with  bread  and  water,  wait- 
ing till  money  was  offered,  and  their  hiring  Bil'am  to 
cur.se  the  people,  caused  them  afterward  to  be  prohibited 
the  right  of  becoming  proselytes.   (Dent,  xxiii.  4.) 

213 


DEUTEEONOMY  III.     VAETCHANNAN. 


all  his  people,  and  his  land;  and  thou  shalt 
do  unto  liini  as  thou  hast  done  unto  Si*chon, 
the  kint;'  of  the  Emorites,  who  dwelt  at  Chesh- 
bon. 

3  And  the  Lord  our  God  gave  into  our 
hands  also  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan,  and  all  his 
people;  and  we  smote  him  until  none  was 
left  to  him  who  escaped. 

4  And  we  conquered  all  his  cities  at  that 
time,  there  was  not  a  city"  which  we  took  not 
from  them,  sixty  cities,  all  the  region  of  Ar- 
gob,  the  kingdom  of  'Og  in  Bashan. 

5  All  these  were  fortified  cities,  with  high 
walls,  gates,  and  bars;  besides  the  unwalled 
towns,  which  were  a  great  many. 

fi  And  we  devoted  them,  as  we  had  done 
unto  Sichon  the  king  of  Cheshbon,  devoting 
every  inhabited''  city,  the  women,  and  the 
little  ones. 

7  But  all  the  cattle,  and  the  spoil  of  the 
cities,  we  took  as  booty  to  ourselves. 

8  And  we  took  at  tliat  time  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  two  kings  of  the  Emoiites  the 
land  which  is  on  this  side  of  the  Jordan,  from 
tlie  river  of  Arnon  unto  mount  Chermon; 

9  (The  Sidonians  call  Chermon '  Siryon ; 
and  the  Emorites  call  it  Senir;) 

10  All  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  all  Gil'ad, 
and  all  Bashan,  unto  Salchah  and  Edre'i,  the 
cities  of  the  kingdom  of  'Og  in  Bashan. 

11  For  only  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan  had 
been  left  of  the  remnant  of  the  Rephaiui ; 
behold,  his  bedstead  was  a  bedstead  of  iron; 
lo!  it  is  in  Kabbah  of  the  children  of 'Auunon  : 
nine  cubits  is  its  length,  and  four  cubits  its 
breadth,  after  the  arm"  of  a  man. 

1 2  And  of  this  land,  of  which  we  took  pos- 
session at  that  time,  from  'Aro'er,  which  is  by 
the  river  Anion,  and  half  mount  Gil'ad,  and 
the  cities  thereof,  I  gave  unto  the  Reiibenites 
and  to  the  Gadites. 

lo  And  the  rest  of  Gil'ad,  and  all  Bashan, 
the  kingdom  of  'Og,  I  gave  unto  the  half 
tribe  of  Menasseh:  all  the  region  of  Argob, 
with  all  Bashan,  this  is  called  the  land  of 
Rephaim. 

"  "Fortified  place;." — Arniikim — who  thus  distin- 
guishes between  nnp  and  -\y  "fortress"  and  "simple 
city."  Pcrliai).s  ri'ip  i.s  derived  from  Tp  "walls,"  "a 
town  fenced  in  by  a  wall." 

^  Lit.  "City  of  men;"  niid  lliis  means  again,  "The 
meu  who  lived  therein." 

°  "The  cubit  of  a  man."  Mendelssohn  however  ren- 
ders "  Vordcrarm,"  or,  "the  forepart  of  the  arm,"  which 
214 


14  Ya'ir  the  son  of  Menasseh  took  all  the 
region  of  Argob  up  to  the  border  of  the  Ge- 
shurites  and  the  Ma'achathites;  and  he  called 
them  the  (land  of)  Bashan,  after  his  own 
name,  the  villages  of  Ya'ir,''  unto  this  day.'-' 

15  And  unto  Machir  I  gave  Gil'ad. 

16  And  unto  the  Reiibenites  and  unto  the 
Gadites  I  gave  from  Gil'ad  even  unto  the 
brook  Arnon,  the  land  within"  the  river  and 
that  adjoining,  even  unto  the  brook  Yabbok, 
the  border  of  the  children  of  'Amnion  ; 

17  The  plain  also,  and  the  Jordan,  and  the 
adjoining  land,  from  Kinnereth  even  unto  the 
sea  of  the  plain,  the  Salt  Sea,  under  the  de- 
clivities of  Pisgah,  eastward. 

18  And  I  commanded  jou  at  that  time, 
saying.  The  Lord  your  God  hath  given  you 
this  land  to  pos.sess  it:  armed  sliall  ye  pass 
over  before  your  brethren  the  children  ot 
Israel,  all  that  are  fit  to  bear  arms. 

19  But  your  wives,  and  your  little  ones, 
and  your  cattle,  (I  know  that  ye  have  iiiucli 
cattle,)  shall  abide  in  your  cities  which  I  have 
given  you;* 

20  Until  that  the  Lord  have  given  rest 
unto  your  brethren,  as  well  as  unto  you,  and 
they  also  have  taken  possession  of  the  land 
wliicii  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  them  beyond 
the  Jordan  :  then  shall  ye  return  every  man 
unto  his  possession  which  I  have  given  you. 

21  And  Joshua  also  I  commanded  at  that 
time,  saying,  Thy  own  eyes  have  seen  all 
that  the  Lord  your  God  hath  done  unto  these 
two  kings :  thus  will  the  Lord  do  unto  all  the 
kingdoms  whither  tliou  passest. 

22  Ye  shall  not  fear  them ;  for  the  Lord 
your  God  it  is  who  fighteth  for  you. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  i.  1  to  27. 


SECT.  XLV.      VAETCHANNAN,  pnnxi. 

23  ^  And   I  besought  the  Lord  at   that 
time,  saying. 

24  O  Lord  Eternal,  thou  hast  begun  to 
show    thy   servant   thy   greatness,  and    thy 


is  certainly  not  the  usual  length  of  the  cubit,  which  is  the 
entire  arm. 

''  Chavvoth-yair. 

*■  Tills  is  rendered  according  to  Onkelos,  who  has  been 
followed  by  Arnheim.  "iin  is  in  this  sense  a  noun,  signify- 
ing "  that  within  ;"  and  means  then  the  land  comprised 
within  the  bed  of  the  river ;  and  the  banks  on  both  sides 
are  comprised  by  the  word  h2i^,  as  Rashi  explains. 


DEUTERONOMY  III.  IV.  VAETCHANNAN. 


mighty  hand  ;  for  what  god  is  there  in  heaven 
or  on  earth,  that  can  do  aught  Hke  thy  works, 
and  hke  thy  mighty  deeds? 

25  Let  me  go  over.  I  pray  thee,  that  I  may 
see  the  good  kind  which  is  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Jordan,  this  goodly  mountain,  and  the 
Lebanon. 

2G  But  the  Lord  was  wrotli  with  me  for 
your  sakes.  and  he  would  not  hear  me  :  and 
the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Let  it  suffice  thee;  do 
not  continue  to  speak  unto  me  any  more  of 
this  matter. 

27  Get  thee  up  unto  the  top  of  Pisgah,  and 
lift  up  thy  eyes,  westward,  and  northward, 
and  southward,  and  eastward,  and  behold  it 
with  thy  eyes;  for  thou  slialt  not  })ass  over 
this  Jordan. 

28  And  do  thou  charge  Joshua,  and  strength- 
en him,  and  encourage  liim ;  for  he  shall  go 
over  before  this  people,  and  he  shall  divide 
out  to  them  the  laud  which  thou  shalt  see. 

29  And  we  abode"  in  the  valley  opposite 
Beth-peiir. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  And  now,  0  Israel,  hearken  unto  the  sta- 
tutes and  unto  the  ordinances  which  I  teach  you 
to  do ;  in  order  that  ye  may  live,  and  go  in  and 
take  possession  of  the  laud  which  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  your  fathers,  giveth  unto  you. 

2  Ye  shall  not  add  unto  the  word  which  I 
command  you,  nor  shall  ye  diminish  aught 
from  it ;  that  ye  may  keep  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  your  God  which  I  command  you. 

3  Your  own  eyes  have  seen  that  wdiicli  the 
Lord  hath  done  because  of  BaiU-peor;  for 
every  man  that  followed  Baiil-peor,''  him  tlie 
Lord  thy  God  hath  destroyed  from  the  midst 
of  thee.'   . 

4  But  ye  that  did  cleave  unto  the  Lord ^our 
God,  are  alive,  every  one  of  you,  this  day.* 

5  See,  I  have  taught  you  statutes  and  ordi- 
nances, just  as  the  Lord  my  God  commanded 
me;  that  ye  may  do  so  in  the  midst  of  the 
land  whither  ye  go  to  take  possession  of  it. 


*  flovc  must  be  supplied,  "at  the  time  that  thisoccurrecl." 

°  As  idolatry  was  the  prevailing  sin  auioug  all  ancient 
r.ati.ons,  Moses  commences  by  culling  the  attention  of  the 
pcojple  pre-eminently  to  the  consequences  of  their  relapse 
in  the  country  of  Moiib ;  how  that  so  many  that  trans- 
gressed died,  while  tlnise  firm  in  the  service  of  God  re- 
iiiained  alive. 

^  Others  render,  "in  all  things." 

^  "  For  your  souls'  ^ak''." — Arxheim. 


6  Keep  therefore  and  do  them  ;  for  this  is 
your  wisdom  and  your  understandiug  before 
the  eyes  of  the  nations,  that  shall  hear  all 
these  statutes,  and  they  will  say.  Nothing  but 
a  wise  and  understanding  people  is  this  great 
nation. 

7  For  what  great  nation  is  there  that  hath 
gods  so  nigh  unto  it,  as  is  the  Lord  our  God 
at  all  times"  that  we  call  upon  him  ? 

8  And  what  great  nation  is  there  that  liath 
statutes  and  ordinances  so  righteous  as  is  all 
this  law,  which  I  lay  before  you  this  day?* 

9  Only  take  heed  to  thyself  and  guard 
thy  soul  diligently,  that  thou  do  not  forget 
the  things  which  thy  eyes  have  seen,  and 
that  they  depart  not  from  thy  heart  nil  the 
days  of  thy  life;  but  thou  shalt  make  them 
known  unto  thy  sons,  and  unto  thy  sons' 
sons ; 

10  The  day  that  thou  stoodest  before  the 
Lord  thy  God  at  Horeb,  when  the  Lord  said 
unto  me,  Assemble  for  me  the  people,  ;md  I 
will  cause  them  to  hear  my  words,  which 
they  shall  learn,  to  fear  me  all  the  days  that 
they  shall  live  upon  the  eartli,  and  which 
they  shall  teach  their  children. 

11  And  ye  came  near  and  stood  at  the 
foot  of  the  mount;  and  the  mount  was  btu'u- 
ing  with  fire  unto  the  midst  of  the  heaveu, 
(from  amidst)  darkness,  clouds,  and  thick 
darkne.ss. 

12  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  you  out  of 
the  midst  of  the  fire ;  the  sound  of  words  ye 
heard,  but  an}'  similitude  ye  saw  not :  there 
was  nothing  but  a  sound. 

13  And  he  told  unto  you  his  covenant, 
which  he  commanded  you  to  perform,  the 
ten  commandments;  and  he  wrote  them  upon 
two  tables  of  stone. 

14  And  me  the  Lord  commanded  at  that 
time  to  teach  you  statutes  and  ordinances, 
that  ye  might  do  them  in  the  land  wdiither 
ye  go  over  to  possess  it. 

15  Take  ye  therefore  good  heed  of  your 
souls;''  for  ye  saw  no  manner  of  similitude"  on 

"  The  great  King  of  Israel  did  not  make  himself  mani- 
fest under  any  bodily  shape.  All  on  the  mour.tain  was 
darkness  and  cloud.  A  loud  voice  was  heard,  audible 
words  reached  the  ear  of  all  at  once,  one  impression  was 
made  upon  all  alike.  Hence  the  energetic  prohibition 
against  the  foll^'  of  representing  the  Invisible  and  Incom- 
prehensible under  any  outward  shape,  even  the  most 
beautiful  aud  strong.  All  will  fail  of  reaching  him ;  con- 
sequently all  are  odious  to  the  Deity. 


DEUTERONOMY  IV.     VAETCHANNAN. 


the  day  tliat  the  Lord  spoke  unto  you  at 
Iloveb  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire : 

1()  Tliat  ye  become  not  corrupt,  and  make 
yourselves  a  graven  image,  the  similitude  of 
any  idol-figure,  the  likeness  of  a  male  or  of  a 
lemale, 

17  The  likeness  of  any  beast  that  is  on  the 
earth,  the  likeness  of  any  winged  fowl  that 
flietli  in  the  air  of  heaven, 

IS  The  likeness  of  any  thing  that  creepeth 
on  the  ground,  the  likeness  of  any  fish  that  is 
in  the  waters  beneath  the  earth  ; 

11)  And  that  thou  lilt  not  up  thy  eyes  unto 
the  heavens,  and  thou  see  the  sun,  and  the 
moon,  and  the  stars,  all  the  host  of  heaven, 
and  be  misled  to  bow  down  to  them,  and  to 
serve  them,  those  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
hath  assigned"  unto  all  nations  under  the 
whole  heaven. 

20  But  you  did  the  Lord  take,  and  he 
brought  you  forth  out  of  the  iron  furnace, 
out  of  Egypt,  to  be  unto  him  a  people  of 
inlieritance,  as  ye  are  this  day. 

21  Fartherraore  the  Lord  was  angry  with 
me  for  your  sakes,  and  he  swore  that  I  sliould 
not  go  over  the  Jordan,  and  that  I  should  not 
go  in  unto  that  good  land,  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  unto  thee  for  an  inheritance; 

22  For  1  must  die  in  this  land ;  I  shall  not 
go  over  the  Jordan ;  but  ye  will  go  over  and 
take  possession  of  this  good  land. 

23  Take  heed  unto  yourselves,  that  ye  do 
not  forget  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God, 
which  he  hath  made  with  you,  and  make 
jourselves  a  graven  image,  the  likeness  of  any 
thing,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  forbid- 
den thee. 

24  For  the  Lord  thy  God  is  a  consuming 
fire,  yea,  a  watchful  God. 

25  ][  When  thou  begettest  children,  and 
childreirs  children,  and  ye  shall  have  re- 
mained long  in  the  land,  and  ye  become  cor- 
rujit,   and  make   a  graven   image,   tlie   like- 

"  "To  give  them  light."— Talmud  Megii.laii,  fol.  9. 
"15iit  the  text  eviclcntly  means  that  the  Lord  had  not  in- 
terfered with  the  nation.s  in  their  false  worship.  Witli 
Israel,  however,  he  acted  otherwise,  taking  them  fnuii 
slavery  tn  be  his  people." — Rashbam. 

^  As  the  verse  stands,  it  means  that  under  the  oppres- 
sions of  the  times,  many  will  fall  off  to  idolatry  and  false 
worship.  This  prediction  has  come  to  pass,  during  the 
mary  persecutions  which  have  occurred.  Onkelos,  how- 
ever, ))araphrases,    "And   ye  shall   serve    there  nations, 


ness  of  any  thing,  and  do  the  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  provoke  him  to 
anger : 

20  I  call  this  day  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  to  witness  against  you,  that  ye  shall  soon 
perish  from  off'  the  land  Avhereunto  ye  go  over 
the  Jordan  to  possess  it;  ye  shall  not  remain 
many  days  upon  it,  but  ye  shall  sm-ely  be  de- 
stroyed. 

27  And  the  Lord  will  scatter  you  among 
the  nations,  and  ye  will  be  left  few  in  number 
amona-  the  nations,  whither  the  Lord  will  lead 
you. 

28  And  ye  will  serve**  there  gods,  the  work 
of  man's  hands,  wood  and  stone,  which  neither 
can  see,  nor  hear,  nor  eat,  nor  smell. 

29  But  thou  wilt  seek  from  there  the  Lord 
thy  God,  and  wilt  find  him,  if  thou  apply  to 
him  with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy 
soul. 

30  When  thou  art  in  tribulation,  and  all 
these  things  have  overtaken  thee,  in  the  lat- 
ter end  of  days:  then  wilt  thou  return  to  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  be  obedient  unto  his  voice. 

31  For  a  merciful  God  is  the  Lord  thy 
God;  he  will  not  forsake  thee,  nor  destroy 
thee ;  and  he  will  not  forget  the  covenant  of 
thy  fathers  which  he  hath  sworn  unto  them. 

32  For  do  but  ask  of  former  days,  which 
were  before  thee,  since  the  day  that  God  cre- 
ated man  upon  the  earth,  and  from  the  one 
end  of  the  heavens  unto  the  other  end  of  the 
heavens,  whether  there  hath  Ijceii  the  like  of 
this  great  thing,  or  whether  the  like  of  it 
hath  lieen  heard  ? 

33  Hath  ever  a  people  heard  the  voice  ul' 
a°  god,  speaking  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire, 
as  thou  hast  heard,  and  remained  alive  ? 

34  Or  hath  a  god  essayed  to  go  .to  take  to 
himself  a  nation  from  the  midst  of  a  nation, 
Ijy  proofs,  by  signs,  and  l)y  wonders,  nnd  by 
war,  and  by  a  mighty  hand,  and  b\"  an  out- 
stretched arm,  and  by  great  terrors,  bke  ;iU 


worshipping  error,  (idolatry,)  the  work  of  the  hands  of 
men,"  conceiving,  probably,  as  the  commentator  to  Men- 
dclssiihn  observes,  that  to  worship  idols  i<  a  sin,  nut  a 
punishment. 

°  Meaning,  the  gods  of  any  other  nation;  did  iuch  ever 
speak  to  their  followers  ?  and  so  also  in  the  si;'JCcodin»: 
verse.  But  Onkelos,  Jonathan,  Aben  Ezra,  and  others 
refer  God  to  the  Supreme,  and  the  te.\t  (hen  says  that 
the  mercy  which  Israel^  witnessed  was  impartcil  to  no  othci 
people 


DEUTERONOMY  IV.  V.     VAETCHANNAN. 


that  which  the  Lord  your  God  hath  done  for 
you  in  Egypt  before  thy  e^es"' 

35  Unto  thee  it  was  shown,  that  tliou 
niio-htest  know,  that  the  Eternal  is  the  God: 
there  is  none  else  besides  hnn. 

06  Out  of  the  heavens  he  caused  thee  to 
hear  his  voice,  to  correct  thee  :  and  upon  the 
eartli  he  caused  thee  to  see  his  great  fire;  and 
his  words  didst  tliou  liear  out  of  the  midst  of 
the  fire. 

37  And  therefore,  because  he  loved  thy 
father.s,  he  chose  their  seed  after  them,  and 
brought  thee  out  in  his  presence''  with  his 
mighty  power  out  of  Egypt; 

3  8  To  dri  ve  out  nations  greater  and  mightier 
than  thou  art,  from  before  thee,  to  bring  thee 
in,  to  give  unto  thee  their  land  for  an  inherits 
ance,  as  it  is  this  day. 

39  Know  therefore  this  day,  and  reflect  in 
th}-  heart,  that  the  Eternal  is  the  God  in 
the  heavens  above,  and  upon  the  earth  be- 
neath :  there  is  none  else. 

40  And  thou  shalt  keep  his  statutes,  and 
his  commandments,  which  I  command  thee 
this  day,  that  it  may  go  well  with  thee,  and 
with  thy  children  after  thee;  and  that  thou 
mayest  live  many  days  upon  the  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  for  all  times.* 

41  "[j  Then  Moses  set  aside  three  cities  on 
this  side  of  the  Jordan,  toward  the  rising  of 
the  sun; 

42  That  thither  might  flee  the  manslayer, 
who  should  kill  his  neighbour  unawares,  when 
he  had  not  been  an  enemy  to  him  in  times 
past;  and  that  he  should  flee  unto  one  of 
these  cities  and  live. 

43  Bezer  in  the  wilderness,  in  the  plain 
country,  for  the  Relibenites ;  and  Ramoth  in 
Gil'ad  for  the  Gadites ;  and  Golan  in  Bashan 
for  the  Menassites. 

44  And  this  is  the  law  which  Moses  set 
before  the  children  of  Israel  : 

45  These  are  the  testimonies,  and  the  star 
tutes,  and  the  ordinances,  which  Moses  spoke 

'  "In  his  own  person." — Arnheim.  "  With  his  own 
word." — Onkelos  ;  who,  by  the  by,  frequently  renders 
the  holy  Name  with  ^'memera"  xiO'O  prefixed,  as  in  Gen. 
iii.  8,  vi.  6,  xv.  6,  &c.;  perhaps  the  idea  of  ^oyoj,  cum- 
mon  in  his  time,  as  the  mysterious  creative  power  of  the 
Deity. 

''  Others  render  this  word  with  "  springs;"  others  with 
"the  foot ;"  others  with  ''heights;"  but  it  probably  means 
the  direction  which  streams  take  in  quitting  a  mountain, 

2C 


unto  the  children  of  Israel,  when  they  came 
ibrtli  out  of  P]g^q;)t, 

46  On  this  .side  of  the  Jordan,  in  tlie  valley 
opposite  to  Beth-])eor,  in  the  land  of  Sichon 
the  king  of  tlie  Emorites,  who  dwelt  at  Chesli- 
bon,  whom  Moses  and  the  children  of  Israel 
smote,  after  they  were  come  forth  out  of  Egj'pt ; 

47  And  they  took  possession  of  his  land, 
and  of  the  land  of  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan, 
the  two  kings  of  the  Emorites,  who  were  o^ 
this  side  of  the  Jordan  toward  the  rising  of 
the  sun ; 

48  From  'Aro'er,  which  is  on  the  bank  of 
the  river  Arnon,  even  unto  Mount  Sion,  which 
is  Chermon, 

49  And  all  the  jslain  on  this  side  of  the 
Jordan  eastward,  even  unto  the  sea  of  the 
plain,  under  the  declivities''  of  Pisgah.''' 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  Moses  called  all  Israel,  and 
said  unto  them,  Hear,  0  Israel,  the  statutes 
and  the  ordinances  which  I  speak  in  your 
ears  this  day,  that  ye  may  learn  them,  and 
that  ye  may  observe  to  do  them. 

2  The  Lord  our  God  made  a  covenant  with 
us  in  Horeb. 

3  Not  with  our  fathers  did  the  Lord  make 
this  covenant,  but  with  us,  we  who  are  here 
all  of  us  alive  this  day. 

4  Face"  to  face  did  the  Lord  speak  with 
you  on  the  mount,  out  of  the  midst  of  the 
fire, 

5  (F  was  standing  between  the  Lord  and  be- 
tween you  at  that  time,  to  announce  to  you 
the  word  of  the  Lord  ;  for  ye  were  afraid  by 
reason  of  the  fire,  and  ye  went  not  up  into 
the  mount;)  saying, 

6  ][  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  have 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from 
the  house  of  slavery. 

7  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

8  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thyself  any 
graven  image,  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that 


or  the  slope;  here,  therefore,  the  points  where  the  slopes 
of  the  Pisgah  commence.      (See  Num.  xxi.  15.) 

'  I.  <:.  Without  a  mediator. — Aben  Ezra. 

■*  This  is  a  parenthesis,  explaining  the  reason  why  the 
people  would  not  themselves  receive  the  couimauduients, 
and  of  the  appointment  of  Moses  as  the  messenger  between 
God  aiid  the  people;  the  word  "saying"  is  to  be  understood 
as  though  it  followed  immediately  upon  the  words  "of  the 
fire,"  in  verse  4. 

217 


DEUTERONOMY  V.  VAETCHANNAN. 


IS  in  the  heavens  above,  or  tliat  is  on  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under 
the  earth : 

9  Thou  shalt  not  bow  thyself  down  unto 
them,  nor  serve  them;  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity 
of  the  lathers  upon  the  children,  and  upon  the 
third  and  upon  the  fourth  generation  of  them 
tiiat  hate  me, 

10  And  showing  kindness  unto  the  thou- 
sandth generation  of  them  that  love  me,  and 
keep  my  commandments. 

11  Tl  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  {ruiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in 
vain. 

12  ^  Keep  the  salibath-day  to  sanctify  it, 
as  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  commanded"  thee. 

13  Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all 
thy  work ; 

14  But  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  in 
honour  of  the  Lord  thy  God ;  on  it  thou  shalt 
not  do  any  work,  neither  thou,  nor  thy  son, 
nor  thy  daughter,  nor  thy  man-servant,  nor 
thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  ox,  nor  thy  ass,  nor 
any  of  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates:  in  order  that  thy  man-ser- 
vant and  thy  maid-servant  may  rest  as  well  as 
thou. 

15  And  thou  shalt  remember  that  thou 
hast  been  a  servant  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and 
that  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee  out  from 
there  by  a  might}'  hand  and  by  an  out- 
stretched arm ;  therefore  hath  the  Lord  thy 
God  commanded  thee  to  observe  the  sabbath- 
day. 

16  ][  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother, 
as  the  liORD  thy  God  hath  commanded  thee : 
in  order  tliiit  thy  da_\s  may  be  {irolonged, 
and  in  order  that  it  may  go  well  witli  thee,  in 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

17  Tl  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

^1  Neither''  shalt  thou  commit  adultery. 
^1  Neither  shalt  thou  steal. 

°  "  As  the  Lord  thy  God  commanded  thee  in  Marah, 
before  tiic  giving  of  the  law." — R.\siii.  Otherwise  the 
piirase  is  merely  general,  referring  to  the  institution  of 
the  sabbath  as  a  divine  thing,  and  is  an  expression  of 
Moses  ill  his  address  to  the  peDjile,  calling  their  attention 
t(j  the  necessity  of  obedience,  because  it  is  the  will  of  God. 
Hence  the  iutroiliiction  of  the  exodus  from  Egypt  in 
verse  15.  See  also  verse  U'l.  where  the  same  phrase  oc- 
curs again. 
218 


^  Neither  shalt  thou  bear  false  witness 
against  thy  neighbour. 

18  ^  Neither  shalt  thou  covet  th}-  neigh- 
bour's wife. 

^  Neither  shalt  thou  desire"  thy  neighbour's 
house,  nor  his  field,  nor  his  man-servant,  nov 
his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox.  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  th}'  neighbour's.* 

19  ^  These  words  did  the  Lord  speak  unto 
all  your  assembly  on  the  muiuit  out  of  the 
midst  of  the  fire,  of  the  cloud,  and  of  the  thick 
darkness,  with  a  great  voice,  but  he  did  so  no 
more  f  and  he  wrote  them  on  two  tajjles  of 
stone,  and  he  gave  them  unto  me. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  ye  heard  the 
voice  out  of  the  midst  of  tiie  darkness,  while 
the  mount  w'as  liurning  with  fire,  that  ye 
came  near  unto  me,  even  all  the  heads  of 
your  tribes,  and  your  elders ; 

21  And  ye  said.  Behold,  the  Lord  our  God 
hath  caused  us  to  see  his  glory  and  his  givat- 
ness,  and  his  voice  have  we  heard  out  of  the 
midst  of  the  fire:  this  day  have  we  seen  that 
God  can  speak  with  man,  who  nevertheless 
may  live. 

22  But  now  why  shoidd  we  die  ?  for  this 
great  fire  may  consume  us;  if  we  continue  to 
hear  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God  any  more, 
then  shall  we  die. 

23  For  where  is  there  any  flesli,  that  hath 
heard  the  voice  of  the  living  God  speaking 
out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire,  like  us,  and  hath 
remained  alive  ? 

24  Do  thou  approach,  and  hear  all  that 
the  Lord  our  God  may  say ;  and  thou  shalt 
speak  unto  us  all  that  the  Lord  our  God 
may  speak  unto  thee;  and  we  will  hear  and 
do  it. 

25  And  the  Lord  heard  the  voice  of  yoin- 
words,  while  ye  were  speaking  unto  me ;  and 
the  Lord  said  unto  me,  I  have  heard  the  voice 
of  tlie  words  of  this  people,  which  they  have 
spoken  unto  thee:  they  have  done  well  in  all 
that  they  have  spoken 


'  The  English  version  makes  separate  verses  of  i;ll  the 
commandments;  so  also  in  Exodus  xx. 

"  If  we  consider  that  the  repetition  of  the  Decalogue 
was  only  to  recall  the  general  tenor  thereof  to  the  people, 
the  variations  from  the  text  in  Ex<idus  xx.  will  readily  ex- 
plain themselves;  it  is  there  the  very  word  of  God;  here 
Moses  teaches  what  had  been  confided  to  him. 

^  Meaning,  that  this  was  the  only  time  that  God  spoke 
to  the  penple  without  a  mediator,  as  Moses  himself  was. 


DEUTERONOMY  V.  VI.     VAETCHANNAN. 


26  Who  would  granf"  that  this  tlioir  heart 
mi,nht  remain  in  tlieni,  to  tear  ine,  and  to  keep 
all  my  (.•oinuiaudinents  at  all  times;  in  order 
that  it  might  be  well  with  them,  and  with 
their  children  for  ever! 

27  Go,  say  to  them.  Return  you  unto  your 
tents. 

28  But  as  for  thee,  remain  tliou  here  by 
me,  and  I  will  speak  unto  thee  all  the  com- 
mandments, and  the  statutes,  and  the  ordi- 
nances, which  thou  shalt  teach  them,  that 
they  may  do  them  in  the  land  which  I  give 
them  to  possess  it. 

29  Observe  ye  then  to  do  as  the  Lord  your 
God  hatli  commanded  you :  ye  shall  not  turn 
aside  to  the  right  or  to  the  left. 

30  Altogether  in  the  way,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  luith  connnanded  you,  shall  ye 
walk ;  in  order  that  ye  may  live,  and  that  it 
may  be  -well  with  you,  and  that  ye  may  re- 
main many  days  in  the  land  which  ye  will 
possess. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  And  this  is  the  commandment,  with 
the  statutes,  and  the  ordinances,  which  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  commanded  to  teach 
you,  to  do  them  in  the  land  whither  ye  are 
passing  over  to  possess  it : 

2  In  order  that  thou  mayest  fear  the  Lord 
thy  God,  to  keep  all  his  statutes  and  his  com- 
mandments, which  I  command  thee,  thou  and 
thy  son,  and  thy  son's  son,  all  the  days  of  thy 
life ;  and  in  order  that  thy  days  may  be  pro- 
longed. 

3  Hear,  therefore,  0  Israel,  and  observe  to 
do  them;  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and 
that  ye  may  increase  greatly,  as  the  Lord  the 
God  of  thy  fathers  hath  spoken  to  thee,  (in) 
the  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.* 

4  ^  Hear,  0  Israel !  The  Lord,  our  God,  is 
the  One  Eternal  Being.'' 

*  God  is  represented  as  speaking  in  the  fashion  of  man. 
Piety  is  here  shown  to  be  voluntary ;  as  no  Divine  force  is 
spoken  of  as  compelling  tu  obedience.  The  miracles, 
therefore,  however  astonishing  they  were,  were  never- 
theless evanescent,  and  left  human  nature  unchanged. 
Hence  the  wish  that  the  tcill  then  expressed  might  last 
for  ever. 

^  Philippson  translates,  "Hear,  Israel,  the  Eternal, 
our  (jtod,  the  Eternal  is  One."  But  every  attempt  to 
convey  in  another  language  the  simiilicity  uf  the  Hebrew 
must  fail.  Hero  we  have  the  third  revelatidn  of  God's 
being;  in  Genesis  xvii.  he  is  revealed  as  the  Almighty; 


5  And  thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soid,  and 
with  all  thy  might. 

6  And  these  words  which  I  command  thee 
this  day,  slndl  be  in  thy  heart : 

7  And  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently 
unto  thy  children,  and  thou  shalt  speak  of 
them  wlien  thou  sittest  in  thy  house,  and 
when  thou  walkest  I)y  the  way,  and  when 
thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

8  And  thou  shalt  bind  them  for  a  sign 
upon  thy  hand,  and  they  shall  be  as  frontlets 
between  thy  eyes. 

9  And  thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the 
door-posts  of  thy  house,  and  upon  thy  gates. 

10  ^  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  Lord  thy 
God  shall  Itring  thee  into  the  land  which  he 
hath  sworn  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to 
Isaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to  give  unto  thee,"  great 
and  goodly  cities,  which  thou  didst  not  build, 

11  And  houses  ftdl  of  all  good  things,  which 
thou  didst  not  fill,  and  wells  hewed  out  which 
thou  didst  not  hew,  vineyards  and  olive-trees, 
which  thou  didst  not  plant;  and  thou  hast 
eaten  and  art  satisfied : 

12  Then  beware  that  thou  do  not  forget 
the  Lord,  who  hath  brought  thee  forth  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  house  of  slavery. 

13  The  Lord  thy  God  shalt  thou  fear,  and 
him  shalt  thoti  serve,  and  by  his  name  shalt 
thou  swear. 

14  Ye''  shall  not  go  after  other  gods,  of  the 
gods  of  the  nations  which  are  round  about 
yon; 

15  For  the  Lord  thy  God  is  a  watchful" 
God  among  you:  so  that  the  anger  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  may  not  be  kindled  against 
thee,  and  he  destroy  thee  from  oft'  the  lace  of 
the  earth. 

16  Tl  Ye  shall  not  tempt  the  Lord  your 
God,  as  ye  tempted  liini  in  Massah. 

17  Ye  shall  diligently  keep  the  command- 
in  Exodus  vi.  as  the  Eternal  ;  and  now  as  the  one,  un- 
compound,  indivisible,  and  not  liable  to  change  or  increase. 
We  have  thus  the  complete  idea  of  the  Godhead,  as  the 
highest  Power,  Eternity,  Unity. — After  PHn,n>l'SO.\. 

"  Here  we  must  understand  "  replete  with." 
^  As  Moses  addresses  all  the  people  of  Israel,  he  occa- 
sionally employs  the  singular,  they  being  but  one  body  in 
liis  eyes ;  and  again  the  plural,  as  they  are  composed  of  in- 
dividuals. Hence  the  frequent  ciianges  observable  in  the 
text. 

"  One  who  sees  inicjuity  and  is  ever  ready  to  recom- 
pense it  with  retribution. 

1>19 


t)EUTERONOMY  VI.  VII.     AYKEB. 


nients  of  the  Lord  your  God,  and  his  testimo- 
nies, and  his  statutes,  which  he  hath  com- 
manded thee. 

18  And  thou  shalt  do  that  which  is  right 
and  good  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord;  in  order 
that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  that  thou 
mayest  go  in  and  take  possession  of  the  good 
land  with  the  Lord  hath  sworn  unto  thy 
fathers, 

19  To  cast  out  all  thy  enemies  from  before 
thee;  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

20  ^  When  thy  son  should  ask  thee  in 
time"  to  come,  saying,  What  mean  the  testi- 
monies, and  the  statutes,  and  the  ordinances, 
which  the  Lord  our  God  hath  commanded  you  ? 

21  Then  shalt  thou  say  unto  thy  son,  We 
were  bond-men  unto  Pharaoh  in  Egypt;  and 
the  Lord  brought  us  out  of  Egypt  with  a 
mighty  hand ; 

22  And  the  Lord  let  come  signs  and  won- 
ders, great  and  sore,  on  Egypt,  on  Pharaoh, 
and  on  all  his  household,  before  our  eyes; 

2.3  And  us  he  brought  out  from  there;  in 
order  to  bring  us  in,  to  give  us  the  land  which 
he  had  sworn  unto  our  fathers. 

24  And  the  Lord  commanded  us  to  do  all 
these  statutes,  to  fear  the  Lord  our  God;  that 
it  might  be  well  with  us  at  all  times,  and 
that  he  might  preserve  us  alive,  as  it  is  at 
this  day. 

25  And  it  shall  be  accounted  righteousness 
unto  us,  if  we  observe  to  do  all  this  command- 
ment before  the  Lord  our  God,  as  he  hath 
commanded  us. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  T[  Wlien  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  bring 
thee  into  the  land  whither  thou  goest  to  pos- 
sess it,  and  cast  out  many  nations  before  thee, 
the  Ilittites,  and  the  Girgashites,  and  the 
Emorites,  and  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Periz- 
zites,  and  the  Ilivites,  and  the  Jebusites,  seven 
nations,  greater  in  number  and  mightier  than 
thou ; 

2  And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  give 
them  up  before  thee,  and  thou  dost  smite 
them:  thou  shalt  utterly  destroy  them;  thou 
slialt  not  mako  any  covenant  with  them,  nor 
shuw  mercy  unto  them. 

'  Ilcb.   IITD  "to-morrow,"  any  time  after  to-day. 
'•  "Son"  stands  here  for  the  entire  people;  therefore  it 
is  properly  followed  by  th('  plural  in  the  ne.xt  phrase. 
"  /.  ('.   The  one  who  is  in  tr\itii  (iod  the  Creator,  while 
220 


3  Neither  shalt  thou  make  marriages  witli 
them;  thy  daughter  shalt  thou  not  give  untc 
his  son.  and  his  daughter  shalt  thou  not  take 
unto  thy  son. 

4  For  he  ^vould  turn  away  thy  son*"  from 
following  me,  so  that  they  might  serve  other 
gods;  and  the  anger  of  the  Lord  would  be 
kindled  against  you,  and  he  would  destroy' 
thee  speedily. 

5  But  thus  shall  ye  do  unto  them :  their 
altars  shall  ye  pull  down,  and  their  statues 
shall  ye  break,  and  their  groves  shall  ye  cut 
down,  and  their  graven  images  shall  ye  liurn 
with  fire. 

6  For  thou  art  an  holy  people  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God;  of  thee  the  Lord  thy  God 
hath  made  choice  to  be  unto  himself  a  special 
people,  above  all  the  nations  that  are  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

7  Not  because  ye  are  more  in  number  than 
all  the  nations,  did  the  Lord  desire  you  and 
make  choice  of  you;  for  ye  are  the  fewest  of 
all  the  nations; 

8  But  on  account  of  the  love  of  the  Lord 
for  you,  and  because  he  keepeth  the  oath 
which  he  hath  sworn  unto  your  fathers,  hath 
the  Lord  brought  you  out  with  a  mighty 
hand,  and  redeemed  j'ou  out  of  the  house  of 
bond-men,  out  of  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  the  king 
of  Egypt.'-' 

9  Know  then  that  the  Eternal  thy  God,  is 
the"  God,  the  faithful  God,  who  keepeth  the 
covenant  and  the  mercy  with  those  that  love 
him  and  with  those  that  keep  his  connnand- 
ments  to  the  thousandth  generation; 

10  And  repayeth  those  that  hate  him  to 
their  face,"^  to  desti'oy  them;  he  will  not  de- 
lay to  him  that  hateth  him,  he  will  repay 
him  to  his  face. 

11  Therefore  shalt  thou  keep  the  command- 
ment, and  the  statutes,  and  the  ordinances, 
which  I  command  thee  this  day,  to  do  them. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  xl.  1  to  20. 


SECTION  XLVI.    AYKEB,  Dpr. 

12  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  reward 
for  that  ye  will  hearken  to  these  ordinances, 

the  other  deities  are  false,  powerle.ss,  imaginary  beings, 
therefore  not  Ood.  lu  this  sense  must  the  definite  artiele 
iu  this  and  other  instances  be  understood. 

^  J.  f.   At    once,    promptly,  ("Arnheim,   "in    their   life- 


DEUTERONOMY  VII.  VIII.     AYKEB. 


aiul  keep,  and  do  them,  that   the   Lord  thy  j 
God  will  keep  unto  thee   the   covenant  and 
the  kindnet^y  whieh  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy 
fathers : 

13  And  he  will  love  thee,  and  bless  thee, 
ind  multiply  thee;  and  he  will  bless  the 
fruit  of  thy  womb,  and  tlie  fruit  of  thy  land, 
thy  corn,  and  thy  wine,  and  thy  oil,  the  in- 
crease of  thy  cattle,  and  the  young  of  thy 
flocks,  in  the  land  which  he  hath  sworn  unto 
thy  fathers  to  give  unto  thee. 

14  Blessed  shalt  thou  be  above  all  the  na- 
tions; there  shall  not  be  a  barren  male  or 
female  among  thee,  nor  among  thy  cattle. 

15  And  the  Lord  will  take  away  from  thee 
all  sickness ;  and  all  the  evil  diseases  of  Egypt, 
which  thou  knowest,  will  he  not  put  upon 
thee;  but  he  will  lay  them  upon  all  those 
that  hate  thee. 

IG  And  thou  shalt  consume  all  the  nations 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  unto  thee; 
thy  eye  shall  not  look  with  pity  upon  them : 
and  thou  shalt  not  serve  their  gods;  tor  that 
would  be  a  snare  unto  thee. 

17  T[  If  thou  shouldst  say  in  thy  heart, 
These  nations  are  more  numerous  than  I: 
how  shall  I  be  able  to  dispossess  them? 

18  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  of  them;  (but) 
thou  shalt  well  remember  w'hat  the  Lord  thy 
God  did  unto  Pharaoh,  and  unto  all  Egypt; 

19  The  great  pi'oofs"  wliich  thy  eyes  have 
seen,  and  the  signs,  and  the  wonders,  and 
the  mighty  hand,  and  the  outstretched  arm, 
whereby  the  Lord  thy  God  brought  thee  out : 
in  this  wise  will  the  Lord  thy  God  do  unto 
all  the  people  of  whom  thou  art  afraid. 

;^0  Moreover  the  hornet  will  the  Lord  thy 
God  send  out  against  them,  until  they  that 
are  left,  and  hide  themselves  from  thee,  be 
destroyed. 

21  Thou  shalt  not  be  affrighted  at  them; 
for  the  Lord  thy  God  is  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
a  mighty  and  terril;)le  God. 

22  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  chase  out 
these  nations  before  thee,  little  by  little :  thou 
shalt  not  be  able  to  make  an  end  of  them 


time,")  so  that  the  guilt  be  expiated  in  the  fourth  genera- 
tion, while  tlie  righteousness  of  the  fathers  is  remembered 
to  the  thousandth  of  their  descendants.  ixiiyS  means 
"every  one  of  those  who  hate  him." 

'  Onkelos  renders  "wonders;"  Rashi  and  Mendelssohn, 
■'temptations;"  but  it  appears  to  be  a.s  above,  iv.  34,  to 
denote  the  positive  exhibitions  of  God's  power,  or  wonders 


speedily,  lest  the  beasts  of  the  field  increase 
upon  thee. 

2o  And  the  Lokij  thy  God  will  give  them 
up  before  thee,  and  he  will  bring  among 
them  a  mighty  confusion,  until  they  be  de- 
stroyed. 

24  And  he  will  give  their  kings  into  thy 
hand,  and  thou  shalt  destroy  their  name  from 
under  the  heavens:  no  num  shall  be  able 
to  stand  up  before  thee,  until  thou  have  de- 
stroyed them. 

25  The  graven  images  of  their  gods  shall 
ye  burn  with  fire:  thou  shalt  not  covet  the 
silver  or  gold  that  is  on  them,  so  that  thou 
wouldst  take  it  unto  thyself,  lest  thou  be 
ensnared  thereby ;  for  it  is  an  abomination  to 
the  Lord  thy  God. 

2G  And  thou  shalt  not  bring  an  abomintir 
tion  into  thy  house,  lest  thou  become  accursed 
like  it:  thou  shalt  utterly  detest  it,  and  thou 
shalt  utterly  abhor  it;  for  it  is  accursed. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ][  All  the  commandment  which  I  com- 
mand thee  this  day  shall  ye  observe  to  do;  in 
order  that  ye  may  live,  and  multiply,  and  go 
in  and  take  possession  of  the  land  which  the 
Lord  hath  sworn  unto  your  fathers. 

2  And  thou  shalt  remember  all  the  way 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  led  thee  these 
forty  years  in  the  wilderness,  in  order  to  afflict 
thee,  to  prove  thee,  to  know  what  is  in  thy 
heart,  whether  thou  wouldst  keep  his  com- 
mandments, or  not. 

o  And  he  afflicted  thee,  and  suffered  thee 
to  hunger,  and  he  gave  thee  manna  to  eat, 
which  thou  knewest  not,  and  which  thy 
fathers  had  not  known;  in  order  that  he 
might  make  thee  know  that  not  by  bread 
alone  man  dotli  live,  but  by  e^'ery  thing  that 
joroceedeth  out  of  the  mouth''  of  the  Lord 
doth  man  live. 

4  Thy  garment  did  not  tall  worn  out  from 
thee,"  and  thy  foot  did  not  swell,''  these  Ibrty 
years. 

5  And  thou  shalt  consider  in  thy  heart, 


sent  as  proofs  of  the  truth  of  the  prophetic  mission  of 
Moses. 

'  i.  e.  Whatever  is  produced  by  the  will  of  God.  God's 
word  creates;  hence  every  thing  proceeds  out  of  his 
mouth. 

°  After  Arnhcim. 

^  i.e.  From  walking  barefoot  in  the  sand. 

221 


DEUTERONOMY  VIII.  IX.     AYKEB. 


that,  as  a  man  chasteneth  his  son,"  so  doth 
the  Lord  thy  God  chasten  thee. 

6  And  thou  shalt  keep  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord,  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways, 
and  to  fear  him. 

7  For  the  Lord  thy  God  bringeth  thee  into 
a  g(jod  Land,  a  land  of  brooks  of  water,  of 
fountains  and  depths''  that  spring  out  of  val- 
leys and  mountains ; 

8  A  land  of  wheat,  and  barley,  and  of  the 
vine,  and  the  fig-tree,  and  the  pomegranate; 
a  land  of  the  oil-olive,  and  of  honey ; 

9  A  land  wherein  thou  shalt  eat  bread 
without  scarceness,  wherein  thou  shalt  not 
lack  any  thing;  a  land  the  stones  whereof 
are  iron,  and  out  of  the  mountains  of  which 
thou  canst  licw  copper. 

10  And  when  thou  hast  eaten  and  art 
satisfied,  then  shalt  thou  bless  the  Lord  thy 
God  for  the  good  land  which  he  hath  given 
thee.* 

11  Take"  heed  unto  thyself  that  thou  for- 
get not  the  Lord  thy  God,  so  as  not  to  keep 
his  commandments,  and  his  ordinances,  and 
his  statutes,  which  I  command  thee  this  day; 

12  That  when  thou  hast  eaten  and  art 
satisfied,  and  hast  built  goodly  houses,  and 
dwelt  therein; 

13  And  when  tl\y  herds  and  thy  flocks 
multiply,  and  thy  silver  and  thy  gold  are 
multiplied,  and  all  that  thou  hast  is  multi- 
plied : 

14  Thy  heart  be  then  not  lifted  up,  and 
thou  forget  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  hath 
brought  thee  forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
from  the  house  of  slavery; 

15  Who  hath  led  thee  through  the  great 
and  terrible  wilderness,  wherein  are  snakes, 
poisonous  serpents,  and  scorpions,  and  drought, 
where  there  is  no  water;  who  hath  brought 
forth  for  thee  water  out  of  the  fiinty 
rock ; 

16  Who  hath  fed  thee  in  the  wilderness 
with  manna,  wiiicli  thy  fathers  knew  not; 
in  order  to  alllict  thee,  and  in  order  to  Drove 
thee,  to  do  thee  good  at  thy  latter  end; 

*  The  father  punishes  the  son  to  correct  him  of  some 
rvil  habit  or  propensity;  in  the  same  manner  did  the 
Lord  punish  tlic  Israelites  to  cure  them  of  their  sinful- 
ness. 

'  "Lakes." — Aknuei.m. 

'  All  friini  this  verse  to  v.  17  inclusive  is  one  sentence, 
and  must  be  so  understood:  Moses  vfarns  the  people  not 
to  imagine,  after  all  the  dangers  should  he  passed,  that  it 
222 


17  And  thou  say  in  thy  heart.  My  power 
and  the  strength  of  luy  hand  have  gotten  me 
this  wealth. 

18  But  thou  shalt  remember  the  Lord  thy 
God;  for  it  is  he  that  giveth  thee  power  to 
get  wealth ;  in  order  that  he  might  fulfil  his 
covenant  which  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy 
fathers,  as  it  is  this  day. 

19  If  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  if 
thou  shouldst  forget  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
walk  after  other  gods,  and  serve  them,  and 
bow  thyself  down  to  them,  I  testify  against 
you  this  day  that  ye  shall  surely  perish ; 

20  Like  the  nations  which  the  Lord  de- 
stroyeth  from  before  you,  so  shall  ye  perish ; 
in  recompense  of  that  ye  would  not  hearken 
unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  your  God. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  T[  Hear,  0  Israel :  Thou  art  to  pass  this 
day  over  the  Jordan,  to  go  in  to  drive  out 
nations  greater  and  mightier  than  thou,  (to 
conquer)  cities  great  and  fortified  up  to 
heaven, 

2  A  people  great  and  tall,  the  children  of 
the  'Anakim,  whom  thou  knowest,  and  of 
whom  thou  hast  heard  say,  Who  can  stand 
before  the  children  of  'Anak ! 

3  Understand  therefore  this  day,  that  the 
Lord  thy  God  it  is  who  goeth  over  before 
thee,  he  is  a  consuming  fire;  he  will  destroy 
them,  and  he  will  subdue  them  before  thy 
face;  and  thou  wilt  drive  them  out.  and  de- 
stroy them  quickly,''  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
unto  thee.* 

4  Thou  must  not  say  in  thy  heart,  when 
the  Lord  thy  God  doth  cast  them  out  from 
before  thee,  as  followeth,  For  my  righteous- 
ness hath  the  Lord  Ijrought  me  in  to  possess 
this  land;  and  that  for  the  wickedness  of 
these  nations  the  Lord  doth  drive  them  out 
from  before  thee. 

5  Not  for  thy  righteousness,  nor  lor  the 
uprightness  of  th^y  heart,  dost  thou  go  in  to 
possess  their  land ;  but  for  the  wickedness  of 
these  nations  doth  the  Lord  thy  God  drive 


was  their  strength  which  had  accomplished  all,  but  to  look 
upon  their  acquisitions  as  the  gift  of  God ;  man  indeed  must 
labour,  but  God  alone  can  graut  success. 

■*  This  is  no  contradiction  to  vii.  '22 ;  for  there  it  merely 
says  that  the  conquest  shall  be  gradual ;  here  that,  though 
it  take  place  in  this  way,  it  would  still  be  in  less  time  than 
tiie  Israelites,  from  their  unprepared  .state  to  cope  with 
their  enemies,  could  rationally  expect. 


DEUTERONOMY  IX.     AYKEB. 


them  out  from  before  thee,  and  in  order  that 
he  may  fulfil  the  word  which  the  Lorp  hath 
sworn  unto  thy  fathers,  to  x\braham,  to  Isaac, 
and  to  Jacob. 

6  And  thou  shalt  know,  that  not  for  th}^ 
riditeousness  doth  the  Lord  thy  God  give 
unto  thee  this  good  land  to  possess  it;  for 
thou  art  a  stiff-necked  people. 

7  Remember,"  do  not  forget,  how  thou 
didst  provoke  the  Lord  thy  God  to  wrath  in 
the  wilderness :  from  the  day  that  thou  went- 
est  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  until  ye  came 
unto  this  place,  have  ye  been  rebellious 
against  the  Lord. 

8  Also  at  Horeb  ye  provoked  the  Lord  to 
wrath,  so  that  the  Lord  was  angry  with  you 
to  destroy  you. 

9  When  I  Avas  gone  up  into  the  mount  to 
receive  the  tables  of  stone,  the  tables  of  the 
covenant  which  the  Lord  had  made  with  you, 
and  1  aljode  on  the  mount  forty  days  and 
forty  nights,  Ijread  did  I  not  eat,  and  water 
did  I  not  drink. 

10  And  the  Lord  gave  unto  ine  the  two 
tables  of  stone  inscribed  by  the  finger  of  God ; 
and  on  them  (was  written)  according  to  all 
the  words,  which  the  Lord  had  spoken  with 
you  on  the  mount  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire 
on  the  day  of  the  assembly. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty 
days  and  forty  nights,  that  the  Lord  gave 
unto  me  the  two  tables  of  stone,  the  tables  of 
the  covenant. 

12  And  the  Lord  said  unto' me.  Arise,  get 
thee  down  f[uickly  from  here;  for  thy  people 
which  tliou  hast  brought  forth  out  of  Egypt 
have  become  corrujited ;  they  have  quickly 
turned  aside  out  of  the  way  which  I  have 
commanded  them;  they  have  made  them- 
selves a  molten  image. 

13  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  thus,  I 
have  seen  this  people,  and,  behold,  it  is  a  stifl- 
necked  people: 

14  Let  me  alone,  and  I  will  destroy  them, 
and  blot  out  their  name  from  imder  the 
heavens;  and  I  will  make  of  thee  a  nation 
mightier  and  more  numerous  than  they. 

15  And  I  turned  and  came  down  from  the 

*  Since  men  are  so  apt  to  imagine  all  they  receive  as 
justly  their  due,  the  prophet  here  impresses  upon  the 
people,  that  they  had  deserved  punishment,  not  the  great 
mercy  which  was  and  would  be  shown  them. 

'  Although  Moses  had  already  spoken  of  the  rebellion 


mount,  and  the  mount  was  burning  with  fire; 
and  the  two  tables  of  the  covenant  were  upon 
my  two  hands. 

l(j  And  I  looked,  and,  behold,  ye  had  sin- 
ned agaiivst  the  Lord  your  God,  ye  had  made 
yourselves  a  molten  calf;  ye  had  turned  aside 
quickly  out  of  the  way  which  the  Lord  had 
commanded  you. 

17  And  I  took  hold  of  the  two  tables,  and 
cast  them  out  of  my  two  hands,  and  I  broke 
them  Ijefore  your  ej'es. 

18  And  I  threw  myself  down  before  the  * 
Lord,  as  at  the  first,  forty  days  and  forty 
nights;  bread  did  I  not  eat,  and  water  did  I 
not  drink;  on  account  of  all  your  sins  which 
ye  had  committed,  in  doing  what  is  evil  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to 
anger. 

19  For  I  was  afraid  of  the  anger  and  the 
indignation,  wherewith  the  Lord  was  wi-otli 
against  3'ou  to  destroy  you;  but  the  Lord 
hearkened  unto  me  also  at  that  time. 

20  And  with  Aaron  was  the  Lord  Aery 
angry  to  destroy  him;  and  I  praved  also  tin- 
Aaron  at  the  same  time. 

21  And  your  work  of  sin,  which  yo  had 
made,  the  calf,  I  took  and  burnt  it  in  fire, 
and  stami^ed  it,  grinding  it  very  small,  until 
it  was  as  fine  as  dust:  and  I  cast  the  dust 
thereof  into  the  brook  that  descendeth  from 
the  mount. 

22  And  at  Taberah,  and  at  Massah  and  at 
Kibroth-hattalivah,  have  ye  been  provoking 
the  Lord  to  wrath. 

23  And  when  the  Lord  sent  you  from  Ka- 
desh-barnea',''  saying.  Go  up  and  take  posses- 
sion of  the  land  which  I  have  given  you : 
then  rebelled  ye  against  the  order  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  ye  believed  not  in  him,  and  ye 
hearkened  not  to  his  voice. 

24  Rel^ellious  have  ye  been  against  the 
Lord,  from  the  day  that  I  have  known  \on. 

2-5  And  I  threw  myself  down  Ijefore  the 
Lord  those  forty  days  and  forty  nights,  which 
I  threw  myself  down ;  because  the  Lord  had 
said  that  he  would  destroy  you. 

26  And  I  jsrayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  said,' 
0  Lord  Eternal,  destroy  not  thy  people  and 


upon  the  occasion  of  the  spies,  he  sums  up  here  this  event 
also  as  a  connected  portion  of  their  series  of  obdurate  sin- 
ning. 

°  As  was  said  above  with  the  ten  commandments,  so  it 
is  here :  Moses  gives  merely  the  substance   of  what  oc- 

223 


DEUTERONOMY  IX.  X.     AYKEB. 


thy  heritao'e,  which  thou  hast  redeemed 
through  thy  greatness,  which  thou  hast 
brought  forth  out  of  Egyj^t  with  a  mighty 
hand. 

27  Think  of  tliy  servants,  of  Abraliam,  of 
Isaac,  and  of  Jacob ;  turn  not  unto  the  stub- 
bornness of  this  people,  nor  to  its  wickedness, 
nor  to  its  sin  : 

28  Lest  (the  inhabitants  of)  the  bind 
whence  thou  hast  brought  us  out  say,  Out  of 
want  of  abihty  in  the  Lord  to  bring  them 

'^  into  the  land  which  he  had  promised  them, 
and  out  of  his  hatred  to  them,  hath  he 
brought  them  out  to  slay  them  in  the  wilder- 
ness. 

29  Whereas  they  are  thy  people  and  thy 
heritage,  whom  thou  hast  bi'ought  out  by  thy 
mighty  power  and  by  thy  outstretched  arm.* 

CHAPTEE  X. 

1  ^  At  that  time  the  Lord  said  unto  me, 
Hew  for  thyself  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto 
the  first,  and  come  up  unto  me  into  the 
mount;  and  make  thyself  an  ark  of  wood. 

2  And  I  will  write  on  the  tables  the  words 
that  were  on  the  first  tables  which  thou  hast 
broken;  and  thou  shalt  put  them  in  the  ark. 

3  And  I  made  an  ark  of  shift  im-wood,  and 
hewed  two  tables  of  stone  like  unto  the  first; 
and  I  went  up  into  the  mount,  with  the  two 
tables  in  my  hand. 

4  And  he  wrote  on  the  tables,  like  the  first 
writing,  the  ten  connnandments,  which  the 
Lord  had  spoken  unto  you  on  the  mount  out 
of  the  midst  of  the  fire  on  the  day  of  the  as- 
sembly; and  the  Lord  gave  them  unto  me. 

5  And  I  turned  myself  and  came  down 
from  the  mount,  and  I  put  the  tables  in  the 
ark  which  I  had  made;  and  they  have  re- 
mained there,  as  the  Lord  hath  commanded 
me. 

6  And  the  children  of  Israel  took  their 
journey  from  the  wells  of  the  children  of  Ya'a- 
kan  to  Mosserah :  there'  Aaron  died,  and  he 


curred,  and  confines  himself  not  to  the  exact  words  which 
were  spoken.  His  object  is  to  condense,  and  occasionally 
to  add  some  particulars  not  before  dwelt  upon. 

*  This  verse  is  thus  explained  by  Abon  Ezra  :  "  Above 
it  is  said  that  Moses  prayed  also  for  Aaron  ;  and  he  did 
not  die  then,  but  at  the  end  of  forty  years."  The  places 
mentioned  here  are  either  divisions  of  Mount  Hor,  or 
neighbiinring  places  thereto.  The  former  opinion  is  pro- 
bably the  most  correct. 
224 


was  buried  there ;  and  Elazar  his  son  became 
priest  in  his  stead. 

7  From  there  they  journeyed  unto  Gudgo- 
dah  ;  and  I'rom  Gudgodah  to  Yotbatha,  a  land 
of  brooks  of  waters. 

8  At  that  time^  did  the  Lord  separate  the 
tribe  of  Levi,  to  bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord,  to  stand  before  the  Lord  to 
minister  unto  him,  and  to  bless  in  his  name, 
unto  this  day. 

9  Therefore  was  not  assigned  unto  Levi 
any  poiition  or  mheritance  with  his  brethren : 
the  Lord  is  his  inheritance,  as  tlie  Lord  thy 
God  hath  spoken  to  him. 

10  And  I  stayed  on  the  mount,  like  the 
first  days,  forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  and 
the  Lord  hearkened  unto  me  also  at  that 
time,  the  Lord  would  not  destroy  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Ari.se,  go 
on  the  journey  before  the  i)eople,  that  they 
may  go  in  and  take  possession  of  the  land, 
which  I  have  sworn  unto  their  fathers  to  give 
unto  them.* 

12  ^  And  now,  Israel,  what  doth  the  Lord 
thy  God  require  of  thee,  but  to  fear  the  Lord 
thy  God,  to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  love 
him,  and  to  serve  the  Lord  thy  God  ^vith  all 
thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul, 

13  To  keep  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord,  and  his  statutes,  which  I  command  thee 
this  day,  for  thy  own  good  ? 

14  Behold,  to  the  Lord  thy  God  belong 
the  heavens  and  the  heavens  of  heavens,  and 
the  earth  with'  all  that  is  thereon ; 

15  Yet  only  in  thy  fathers  had  the  Lord 
delight,  to  love  them ;  he  chose,  therefore, 
their  seed  after  them,  namely  you,  from  all 
the  nations,  as  it  is  this  day. 

l(i  Remove"  therefore  the  obduracy  of  your 
heart,  and  be  no  more  stiff-neclved.'' 

17  For  the  Lord  your  God  is  the  God  of 
gods,  and  the  Lord  of  lords,  the  great,  the 
mighty,  and  the  terrible  God,  who  hath  no  re- 
gard to  persons,  and  talceth  no  bribe ; 


'  At  the  time  first  mentioned,  when  the  golden  calf  was 
made. 

°  The  phrase  employed  in  the  Hebrew  is  so  peculiarly 
idiomatic,  that  it  has  been  freely  rendered,  more  so  than 
any  other  hitherto  in  this  version.  Whatever  is  odious 
among  the  Israelites  is  called  "uncircumcised ;"  hence,  t<i 
convert  the  heart,  to  be  no  longer  disobedient,  is  called 
"circumcising  the  heart." 

''  Lit.  "And  cause  not  your  neck  to  be  slitV  any  uioro." 


DEUTERONOMY  X.  XI.     AYKEB. 


18  Who  executeth  justice  for  the  fatherless 
and  the  wiclo\v,  and  loveth  the  stranger,  to 
give  him  Ibod  and  raiment. 

19  Love  yv  then  the  stranger;  for  you  ha\c 
been  sti'angers  in  the  hmd  of  Egyjit. 

"20  The  Lord  thy  God  shalt  thou  fear:  him 
shalt  thou  serve,  and  to  him  shalt  thou  cleave, 
and  bv  his  name  shalt  thou  swear. 

21  lie  is  thy  praise,  and  he  is  thy  God, 
who  hath  done  for  thee  these  great  and  fear- 
ful things,  which  thy  own  eyes  have  seen. 

'I'l  With  sevent}'  persons  did  thy  fathers 
go  down  into  Egypt ;  and  now  the  Lord  th}' 
God  hath  made  thee  like  the  stars  of  heaven 
in  multitude. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1  Thou  shalt  therefore  love  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  keep  his  charge,  and  his  statutes, 
and  his  ordinances,  and  his  commandments, 
all  the  days. 

2  And  ye  shall  know  this  day,  that  (I 
speak)  not  with  your  children  who  have  not 
known,  and  who  have  not  seen  the  chastise- 
ment of  the  Lord  your  God,  his  greatness,  his 
strong  hand,  and  his  outstretched  arm  ; 

3  And  his  signs,  and  his  acts,  which  he 
displayed  in  the  midst  of  Egypt,  unto  Pharaoh 
the  king  of  Egypt,  and  unto  all  his  land ; 

4  And  what  he  did  unto  the  army  of 
Egypt,  unto  its  horses,  and  to  its  chariots; 
over  whom  he  caused  the  water  of  the  Red 
Sea  to  flow,  as  they  pursued  after  you,  and 
whom  the  Lord  destroyed  unto"  this  day; 

5  And  what  he  did  unto  you  in  the  wilder- 
ness, until  ye  came  unto  this  place ; 

6  And  what  he  did  unto  Dathan  and  Abi- 
ram,  the  sons  of  Eliab,  the  son  of  Reiiben; 
liow  the  earth  opened  her  mouth,  and  swal- 
lowed them  up,  and  their  households,  and 
their  tents,  and  all  tlie  living  substance  that 
followed  them,  in  the  midst  of  all  Israel ; 

7  But^  it  is  your  own  eyes  which  have  seen 
all  the  great  acts  of  the  Lord  which  he  hath 
done. 

8  Ye  shall  therefore  keep  all  the  command- 


'  Mcndelssohu  veuders  freely:  "Anrl  the  Lord  des- 
troyed them  to  such  a  degree,  that  none  of  them  is  to  be 
seen  any  more."  It  appears,  however,  that  the  phrase  is 
merely  the  strong  affirmative  frequently  used  by  Moses. 

''  With  this  ver.se  ends  the  f-cntencc  commenced  with 
verse  '2. 

°  "In  Egypt  it  was  necessary  tu  bring  water  from  the 
2D 


ment  which  I  command  you  this  day,  that  ye 
mav'  be  strong,  and  go  in  and  take  possession 
of  the  land,  whither  ye  go  over  to  possess  it; 
'J  And  in  order  that  ye  may  live  many 
days  in  the  land,  Avhich  the  Lord  hath  sworn 
luito  }'our  fathers  to  give  unto  them  and  to 
their  seed,  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
hone}  .* 

10  ^  For  tlie  land,  ^vhither  thou  goest  in  to 
possess  it,  is  not  like  the  land  of  Egypt,  from 
where  ye  came  out,  where  thou  sowest  thy 
seed,  and  waterest  it  with  thy  foot,"  as  a  gar- 
den of  herbs ; 

11  But  the  land,  whither  ye  go  over  to 
possess  it,  is  a  land  of  mountains  and  valleys, 
from  the  rain  of  heaven  doth  it  drink  water: 

12  A  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  careth 
for ;  always  are  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
upon  it,  from  the  beginning  of  the  year  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  year. 

13  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  ye  will 
hearken  diligently  unto  my  commandments 
which  I  command  you  this  day,  to  love  the 
Lord  your  God,  and  to  serve  him  with  all 
your  heart  and  with  all  your  soul, 

14  That  I  will  send  rain  for  your  land  in 
its  due  season,  the  first  rain  and  the  latter 
rain,  that  thou  mayest  gather  in  thj-  corn, 
and  thy  wine,  and  thy  oil. 

15  And  I  will  give  grass  in  thy  field  for 
thy  cattle ;  and  thou  shalt  eat  and  be  satisfied, 

16  Take  heed  to  yourselves,  that  your 
heart  be  not  deceived,  and  ye  turn  aside,  and 
serve  other  gods,  and  worship)  them  ; 

17  (For)  then  the  Lord's  wratii  will  be 
kindled  against  you,  and  he  will  shut  up  the 
heavens  that  there  be  no  rain,  and  the  land, 
will  not  yield  her  products ;  and  ye  shall 
perish  quickly  from  oft'  the  good  land  which 
the  Lord  giveth  unto  you. 

IS  Therefore  shall  ye  lay  u[)  these  my 
words  in  your  heart  and  in  your  sold ;  and  ye 
shall  bind  them  for  a  sign  upon  your  hand, 
and  they  shall  be  as  frontlets  between  your 
eyes. 

19  And  ye  shall  teach  them  to  your  chil- 


Nile  on  foot,"  (hence  the  expression  in  the  verse,)  "and 
to  water  it,  like  the  vegetable  garden,  which  has  not 
enough  from  the  rain  of  heaven." — Kashi.  It  however 
probably  alludes  to  the  water-wheels  used  in  the  East  for 
purposes  of  irrigation,  which  are  worked  by  treading  upon 
them,  ill  the  manner  iit  a  tn  ad-niill ;  in  this  view,  the  foot 
actually  does  the  watering. 

22b 


DEUTERONOMY  XL  XII.     REAY. 


clren,  to  speak  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in 
thy  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the 
way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when 
thou  I'isest  up. 

20  And  thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the 
door-posts  of  thy  house,  and  upon  thy  gates. 

21  In  order  that  your  days  may  be  multi- 
plied, and  the  days  of  your  children,  in  the 
land  which  the  Lord  swore  unto  your  fathers 
to  give  unto  them,  as  the  da_\s  of  the  heavens 
over  the  earth."* 

22  ][  For  if  ye  will  diligently  keep  all  this 
commandment  which  1  command  you,  in  order 
to  do  it,  to  love  the  Lord  your  God,  to  walk 
in  all  his  ways,  and  to  cleave  unto  him : 

2.3  Then  will  the  Lord  drive  out  all  these 
nations  from  before  you,  and  ye  sliall  supplant 
nations  greater  and  mightier  than  yourselves. 

24  Every  j^lace  whereon  the  sole  of  your 
foot  may  tread  shall  be  yours :  from  the  wil- 
derness and  the  Lebanon,  from  the  river,  the 
river  Euphrates,  eveu  unto  the  Western  Sea'' 
shall  be  your  boundary. 

25  There  shall  no  man  be  able  to  stand  up 
before  you  ;  the  dread  of  you  and  the  fear  of 
you  will  the  Lord  your  God  lay  upon  all  the 
land  which  ye  may  tread  upon,  as  he  hath 
spoken  unto  you. 

Ilaphtorah  iu  Isaiah  xlix.  14  to  li.  3. 


SECTION  XLVII.     REAY,  HNI. 

26  T[  Behold,  I  lay  before  3'ou  this  day  a 
blessing  and  a  curse  : 

27  The  blessing,  if  ye  will  hearken  unto 
.the  commandments  of  the  Lord  your  God, 

which  I  command  you  this  day ; 

28  And  the  curse,  if  ye  will  not  hearken 
unto  the  commandments  of  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  ye  turn  aside  out  of  the  way  which 
I  command  you  this  day,  to  go  after  other 
gods,  which  ye  know  not. 

29  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the 
IiORD  thy  God  shall   have  brought   thee  in 


unto  the  land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess 
it,  that  thou  shalt  put  the  blessing"  upon 
mount  Gerizzim,  and  the  curse  upon  mount 
'Ebal. 

30  Behold,  they  are  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Jordan,  far  away  in  the  direction  of  the 
going  down  of  the  sun,  in  the  land  of  the  Ca- 
naanites,  wlio  dwell  in  the  plain,  opposite 
Gilgal,  near  the  grove  of  Moreh. 

31  For  3'e  are  about  to  pass  over  the  Jor- 
dan to  go  in  to  take  j^ossession  of  the  land 
which  the  Lord  j-our  God  giveth  jou ;  and  ye 
will  possess  it,  and  dwell  therein. 

32  And  ye  shall  then  observe  to  do  all  the 
statutes  and  ordinances  which  I  set  before  you 
this  day. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  These  are  the  statutes  and  ordinances, 
which  ye  shall  observe  to  do,  in  the  land 
which  the  Lord,  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  giveth 
unto  thee  to  possess  it,  all  the  days  that  ye 
live  upon  the  earth. 

2  Ye  shall  utterly  destroy  all  the  places 
whereon  the  nations  which  ye  are  about  to 
drive  out  served  their  gods,  upon  the  high 
mountains,   and   upon   the   hills,   and   under 

'every  green  tree; 

3  And  ye  .shall  overthrow  their  altars,  and 
break  their  statues,  and  their  groves  shall  ye 
burn  with  fire;  and  the  graven  images  of  their 
gods  shall  3'e  hew  down ; and  }e  shall  destroy 
their  name  out  of  the  same  place. 

4  Ye  shall  not  do  so''  unto  the  Lord  }our 
God; 

5  But  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord  your 
God  ma}'  choose  out  of  all  your  tribes  to  put 
his  name  there,  even  unto  his  habitation 
shall  ye  repair,  and  thither  shalt  thou  come; 

G  And  ye  shall  bring  thither  ^our  burnt- 
offerings,  and  your  sacrifices,  and  your  tithes, 
and  the  heave-offering  of  your  liand,  and 
your  vows,  and  your  freewill-ofl'eriugs,  and 
the  first-born  of  your  herds  and  of  your 
flocks ; 


"  ('.  c.  While  tho  sky  is  visible  over  the  earth,  or  always. 

"'  /.  c.  The  Jlerliterraiieaii  Sea,  which  is  at  the  west  of 
Palestine;  .so  calleJ  in  reference  to  the  Sea  of  Kinnercth, 
which  is  at  the  cast.  tnriN  is  in  this  sense  opposed  to 
tmp,  "west"  and  "cast,"  not  "last"  and  "first." — After 

A'lMIKIM. 

'  'I'iie  manner  of  ihiing   thi.?  \rill   be  fmind  farther  ex- 
plained in  chap,  xxvii. 
226 


^  "  Ye  shall  not  sacrifice  unto  Heaven  in  every  place," 
&e.— P..\sin.  Thii;  is  another  energetic  prohibition  against 
following  the  heathen  practices.  On  every  promontory, 
hill,  or  remarkable  place,  temples  and  statues  were  erected; 
and  to  this  day  similar  customs  prevail  among  the  gen- 
tiles; but  not  so  should  Israel  do  :  they  were  one  people; 
they  liad  but  one  God  ;  they  ncrded  no  mediator,  so  thej 
1!  should  have  but  oue  temple,  and  one  altar. 


DEUTERONOMY  XII.     REAY. 


7  And  ye  shall  eat  there  before  the  Eord 
your  God.  and  ye  shall  rejoice  with  all  tlie 
acquisition  of  your  hand,  ye  and  your  house- 
holds, wherewith  the  Lord  thy  God  may  have 
blessed  thee. 

8  Ye  shall  not  do  after  all  the  manner  that 
we  do  here  this  day,  every  one  whatsoever  is 
right  in  his  own  eyes. 

9  For  ye  are  not  as  yet  come  to  tlie  rest 
and  to  the  inheritance,  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee. 

10  But  ye  will  go  over  the  Jordan,  and 
dwell  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  your  God 
causeth  you  to  inherit,  and  he  will  give  you 
rest  from  all  your  enemies  round  about,  so 
that  ye  may  dwell  in  safety.* 

11  And  then  shall  it  be,  that  the  place 
which  the  Lord  your  God  will  choose  to 
cause  his  name  to  dwell  there, — (even)  thither 
shall  ye  bring  all  that  I  command  30U :  your 
burnt-ofteriniis.  and  vour  sacrifices,  voiir  tithes, 
and  the  heave-offering  of  }'our  hand,  and  all 
your  choice  vows  which  ye  may  voav  unto  the 
Lord; 

12  And  ye  shall  rejoice  before  the  Lord 
your  God,  ye,  and  your  sons,  and  your  daugh- 
ters, and  your  men-servants,  and  your  maid- 
servants, and  the  Levite  who  is  within  your 
gates;  because  he  hath  not  any  portion  nor 
inheritance  with  you. 

13  Take  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  ofler  not 
thy  burnt^offerings  in  every  place  which  thou 
mayest  see ;  . 

14  But  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  will 
choose  in  one  of  thy  tribes,  there  shalt  thou 
offer  thy  burnt^offerings,  and  there  shalt  thou 
do  ah  *jiat  I  command  thee. 

15  iNotwiihstanding,  according  to  all  the 
longing  of  thy  soul,  mayest  thou  kill  and  eat 
flesh,  accordin"'  to  the  blessinti'  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  which  he  hath  given  thee,  in  all  thy 
gates:  the  unclean  and  the  clean  may  eat 
thereof  as  of  the  roebuck,  and  as  of  the  hart. 

IG  Only  the  blood  shall  ye  not  eat:  upon 
the  Ccirth  shall  ye  pour  it  out  as  water. 

17  Thou  mayest  not  eat  within  thy  gates 
the  titlie  of  thy  corn,  or  of  thy  wine,  or  of  thy 
oil.  nor  tlie  first-born  of  thy  herds  or  of  thy 
flocks,  nor  any  of  thy  vows  which  thou  mayest 

"  In  this  and  in  v.  14,  permission  is  granted  to  kill  ani- 
mals for  food,  beyond  the  precincts  of  the  temple,  prohi- 
oited  during  the  journey  on  the  desert.    (Lev.  xxvii.  3, 4.) 


vow,  nor  thy  freewill-offerings,  and  the  heave- 
offering  of  thy  baud; 

18  But  before  the  Lord  thy  God  must  thou 
eat  them  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  may  choose,  tliou.  and  thy  son,  and  thy 
daug-liter,  and  thy  nian-scr\;uit,  and  thy  maid- 
servant, and  the  Levite  who  is  within  thy 
gates;  and  thou  shalt  rejoice  before  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  the  ac(piisition  of  thy  hand. 

19  Take  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  forsake 
not  the  Levite  as  long  as  thou  livest  upon  thy 
land. 

20  Tl  When  the  Lord  thy  God  will  enlarge 
thy  border,  as  he  hath  spoken  unto  thee,  and 
thou  dost  say,  I  wish  to  eat  fiesh,  because  thy 
soul  longeth  to  eat  fiesh :  then  mayest  thou, 
according  to  all  the  longing  of  thy  soul,  eat 
flesh. 

21  K  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
may  choose  to  put  his  name  there  be  too  far 
for  thee :  then  mayest  thou  kill  of  thy 
herds"  and  of  thy  flocks,  which  the  Lord  hath 
given  thee,  as  I  have  commanded  thee;  and 
thou  shalt  eat  in  thy  gates  according  to  all 
the  longing  of  thy  soul. 

22  But  as  the  roebuck  and  the  hart  are 
eaten,  so  shalt  thou  eat  the  same  :  the  unclean 
and  the  clean  may  eat  thereof  together. 

23  Only  be  firm  so  as  not  to  eat  the  blood; 
for  the  blood  is  the  life ;  and  thou  shalt  not 
eat  the  life  with  the  fiesh. 

24  Thou  shalt  not  eat  it :  upon  the  earth 
shalt  thou  pour  it  out  like  water. 

25  Thou  slialt  not  eat  it ;  in  order  that  it 
may  go  well  with  thee,  and  with  thy  children 
after  thee,  when  thou  wilt  do  what  is  right 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

26  Nevertheless  thy  holy  things  which 
thou  mayest  have,  and  thy  vows,  shalt  thou 
take,  and  go  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord 
may  choose  : 

27  And  thou  shalt  offer  thy  burnt-offerings, 
the  fiesh  and  the  blood,  upon  the  altar  of  the 
Lord  thy  God;  and  the  Ijlood  of  thy  sacrifices 
shall  be  poured  out  u])on  the  altar  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  the  fiesh  shalt  thou  eat. 

28  Observe  and  hear  all  these  words  which 
I  command  thee;  in  order  that  it  may  go  well 
with  thee,  and  with  thy  children  after  thee 


Of  such  killing,  the  clean  and  unclean  may  eat  together. 
Verse  26  again  enjoins  that  whatever  has  been  sanctified, 
must  nevertheless  be  brought  to  the  altar. 

227 


DEUTERONOMY  XII.  XIII.     REAY. 


for  ever,  when  thou  wilt  do  what  is  good  and 
right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  thy  God.* 

29  ][  When  the  Lord  thy  God  will  cut  oflf 
the  nations,  whither  thou  goest  to  drive  them 
out  from  before  thee,  and  thou  succeedest 
them,  and  dwellest  in  their  land : 

30  Then  take  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  be 
not  snared  by  following  them,  after  they  have 
been  destroyed  from  before  thee ;  and  that 
thou  inquire  not  after  their  gods,  saying.  How 
did  these  nations  serve  their  gods  ?  even  so 
will  I  do  likewise. 

31  Thou  shalt  not  do  so  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God;  for  every  abomination"  to  the  Lord, 
which  he  hateth,  have  they  done  unto  their 
gods ;  for  even  their  sons  and  their  daughters 
have  they  burnt  in  the  fire  to  their  gods. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  What  thing  soever  I  command  you,  even 
that  shall  ye  observe  to  do :  thou  shalt  not  add 
thereto,  and  thou  shalt  not  diminish  there- 
from.'' 

2  ^  If  there  arise  in  the  midst  of  thee  a 
prophet,  or  a  dreamer  of  dreams,  and  he  giv- 
eth  thee  a  sign  or  a  token, 

3  And  the  sign  or  the  token  come  to  pass, 
whereof  he  spoke  unto  thee,  saying.  Let  us  go 
after  other  gods,  which  thou  dost  not  know, 
and  let  us  serve  them : 

4  Then  shalt  thou  not  hearken  unto  the 
words  of  that  prophet,  or  unto  that  dreamer 
of  dreams;  for  the  Lord  your  God  proveth 
you,  to  know  whether  ye  indeed  love"  the 
Lord  your  God  with  all  your  heart  and  with 
all  your  soul. 

5  After  the  Lord  your  God  shall  ye  walk, 
and  him  shall  ye  fear,  and  his  commandments 
shall  ye  keep,  and  his  voice  shall  ye  obey, 
and  him  shall  ye  serve,  and  unto  him  shall 
ye  cleave. 

6  And  that  prophet,  or  that  dreamer  of 
dreams,  shall  be  put  to  death;  because  he 
hath  spoken  revolt  against  the  Lord  your 
God,  who  hath  brought  you  out  of  the  land 


of  Egypt,  and  who  hath  redeemed  you  out  of 
the  house  of  bond-men,  to  mislead  thee  ironi 
the  way  which  the  Lord  thy  God  commanded 
thee  to  walk  tlierein ;  and  thou  shalt  put  the 
evil  iiway  from  the  midst  of  thee. 

7  T[  If  thy  bi'other,  the  son  of  thy  mother, 
or  thy  son,  or  thy  daughter,  or  tlie  wife  of 
thy  bosom,  or  thy  triend,  who  is  (dear  to  thee) 
as  thy  own  soul,  should  entice  thee,  in  secret, 
saying.  Let  us  go  and  serve  other  gods,  which 
thou  dost  not  know,  either  thou,  or  thy 
fathers ; 

8  Some  of  the  gods  of  the  nations  which 
are  round  about  you,  that  are  nigh  unt(j  thee, 
or  that  are  far  off  from  thee,  from  one  end  of 
the  earth  even  unto  the  other  end  of  the 
earth : 

9  Then  shalt  thou  not  consent  unto  him, 
nor  shalt  thou  hearken  unto  him  ;  nor  shall 
thy  eye  look  with  pity  on  him,  nor  shalt  thou 
spare,  nor  shalt  thou  conceal  it  for  him ; 

10  But  thou  shalt  surely  kill  him  ;  thy  hand 
shall  be  the  first  upon  him  to  put  him  to  death, 
and  the  hand  of  all  the  people  afterward. 

11  And  thou  shalt  stone  him  with  stones, 
that  he  die ;  because  he  sought  to  mislead 
thge  from  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  hath  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  house 
of  bond-men. 

12  And  all  Israel  shall  hear  it,  and  they 
shall  be  afraid,  and  they  shall  not  do  any 
more  such  a  wicked  deed  as  this  is  in  the 
midst  of  thee. 

13  ^  If  thou  shouldst  hear  concerning  one 
of  thy  cities,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
given  thee  to  dwell  there,  saying, 

14  There  have  gone  forth  men,  children  of 
worthlessness,''  from  the  midst  of  thee,  and 
have  misled  the  inhabitants  of  their  city,  say- 
ing. Let  us  go  and  serve  other  gods,  whicli  ye 
have  not  known  : 

15  Then  shalt  thou  iiiquire,  and  make 
search,  and  ask  diligentl}' ;  and,  behold,  if  it 
be  true,  the  thing  is  certain,  such  abomination 
hath  been  wrought  in  the  midst  of  thee : 


•  Inasmuch  as  the  worship  of  thr  heathens  presented  so  °  The  DWine  legislatimi  is  the  standard  ipf  truth  ;  conso- 
many  abominations,  the  Israelites  are  here  prohibited  '  quer.tly  no  miracle,  sliould  such  be  wrought,  can  be  o(m- 
from  copying  any  of  their  customs  in  tliis  respect ;  only  sidered  :,s  an  evidence  of  Divine  mission,  if  it  coutradict 
that  which  (!im1  commanded  could  he  lawfully  considered  ■  the  law.      The  will  of  God  is  expressed  in  his  revelation, 


Divine  worship,  and  no  addition,  however  elegant,  could 
be  tolerated.  The  ne.vt  verse,  therefore,  follows  properly 
as  a  farther  exposition. 

^  The  English  version  commences  cliap.  xiii.  at  verse  2 
228 


and  he  is  uo  man,  that  he  should  change 

■"  h})f  'Sj  "  without  yoke,  who  iiave  thrown  oft'  the  yoke 
of  Heaven." — K.vsiU.    "Sons  of  Belial"  has  uo  lueau- 

iug. 


DEUTERONOMY  XIII.  XIV.     REAY. 


16  Then  shall  tliou  smite  the  inliabitants 
of  that  city  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  de- 
voting it  utterly,  and  all  that  is  therein,  and 
the  cattle  thereof,  to  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

17  And  all  its  spoil  shalt  thcni  gather  into 
the  midst  of  the  market-place  thereof,  and 
thou  shalt  burn  with  fire  the  city,  and  all  its 
spoil  entirely,  unto  the  Lord  thy  God;  and  it 
shall  be  a  ruinous  heap  for  ever:  it  shall  not 
be  built  again. 

18  And  there  shall  not  cleave  to  thy  hand 
ausi'lit  of  the  devoted  things;  in  order  that  the 
Lord  may  turn  from  the  fierceness  of  his 
anger,  and  grant  thee  mercy,  and  have  mercy 
upon  thee,  and  multiply  thee,  as  he  hatli 
sworn  unto  thy  fathers; 

19  When  thou  wilt  hearken  to  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  keep  all  his  com- 
mandments which  I  command  thee  this  day, 
to  do  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord 
thy  God.* 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ][  Ye  are  the  children  of  the  Lord  your 
God:  ye  shall  not  cut  yourselves,  nor  make 
any  baldness  between  your  eyes  for  the 
dead. 

2  For  a  holy  people  art  thou  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  the  Lord  hath  made 
choice  of  thee  to  be  unto  himself  a  peculiar 
nation  above  all  the  nations  that  are  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

•3  ][  Thou  shalt  not  eat  any  abominable 
thing. 

4  These  are  the  beasts  which  ye  ma}'  eat : 
The  ox,  the  sheep,  and  the  goat, 

5  The  hart,  and  the  roebuck,  and  the  fal- 
low-deer, and  the  chamois,  and  the  gazelle, 
and  the  wild  ox,  and  the  antelope. 

6  And  every  beast  that  hath  parted  hoofs, 
and  whose  feet  are  cleft  into  two  claws,  and 
cheweth  the  cud  among  the  beasts — that 
alone  ma}'  }e  eat. 

7  Nevertheless  these  shall  ye  not  eat  of 
those  that  chew  the  cud,  and  of  those  that 
possess  the  divided  cloven  hoof:    The  camel. 


*  "  The  bat,"  according  to  Raslii  and  Mendelssohn.  Al- 
though this  word  has  been  left  unchanged  from  the  Eng- 
lish version,  it  is  not  probable  that  the  rendering  "swan" 
IS  correct;  the  word  noB'jn  being  also  applied  among  the 
creeping  animals  as  synonymous  with  '•mole."  conse- 
quently used  here  most  probably  to  denote  the  flying 
species,  ''the  bat." 


and  the  hare,  and  the  coney ;  for  they  chew 
the  cud,  but  divide  not  the  hoof;  unclean  are 
they  unto  you ; 

8  And  the  swine,  because  it  divideth  the 
hoof,  yet  cheweth  not  the  cud,  it  is  unclean 
unto  you ;  of  their  tlesli  shall  ye  not  eat.  and 
their  dead  carcass  shall  ye  not  touch. 

9  Tl  This  may  ye  eat  of  all  that  is  in  the 
waters :  All  that  hath  fins  and  scales  may  ye 
eat; 

10  And  whatsoever  hath  not  fins  and 
scales  shall  ye  not  eat;  it  is  unclean  unto 
you. 

11  ^  Every  clean  bird  may  ye  eat. 

12  But  these  are  they  which  ye  shall  not 
eat  of  them :  The  eagle,  and  the  ossifrage,  and 
the  osprey, 

13  And  the  glede,  and  the  kite,  and  tlie 
vulture  after  his  kind, 

14  And  every  raven  after  his  kind, 

15  And  the  ostrich,  and  the  night-hawk, 
and  the  cuckoo,  and  the  hawk  after  his  kind, 

16  The  little  owl,  and  the  great  owl,  and 
the  swan," 

1 7  And  the  pelican,  and  the  gier-eagle,  and 
the  cormorant, 

18  And  the  stork,  and  the  heron  after  his 
kind,  and  the  lapwing,  and  the  bat.'' 

19  And  every  winged  insect  is  unclean 
unto  }ou :  it  shall  not  be  eaten. 

20  All  clean  fowls  may  }'e  eat. 

21  Ye  shall  not  eat  any  thing  that  dieth 
of  itself:  unto  the  stranger"  that  is  in  thy 
gates  canst  thou  give  it,  that  he  may  eat  it; 
or  thou  mayest  sell  it  unto  an  alien ;  for  thou 
art  a  holy  j^eople  unto  the  Lord  thy  God; 
thou  shalt  not  seethe  a  kid  in  its  mother's 
milk.* 

22  ][  Thou  shalt  truly  tithe  all  the  pro- 
duce of  thy  seed,  which  the  field  bringeth 
forth  year  by  year. 

23  And  thou  shalt  eat  before  the  Lord  thy 
God,  in  the  place  which  he  will  choose  to 
cause  his  name  to  dwell  there,  the  tithe  oi 
thy  corn,  of  thy  wine,  and  of  thy  oil,  and  the 
first-born  of  thy  herds  and  of  thy  flocks;  in 


''  "The  swallow." — MENDELSSOHN;  who,  singularly 
enough,  doubtless  by  an  oversight  in  transcribing,  renders 
this  word  in  Lev.  xi.  19,  with  '•'  WtidcJtopf,"  English 
"pcwet"  or  "lapwing,"  "hoopoe." 

"  These  things  not  being  interdicted  for  their  unliealthi- 
ness,  but  because  God  chose  to  forbid  them  to  Israel 
they  may  be  eaten  by  others,  if  they  v.'Il. 

229 


DEUTERONOMY  XTV.  XV.     REAY. 


order  that  thou  may  leai'ii  to  ft-ar  the  Lord 
thy  God  all  the  days. 

24  And  if  the  way  be  too  long  for  thee,  so 
that  thou  art  not  able  to  carry  it;  because 
the  place  is  too  far  from  thee,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  will  choose  to  set  his  name 
tliere,  because  the  Lord  thy  God  will  bless 
thee : 

25  Then  shalt  thou  turn  it  into  money, 
and  Ijind  up  the  money  in  thy  hand,  and 
thou  shalt  go  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  will  choose; 

26  And  thou  shalt  lay  out  that  money  for 
whatsoever  thy  soul  longeth  after,  for  oxen, 
or  for  sheep,  or  for  wine,  or  for  strong  drink, 
or  for  whatsoever  thy  soul  asketh  of  thee; 
and  thou  shalt  eat  it  there  before  the  Lord 
thy  God,  anil  thou  shalt  rejoice,  thou,  and  thy 
household. 

27  And  the  Levite,  who  is  within  thy 
gates,  him  sluilt  thou  not  forsake;  for  he 
hath  no  portion  nor  inheritance  with  thee. 

28  T[  At  the  end  of  three  years  shalt  thou 
bring  forth"  all  the  tithe  of  thy  produce  in 
the  same  year,  and  thou  shalt  lay  it  down 
within  thy  gates: 

29  And  then  shall  come  the  Levite,  be- 
cause he  hath  no  portion  nor  inheritance  with 
thee,  with  the  stranger,  and  the  fatherless, 
and  the  widow,  that  are  within  thy  gates, 
and  they  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied;  in  order 
that  the  Lord  thy  God  may  bless  thee  in  all 
the  work  of  thy  hand  which  thou  doest.* 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  At  tlie  end  of  (every)  seven  years 
shalt  thou  make  a  release. 

2  And  this  is  the  manner  of  the  release : 
Every  creditor  shall  release  the  loan  which 
he  hath  lent  to  his  neighbour;  he  shall  not 
exact  it  of  his  neighbour,  or  of  his  brother; 
because  the  release  year  in  honour  of  the 
Lord  hath  been  ])roclaimed. 

•")  Of  a  foreigner  thou  mayest  exact  (pay- 
ment) ;  but  that  which  is  thine  with  thy 
brother  shall  thy  hand  release. 

4  Although''  indeed  there  should  be  no 
need}'  uuui  among  thee;  for  the  Lord  will 
greatly  bless  thee  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 


'  I.  c.  Out  of  the   house.     Every  third  year  the  tithe 
which  at  other  times  was  eaten  at  Jerusalem,  was  reserved 
for  tho  poor  iu  all  cities. 
230 


thy  God   giveth   thee   for  an   inheritance  to 
possess  it: 

5  Yet  only  if  thou  wilt  carefully  hearken 
unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  to  ol> 
serve  to  do  all  this  commandment  which  I 
command  thee  this  day. 

6  For  the  Lord  thy  God  blesseth  thee,  as 
he  hath  spoken  unto  thee;  and  thou  shalt 
lend  unto  many  nations,  but  thou  shalt  not 
borrow;  and  thou  shalt  rule  over  many  na- 
tions, but  over  thee  shall  they  not  rule. 

7  1[  If  there  be  among  thee  a  needy  man, 
au}'  one  of  thy  brethren  within  any  of  thy 
gates  in  thy  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee;  thou  shalt  not  harden  thy  heart, 
nor  shut  thy  hand  from  thy  needy  brother. 

8  But  thou  shalt  open  wide  thj'  hand  unto 
him,  and  thou  shalt  surely  lend  him  sufficient 
for  his  need,  which  his  want  requireth. 

9  Beware  that  there  be  not  a  wicked 
thought  in  thy  heart,  saying,  Tlie  seventh 
year,  the  year  of  release,  is  at  hand ;  and  thy 
eye  be  thus  evil  against  thy  needy  brother,  so 
that  thou  wouldst  give  him  nought;  and  if 
he  cry  concerning  tliee  unto  the  Lord,  it  will 
be  sin  in  thee: 

10  Thou  shalt  surely  give  him,  and  thy 
heart  shall  not  be  grieved  when  thou  giv .st 
unto  him ;  for  because  of  this  thing  the  Lord 
thy  God  will  bless  thee  in  all  thy  work,  and 
in  all  the  acquisition  of  thy  hand. 

11  For  the  needy  will  not  cease  out  of  the 
land;  therefore  do  I  command  thee,  saying, 
Thou  shalt  open  wide  thy  hand  unto  thy 
brother,  to  thy  poor,  and  to  thy  needy,  in 
thy  land. 

12  ][  If  thy  brother,  the  Hebrew,  or  a  He- 
brew woman,  be  sold  unto  thee,  he  shall  serve 
thee  six  years;  and  in  the  seventh  year  shalt 
thou  let  him  go  free  from  thee. 

13  And  when  thou  lettest  him  go  out  free 
from  thee,  thou  shalt  not  let  him  go  away 
empty : 

14  Thou  shalt  funiish  liim  liljerally  out  of 
thy  flocks,  and  out  of  thy  threshing-floor,  and 
out  of  thy  wine-press;  wherewith  the  Lord 
thy  God  hath  blessed  thee,  that  shalt  thou 
give  unto  him. 

15  And   thou   slialt   remember   that   thou 


"  This  verse  has  been  rendered  according  to  Moniicls-. 
sohn;  but  it  evidently  means  that  the  poor  siiould  In'  very 
few ;  hence  to  relieve  them  will  be  no  difEoult  duty. 


DKUTERONOMY  XV.  XVI.     REAY. 


hast  l)<'en  a  bond-man  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
and  that  tlie  Lord  thy  God  hatli  redeemed 
thee;  therefore  do  I  command  thee  this  thing 
to-day. 

IG  And  it  shall  be.  if  he  say  unto  thee.  T 
will  not  go  away  from  thee;  because  he  loveth 
thee  and  thy  house,  because  he  is  well  with 
thee : 

17  Then  shalt  thou  take  an  awl,  ^and 
thrust  it  through  his  ear  unto  the  door,  and 
he  shall  be  unto  thee  a  servant  for  ever;*  and 
also  unto  thy  maid-servant  shalt  thou  do  like- 
wise. 

18  It  shall  not  seem  hard  unto  thee,  when 
thou  sendest  him  away  free  from  thee,  that 
for  double  the  w'ages  of  a  hired  labourer  hath 
he  served  thee  si.K  years;  and  the  Lord  thy 
God  will  bless  thee  in  all  that  thou  doest.* 

19  ^  All  the  first-born  males  that  come  of 
thy  herds  and  of  thy  flocks  shalt  thou  sanctify 
unto  the  Lord  thv  God :  thou  shalt  do  no 
work  with  the  first-born  of  thy  bullock,  and 
not  shear  the  first-bora  of  thy  sheep. 

20  Before  the  Lord  thv  God  shalt  thou 
eat  it  year  by  year,  in  the  place  which  the 
Lord  will  choose,  thou  with  th}-  household. 

21  And  if  there  be  any  blemish  thereon, 
if  it  be  lame,  or  blind,  or  have  any  (other)  ill 
blemish,  thou  shalt  not  sacrifice  it  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

22  Within  thy  gates  shalt  thou  eat  it, 
the  unclean  and  the  clean  together,  as  the 
roebuck,  and  as  the  hart. 

2o  Only  the  Ijlood  thereof  shalt  thou  not 
eat:  upon  the  ground  shalt  thou  pour  it  out 
as  water. 

CHAPTER  XVL 

1  ^  Observe  the  month  of  Abib,''  and  pre- 
pare the  passover-sacrilice  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God;  for  in  the  month  of  Abil)  did  tlie  Lord 
thy  God  bring  thee  forth  out  of  Egypt  by 
night. 

2  And  thou  shalt  sacrifice  the  [)assover- 
offering  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  of  sheep  and 
oxen,  in  the  place  which  the  Lord  will  choose 
to  let  Ins  name  dwell  there. 

3  Thou  shalt  not  eat  therewith  any  leaven- 
ed bread;  seven  days  shalt  thou  eat  there- 
with unleavened  bread,  the  bread  of  affliction; 

*  i.  e.  Till  the  jubilee,  when  all  seivltuJe  terminates. 
'  t.  e.  The  ripening  of  the  grain. 


for  in  haste  didst  thou  go  forth  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt ;  in  order  that  thou  nia}  est  vv.' 
member  the  day  of  thy  going  tbith  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt  all  the  days  of  th}'  life. 

4  And  there  shall  not  be  seen  with  thee 
any  leaven  in  all  tin*  borders  seven  days: 
neither  shall  there  any  of  the  flesli,  which 
thou  sacrificedst  in  the  evening,  on  the  first 
day,  remain  all  night  until  tlie  morning. 

■5  Thou  mayest  not  slay  the  passover  witli- 
in  any  of  thy  gates,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee; 

6  But  at  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  will  choose  to  let  his  mime  dwell  in. 
there  shalt  thou  slay  the  passover  at  e\(n- 
ina",  a-t  the  going  down  of  the  sun,  at  the 
season  that  thou  camest  forth  out  of  Egypt. 

7  And  thou  shalt  roast"  and  eat  it  in  the 
place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  will  choose; 
and  thou  shalt  turn  in  the  morning,  and  go 
unto  thy  tents. 

8  Six  days  shalt  thou  eat  unleavened 
bread;  and  on  the  seventh  day  shall  be  a 
solemn  assembly  to  the  Lord  thy  God ;  thou 
shalt  do  no  work. 

9  ^  Seven  weeks  shalt  thou  nundjer  unto 
thyself:  from  the  time  thou  beginnest  to  put 
the  sickle  to  the  corn,  shalt  thou  begin  to 
number  seven  weeks. 

10  And  thou  shalt  keep  the  feast  of  weeks 
unto  the  Lord  thy  God  with  a  tribute  of  a 
freewill-offering  of  thy  hand,  which  thou  shalt 
give:  according  as  the  Lord  tliy  God  shall 
have  blessed  thee. 

11  And  thou  shalt  rejoice  Ijefore  the  Lord 
thy  God,  thou,  and  thy  son,  and  thy  daugh- 
ter, and  thy  man-servant,  and  thy  maid-ser- 
vant, and  the  Levite  that  is  within  thy  gates, 
and  the  stranger,  and  the  fatherless,  and  the 
widow,  that  are  in  the  midst  of  thee,  in  the 
place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  will  choose  to 
let  his  name  dwell  there. 

12  And  thou  shalt  rememlter  that  tliou 
hast  been  a  bond-man  in  Egypt ;  and  thou 
shalt  observe  and  do  these  statutes. '=" 

13  ^  The  feast  of  tabernacles  shalt  thou 
hold  for  thyself  seven  days,  when  thou  hast 
gathered  in  the  produce  of  thy  threshing- 
floor  and  of  thy  wine-press: 

14  And   thou   shalt  rejoice   on   thy   feast, 

°  Heb.  "Boil;"  but  the  preparation  of  the  passnver  wn;" 
by  roa?ting. 

231 


DEUTERONOMY  XVI.  XVII.  SHOPHETIM. 


thuii,  and  thy  son,  and  tli}'  daughter,  and  thy 
man-servant,  and  thy  maid-servant,  and  the 
Levite,  and  the  stranger,  and  the  fatherless, 
and  the  widow,  that  are  within  thy  gates. 

15  Seven  days  shalt  thou  Iveep  a  solemn 
feast  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  in  the  place 
which  the  Lokd  will  choose;  because  the 
Lord  thy  God  will  bless  thee  in  all  thy  pro- 
duct, and  in  all  the  work  of  thy  hands,  and 
thou  shalt  only  rejoice. 

16  Three  times  in  the  year  shall  every  one 
of  thy  males  appeAr  before  the  Lord  thy  God 
in  the  place  which  he  will  choose:  on  the 
feast  of  unleavened  bread,  and  on  the  feast  of 
weeks,  and  on  the  feast  of  tabernacles;  and 
no  one  shall  appear  before  the  Lord  empty; 

17  Every  man  according  to  Avhat  his  hand 
can  give,  according  to  the  blessing  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  which  he  hath  given  thee. 

Ilanhtin-ah  in  Isaiah  liv.  11  to  Iv.  5. 


SECTION  XL VIII.    SHOPHETIM,  D't3£)r. 

18  ^  Judges  and  officers  shalt  thou  appoint 
unto  thyself  in  all  thy  gates,  Avhicli  the  Lord 
thy  (iod  giveth  thee,  throughout  thy  tribes: 
and  they  shall  judge  the  people  with  a  just 
judgment. 

ill  Thou  shalt  not  wrest  judgment;  thou 
shalt  not  resjject  persons,  and  thou  shalt  not 
talvo  a  bribe;  for  tlie  bril)e  lilindeth  the  eyes 
of  the  wise,  and  perverteth  the  words  of  the 
righteous. 

20  Justice,  (mly  justice  shalt  thou  pursue; 
in  order  that  thou  niayest  live,  and  retain 
possession  of  the  land  wliich  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee. 

21  T[  Thou  shalt  not  plant  unto  thyself  a 
grove,  any  tree,  near  the  altar  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  which  thou  shalt  make  unto  thy- 
self 

22  Neither  shalt  thou  set  thee  up  any 
statue,"  which  the  Lord  thv  God  hateth. 

CHAPTER  XVn. 

1  %  Tliou  shalt  not  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God  any  bullock,  or  lamb,  whereon  there 


•Lit.  " Jlonument,"  or  ".standing  stone."  Single 
stones  wore  erected  by  heathens  for  altars  to  idols,  and 
some  idols  even  were  represented  by  rude  unseulptured 
blocks;  hence  tie  prohibition  of  them,  and  of  all  figures 
or  statues  put  up  as  monuments. 


is  a  blemish,  any  tiling  evil;  for  it  is  an  alio- 
mination  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

2  ^  If  there  be  found  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
within  any  one  of  thy  gates,  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee,  a  man  or  a  woman,  that 
doth  the  wickedness  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  to  transgress  his  covenant, 

3  And  he  hath  gone  and  served  other  gods, 
anc^  worshipped  them,  either  the  sun,  or  the 
moon,  or  any  of  the  host  of  heaven,  which  I 
have  prohibited; 

4  And  it  be  told  thee,  and  thou  hearest  of 
it:  then  shalt  thou  inquire  diligently;  and, 
behold,  if  it  be  true,  the  thing  is  certain,  such 
abomination  hath  been  wrought  in  Israel : 

-3  Then  shalt  thou  bring  forth  that  man  or 
that  woman,  who  have  committed  this  wack- 
ed  thing,  unto  thy  gates,  the  man  or  the 
woman,  and  thou  shalt  stone  them  with 
stones  till  they  die. 

6  Upon  the  evidence''  of  two  witnesses,  or 
of  three  witnesses,  shall  he  that  is  worthy  of 
deatli  be  put  to  death:  he  shall  not  l^e  put  to 
death  upon  the  evidence  of  one  witness. 

7  The  hand  of  the  witnesses  shall  be  first 
upon  him  to  put  him  to  deatli.  and  the  hand 
of  all  the  people  at  the  last;  and  thou  shalt 
put  the  evil  away  from  the  midst  of  thee. 

8  ^  If  a  matter  be  unknown"  to  thee  for 
decision,  between  blood  and  blood,  Ijetween 
plea  and  plea,  and  between  bodily  injury  and 
injury,  (or)  matters  of  controversy  within  thy 
gates:  then  shalt  thou  arise,  and  get  thee  up 
unto  the  place  which  the  Lord  thy  God  v,ill 
choose ; 

9  iVnd  thou  shalt  come  unto  the  priests, 
the  Levites,  and  unto  the  judge  that  may  be  in 
those  days,  and  thou  shalt  inquire,  and  they 
shall  inform  thee  of  the  sentence  of  the  case ; 

10  And  thou  shalt  do  according  to  the  sen- 
tence, wdiich  they  may  tell  thee  from  that 
place  which  the  Lord  will  choose,  and  tliou 
shalt  observe  to  do  according  to  all  tliat  they 
may  instruct  thee; 

11  In  accordance  with  the  instruction 
which  they  may  instruct  thee,  and  according 
to  the  decision  which  they  may  say  unto  thee, 
shalt  thou  do:  thou  shalt  not  depart  from  the 

'  Heb.  "Mouth,"  or  that  spoken  by  the  mouth;  here, 
"evidence." 

"  xSiJ'  from  xSi)  "a  wonder;"  hence  "extraordinary," 
"too  difficult,"  or  "unknown."  The  last  word  has  been 
selected  as  best  comprising  all  the  shades  of  meaning. 


DEUTERONOMY  XVII.  XVIII.     SHOPHETIM. 


sentence  which  they  may   tell  thee,  to  the 
right,  or  to  the  left. 

12  And  the  man  that  will  act  presump- 
tuously, so  as  not  to  hearken  unto  the  priest 
that  standeth  to  minister  there  before  the 
Lord  thy  God,  or  unto  the  judge,  even  that 
man  shall  die ;  and  thou  shalt  put  away  the 
evil  from  Israel. 

13  And  all  the  people  shall  hear,  and  be 
afraid,  and  not  act  presumptuously  any  more.* 

14  ]|  When  thou  art  come  unto  the  land 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  and 
thou  hast  taken  possession  of  it,  and  dwellest 
therein,  and  thou  sayest,  I  wish  to  set  a  king 
over  me,  like  all  the  nations  that  are  round 
about  me : 

15  Then  mayest  thou  indeed  set  a  king 
over  thee,  the  one  whom  the  Lord  thy  God 
will  choose;  (but)  from  the  midst  of  thy 
brethren  shalt  thou  set  a  king  over  thee; 
thou  mayest  not  set  over  thee  a  stranger,  who 
is  not  thy  brother. 

16  Only  he  shall  not  acquire  for  himself 
many  horses,  so  that  he  may  not  cause  the 
people  to  return  to  Egypt,''  in  order  to  acquire 
many  horses;  whereas  the  Lord  hath  said 
unto  you.  Ye  shall  henceforth  not  return  on 
that  way  any  more. 

17  Neither  shall  he  take  to  himself  many 
wives,  that  his  heart  may  not  turn  away;  nor 
shall  he  acquire  for  himself  too  much  silver 
and  gold. 

18  And  it  shall  be.  when''  he  sitteth  upon 
the  throne  of  his  kingdom,  that  he  shall  wiite 
for  himself  a  copy  of  this  law  in  a  book  out 
of  (that  which  is)  before  the  priests,  the  Le- 
vi tes  ; 

19  And  it  shall  be  with  him,  and  he  shall 
read  therein  all  the  days  of  his  life:  in  order 
that  he  may  learn  to  fear  the  Lord  his  God, 
to  keep  all  the  words  of  this  law  and  these 
statutes,  to  do  them. 

20  So  that  his  heart-  be  not  lifted  up  above 
his  brethren,  and  so  that  he  turn  not  aside 
from  the  commandment,  to  the  right,  or  to 

"  Egypt  being  the  country  which  procluccd  the  best 
horses. 

''  "At  the  commencement  of  his  reign." — Aben  Ezra. 

°  Tradition  fixes  a  sixtieth  portion,  and  with  a  posses- 
sion of  not  less  than  five  sheep. 

''  This  version  of  the  English  Bible  is  nearly  in  accord- 
ance with  Aben  Ezra.  Mendelssohn  renders,  "  Besides  his 
income  of  his  property  at  home  which  he  may  sell."  Arn- 
heim,  however,  refers  this  part  of  the  verse  back  to  verse 

2E 


the  left:  in  order  that  he  may  live  many 
days  in  his  kingdom,  he,  and  his  children,  in 
the  midst  of  Israel.* 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  T[  The  priests,  the  Levites,  and  all  the 
tribe  of  Levi,  shall  have  no  portion  nor  in- 
heritance with  Israel :  the  fire-offerings  of  the 
Lord,  and  his  inheritance  shall  they  consume. 

2  But  any  inheritance  shall  he  not  have 
among  his  brethren:  the  Lord  is  his  inherit- 
ance, as  he  hath  sjwken  unto  him. 

3  ^  And  this  shall  be  the  priests'  due  from 
the  people,  from  them  that  slay  an  animal, 
whether  it  be  ox  or  lamb:  then  shall  each 
one  give  unto  the  priest  the  shoidder,  and  the 
two  cheeks,  and  the  maw. 

4  The  first-fruit  of  thy  corn,  of  thy  wine, 
and  of  thy  oil,  and  the  first  shearing"  of  thy 
sheep,  slialt  thou  give  him. 

5  For  him  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  chosen 
out  of  all  thy  tribes,  to  stand  to  minister  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  he  and  his  sons  all  the 
days.* 

6  ^  And  if  the  Levite  come  from  any  one 
of  thy  gates  out  of  all  Israel,  where  he  so- 
journeth,  and  come  with  all  the  longing  of 
his  soul  inito  the  jjlace  which  the  Lord  will 
choose : 

7  Then  can  he  minister  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  his  God,  like  all  his  brethren  the  Le- 
vites, who  stand  there  before  the  Lord. 

8  They  shall  have  like  portions  to  eat,  be- 
sides that  which  cometh  of  the  sale''  of  his 
patrimony. 

9  ^  When  thou  comest  into  the  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  thou  shalt  not 
learn  to  do  after  the  abominations  of  those 
nations. 

10  There  shall  not  be  found  among  thee 
any  one  who  causeth  his  son  or  his  daughter 
to  pass  through  the  fire,  one  who  useth  di\'i- 
nation,  one  who  is  an  observer  of  times,  or  an 
enchanter,  or  a  conjurer, 

11  Or  a  charmer,  or  a  consulter  with  fa- 

1 : — The  priests,  the  Levites,  &e.,  shall  have  no  property, 
"except  the  assigned  portions  (see  Lev.  xxv.  -34)  which 
shall  remain  in  the  family  divisions;"  taking  i^r^-^  in  the 
light  of  "assigned  portion,"  and  ni^NH  as  nnND  'n3 
"family  divisions,"  and  understanding  rrr  before  S;'. 
Compare  with  Num.  xxxvi.  12.  This  construction  is  in- 
genious, but  certainly  too  improbable,  Rashi  refers  this 
section  to  the  priests,  who  are  also  called  Levites,  as  they 
are  the  only  ones  entitled  to  take  part  in  the  sacrifices. 

233 


DEUTERONOMY  XVIII.  XIX.     SHOPHETIM. 


miliar  spirits,  or  a  wizard,  or  who  iuquireth 
of  the  dead. 

12  For  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord  are 
all  that  do  these  things;  and  on  account  of 
these  abominations  the  Lord  thy  God  doth 
drive  them  out  from  before  thee. 

13  Perfect  shalt  thou  be  with  the  Lord 
thy  God.* 

14  For  these  nations,  which  thou  art  about 
to  dispossess,  hearken  unto  observers  of  times, 
and  unto  diviners;  but  as  for  thee,  the  Lord 
thy  God  hath  not  assigned  the  like  unto  thee. 

15  A  prophet  from  the  midst  of  thee,  of 
thy  brethren,  like  unto  me,  will  the  Lord  thy 
God  raise  up  unto  thee;  unto  him  shall  ye 
hearken : 

16  According  to  all  that  thou  didst  desire 
of  the  Lord  thy  God  at  Horeb  on  the  day  of 
the  assembly,  saying,  I  wish  no  more  to  hear 
the  voice  of  the  Lord  my  God,  and  this  great 
fire  I  wish  not  to  see  again,  that  I  die  not. 

17  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  They  have 
done  well  in  wliat  they  have  spoken. 

18  A  prophet  will  I  raise  up  unto  them 
from  among  their  brethren,  like  unto  thee; 
and  I  will  put  my  words  in  his  mouth  ;  and 
he  shall  speak  unto  them  all  that  I  may  com- 
mand him. 

19  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  if  there 
be  a  man  Avho  will  not  hearken  unto  my 
words  which  he  shall  speak  in  my  name,  I 
myself  will  require  it  of  him. 

20  But  the  prophet,  who  may  presume  to 
speak  a  word  in  my  name,  which  I  have  not 
commanded  liim  to  speak,  or  who  may  speak 
in  the  name  of  other  gods — even  that  prophet 
shall  die. 

21  And  if  thou  shouldst  say  in  thy  heart, 
How  shall  we  know  the  word  which  the  Lord 
hath  not  spoken  ? 

22  That  which  the  prophet  speaketh  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  the  thing  do  not  j 
happen  and  come  not  to  pass — this  is  the  word  j 
which  the  Lord  hath  not  sjjoken;  in  pre-! 
sumption  hath  the  prophet  spoken  it;  thou| 
shalt  not  be  afraid  of  him.  I 

CHAPTER  XIX.  j 

1  *i\  When  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  havei 
cut  off  the  nations,  whose  land  the  Lord  thy 
God  giveth  thee,  and  thou  hast  driven  them 
out,  and  dwellest  in  their  cities,  and  in  their 
houses : 

■18i 


2  Then  shalt  thou  set  apart  three  cities  for 
thyself,  in  the  midst  of  thy  land,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  to  j^ossess  it. 

3  Thou  shalt  pat  in  order"  for  thyself  the 
(way  to  them),  and  divide  into  three  parts  the 
territory  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
will  give  thee  to  inherit,  and  it  shall  serve, 
that  every  man-slayer  may  flee  tliither. 

4  And  this  is  tiae  case  of  the  man-slayer, 
who  shall  flee  thither,  that  he  may  live: 
Whoso  smiteth  his  neighbour  without  know- 
ledge, when  he  hath  not  been  an  enemy  to 
him  in  time  past; 

5  And  he  that  goeth  into  the  forest  with 
his  neighbour  to  hew  wood,  and  his  hand 
fetcheth  a  stroke  with  the  axe  to  cut  down 
the  tree,  and  the  iron  slippeth  from  the  helve, 
and  striketh  his  neighbour,  that  he  die :  this 
one  shall  flee  unto  one  of  these  cities,  and 
live; 

6  That  the  avenger  of  the  blood  pursue  not 
the  man-slayer,  while  his  heart  is  hot,  and 
overtake  him,  because  the  way  is  long,  and 
smite  him  dead;  whereas  he  deserveth  not  a 
judgment  of  death,  inasmuch  as  he  was  not 
an  enemy  to  him  in  time  past. 

7  Therefore  do  I  command  thee,  saying, 
Three  cities  shalt  thou  set  apart  for  tliyself. 

8  And  if  the  Lord  thy  God  enlarge  thy 
boundary,  as  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy  lathers, 
and  give  thee  all  the  land  which  he  hath 
spoken  to  give  unto  thy  fathers ; 

9  Because  tliou  dost  keep  all  this  com- 
mandment to  do  it,  which  I  command  thee 
this  day,  to  love  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to 
walk  in  his  ways  all  the  days :  then  shalt  thou 
add  for  thyself  thi'ee  cities  more,  unto  these 
three ; 

10  That  innocent  blood  be  not  shed  in  the 
midst  of  thy  land,  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance,  and  blood- 
guiltiness  be  brought  upon  thee. 

11  ][  But  if  any  man  be  an  enemy  to  his 
neighbour,  and  he  lie  in  wait  for  him,  and 
rise  up  against  him,  and  smite  him  mortally  so 
that  he  die,  and  he  flee  unto  one  of  these  cities: 

12  Then  shall  the  elders  of  his  city  send 
and  fetch  him  thence,  and  they  shall  deliver 
him  into  the  hand  of  the  avenger  of  the 
blood,  that  he  may  die. 

'  The  road  was  to  be  made  level,  and  guide-postg  put 
up,  so  th:it  the  murderer  might  not  be  detained  needlessly 


DEUTERONOMY  XIX.  XX.   SOPHETIM 


13  Thy  eye  shall  not  look  with  pity  on 
him;  but  thou  shalt  put  away  the  (shedding 
of)  innocent  blood  from  Israel,  that  it  may 
go  well  with  thee.''' 

14  *[]  Thou  shalt  not  remove  the  landmark 
of  thy  neighbour,  which  they  of  old  time  have 
set,  in  thy  inheritance  which  thou  shalt  in- 
herit, in  the  land  that  the  Lord  thy  God  giv- 
eth  thee  to  possess  it. 

15  ^  There  shall  not  rise  up  one  single 
witness  against  a  man  for  any  iniquity,  or  for 
any  sin,  in  any  sin  that  he  sinneth :  upon  the 
evidence  of  two  witnesses,  or  upon  the  evi- 
dence of  three  witnesses,  must  a  case  be  es- 
tablished. 

16  If  a  witness  of  violence  rise  up  against 
any  man  to  testify  against  him  for  any 
wrong : 

17  Then  shall  both  the  men,  who  have  the 
controversy,  stand  before  the  Lord,  before 
the  priests  and  the  judges,  who  shall  be  in 
those  days; 

18  And  the  judges  shall  inquire  diligently; 
and,  behold,  if  the  witness  be  a  folse  witness, 
he  hath  testified  a  falsehood  against  his  bro- 
ther : 

19  Then  shall  ye  do  unto  him,  as  he  had 
purposed  to  do  unto  his  brother;  and  thou 
shalt  put  away  the  evil  from  the  midst  of 
thee. 

20  And  those  who  remain  shall  liear,  and 
be  afraid,  and  shall  henceforth  commit  no 
more  any  such  evil  thing  in  the  midst  of  thee. 

21  And  thy  eye  shall  have  no  pity;  but 
life  (shall  go)  for  life,  eye  for  eye,  tooth  for 
tooth,  hand  for  hand,  foot  for  foot. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  When  thou  goest  out  to  battle  against 
thy  enemies,  and  thou  seest  horse,  and  chariot, 
people  more  in  number  than  thou:  be  not 
afraid  of  them ;  for  the  Lord  thy  God  is  with 
thee,  who  bi'ought  thee  up  out  of  tlie  land  of 
Egypt. 

2  And  it  shall  be,  when  ye  come  nigh  unto 
the  battle,  that  the  priest  shall  approach  and 
speak  unto  the  people; 

3  And  he  shall  say  unto  them.  Hear,  0 


'  I.  e.  Inhabiting  it  for  the  first  time ;  the  first  use  of  a 
thing  is  called  "  consecration."  No  doubt,  however,  that 
religious  ceremonies  were  not  omitted  on  such  occasions, 
as  we  owe  to  it  the  thirtieth  Psalm  of  David. 

''  At  the  fourth  year  from  the  planting. 


Israel,  ye  come  nigh  this  day  unto  the  battle 
against  your  enemies:  let  not  your  hearts 
faint,  fear  not,  and  be  not  downcast,  and  do 
not  tremble  because  of  them; 

4  For  the  Lord  your.  God  it  is  who  goeth 
with  you,  to  fight  for  you  against  your  ene- 
mies, to  help  you. 

5  And  the  officers  shall  speak  unto  the 
people,  saying.  What  man  is  there  who  hath 
built  a  new  house,  and  hatli  not  dedicated" 
it  ?  let  him  go  and  return  unto  his  house, 
lest  he  die  in  the  battle,  and  another  man 
dedicate  it. 

6  And  what  man  is  there  who  hath  planted 
a  vineyard,  and  hath  not  redeemed''  it?  let 
him  go  and  return  unto  his  house,  lest  he  die 
in  the  battle,  and  another  man  redeem  it. 

7  And  what  man  is  there  that  hath  be- 
trothed a  wife,  and  hath  not  taken  her?  let  him 
go  and  return  unto  his  house,  lest  he  die  in 
the  battle,  and  another  man  take  her. 

8  And  the  officers  shall  speak  yet  farther 
unto  the  people,  and  they  shall  say.  What 
man  is  there  that  is  fearful  and  faint-hearted  ? 
let  him  go  and  return  unto  his  house,  that  the 
heart  of  his  brethren  become  not  as  faint  as 
his  heart. 

9  And  it  shall  be,  when  the  officers  have 
made  an  end  of  speaking  unto  the  people, 
that  they  shall  appoint  captains  of  the  armies 
at  the  head  of  the  people.*^* 

10  ][  When  thou  comest  nigh  mi  to  a  city 
to  make  war  against  it,  then  summon  it  with 
words  of  peace. 

11  And  it  shall  be,  if  it  make  thee  an  an- 
swer of  peace,  and  open  (its  gates)  unto  thee : 
then  shall  it  be,  that  all  the  people  that  are 
found  therein  shall  be  tril^utaries  unto  thee, 
and  they  shall  serve  thee. 

12  But  if  it  will  not  make  peace  with  thee, 
and  wageth  war  against  thee;  then  shalt  thou 
besiege  it; 

13  And  when  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  de- 
livered it  into  thy  hands,  thou  shalt^  smite 
every  male  thereof  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword ; 

14  But  the  women,  and  the  little  ones,  and 
the  cattle,  and  all  that  may  be  in  the  city,  all 


"  Mendelssohn  renders  this,  "  Then  shall  some  chiefs 
commence  the  mustering  at  the  head  of  the  people." 

^  It  would  appear  from  the  general  idea,  that  "shalt" 
is  not  a  command,  but  a  mere  permission,  yet  prohibiting 
the  molestation  of  the  women  and  children. 

236 


DEUTERONOMY  XX.  XXI.     KI  TETZAY. 


the  spoil  thereof,  shalt  thou  take  as  booty 
unto  thyself;  and  thou  shalt  enjoy  the  spoil 
of  thy  enemies,  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
given  thee. 

15  Thus  shalt  th6u  do  unto  all  the  cities 
which  are  very  far  off  from  thee,  which  are 
not  of  the  cities  of  these  nations. 

16  But  of  the  cities  of  these  people,  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  doth  give  thee  for  an  in- 
heritance, shalt  thou  not  let  live  a  single  soul. 

17  But  thou  shalt  utterly  devote  them ; 
namely,  the  Hittites,  and  the  Emorites,  the 
Canaanites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites, 
and  the  Jebusites ;  as  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
commanded  thee; 

18  In  order  that  they  may  not  teach  you 
to  do  in  accordance  with  all  their  abomina- 
tions, which  they  have  done  unto  their  gods; 
and  ye  would  thus  sin  against  the  Lord  your 
God.' 

19  ][  When  thou  besiegest  a  city  a  long 
time,  to  make  war  against  it  to  capture  it, 
thou  shalt  not  destroy  the  trees  thereof  by 
forcing  an  axe  against  them ;  for  of  them  thou 
mayest  eat,  and  thou  shalt  not  cut  them 
down,  (for  man  liveth  of  the  trees"  of  the 
field,)  to  employ  them  in  thy  siege  ; 

20  Only  those  trees  of  which  thou  knowest 
that  they  are  not  fruit-trees,  thou  mayest  de- 
stroy and  cut  down ;  and  (thus)  thou  can*;t 
build  bulwarks  against  the  city  that  wageth 
war  with  thee,  until  it  be  subdued. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  If  there  be  found  a  slain  person  in  the 
land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  to 
possess  it,  lying  in  the  field,  (and)  it  be  not 
known  wlio  hath  slain  him  : 

2  Then  shall  thy  elders  and  thy  judges  go 
forth,  and  they  shall  measure  unto  the  cities 
which  are  round  about  the  one  that  is  slain. 

?i  And  it  sliall  be,  that  the  city  which  is 
the  U'-arest  unto  the  slain  person,  even  the 
elders  of  that  city  shall  take  a  heifer,  which 
hath  not  been  wrought  with,  which  hath  not 
drawn  in  a  yoke; 

'  Onkoloa,  Raslii,  and  Meuilelssnhn  render,  "Is  then  the 
tree  of  tlie  field  like  man,  that  thou  shouldst  put  it  in  a 
state  of  siege'/"'  And  Hashi  adds,  "  Why  wouldst  tlio-j 
destiny  it'/"'  Tint  English  version  has  been  fidlowed  in 
our  text,  and  it  agrees  with  Aben  K/,ra,  Arnheiin,  and  the 
pnininentator  to  Mendelssohn's  translation.  The  last 
clause  may  m'.d:  "tv  put  (the  eity)  in  siege  before  thee." 
•J30 


4  And  the  elders  of  that  city  shall  bring 
down  the  heifer  unto  a  rough*"  valley,  which 
is  neither  tilled  nor  sown,  and  they  shall 
break  there  the  neck  of  the  heifer  in  the  valley ; 

5  And  the  priests  the  sons  of  Levi  shall 
come  near ;  for  them  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
chosen  to  minister  unto  him,  and  to  bless  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord;  and  after  their  decision 
shall  be  done  (at)  every  controversy  and 
every  injury; 

6  And  all  the  elders  of  that  city  who  are 
nearest  unto  the  .slain  person  shall  wash  their 
hands  over  the  heifer,  the  neck  of  which  is 
broken  in  the  valley.* 

7  And  they  shall  commence  and  say.  Our 
hands  have  not  shed  this  blood,  and  our  eyes 
have  not  seen  it. 

8  Grant  pardon  unto  thy  people  Israel, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed,  O  Lord,  and  lay 
not  innocent  blood  in  the  midst  of  thy  people 
Israel:  and  the  blood  shall  Ije  forgiven  unto 
them. 

9  And  thou  shalt  put  away  the  (guilt  of) 
the  innocent  blood"  from  the  midst  of  thee, 
when  thou  wilt  do  what  is  right  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  li.  12  to  Hi.  12. 


SECTION  XLIX.     KI  TETZAY,   NVH  O. 

10  ^  When  thou  goest  forth  to  war  against 
thy  enemies,  and  the  Lord  thy  God  delivereth 
them  into  thy  hands,  and  thou  takest  cajatives 
of  them ; 

11  And  thou  seest  among  the  captives  a 
woman  of  handsome  form,  and  hast  a  desire 
unto  lier,  that  thou  wouldst  take  her  to  thee 
for  wife : 

12  Then  shalt  thou  bring  her  home  to  thy 
house;  and  she  shall  shave  her  head,  and  let 
grow"  her  nails; 

13  And  she  shall  put  off  the  raiment  of 
her  captivity  from  her,  and  she  shall  remain 
in  thy  house,  and  weep  for  her  father  and 
her  mother  a  full  month ;  and  after  that  thou 

"■  Philippson,  after  Rambam,  "rapid  stream,"  which 
does  not  dry  up  in  the  summer,  and  the  bed  of  which  can 
therefore  never  be  ploughed. 

"  "If  the  murderer  be  caught  after  this  and  convicted 
heis  todie,  notwithstanding  this  ceremony." — KETUBfiTH 
fol.  .37. 

*  Others,  "shall  out  off." 


DEUTERONOMY  XXI.  XXII.     KI  TETZAY. 


mayest  go  in  unto  her.  and  be  her  husband, 
that  she  may  become  thy  wife. 

14  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  have  no  delight 
in  her,  then  shalt  thou  let  her  go  whither  she 
will ;  but  thou  shalt  nowise  sell  her  for  money : 
thou  shalt  not  make  a  servant  of  her,  because 
thou  hast  humbled  her. 

15  ^  If  a  man  have  two  wives,  one  beloved, 
and  the  other  hated,  and  they  bear  him  chil- 
dren, both  the  beloved  and  the  hated ;  so  that 
the  first-born  son  lie  hers  that  is  hated : 

16  Then  shall  it  be,  when  he  divideth  as 
inheritance  among  his  sons  what  he  hath, 
that  he  shall  not  institute  the  son  of  the  be- 
loved as  the  first-born  before"  the  son  of  the 
hated,  the  tirst^born; 

17  But  the  first-born,  the  son  of  the  hated 
woman,  shall  he  acknowledge,  to  gi^'e  him  a 
double  portion  of  all  that  is  found  in  his  pos- 
session ;  for  he  is  the  beginning  of  his  strength ; 
to  him  belongeth  the  right  of  the  first  birth. 

18  ^  If  a  man  have  a  stubborn  and  rebel- 
lious son,  who  hearkeneth  not  to  the  voice  of 
his  father,  or  the  voice  of  his  mother,  and 
they  chastise  him,  and  he  will  not  hearken 
unto  them : 

19  Then  shall  his  father  and  his  mother  lay 
hold  on  him,  and  bring  him  out  unto  the  eld- 
ers of  his  city,  and  unto  the  gate  of  his  place ; 

20  And  they  shall  say  unto  the  elders  of 
his  city.  This  our  son  is  stubborn  and  rebel- 
Uous,  he  will  not  hearken  to  our  voice ;  he  is 
a  glutton,  and  a  drunkard. 

21  And  all  the  men  of  his  city  shall  stone 
him  with  stones,  that  he  die;  and  thou  shalt 
put  away  the  evil  from  the  midst  of  thee;  and 
all  Israel  shall  hear,  and  be  afraid.* 

22  Tl  And  if  a  man  have  committed,  a  sin 
for  which  there  is  a  punishment  of  death,  and 
he  be  to  be  put  to  death,  and  thou  hang  him 
on  a  tree : 

23  Then  shall  his  body  not  remain  all  night 
on  the  tree,  but  thou  shalt  surely  bury  him  on 
that  day ;  (for  he  that  is  hanged  is  a  dishonour 
of  God;)  and  thou  shalt  nut  defile  thy  land, 
which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an 
inheritance. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  \\   Thou  shalt  not  see  thy  brother's  ox  oi 


*  "In  the  lifetime  of,"  &c. — Arnheim. 
'  Since  such  a  practice  might  easily  lead  to  lewdness 
aud  thus  demoralize  the  people. 


his  lamb  go  astray,   and  withdraw  thyself 
i  from  them :  thou  shalt  surely  bring  them  back 
again  unto  thy  brother. 

2  But  if  thy  brother  be  not  nigh  unto  thee, 
or  thou  know  him  not:  then  shalt  thou  take 
it  unto  thy  own  house,  and  it  shall  remain 
with  thee  until  thy  brother  inquire  after  it, 
and  then  shalt  thou  restore  it  to  him. 

3  In  like  manner  shalt  thou  do  with  his 
ass;  and  in  like  manner  shalt  thou  do  with 
his  raiment;  and  in  like  manner  shalt  thou 
do  with  every  lost  thingof  thy  brother's,  which 
may  have  been  lost  to  him,  and  which  thou 
hast  found :  thou  art  not  at  liberty  to  with- 
draw tliyself 

4  ^  Thou  shalt  not  see  thy  brother's  ass 
or  his  ox  fallen  down  by  the  way,  and  with- 
draw thyself  from  them:  thou  shalt  surely 
help  him  to  lift  them  up  again. 

5  T[  A  woman  shall  not  have  upon  her  the 
apparel  of  a  man,  and  a  man  shall  not  put  on 
a  woman's  garment;  for  an  abomination  unto 
the  Lord  thy  God  are  all  who  do  this.'' 

6  ][  If  a  bird's  nest  chance  to  be  before 
thee  in  the  way,  on  any  tree,  or  on  tlie 
ground,  wath  young  ones,  or  with  eggs,  and 
the  mother  be  sitting  upon  the  young,  or  upon 
the  eggs :  thou  shalt  not  take  the  mother  with 
the  young; 

7  But  thou  shalt  surely  let  the  mother  go, 
and  the  young  thou  mayest  take  to  thyself; 
in  order  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and 
that  thou  mayest  live  many  days.* 

8  ^  When  thou  bulkiest  a  new  house,  thou 
shalt  make  a  battlement  for  thy  roof;  that 
thou  liring  not  blood  upon  thy  house,  if  any 
one  were  to  fall  from  there." 

9  Thou  shalt  not  sow  thy  vinej-ard  with 
divers  seeds;  that  the  ripe  fruit  of  thy  seed 
which  thou  hast  sown,  and  the  fruit  of  the 
vineyard,  be  not  defiled. 

10  ^  Thou  shalt  not  plough  with  an  ox 
and  an  ass  together. 

11  Thou  shalt  not  wear  a  garment  of 
divers  sorts,  of  woollen  and  linen  together. 

12  Tl  Thou  shalt  make  thyself  fringes  upon 
the  four  corners  of  th}'  vesture,  wherewith 
thou  coverest  thyself. 

13  ]|  If  any  man  take  a  w^ife,  and  go  in 
unto  her,  and  hate  her. 


°  We  are  here  prohibited  from  being  the  cause  througb 
want  of  foresight,  or  culpable  neglect,  that  any  injury 
whatever  should  happen  to  our  fellow-meu. 

287 


DEUTERONOMY  XXII.  XXIII.     KI  TETZAY. 


14  And  he  lay  an  accusation  against  her, 
and  spread  abroad  an  evil  name  upon  her, 
and  say,  This  woman  I  took  (for  wife),  and 
when  I  came  near  to  her,  I  found  no  tokens 
of  virginity  in  her : 

15  Then  shall  the  father  of  the  damsel, 
and  her  mother,  take  and  bring  forth  the 
tokens  of  the  damsel's  virginity  unto  the 
elders  of  tlie  city,  to  the  gate. 

16  And  the  father  of  the  damsel  shall  say 
unto  the  elders,  My  daughter  I  gave  unto 
this  man  for  wife;  but  he  hath  conceived 
hatred  toward  her; 

17  And,  lo,  he  hath  laid  an  accusation 
(against  her),  saying,  I  have  found  no  tokens 
of  virginity  in  thy  daughter;  and  yet  these 
are  the  tokens  of  my  daughter's  virginity: 
and  they  shall  spread  the  cloth  before  the 
elders  of  the  city. 

18  And  the  elders  of  that  city  shall  take 
that  man  and  chastise  him; 

19  And  they  shall  amerce  him  in  a  hun- 
dred shekels  of  silver,  and  give  them  unto  the 
father  of  the  damsel ;  because  he  hath  spread 
abroad  an  evil  name  upon  a  virgin  of  Israel: 
and  she  shall  remain  his  wife;  he  shall  not 
be  at  liberty  to  put  her  away  all  his  days. 

20  ][  But  if  this  thing  was  true,  there  have 
not  been  found  tokens  of  virginity  in  the 
damsel : 

21  Then  shall  they  lead  out  the  damsel  to 
the  door  of  her  fother's  house,"  and  the  men 
of  her  city  shall  stone  her  with  stones  that 
she  die ;  because  she  hath  wrought  a  disgrace- 
ful deed  in  Israel,  to  commit  incest  in  her 
father's  house;  and  thou  shalt  put  away  the 
evil  from  tlie  midst  of  thee. 

22  Tl  If  a  man  be  found  lyhig  with  a  wo- 
man married  to  a  husband:  then  shall  both 
of  them  die,  the  man  that  lieth  with  the  wo- 
man, and  the  woman;  and  thou  shalt  put 
away  the  evil  from  Israel. 

23  ^  If  a  damsel  that  is  a  virgin  be  be- 
trothed unto  a  man,  and  a  man  find  her  in 
the  city,  and  lie  with  her: 

24  Then  shall  ye  lead  them  both  out  unto 
the  gate  of  that  city,  and  ye  shall  stone  them 
with  stones  that  they  die;  the  damsel,  because 
she  cried  not  (for  aid)  in  the  city;  and  the 


'  The  housft  wliicli  she  luia  disgraced  by  her  lewdness 
shall  be  the  scene  (if  her  punishmeut;   so  as  to  strike  ad- 
ditional terror  in  others,  that  the  sanctity  of  the  people  of 
(jrod  miglif,  be  preserved  inviolate. 
238 


man,  because  he  hath  done  violence  to  his 
neighbour's  wife;  and  thou  shalt  put  away  the 
evil  from  the  midst  of  thee. 

25  T[  But  if  in  the  field  the  man  should 
find  the  betrothed  damsel,  and  the  man  take 
hold  of  her  by  force,  and  lie  with  her :  then 
shall  the  man  that  lay  with  her  die  alone; 

26  But  unto  the  damsel  shalt  thou  not  do 
any  thing;  there  is  in  the  damsel  no  sin 
worthy  of  death;  for  as  when  a  man  riseth 
against  his  neighbour,  and  striketh  him  dead, 
even  so  is  this  matter; 

27  For  in  the  field  did  he  find  her;  had 
the  betrothed  damsel  even  cried,"*  there  would 
have  been  none  to  aid  her. 

28  T[  If  a  man  find  a  damsel  that  is  a  vir- 
gin, who  is  not  betrothed,  and  lay  fast  hold 
on  her,  and  he  with  her,  and  they  be  found : 

29  Then  shall  the  man  who  lieth  with  her 
give  unto  the  father  of  the  damsel  fifty 
shekels  of  silver;  and  she  shall  become  his 
wife,  because  he  hath  done  violence  to  her, 
he  shall  not  be  at  liberty  to  put  her  away  all 
his  days. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1°  ^  A  man  shall  not  take  his  father's  wife, 
and  he  shall  not  uncover  his  father's  skirt. 

2  ^  He  that  is  wounded  in  the  testicles,  or 
hath  his  privy  member  cut,  shall  not  enter 
into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

3  ^  One  born  from  prohibited  connections 
shall  not  enter  into  the  congregation  of  the 
Lord;  even  the  tenth  generation  of  him  shall 
not  enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

4  ^  An  'Ammonite  and  a  Moabite  shall 
not  enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord; 
even  the  tenth  generation  of  them  shall  not 
enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  for 
ever ; 

5  For  the  reason,  that  they  met  you  not 
with  bread  and  with  water  on  the  way,  when 
ye  came  forth  out  of  Egypt;  and  because  he'' 
hired  against  thee  Bil'am  the  son  of  Beor  of 
Pethor  in  Mesopotamia,  to  curse  thee; 

6  But  the  Lord  thy  God  would  not  hearken 
unto  BiFam ;  and  the  Lord  thy  God  changed 
unto  thee  the  curse  into  a  blessing,  because 
the  Lord  thy  God  loved  thee. 

*■  Others :  "  The  betrothed  damsel  did  cry  out,  but  thei'fi 
was  none  to  aid  her." 

°  Tlie  English  version  commences  chap,  sxiii.  at  verse  2 
■»  The  king  of  Moiib. 


DEUTERONOMY  XXIII.  XXIV.    KI  TETZAY. 


7  Thou  phalt  not  seek  their  peace  and' 
their  welfare  all  thy  clays,  for  ever.* 

8  T[  Thou  shalt  not  abhor"  an  Edomite ; 
for  he  is  thy  brother  :  thou  shalt  not  abhor 
an  Egyptian;  because  thou  wast  a  stranger 
iu  his  land. 

9  The  children  that  are  born  unto  them  in 
the  third  generation,  may  enter  of  them 
into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

10  Tl  When  thou  goest  forth  into  camp 
against  thy  enemies,  then  keep  thyself  from 
every  evil  thing. 

11  If  there  be  among  thee  any  man,  that 
is  not  clean  by  reason  of  an  occurrence  by 
night ;  then  shall  he  go  abroad  to  without  the 
camp,  he  shall  not  come  within  the  camp; 

12  But  it  shall  be,  that  toward  evening 
he  shall  bathe  himself  in  water;  and  when 
the  sun  goeth  down,  he  may  come  into  the 
midst  of  the  camp. 

13  And  a  place  shalt  thou  have  without 
the  camp,  whither  thou  shalt  go  forth  abroad : 

14  And  a  spade  shalt  thou  have  with  thy 
weapons;  and  it  shall  be,  when  thou  sittest 
abroad,  that  thou  shalt digtherewith.  andslialt 
afterward  cover  that  which  cometh  from  thee; 

15  For  the  Lord  thy  God  walketh  in  the 
midst  of  thy  camp,  to  deliver  thee  and  to 
give  up  thy  enemies  before  thee ;  therefore 
shall  thy  camp  be  holy ;  that  he  see  no  un- 
seemly thing  in  thee,  and  turn  away  from 
thee. 

16  ^  Thou  shalt  not  deliver  unto  his  mas- 
ter the  servant  Avho  may  escape  unto  thee 
from  his  master; 

17  With  thee  shall  he  dwell,  in  the  midst 
of  thee,  in  the  place  which  he  may  choose  in 
any  one  of  thy  gates,  where  it  seemeth  best 
to  him:  thou  shalt  not  oppress  him. 

18  ^  There  shall  not  be  a  prostitute  of  the 
daughters  of  Israel,  and  there  shall  not  be  a 
sodomite  of  the  sons  of  Israel. 

19  Thou  shalt  not  bring  the  hire  of  a  har- 
lot, or  the  price  of  a  dog,  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord  thy  God  for  any  vow;  for  both  of 
these  are  equally  an  abomination  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God. 


That  is,  we  are  not  to  refuse  admission  to  the  tliird 
generation  of  the  Edomite  and  Egyptian  proselyte  from 
lutermarrying  with  descendants  of  Israel;  as  a  probation 
ot  this  length  of  time  shall  qualify  them  for  a  commixing 
with  the  chosen  people. 


20  T[  Thou  shalt  not  take  interest  from 
thy  brother,  interest  of  money,  interest  of 
victuals,  interest  of  any  thing  that  is  lent  upon 
interest : 

21  From  an  alien  thou  mayest  take  inte- 
rest; but  from  thy  brother  thou  shalt  not  take 
interest;  in  order  that  the  Lord  thy  God  may 
bless  thee  in  all  tlie  acquisition  of  thy  hand, 
in  the  land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it. 

22  ^  When  thou  makest  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  thou  shalt  not  delay  to  pay  it; 
for  the  Lord  thy  God  will  surely  require  it  of 
thee;  and  it  would  be  sin  in  thee. 

23  But  if  thou  forbear  to  vow,  it  shall  be 
no  sin  in  thee.  • 

21  What  is  gone  out  of  thy  lips  shalt  thou 
keep  and  perform,  as  thou  hast  vowed  unto 
the  L(tRD  thy  God  voluntarily,  as  thou  hast 
spoken  with  thy  mouth.* 

25  ^  When  thou  comest  into  thy  neigh- 
bours vineyai'd,  thou  mayest  eat  grapes  at 
thy  own  pleasure,  till  thou  have  enough;  but 
into  thy  vessel  shalt  thou  not  put  any. 

26  ^  When  thou  comest  into  the  standing 
corn  of  thy  neighbour,  thou  mayest  pluck 
ears  with  thy  hand;  but  a  sickle  shalt  thou 
not  move  over  thy  neighbours  standing  corn. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  When  a  man  hath  taken  a  wife,  and 
married  her,  and  it  come  to  pass,  that  if  she 
find  no  favour  in  his  eyes,  because  he  hath 
found  some  scandalous  thing  in  her,  he  may 
write  her  a  Ijill  of  divorcement,  and  give  it  in 
her  hand,  and  sent  her  away  out  of  his  house ; 

2  And  she  shall  depart  out  of  his  house ; 
and  if  she  go  and  become  another  man's  wife; 

3  And  the  latter  husband  hate  her.  and 
write  her  a  bill  of  divoi'cement,  and  give  it  iu 
her  hand,  and  send  her  away  out  of  his  lunise; 
or  if  the  latter  husband,  who  took  her  as  his 
wife,  should  die  i*" 

4  Then  shall  her  former  husband,  who  had 
sent  her  away,  not  be  at  liberty  to  take  her 
again  to  be  his  wife,  after  she  hath  been  de- 
filed; for  it  is  abomination  before  the  Lord; 
and  thou  shalt  not  bring  sin  upon  the  land. 


The  connection  of  this  passage  has  been  given  after  li  shall,"  &c 


Arnheim.  Blendelssohn,  however,  who  here  terminates 
the  first  portion  of  the  sentence,  makes  the  whole  from 
verse  1  a  continued  condition,  thus:  "And  he  write 
a  bill — give  it — and  if  she  depart — and  go  and  be- 
come— and    the    latter    husband    hate    her,    &c. :    then 


239 


DEUTERONOMY  XXIV.  XXV.  KI  TETZAY. 


which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an 
inheritance.* 

5  %  When  a  man  hath  taken  a  new  wife,  he 
shall  not  go  out  to  war,  neither  shall  lie  be 
charged  with  any  public  business :  he  shall  be 
free  for  his  house  one  year,  and  shall  cheer 
up  his  wife  whom  he  hath  taken. 

6  No  man  shall  take  to  ])k'dge  the  nether 
or  the  upper  mill-stone ;  for  lie  taketli  a  man's 
life  to  i^ledge. 

7  Tf  If  a  man  be  found  stealing  any  one  of 
his  brethren  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  he 
treateth'  him  as  a  slave,  and  selleth  liini :  then 
shall  that  thief  die ;  and  thou  shalt  put  the 
evil  away  from  the  midst  of- thee. 

8  ^  Take  heed  in  the  plague  of  leprosy,  to 
observe  diligently,  and  to  do  according  to  all 
that  the  priests,  the  Levites,  may  instruct 
you;"  as  I  have  commanded  them,  so  shall  ye 
observe  to  do. 

9  Remember  what  the  Lord  thy  God  did 
untt)  Miriam  on  the  journey,  at  your  coming 
forth  out  of  Egypt. 

10  T[  When  thou  dost  lend  thy  brother  any 
thing  as  a  loan,  thou  shalt  not  go  into  his 
house  to  take  his  pledge. 

11  In  the  street  shalt  thou  stand,  and  the 
man  to  whom  thou  dost  lend  shall  bring  out 
unto  thee  the  pledge  into  the  street. 

12  And  if  he  be  a  poor  man,  thou  shalt  not 
lie  down  with  his  pledge : 

13  Thou  shalt  punctually  deliver  him  the 
pledge  again  when  the  sun  goeth  down,  that 
he  may  lie  under  his  own  cover,''  and  bless 
thee ;  and  unto  thee  shall  it  be  as  righteous- 
ness before  the  Lord  thy  God.* 

14  ][  Thou  shalt  not  withhold  the  wages  of 
a  hired  man,  of  the  poor  and  needy,  (whether 
he  be)  of  thy  brethren,  or  of  thy  strangers'' 
that  are  in  thy  land  within  thy  gfites : 

15  On  the  same  day  shalt  thou  give  him 
his  wages,  that  the  sun  may  not  go  down 
upon  it ;  for  he  is  poor,  and  his  soul  longeth"' 
for  it;  so  that  he  may  not  cry  against  thee 
unto  the  Lord,  and  it  be  sin  in  thee.' 

IG  ^[  Fathers  shall  not  be  put  to  death  for 
the  children,  neither  shall    children  be  put 


*  "  He  is  not  guilty  of  death,  unless  he  have  made  him 
labour  as  a  slave." — Kasih. 

■■  "  If  he   be  uven  a  king  as  'Uzziah,  (hey  must  nut 
honour  him;   hut  he  must  bo  locked  up  outside  the  camp, 
;ind  dwell  solitarily,  .as  the  priests  may  instruct." — After 
Rash BAM. 
240 


to  death  for  the  fathers :  for  his  own  sin  shall 
every  man  be  put  to  death. 

17  *[[  Thou  shalt  not  pervert  the  cause  of 
the  stranger,  or  of  the  fatherless;  and  thou 
shalt  not  take  in  pledge  the  raiment  of  a 
Avidow ; 

18  But  thou  shalt  remember  that  thou 
wast  a  bond-man  in  Egypt,  and  that  the  Lord 
thy  God  redeemed  thee  thence;  therefore  do 
I  command  thee  to  do  this  tiling. 

19  ^  When  thou  cuttest  down  thy  harvest 
in  thy  field,  and  forgettest  a  sheaf  in  the  field, 
thou  shalt  not  go  back  to  fetch  it;  for  the 
stranger,  for  the  fatherless,  and  for  the  widow 
shall  it  be;  in  order  that  the  Lord  thy  God 
may  bless  thee  in  all  the  work  of  thy  hands. 

20  ]|  When  thou  beatest  thy  olive-tree, 
thou  shalt  not  go  over  the  boughs  again ;  for 
the  stranger,  for  the  fatherless,  and  for  the 
Avidow  shall  it  be. 

21  When  thou  gatherest  the  grapes  of  thy 
vineyard,  thou  shalt  not  glean  the  small  fruit 
afterward ;  for  the  stranger,  lor  the  fatherless, 
and  for  the  wddow  shall  it  be. 

22  And  thou  shalt  remember  that  thou 
wast  a  bond-man  in  the  land  of  Egypt;  there- 
fore do  I  command  thee  to  do  this  thing. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  If  there  be  a  controversy  between 
men,  and  they  come  nigh  unto  a  court  of  jus- 
tice, and  they  judge  them;  and  they  justify 
the  righteous,  and  condemn  the  wicked : 

2  Then  shall  it  be,  if  the  guilty  man  de- 
serve to  be  lieaten,  that  the  judge  shall  cause 
him  to  lie  down,  and  to  be  beaten  before  his 
face,  according  to  the  degree  of  his  fault,  by  a 
(certain)  number. 

3  Forty  stripes  may  he  give  him,  not 
more ;  so  that  he  shall  not  exceed  to  have  him 
beaten  above  these,  with  too  many  stripes, 
and  thy  brother  be  thus  rendered  vile  before 
thy  eyes. 

4  Thou  shalt  not  muzzle  the  ox  when  he 
thresheth  out  the  corn. 

5  T[  If  brothers  dwell  together,  and  one  of 
them  die,  and  have  no  child :  then  shall  the 


°  Heb.  "In  his  raiment." 

"  Lit.  "  Stranger." 

"  Heb.  "  And  to  it  he  beareth  his  soul." 

'  Those  who  are  the  weakest  are  the  special  favourites 
of  God,  and  we  are  therefore  the  more  bound  to  regard 
their  wants 


DEUTERONOMY  XXV.  XXVI.     KI  TAHBO. 


w'lk  of  the  dead  not  be  married  abroad,  unto 
a  stranger;  her  husband's  brother  shall  go  in 
unto  her,  and  take  her  to  himself  for  wife, 
and  perform  the  duty  of  a  husband's  brother 
unto  her. 

6  And  it  shall  be,  that  the  first-born  whom 
she  may  bear  shall  succeed  in  the  name  of  his 
brother  who  is  dead ;  so  that  his  name  be  not 
blotted  out  of  Israel. 

7  And  if  the  man  have  no  desire  to  take 
his  sister-in-law  :  then  shall  his  sister-in-law  go 
up  to  the  gate  unto  the  elders,  and  say,  My 
husband's  brother  refuseth  to  raise  up  unto 
his  brother  a  name  in  Israel,  he  will  not 
perform  on  me  the  duty  of  a  husband's  bro- 
ther. 

8  Then  shall  the  eldei's  of  his  city  call  him, 
and  speak  unto  him;  and  if  he  persist,*  and 
say,  I  have  no  desire  to  take  her : 

9  Then  shall  his  sister-in-;law  come  nigh 
unto  him  in  the  presence  of  the  elders,  and 
pull  his  shoe  from  off  his  foot,  and  spit  out 
before  him,  and  shall  commence  and  say. 
Thus  shall  be  done  unto  that  man  that  will 
not  build  up  his  brother's  house. 

10  And  liis  name  shall  be  called  in  Israel, 
The  house  of  the  barefooted.'' 

11  ]|  When  men  strive  together  one  with 
the  other,  and  the  wife  of  the  one  draweth 
Ucor  to  deliver  her  husband  out  of  the  hand 
of  him  that  smiteth  him,  and  putteth  forth 
bt:r  hand,  and  taketh  him  by  the  secrets : 

12  Then  shalt  thou  cut  off  her  hand,"  thy 
eye  shall  not  have  pity. 

13  ]y  Thou  shalt  not  have  in  thy  bag  divers 
weights,  a  great  and  a  small. 

14  Thou  shalt  nof  have  m  thy  house 
divers  measures,  a  great  and  a  small. 

lo  A  perfect  and  just  weight  shalt  thou 
have,  a  pei'fect  and  just  measure  shalt  thou 
have ;  in  order  that  thy  days  may  be  })rolonged 
in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee; 

16  For  an  abomination  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  is  every  one  that  doth  such  things,  every 
me  that  acteth  unrighteously.''' 

17  Tl  Remember  what  'Amalek  did  unto 

'  Heb.  "  And  he  standeth,"  i.  e.  fixed  in  his  mind. 

''  Ileb.  "Of  the  one  whose  shoe  was  pulled  off." 

"  This  is  explained,  that  she  is  to  pay  the  damages 
for  the  insult  offered :  "  Thy  eye,"  &c.,  even  if  she  be 
uoor. 

'  Another  injunction  against  overreaching;  not  even  to 
2F 


thee,  by  the  way,  at  your  coming  forth  out  of 

Egypt; 

18  How  he  met  thee  by  the  way,  and 
smote  the  hindmost  of  thee,  all  that  were 
feeble  behind  thee,  when  thou  was  faint  and 
weary;  and  he  feared  not  God. 

19  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  rest  from  all  thy 
enemies  round  about,  iia  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance 
to  possess  it,  that  thou  shalt  blot  out  the  re- 
membrance of  'Amalek  from  under  the  hea- 
vens: thou  shalt  not  forget. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  liv.  1  to  10. 


SECTION  L.     KI  TAHBO,  N3n  O. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  T[  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  thou 
art  come  in  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee  for  an  inheritance,  and 
thou  hast  taken  possesf^ion  of  it,  and  dwellest 
therein : 

2  That  thou  shalt  take  of  the  first  of  all  the 
fruit  of  the  soil,  which  thou  shalt  bring  in 
from  thy  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee,  and  shalt  put  it  in  a  basket;  and  thou 
shalt  go  unto  the  place  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  will  choose  to  let  his  name  dwell 
there. 

3  And  thou  shalt  come  unto  the  priest 
that  may  be  in  those  days,  and  thou  shalt  say 
unto  him,  I  give  thanks  this  day  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  that  I  am  come  into  the  land 
which  the  Lord  swore  unto  our  fathers  to  give 
to  us. 

4  And  the  priest  shall  take  the  basket  out 
of  thy  hand,  and  set  it  down  before  the  altar 
of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

5  And  thou  shalt  commence  and  say  before 
the  Lord  thy  God,  A  Syrian,  wandering" 
about,  was  my  father,  and  he  went  down  into 
Egypt,  and  sojourned  there  with  a  fannly  few 
in  number,  and  he  became  there  a  nation, 
great,  mighty,  and  numerous. 

keep  any  article  in  the  house  which  might  by  chance  be 
unlawfully  employed,  can  be  allowed. 

°  I.  e.  Abraham  or  Jacob,  both  of  whom  were  residents 
of  Syria,  and  moving  from  place  to  place  with  their  cattle; 
but  Onkelos  and  Rashi  give :  "  A  Syrian  (Laban)  wished 
to  destroy  my  father  (Jacob)." 


DEUTERONOMY  XXVI.  XXVII.     KI  TAHBO. 


6  And  the  Egyptians  treated  us  ill,  and 
afflicted  us,  and  laid  upon  us  hard  labour; 

7  And  then  we  cried  unto  the  Eternal, 
the  God  of  our  fathers ;  and  the  Lord  heard 
our  voice,  and  looked  on  our  affliction,  and 
our  trouble,  and  our  oppression ; 

8  And  the  Lord  l^rought  us  forth  out  of 
Egypt  with  a  mighty  hand,  and  with  an  out- 
stretched arm,  and  with  great  terror,  and  with 
signs,  and  with  wonders ; 

9  And  he  brought  us  unto  this  place,  and 
gave  unto  us  this  land,  a  land  flowing  with 
milk  ^nnd  honey. 

10  And  now,  behold,  I  have  brought  the 
first  of  the  fruits  of  the  soil,  which  thou  hast 
giveu  me,  0  Lord;  and  thou  shalt  set  it  down 
be,\n-e  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  prostrate  thy- 
self before  the  Lord  thy  God; 

11  And  thou  shalt  rejoice  with  every  good 
thing  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  given 
unto  thee,  and  unto  thy  liouse,  thou,  with  the 
Levite,  and  the  stranger  that  is  in  the  midst 
of  thee.* 

12  ^  When  thou  hast  made  an  end  of 
giving  away  all  the  tithe  of  thy  produce  in 
the  third  year,  the  year  of  the  tithing,"  and 
hast  given  it  unto  the  Levite,  to  the  stranger, 
to  the  fatherless,  and  to  the  widow,  and''  they 
have  eaten  it  within  thy  gates,  and  are  satis- 
fied: 

13-  Then  shalt  thou  say  before  the  Lord 
thy  God,  I  have  removed  away  the  hallowed 
things  out  of  the  house,  and  I  have  also  given 
tSieiu  unto  tlie  Levite,  and  unto  the  stranger, 
to  tlie  fatherless,  and  to  the  widow,  according 
to  all  thy  commandment  which  thou  hast 
commanded  me ;  I  have  not  deviated  from  thy 
commandments,  and  I  have  not  forgotten ; 

14  I  have  not  eaten  thereof  in  my  mourn- 
ing, neither  have  I  removed  away  aught 
thereof  in  an  unclean  state,  nor  have  I  given 
aught  thereof  for  the  dead ;  I  have  hearkened 
to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  my  God,  I  have  done 
all,  just  as  thou  hast  commanded  me. 

"  In  the  firet  two  years  a  tithe  was  set  aside  to  be  eaten 
at  .Jerusalem ;  iu  the  third  it  was  given  to  the  poor. 

''  "That  they  may  eat,"  &c. — Arniieim  and  English 
version. 

"  "II'DSni  niONn  "  There  is  no  phrase  in  Scripture  by 
which  the  correct  meaning  of  tliese  words  could  be  ascer- 
tained; but  to  mc  it  app('»ts  that  they  convey  the  idea  of 
separation  and  setting  aside;  thou  hast  separated  him  from 
f'or(Mgn  gods  to  be  to  thee  as  God,  and  he  has  separated 
thee  from  the  nations  of  the  earth  to  be  to  him  as  a  pecu- 
242 


15  Look  down  from  the  habitation  of  thy 
holiness,  from  the  heavens,  and  bless  thy  jjeo- 
ple  Israel,  and  the  soil  which  thou  hast  given 
unto  us,  as  thou  hast  sworn  unto  our  fathers, 
a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey.'^' 

16  T[  This  day  the  Lord  thy  God  com- 
mandeth  thee  to  do  these  statutes  and  ordi- 
nances ;  and  thou  shalt  keep  and  do  them  with 
all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

17  Thou  hast  this  day  acknowledged''  the 
Lord,  that  he  is  thy  God,  and  that  thou  wilt 
walk  in  his  ways,  and  keep  his  statutes,  and 
his  commandments,  and  his  ordinances,  and 
hearken  unto  his  voice; 

18  And  the  Lord  hath  acknowledged  thee 
this  day,  that  thou  art  unto  him  a  peculiar 
people,  as  he  hath  spoken  unto  thee,  and  that 
thou  shouldst  keep  all  his  commaudments; 

19  So  that  he  may  set  thee  highest  above 
all  nations  that  he  hath  made,  in  praise,  and 
in  name,  and  in  honour;  and  that  thou  may- 
est  be  a  holy  people  unto  the  Lord  thy  God, 
as  he  hath  spoken.* 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  Moses  with  the  elders  of  Israel  com- 
manded the  people,  saying,  Keep  the  whole 
commandment  which  I  command  you  his  day. 

2  And  it  shall  be  on  the  day  when  ye  pass 
over  the  Jordan  unto  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee,  that  thou  shalt  set  up  for 
thj-self  great  stones,  and  cover  them  with 
plaster ; 

3  And  thou  shalt  write  upon  them  all  the 
words  of  this  law,  so  soon  as  thou  art  passed 
over;  in  order  that  thou  mayest  go  in  unto 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth 
thee,  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey;  as 
the  Lord,  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  hath  spoken 
unto  thee. 

4  And  it  shall  be  so  soon  as  ye  are  gone  over 
the  Jordan,  that  ye  shall  set  up  these  stones, 
which  I  command  you  this  day,  on  mount 
'Ebal;  and  thou  shalt  cover  them  with  plaster. 


liar  people." — Rashi.  Arnheim  simply  gives  them  with 
"declared  openly,"  "  undisguisedly,"  "acknowledged,"  as 
in  the  text.  Mendelssohn  translates  with  "given  occa- 
sion;" thus,  "Thou  hast  given  this  day  occasion  unto  the 
LoKD  (to  make  a  covenant  with  thee)  to  be  unto  thee  a 
God,"  &c.  Philippson  after  Aben  Ezra,  Rashbam,  &c., 
simply,  "  Thou  lettcst  it  be  told  unto  the  Lord,"  and 
"  The  Lord  letteth  it  be  told  unto  thee,"  as  the  causative 
from  "TON  "to  say,"  or  "cause  something  to  be  told,  said, 
or  answered."     But  the  sense  in  each  case  is  the  same. 


DEUTERONOMY  XXVII.  XXVIII.     KI  TAHBO. 


5  And  thou  shalt  build  there  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord  thy  God,  an  altar  of  stones:  thou 
shalt  not  lift  up  any  iron  tool  upon  them. 

6  Of  whole  stones  shalt  thou  build  the  altar 
of  the  Lord  thy  God;  and  thou  shalt  offer 
thereupon  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God; 

7  And  thou  shalt  slay  peace-offerings,  and 
eat  (them)  there;  and  thou  shalt  rejoice  be- 
fore the  Lord  thy  God. 

8  And  thou  shalt  write  upon  the  stones  all 
the  words  of  this  law,  very  plainly. 

•  9  T[  And  Moses  with  the  priests,  the  Le- 
\ites,  spoke  unto  all  Israel,  saying.  Be  atten- 
tive, and  hearken,  0  Israel !  this  day  art  thou 
become  a  people  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

10  Thou  shalt  therefore  hearken  to  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  do  his  com- 
mandments and  his  statutes,  which  I  com- 
mand thee  this  day.* 

11  Tl  And  Moses  commanded  the  people 
on  the  same  day,  saying, 

12  These  shall  stand  upon  mount  Gerizzim 
to  bless*  the  people,  when  ye  are  come  over 
the  Jordan:  Simeon,  and  Levi,  and  Judah, 
and  Issachar,  and  Joseph,  and  Benjamin. 

13  And  these  shall  stand  for  tlie  sake  of 
the  curse  upon  mount  'Ebal :  Reuben,  Gad, 
and  Asher,  and  Zebulun,  Dan,  and  Naphtali. 

14  And  the  Levites  shall  commence,  and 
say  unto  all  the  men  of  Israel  with  a  loud 
voice, 

15  ^  Cursed  be  the  man  who  maketh  a 
graven  or  molten  image,  the  abomination  of 
the  Lord,  the  work  of  the  hands  of  the  crafts- 
man, and  putteth  it  in  a  secret  place ;  and  all 
the  people  shall  answer,  and  say.  Amen. 

16  ^  Cursed  be  he  that  holdeth  in  light 
esteem  his  father  or  his  mother ;  and  all  the 
people  shall  say,  Amen. 

17  ][  Cursed  be  he  that  removeth  the  land- 
mark of  his  neighbour;  and  all  the  people 
shall  say.  Amen. 

18  Tl  Cursed  be  he  that  causeth  the  blind 
to  wander  out  of  the  way ;  and  all  the  people 
a.  all  say,  Amen. 

19  ]j  Cursed  be  he    that   perverteth    the 

'  Six  tribes  went  up  to  the  top  of  mount  Gerizzim,  and 
six  to  that  of  mount  'Ebal,  while  the  priests,  with  the 
Levites  and  the  ark  wore  in  the  middle  of  the  valley  be- 
low ;  tha  Levites  thereupon  turned  their  faces  toward 
Gerizzim,  and  commenced  with  the  blessing:  "Blessed 
be  t'oc  map.  who  doth  not  make  a  graven   image,"  &c. ; 


cause  of  the  stranger,  of  the  fatherless,  and 
of  ^he  widow;  and  all  the  people  shall  say, 
Amen. 

20  Cursed  be  he  that  lieth  with  his  father's 
wife;  because  he  uncovereth  his  Other's  skirt; 
and  all  the  people  shall  say,  Amen. 

21  ][  Cursed  be  he  that  lieth  with  any  man- 
ner of  beas-t;  and  all  the  j^eople  shall  say, 
Amen. 

22  ^  Cursed  be  he  that  lieth  with  his  si.'*- 
ter,  the  daughter  of  his  father,  or  the  daugh- 
ter of  his  mother,  and  all  the  people  shall  say, 
Amen. 

23  T[  Cursed  be  he  that  lieth  with  his 
mother-in-law;  and  all  the  people  shall  say, 
Amen. 

24  ^  Cursed  be  he  that  smiteth  his  neigh- 
bour secretly;  and  all  the  people  shall  say, 
Amen. 

25  ^  Cursed  be  he  that  taketh  a  bribe  to 
slay  a  person,  an  innocent  blood ;  and  all  the 
people  shall  say,  Amen. 

2(3  ^  Cursed  be  he  that  executeth  not  the 
words  of  this  law  to  do  them;  and  all  the 
people  shall  say,  Amen. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  thou  wilt 
hearken  diligently  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  his  command- 
ments which  I  command  thee  this  day,  that 
th'e  Lord  thy  God  will  set  thee  highest  above 
all  nations  of  the  earth; 

2  And  all  these  blessings  shall  conie  upon 
thee,  and  overtake  thee;  because  thou  wilt 
hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

3  Blessed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and 
blessed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  field. 

4  Blessed  shall  be  the  fruit  of  thy  l^ody, 
and  the  fruit  of  thy  ground,  and  the  fruit  of 
thy  cattle,  the  increase  of  thy  cattle,  and  the 
3'oung  of  thy  flocks. 

5  Blessed  shall  be  thy  basket  and  thy 
kneading-trough. 

6  Blessed  shalt  thou  be  at  thy  coming  in, 
and  blessed  shalt  thou  be  at  thy  going''  out.* 

7  The  Lord  will  cause  thy  enemies  that 

when  both  parties  answered,  "  Amen."  They  then  turned 
their  faces  toward  mount  'Ebal,  and  commenced  with  the 
curse  :  "  Cursed  be  the  man,"  &c.,  and  so  till  the  last, 
"  that  observeth  not." — Mishna  Sotah,  vii.  §  5. 

"  Rashi  explains,  "Trat  thy  going  out  from  this  world 
shall  be  like  thy  entrance  therein,  without  sin." 

•J43 


DEUTERONOMY  XXVIII.     KI  TAHBO. 


rise  up  against  thee  to  be  smitten  before  thy 
face :  on  one  way  sliall  they  come  out  against 
thee,  and  on  seven  ways"  shall  they  flee  be- 
fore thee. 

8  The  Lord  will  command  upon  thee  the 
ble.s.sing  in  tliy  storehouses,  and  in  all  the 
acquisitions  of  i\\y  hand ;  and  he  will  bless 
thee  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

9  The  Lord  will  raise  thee  up  unto  him- 
self as  a  holy  people,  as  he  hath  sworn  unto 
thee;  if  thou  wilt  keep  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  walk  in  his  ways. 

10  And  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  shall 
see,  that  thou  art  called  by  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  and  they  shall  be  afraid  of  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  will  make  thee  pre- 
eminent for  good,  in  the  fruit  of  thy  body, 
and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle,  and  in  the 
fruit  of  thy  ground,  in  the  land  which  the 
Lord  swore  unto  thy  fathers  to  give  unto  thee. 

12  The  Lord  will  open  unto  thee  his  good 
treasure,  the  heaven,  to  give  the  rain  of  thy 
land  in  its  season,  and  to  bless  all  the  work 
of  thy  hand ;  and  thou  shalt  lend  unto  many 
nations,  l)ut  thou  shalt  not  borrow. 

13  And  the  Lord  will  constitute  thee  the 
head,  and  not  the  tail;  and  thou  shalt  only 
be  uppermost,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  beneath; 
if  thou  wilt  hearken  unto  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  I  command  thee 
this  day  to  observe  and  to  do; 

14  And  thou  wilt  not  go  aside  from  all  the 
words  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  to  the 
right,  or  to  the  left,  to  go  after  strange  gods, 
to  serve  them. 

15  T[  But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  thou 
wilt  not  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  to  observe  to  do  all  his  command- 
ments and  his  statutes  which  I  command 
thee  this  day:  that  all  these  curses  shall 
come  upon  thee,  and  overtake  thee. 

16  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and 
cursed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  field. 

17  Cursed  shall  be  thy  basket  and  thy 
kneading-trough. 

18  Cin-sed  shall  be  the  fruit  of  thy  body, 
and  the  fruit  of  thy  land,  the  increase  of  thy 
cattle,  and  the  young  of  the  flocks. 


*  "Tliis  is  the  course  of  those  who  flee  hastily,  that 
they  scatter  themselves  on  all  sides." — Rashi. 

'  Mendelssohn  considers  these  three  as  diseases  of  the 
hnman  system:  "unnatural  dryuess,  wasting,  and  jaun- 
244 


19  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  at  thy  coming  in, 
and  cursed  shalt  thou  be  at  thy  going  out. 

20  The  Lord  will  send  out  against  thee 
misfortune,  confusion,  and  failure,  in  all  the 
occupation  of  thy  hand  which  thou  mayest 
engage  in ;  until  thou  be  destroyed,  and  initil 
thou  perish  quickly ;  because  of  the  wicked- 
ness of  thy  doings,  that  thou  hast  forsaken 
me. 

21  The  Lord  will  cause  the  pestilence  to 
cleave  unto  thee,  until  it  have  consimied  thee 
from  ofl'  the  land,  whither  thou  goest  to  pos- 
sess it. 

22  The  Lord  Avill  smite  thee  with  vol,- 
sumption,  and  with  fever,  and  with  inflg-.d- 
mation,  and  with  extreme  burning,  and  with 
drought,''  and  with  blasting,  and  with  mil- 
dew; and  they  shall  pursue  thee  until  thou 
be  lost. 

23  And  thy  heavens  that  are  over  thy 
head  shall  be  copper,  and  the  earth  that  is 
under  thee  shall  be  iron. 

24  The  Lord  will  give  as  the  rain  of  thy 
land  powder  and  dust:  from  heaven  shall 
it  come  down  upon  thee,  until  thou  be  de- 
stroyed. 

25  The  Lord  will  cause  thee  to  be  smitten 
before  thy  enemies :  on  one  way  shalt  thou 
go  out  against  them,  and  on  seven  ways 
shalt  thou  flee  before  them;  and  thou  shalt 
become  a  horror"  unto  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  earth. 

26  And  thy  carcass  shall  become  food  unto 
all  the  fowls  of  the  heavens,  and  unto  the 
beasts  of  the  earth,  but  with  no  one  to  scare 
them  away. 

27  The  Lord  will  smite  thee  with  the  in- 
flammatory disease  of  Egypt,  and  with  the 
hemorrhoids,  and  with  the  scab,  and  with  the 
itch,  whereof  thou  shalt  not  be  able  to  be 
healed. 

28  The  Lord  will  smite  thee  with  ma-f- 
ness,  and  witli  blindness,  and  with  confusion 
of  heart ; 

29  And  thou  shalt  grope  about  at  noonday, 
as  the  blind  gropeth  about  in  the  darkner*, 
and  thou  shalt  not  prosper  in  thy  ways ;  i.nd 
thou  shalt  be  only  oppressed  and  robbed  all 
the  days,  but  with  no  one  to  help.* 


dice;"  others,  however,  view  them  as  diseases  in   den'aJ 
to  the  products  of  the  earth. 

"  "An  object  of  ill-treatment." — Philippson. 

*  This  pretigurates  the  helplessness  of  Israel  in  exile 


DEUTERONOMY  XXVIII.     KI  TAHBO. 


30  A  wife  wilt  thou  betroth,  and  another 
man  shall  lie  with  her;  a  house  wilt  thou 
build,  and  thou  shalt  not  dwell  therein;  a 
vineyard  wilt  thou  plant,  and  thou  shalt  not 
redeem  it. 

31  Thy  ox  shall  be  slain  before  th}-  eyes, 
and  thou  shalt  not  eat  thereof;  thy  ass  shall 
be  violently  taken  away  from  before  thy  face, 
and  shall  not  be  brouglit  back  to  thee;  thy 
sheep  shall  be  given  unto  thy  enemies,  with- 
out any  one  to  help  thee. 

32  Thv  sons  and  thy  daughters  shall  be 
given  unto  another  people,  and  thy  eyes  shall 
look  on,  and  fail  with  longing  for  them  all 
the  day  long;  but  without  any  power  in  thy 
hand. 

33  The  fruit  of  thy  .soil,  and  all  thy  exer- 
tion, shall  a  nation  which  thou  knowest  not 
eat  up ;  and  thou  shalt  only  be  oppressed  and 
crushed  all  the  days. 

34  And  thou  shalt  become  mad  from  the 
sight  of  thy  eyes  which  thou  wilt  see. 

35  The  Lord  will  smite  thee  with  a  sore 
inflammation  upon  the  knees,  and  upon  the 
legs,  of  which  thou  shalt  not  be  able  to  be 
healed,  from  the  sole  of  thy  foot  unto  the  top 
of  thy  head. 

36  The  Lord  will  drive  thee,  and  thy  king 
whom  thou  wilt  set  over  thee,  unto  a  nation 
which  neither  thou  nor  thy  fathers  have 
known;  and  thou  wilt  serve  there  strange 
gods,  of  wood  and  stone. 

37  And  thou  shalt  become  an  astonish- 
ment, a  proverb,  and  a  by-word,  among  all 
the  nations  whither  the  Lord  will  lead  thee. 

38  Much  seed  wilt  thou  carry  out  into  the 
field,  yet  but  little  shalt  thou  gather  in;  for 
the  locust  shall  consume  it. 

39  Vineyards  wilt  thou  plant  and  dress; 
but  wine  shalt  thou  not  drink  nor  lay  up ;  for 
the  worms  shall  eat  them. 

40  Olive-trees  wilt  thou  have  throughout 
all  thy  borders;  but  with  the  oil  shalt  thou 
not  anoint  thyself;  for  thy  olive  shall  cast 
the  fruit. 

41  Sons  and  daughters  wilt  thou  beget; 
but  they  shall  not  remain  thine;  for  they 
shall  go  into  captivity. 

42  All  thy  trees  and  the  fruit  of  thy  land 
shall  the  cricket  strip  bare. 

43  The  stranger  that  is  in  the  midst  of  thee 
shall  get  up  above  thee  higher  and  higher; 
but  thou  shalt  come  down  lower  and  lower; 


44  He  shall  lend  to  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
not  lend  to  him;  he  shall  become  the  head, 
and  thou  shalt  become  the  tail. 

45  And  there  shall  come  upon  thee  all 
these  curses,  and  they  shall  pursue  thee,  and 
overtake  thee,  till  thou  be  destroyed;  because 
thou  didst  not  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  to  keep  his  commandments 
and  his  statutes  which  he  hath  commanded 
thee; 

46  And  they  shall  remain  on  thee  for  a 
sign  and  for  a  token,  and  on  thy  seed,  for 
ever. 

47  For  the  reason  that  thou  didst  not 
serve  the  Lord  thy  God  with  joyfulness,  and 
with  gladness  of  heart,  while  there  was  an 
abundance  of  all  things; 

48  Therefore  shalt  thou  serve  thy  enemies 
whom  the  Lord  will  send  out  against  thee;  in 
hunger,  and  in  thirst,  and  in  nakedness,  and 
in  want  of  every  thing;  and  they  will  put  a 
yoke  of  iron  upon  thy  neck,  until  they  have 
destroyed  thee. 

49  The  Lord  will  bring  up  against  thee  a 
nation  from  afar,  frona  the  end  of  the  earth, 
as  the  eagle  rusheth  down;  a  nation  whose 
tongue  thou  wilt  not  understand ; 

50  A  nation  of  a  fierce"  countenance,  that 
will  not  have  respect  for  the  old^  nor  show 
favour  to  the  youn'g; 

51  And  it  will  eat  the  fruit  of  thy  cattle, 
and  the  fruit  of  thv  .soil,  until  thou  be  de- 
stroyed ;  so  that  it  will  not  leave  unto  thee 
corn,  wine,  or  oil.  the  increase  of  thy  cattle,  or 
the  3'oung  of  thy  Hocks,  until  it  have  ruined 
thee. 

52  And  it  will  besiege  thee  in  all  thy  gates, 
until  thy  high  and  strong  walls  come  down, 
wherein  thou  trustest,  throughout  all  thy 
land;  and  it  Avill  besiege  thee  in  all  thy 
gates  throughout  all  thy  land,  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  given  thee. 

53  And  thou  shalt  eat  the  fruit  of  thy 
own  body,  the  ilesh  of  thy  sons  and  of  thy 
daughters,  whom  the  Lord  thy  God  hath 
given  thee,  in  the  siege,  and  in  the  strait- 
ness,  whei-eAvith  thy  enemy  will  distress 
thee. 

54  The  man  that  is  the  most  tender  among 


'  Lit.  "Hard,"  or  "impudent;"  i.  e.  bold  and  unmer- 
ciful in  their  conduct  to  pris^mers,  and  unreasonable  in 
their  demands. 

245 


DEUTERONOMY  XXVIII.  XXIX.     KI  TAIIBO. 


thee,  and  who  is  very  delicate, — his  eye 
shall  look  enviously  toward  his  brother,  and 
toward  the  wife  of  his  bosom,  and  toward 
the  remnant  of  his  children  whom  he  may 
spare ; 

55  So  as  not  to  give  to  any  of  them  of 
the  flesh  of  his  children  which  he  may  eat; 
because  there  is  nothing  left  unto  him,  in 
the  siege,  and  in  the  straitness,  wherewith 
thy  enemy  will  distress  thee  in  all  thy 
gates. 

56  The  woman,  the  most  tender  among 
thee,  and.  the  most  delicate,  who  hath  never 
adventured  to  set  the  sole  of  her  foot  upon 
the  ground  for  delicateness  and  tenderness, — 
her  eye  shall  look  enviously  toward  the  hus- 
band of  her  bosom,  and  toward  her  son,  and 
toward  her  daughter, 

57  And  toward  her  young  one  that  is  come 
from  between  her  feet,  and  toward  her  chil- 
dren which  she  hath  born;  for  she  shall  eat 
them  for  want  of  every  thing  secretly,  in  the 
siege  and  in  the  straitness,  wherewith  thy 
enemy  will  distress  thee  in  thy  gates. 

58  If  thou  wilt  not  observe  to  do  all  the 
words  of  this  law  which  are  written  in  this 
book ;"  to  fear  tins  glorious  and  fearful  name, 
THE  Lord  thy  God  : 

59  Theii  will  the  Lord  render  peculiar  thy 
plagues,  and  the  plagues  of  thy  seed,  plagues 
great,  and  of  long  continuance,  and  sicknesses 
soi'e,  and  of  long  continuance. 

GO  And  he  will  bring  back  upon  thee  all 
the  diseases  of  Egypt,  of  which  thou  wast 
afraid;  and  they  shall  cleave  unto  thee. 

61  Also  every  sickness,  and  every  plague 
which  is  not  written  in  the  book  of  this  law, 
will  the  Lord  bring  upon  thee,  until  thou  be 
destroyed. 

62  And  ye  shall  be  left  but  few  in  num- 
ber, instead  of  that  ye  once  were  as  the  stars 
of  heaven  for  multitude;  because  thou  didst 
not  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy 
God. 

63  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  as  the 
Lord  rejoiced  over  you  to  do  you  good,  and 
to  multiply  you,  so  will  the  Lord  rejoice  over 


"  Tlie  plagues  mentioned  arc  not  the  results  of  any  for- 
tuitous oircunistaucos,  nor  any  extraneous  cause;  but  only 
of  the  disobedience  of  the  Israelites  to  the  will  of  God. 
It  is  a  faitLliil  udhoreuec  to  the  law  which  alone  could 
build  up  our  state,  as  the  reverse  is  the  ouly  thing  which 
could  pive  our  enemies  tiic  victory  over  us. 
246 


you  to  bring  you  to  nought,  and  to  destroy 
you:  and  ye  shall  be  plucked  from  off  the 
land  whither  thou  goest  to  possess  it. 

64  And  the  Lord  will  scatter  thee  among 
all  the  nations,  from  one  end  of  the  earth 
even  unto  the  other  end  of  the  earth;  and 
there  M'ilt  thou  serve  strange  gods,  which 
neither  thou  nor  thy  fathers  have  known, 
even  wood  and  stone. 

65  And  among  these  nations  shalt  thou 
find  no  ease,  and  there  shall  not  be  any  rest 
for  the  sole  of  thy  foot:  and  the  Lord  will 
give  thee  there  a  trembling  heart,  and  a  fail- 
ing of  eyes,  and  a  faintness  of  soul. 

66  And  thy  life  shall  hang''  in  douljt  before 
thee;  and  thou  shalt  be  in  dread  day  and 
night,  and  thou  shalt  have  no  confidence  of 
thy  life; 

67  In  the  morning  thou  wilt  say,  Who 
would  but  grant  that  it  were  only  evening! 
and  at  evening  thou  wilt  say.  Who  would  but 
grant  that  it  were  only  morning!  from  the 
dread  of  thy  heart  which  thou  wilt  experi- 
ence, and  from  the  sight  of  thy  eyes  which 
thou  wilt  see. 

68  And  the  Lord  will  bring  thee  l^ack  to 
Egypt  in  ships,  by  the  way  whereof  I  have 
spoken  unto  thee,  Thou  shalt  no  more  see  it 
again:  and  there  will  ye  offer  yourselves;'' 
for  sale  unto  your  enemies  for  bond-men 
and  bond-women,  without  any  one  to  buy 
you. 

69''  ]|  These  are  the  words  of  the  covenant, 
which  the  Lord  commanded  Moses  to  make 
with  the  children  of  Israel  in  the  land  of 
Moitb,  besides  the  covenant  which  he  had 
made  with  them  in  Horeb.* 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  And  Moses  called  unto  all  Israel,  and 
said  unto  them.  Ye  yourselves  have  seen  sll 
that  the  Lord  hath  done  before  your  eyes  in 
the  land  of  Egypt  unto  Pharaoh,  and  unto  aU. 
his  servants,  and  unto  all  his  land; 

2  The  great  proofs  which  thy  eye'?  have 
seen,  those  great  signs,  and  miracles : 

3  Yet  the  Lord  gave  you  not  a  heart  tn 

''  Lit.  "And  thy  life  shall  be  hanging  unto  thee  '.t  a 
distance;"  ('.  c.  it  shall  be  in  constant  danger. 

'  "Ye  will  seek  to  sell  yourselves,  but  noue  will  buy 
for  they  will  decree  against  you  slaughter  and  destruction." 
— Rashi. 

''  The  ICnglish  version  coium;Mice.s  here  cLap.  xxi.f 


DEUTERONOMY  XXIX.     NITZABIM. 


perceive,  and  eyes  to  see,  and  ears  to  hear, 
until  tliis  day." 

4  And  I  have  led  yon  forty  years  in  the 
wilderness;  your  clothes  did  not  Ml  worn  out 
from  oft'  you.  and  thy  shoe  did  not  Ml  woi-n 
out  from  oft'  thy  foot. 

5  Bread  have  ye  not  eaten,  and  wine  or 
strong  drink  have  ye  not  drunk;  in  order 
that  ye  might  understand  that  1  am  the  Lord 
your  God.'-' 

6  And  when  ye  came  unto  this  place, 
Sichon  the  king  of  Cheshhon,  and  "Og  the 
king  of  Bashan  w^ent  out  against  us  unto 
Ijattle,  and  we  smote  them : 

7  And  we  took  their  land,  and  gave  it  for 
an  inheritance  unto  the  Reiihenites,  and  to 
the  Gadites,  and  to  the  half  tribe  of  the 
Menassites. 

8  Keep  ye  therefore  the  words  of  this  cove- 
nant, and  do  them,  that  ye  may  prosper  in  all 
that  ye  do. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  Ix.  1  to  22. 


SECTION  LI.     NITZABIM,  D'Di'J. 

9  ^  Ye  are  standing  this  day,  all  of  you, 
before  the  Lord  your  God ;  your  lieads  of  your 
tribes,  your  elders,  and  your  ofticers,  all  the 
men  of  Israel, 

10  Your  little  ones,  your  wives,  and  thy 
stranger  that  is  in  the  midst  of  thy  camp, 
from  the  hewer  of  thy  w^ood  unto  the  drawer 
of  thy  water: 

11  That  thou  shouldst  enter  into  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  th}-  God,  and  into  his 
oath  of  denunciation,  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  raaketh  with  thee  this  day.* 

12  In  order  to  raise  thee  up  to-day  unto 
himself  for  a  people,  and  that  he  may  be  unto 
thee  a  God,  as  he  hath  spoken  unto  thee,  and 

°  Despite  of  the  many  proofs  of  God's  mercy  the  people 
had  obtained,  they  were  yet  wavering  in  their  faith. 

'■  The  reaffirmation  of  the  covenant,  with  the  oath  of 
denunciation  (above,  xxvii.  15-26)  for  transgression  now 
superadded,  was  for  the  purpose  of  impressing  the  more 
strongly  the  necessity  of  obedience  upon  the  people,  so 
that  there  might  not  be  one  individual  or  family,  who,  in 
daring  carelessness,  would  offend  against  the  will  of  the 
Lord,  seeing  that  he  himself  had  bound  his  soul  with  the 
covenant  into  which  he  and  all  Israel  had  voluntarily  en- 
tered.—-This  verse  connects  with  verse  14.  li 

'  After  Arnheim,  who  renders  ni3D  with  "to  appease,"  'i 

to  still;'   Ti]'\  from   the   Aramaic   "n    "drunkenne.ss,"  i 
"violent  indulgence;"  and  hn-dv  '-thirst,"  "desire;"  and  i| 


as  he  hath  sworn  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abra- 
ham, to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob. 

lo  And  not  with  you  alone  do  I  make  tliis 
covenant  and  this  oath; 

14  But  with  him  that  is  standing  here  with 
us  this  day  before  the  Lord  our  God,  and 
with  him  that  is  not  here  w'ith  us  this  day.* 

15  (For  }e  know  how  we  dwelt  in  the 
land  of  Egypt;  and  how  we  passed  through 
the  nations  through  Avhich  ye  have  passed ; 

16  And  ye  saw  their  abominations,  and 
their  idols,  of  wood  and  stone,  silver  and 
gold,  which  they  had  with  them:) 

17  So"  that  there  may  not  Ije  among  you  a 
man,  or  a  woman,  or  a  family,  or  a  tribe, 
whose  heart  turneth  away  this  day  from  the 
Lord  our  God.  to  go  to  serve  the  gods  of  these 
nations;  that  there  may  not  be  among  you  a 
root  that  beareth  abundantly  poison  and 
wormwood. 

18  And  it  might  come  to  pass,  when  he 
heareth  the  words  of  this  denunciation,  tliat 
he  would  Ijless  himself  in  his  heart,  saying, 
There  will  be  peace  unto  me,  though  I  walk 
in  the  stubbornness  of  my  heart;  in  order 
that  the  indulgence'  of  the  passions  may  ap- 
•pease  the  thirst  (for  them) : 

19  The  Lord  will  not  pardon  him;  but 
then  the  anger  of  the  Lord  and  his  jealousy 
will  smoke''  against  that  man,  and  there  shall 
rest  upon  him  all  the  curse  that  is  written  in 
this  book;  and  the  Lord  will  blot  out  his 
name  from  under  the  heavens. 

!|  20  And  the  Lord  will  single  him  out  unto 
evil  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  according  to 
all  the  denunciations  of  the  covenant  which 

I' is  written  in  this  book  of  the  law. 

II  21  And  the  latest  generation,  your  chil- 
dren  that  will  rise   up  after   you,  and    the 

'stranger  that  will  come  from  a  far  land,  will 


say,  when  they  see  the  plagues  of  that  land, 

means  then,  that  he  will  continue  to  indulge  in  unlawful 
desires,  forgetful  of  the  command  of  God,  simply  because 
his  own  will  is  stubborn,  and  he  is  careless  about  yielding 
obedience.  Philippson  renders  mSD  with  ''to  increase;" 
thus,  "  so  that  the  drunkenness  should  yet  farther  increase 
the  thirst;  ('.  r.  for  greater  indulgence.  rin'nB' Arnheim 
derives  for  TiB'  ''fast,  firm,"  hence,  "security." 

''  This  expression  is  taken  from  the  effects  of  strong 
anger  in  a  man,  which  is  seen  in  the  smoke  coming  out  of 
his  nostrils;  and  is  only  used  to  personify  the  results  of 
wilful  disobedience  to  God's  will.  "Jealousy"  then 
represents  the  consequence  of  slighted  affection  which  the 
mortal  should  feel  for  his  heavenly  Father,  who  both  de- 
serves and  expects  love  and  obedience  from  his  creatures. 

247 


DEUTERONOMY  XXIX.  XXX.    NITZABIM. 


not  assigned" 


"  Our  religion  points  out  to  us  how  we  are  to  worship ; 
consequently  irlolatry  being  interdicted,  is  properly  a 
species  of  worship  not  assigned  to  us  by  God. 

*"  11'nini  from  in*  "more;"  therefore  in   Hiphil,  "to 
make  one  more  or  greater  than  another,"  "to  distinguish 
one  for  something."     (8ce  also  above,  xxviii.  11.) 
248 


■Mid  its  sufferings  with  which  tlie  Lord  hath  | 
litten  it; 

1^2  (That)  the  whole  soil  thereof  is  brim- 
,one,  and  salt,  and  a  burning  waste,  whicli  is 
lot  sown,  and  beareth  not,  and  in  which  no 
kind  of  grass  springeth  up,  like  the  overthrow 
of  Sodom,  and  Gomorrah,  Admah,  and  Ze- 
bojim  which  the  Lord  overthrew  in  his  an- 
ger, and  in  iiis  wrath : — 

23  Even  all  the  nations  will  say.  Where- 
fore hath  the  Lord  done  thus  unto  this  land  ? 
whence  the  heat  of  this  great  anger  ? 

24  Then  shall  men  say.  Because  they  had 
forsaken  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  their  fathers,  which  he  made  with  them 
when  he  brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt; 

25  And  they  went  and  served  other  gods, 
and  bowed  down  to  them,  gods  which  they 
knew  not,  and  which  he  had 
unto  them; 

26  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  this  land,  to  bring  upon  it  the  entire 
curse  that  is  written  in  this  book; 

27  And  the  Lord  plucked  them  out  of 
their  land  in  anger,  and  in  wrath,  and  in 
great  indignation,  and  he  cast  them  into  an- 
other land,  as  it  is  this  day. 

28  The  secret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord 
our  God;  but  those  things  which  are  publicly 
known  belong  unto  us  and  to  our  children 
for  ever,  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law.* 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  all 
these  things  are  come  upon  thee,  the  blessing 
and  the  curse,  which  I  liave  set  before  thee, 
and  thou  x'eiiectest  on  them  in  thy  heart 
among  all  the  nations,  whither  the  Lord  thy 
God  hatli  driven  thee, 

2  So  that  thou  returnest  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God,  and  hearkenest  unto  his  voice  ac- 
cording to  all  that  I  command  this  day,  thou 
and  thy  children,  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul : 

3  That  then  the  Lord  thy  God  will  restore 
thy  captivity,  and  have  mercy  upon  thee  ; 


and  he  will  again  gather  thee  from  all  the 
nations,  whither  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  scat- 
tered thee. 

4  If  thy  outcasts  be  at  the  outmost  parts 
of  heaven,  from  there  will  the  Lord  thy  God 
gather  thee,  and  from  there  will  he  fetch 
thee : 

5  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  bring  thee 
into  the  land  which  thy  fathers  possessed, 
and  thou  shalt  possess  it;  and  he  will  do 
thee  good,  and  multiply  thee  above  thy 
fathers. 

6  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  circumcise 
thy  heart,  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed,  to  love 
the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  in  order  that  thou  mayest 
live.* 

7  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  put  all  these 
denunciations  upon  thy  enemies,  and  on  those 
that  hate  thee,  who  have  persecuted  thee. 

8  And  thou  wilt  return  and  hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  the  Lord,  and  thou  wilt  do  all  his  com- 
mandments which  I  command  thee  this  day. 

9  And  the  Lord  thy  God  will  make  thee 
pre-eminent"  in  every  work  of  thy  hand,  in 
the  fruit  of  thy  bod}-,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy 
cattle,  and  in  the  fruit  of  thy  land,  for  good; 
for  the  Lord  will  again  rejoice  over  thee  for 
good,  as  he  rejoiced  over  thy  fathers; 

10  ir  thou  wilt  hearken  unto  the  voice  of 
the  Lord  thy  God,  to  keep  his  commandments 
and  his  statutes  which  are  written  in  this 
book  of  the  law;  if  thou  wilt  return  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all 
thy  soul.* 

11  T[  For  this  commandment  which  I  com- 
mand thee  this  day,  is  not  hidden  from  thee, 
nor  is  it  far  off. 

12  It  is  not  in  heaven;  that  thou  shouldst 
say,  Who  will  go  up  for  us  to  heaven,  and 
fetch  it  down  unto  us,  and  cause  us  to  hear 
it,  that  we  may  do  it? 

13  Neither  is  it  beyond  the  sea;  that  thou 
shouldst  say,  Who  will  go  over  the  sea  for 
us,  and  fetch  it  unto  us,  and  cause  us  to  hear 
it,  that  we  may  do  it? 

14  But  the  word  is  very  nigh  unto  thee, 


°  All  the  blessings  mast  be  earned  by  obedience  in  the 
first  instance;  and  when  they  have  been  forfeited  by  sin, 
they  can  only  be  recovered  through  a  perfect  return 
unto  God  with  all  the  heart  and  all  the  soul.  This  is 
the  only  condition  pointed  out  to  us  in  this  beautiful 
passage. 


DEUTERONOMY  XXX.  XXXI.  VAYELECH. 


in  tliy  month,  and  in  thy  heart,  tliat  thou 
niayest  do  it.* 

15  ^  See,  I  have  set  before  thee  this  day 
life  and  the  good,  death  and  the  evil ; 

16  In  that  I  command  thee  this  day  to  love 
the  Loud  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and 
to  keep  his  commandments  and  his  statutes 
and  his  ordinances;  that  thou  mayest  live  and 
multiply;  and  that  the  Lord  thy  God  may 
bless  thee  in  the  land  whither  thou  goest  to 
possess  it. 

17  But  if  thy  heart  turn  away,  so  that 
thou  wilt  not  hearken,  and  thou  sufferest  thy- 
self to  be  dra^vn  away,  and  thou  bowest  do%\7i 
to  other  gods,  and  servest  them :''" 

18  I  aunomice  unto  you  this  day,  that  ye 
shall  surely  perish ;  ye  shall  not  remain  many 
days  upon  the  land,  whither  thou  passest  over 
the  J(jrdan  to  go  thither  to  possess  it. 

19  I  call  heaven  and  earth  as  witnesses 
against  you  this  day,  that  I  have  set  before 
you  life'  and  death,  the  blessing  and  the  curse ; 
therefore  choose  thou  life,  in  order  that  thou 
mayest  live,  both  thou  and  thy  seed ; 

20  To  love  the  Lokd  thy  God,  to  hearken 
to  his  voice,  and  to  cleave  mi  to  him;  for  he  is 
thy  hfe,  and  the  length  of  thy  days;  that  thou 
mayest  dwell  in  the  land  which  the  Lord 
swore  unto  thy  fathers,  to  Abraham,  to  Isaac, 
and  to  Jacob,  to  give  unto  them. 

Haphtorah  in  Isaiah  Ixi.  10  to  Ixiii.  9. 


SECTION  LII.     VAYELECH,  -I-"1. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  ^  And  Moses  went  and  spoke  these 
words  unto  all  Israel. 

2  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  am  a  hundred 
and  twenty  years  old  this  day;  I  am  not  able 
any  more  to  go  out  and  come  in ;  for""  the  Lord 
hath  said  unto  me.  Thou  shalt  not  go  over 
this  Jordan. 

3  The  Lord  thy  God  it  is  who  goeth  over 

'  Life  IS  the  sure  recompense  of  goodness,  death  that  of 
evil;  and  as  God  loves  mercy,  he  counsels  man  to  choose 
goodiless,  in  order  that  he  may  live. 

'Literally,  "and;"  but  Rashi  explains  correctly  that 
the  reason  why  Moses  could  no  longer  be  the  leader  of  the 
people  was  not  physical  weakness,  which  is  contradicted 
by  xxxiv.  7;  but  the  will  of  God  that  he  should  not  go 
over  the  Jordan. 

2Q 


before  thee;  he  Avill  destroy  these  nations 
fi'om  before  thee,  and  thou  shalt  dispossess 
them:  Joshua  it  is  who  goeth  over  before 
thee,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken.* 

4  And  the  Lord  will  do  unto  them  as  he 
hath  done  to  Sichon  and  to  'Og,  the  kings  of 
the  Emorites,  and  unto  their  land,  whom  he 
hath  destroyed. 

5  And  the  Lord  will  give  them  up  before 
you;  and  ye  shall  do  unto  them  according 
unto  the  whole  of  the  commandment  which  I 
have  commanded  you. 

6  Be  strong  and  of  a  good  courage,  be  not 
afraid  and  be  not  dismayed  on  account  of 
them;  for  the  Lord  thy  God  it  is  that  goeth 
with  thee;  he  will  not  let  thee  fail,  nor  forsake 
thee.* 

7  ][  And  Moses  called  imto  Joshua,  and 
said  unto  him  before  the  eyes  of  all  Israel,  Be 
strong  and  of  a  good  courage;  for  thou  must 
go  with  this  people  unto  the  land  which  the 
Lord  hath  sworn  unto  their  fathers  to  give 
unto  them ;  and  thou  shalt  divide  it  for  them 
as  a  possession. 

8  And  the  Lord  it  is  that  goeth  before 
thee;  he  will  be  with  thee,  he  will  not  let 
thee  fail,  nor  will  he  forsake  thee :  fear  not, 
nor  be  thou  discouraged. 

9  And  Moses  wrote  down  this  law,  and  de- 
livered it  unto  the  priests  the  sons  of  Levi, 
who  l)ore  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
and  unto  all  the  elders  of  Israel.* 

10  And  Moses  commanded  them,  sajdng, 
At  the  end  of  (every)  seven"  years,  at  the 
fixed  time  of  the  year  of  release,  on  the  feast 
of  tabernacles, 

11  When  all  Israel  come  to  appear  before 
the  Lord  thy  God  in  the  place  which  he  will 
choose,  shalt  thou  read  this  law  in  the  pre- 
sence of  all  Israel  in  their  hearing. 

12  Assemble  the  people  together,  the  men, 
and  the  women,  and  the  children,  and  thy 
stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates;  in  order 
that  they  may  hear,  and  in  order  that  they 
may  learn  how  they  are  to  fear  the  Lord 


°  At  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles  succeeding  the  release 
year,  as  it  is  explained  by  our  authorities.  It  was  then 
that  the  chief  of  the  people  was  to  read  the  law  in  the 
hearing  of  all ;  since  all  had  an  equal  interest  in  the  same, 
and  all  were  bound  to  give  it  strict  obedience.  Religious 
instruction  should  therefore  in  our  day  also  be  imparted  to 
all  who  belong  to  the  house  of  Israel,  whether  they  be 
male  or  female,  young  or  old. 

249 


DEUTERONOMY  XXXI.  VAYELECH. 


your  God,  and  observe  to  do  all  the  words  of 
this  law; 

13  And  that  their  children,  who  have  not 
yet  any  knowledge,  may  hear,  and  learn  to 
fear  the  Lord  your  God,  all  the  days  which 
ye  li\'e  iu  the  land  whither  ye  go  over  the 
Jordan  to  possess  it.''' 

14  If  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Be- 
hold, thy  days  approach  that  thou  must  die ; 
call  Joshua,  and  place  yourselves  in  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  congregation,  that  I  may  give 
him  a  charge:*  and  Moses  and  Joshua  went, 
and  placed  themselves  in  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation. 

15  And  the  Lord  appeared  in  the  taberna- 
cle in  a  pillar  of  cloud ;  and  the  pillar  of  cloud 
stood  at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle. 

IC  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Behold, 
thou  shalt  sleep  with  thy  fathers:  and  then 
will  this  people  rise  up,  and  go  astray  after 
the  gods  of  the  strangers  of  the  land,  whither 
they  go  to  be  iu  the  midst  of  them,  and  they 
will  forsake  me,  and  break  my  covenant 
which  I  have  made  with  them. 

17  And  my  anger  shall  be  kindled  against 
them  on  that  day,  and  I  will  forsake  them, 
and  I  will  hide  my  face  from  them,  and  they 
shall  be  given  to  be  devoured,  and  many 
evils  and  troubles  shall  overtake  them;  and 
they  will  say  on  that  day,  Is  it  not,  because 
my  God  is  not  in  the  midst  of  me,  that  these 
evils  have  overtaken  me  ? 

18  But  I  will  assuredly  hide  my  face  on 
that  day  on  account  of  all  the  evils  which 
they  have  wrought,  tecause  they  have  turned 
unto  other  gods. 

19  Now  therefore  write  ye  for  yourselves 
this  song,  and  teach  it  the  children  of  Israel, 
put  it  in  their  mouth;  in  order  tluit  this  song 
nuxy  become  for  me  a  witness  against  the 
children  of  Israel.* 

20  For  when  I  shall  have  brought  them 
into  the  land  which  I  have  sworn  unto  their 
fathers,  that  floweth  with  milk  and  honey; 
and  they  shall  have  eaten  and  filled  them- 


"  Tlii.s  refers  (o  verso  '2H,  where  it  says,  "  And  he  gave 
a  charge  to  Jo.shu.a,  &c."  As  Joshua  was  to  succeed 
MosCs,  it  was  proper  that  the  Spirit  should  speak  with 
him  in  the  presence  of  his  teacher;  so  that  the  people 
miglit  respect  him. 

''  A  pnjmise  th;it  thchiw  shall  never  be  forgotten,  which 
has  been  signally  fultilied. 

'  "  The  song  shall,  through  the  predictions  it  contains, 
260 


selves,  and  grown  fat:  then  will  they  airn 
unto  other  gods,  and  serve  them,  and  provoke 
me,  and  break  my  covenant. 

21  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  irany 
evils  and  troubles  have  befallen  them,  that 
this  song  shall  testify  against  them  as  a  wit- 
ness; for  it  shall  not  be  forgotten  out  of  the 
mouth  of  tlieir  seed;''  for  I  know  their  incli- 
nation' which  they  have  shown,  even  this 
day,  before  I  have  brought  them  into  the 
land  which  I  have  sworn. 

22  And  Moses  wrote  down  this  song  on  the 
same  day,  and  taught  it  the  children  of 
Israel. 

23  And  he''  gave  a  charge  unto  Joshua  the 
son  of  Nun,  and  said.  Be  strong  and  of  a  good 
courage ;  for  thou  shalt  bring  the  children  of 
Israel  into  the  land  which  1  have  sworn  uuii 
them;  and  I  will  be  with  thee. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  had 
made  an  end  of  writing  the  words  of  this  law 
in  a  book,  until  they  were  finished,''' 

25  That  Moses  commanded  the  Levites,  the 
bearers  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
saying, 

26  Take  this  book  of  the  law,  and  put  it  at 
the  side  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  your  God,  that  it  may  remain  there 
against  thee  for  a  witness. 

27  For  I  know  thy  rebellion,  and  thy  stiff 
neck  :  behold,  while  I  am  yet  alive  with  you 
this  day,  have  ye  been  rebellious  against 
the  Lord,  and  how  much  more  after  my 
death  ?* 

28  Assemble  unto  me  all  the  elders  of  your 
tribes,  and  your  officers;  and  I  will  speak  in 
their  ears  these  words,  and  I  will  call  as  wit- 
nesses against  them  the  heavens  and  the  earth. 

29  For  I  know  that  after  my  death  ye  will 
to  a  surety  become  corrupt,  and  turn  aside 
from  the  way  which  I  have  commanded  you; 
and  that  the  evil  will  befall  you  in  the  latter 
days,  when  ye  do  the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord,  to  incense  him  through  the  work  of 
your  hands. 

be  an  evidence  that  their  sinful  life  was  already  present 
before  me,  before  they  had  yet  taken  possession  of  the 
prdmised  land." — Arniieim.  Aben  Ezra  comments, 
"  For  if  I  did  not  know  the  future,  I  know  already  whs' 
they  have  done  till  now ;"  taking  T]\ay  in  its  literal  sense, 
"  to  make,"  not  as  iu  our  version  after  Arnheim,  "  show," 
which  then  refers  to  "  inclination." 

■■  This  refers  to  "  God."     (See  above,  ver:;e  14.) 


DEUTERONOMY  XXXI.  XXXIl.     HAAZEENU. 


30  And  Moses  spoke  in  the  ears  of  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel  the  words  of  this  song, 
until  they  were  ended. 

Haphtorah  for  the  Portuguese,  if  after  Kosh  Hashanah,  in 
Ilosea  xiv.  2  to  10,  and  Micuh  vii.  18  to  20 ;  otlierwise  that 
o(  JS'itzabim.  The  Germans  read,  in  the  tirst  case,  in  Ilosea 
xiv.  2  to  10,  and  Joel  ii.  15  to  27  ;  in  the  second,  in  Isaiah 
Iv.  6  to  Ivi.  8. 


SECTION  LIII.     HAAZEENU,    irrNH. 

CHAPTER  XXXIL 

1  ^  Give  ear,  0  ye  heavens,  and  I  will 
speak;  and  let  the  earth  hear  the  words  of 
my  mouth. 

2  My  doctrine  shall  drop  as  the  rain,  my 
speech  shall  distil  as  the  dew,  as  heavy  rains 
upon  the  grass,  and  as  showers  upon  herbs. 

3  When  I  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
ascribe  ye  greatness  unto  our  God. 

4  He  is  the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect;  for 
all  his  ways  are  just:  the  God  of  truth  and 
without  iniquity,  just  and  upright  is  he. 

5  The  corruption  is  not  his,"  it  is  the  de- 
fect of  his  children,  of  the  perverse  and  crook- 
ed generation. 

6  Will  ye  thus  requite  the  Lord,  0  people, 
worthless  and  unwise  ?  is  he  not  thy  father 
who  hath  bought  thee?  is  it  not  he  who  hath 
made  thee,  and  established  thee?* 

7  Remember  the  days  of  old,  consider  the 
years  of  former  generations;  ask  thy  lather, 
and  he  will  tell  thee;  thy  elders,  and  they 
will  say  it  unto  thee : 

8  When  the  Most  High  divided  to  the  na- 
tions their  inheritance,  when  he  separated 
the  sons  of  man:  he  set  the  bounds  of  the 
tribes''  according  to  the  nurabev  of  the  sons  of 
Israel. 

9  For  the  portion  of  the  Lord  is  his  people ; 
Jacob  is  the  lot  of  his  inheritance. 

10  He  found  him  in  a  desert  land,  and  in 
the  waste  of  tlie  howling  of  the  wilderness; 
he  encircled  him,  he  watched  him,  he  guarded 
him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye. 

11  As  an  eagle  stirreth  up  his  nest,  flutter- 
eth   over   his   young,  spreadeth    abroad  his 


*  The  sinning  of  Israel  is  not  a  blemish  upon  the  good- 
ness of  God  :  he  gave  them  a  law  which  would  render 
them  happy ;  but  they  chose  sin  and  its  subsequent  sor- 
rows. 


wings,  seizeth  them,  beareth  them  aloft  on 
his  pinions: 

12  So  did  the  Lord  alone  lead  him,  and 
there  was  not  with  him  a  stranger  god.* 

13  He  caused  him  to  stride  on  the  high 
places  of  the  earth,  and  he  ate  the  products 
of  the  fields ;  and  he  made  him  to  suck  honey 
out  of  the  rock,  and  oil  out  of  the  flinty  stone ; 

14  Cream  of  cows,  and  milk  of  sheep, 
with  fat  of  lambs,  and  rams  of  the  breed  of 
Bashan,  and  goats,  with  the  fat  of  the  kid- 
neys" of  wheat ;  and  of  the  blood  of  the  grape 
thou  drankest  unmixed  wine. 

15  Thus  did  Yeshurun  grow  fat,  and  he 
kicked;  (thou  art  grown  fat,  thick,  fleshy;) 
and  then  he  forsook  the  God  who  made  him, 
and  lightly  esteemed  the  Rock  of  his  salvar 
tion. 

16  They  incensed  him  with  strange  gods, 
with  abominations  they  provoked  him  to 
anger. 

17  They  sacrificed  unto  evil  spirits,  things 
that  are  not  god,  gods  that  they  knew  not, 
new  ones  lately  come  up,  which  your  fathers 
dreaded  not. 

18  Of  the  Rock  that  begat  thee  thou  wast 
unmindful,  and  foi'gottest  the  God  that  hatl 
brought  thee  forth.* 

19  And  the  Lord  saw  this,  and  he  was 
angry;  because  "of  the  provoking  of  his  sons 
and  of  his  daughters. 

20  And  be  said,  I  will  hide  my  face  from 
them,  I  will  see  what  their  end  will  be;  for 
a  perverse  generation  are  they,  children  in 
whom  there  is  no  faith. 

21  They  have  moved  me  to  wTath  with 
things  that  are  not  god ;  they  have  provoked 
me  to  anger  with  their  vanities;  and  I  too 
will  move  them  to  jealousy  with  those  which 
are  not  a  people;  I  will  pi'ovoke  them  to  anger 
with  a  worthless  nation. 

22  For  a  fire  is  kindled  in  my  anger,  ar.d 
it  burnetii  unto  the  lowest  deejj;  and  it  con- 
sumeth  the  earth  with  her  products,  and  it 
setteth  on  fire  the  foundations  of  the  mou;.- 
tains. 

23  I  will  heap  upon  them  miseries;  all  my 
arrows  will  I  spend  upon  them. 


^  Established  twelve    tribes  from    the  twelve  sons  o^ 
Israel. 

°  "An  image  borrowed  from  the  shape  of  the  vibcar. 
for 'fine  flour.'" 

251 


DEUTERONOMY  XXXII.     HAAZEENU. 


24  They  shall  be  wasted  with  hunger,  and 
devoured  with  burning  heat,  and  with  bitter 
deadly  disease ;  also  the  tooth  of  beasts  will  I 
let  loose  against  them,  with  the  poison  of  ser- 
pents that  crawl  in  the  dust. 

25  Without  shall  the  sword  destroy,  and 
terror  within  the  chaml^ers,  both  the  young 
man  and  the  virgin,  the  suckling  with  the 
man  of  gray  hairs. 

26  I  said,  I  would  drive  them  into  one 
corner,"  I  would  cause  their  remembrance  to 
cease  from  among  men  : 

27  Were  it  not  that  I  feared  the  wrath  of 
the  enemy,  lest  their  oppressors  should  mis- 
talvC  the  truth,  lest  they  should  say,  Our  hand 
is  high,  and  the  Lord  hath  not  wrought  all 
this. 

28  For  a  nation  void  of  counsel  are  they, 
and  there  is  no  understanding  in  them.* 

29  If  they  were  but  wise,  they  would  under- 
stand this,  they  would  consider  their  latter 
end! 

30  How  should  one  chase  a  thousand,  and 
two  put  ten  thousand  to  flight,  unless  their 
Rock  had  sold  them,  and  the  Lord  had  de- 
livered them  up? 

31  For  not  as  our  Rock  is  their  rock,  even 
our  enemies  themselves  being  judges. 

32  For  from  the  vine  of  Sodom  is  their 
vine,  and  from  the  fields  of  Gomorrah;  their 
grapes  are  grapes  of  gaU,  they  bear  bitter 
clusters. 

33  The  poison  of  serpents  is  their  wine, 
and  the  deadly*"  venom  of  asps. 

34  Behold!  this  is  laid  up  in  store  with 
me,  it  is  sealed  up  among  my  treasures ! 

35  Mine  are  vengeance  and  recompense,  at 
the  time  that  their  foot  shall  slip;  for  nigh 
draweth  the  day  of  their  calamity,  and  the 
future  speedeth  along  for  them. 

36  For  the  Lord  will  espouse  the  cause  of 
his  people,  and  bethink  himself  concerning  his 
servants:  when  he  seeth  that  their  power  is 
gone,  and  the  guarded  and  fortified  are  no 
more. 

°  Kasbi ;  others  reader,  "  I  would  make  an  end  of 
them;"  others,  "scatter  them." 

'' Lit.  "Cruel,"  "unpitying;"  heuce,  "fatal  in  its 
effects,"  here,  "deadly." 

°  After  Rashi.  Arnheim  renders,  "The  fat  of  whose 
sacrifices  they  ate,  the  wine  of  whose  driuk-offerings  they 
drank?" 

''  Arnheim  views  this  not  as  an  oath,  but  merely  as 
t  declaration  that  the  display  of  the  Divine  power  will 
262 


37  Then  will  he  say,  Where  are  their  gods 
the  rock  in  whom  they  trusted, 

38  They"  that  ate  the  fat  of  their  sacrifices, 
and  drank  the  wine  of  their  drink-ofierings? 
let  them  arise  and  help  you,  let  them  be  a 
protection  over  you. 

39  See  now  that  I,  even  I,  am  lie,  and 
there  is  no  god  with  me :  I  alone  kill,  and  1 
make  alive ;  I  wound,  and  I  heal ;  and  no 
one  can  deliver  out  of  my  hand.* 

40  For  I  lift  up  my  hand  to  heaven,  and 
say,  I  live  for  ever.'' 

41  When  I  whet  my  glittering  sword,  and 
my  hand  taketli  hold  on  judgment:"  I  will 
render  vengeance  unto  my  enemies,  and  those 
that  hate  me  will  I  requite. 

42  I  will  make  my  arrows  drunken  with 
blood,  and  my  sword  shall  devour  flesh ;  from 
the  blood  of  the  slain  and  of  the  captives, 
from  the  crushed  head  of  the  enemy. 

43  Sjoeak  aloud,  0  ye  nations,  the  praises 
of  his  people;  for  he*^  will  avenge  the  blood 
of  his  servants,  and  vengeance  will  he  render 
to  his  adversaries,  and  forgive  his  land,  and 
his  people.* 

44  ^  And  Moses  came  and  spoke  all  the 
words  of  this  song  in  the  ears  of  the  people, 
he,  and  Hosheii  the  son  of  Nun. 

45  And  when  Moses  had  made  an  end  of 
speaking  all  these  words  to  all  Israel : 

46  He  said  unto  them.  Set  your  hearts 
unto  all  the  words  which  I  testify  agrinst 
you  this  day,  so  that  ye  may  command  them 
your  children,  to  observe  to  do  all  the  words 
of  this  law. 

47  For  it  is  not  a  vain  word  for  you;  on 
the  contrary,  it  is  your'  life;  and  through 
this  word  shall  ye  live  many  days  in  the 
land,  whither  ye  go  over  the  Jordan  to  pos- 
sess it.* 

48  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Moses  on 
that  self-same  day,  saying, 

49  Get  thee  up  into  this  mountain  of  'Aba- 
rim,  unto  mount  Nebo,  which  is  in  the  land 
of  Moiib,  that  is  in  front  of  Jericho;  and  be- 


convince  the  heathens  that  the  Lord  God  lives  for 
ever. 

"  Arnheim  renders  03B'o  "the  iu.strument  of  punish- 
ment," or  that  by  which  the  judgment  or  sentence  of  the 
judge  is  executed. 

'  Aben  Ezra  refers  "he"  to  people,  and  would  give, 
"It  will  avenge  the  blood  of  his  (God's)  servents  and  ren- 
der vengeance  to  its  enemies — and  his  people  will  atone 
for  his  land." 


DEUTERONOMY  XXXll.  XXXlll.     IIABERACHAH. 


hold  the  land  of  Canaan,  which  I  give  unto 
the  children  of  Israel  for  a  possession; 

50  And  die  on  the  mount  whither  thou 
goest  np,  and  be  gathered  unto  thy  people;  as 
Aaron  thy  brother  died  on  mount  Hor,  and 
was  gathered  unto  his  people; 

51  Because  ye  trespassed  against  me  in 
the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel  at  the 
waters  of  contention  at  Kadesh,  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Zin ;  because  ye  sanctified  me  not 
in  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

52  For  from  afar  shalt  thou  see  the  land; 
but  thither  shalt  thou  not  go  unto  the  land 
which  I  give  the  children  of  Israel. 

Haphtorah,  if  before  Kippur,  for  the  Portuguese  in  Hosea 
xiv.  2  to  10  and  Micah  vii.  18  to  20;  for  the  Germans,  instead 
of  the  last,  Joel  ii.  15  to  27 ;  but  if  after  Kippur,  both  read  in 
2  Samuel  xxii.  1  to  51.  Some  congregations  read  in  Ezekiel 
xvii.  22  to  xviii   32. 


SECT.  LIV.     VEZOTH  HABERACHAH, 

HDiDn  nxn- 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  ][  And  this  is  the  blessing,  wherewith 
Moses,  the  man  of  God,  blessed  the  children 
of  Israel  before  his  death. 

2  And  he  said.  The  Lord  came  from  Sinai, 
and  rose  up  from  Se'ir  unto  them :  he  shone 
forth  from  mount  Paran,  and  he  came  from 
among  myriads  of  saints ;  from  his  right  hand 
he  gave  a  fiery  law  unto  them. 

3  Yea,  thou  also  lovedst  the  tribes ;  all  their 
saints  were  in  thy  hand ;  and  they,  prostrate 
before  thy  feet,  received  thy  words." 

4  "  The*"  law  which  Moses  commanded  us, 
is  the  inheritance  of  the  congregation  of 
Jacob." 

5  Thus  became  he  king  in  Yeshurun,  when 
the  heads  of  the  people  wei'e  assembled,  as 
one  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

6  May  Reuben  live,  and  not  die ;  and  may 
not  his  men  be  few. 

7  ][  And  this  is  (the  blessing)  of  Judah, 


'  Arnheim  translates  this  verse:  "He  also  bore  the 
tribes  on  his  bosom,  all  his  (Israel's)  saints  were  in  thy  hand ; 
but  they  were  stretched  out  at  thy  feet,  and  trembled  at 
thy  word." 

"  Rashi  comments,  that  these  are  the  words  which  the 
people  spoke. 

°  After  Targum  and  Rashi ;  and  it  means  then,  that  Ju- 
dah may  be  blessed  with  the  means  of  contending  against 
his  opponents.     Others,  such  as  Abeu  Ezra  and  the  Eug- 


and  he  said,  Hear,  Lord,  the  voice  of  Judah, 
and  bring  him  unto  his  people :  let  the  power 
of  his  hands  contend"  for  him ;  and  be  thou  a 
help  to  him  from  his  adversaries.* 

8  Tl  And  of  Levi  he  said.  Thy  Thummim" 
and  thy  Urim  are  with  thy  holy  man,  whom 
thou  didst  prove  at  Massah,  and  with  whom 
thou  didst  strive  at  the  waters  of  Meril^ah ; 

9  Who  said  of  his  lather  and  of  his  mother, 
I  have  not  seen  him ;  and  who  did  not  ac- 
knowledge his  brothers,  nor  regarded  his  own 
children;  for  they  observe  thy  word,  and  thy 
covenant  they  keep. 

10  They  shall  teach  thy  ordinances  unto 
Jacob,  and  thy  law  unto  Israel:  they  shall 
put  incense  before^  thee,  and  whole  burnt^ 
sacrifice  upon  thy  altar. 

11  Bless,  0  Lord,  his  substance,  and  re- 
ceive favourably  the  work  of  his  hands :  crush 
the  loins  of  those  that  rise  up  against  him, 
and  those  that  hate  him,  that  they  cannot  rise 
again. 

12  ]f  And  of  Benjamin  he  said.  The  be- 
loved of  the  Lord  (is  he),  he  shall  dwell  in 
safety  by  him :  he  will  shield  him  all  the  day 
long,  and  between  his  shoulders  will  he  dwell.* 

13  ][  And  of  Joseph  he  said,  Blessed  of  the 
Lord  be  his  land,  through  the  precious  gift 
of  heaven,  through  the  dew,  and  through  the 
deep  that  coucheth  beneath, 

14  And  through  the  precious  fruits  brought 
forth  by  the  sun,  and  through  the  precious 
things  put  forth  by  the  moon, 

15  And  through  the  best  things  of  the 
ancient  mountains,  and  through  the  precious 
things  of  the  everlasting  hills, 

16  And  through  the  precious  things  of  the 
earth  and  its  fulness,  and  through  the  good- 
will of  him  that  dAvelt  in  the  thorn-l)ush : 
may  this  blessing  come  upon  the  head  of 
Joseph,  and  upon  the  crown  of  the  head  of 
him  that  was  separated  from  his  brothers. 

17  His  first-born  steer  is  adorned  Avith 
glory,  and  his  horns  are  like  the  horns  of 
reem;'  with  them  shall  he  push  nations  to 

lish  version,  translate,  "let  his  hands  be  sufficient  for 

him."     Arnheim  renders   the   concluding  portion,  "and 

may  they  (the  hands)  be  a  help,"  &c. 

■^  "  Thy  justice  and  thy  light  are,"  &c. — Arnheim  lud 

Philippson. 

'  Lit.  "In  thy  nose,"  to  wit,  "as  an  agreeable  savour." 
'  "Buffalo." — Philippson.    But  in  this  version  it  is 

Irft    untranslated,    from    the  uncertainty  of  the   deriva 

tion. 

358 


DEUTERONOMY  XXXIII.  XXXIV.     HABERACHAH. 


getlier  to  tlie  ends  of  the  earth :  and  they  are 
the  myriads  of  Ephraim,  and  they  are  the 
thousands  of  Menasseh.* 

18  ][  And  of  Zebulun  he  said,  Rejoice,  Ze- 
bulun,  in  thy  going  out;  and,  Issachar,  in 
thy  tents. 

19  They  will  call  the  tribes  unto  the 
mountain;  there  will  they  offer  sacrifices  of 
righteousness;  for  they  will  suck  the  abun- 
dance of  the  seas,  and  the  treasures  hid  in  the 
sand. 

20  T[  And  of  Gad  he  said.  Blessed"  be  he 
that  enlargeth  Gad:  like  a  lioness  lieth  he 
down,  and  teareth  off  the  arm  with  the  crown 
of  the  head. 

21  And  he  provided  the  first  part  for  him- 
self, because  there  is  the  field  of  the  law- 
giver, of  the  hidden  ;*  and  he  went  forth  at 
the  head  of  the  people:  he  executed  the  jus- 
tice" of  the  Lord,  and  his  judgments  with  Is- 
rael.* 

22  ^  And  of  Dan  he  said,  Dan  is  a  lion's 
whelp,  that  leapeth  forth  from  Bashan. 

23  And  of  Naphtali  he  said,  0  Naphtali, 
satisfied  with  favour,  and  full  of  the  blessing 
of  the  Lord,  take  thou  possession  of  the  west 
and  the  south. 

24  ][  And  of  Asher  he  said.  More  than 
(all)  the  children  be  Asher  blessed :  he  shall 
be  the  most  favoured  of  his  brethren,  and 
bathe  his  foot  in  oil. 

25  Iron  and  copper  shall  be  thy  bolts;  and 
as  thy  (younger)  days'*  so  shall  thy  old  age 
be. 

26  There  is  none  like  unto  the  God  of 
Yeshurun,  who  rideth  to  help  thee  upon  the 
heavens,  and  in  his  excellency  upon  the 
skies.* 

27  Thy  refuge"  is  the  eternal  God,  and 
here  beneath,  the  everlasting  arms;  and  he 
thrust  out  the  enemy  from  before  thee;  and 
he  said.  Destroy. 

28  And  then  dwelt  Israel  in  safety,  alone, 
tlie  fountain  of  Jacob;  in  a  land  of  com 
and  wine;  also  its  heavens  shall  drop  down 
dew. 

29  Happy  art  thou,  0  Israel !  who  is  like 
unto  thee,  0  people,  saved  by  the  Lord,  the 
Saield  of  th-y-  help,  and  who  is  the  Sword  of 


'  "Ulcssed,  extensive  is  Gad." — Arniikim. 
''  i.  e.  Mo.^cs,  who  is  buriod  in  Gad's  portion. 
'  "The  victory  of  the  Lord  and  punishment,  (against 
the  CauaarjiiCij.)  he  exocutoth  with  Israel." — Arnheim. 
•  After  llashi. 
264 


thy  excellency!  and  thy  enemies  shall  fa^vn 
upon  thee;  and  thou  slialt  tread  ujjon  their 
high-places.* 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  And  Moses  went  up  from  the  plains 
of  MoJib  unto  the  mount  of  Nebo,  to  the 
top  of  Pisgah,  that  is  before  Jericho;  and  the 
Lord  showed  him  all  the  land  (from)  Gil'ad 
unto  Dan, 

2  And  all  Naphtali,  and  the  land  of 
Ephraim,  and  Menasseh,  and  all  the  land  of 
Judah,  unto  the  western  sea. 

3  And  the  south,  and  the  plain,  the  valley 
of  Jericho,  the  city  of  palm-trees,  unto  Zoiir. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  This  is  the 
land  which  I  swore  unto  Abraham,  unto 
Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  saying.  Unto  thy  seed 
will  I  give  it:  I  have  let  thee  see  it  with  thy 
eyes,  but  thither  shalt  thou  not  go  over. 

5  And  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  died 
there  in  the  land  of  Moiib,  according  to  the 
order  of  the  Lord. 

6  And  he  buried  him  in  the  valley  in  the 
land  of  Moiib,  opposite  Beth-peor;  but  no  man 
knoweth  of  his  sepulchre  unto  this  day. 

7  And  Moses  was  a  hundred  and  twenty 
years  old  when  he  died;  his  eye  was  not 
dimmed,  and  his  natural  force  had  not  abated. 

8  And  the  children  of  Israel  wept  for 
Moses  in  the  plaiits  of  Moiib  thirty  days ;  and 
then  were  ended  the  days  of  weeping  and 
mourning  for  Moses. 

9  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  was  full  of 
the  spirit  of  wisdom ;  for  Moses  had  laid  his 
hands  upon  him ;  and  the  childi*en  of  Israel 
hearkened  unto  him,  and  did,  as  the  Lord 
had  commanded  Moses. 

10  And  there  arose  not  a  prophet  since 
then  in  Israel  like  unto  Moses,  whom  the 
Lord  knew  face  to  face, 

11  In  respect  to  all  the  signs  and  the  won- 
ders', which  the  Lord  had  sent  him  to  do  in 
the  land  of  Egypt  to  Pharaoh,  and  to  all  his 
servants,  and  to  all  his  land, 

12  And  in  respect  to  all  that  mighty  hand, 
and  in  all  the  great  terrific  deeds  which  Moses 
displayed  before  the  eyes  of  all  Israel. 

Ilaphtorah  in  Joshua  i.  1  to  9.     The  Germans  read  to  18. 


'  "The  dwelling  of  the  Eternal,"  &c. — Rashi;  who 
refers  nj^'D  to  the  .skies  in  the  precedinf;  verse,  thus: 
"The  skies — which  are  the  dwelling,  etc.,  and  beneath  this 
dwell  all  the  strong  of  arm,  whom  Israel  was  told  to 
banish." 


D^iinr)i  D^N^nj  mm 


THE    HOLY    SCRIPTUIIES: 

PART  SECOND.— DIVISION  I. 
CONTAINING   THE   EARLIER   PROPHETS. 

JOSHUA,  ;;Knn'  judges,   d'Di^ic-' 

FIEST  SAMUEL,    'N  Sn'IOC        SECOND  SAMUEL,     'dSn'IOC' 
FIKST  KINGS,    'N  DoSo  SECOND  KINGS,    '3  DoSs 


THE  BOOK  OF  JOSHUA, 

CONTAINING  THE  EVENTS  OF  JOSHUA'S  LIFE  AFTER  THE  DEATH  OF  MOSES. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death 
of  Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  that  the 
Lord  spoke  unto  Joshua"  the  son  of  Nun,  the 
minister  of  Moses,  saying, 

2  Moses  my  servant  is  dead;  now  there- 
fore arise,  pass  over  this  Jordan,  thou,  and  all 
this  people,  unto  the  land  which  I  do  give 
to  them,  to  the  children  of  Israel. 

3  Every  place  that  the  sole  of  your  foot 
shall  tread  ujx>n,  that  have  I  given  unto  you, 
as  I  said  unto  Moses. 

4  From''  the  wilderness  and  this  Lebanon 
even  unto  the  great  river,  the  river  Euphrates, 
all  the  land  of  the  Hittites,  and  unto  the 
great  sea  toward  the  going  down  of  the  sun, 
shall  be  your  Ijoundary. 

5  No  man  shall  be  able  to  stand  up  before 
thee  all  the  days  of  thy  life;  as  I  was  with 
Moses,  so  will  I  b-e  with  thee:  I  will  not  let 
thee  fail,  nor  forsake  thee. 

6  Be  strong  and  of  a  good  courage;  for 
thou  shalt  divide  for  an  inheritance  unto  this 
people  the  land,  which  I  .'^wore  unto  their 
fathers  to  give  to  them. 

7  Only  be  thou  strong  and  very  courage- 
ous, to  observe  to  do  according  to  all  the  law, 
which  Moses  my  servant  hath  commanded 
thee:  turn  not  from  it  to  the  right  band  or 
to  the  left;  in  order  that  thou  mayest  prosper 
whithersoever  thou  goest. 

8  This  book  of  the  law  shall  not  depart 
out  of  thy  mouth;  but  thou  shalt  meditate 
therein  day  and  night,  in  order  that  thou 
mayest  observe  to  do  according  to  all  that  is 
written  therein;  for  then  shalt  thou  make 

"  Properly,  Ytlioshua' . 

'  That  is,  their  utmost  limits  should  be  from  the  Desert 
of  Arabia  Petraea  on  the  south,  to  Lebanon  on  the  north; 
and  from  the  Euphrates  on  the  east,  to  the  great  sea,  or 
2  H 


thy  way  prosperous,  and  then  shalt  thou  have 
good  success. 

9  Behold,''  I  have  commanded  thee,  Be 
strong  and  of  good  courage;  be  not  dismayed, 
neither  be  thou  discouraged;  for  the  Lord  thy 
God  is  with  thee  withersoever  thou  goest. 

10  •[[  Then  Joshua  commanded  the  officers 
of  the  people,  saying, 

11  Pass  through  the  midst  of  the  camp, 
and  command  the  people,  saying.  Prepare 
yourselves  provisions;  for  after  only  three 
days  more  ye  shall  pass  over  this  Jordan,  to 
go  in  to  possess  the  land,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  giveth  you,  to  possess  it. 

12  ^  And  to  the  Reiibenites,  and  to  the 
Gadites,  and  to  half  the  tribe  of  Menasseh, 
spoke  Joshua,  saying, 

1.3  Remember  the  word  which  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  commanded  you,  saying, 
The  Lord  your  God  hath  granted  you  rest, 
and  hath  given  you  this  land; 

14  Your  wives,  your  little  ones,  and  your 
cattle,  shall  remain  in  the  land  which  Mo.ses 
gave  you  on  this  side  t)f  the  Jordan ;  but  ye 
shall  pass  over  armed  before  your  brethren, 
all  the  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  help  them ; 

15  Until  the  Lord  shall  have  granted  your 
brethren  rest,  as  he  hath  done  to  you,  and 
they  also  have  taken  possession  of  the  land 
which  the  Lord  your  God  giveth  them :  then 
shall  ye  return  unto  the  land  of  your  posses- 
sion, and  possess  it,  which  Moses  the  servant 
of  the  Lord  gave  you  on  this  side  of  the  Jor- 
dan, toward  the  rising  of  the  sun. 

16  ]|  And  they  answered  Joshua,  saying. 
All  that  thou  hast  commanded  us  will  we  do, 
and  whithersoever  thou  wilt  send  us  will  we  go. 

the  Mediterranean,  on  the  west.     The  Israelites  did  nnt 
possess  the  full  extent  of  this  grant  till  the  time  of  ]):ivj(! 

0  "Territory." — S.VCHS,  i.e.  tliat  within  the  houiidiries 

''  Lit.  "Have  I  not  couimauded  theei"' 

257 


JOSHUA  I.  II. 


17  Entirely  so  as  we  have  hearkened  mifo 
Moses,  thus  will  we  hearken  unto  thee :  only 
the  Lord  thy  God  be  with  thee,  as  he  was 
with  Moses. 

IS  Every  man  that  doth  rebel  against  thy 
order,  and  will  not  hearken  unto  thy  words 
in  all  that  thou  mayest  command  him,  shall 
be  put  to  death :  only  be  strong  and  of  a  good 
courage. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  And  Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  had  sent" 
out  from  Shittim  two  men  as  spies,  secretly, 
saying,  Go  ye,  view  the  land  and  especially 
Jericho;  and  they  went,  and  came  unto  the 
house  of  a  woman,  a  harlot,  whose  name  was 
Rachab,  and  they  lodged"  there. 

2  And  it  was  told  unto  the  king  of  Jericho, 
saying,  Behold,  men  came  in  hither  this 
night,  of  the  children  of  Israel,  to  search 
out  the  country. 

3  And  the  king  of  Jericho  sent  to  Rachab, 
saying,  Brnig  forth  the  men  who  are  come  to 
thee,  who  came  to  thy  house;  for,  to  search 
out  all  the  country  are  they  come. 

4  But  the  woman  had  taken  the  two  men, 
and  hidden  them ;  and  she  said,  It  is  true,  the 
men  came  unto  me,  but  I  knew  not  whence 
they  were. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass,  about  the  time  of 
shuttuig  the  gate,  when  it  was  dark,  that  the 
men  went  out;  I  know  not  whither  the  men 
are  gone :  pursue  quickly  after  them,  for  ye 
can  overtake  them. 

6  But  she  had  brought  them  up  to  the 
roof,  and  had  hidden  them  among  the  stalks 
of  tlax,  which  she  had  laid  in  order  upon  the 
roof. 

7  And  the  men  pursued  after  them,  by  the 
way  to  the  Jordan  unto  the  lords;  and  the 
gate  was  closed,  as  soon  as  those  who  pursued 
after  thcin  were  gone  out. 

8  But  they  had  not  yet  laid  themselves 
down,  when  she  came  up  unto  them  upon 
the  roof 

9  And  she  said  unto  the  men,  I  know  that 


"  Rashi  comments  that  Joshua  sent  out  the  spies  during 
the  time  the  peojile  uiourned  for  Moses;  these  men  re- 
turned then  before  Joshua  gave  the  cimimand  contained 
above,  i.  11  ;  wherefore  the  word  "liad"  is  supplied,  to 
indicate  tliat  this  account  properly  belongs  ))cforc  the  con- 
versation given  in  the  concluding  verses  of  the  preceding 
chapter. 

2.58 


the  Lord  hath  given  you  the  land,  and  that 
the  teri'or  of  you  hath  fallen  upon  us,  and 
that  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  are  be- 
come faint-hearted,  Ijecause  of  you. 

10  For  we  have  heard,  how  that  the  Lord 
dried  up  the  waters  of  the  Red  Sea  before 
you,  wdien  ye  went  forth  out  of  Egypt ;  and 
what  ye  have  done  unto  the  two  kings  of 
the  Emorites,  wlw  were  on  the  other  side  of 
the  Jordan,  unto  Siclion  and  'Og,  whom  ye 
have  utterly  destroyed. 

11  And  when  we  heard  this,  our  heart 
melted,  and  there  remained  not  any  more 
courage  in  any  man,  because  of  you ;  for  the 
Lord  your  God"  is  alone  God  in  the  heavens 
above,  and  upon  the  earth  beneath. 

12  And  now  swear,  I  pray  you,  unto  me 
by  the  Lord,  because  I  have  shown  you  kind- 
ness, that  ye  will  also,  for  your  part,  show 
kindness,  unto  my  father's  house;  and  give 
me  a  sure  token, 

13  That  ye  will  pi*eserve  the  life  of  my 
father,  and  my  mother,  and  my  brothers,  and 
my  sisters,  and  all  that  they  have,  and  deliver 
our  lives  from  death. 

14  And  the  men  said  unto  her.  Our  life 
shall  be  (doomed)  to  death  instead  of  yours, 
if  ye  tell  not  this  our  business;  and  it  shall 
be,  when  the  Lord  giveth  us  the  land,  that 
we  will  show  thee  kindness  and  truth. 

15  Then  she  let  them  dowm  by  a  cord 
through  the  window ;  for  her  house  was  with- 
iii  the  town  wall,  and  within  the  wall  she 
dwelt. 

16  And  she  said  unto  them,  Get  you  to 
the  mountain,  lest  the  pursuers  meet  with 
you ;  and  hide  yourselves  there  three  days, 
until  the  pursuers  be  returned ;  and  afterward 
ye  may  go  your  wa}'. 

17  And  the  men  said  unto  her.  We  Avill  be 
blameless'^  of  this  thy  oath  which  thou  hast 
caused  us  to  swear. 

18  Behold,  when  we  come  into  the  laud, 
this  line  of  scarlet  thread  shalt  thou  bind  in 
the  window  liy  which  thou  hast  let  us  down; 
and  thy   father,   and   thy  mother,   and   thy 


"  Lit  '•They  lay  down." 

"  This  expression,  among  others  found  in  the  ]?ible, 
proves  that  the  heathen  nations  around  I'alestine  had  be- 
come familiar  with  the  omnipotence  of  the  LoRl>,  and 
were  convinced  of  the  powerlessness  of  their  idols. 

''  i.  e.  If  the  conditions  subsequently  stated  should  not 
be  complied  with 


JOSHUA  II.  III. 


brothers,  and  all  thy  father's  househonkl,  thou 
must  bring  together  unto  thee  into  the  house. 

19  And  it  shall  be,  that  whosoever  will  go 
out  of  the  doors  of  thy  house  into  the  street, 
his  blood  shall  be  upon  his  head,  and  we  will 
be  guiltless;  and  whosoever  will  remain  with 
thee  m  the  house,  his  blood  shall  Ije  on  our 
head,  if  a  hand  be  laid  upon  him. 

20  And  if  thou  tell  this  our  lousiness,  then 
will  we  be  free  of  thy  oath  which  thou  hast 
caused  us  to  swear. 

21  And  she  said,  Accoi-ding  unto  your 
words,  so  be  it;  and  she  dismissed  them,  and 
thev  departed ;  and  she  bound  the  scarlet  line 
in  tlie  window. 

22  And  they  went,  and  came  unto  the 
mountain,  and  they  remained  there  three 
days,  until  the  pursuers  were  returned;  and 
the  pursuers  sought  throughout  all  the  way, 
but  found  nothing. 

23  And  tlie  two  men  returned,  and  de- 
scended from  the  mountain,  and  passed  over, 
and  came  to  Joshua  the  sun  of  Nun,  and  re- 
lated to  him  all  the  things  that  had  befallen 
them. 

24  And  they  said  unto  Joshua,  Truly'  the 
Lord  hath  given  up  into  our  hand  all  the 
country ;  for  all  the  iahal^itants  of  the  country 
are  already  become  faint-hearted  because  of 
us. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ][  And  Joshua  rose  early  in  the  morn- 
ing; and  they  broke  up  from  Shittim,  and 
came  close  to  the  Jordan,  he  and  all  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel ;  and  they  lodged  there  before 
they  passed  over. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  three 
days,  that  the  oflicers  passed  through  the 
midst  of  the  camp. 

3  And  they  commanded  the  people,  say- 
ing. When  ye  see  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord  your  God,  and  the  priests  the  Le- 
vites  bearing  it,  then  shall  ye  break  up  from 
your  place,  and  go  after  it. 

4  Nevertheless  there  shall  be  a  space  be- 
tween you  and  it,  of  about  two  thousand  cu- 
bits by  measure :  come  not  near  unto  it,  in 


'  Philippson  translates  'a  with  ■'  because,"  in  accord- 
ance with  many  commentators  who  regard  this  verse  as 
the  end  of  the  report  which  the  spies  brought  to  Joshua, 
which  properly  concludes  with  their  reason  for  supposing 


oi'der  that  ye  may  know  the  way  by  which 
ye  must  go;  for  ye  have  not  passed  this  way 
heretofore." 

5  ^  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people, 
Sanctify  joursehes;"  for  to-morrow  will  the 
Lord  do  wonders  in  the  midst  of  you. 

6  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  priests,  as  fol- 
loweth.  Take  up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and 
pass  over  before  the  people.  And  they  took 
up  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  went 'before 
the  people. 

7  Tl  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This 
day  will  I  begin  to  nuike  thee  great  in  the 
eyes  of  all  Israel,  that  they  may  know  that, 
as  I  was  with  Moses,  so  will  I  be  with  thee. 

8  And  thou  shalt  command  the  priests  that 
bear  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  saying.  When 
ye  are  come  to  the  brink  of  the  waters  of  the 
Jordan,  ye  shall  stand  still  in  the  Jordan. 

9  T[  And  Joshua  said  unto  tlie  children  of 
Israel,  Approach  hither,  and  hear  the  words 
of  the  Lord  your  God. 

10  And  Joshua  said,  Hereby  shall  ye  know 
that  the  living  God  is  in  the  midst  of  you, 
and  that  he  will  without  fail  drive  out  from 
before  you  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Hittites, 
and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the 
Girgashites,  and  the  Emorites,  and  the  Jebu- 
sites. 

11  Behold,  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  of  all  the  earth  passeth  over  before  you 
into  the  Jordan. 

12  And  now  take  yourselves  twelve  men 
out  of  the  tribes  of  Israel,  one  man  each  out  of 
every  tribe. 

13  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  tliat  as  soon 
as  the  soles  of  the  feet  of  the  priests  that  bear 
the  ark  of  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  all  the  earth, 
shall  rest  in  the  waters  of  the  Jordan,  the 
waters  of  the  Jordan  shall  be  cut  oft',  namely, 
the  waters  that  come  down  from  aljove;  and 
they  shall  stand  up  as  a  wall. 

14  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  people 
bnjke  up  from  their  tents,  to  pass  over  the 
Jordan,  and  the  priests  the  bearers  of  the  ark 
of  the  covenant  were  before  the  people ; 

15  And  as  they  that  Ijore  the  ark  were 
come  up  to  the  Jordan,  and  the  feet  of  the 


that  the  conquest  would  be  easy,  both  from  natural  causes 
and  the  divine  aid. 

"  Heb.  "Since  yesterday  and  the  day  before  yesterday." 

°  '-Be  ready." — Sachs". 


259 


JOSHUA  III.  IV. 


priests  that  bore  the  ark  were  dipped  in 
the  edge  of  the  water,  (the  Jordan,  however, 
had  overflowed  aU  its  banks  all  the  time  of 
harvest,) 

16  That  the  waters  which  came  down  from 
above  stood  still  and  rose  up  as  a  wall,  very 
far"  from  the  city  Adam,  which  is  beside  Zare- 
than;  and  those  that  ran  down  toward  the 
sea  of  the  plain,  the  salt  sea,  failed,"  were  cut 
ofi';  aiid  the  people  passed  over  opposite  to 
Jericho. 

17  And  the  priests  that  bore  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  stood  firm"  on  dry 
ground  in  the  midst  of  the  Jordan,  and  all 
the  Israelites  passed  over  on  dry  ground,  until 
all  the  people  had  finished  passing  over  the 
Jordan. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  peo- 
ple had  finished  passing  over  the  Jordan, 

^  That  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  as  fol- 
loweth, 

2  Take  yourselves  twelve  men  out  of  the 
people,  one  man  each  out  of  every  tribe, 

3  And  command  ye  them,  saying,  Take 
yourselves  hence  out  of  the  midst  of  the  Jor- 
dan, out  of  the  place  where  the  priests'  feet 
stood  firmly,  twelve  stones,  and  ye  shall  carry 
them  over  with  you,  and  leave  them  in  the 
lodging-place,  where  ye  will  lodge  this  night. 

4  ^  Then  did  Joshua  call  the  twelve  men, 
whom  he  had  appointed  out  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  one  man  each  out  of  every  tribe : 

5  And  Joshua  said  unto  them,  Pass  over 
before  the  ark  of  the  Lord  your  God  into  the 
midst  of  the  Jordan,  and  take  yourselves  up 
evei-y  man  one  stone  upon  his  shoulder,  accord- 
ing unto  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel; 

6  In  order  that  this  may  be  a  sign  among 
you,  when  your  children  ask  in  time  to  come, 
saying.  What  mean  ye  liy  these  stones? 

7  That  ye  shall  answer  them.  That  the 
waters  of  the  Jordan  were  cut  off  before  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord;  when  it 
passed  over  the  Jordan,  the  waters  of  the 
Jordan  were  cut  oft';  and  these  stones  shall 


be  for  a  memorial  unto  the  children  of  Israel 
for  ever. 

8  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  so  as 
Joshua  had  commanded;  and  they  took  up 
twelve  stones  out  of  the  midst  of  the  Jordan, 
as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Joshua,  accord- 
ing to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel ;  and  they  carried  them  over 
with  them  unto  the  place  where  they  lodged, 
and  laid  them  down  there. 

9  Twelve  stones  also  did  Joshua  set  up  in 
the  midst  of  the  Jordan,  on  the  spot  where 
the  feet  of  the  priests  who  bore  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  had  stood:  and  they  have  re- 
mained there  unto  this  day. 

10  But  the  priests  who  bore  the  ark 
stood  in  the  midst  of  the  Jordan,  until  every 
thing  was  finished  that  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Joshua  to  speak  unto  the  people,  ac- 
cording to  all  that  Moses  had  commanded 
Joshua ;  and  the  people  hastened  and  passed 
over. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  peo- 
ple had  finished  passing  over,  that  the  ark  of 
the  Lord  passed  over  with  the  priests  in  the 
presence  of  the  people.* 

12  And  the  children  of  Reiiben,  and  the 
children  of  Gad,  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menas- 
seh,  passed  over  armed  before  the  children 
of  Israel,  as  Moses  had  spoken  unto  them: 

13  About  forty  thousand  ready  armed  for 
war,"  did  they  pass  over  before  the  Lord  unto 
battle,  to  the  plains  of  Jericho. 

14  T[  On  that  day  the  Lord  made  Joshua 
l|  great  in  the  eyes  of  all  Israel ;  and  they  feared 
[[  him,  as  they  had  feared  Moses,  all  the  days  of 

his  life. 

15  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  as 
followeth, 

16  Command  the  priests  that  bear  the  ark 
of  the  testimony,  that  they  come  up  out  of  the 
Jordan. 

17  And  Joshua  commanded  the  priests, 
saying,  Come  ye  up  out  of  the  Jordan. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  priests 
that  bore  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord 
were  come  up  out  of  the  midst  of  the  Jordan, 
the  soles  of  the  feet  of  the  priests  were  lifted 


*  I.  c.  Very  f:ir  from  the  point  of"  transit. 

■^  "  Disappeared  entirely." — Sachs.  Wliichevcr  way  we 
render  iniDJ  ion  it  means  tliat  the  water,  haviui^  ecascd  to 
flow  from  above,  left  tlie  bed  Iielow  the  spot  indicated 
entirely  dry. 

2t;o 


"  "In  iz:ood  order." — Jonathan  and  Rashi. 

*  Rashi ;  Redak  and  others,  "  Before  the  people,"  which 
means  that  these  waited  on  the  shore  till  the  priests  came 
up,  and  passed  on  before  them. 

'  Lit.  "Armed  for  the  army." 


JOSHUA  IV.  V. 


tip  unto  the  dry  land,  that  the  waters  of 
tlie  Jordan  retiuiied  unto  their  phxce,  and 
Howed  over  all  its  hanks,  as  on  the  preceding 
days. 

19  And  the  people  came  up  out  of  the  Jor- 
dan on  the  tenth  day  of  the  iirst  month,  and 
encamped  in  Gilgal,  on  the  extreme  eastern 
border  of  Jericho. 

20  And  those  twelve  stones,  which  they 
had  taken  out  of  the  Jordan,  did  Joshua  set 
up  in  Gilgah 

21  And  he  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
thus.  When  your  children  shall  ask  in  time 
to  come  their  fathers,  saying,  What  mean 
these  stones? 

22  Then  shall  ye  let  your  children  know, 
saying.  On  dry  land  did  Israel  pass  over  this 
Jordan ; 

23  That  the  Lord  your  God  dried  up  the 
waters  of  the  Jordan  from  before  you,  until 
ye  were  passed  over,  as  the  Lord  your  God 
did  to  the  Red  Sea,  which  he  dried  up  from 
before  us.  until  we  were  gone  over; 

24  In  order  that  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth  may  know  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  that 
it  is  mighty ;  in  order  that  ye  may  fear  the 
Lord  your  God  all  the  days. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the 
kings  of  the  Emorites,  who  were  on  the  side 
of  the  Jordan  westward,  and  all  the  kings  of 
the  Canaanites,  who  were  by  the  sea,  heard 
that  the  Lord  had  dried  up  the  waters  of  the 
Jordan  from  before  the  children  of  Israel,  un- 
til they  were  passed  over,  that  their  heart  melt- 
ed, and  there  remained  no  more  any  courage 
in  them,  because  of  the  cliildren  of  Israel. 

2  ^  At  that  time  the  Lord  said  unto 
Joshua,  Make  thee  sharp  knives,"  and  circum- 
cise aga  in'  the  eh  i  Idren  of  Israel  the  second  time . 

3  And  Joshua  made  himself  sharp  knives, 
and  circumcised  the  children  of  Israel  at  the 
hill  of  'Araloth. 

4  And  this  is  the  cause  why  Joshua  did 
circumcise:  All  the  people  that  came  out  of 
Egypt,  the  males,  all  the  men  of  war,  died  in 
the  wilderness  on  the  way,  after  their  going 
forth  out  of  Egypt. 


'  Others,  "  knives  of  sharp  stones." 
i.r.  Restore  circumcision,  which  had  been  omitted  for 
some  time. 


5  For  all  the  people  that  came  out  were 
circumcised ;  but  all  the  people  that  were  born 
in  the  wilderness  on  the  way  at  their  going 
forth  out  of  Egypt,  they  had  not  circumcised. 

G  For  during  forty  years  the  children  of 
Israel  wandered  in  the  wilderness,  till  there 
was  an  end  of  all  the  peo})le,  the  men  of  war, 
who  were  come  out  of  Egypt,  who  had  not 
obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord;  unto  whom  the 
Lord  had  sworn  that  he  would  not  let  them 
see  the  land,  which  the  Lord  had  sworn  unto 
their  fathers  that  he  would  give  unto  us,  a 
land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey. 

7  But  their  children  he  raised  up  in  their 
stead:  these  did  Joshua  circumcise;  for  they 
were  uncircumcised,  because  they  had  not 
circumcised  them  on  the  way. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  whole 
people  had  all  been  circumcised,  that  they 
abode  in  their  places  in  the  camp  till  they 
were  healed. 

9  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  This 
day  have  I  rolled  away  the  I'eproach  of  Egypt 
from  off  you.  And  lie  called  the  name  of  the 
place  Gilgal  unto  this  day. 

10  And  the  children  of  Israel  encamped  in 
Gilgal,  and  they  prepared  the  passover-offering 
on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  month  at  evening 
in  the  plains  of  Jericho. 

11  And  they  ate  of  the  corn  of  the  land  on 
the  morrow  after  the  jDassover-offering,  un- 

!  leavened  cakes  and  parched  corn,  on  the  self- 

j  same  day. 

j      12  And  the  manna  ceased  on  the  morrow 

.after  they  had  eaten  of  the  corn  of  the  land; 

j  and  the  children  of  Israel  had  not  any  more 
manna;  but  they  did  eat  of  the  product  of 
the  land  of  Canaan  during  that  year. 

13  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua 
was  by  Jericho,  that  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and 
looked,  and,  behold,  a  man  was  standing  over 
against  him  with  his  sw^ord  drawn  in  his 
hand ;  and  Joshua  went  unto  him,  and  said 
to  him,  Art  thou  for  us,  or  for  our  adversaries? 

14  And  he  said.  No;  for  I  am  a  captain  of 
the  host  of  the  Lord:  now  am  I  come.  And 
Joshua  fell  on  his  face  to  the  earth,  and  bowed 
himself,  and  said  to  him,  What  doth  my  lord 
speak  unto  his  servant? 


°  From  hhi  ;/<iMi\  ■'  to  roll."  The  meaning  of  the  verse 
is  probal)!^'.  that  now,  as  they  had  entered  Palestine,  the 
reproach  that  tliey  would  not  do  so  was  removed. 

2U1 


JOSHUA  V.  VI. 


15  And  the  captain  of  the  Lord's  host  said 
unto  Joshua,  Put  off  thy  shoe  from  off  thy 
foot;  for  the  pLace  whereon  thou  standest  is 
holy.     And  Joshua  did  so. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Now  Jericho  was  sliut  up,  and  barred 
up,  because  of  the  children  of  Israel :  no  one 
went  out,  and  no  one  came  in. 

2  ]y  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  See, 
I  have  given  into  thy  hand  Jericho  and  its 
king,  even  the  mighty  men  of  valour. 

3  And  ye  shall  compass  the  city,  all  the 
men  of  war,  going  round  about  the  city  once. 
Thus  shalt  thou  do  six  days. 

4  And  seven  priests  shall  bear  before  the 
ark  seven  cornets  of  rams'  horns ;  and  on  the  | 
seventh  day  shall  ye  compass  the  city  seven 
times,  and    the  priests  shall  blow  with  the 
cornets. 

0  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  when 
they  blow  a  long  ijlast  with  the  ram's  liorn, 
when  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  cornet  all  the 
people  shall  utter  a  great  shout ;  and  the  wall 
of  the  city  shall  fall  down  flat,"  and  the  peo- 
ple shall  ascend  up  every  man  straight  before 
him. 

6  And  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  called  the 
priests,  and  said  unto  them,  Take  up  the  ark 
of  the  covenant,  and  let  seven  priests  bear 
seven  cornets  of  rams'  horns  before  the  ark  of 
the  Lord. 

7  And  he  said  unto  the  people.  Pass  on, 
and  compass  the  city,  and  let  the  armed  men 
pass  on  before  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua  had 
spoken  unto  the  people,  that  the  seven  priests, 
bearing  the  seven  cornets  of  rams'  horns  before 
the  Lord,  passed  on  and  hlevr  with  the  cor- 
nets; and  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  followed  them. 

9  And  the  armed  men  went  l^efore  the 
priests  that  blew  with  the  cornets,  and  the 
rereward  came  after  the  ark,  going  on,  and 
blowing"  with  the  cornets. 

10  And  Joshua  had  commanded  the  peo- 
ple, saying,  Ye  shall  not  shout,  nor  let  your 
voice  be  heard,  neitlicr  shall  any  word  pro- 
ceed out  of  your  mouth,  until  the  day  I  bid 
you,  Shout;  and  then  sliall  ye  shout. 


11  So  the  ark  of  the  Lord  compassed  the 
city,  going  round  it  once;  and  they  came  into 
the  camp,  and  lodged  in  the  camp. 

12  Tl  And  Joshua  rose  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  the  priests  took  up  the  ark  of  the 
Lord. 

13  And  the  seven  priests  bearing  seven  cor- 
nets of  rams'  horns  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  went  on  continually,  and  blew  Avith  the 
cornets;  and  the  armed  men  went  before 
them;  and  the  rereward  came  after  the  ark 
of  the  Lord,  going  on,  and  blowing  with  the 
cornets. 

14  And  they  compassed  the  city  on  the 
second  day  once,  and  returned  into  the  camp: 
so  did  they  six  days. 

1-5  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh  day, 
that  they  rose  early  about  the  dawning  of 
the  day,  and  compassed  the  city  after  this 
manner  seven  times;  only  on  that  day  they 
compassed  the  city  seven  times. 

IG  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  seventh 
time,  when  the  priest  blew  with  the  cornets, 
that  Joshua'  said  unto  the  people.  Shout; 
for  the  Lord  hath  given  you  the  city. 

17  And  the  city  shall  be  devoted,  it,  and 
all  that  is  therein,  to  the  Lord:  only  Rachab 
the  harlot  shall  live,  she  and  all  that  are  with 
her  in  the  house;  because  she  did  hide  the 
messengers  that  we  sent. 

18  But  ye,  keep  yourselves  from  the  devot- 
ed things,  lest  ye  devote  and  yet  take  of  the 
devoted  things,  and  make  the  camp  of  Israel 
a  curse,  and  trouble  it. 

19  And  all  the  silver,  and  gold,  and  ves- 
sels of  copper  and  iron,  shall  be  holy  unto  the 
Lord:  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord  shall 
they  come. 

20  So  the  people  shouted,  when  they  blew 
with  the  cornets;  and  it  came  to  pass,  when 
the  people  heard  the  sound  of  the  cornet, 
that  the  people  uttered  a  great  shout,  and 
the  wall  fell  down  flat,  and  the  people  went 
up  into  the  city,  every  man  straight  before 
him,  and  they  captured  the  city. 

21  And  they  utterly  destroyed  all  that  was 
in  the  city,  both  man  and  woman,  young  and 
old,  and  ox,  and  lamb,  and  ass,  with  the  edge 
of  the  sword. 

22  But  unto  the  two  men  that  had  spied 


Lit.  "  Under  itself." 


e.  The  priests ; 
262 


'and  the  priests  went  on  and  blew,' 


Jonathan;  and  it  then  means  that  the  whole  army  moved 
on  amid  the  sound  of  tho  cornets  blown  by  the  priests. 


JOSHUA  VI.  VII. 


out  the  country,  Joshua  said,  Go  into  the 
house  of  the  woman,  the  harlot,  and  bring 
out  thence  the  woman,  and  all  belonging  to 
her,  as  ye  have  sworn  unto  her. 

23  And  the  young  men,  the  spies,  went  in, 
and  brought  out  Raohab,  and  her  hither,  and 
her  mother,  and  her  brothers,  and  all  belong- 
ing to  her;  and  they  brought  out  all  her  kin- 
dred," and  they  left  them  without*  the  camp 
of  Israel. 

24  And  the  city  they  burnt  with  fire,  and  all 
that  was  therein :  only  the  silver,  and  the  gold, 
and  the  vessels  of  copper  and  of  iron,  they 
put  into  the  treasury  of  tlie  house  of  the  Lord. 

25  And  Racliab  the  harlot  did  Joshua  save 
alive,  and  lier  father's  household,  and  all  be- 
longing to  her;  and  she  dwelt  in  the  midst 
of  Israel  even  unto  this  day ;  l^ecause  she  had 
hidden  the  messengers,  whom  Joshua  had  sent 
to  spy  out  Jericho. 

26  ^  And  Joshua  adjured  (tlie  people)  at 
that  time,  saying,  Cursed  be  the  man  before 
the  Lord,  that  will  rise  up  and  build  this 
city  Jericho :  with"  his  first-liorn  shall  he  lay 
its  foundation,  and  with  his  youngest  shall 
he  set  up  its  gates. 

27  ][  And  the  Lord  was  with  Joshua;  and 
his  fame  was  spread  throughout  all  the 
country. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  But  the  children  of  Israel  committed  a 
trespass  on  the  devoted  things;  for  'Achan, 
the  son  of  Carmi,  the  son  of  Zabdi,  the 
son  of  Zerach,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  took 
of  the  devoted  things:  and  the  anger  of  the 
Lord  was  kindled  against  the  children  of 
Israel. 

2  ^  And  Joshua  sent  men  from  Jericho  to 
'Ai,  which  is  beside  Beth-aven,  on  the  east 
side  of  Beth-el,  and  said  unto  them,  thus.  Go 
up  and  spy  out  the  country.  And  the  men 
went  up  and  spied  out  'Ai. 

3  And  they  returned  to  Joshua,  and  said 
unto  him.  Let  not  all  the  people  go  up;  but 
let  about  two  or  three  tliousand  men  go  up 
and  smite  'Ai:  do  not  fatigue  all  the  people 
(to  go)  thither;  for  they  are  but  few. 

4  So  there  went  up  thither  of  the  people 


?  Heb.  "  families." 

'  Because  she  had  not  yet  renounced  idols. — KiMCHi. 

°  Meaning  that  the  first-born  shall  die  when   he  lays 


about  three  thousand  men;  and  they  fled  be- 
fore the  men  of  'Ai. 

5  And  the  men  of  'Ai  smote  of  them  about 
thirty  and  six  men ;  and  they  chased  them 
from  before  the  gate  unto  the  stone-quarries, 
and  smote  them  on  the  declivity  (of  the  hill) ; 
wherefore  the  heart  of  the  people  melted, 
and  became  as  water. 

(1  And  Joshua  rent  his  clothes,  and  fell 
upon  his  face  to  the  earth  before  the  ark  of 
the  Lord  until  the  evening,  he  with  the 
elders  of  Israel,  and  they  put  dust  upon  tlieir 
head. 

7  And  Joshua  said,  Alas,  0  Lord  Eternal, 
wherefore  hast  thou  caused  this  people  to  pass 
over  the  Jordan,  to  deliver  ns  into  the  hand 
of  the  Emorites,  to  destroy  us  ?  and  oh !  tliat 
we  had  been  content,  and  dwelt  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Jordan ! 

8  I  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  what  shall  I  say, 
since  Israel  have  turned  their  back  before 
their  enemies  ? 

9  And  when  the  Canaanites  and  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  land  will  hear  of  it,  they 
will  environ  us  round,  and  cut  off  our  name 
from  the  earth;  and  what  wilt  thou  do  lor 
thy  great  name? 

1 0  ^[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Josh  ua,Get  thee 
up;  wherefore  liest  thou  upon  thy  face. 

11  Israel  hath  sinned,  and  they  have  also 
transgressed  my  covenant  which  I  have  com- 
manded them;  and  they  have  also  taken  of 
the  devoted  things,  and  have  also  stolen,  and 
have  also  dissembled,  and  they  have  also  put 
it  into  their  own  vessels. 

12  Therefore  will  the  children  of  Israel  not 
be  able  to  stand  up  before  tlieir  enemies;  their 
back  will  they  turn  before  their  enemies,  be- 
cause they  have  become  accursed :  I  will  not 
be  any  more  with  you,  except  ye  destroy  the 
accursed  from  among  you. 

13  Rise  up,  sanctify  the  people,  and  say. 
Sanctify  yourselves  against  to-morrow;  for 
thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel, 
An  accursed  thing  is  in  the  midst  of  thee,  0 
Israel:  thou  shalt  not  be  able  to  stand  up 
before  thy  enemies,  until  ye  have  removed 
the  accursed  from  among  you. 

14  And  ye  shall  be  brought  near''  in  the 

the  foundation,  and  when  the  gates  are  hung  the  whole 
family  shall  cease  with  the  death  of  the  youngest. 
■*  /.  e.   T5c  brought  to  the  entrance  of  the  tabernaclea. 

i'6a 


JOSHUA  vn.  vm. 


moi'ning  according  to  your  tribes :  and  it  shall 
be,  that  the  tiibe  which  the  Lord  will  seize" 
shall  come  near  according  to  its  families ;  and 
the  flxmily  which  the  Lord  will  seize  shall 
come  near  by  households;  and  the  household 
which  the  Lord  shall  seize  will  come  near 
by  its  men. 

15  And  it  shall  be,  that  he  that  is  seized 
with  the  accui'sed  thing  shall  be  burnt  with 
fire,  he  and  all  that  he  hath;  because  he  hath 
transgressed  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and 
because  he  hath  wrought  wickedness  in  Israel. 

16  ^  So  Joshua  rose  up  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  brought  Israel  near  by  their  tribes, 
and  the  tribe  of  Judah  was  seized; 

17  And  he  In-ought  near  the  family  of 
Judah,  and  he  seized  the  family  of  the  Zarch- 
ites ;  and  he  brought  near  the  family  of  the 
Zarchites  by  its  men,  and  Zabdi  was  seized; 

18  And  he  brought  near  his  household  by 
its  men,  and  'Achan,  the  son  of  Carmi,  the 
son  of  Zabdi,  the  son  of  Zerach,  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah,  was  seized. 

19  And  Joshua  said  unto  'Achan,  My  son, 
give,  I  pray  thee,  glory  to  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  Israel,  and  make  confession  unto  him ;  and 
tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  what  thou  hast  done: 
hide  nothing  from  me. 

20  And  'Achan  answered  Joshua,  and  said, 
Truly !  I  have  indeed  sinned  against  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  and  thus  and  thus  have  I 
done: 

21  I  saw  among  the  spoil  a  handsome 
Babylonish''  mantle,  and  two  hundred  shekels 
of  silver,  and  a  wedge  of  gold  of  fifty  shekels 
in  weight,  and  I  coveted  them,  and  took  them ; 
and,  l)ebold,  they  are  hidden  in  the  earth  in 
the  midst  of  my  tent,  with  the  silver  beneath 
the  same. 

22  Joshua  thereupon  sent  messengers,  and 
they  ran  unto  the  tent;  and,  behold,  it  was 
hidden  in  his  tent,  and  the  silver  beneath  it. 

2.3  And  they  took  them  out  of  the  midst 
of  the  tent,  and  brought  them  unto  Joshua, 
and  unto  all  the  children  of  Israel,  and  they 
laid"  them  out  before  the  Lord. 

24  And  Joshua    took  'Achan  the  son  of 

"  By  the  lot. 

''  l^Jty  mix  "a  splendid  or  costly  robe  of  Shinar,"  the 
plain  in  which  Babylon  stood.  Boohart  and  Calmet  have 
shown  at  large  that  Babylonish  robes  were  very  splendid, 
and  in  high  reputation. 

°  Ileb.  "poured." 
264 


Zerach,  and  the  silver,  and  the  mantle,  and 
the  wedge  of  gold,  and  his  sons,  and  hi.« 
daughters,  and  his  ox,  and  his  ass,  and  his 
sheep,  and  his  tent,  and  all  that  he  had,  and 
all  Israel  were  with  him,  and  they  brought 
them  up''  unto  the  valley  of  'Achoi*. 

25  And  Joshua  said.  How  hast  thou  trou- 
bled us!  so  shall  the  Lord  trouble  thee  this 
day.  And  all  Israel  stoned  him  with  stones, 
and  burnt  them  with  fire,  after  they  had 
stoned"  them  with  stones. 

26  And  they  raised  over  him  a  great  heap 
of  stones  (which  is)  unto  this  day;  and  the 
Lord  tiu-ned  from  the  fierceness  of  his  anger. 
Wherefore  the  name  of  that  place  was  called, 
The  valley  of  'Achor,*^  unto  this  day. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  *|[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  Fear 
not,  neither  be  thou  discouraged :  take  with 
thee  all  the  people  of  war,  and  arise,  go  up  to 
'Ai ;  see,  I  have  given  into  thy  hand  the  king  of 
'Ai,  and  his  people,  and  his  city,  and  his  land. 

2  And  thou  shalt  do  to  'Ai  and  to  its  king 
as  thou  hast  done  unto  Jericho  and  its  king; 
only  its  spoil  and  its  cattle  shall  ye  take  for 
booty  unto  yourselves;  but  lay  thee  an  ambush 
for  the  city  in  its  rear. 

3  So  Joshua  arose,  and  all  the  people  of 
war,  to  go  up  against  'Ai :  and  Joshua  choj5e 
out  thirty  thousand  mighty  men  of  valour, 
and  sent  them  away  by  night. 

4  And  he  commanded  them,  saying.  Be- 
hold, ye  shall  lie  in  wait  against  the  city,  in 
the  rear  of  the  city ;  go  not  very  far  from  the 
city ;  and  be  ye  all  ready ; 

5  And  I,  and  all  the  peojile  that  are  with 
me,  will  approach  unto  the  city ;  and  it  shall 
come  to  pass  that,  when  they  come  out  against 
us,  as  at  the  first  time,  we  will  flee  before  them; 

6  And  they  will  come  out  after  us,  till  we 
have  drawn  them  from  the  city ;  for  they  will 
say.  They  flee  before  us  as  at  the  first  time: 
and  we  will  flee  before  them. 

7  And  then  shall  ye  rise  up  from  the  am- 
bush, and  take  possession  of  the  city ;  and  the 
Lord  your  God  will  deliver  it  in  into  your  hand. 


''  Probably  it  was  necessary  to  go  up  a  hill  before  they 
could  approach  the  valley. 

'  The  cattle  belonging  to  him,  and  all  his  effects,  were 
burnt;  both  children  and  friends  were  no  doubt  merely 
brought  out  to  see  the  punishment. 

'  That  is,  (rouble. 


JOSHUA  vm. 


8  And  it  shall  be,  that  as  soon  as  3'e  have 
seized  the  city,  ye  shall  set  tlie  city  on  fire; 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  shall  ye 
do:  see,  I  have  commanded  you. 

9  And  Joshua  sent  them  off:  and  they 
went  to  lie  in  ambush,  and  remained  be- 
tween Beth-el  and  'Ai,  on  the  west  side  of 
'Ai;  but  Joshua  lodged  that  night  among 
the  people. 

10  Tl  And  Joshua  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  ninnbered  the  people,  and  went 
up,  he  and  the  elders  of  Israel,  before  the 
people,  toward  'Ai. 

11  And  all  the  people"  of  war  that  were 
with  him  went  up,  and  drew  nigh,  and  came 
opposite  the  city,  and  encamped  on  the  north 
side  of  'Ai ;  and  the  valley  was  between  them 
and  'Ai. 

12  And  he  took  about  five  thousand  men,*' 
and  set  them  as  an  ambush  between  Beth-el 
and  'Ai,  on  the  west  side  of  'Ai. 

13  And  the  people,  all  the  camp  that  was 
on  the  north  of  the  city,  and  its  ambush  on 
the  west  of  the  city  got  ready ;"  and  Joshua 
went  that  night  into  the  midst  of  the  valley. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  of 
'Ai  saw  this,  the  men  of  the  city  hastened 
and  rose  up  early,  and  went  out  against  Israel 
to  battle,  he  and  all  his  people,  at  the  time 
appointed,  before  the  plain;  but  he  knew  not 
that  there  was  an  ambush  against  him  in  the 
rear  of  the  city. 

15  And  Joshua  and  all  Israel  feigned  them- 
selves beaten  before  them,  and  fled  by  the 
way  of  the  wilderness. 

16  And  all  the  people  that  were  in  'Ai 
were  called  together  to  pursue  after  them; 
and  they  pursued  after  Joshua,  and  were 
drawn  away  from  the  city. 

17  And  there  was  not  a  man  left  in  'Ai  or 
Beth-el,  that  went  not  out  after  Israel;  and 
they  left  the  city  open,  and  pursued  after 
Israel. 

18  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua, 
Stretch  out  the  spear''  that  is  in  thy  hand  to- 
ward 'Ai;  for  into  thy  hand  will  I  give  it. 
And  Joshua  stretched  out  the  spear  which 
was  in  his  hand  toward  the  city. 

19  And  the  ambush  arose  quickly  out  of 

'  nonSon  Diti  stands  for  "  the  people,  who  were  □;?  the 
people  of  war;"  our  text  gives  the  sense  merely. 

'  Rashi  thinks  that  this  means  a  second  ambush  nearer 
the  city  than  the  first;  else  it  should  be  "had  taken." 
2  I 


their  place,  and  they  ran  as  soon  as  ho 
stretched  out  his  hand;  and  they  entered  into 
the  city,  and  took  possession  of  it,  and  hast^ 
ened  and  set  the  city  on  fire. 

20  And  the  men  of 'Ai  turned  (and  looked) 
behind  them,  and  they  saw,  and,  behold,  the 
smoke  of  the  city  ascended  up  to  heaven ;  and 
they  had  no  power  to  flee  this  way  or  that 
way;  and  the  people  that  had  fled  to  the  wil- 
derness turned  back  upon  the  pursuers. 

21  For  when  Joshua  and  all  Israel  saw 
that  the  ambush  had  seized  the  city,  and  that 
the  smoke  of  the  city  ascended :  they  turned 
back,  and  smote  the  men  of  'Ai. 

22  And  the  others  issued  out  of  the  city 
against  them;  so  that  the  Israelites  had  them 
in  the  middle,  some  on  this  side,  and  some  on 
that  side;  and  they  smote  them,  until  there 
was  not  left  of  them  one  that  remained  or 
escaped. 

2.3  And  the  king  of  'Ai  they  caught  alive, 
and  brought  him  to  Joshua. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  Israel 
had  made  an  end  of  slaying  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  'Ai  in  the  field,  in  the  wilderness 
wherein  they  had  pursued  them,  and  when 
they  were  all  fallen  by  the  edge  of  the  sword, 
until  they  were  consumed, 

][  All  the  Israelites  returned  unto  'Ai,  and 
smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

25  And  (the  number  of)  all  that  fell  in 
that  day,  both  of  men  and  women,  was  twelve 
thousand,  all  the  people  of  'Ai. 

26  And  Joshua  drew  not  back  his  hand, 
wherewith  he  had  stretched  out  the  spear, 
until  he  had  utterly  destroyed  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  'Ai. 

27  Only  the  cattle  and  the  spoil  of  that 
city  Israel  took  as  booty  unto  themselves,  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he 
had  commanded  Joshua. 

28  And  Joshua  burnt  'Ai,  and  made  it  a 
ruinous  heap  of  desolation  for  ever,  even  unto 
this  day, 

29  And  the  king  of  'Ai  he  hanged  on  a 
tree  until  eventide;  and  at  the  going  down  of 
the  sun,  Joshua  commanded,  and  they  took 
his  carcass  down  from  the  tree  and  cast  it  at 
the  entrance  of  the  city  gate,  and  they  raised 


°  Di'n  10'15''1.     This  means  preparing  for  an  attack  near 
the  wall  to  fight. — RAsni. 

■*  This  means  the  spear  on  which  was  the  banner. — 
MiOHLOL  YoPHi.    But  Philippson  gives  "javelin." 

265 


JOSHUA  VTIl.  IX. 


over  kim  a  great  heap  of  stones,  (which  is) 
even  unto  this  day. 

30  T[  Then  did  Joshua  build  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel  on  mount  'Ebal, 

31  As  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord  had 
commanded  the  children  of  Israel,  as  it  is 
written  in  the  book  of  the  law  of  Moses,"  an 
altar  of  whole  stones,  over  which  no  one  had 
lifted  up  any  iron  tool;  and  they  offered 
thereon  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord,  and 
sacrificed  peace-offerings. 

32  And  he  wrote  there  upon  the  stones  a 
copy  of  the  law  of  Moses,  which  he''  wrote  in 
the  presence  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

33  And  all  Israel,  and  their  elders,  and 
the  officers,  and  their  judges,  stood  on  this 
side  and  on  that  side  of  the  ark,  opposite  the 
priests  the  Levites,  who  bore  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord,  the  stranger  no  less 
than  the  native  born:  half  of  them  turned 
toward  mount  Gerizzim,  and  the  other  half  of 
them  turned  toward  mount  'Ebal;  as  Moses 
the  servant  of  the  Lord  had  commanded,  to 
bless  the  people  of  Israel  at  first." 

34  And  afterward  he  read  all  the  words 
of  the  law,  the  blessing  and  the  curse,  all, 
just  as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law. 

35  There  was  not  a  word  of  all  that  Moses 
had  commanded,  which  Joshua  did  not  read 
before  all  the  congregation  of  Israel,  with  the 
women,  and  the  little  ones,  and  the  stranger 
that  walked  in  the  midst  of  them. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^f  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the 
kings  that  were  on  this  side  of  the  Jordan, 
in  the  mountain,  and  in  the  lowlands,  and  in 
all  the  coast  of  the  great  sea  opposite  Leba- 
non, the  Ilittites,  and  the  Emorites,  the  Car 
naanites,  the  Perizzites,  the  Hivites,  and  the 
Jebusites,  heard  this, 

2  That  they  assembled  themselves  all  to- 
gether, to  fight  with  Joshua  and  with  Israel, 
with  one  accord. 

3  ^  And  when  the  inhabitants  of  Gib'on 


•  Deut.  .xxvii.  5,  6. 

*■  "  Wliich  lie  (Moses)  had  prescribed  to  the,"  &c. — 
Sachs. 

'  Some  explain,  "first  to  bless,  and  then  to  pronounce 
the  curse."     (Deut.  xxviii.)     Others,  "the  first  time." 

''  The  word  "also"  Herxheimcr  refers  to  the  manner 
in  which  '.\i  was  taken,  by  stratagem.  n'DX'i  rendered 
:;gb 


heard  what  Joshua   had   done   unto  Jericho 
and  unto  'Ai, 

4  They  also"  did  work  wilily,  and  went 
and  feigned  to  be  messengers,  and  took  old 
sacks  for  their  asses,  and  wine-bottles,  old, 
and  rent,  and  bound  up; 

5  And  (put)  old  and  patched-up  shoes 
upon  their  feet,  and  old  garments  upon  them- 
selves; and  all  the  bread  of  their  provision 
was  dry  and  mouldy. 

6  And  they  went  to  Joshua  unto  the  camp 
at  Gilgal,  and  said  unto  him,  and  to  the  men 
of  Israel,  We  are  come  from  a  far-off  country ; 
and  now  make  ye  a  covenant  with  us. 

7  And  the  men"  of  Israel  said  unto  the 
j  Hivites,  Peradventure  ye  dwell  in  the  midst 

of  us;  and  how  can  we  make  a  covenant  with 
you? 

8  And  they  said  unto  Joshua.  We  are  thy 
servants.  And  Joshua  said  unto  tliem,  Who 
are  ye?  and  whence  come  ye? 

9  And  they  said  unto  bjm.  From  a  very 
far-off  country  are  thy  servants  come,  because 
of  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God;  for  we 
have  heard  his  fame,  and  all  that  lie  hath 
done  in  Egypt; 

10  And  all  that  he  hath  done  to  the  two 
kings  of  the  Emorites,  that  were  beyond 
the  Jordan,  to  Sichon  the  king  of  Cheslibon, 
and  to  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan,  who  was  at 
'Ashtaroth. 

11  Wherefore  our  elders  and  all  the  in- 
habitants of  our  country  said  to  us,  as  follow- 
eth.  Take  provisions  with  you''  for  the  jour- 
ney, and  go  to  meet  them,  and  say  unto  them, 
Your  servants  are  we:  and  now  make  ye  with 
us  a  covenant. 

12  This  our  bread  we  took  hot  for  our 
provision  out  of  our  houses  on  the  day  we 
came  forth  to  go  unto  you ;  and  now,  behold, 
it  is  dry,  and  it  is  become  mouldy : 

13  And  these  wine-bottles,  which  we  filknl, 
when  new, — but  behold,  they  are  now  become 
rent;  and  these  om-  garments  and  our  shoes 
are  become  worn  out  by  reason  of  the  very 
long  journey. 


here  in  accordance  with  Rashi,  is  given  by  Philippson 
and  Herxhcinier  with  "and  commeneed  their  journey- 
ing," from  the  Arabic  ^xx  "to  go." — The  wine-bottles  in 
the  East  arc  made  of  skins,  which  naturally  crtick  from  age. 

'Lit.  "The  man  of  Israel;"  and  so  "me,"  "I,"  no 
doubt  referring  to  Joshua  as  speaking  for  Israel. 

'  ITcb.   "  In  your  hand." 


JOSHUA  IX.  X. 


14  And  the  iiR'ii  took  of  their  provisions, 
but  the  decision  of  the  Lord  they  did  not  ask. 

15  And  Joshuu  made  peace  with  them, 
and  made  a  covenant  with  them,  to  let  them 
live;  and  the  princes  of  the  congregation 
swore  unto  them. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  three 
days  after  they  had  made  a  covenant  with 
them,  that  they  heard  that  they  were  their 
neighbours,  and  that  they  dwelt  in  the  midst 
of  them. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  broke  up, 
and  came  unto  their  cities  on  the  third  day; 
and  their  cities  were  Gib'on,  and  Kephirah, 
and  Beeroth,  and  Kiryath-ye'arim. 

18  And  the  children  of  Israel  smote  them 
not;  because  the  princes  of  the  congregation 
had  sworn  unto  them  by  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  Israel;  but  all  the  congregation  murmured 
against  the  princes. 

19  And  all  the  princes  said  unto  all  the 
congregation.  We  have  sworn  unto  them  by 
the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel ;  and  now  we 
cannot  touch  them. 

20  This"  will  we  do  to  them,  and  we  will 
let  them  live,  that  there  be  no  wrath  upon 
us,  on  account  of  the  oath  which  we  have 
sworn  unto  them. 

21  And  the  princes  said  unto  them.  Let 
them  live:  and  they  became  hewers  of  wood 
and  drawers  of  water  unto  all  the  congrega- 
tion, as  the  princes  had  spoken  unto  them. 

22  *(\  And  Joshua  called  for  them,  and  he 
spoke  unto  them,  saying.  Wherefore  have  ye 
deceived  us,  saying,  We  are  very  far  from 
you :  whereas  ye  dwell  in  the  midst  'of  us  ? 

23  And  now  be  ye  cursed,  and  there  shall 
not  cease  to  be''  of  you  servants  and  hewers  of 
wood  and  drawers  of  water  for  the  house  of 
my  God. 

24  And  they  answered  Joshua,  and  said, 
Because  it  was  certainly  told  thy  servants, 
how  that  the  Lord  thy  God  had  commanded 
Ills  servant  Moses  to  give  unto  you  all  the 
land,  and  to  destroy  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land  from  before  you ;  wherefore  we  were  sore 
afraid  for  our  lives  because  of  you,  and  we 
have  done  this  thing. 


'  rtefen-ing  to  next  verse.  The  condition  is  not  express- 
ed, but  Clin  easily  be  inferred,  that  tlio  employment  of  the 
(lib'onites  was  in  accord;inee  therewith. 

'  i.  e.  "You  shall  be  always  servants,"  &c.      "Unto  all 


25  And  now,  behold,  we  are  in  thy  hand; 
as  it  seemeth  good  and  right  in  thy  eyes  to 
do  unto  us,  so  do. 

20  And  he  did  unto  them  thus ;  and  he  de- 
livered them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  they  slew  them  not. 

27  And  Joshua  appointed  them  on  that  day 
hewers  of  wood  and  drawers  of  water  for  the 
congregation,  and  for  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
even  unto  this  day,  for  the  place  which  he 
should  choose. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  Now  it  came  to  pass,  when  Adoni- 
zedek  the  king  of  Jerusalem  heard  that  Joshua 
had  captured  'Ai,  and  had  utterly  destroyed  it; 
(that)  as  he  had  done  to  Jericho  and  its  king, 
so  had  he  done  to  'Ai  and  its  king;  and  that 
the  inhabitants  of  Gib'on  had  made  peace  with 
Israel,  and  were  in  the  midst  of  them : 

2  That  they  were  greatly  afraid;  because 
Gib'on  was  a  great  city,  like  one  of  the  royal 
cities,  and  because  it  was  greater  than  'Ai, 
and  all  the  men  thereof  were  mighty. 

3  Therefore  Adoni-zedek  the  king  of  Je- 
rusalem sent  unto  Ilohani  the  king  of  Hebron, 
and  unto  Piram  the  king  of  Yarmuth,  and 
unto  Yaphia'  the  king  of  Lachish,  and  unto 
Debir  the  king  of 'Eglon,  saying, 

4  Come  up  unto  me,  and  help  me,  that  we 
may  smite  Gib'on;  for  it  hath  made  peace 
with  Joshua  and  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

5  And  the  five  kings  of  the  Emorites,  the 
king  of  Jerusalem,  the  king  of  Hebron,  the  king 
of  Yarmuth,  the  king  of  Lachish,  the  king 
of  'Eglon,  assembled  themselves  together,  and 
went  up,  they  and  all  their  camps,  and  en- 
camped before  Gib'on,  and  made  war  against  it. 

6  And  the  men  of  Gib'on  sent  unto  Joshua 
to  the  camp  to  Gilgal,  saying,  Do  not  with- 
draw thy  hand  from  thy  servants:  come  up  to 
us  quickly,  and  save  us,  and  help  us;  for  all 
the  kings  of  the  Emorites  that  dwell  in  the 
mountains  are  assembled  together  against  us. 

7  And  Joshua  went  up  from  Gilgal,  he,  and 
all  the  people  of  war  with  him,  and  all  the 
mighty  men  of  valour. 

8  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  Be  not 

the  congregation,"  of  verse  21,  would  seem  therefore  to  be 
limited  here  "for  the  temple  service,"  in  lieu  of  the  peo- 
ple, who  should  hereafter  not  perform  these  peculiar 
functions. 

267 


JOSHUA  X. 


afraid  of  them;  for  into  thy  hand  have  I  de- 
livered them :  there  shall  not  stand  a  man  of 
them  before  thee. 

9  And  Joshua  came  unto  them  suddenly; 
the  whole  night  he  went  up  from  Gilgal. 

10  And  the  Lord  brought  them  in  confu- 
sion before  Israel,  and  they  smote"  them  with 
a  great  slaughter  at  Gib'on,  and  pursued  them 
by  the  way  of  the  ascent  to  Beth-choron,  and 
smote  them  up  to  'Azekah,  and  up  to  Mak- 
kedah. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  fled  from 
before  Israel,  while  they  were  in  the  declivity 
of  Beth-choron,  that  the  I^ord  cast  down  upon 
them  great  stones  from  heaven,  up  to  'Azekah, 
and  they  died :  there  were  more  who  died  by 
means  of  the  hailstones  than  those  whom  the 
children  of  Israel  had  slain  with  the  sword. 

12  ^[  Then  spoke  Joshua  to  the  Lord  on 
the  day  when  the  Lord  delivered  up  the 
Emorites  before  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
he  said  before  the  eyes  of  Israel,  Sun,  stand*" 
thou  still  upon  Gibon;  and  thou.  Moon,  in  the 
valley  of  Ayalon. 

13  And  the  sun  stood  still,  and  the  moon 
stayed,  until  the  people  had  avenged  them- 
selves upon  their  enemies.  Is  not  this  writ- 
ten in  the  book  of  Yashar?  And"  the  sun 
stood  still  in  the  midst  of  the  heavens,  and 
hastened  not  to  go  down  about  a  whole  day. 

14  And  there  was  no  day  like  that  before 
it  or  after  it,  that  the  Lord  hearkened  unto 
the  voice  of  a  man;  for  the  Lord  fought  for 
Israel. 

15  ^  And  Joshua  returned,  and  all  Israel 
with  him,  unto  the  camp  to  Gilgal. 

16  But  these  five  kings  fled,  and  hid  them- 
selves in  the  cave  at  Makkedah. 

17  And  it  was  told  to  Joshua,  saying,  The 
five  kings  have  been  found  hidden  in  the  cave 
at  Makkedah. 

18  And  Joshua  said.  Roll  great  stones  to 
the  mouth  of  the  cave,  and  set  men  over  it 
to  guard  them ; 

19  But  you,  do  ye  not  stay,  pursue  after 


°  t.  c.  Israel. 

^  A  liviiii^  writer  in  the  Eiii^lisli  Jewish  paper  explains 
tliis  passaf^e,  that  Jcishua  coiiiniaiided  the  sun  nat  to  shed 
his  li;^ht.,  but  to  be  obscured,  DT  "  silent,"  so  tliat  the  moon 
appeared ;  and  only  wlien  the  darkness  was  eleared  up, 
which  was  at  midday,  the  sun  reappeared,  as  natural,  in 
the  midst  of  heaven,  and  tlien  set  at  the  clo.se  of  day. 
If  tliis  exposition  Le  correct,  the  only  miracle  was  that  the 
i08 


your  enemies,  and  smite  the  hindmost  of 
them  I**  suffer  them  not  to  enter  into  their 
cities;  for  the  Lord  your  God  hath  delivered 
them  into  your  hand. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joshua  and 
the  childi-en  of  Israel  had  made  an  end  of 
smiting  them  with  a  very  great  defeat,  till 
they  were  all  spent,  and  those  that  escaped 
had  fied  from  tliem  and  entered  into  the  forti- 
fied cities, 

21  That  all  the  people  returned  to  the 
camp  to  Joshua  at  Makkedah  in  peace:  no 
one  pointed  against  any°  man  of  the  children 
of  Israel  his  tongue. 

22  Then  said  Joshua,  Open  the  mouth  of 
the  cave,  and  bring  out  unto  me  those  five 
kings  out  of  the  cave. 

23  And  they  did  so,  and  brought  forth 
unto  him  those  five  kings  out  of  the  cave,  the 
king  of  Jerusalem,  the  king  of  Hebron,  the 
king  of  Yarmuth,  the  king  of  Lachish,  the 
king  of  'Eglon. 

24  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  brought 
out  those  kings  unto  Joshua,  that  Joshua 
called  for  all  the  men  of  Isra<?l,  and  said  unto 
the  chiefs  of  the  men  of  war  who  had  gone 
with  him,  Come  near,  put  your  feet  upon  the 
necks  of  these  kings.  And  they  came  near, 
and  put  their  feet  upon  their  necks. 

25  And  Joshua  said  unto  them,  Fear  not, 
nor  be  disheartened,  be  strong  and  of  good 
courage;  for  thus  will  the  Lord  do  unto  all 
your  enemies  against  whom  ye  fight. 

26  And  Joshua  smote  them  aftei-ward,  and 
slew  them,  and  hanged  them  on  five  trees ; 
and  they  remained  hanging  upon  the  trees 
until  the  evening. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  time  of  the 
going  down  of  the  sun,  that  Joshua  command- 
ed, and  they  took  them  down  from  the  trees, 
and  cast  them  into  the  cave  wherein  they  had 
been  hidden;  and  they  placed  great  stones 
upon  the  mouth  of  the  cave,  (which  remain) 
even  until  this  very  day. 

28  T[  And  Joshua  captured  Makkedah  on 

sun  was  obscured  at  the  moment  it  was  needed  for  Israel 
to  pursue  their  enemies  in  the  darlc.  Ingenious  as  it  is, 
it  is  not  in  consonance  with  the  received  opinion. 

°  Some  suppose  that  these  words  are  literally  quoted 
from  the  book  of  Yashar. 

■*  "Assail  them  in  the  rear." — Sachs. 

"  This  has  been  rendered  as  though  the  text  read 
'7X^B''  "JDO  lys^.     (See  also  Exod.  xi.  7.) 


JOSHUA  X.  XL 


that  day.  ami  smote  it  with  tlie  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  its  king  he  devoted,  then),  and  all 
the  souls  that  were  therein;  he  left  none  that 
escaped ;  and  he  did  to  the  king  of  Makkedah 
as  he  had  done  unto  the  king  of  Jericho. 

29  ][  Then  did  Joshua,  and  all  Israel  with 
him,  pass  from  Makkedah  unto  Libnah;  and 
he  fought  against  Libnah; 

30  And  the  Lord  delivered  it  also  into  the 
hand  of  Israel,  with  its  king;  and  he  smote  it 
with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  all  the  souls 
that  were  therein ;  he  left  none  in  it  that  es- 
caped; and.  he  did  unto  its  king  as  he  had 
done  uuto  the  king  of  Jericho. 

31  ][  And  Joshua,  and  all  Israel  with 
him,  passed  from  Libnah  unto  Lachish,  and 
encamped  against  it,  and  fought  against  it; 

32  And  the  Lord  delivered  Lachish  into 
the  hand  of  Israel ;  and  he  captured  it  on  the 
second  day,  and  smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  all  the  souls  that  were  therein : 
just  as  he  had  done  to  Libnah. 

33  Tf  Then  came  up  Iloram  the  king  of 
Gezer  to  help  Lachish  ;  and  Joshua  smote  him 
and  his  people,  until  he  had  left  him  none 
that  escaped. 

34  ][  And  Joshua  and  all  Israel  with  him 
passed  from  Lachish  unto  'Eglon;  and  they 
encamped  against  it,  and  fought  against  it; 

35  And  they  captured  it  on  that  day,  and 
smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword ;  and  all 
the  souls  that  were  therein  he  devoted  on  that 
day:  just  as  he  had  done  to  Lachish. 

36  ]f  And  Joshua  and  all  Israel  with  him 
went  up  from  'Eglon  unto  Hebron;  and  they 
fought  against  it; 

37  And  they  captured  it,  and  smote  it  with 
the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  its  king,  and  all 
its  cities,  and  all  the  souls  that  were  therein ; 
he  left  none  that  escaped,  ju.st  as  he  had  done 
to  'Eglon ;  and  he  devoted  it,  and  all  the 
souls  that  were  therein. 

38  ][  And  Joshua  and  all  Israel  with  him 
returned  to  Debir;  and  fought  against  it; 

39  And  he  captured  it,  and  its  king,  and 
all  its  cities;  and  they  smote  them  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  and  devoted  all  the  souls 
that  were  therein ;  lie  left  none  that  escaped : 
as  he  had  done  to  Hebron,  so  did  he  to  De]:)ir 
and  to  its  king;  and  as  he  had  done  to  Lib- 
nah and  to  its  king. 

'  A  district  in  the  mountain  of  Judah. 

""  This  is  rendered  by  the  Targiim  "sea-water  ditches," 


40  ][  And  Joshua  smote  all  the  country-, 
the  mountain,  and  the  south,  and  the  low- 
lands, and  the  declivities,  and  all  their 
kings;  he  left  none  that  escaped;  and  all  that 
breathed  he  utterly  destroyed,  as  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Israel  had  commanded. 

41  And  Joshua  smote  them  from  Kadesh- 
barnea  even  unto  Gazzah,  and  all  the  country 
of  Goshen,"  even  up  to  Gibon. 

42  And  all  these  kings  and  their  land  did 
Joshua  ca})ture  at  one  time;  because  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Israel  fought  for  Israel. 

43  And  Joshua  returned,  and  all  Israel 
with  him,  unto  the  camp  to  Gilgal. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  T[  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,^vhen  Yabin 
the  king  of  Chazor  heard  these  things,  he  sent 
to  Yobab  the  king  of  Madon,and  to  the  king 
of  Shimron,  and  to  the  king  of  Achshaph, 

2  And  to  the  kings  that  were  at  the  north, 
on  the  mountains,  and  in  the  plains,  south  of 
Kinneroth.  and  in  the  lowlands,  and  in  the 
district  of  Dor  on  the  west, 

3  To  the  Canaanites  on  the  east  and  on 
the  west,  and  to  the  Emorites,  and  the  Hit- 
tites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Jebusites  in 
the  mountains,  and  to  the  Hivites  under  Cher- 
mon  in  the  land  of  Mizpah. 

4  And  they  went  out,  they  and  all  tlieir 
camps  with  them,  much  people,  even  as 
the  sand  that  is  upon  the  sea-shore  in  mul- 
titude, and  with  very  many  horses  and  cha- 
riots. 

5  And  all  these  kings  assembled  them- 
selves together,  and  they  came  and  encamped 
together  at  the  waters  of  Merom,  to  fight 
against  Israel. 

6  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Joshua,  Be 
not  afraid  because  of  them;  tor  to-morrow 
about  this  time  will  I  give  all  of  them  up 
slain  Ijefore  Israel :  their  horses  shalt  thou 
hamstring  and  their  chariots  .shalt  thou  burn 
with  fire. 

7  And  Joshua  and  all  the  people  of  war 
with  him  came  upon  them  by  the  waters  of 
Merom  suddenly ;  and  they  fell  upon  them. 

8  And  the  Lord  delivered  them  into  the 
hand  of  Israel,  who  smote  them,  and  pursued 
tliem  unto  great  Zidon,  and  unto  Missrephoth- 
mayim,*'  and  unto  the  valley  of  Mizpeh  east- 

which   Rashi   supposes  were   made   to   draw  oif  the  sea- 
water,  which  evaporating,  was  converted  into  salt.    Others 


JOSHUA  XI.  XII. 


ward;  and  they  smote  them,  until  they  left 
them  none  that  escaped. 

9  And  Joshua  did  unto  them  as  the  Lord 
had  said  unto  him:  their  horses  he  ham- 
stringed and  their  chariots  he  burnt  with  fire. 

10  ^  And  Joshua  at  tliat  time  turned  back, 
and  captured  Chazor,  and  its  kings  he  smote 
with  the  sword;  for  Chazor  aforetimes  was 
the  head  of  all  these  kingdoms. 

11  And  they  smote  all  the  souls  that  were 
therein  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  de- 
voted them;  there  was  not  left  any  one  hav- 
ing breath ;  and  Chazor  he  hvwnt  with  fire. 

12  And  all  the  cities  of  these  kings,  and  all 
their  kings,  did  Joshua  capture,  and  he  smote 
them  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  he  de- 
voted them,  as  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
had  commanded. 

13  But  as  for  the  cities  that  had  been  left 
standing  in  their  strength,"  these  did  Israel 
not  burn:  save  Chazor  only  did  Joshua 
burn. 

14  And  all  the  spoil  of  thfese  cities,  and 
the  cattle,  did  the  children  of  Israel  take  as 
booty  unto  themselves;  but  all  the  men  they 
smote  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  until  they 
had  destroyed  them  :  they  left  not  any  one 
having  breath. 

15  As  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses 
his  servant,  so  did  Moses  command  Joshua, 
and  so  did  Joshua:  he  left  nothing  undone 
of  all  that  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

16  And  Joshua  took  all  that  land,  the 
mountain,  and  all  the  south  country,  and  all 
the  land  of  Goshen,  and  the  lowlands,  and  the 
plain,  and  the  mountain  of  Israel,  and  its 
lowlands; 

17  From  the  ])ald  mountain  that  goeth  up 
to  Se'ir,  even  unto  Baal-gad  in  the  valley  of 
Lebanon  under  mount  Chermon ;  and  all  their 
kings  he  captured,  and  smote  them,  and  slew 
tliem. 

18  A  long  time  did  Joshua  make  war  Avith 
all  these  kings. 

19  There  was  not  a  city  that  made  peace 
with  tlie  children  of  Israel,  save  the  Hivites 
the  inhabitants  of  Cib'on:  the  whole  they 
took  by  war. 

20  For  of  the  Lokd  it  was  to  harden  their 


suppose  the  words  to  mean  "burning  springs,"  as  those 
of  Tiberias;  others  again,  that  it  was  merely  a  name,  as 
ju  our  text. 

'  Sn  elsewhere  "heap,"  is  given  by  Jonathan  here  "in 
270 


heart,  that  they  should  come  against  Israel 
in  battle,  in  order  to  'iestroy  them  utterly, 
that  they  might  obtai/>  no  fevour;  but  in 
order  that  he  might  exterminate  them,  as 
the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses. 

21  ^  And  Joshua  came  at  that  time,  and 
cut  oft'  the  'Anakim  from  the  mountains,  from 
Hebron,  from  Debir,  from  'Anab,  and  from 
the  whole  mountain  of  Judali,  and  from  the 
whole  mountain  of  Israel :  with  their  cities  did 
Joshua  destroy  them  utterly. 

22  There  was  none  of  the  'Anakim  left  in 
the  land  of  the  children  of  Israel:  only  in 
Gazzah,  in  Gath,  and  in  Ashdod,  there  remain- 
ed some. 

2.3  And  Joshua'  took  the  whole  land,  all 
just  as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  Moses; 
and  Joshua,  gave  it  for  an  inheritance  unto 
Israel,  according  to  their  divisions  by  their 
tribes.     And  the  land  rested  from  war. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  T[  And  these  are  the  kings  of  the  land 
whom  the  children  of  Israel  smote,  and  whose 
land  they  took  pos.sessiou  of  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Jordan,  toward  the  rising  of  the  sun, 
from  the  river  Anion  unto  mount  Chermon, 
and  all  the  plain  on  the  east: 

2  Sichon  the  king  of  the  Emorites,  who 
dwelt  in  Cheshbon,  and  ruled  from  'Aro'er, 
which  is  upon  the  banlc  of  the  brook  Arnon, 
and  over  the  land  in  the  middle  of  the  brook, 
and  from  half  Gil'ad,  even  unto  tiie  brook 
Yabljok,  the  boundary  of  the  children  of 'Am- 
nion ; 

3  And  over  the  plain  up  to  the  sea  of 
Kinneroth  on  the  east,  and  up  to  the  sea  of  the 
plain,  the  salt  sea  on  the  east,  on  the  way  to 
Beth-hayeshimoth ;  and  at  the  south,  under 
the  declivities  of  Pisgah ; 

4  And  the  territory  of  'Og  the  king  of  Ba- 
shan,  who  was  of  the  remnant  of  the  Repha'im, 
that  dwelt  at  'Ashtaroth  and  at  Edre'i, 

5  And  reigned  over  mount  Chermon,  and 
over  Salcliah,  and  over  all  Bashan,  unto  the 
border  of  the  Geshurites  and  the  Ma'acha- 
thites,  and  lialf  Gil'ad,  (to)  the  boundary  of 
Sichon  the  king  of  Cheshbon. 

6  These  did  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 


their  strength,"  meaning  that  they  had  not  been  destroyed 
during  the  conquest.  Others  render,  "on  their  hills," 
/'.  ''.  the  mountain-towns,  which  were  naturally  easily  de- 
fended. 


JOSHUA  XII.  XIII. 


and  the  childreu  of  Israel  smite ;  and  Moses 
the  servant  of  the  Lord  gave  it  for  a  posse.s- 
sion  unto  the  Keiibenites,  and  the  Gadites. 
and  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh. 

7  ]f  And  these  are  the  kings  of  the  country 
whom  Joshua  and  the  children  of  Israel  smote 
on  this  side  of  the  Jordan  on  the  west,  from 
]>a;il-,i;;ul  in  the  valley  of  Lebanon  as  far  as 
the  bald  mountain,  that  goeth  up  to  Seir;  and 
Joshua  gave  it  unto  the  tribes  of  Israel  for  a 
possession,  according  to  their  divisions; 

8  In  the  mountains,  and  in  the  lowlands, 
and  in  the  plain,  and  in  the  declivities,  and 
hi  the  wilderness,  and  in  the  south  country : 
the  Hittites,  the  Eniorites,  and  the  Canaan- 
ites,  the  Perizzites,  the  Hivites,  and  the  Je- 
busites. 

9  ][  The  king  of  Jericho,  one ;  the  king  of 
'Ai,  which  was  beside  Beth-el,  one; 

10  The  king  of  Jerusalem,  one ;  the  king 
of  Hebron,  one ; 

11  The  king  of  Yarmuth,  one;  the  king  of 
Lachish,  one ; 

12  The  king  of 'Eglon,  one;  the  king  of 
Gezer,  one ; 

13  The  king  of  Debir,  one ;  the  king  of 
Geder,  one ; 

14  The  king  of  Chormah,  one ;  the  king  of 
'Arad,  one ; 

15  The  king  of  Libnah,  one ;  the  king  of 
'AduUam,  one ; 

16  The  king  of  Makkedah,  one ;  the  king 
of  Beth-el,  one ; 

17  The  king  of  Tappuach,  one;  the  king 
of  Chepher,  one ; 

18  The  king  of  Aphek,  one;  the  king  of 
Lasharon,  one ; 

19  The  king  of  Madon,  one ;  the  king  of 
Chazor,  one; 

20  The  king  of  Shimron-meron,  one ;  the 
king  of  Achshaph.  one ; 

21  Tlie  king  of  Ta'anach,  one  ;  the  king  of 
Megiddo,  one ; 

22  The  king  of  Kedesh,  one ;  the  king  of 
Yokne'am  on  Carmel,  one ; 

23  The  king  of  Dor  in  the  district  of  Dor, 
one ;  the  king  of  Go\'im  in  Gilgal,  one ; 

24  The  king  of  Tirzah,  one:  in  all  thirty 
and  one  kings. 


*  Others,  "the  cave,"  and  is  said  to  be  the  one  between 
Zidon  and  Zarepta,  in  which  the  crusaders  defended  them- 
selves a  long  time  against  the  Saracens. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ]|  Now  Joshua  was  old,  well  stricken  in 
years ;  and  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Tliou  art 
old,  stricken  in  years,  and  of  tlie  land  there  re- 
maineth  yet  very  much  to  be  taken  posses- 
sion of 

2  This  is  the  land  that  yet  remaineth:  All 
the  circles  of  the  Philistines,  and  all  (the  land 
of  the)  Geshurites, 

3  From  the  Shichor,  which  runneth  before 
Egypt,  even  unto  the  boundary  of  'Ekron 
northward,  is  counted  to  the  Canaanites;  the 
five  lords  of  the  Philistines;  the  Gazzathites, 
and  the  Ashdodites,  the  Eshkelonites,  the 
Gittites,  and  the  'Ekronites;  also  the  'Avvim; 

4  On  the  sontli.  all  the  land  of  the  Canaan- 
ites, and  Me'arah"  that  belongeth  to  the  Zido- 
nians,  up  to  Aphek,  up  to  the  border  of  the 
Emorites; 

5  And  the  land  of  the  Giblitcs,  and  all 
Lebanon,  toward  the  rising  of  the  sun,  from 
Ba'al-gad  under  mouirt  Chermon  up  to  the 
entrance  of  Chamath. 

6  All  the  inhabitants  of  the  mountain  from 
Lebanon  unto  Missrephoth-mayim,  all  the  Zi- 
donians:  these  will  I  drive  out  from  before  the 
children  of  Israel ;  only  divide  thou  it  by  lot 
unto  the  Israelites  for  an  inheritance,  as  I 
have  commanded  thee. 

7  And  now  divide  this  land  for  an  inherit- 
ance unto  the  nine  tribes,  and  the  half  trilje 
of  Menasseh. 

8  With  him  the  Reiibenites  and  the  Gad- 
ites have  received  their  inheritance,  which 
Moses  gave  unto  them,  bejond  the  Jordan 
eastward,  as  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
hath  given  them; 

9  From  'Aro'er,  that  is  upon  the  bank  of 
the  brook  Anion,  and  the  city  that  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  brook,  and  all  the  plain  of  Me- 
deba  up  to  Dibon ; 

10  And  all  the  cities  of  Sichon  the  king  of 
the  Emorites,  Avho  reigned  over  Cheshbon,  up 
to  the  border  of  the  children  of  'Amnion ; 

11  And  Gil'ad,  and  the  territory  of  the 
Geshurites  and  Ma'achathites,  and  all  mount 
Chermon,  and  all  Bashan  up  to  Salchah; 

12  All  the  kingdom  of  'Og  in  Bashan,  wdio 
reigned  in  ' Ashtaroth  and  in  Edre'i ;  who  had 
been  left  of  the  remnant  of  the  Repha'im: 
and  Moses  smote  them,  and  cast  them  out. 

13  Nevertheless  the  children  of  Israel  ex- 

271 


JOSHUA  XIII.  XIV. 


pelled  not  the  Geshurites  and  the  Ma'achath- 
ites;  but  the  Geshurites  and  the  Ma'achath- 
ites  continued  to  dwell  in  the  midst  of  the 
Israelites  until  this  day. 

14  Only  unto  the  tribe  of  Levi  he  gave  no 
inheritance :  the  fire-oflferings  of  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Israel,  are  their  inheritance,  as  he  hath 
spoken  unto  them. 

15  ][  And  Moses  gave  unto  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Keiiben  according  to  their 
families ; 

16  And  their  territory  was  from  Aro'er, 
that  is  on  the  bank  of  the  brook  Arnon,  and 
the  city  that  is  in  the  midst  of  the  brook,  and 
all  the  plain  by  Medeba; 

.  17  Cheshbon,  and  all  its  cities  that  are  in 
the  i^lain ;  Dibon,  axid  Bamoth-ba'al,  and  Beth- 
ba'al-me'on, 

18  And  Yahzah,  and  Kedemoth,  and  Me- 
pha'ath, 

19  And  Kiryathayim,  and  Sibmah,  and 
Zereth-hashachar  on  the  mount  of  the  valley, 

20  And  Beth-pe'or,  and  the  declivities  of 
Pisgah,  and  Beth-hayeshimoth, 

21  And  all  the  cities  of  the  plain,  and  all 
the  kingdom  of  Sichon  the  king  of  the  Emor- 
ites,  who  reigned  in  Cheshbon,  whom  Moses 
smote  with  the  princes  of  Midian,  Evi,  and 
Kekem,  and  Zur,  and  Chur,  and  Reba',  the 
dukes  of  Sichon,  the  dwellers  of  the  coun- 
try. 

22  And  Bil'am  the  son  of  Be'or,  the  sooth- 
sayer, did  the  children  of  Israel  slay  with  the 
sword  among  their  slain. 

2.3  And  the  boundary  of  the  children  of 
Reuben  was  the  Jordan,  and  its  bordering  terri- 
tory. This  was  the  inheritance  of  the  children 
of  Reuben  after  their  families,  the  cities  and 
their  villages. 

24  ^  And  Moses  gave  unto  the  tribe  of 
Gad,  unto  the  children  of  Gad  according  to 
their  families; 

25  And  their  territory  was  Ya'zer,  and  all 
the  cities  of  Gil'ad,  and  half  the  land  of  the 
children  of  'Ammon,  up  to  'Ax'o'er  that  is  before 
Rabbah ; 

26  And  from  Cheshbon  unto  Ramath-miz- 
peh,  and  Betonim ;  and  from  Machanayim  up 
to  the  boi'der  of  Debir ; 

27  And  in  the  valley,  Beth-haram,  and 
Beth-nimrah,  and  Succoth,  and  Zaphon,  the 
rest  of  the  kingdom  of  Sichon  the  king  of 
Cheshbon,  the  Jordan  and  its  bordering  terri- 

2-:s 


tory,  up  to  the  edge  of  the  sea  of  Kinnereth 
on  the  other  side  the  Jordan  eastward. 

28  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children 
of  Gad  after  their  famiUes,  the  cities  and  their 
villages. 

29  ^  And  Moses  gave  unto  the  half  tribe  of 
Menasseh ;  and  it  belonged  to  the  half  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Menasseh  after  their  iamilies ; 

30  And  their  territory  was  from  Machana- 
yim, all  Bashan,  all  the  kingdom  of  'Og  the 
kmg  of  Bashan,  and  all  the  villages  of  Ya'ir, 
which  are  in  Bashan,  sixty  cities ; 

31  And  half  Gil'ad,  and  'Ashtaroth,  and 
Edre'i,  the  cities  of  the  kingdom  of  'Og  in 
Bashan,  (belonged)  unto  the  children  of 
Machir  the  son  of  Menasseh,  even  to  the  one 
half  of  the  children  of  Machir  after  their  fa- 
milies. 

32  These  are  they  to  whom  Moses  did  dis- 
tribute an  inheritance  in  the  plains  of  Moab, 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan,  by  Jericho, 
eastward. 

33  But  unto  the  tribe  of  Levi  Moses  gave 
not  any  inheritance:  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel  is  himself  their  inheritance,  as  he  hath 
sjioken  unto  them. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  And  these  are  the  countries  which  the 
children  of  Israel  obtained  as  an  inheritance  in 
the  land  of  Canaan,  which  Elazar  the  priest, 
and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  the  heads  of 
the  divisions  of  the  tribes  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  distributed  for  an  inheritance  unto 
them, 

2  By  the  lot  as  their  inheritance:  as  the 
Lord  had  commanded  by  the  hand  of  Moses, 
for  the  nine  tribes,  and  the  half  tribe. 

3  For  Moses  had  given  the  inheritance  of 
the  two  tribes  and  the  half  tribe  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Jordan ;  but  unto  the  Levites  he 
had  given  no  inheritance  among  them. 

4  For  the  children  of  Joseph  were  two 
tribes,  Menasseh  and  Epln-aim ;  therefore  the_y 
gave  no  portion  unto  the  Levites  in  the  land, 
save  cities  to  dwell  in,  with  their  open  spaces 
for  their  cattle  and  for  their  substance. 

5  As  the  Lord  had  commanded  Moses,  so 
did  the  children  of  Israel,  and  so  divided  they 
the  land. 

6  ^  And  tlie  children  of  Judah  came  near 
unto  Joshua  in  Gilgal ;  and  Caleb  the  son  of 
Yephunneh    the    Kenizzitc    said    unto   him, 


josnuA  XIV.  XV. 


Thou  well  Icnowest  the  word  which  the  Lokd 
spoke  unto  Moses  the  man  of  God  concerning 
me  and  thyself  in  Kadesh-barnea'. 

7  Forty  years  old  was  I  when  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  sent  me  from  Kadesh- 
barneJi'  to  spy  out  the  land;  and  I  brought 
him  word  again  as  it  was  in  my  heart. 

8  But  my  brethren  who  had  gone  up 
with  me  caused  the  heart  of  the  people  to  be 
faint;  but  I  wholly  followed  the  Lord  my  God. 

9  And  Moses  swore  on  that  day,  saying, 
Surely  the  land  whereon  thy  foot  hath  trod- 
den shall  belong  to  thee  for  an  inheritance, 
and  to  thy  children  for  ever;  because  thou 
hast  wholly  Ibllowed  the  Lord  my  God. 

10  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  kept 
me  alive,  as  he  hath  spoken:  it  is  now  forty 
and  five  years  since  the  Lord  spoke  this  word 
unto  Moses,  while  Israel  wandered  in  the  wil- 
derness; and  now,  behold,  I  am  this  day 
eighty  and  five  years  old. 

Ill  am  yet  this  day  as  strong  as  I  was  on 
the  day  that  Moses  sent  me:  as  my  strength 
was  then,  even  so  is  my  strength  now,  for 
war,  and  to  go  out,  and  to  come  in. 

12  Now  therefore  give  me  this  mountain, 
whereof  the  Lord  spoke  on  that  day;  for  thou 
didst  hear  on  that  day  that  the  'Anakim  were 
there,  and  great  fortified  cities:  perhaps  the 
Lord  will  be  with  me,  and  I  shall  drive  them 
out,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

13  And  Joshua  blessed  him,  and  gave  He- 
bron unto  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephunneh  for  an 
inheritance. 

14  Therefore  did  Hebron  become  the  in- 
heritance of  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephunneh  the 
Kenizzite  unto  this  day;  for  the  cause  that 
he  had  wholly  followed  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel. 

15  And  the  name  of  Hebron  was  afore  times 
Kiryath-arba',"  who  was  the  greatest  man 
among  the  'Anakim.  And  the  land  had  rest 
from  war. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  And  the  lot  for  the  tribe  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Judali  after  their  families  came  by 
the  border  of  Edom,  with  the  wilderness  of 
Zin,  southward,  as  the  uttermost  southern 
boundary. 

2  And  their  southern  boundary  was  from 

"  i.  e.  "  The  city  of  Arba',  who  was/'  &c. 
2K 


the  end   of  the   salt  sea,  from   the  biiy  that 
bendeth  southward ; 

3  And  it  went  out  to  the  south  to  the 
heights  of  'Akrabbim,  and  passed  along  to 
Zin,  and  ascended  up  on  the  south  side  unto 
Kadesh-barneii',  and  passed  along  to  Chezron, 
and  went  up  to  Adar,  and  fetched  a  compass 
to  Karka'; 

4  And  it  passed  on  toward  'Azmon,  and 
went  out  unto  the  river  of  Egypt;  and  the 
terminations  of  the  boundary  Avere  at  the  sea: 
this  shall  be  your  southern  boundary. 

5  And  the  east  boundary  was  the  salt  sea, 
unto  the  end  of  the  Jordan.  And  the  bound- 
ary in  the  north  quarter  was  from  the  bay  of 
the  sea  at  the  end  of  the  Jordan ; 

6  And  the  boundary  went  up  to  Beth-chog- 
lah,  and  passed  along  by  the  north  of  Betli- 
'arabah;  and  the  boundary  went  up  to  Eben- 
bohan  the  son  of  Reuben; 

7  And  the  boundary  went  up  toward  Debir 
from  the  valley  of  'Achor,  and  at  the  north  it 
tent  toward  Gilgal,  that  is  opposite  the  heights 
of  Adummim,  which  is  on  the  south  side  of 
the  valley;  and  the  boundarj^  passed  toward 
the  waters  of  'En-shemesh,  and  its  termina- 
tions were  at  'En-i'ogel ; 

8  And  the  boundary  went  up  to  the  valley 
of  the  son  of  Hinnom  unto  the  south  side  of 
the  Jebusite,  the  same  is  Jerusalem;  and  the 
boundary  went  up  to  the  top  of  the  mount 
that  lieth  before  the  valley  of  Hinnom  west- 
ward, which  is  at  the  end  of  the  valley  ol' 
Repha'im  northward ; 

9  And  the  lioundary  extended  from  tlic 
top  of  the  mount  unto  the  spring  of  the 
waters  of  Nephtoach,  and  went  out  to  the  ci- 
ties of  mount  'Ephron;  and  the  boundary  ex- 
tended to  Ba'alah,  which  is  Kiryath-ye'arim; 

10  And  the  boundary  compassed  from 
Ba'alah  westward  unto  mount  Se'ir,  and 
passed  along  unto  the  side  of  mount  Ye'arim, 
which  is  Kessalon,  on  the  north  side,  and 
went  down  to  Beth-shemesh,  and  passed  on 
to  Timnah; 

11  And  the  boundary  went  out  unto  the 
side  of 'Ekron  northward;  and  the  boundary 
extended  to  Shikron,  and  passed  along  to  the 
mount  of  Ba'alah,  and  went  out  unto  Yab- 
neel;  and  the  terminations  of  the  boundary 
were  at  the  sea. 

12  And    the   west   boundary   was    by  the 

This  is  the 

273 


great  sea,  and  the  coast  thereof. 


JOSHUA  XV. 


boundary  of  the    children    of  Judcah    round 
about  according  to  their  famiUes. 

13  \\  And  unto  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephun- 
neli  he  gave  as  a  portion  among  the  children 
of  Judah,  according  to  the  order  of  the  Lord 
to  Joshua,  Kiryath-arba'  the  father  of  'Anak, 
which  is  Hebron. 

14  And  Caleb  drove  out  from  there  the 
three  sons  of  'Anak,  Sheshai,  and  Achiman, 
and  Talmai,  the  children  of  'Anak. 

15  And  he  went  up  from  there  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Debir;  and  the  name  of  Debir 
before  was  Kiryath-sepher. 

16  And  Caleb  said,  He  that  will  smite 
Kiryath-sepher,  and  capture  it,  to  him  will  I 
give  'Achsah  my  daughter  for  wife. 

17  And  'Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz,  the 
brother  of  Caleb,  captured  it;  and  he  gave 
him  'Achsah  his  daughter  for  wife. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  came 
thither,  that  she  persuaded  him  to  ask  of  her 
father  a  field:  and  she  alighted  from  her  ass; 
and  Caleb  said  unto  her.  What  aileth  thee? 

19  And  she  said.  Give  me  a  Ijlessing;  for  a 
dry  land  hast  thou  given  me:  give  me  then 
also  springs  of  water.  And  he  gave  her  the 
upper  springs  and  the  lower  springs. 

20  ][  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe 
of  the  cliildren  of  Judah  according  to  their 
fixmilies. 

21  And  the  cities  on  the  boundary  line  of 
the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Judah  toward  the 
border  of  Edom,  on  the  south,  were  Kabzeel, 
and  'Eder,  and  Yagur, 

22  And  Kinah,  and  Dimonah,  and  'Ad- 
'adah, 

23  And  Kedesh,  and  Chazor,  and  Yithnan, 

24  Ziph,  and  Telem,  and  Be'aloth, 

25  And  Chazor-chadattah,  and  Keriyoth- 
chezron,"  which  is  Chazor, 

26  Amara,  and  Shema',  and  Moladah, 

27  And  Chazar-gaddah,  and  Cheshraon, 
and  Beth-palet, 

28  And  Chazar-shuiil,  and  Beer-sheba,  and 
Bizyotlu-yah, 

29  Ba'alah,  and  'lyim,  and  'Azem, 

30  And  Eltolad.  and  Kessil,  and  Chormah, 

31  And  Ziklag,  and  Madmannah,  and  San- 
sannah, 


"  Others,  "Chazor,  Chadattah,  and  Keriyoth,  Chezron, 
which,"  &c. 

''  As  the  ciuiniiTalcd  places  exceed  twenty-uiiie,  it  has 
274 


32  And  Lebaoth,  and  Shilchim,  and  Ayin, 
and  Rimmon :  in  all  twenty  and  nine''  cities, 
with  their  villages. 

33  ]f  And  in  the  lowlands,  Eshtaol,  and 
Zor'ah,  and  Ashnah, 

34  And  Zanoach,  and  'En-gannini,  Tap- 
puach,  and  'Euam, 

35  Yarmuth,  and  'Adullam,  Sochoh,  and 
'Azekah, 

36  And  Sha'arayim,  and  'Adithayim,  and 
Gederah,  and  Gederothayim :  fourteen  cities 
with  their  villages. 

37  ^  Zenan,  and  Chadashah,  and  Migdal- 
gad. 

38  And  Dil'an,  and  Mizpeh,  and  Yoktheel, 

39  Lachish,  and  Bozkath,  and  Eglon, 

40  And  Cabbon,  and  Lachmass,  and  Kith- 
lish, 

41  And  Gederoth,  Beth-dagoii,  and  Na- 
'amah,  and  Makkedah:  sixteen  cities  with 
their  villages. 

42  ^  Libnah,  and  'Ether,  and  Ashan, 

43  And  Yiphtach,  and  Ashnah,  and  Nezib, 

44  And  Ke'ilah,  and  Achzib,  and  Mare- 
shah:  nine  cities  with  their  villages. 

45  ][  'Ekron,  with  its  towns  and  its  vil- 
lages : 

46  From  'Ekron  even  unto  the  sea,  all  that 
lay  alongside  of  Ashdod,  with  their  villages. 

47  T[  Ashdod  with  its  towns  and  its  vil- 
lages, Gazzah,  with  its  towns  and  its  villages, 
up  to  the  brook  of  Egyjit,  and  the  great  sea, 
and  its  territory. 

48  ^  And  in  the  mountains,  Shamir,  and 
Yattir,  and  Sochoh, 

49  And  Dannah  and  Kiryath-saimah, 
which  is  Debir, 

50  And  'Anab,  and  Eshtemoh,  and  'Anim, 

51  And  Goslien,  and  Cholon,  and  Giloli: 
eleven  cities  with  their  villages. 

52  ^  Arab,  and  Duniah,  and  Esh'an, 

53  And  Yanimi,  and  Beth-tappuacli,  and 
Aphekah, 

54  And  Chumtah,  and  Kiryath-arba",  which 
is  Hebron,  and  Zi'or:  nine  cities  with  their 
villages. 

55  ^  Ma'on,  Carmel,  and  Ziph.  and  Yutah, 

56  And  Yizre'el,  and  Yokde'ani,  and  Za- 
noach, 


been  supposed  by  Abarbanel,  that  but  that  niiiiibor  were 
large  places,  or  cities,  the  others  niUwjes. 
'  "The  islands  therein."— Rasiu. 


JOSHUA  XV.  XVI.  XVII. 


57  Kayin,  Gib'ah,  and  Timiiah:  ten  cities 
with  their  villages. 

58  ^f  Clialchul,  Beth-zur,  and  Gedor, 

59  And  Ma'arath,  and  Beth-'anoth,  and 
Eltekon:  six  cities  with  their  villages. 

60  ]1  Kiryath-baal,  which  is  Kiryath-je- 
'arini,  and  Rabbah;  two  cities  with  their  vil- 
lages. 

61  ^1  In  the  wilderness,  Beth-ha'arabah, 
Middin,  and  Sechachah, 

62  And  Nibshan,  and  'Ir-hanunelach,"  and 
'En-gedi:  six  cities  with  their  villages. 

63  ]f  As  for  the  Jebusites  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem,  these  the  children  of  Judah 
could  not  drive  out;  but  the  Jebusites  dwelt 
with  the  childi'en  of  Judah  at  Jerusalem,  even 
unto  this  day. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  And  the  lot  of  the  children  of  Jo.seph 
fell''  from  the  Jordan  by  Jericho,  unto  the 
waters  of  Jericho  on  the  east,  to  the  wilderness 
that  goeth  up  from  Jericho  b}'  the  mount 
Beth-el, 

2  And  (the  boundary)  went  out  from 
Beth-el  to  Luz,  and  passed  along  unto  the 
boundary  of  the  Arkites  to  'Ataroth, 

3  And  went  down  westward  to  the  bound- 
ary of  the  Yaphleti,  unto  the  border  of  Beth- 
choron  the  lower,  and  to  Qezer;  and  its  ter- 
minations were  toward  the  sea. 

4  This  did  the  children  of  Joseph,  Me- 
nasseh  and  Ephraim,  take  as  their  inherit- 
ance. 

5  ^  And  (this)  was  the  boundary  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Ephraim  according  to  their  families; 
and  the  boundary  of  their  inheritance  on  the 
east  side  was  'Atroth-addar,  up  to  Beth-choron 
the  upper; 

6  And  the  boundary  went  out  towanl  the 
sea  to  Michmethath  on  the  north;  and  the 
boundary  fetched  a  compass  eastward  unto 
Taihiathshiloh,  and  passed  by  it  on  the  east 
to  Ynnochah ; 

7  And  it  went  down  from  Yanochah  to 
'Ataroth,  and  to  Na'arath,  and  touched  on 
Jericho,  and  went  out  at  the  Jordan. 

8  From  Tappuach  westward  the  border 
went  out  unto  the  biX)ok  Kanah;  and  its  ter- 
minations were  toward  the  sea.     This  is  the 


'  Othoi-s   translate   the   name,  "the   city  of  salt;"    by 
some  supposed  to  be  Zo'ar. 


inheritance  of  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
Ephraim  after  their  families; 

9  And  (in  addition  to  this)  the  cities  which 
were  separated  for  the  children  of  E})hraim  in 
the  midst  of  the  iidieritance  of  the  children 
of  Menasseh,  all  the  cities  with  their  villages. 

10  And  they  drove  not  out  the  Canaanites 
that  dwelt  in  Gezer;  but  the  Canaanites 
dwelt  among  the  Ephraimites  until  this  day, 
and  became  tributary  servants. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^  And  then  came  the  lot  for  the  tribe 
of  Menasseh;  for  he  was  the  first-born  of 
Joseph:  to  wit,  for  Machir  the  first-born  of 
Menasseh,  the  father  of  Gil'ad;  because  he 
was  a  man  of  war,  therefore  he  obtained  Gil'ad 
and  Bashan. 

2  There  was  also  a  lot  for  the  I'est  of  the 
children  of  Menasseh  after  their  families;  for 
the  children  of  Abi'ezer,  and  for  the  children 
of  Chelek,  and  for  the  children  of  Assriel, 
and  for  the  childi'en  of  Shechem,  and  for  the 
children  of  Chepher,  and  for  the  children  of 
Shemida":  these  were  the  male  children  of 
Menasseh  the  son  of  Joseph  after  their  fami- 
lies. 

3  But  Zelophchad,  the  son  of  Chephei",  the 
son  of  Gil'ad,  the  son  of  Machir,  the  son  of 
Menasseh,  had  no  sons,  but  only  daughters; 
and  these  are  the  names  of  his  daughters, 
INIachlah,  and  No'ah,  Choglah,  Milcah,  and 
Tirzah. 

4  And  they  came  near  before  Elazar  the 
priest,  and  before  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and 
before  the  princes,  saying,  The  Lord  com- 
manded Moses  to  give  unto  us  an  inheritance 
among  our  brethren.  And  he  gave  them, 
according  to  the  order  of  the  Lord,  an  in- 
heritance among  the  brethren  of  their  father. 

5  And  there  fell  ten  portions  of  Menasseh, 
beside  the  lands  of  Gil'ad  and  Bashan,  which 
were  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan ; 

6  Because  the  daughters  of  Menasseh  o!> 
tained  an  inheritance  among  his  sons:  and 
the  land  of  Gil'ad  belonged  to  the  rest  of  the 
sons  of  Menasseh. 

7  And  the  boundary  of  Menasseh  was  from 
Asher  to  Michmethath.  that  lieth  before  She- 
chem; and  the  boundary  went  along  on  the 


Heb.  "went  forth. 


275 


JOSHUA  XVII.  XVIII. 


right  hand   unto  the  inhabitants  of  'En-tap- 
puach. 

8  To  Menasseh  belonged  the  land  of  Tap- 
puach ;  ))ut  Tappuach  on  the  borders  of  Me- 
nasseh Ijelonged  to  the  children  of  Ephraim; 

9  And  the  boundary  descended  unto  the 
brook  Kanah,  southward  of  the  brook;  these 
cities  belonging  to  Ephraim  are  in  the  midst 
of  the  cities  of  Menasseh;  and  the  boundary' 
of  Menasseh  was  on  the  north  side  of  the 
river,  and  its  terminations  were  toward  the 
sea: 

10  Southward  it  Avas  Ephraim's,  and  north- 
ward it  was  Menasseh's,  and  tlie  sea  was  (there) 
his  boundary;  and  on  Asher  tliey  touched  on 
the  north,  and  on  Issachar  on  the  east. 

11  And  to  Menasseh  belonged  in  Issachar 
and  in  Asher  Beth-sheixn  and  its  towns,  and 
Yible'am  and  its  towns,  together  with  the  in- 
habitants of  Dor  and  its  towns,  and  the  in- 
habitants of  'En-dor  and  its  towns,  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Ta'anach  and  its  towns,  and 
the  inhabitants  of  Megiddo  aiid  its  towns, 
namely  the  three  districts." 

12  Yet  the  children  of  Menasseh  could  not 
drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  these  cities;  but 
the  Canaanites  succeeded  to  dwell  in  this  land ; 

13  Yet  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  children 
of  Israel  were  become  strong,  that  they  put 
the  Canaanites  to  tribute;  but  they  did  not 
drive  them  out. 

14  ^  And  the  children  of  Joseph  spoke 
inito  Joshua,  saying,  Why  hast  thou  given 
me  but  one  lot  and  one  portion  as  an  inherit- 
ance, seeing  I  am  a  numerous  people,  to  which 
extent  the  Lokd  hath  hitherto  blessed  me? 

15  And  Joshua  said  unto  them,  If  thou 
art  a  numerous  people,  then  get  thee  up  to 
the  wood  country,  and  cut  down  (a  space)  for 
thyself  there  in  the  land  oi'  the  Perizzites 
and  of  the  Repha'im,  if  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim  be  too  narrow  for  thee. 

IG  And  the  children  of  Josej^h  said,  The 
mountain  will  not  be  enough*  for  us;  and 
chariots  of  iron  ai-e  belonging  to  all  the  Ca- 
naanites that  dwell  in  the  land  of  the  valley, 


"  Probably,  'Endor,  Ta'auaob  and  Mogiddo. 

''  "^V'c  cannot  rcarb  tbc  mountain." — I'hiltI'PSOn. 

°  (ienorally  calU'd  JczreeL 

*  When  tbu  wood.s  are  cut  down,  tbo  way  to  tbe  plain 
below  will  be  fipcn;  licncc  tbc  driving  out  of  tbo  Canaan- 
ites of  verso   17  will    be   acconipli.sbed,  notwitbstanding 
tbcir  strengtb. 
276 


to  those  who  are  at  Beth-sheiin  and  its  towns, 
and  to  those  who  ai"e  in  the  valley  of  Yiz-. 
re'el." 

17  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  house  of 
Josejjh,  to  Ephraim  and  to  Menasseh,  as  fbl- 
loweth.  Thou  art  a  numerous  j^eople,  and  hast 
great  j^ower;  thou   shalt  not  have    one   lot 

only; 

18  But  the  mountain  shall  be  thine;  it  is 
indeed  a  wood,  yet  thou  canst  cut  it  down ;  and 
the  terminations''  of  it  shall  be  thine;  for  thou 
shalt  drive  out  the  Canaanites.  though  they 
have  iron  chariots,  though  they  be  strong. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  Tf  And  the  whole  congregation  of  the 
children  of  Israel  assembled  together  at  Shi- 
luh,  and  set  up  there  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation.  And  the  land  was  subdued  be- 
fore them." 

2  ^  And  there  remained  among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  that  had  not  yet  received  their 
inhei'itance,  seven  tribes. 

3  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  How  long  will  ye  show  yourselves 
slack  to  go  to  take  possession  of  the  land, 
which  the  Lord  the  God  of  ^our  fathers  hath 
given  to  you? 

4  Furnish  for  yourselves  three  men  for 
etich  tribe;  and  I  will  send  them  out,  and 
they  shall  arise,  and  walk  through  the  land, 
and  describe'  it  according  to  their  inheritance, 
and  come  again  to  me. 

5  And  they  shall  divide  it  into  seven 
parts:  Judah  shall  remain  on  his  boundary 
at  the  south,  and  the  house  of  Joseph  shall 
remain  on  their  boinidary  at  the  north. 

6  But  you  shall  make  a  description  of  the 
land  in  seven  parts,  and  bring  it  hither  to  me; 
and  I  will  cast  the  lot  for  j'ou  here,  before 
the  Lord  our  God. 

7  For  to  the  Levites  there  is  no  ]iortion 
among  you;  for  the  priesthood  of  the  Lord  is 
their  inheritance ;  and  Gad,  and  Reiiben,  and 
half  the  tribe  of  Menasseh  have  already  re- 
ceived their  inheritance  beyond  the  Jordan, 


°  Altbougb  in  point  of  fact  single  districts  were  not 
conquiirod,  still  tbe  country  as  a  wbole  was  in  possession 
of  tbe  Israelites  at  tbe  time  spoken  c>f  in  tbe  text. 

'  Sacbs  and  otbcrs,  "Write  it  down."  Probably  tbey 
made  a  maji,  and  marked  down  on  it  the  various  divisions 
wbicb  tbey  <leeniod  most  suitable  for  tbe  respective  tribes; 
still  tbe  lot  was  to  settle  all  doubts. 


JOSHUA  XVIII.  XIX. 


at  the  east,  wliicli  Moses  the  servant  of  the 
Lord  gave  to  them. 

8  And  the  men  arose,  and  went  away; 
and  Joshua  charged  those  that  went  to  de- 
scribe the  hind,  saying,  Go  and  walk  through 
the  hind,  and  describe  it,  and  return  again  to 
me ;  and  here  will  I  cast  the  lot  lor  you  be- 
fore the  Lord,  in  Shiloh. 

0  And  the  men  went  and  passed  through 
the  land,  and  described  it  according  to  the 
cities  in  seven  parts  in  a  book;  and  they 
came  again  to  Joshua  to  the  camp  at  Shiloh. 

10  And  Joshua  cast  the  lot  for  them  in 
Shiloh  before  the  Lord;  and  Joshua  divided 
there  the  land  unto  the  children  of  Israel  ac- 
cording to  their  divisions. 

11  ^  And  the  lot  of  the  tribe  of  the  children 
of  Benjamin  came  up  according  to  their  fami- 
lies; and  the  boundary  of  their  lot  came  forth 
between  the  childi-en  of  Judali  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Joseph. 

12  And  their  boundary  was  on  the  north 
side  (starting)  from  the  Jordan ;  and  the  boun- 
dary went  up  to  the  side  of  Jericho  on  the 
north,  and  went  up  through  the  mountains 
westward;  and  its  terminations  were  at  the 
wilderness  of  Beth-aven. 

13  And  the  boundary  went  over  from 
tliere  toAvard  Luz,  to  the  south  side  of  Luz, 
whicli  is  Beth-el;  and  the  boundary  descended 
to  'Atroth-addar,  upon  the  mount  that  is  on 
the  south  side  of  the  lower  Beth-choron. 

14  x\nd  the  border  extended  (thence),  and 
fetched  a  compass  to  the  west  side,  to  the 
south  of  the  mount  that  is  before  Beth-choron 
at  the  .south  ;  and  its  terminations  were  at 
Kiryath-ba'al,  which  is  Kiryath-ye'arim,  a 
citv  of  the  children  of  Judah  :  this  was  the 
west  side. 

15  And  the  south  side  commenced  from 
the  end  of  Kiryath-ye'arim,  and  the  boundary 
went  out  on  the  west,  and  went  out  to  the 
spring  of  the  waters  of  Nephtoach  ; 

16  And  the  Ijoundary  went  down  to  the 
end  of  the  mountain  that  is  before  the  valley 
of  the  son  of  Hinnom,  and  which  is  in  the 
valley  of  Repha'im  at  the  north,  and  descended 
to  the  valley  of  Hinnom,  to  the  side  of  the 
Jebusi  on  the  south,  and  descended  to  'En- 
rogel, 

17  And  extended  northwardly,  and  went 
forth  to  'En-shetnesh,  and  went  forth  toward 
Geliloth,  wliich  is  opposite  to  the  ascent  of 


Adummim,  and  descended  to  Eben-bohan  the 
son  of  Reuben, 

18  And  passed  along  on  this  siile  opposite 
to  'Arabah  northward;  and  went  down  unto 
'Arabah ; 

19  And  the  boundary  passed  along  to  the 
side  of  Beth-choiilah  northward;  and  the  ter- 
minations  of  the  border  were  at  the  north  bay 
of  the  Salt  Sea  at  the  south  end  of  the  Jor- 
dan :  this  was  the  south  boundary. 

20  And  the  Jordan  bounded  it  on  the 
east  side.  This  was  the  inheritance  of  the 
children  of  Benjamin,  b}-  its  l)Oundaries  round 
about,  according  to  their  lamilies. 

21  Now  these  were  the  cities  of  the  tribe 
of  the  children  of  Benjamin  according  to  their 
families,  Jericho,  and  Beth-choglah,  and  'Emek- 
keziz, 

22  And  Beth-ha'arabah,  and  Zemarayim 
and  Beth-el, 

23  And  Avvim,  and  Parah,  and  'Ophrah, 

24  And  Kephar-ha'annnonah,  and  '(_)plnu, 
and  Geba" :  twelve  cities  with  their  villages. 

25  Gib'on,  and  Ramah,  and  Beeroth, 

26  And  Mizpeh,  and  Kephirah,  and  Mo- 
zah, 

27  And  Rekem,  and  Yirpeel,  and  Tara- 
lah, 

28  And  Zela',  Eleph,  and  Jebusi,  which  is 
Jerusalem,  Gib'ath,  and  Kiryath:  fourteen 
cities  with  their  villages.  This  is  the  inherit- 
ance of  the  children  of  Benjamin  according  to 
their  families. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  Tl  And  then  came  forth  the  second  lot 
for  Simeon,  for  the  tribe  of  the  children  of 
Simeon  according  to  their  fomilies;  and  their 
inheritance  was  within  the  inheritance  of  the 
children  of  Judah. 

2  And  they  obtained  in  their  inheritance 
Beer-shel)a',  (or)  Sheba',  and  Moladah, 

8  And  Chazar-shu'al,  and  Balah,  and 
'Ezem, 

4  And  Eltolad,  and  Bethul,  and  Cliormah, 

5  And  Ziklag,  and  Beth-hamarcaboth,  and 
Chazar-sussah , 

6  And  Beth-lebaoth,  and  Sharuchen:  thir- 
teen cities  and  their  villages. 

7  'Ayin,  Rimmon,  and  'Ether,  and  'Ashan; 
four  cities  and  their  villages. 

8  And  all  the  villages  that  were  round 
about  these  cities  up  to  Ba'alath-beer,  South 


JOSHUA  XIX. 


t^ainah."  This  is  tlie  inheritance  of  the  tribe 
of  the  children  of  Simeon  according  to  their 
families. 

9  Out  of  the  portion  of  the  children  of 
Judah  was  the  inheritance  of  the  children 
of  Simeon;  for  the  portion  of  the  children  of 
Judah  was  too  much  for  them;  therefore  the 
children  of  Simeon  obtained  their  inheritance 
within  their  inheritance. 

10  *[]  And  then  came  up  the  third  lot  for  the 
children  of  Zebulun  according  to  their  fami- 
lies; and  the  boundary  of  their  inheritance 
extended  up  to  Sarid ; 

11  And  their  boundary  went  up  toward 
the  sea,  and  Mar'alah,  and  touched  on  Dab- 
besheth,  and  touched  on  the  Ijrook  that  is  be- 
fore Yokne'am; 

12  And  turned  from  Sarid  eastward  to- 
ward the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  border  of 
Kisloth-tabor,  and  then  went  out  to  Daberath, 
and  went  up  to  Yaphia'; 

lo  And  from  tliere  it  passed  on  in  front  to 
the  east  unto  Gath-Chepher,  to  'Eth-kazin,  and 
went  out  to  Riunnon,  whence  it  extended  to 
Ne'ah;" 

14  And  this  boundary  turned''  about  on 
the  north  side  to  Channathon  ;  and  its  ter- 
minations were  in  the  valley  of  Yiphthach-el: 

15  And  Kattath.  and  Nahallal,  and  Shim- 
ron,  and  Yidalah,  and  Beth-lechem :  twelve 
cities  with  their  villages. 

16  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  children 
of  Zebulun  according  to  their  f\xmilies,  these 
cities  with  their  villages. 

17  ][  For  Issachar  came  out  the  fourth  lot, 
for  the  children  of  Issachar  according  to  their 
families. 

18  And  their  boundary  went  to  Yizre'el, 
and  KessuUoth,  and  Shunem, 

19  And  (Jhapharayim,  and  Shion,  and 
Anacharath, 

20  And  Rabbith,  and  Kishyon,  and  Abez, 

21  And  Remeth,  and  'Eii-gannim,  and  'En- 
chaddah,  and  Beth-pazzez ; 

22  And  the  boundary  touched  on  Tabor, 

'  No  iloubt  \t  moans  that  Bu'a1alli-bciJr  is  the  same 
witli  South  Rainah. 

''  After.Iouathaii  and  Hashi;  other.s,  to  "Rimmon-methoar, 
to  Neah,"  as  tliough  it  were  a  proper  name  of  the  pLace. 

°  Others,  "and  tlie  boundary  turned  around  this,"  &c. 

^  Eng.  version,  "(Ireat  Zidon." 

'  i.  e.  The  fortified  llock;  no  doubt,  an  ancient  Tyre,  not 
the  afterward  famous  citv  of  Tyro,  (from  /ziir,  "roek."^ 
^78 


and  Shachazimah,  and  Beth-shemesh ;  and 
the  terminations  of  their  boundaries  were 
at  the  Jordan:  sixteen  cities  with  their  vil- 
lages. 

23  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Issachar  according  to  their 
families,  the  cities  and  their  villages. 

24  *i]  And  then  came  out  the  fifth  lot  for  the 
tribe  of  the  children  of  Asher  according  to 
their  families. 

25  And  their  boundary  was  Chelkath,  and 
Chali,  and  Beten,  and  Achshaph, 

26  And  Allammelech,  and  'Am'ad,  and 
Mishal ;  and  it  touched  on  Carmel  at  the  sea, 
and  on  Shichor-libnath ; 

27  And  it  turned  toward  the  rising  of  the 
sun  to  Beth-dagon,  and  touched  on  Zebulun, 
and  on  the  valley  of  Yiphthach-el  at  the 
north,  on  Beth-ha'emek,  and  Ne'iel,  and  went 
out  to  Cabul  on  the  left, 

28  And  'Ebron,  and  Rechob,  and  Cham- 
mon,  and  Kanah,  up  to  Zidon  the  great  city,** 

29  And  then  the  boundary  turned  back  to 
Ramah,  and  to  the  city  of  Mibzar-zor;"  and 
then  the  boundary  turned  back  to  Chossah; 
and  the  terminations  were  by  the  sea  in  the 
district  toward  Achzib; 

30  And'Uramah  and  Aphek,  and  Rechob: 
twenty  and  two  cities  with  their  villages. 

31  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Asher  according  to  their  fami- 
lies, these  cities  with  their  villages. 

32  Tf  Unto  the  children  of  Naphtali  came 
out  the  sixth  lot,  for  the  children  of  Naphtali 
according  to  their  families. 

33  And  their  boundary  was  from  Cheleph, 
from  Allon-beza'anannim,  and  Adami-hauekeb, 
and  Yabneel,  as  far  as  Lakkum;  and  its  ter- 
minations were  at  the  Jordan; 

34  And  then  the  boundary  turned  west- 
ward to  Aznoth-tabor,  and  went  out  from 
there  to  Chukkok,  and  touched  on  Zebulun 
on  the  south,  and  touched  on  Asher  on  the 
west,  and  on  Judah  upon  the  Jordan*^  toward 
the  rising  of  the  sun. 


'  As  Judah  proper  did  not  touch  Naphtali  at  all,  various 
conjectures  have  been  hazarded;  one,  the  most  ingenious, 
is  broached  by  Rabbi  Joseph  Sehwarz,  in  accordance  with 
Aben  Ezra  to  Numb,  x.xxii.  4"2,  that  Yair,  who  possessed 
the  territory  in  Menasseh  opposite  Naphtali  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Jordan,  was  by  the  father's  side  from  Judah, 
and,  by  the  mother's,  of  Menasseh.  (See  1.  Chroii.  ii.  21, 
22.) 


JOSHUA  XIX.  XX.  XXI. 


So  And  Ibrtlfied  cities,  Ziddim,  Zer,  and 
("hanmiath,  Kakkatli,  and  Kinnereth, 

3G  And  Adaniali,  and  Raniah,  and  Chazor, 

37  And  Kedesh,  and  Edre'i,  and  'En-cha^ 
zor, 

38  And  Yiron,  and  Migdal-el,  Cliorem,  and 
Beth-'anath,  and  Beth-shemesh :  nineteen  cities 
witli  their  villages. 

39  This  is  tlie  inhei'itance  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Naphtali  according  to  their 
families,  the  cities  and  their  villages. 

40  T[  For  the  tribe  of  the  children  of  Dan 
according  to  their  families  came  out  the 
seventh  lot. 

41  And  the  boundary  of  their  iidieritance 
was  Zor  ah,  and  Eshtaol,  and  'Ir-shemesh, 

42  And  Sha'alabbin,  and  Avalon,  and 
Yitldah, 

43  And  Elon,  and  Thimnathah,  and  'Ekron, 

44  And  Eltekeh.  and  Gil)l)ethon,  and  Ba'- 
alath, 

45  And  Yehud,  and  Bene-berak,  and  Gath- 
rimnion. 

46  And  Me-hayarkon,  and  Rakkon,  with 
the  boundary  before  Yapho." 

47  And  tlie  territory  of  the  children  of  Dan 
went  out  beyond  these ;  for  the  children  of 
Dan  went  up  and  fought  against  Leshem,  and 
captured  it,  and  smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  took  possession  of  it,  and  dwelt 
therein,  and  they  called  Leshem,  Dan,  after 
the  name  of  Dan  their  father. 

48  This  is  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Dan  according  to  their  fami- 
lies, these  cities  with  their  villages. 

49  "il  And  they  made  an  end  of  dividing  the 
land  for  inheritance  after  its  boundaries;  and 
the  children  of  Israel  gave  an  inheritance  to 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun  among  them; 

50  By  the  order  of  the  Lord  did  they  give 
him  the  city  w'hich  he  had  asked,  Timnath- 
serach^'on  the  mountain  of  Ephraim:  and  he 
built  the  city,  and  dwelt  therein. 

51  ][  These  arc  the  inheritances,  which 
Elazar  the  priest,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun, 
and  the  heads  of  the  divisions  of  the  tribes  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  divided  for  an  inherit- 
ance by  lot,  at  Shiloli  before  the  Lord,  at  the 
door  of  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.  So 
they  made  an  end  of  dividing  the  country. 

""  Afterward  Joppa,  now  the  town  of  Jaffa 
''  El^ewlicre  c-iUed  Tiuiu.ith-cheres. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Joshua, 
saying, 

2  Speak  to  the  children  of  Israel,  saying, 
Appoint  for  yourselves  the  cities  of  refuge, 
whereof  I  have  spoken  unto  you  by  the  hand 
of  Moses ; 

3  That  thither  may  tlee  the  manslayci- 
that  killeth  any  person  unawares,  without 
knowledge;  and  they  shall  be  unto  you  for 
a  refuge  from  the  avenger  of  the  blood. 

4  And  he  shall  flee  unto  one  of  those  cities, 
and  he  shall  stand  at  the  entrance  of  the 
gate  of  the  city,  and  speak  in  the  ears  of  the 
elders  of  that  city  his  words;  and  they  shall 
take  him  into  the  city  unto  them,  and  gi\  e 
him  a  jjlace,  that  he  may  dwell  among  them. 

5  And  if  the  avenger  of  the  blood  should 
pursue  after  him,  then  shall  they  not  deliver 
the  manslayer  up  into  his  hand;  because  with- 
out knowledge  did  he  smite  his  neighbour,  and 
he  was  not  an  enemy  to  him  in  time  past. 

6  And  he  shall  dwell  in  that  city,  until 
he  shall  have  stood  before  the  congregation 
for  judgment,  (and)  until  the  death  of  the 
high-priest  that  may  be  in  those  days:  then 
shall  the  manslayer  return,  and  come  unto  liis 
own  house,  unto  the  city  whence  he  hath  lied. 

7  And  they  appointed""  Kedesh  in  Galilee'' 
in  the  mountain  of  Naphtali,  and  Shechem  in 
the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  and  Kiryath-arba', 
which  is  Hebron,  in  the  mountain  of  Judah. 

8  And  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan  by 
Jericho  eastward,  they  appointed  Bezer  in  the 
wilderness  in  the  })lain  from  the  tribe  of  Reii- 
ben,  and  Ramoth  in  Gil'ad  from  the  tribe  of 
Gad,  and  Golan  in  Bashan  from  the  tribe  of 
Menasseh. 

9  These  were  the  cities  assigned  for  all  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  for  the  stranger  that 
sojourneth  among  them,  that  thither  might 
tlee  whosoever  killeth  any  person  at  unawares, 
and  that  he  should  not  die  by  the  hand  of 
the  avenger  of  the  blood,  until  he  have  stood 
before  the  congregation. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  Then  came  near  the  heads  of  the  divi- 
sions of  the  Levites  unto  Elazar  the  priest, 


Hfb.  "sanctified." 
Correctly,  "  Galil." 


279 


JOSHUA  XXT. 


iiud  unto  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  and  unto  the 
heads  of  the  divisions  of  the  tribes  of  the 
children  of  Israel ; 

2  And  they  spoke  unto  them  at  Shiloh,  in 
the  land  of  Canaan,  saying,  The  Lord  com- 
manded by  the  hand  of  Moses  to  give  unto  us 
cities  to  dwell  in,  with  the  open  spaces  there- 
of for  our  cattle. 

3  And  the  children  of  Israel  gave  unto  the 
Levites  from  their  inheritance,  at  the  order 
of  the  Lord,  tliese  cities  and  their  open  spaces. 

4  ^  And  the  lot  came  out  for  the  families 
of  the  Kehathites:  and  the  children  of  Aaron 
the  priest,  who  were  of  the  Levites,  obtained 
from  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  from  the  tribe  of 
Simeon,  and  from  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  by 
lot,  thirteen  cities. 

5  ][  And  the  rest  of  the  children  of  Kehath 
obtained  from  the  families  of  the  tribe  of 
Ephraim,  and  from  the  tribe  of  Dan,  and 
from  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  by  lot,  ten 
cities. 

6  ^  And  the  children  of  Gershon  obtained 
from  the  families  of  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  and 
from  the  tribe  of  Asher,  and  from  the  tribe  of 
Naphtali,  and  from  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh 
in  Bashan,  by  lot,  thirteen  cities. 

7  ^  The  children  of  Merari  after  their 
families  obtained  from  the  tribe  of  Reuben, 
and  from  the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  from  the  tribe 
of  Zebulun,  twelve  cities. 

8  Tf  And  the  children  of  Israel  gave  unto 
the  Levites  these  cities  with  their  open  spaces, 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded  by  the  hand  of 
Moses,  by  lot. 

9  T[  And  they  gave  from  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Judah,  and  from  the  tribe  of  the 
children  of  Simeon,  these  cities  Avhich  are 
called  by  name. 

10  And  the  children  of  Aaron,  of  the  fami- 
lies of  the  Kehathites,  of  the  children  of  Levi, 
obtained  them ;" — for  they  had  the  first  lot. 

11  And  they  gave  unto  them  Kiryath- 
arba',  (the  father  of  'Anak,)  which  is  Hebron, 
in  the  mountain  of  Judah,  with  the  open 
spaces  thereof  round  about  it; 

12  But  the  fields  of  the  city,  and  its  vil- 
lages, they  gave  to  Caleb  the  son  of  Yephun- 
neh  for  his  possession. 

13  ^  And  to  the  children  of  Aaron  the 
priest  they  gave  the  city  of  refuge  for  the 

"  ('.  e..  The  places  which  are  named  suhseqnently. 
280 


manslayer,  Hebron  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Libnah  with  its  open  spaces, 

14  And  Yattir  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Eshtemoii'  with  its  open  spaces. 

15  And  Cholon  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Debir  with  its  open  spaces, 

16  And  'Ayin  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Yuttah  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Beth-she- 
mesh  with  its  open  spaces:  nine  cities  from 
those  two  tribes. 

17  ^  And  from  the  tribe  of  Benjamin, 
Gib'on  with  its  open  spaces,  Geba'  with  its 
open  spaces, 

18  'Anathoth  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
'Almon  with  its  open  spaces :  four  cities. 

19  All  the  cities  of  the  children  of  Aaron, 
the  priests,  were  thirteen  cities  with  their  open 
spaces. 

20  T[  And  the  families  of  the  children  of 
Kehath,  the  Levites,  who  remained  of  the 
children  of  Kehath,  obtained  the  cities  of 
their  lot  from  the  tribe  of  Ephraim. 

21  And  they  gave  to  them  the  city  of  refuge 
for  the  manslayer,  Shechem  with  its  open 
spaces  in  the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  and  Gezer 
with  its  open  spaces, 

22  And  Kibzayim  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Beth-choron  with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities. 

23  Tf  And  from  the  tribe  of  Dan,  Eltek^ 
with  its  open  spaces,  Gibbethon  with  its  open 
spaces, 

24  Ayalon  with  its  open  spaces,  Gath-rim- 
mon  with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities. 

25  Tf  And  from  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh, 
Ta'nach  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Gath-rim- 
mon  with  its  open  spaces:  two  cities. 

26  All  the  cities  were  ten  with  their  open 
spaces  for  the  families  of  the  children  of  Ke- 
hath that  remained. 

27  \  And  unto  the  children  of  Gershon,  of 
the  families  of  the  Levites,  (they  gave)  from 
the  other  half  tribe  of  Menasseh  the  city  of 
refuge  for  the  manslayer,  Golan  in  Bashan 
with  its  open  spaces,  and  Be'eshterah  with  its 
open  spaces :  two  cities. 

28  \  And  from  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  Kish- 
yon  with  its  open  spaces,  Daberath  with  its 
open  spaces, 

29  Yarmuth  with  its  open  spaces,  'En-gan- 
nim  with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities. 

30  ][  And  from  the  tribe  of  Asli.er,  Mishal 
with  its  open  spaces,  Abdon  with  its  open 
spaces, 


l^A.CiAi<    yVNU     HtCR    CHILIJ    IM     THK     Wl  UOERN  K«^S. 


JOSHUA  XXI.  xxn. 


ol  Chelkath  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Re- 
chob  witli  its  open  spaces:  four  cities. 

32  ][  And  from  the  tribe  of  Naphtali,  the 
city  of  refuge  for  the  manslayer,  Kedesh  in 
GaUlee  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Chammoth- 
dor  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Karthan  with 
its  open  spaces:  three  cities. 

33  All  the  cities  of  the  Gershunites  accord- 
ing to  their  families  were  thirteen  cities  with 
their  open  spaces. 

84  T[  And  unto  the  families  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Merari,  the  remainder  of  the  Levites, 
(they  gave)  from  the  tribe  of  Zebulun,  Yok- 
ne'am  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Karthah  with 
its  open  spaces, 

35  Dimnah  with  its  open  spaces,  Nahalal 
with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities.^ 

36  And  from  the  tribe  of  Gad,  the  city  of 
refuge  for  the  manslayer,  Ramoth  in  Gil'ad 
with  its  open  spaces,  and  Machauayim  with 
its  open  spaces, 

37  Cheshbon  with  its  open  spaces,  Ya'zer 
with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities  in  all. 

38  All  the  cities  for  the  children  of  Merari 
after  their  families,  they  who  were  remaining 
of  the  families  of  the  Levites, — ^ven  their  lot 
was  twelve  cities. 

39  All  the  cities  of  the  Levites  in  the 
midst  of  the  possession  of  the  children  of 
Israel  were  forty  and  eight  cities  with  their 
open  spaces. 

40  These  cities  were  every  one  with  their 
open  spaces  round  about  them:  thus  it  was 
with  all  these  cities. 

41  ^  And  the  L(jrd  gave  unto  Israel  all 
the  land  which  he  had  sworn  to  give  unto 
their  fathers;  and  they  possessed  it,  and 
dwelt  therein. 

42  And  the  Lord  gave  them  rest  round 
about,  all  just  as  he  had  sworn  unto  their 
fathers:  and  there  s^ood  not  up  before  them 
a  man  of  all  their  enemies;  all  their  enemies 
the  Lord  delivered  into  their  hand. 

43  Tliere  fiiiled''  not  aught  of  all  the  good 
thing  which  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  the 
hoilse  of  Israel :  it  all  came  to  pass. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
1  ^  Then  did  Joshua  call  the  Reiibenites, 


'  Here  follow  in  some  copies  the  following  two  verses; 
but  they  are  not  in  the  Hebrew  text: — 

"36  And  from  the  tribe  of  Reiiben,  Bezer  with  its 
open  spaces,  and  Yahzah  with  its  open  spaces, 
2L 


and  the  Gadites,  and  the  half  tribe  of  Me- 
nasseh, 

2  And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  have  indeed 
kept  all  that  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
commanded  you,  and  ye  have  obeyed  my 
voice  in  all  that  I  commanded  you: 

3  Ye  have  not  forsaken  your  brethren 
these  many  days,  until  this  day ;  but  ye  have 
kept  tlie  obligation  of  the  commandment  of 
the  Lord  your  God. 

4  And  now  the  Lord  your  God  hath  given 
rest  unto  your  brethren,  as  he  promised  them; 
therefore  now  turn  yourselves,  and  get  you 
unto  your  tents,  unto  the  land  of  your  posses- 
sion, which  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord 
gave  unto  you  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jor- 
dan. 

5  Only  take  diligent  heed  to  practise  the 
commandment  and  the  law,  which  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  hath  commanded  you,  to 
love  the  Lord  your  God,  and  to  walk  in  all 
his  ways,  and  to  keep  his  commandments, 
and  to  cleave  unto  him,  and  to  serve  him 
with  all  your  heart  and  with  all  your  soul. 

6  And  Joshua  blessed  them,  and  sent  them 
away ;  and  they  went  unto  their  tents. 

7  ^  Now  to  the  one  half  of  the  tribe  of 
Menasseh  Moses  had  given  possession  in  Ba- 
shan;  but  unto  the  other  half  thereof  gave 
Joshua  with  their  brethren  on  this  side  of  the 
Jordan  westward;  and  when  Joshua  sent 
them  also  away  unto  their  tents,  he  blessed 
them; 

8  And  he  said  unto  them,  as  followeth, 
With  much  riches  return  unto  your  tents,  and 
with  very  much  cattle,  with  silver,  and  with 
gold,  and  with  copper,  and  with  iron,  and 
with  very  many  garments:  divide  the  spoil 
of  your  enemies  with  your  brethren. 

9  Tl  And  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Gad  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh 
returned,  and  departed  from  the  children  of 
Israel  from  Shiloh,  which  is  in  the  land  of 
Canaan,  to  go  unto  the  country  of  Gil'ad,  to 
the  land  of  their  possession,  whereof  they 
were  possessed,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
Lord  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

10  And  when  they  came  unto  the  districts 
of  the  Jordan,  that  are  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 


"37  Kedemoth  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Mepha'ath 
with  its  open  spaces:  four  cities." 

If  these  verses  arc  included,  v.  36  is  38,  &c. 
'  Heb.  "Fell,"  viz.  "to  the  ground,"  or  "failed." 

281 


JOSHUA  XXII. 


the  children  of  Keiiben  and  the  children  of 
Gad  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh  built 
there  an  altar  by  the  Jordan,  a  great  altar  for 
a  show.* 

11  And  the  children  of  Israel  heai'd,  as 
followeth,  Behold,  the  children  of  Reiiben  and 
the  children  of  Gad  and  the  half  tribe  of  Me- 
nasseh have  built  an  altar  in  the  front  of  the 
land  of  Canaan,  in  the  districts  of  the  Jor- 
dan, at  the  side  belonging  to  the  children  of 
Israel. 

12  And  when  the  children  of  Israel  heard 
it,  the  whole  congregation  of  the  children  of 
Israel  assembled  themselves  together  at  Shi- 
loh,  to  go  up  against  them  to  war.* 

13  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  sent  unto 
the  children  of  Reuben,  and  to  the  children 
of  Gad,  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  into 
the  land  of  Gil'ad,  Pliinehas  the  son  of  Elazar 
the  priest, 

14  And  ten  princes  with  him,  one  prince 
each  for  every  division  of  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel;  and  each  one  was  a  head  of  their 
itxmily  divisions  among  the  thousands"  of  Is- 
rael. 

15  And  they  came  unto  the  children  of 
Reuben,  and  to  the  children  of  Gad,  and  to 
the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  unto  the  land  of 
Gil'ad,  and  they  spoke  with  them,  saying, 

J. 6  Thus  have  said  the  whole  congregation 
of  the  Lord,  What  trespass  is  this  that  ye 
have  committed  against  the  God  of  Israel  to 
turn  away  this  day  from  following  the  Lord, 
in  that  ye  have  built  yourselves  an  altar,  that 
ye  might  rebel  this  day  against  the  Lord? 

17  Have  we  had  too  little  in  the  iniquity 
of  Peor, — from  which  we  are  not  yet  cleansed 
until  this  day, — when  there  was  a  j^lague  in 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord? 

18  And  will  ye  turn  away  this  day  from 
following  the  Lord  ?  and  it  will  be,  that  when 
ye  will  rebel  this  day  against  the  Lord,  to- 
morrow he  will  be  wroth  with  the  whole  con- 
gregation of  Israel. 

V.)  But,  notwithstanding,  if  the  land  of 
your  possession  be  unclean,  then  pass  ye  over 
unto  the  land  of  the  possession  of  the  Lord, 
wherein  dwelleth  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord, 
and  take  possession  in  the  midst  of  us ;  but 

•  i.  e.  Not  to  sacrifice  thereon,  but  merely  as  a  monu- 
tiient,  to  be  looked  on,  or,  as  in  our  text,  "for  a  show." 
*■  Lit.  "To  the  army." 
"  Philippsou  renders,  "  families." 
282 


rebel  not  against  the  Lord,  and  against  us  do 
not  rebel,  in  building  yourselves  an  altar,  be- 
side the  altar  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

20  Did  not  'Achan  the  son  of  Zerach  com- 
mit a  trespass  on  the  devoted  things,  and 
wrath  fell  on  all  the  congregation  of  Israel? 
and  he,  though  but  one  man,  perished  not 
alone  in  his  iniquity. 

21  ^  But  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the 
children  of  Gad  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menas- 
seh answered,  and  they  spoke  unto  the  heads 
of  the  thousands  of  Israel, 

22  The  God  of  gods,  the  Eternal,^  the  God 
of  gods,  the  Eternal,  he  kuoweth,  and  Israel 
also  shall  know :  if  it  be  in  rebellion,  or  if  in 
transgression  against  the  Lord,  (aid"  us  not 
this  day,) 

23  That  we  have  built  us  an  altar  to  turn 
away  from  following  the  Lord;  or  if  to  offer 
thereon  burnt-offering  or  meat-offering,  or  if 
to  offer  thereon  jjeace-offeiings,  may  the  Lord 
himself  require  it  ;^ 

24  Or  whether  we  have  not  done  it  for 
fear  of  this  thing,  saying.  In  time  to  come 
your  children  might  say  unto  our  children,  as 
followeth.  What  have  ye  to  do  with  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  Israel  ? 

25  For  the  Lord  hath  made  a  boundary 
between  us  and  you,  ye  children  of  Reuben 
and  children  of  Gad, — the  Jordan;  ye  have 
no  part  in  the  Lord  :  thus  might  your  children 
make  our  children  cease  so  as  not  to  fear  the 
Lord. 

26  Wherefore  we  said.  Let  us  now  act  for 
ourselves  to  build  this,  altar,  not  for  burnt- 
offering,  nor  for  sacrifice; 

27  But  it  shall  be  a  witness  between  us, 
and  you,  and  our  generations  after  us,  that 
we  may  perform  the  service  of  the  Lord  be- 
fore him  with  our  burnt^offerings,  and  with 
our  sacrifices,  and  with  our  peace-offerings; 
aud  that  your  children  may  not  say  in  time 
to  come  to  our  children.  Ye  have  no  ^jortion 
in  the  Lord. 

28  And  we  said,  that  it  shall  be  when  they 
should  say  this  to  us  and  to  our  generations 
in  time  to  come,  that  we  may  say.  Behold  the 
pattern  of  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  which  our 
fathers  made,  not  for  burnt^offering,  nor  for 


"  "The  Mighty  One,  God  the  Eternal."— Philippson. 
This  construction  agrees  with  the  Massorah. 
•  This  is  merely  an  ejaculatory  address  to  God. 
'  i.  e.  Punish  it,  after  inquiring. 


JOSHUA  XXII.  XXIII. 


sacrifice ;   but   it  is  a  witness  between  us  and 
you. 

29  Far  be  it  from  us  that  we  should  rebel 
against  the  Lord,  and  turn  away  this  day 
from  following  the  Lord,  to  build  an  altar  for 
burnt-oflering,  for  meat-offering,  or  for  sacri- 
fice, beside  the  altar  of  the  Lord  our  God 
that  is  before  his  dwelling. 

30  ^  And  when  Phinehas  the  priest,  and 
the  princes  of  the  congregation  and  the  heads 
of  the  thousands  of  Israel  who  were  with  him, 
heard  the  words  which  the  children  of  Keii- 
ben  and  the  children  of  Gad  and  the  children 
of  Menasseh  had  spoken,  it  was  pleasing  in 
their  eyes. 

31  And  Phinehas  the  son  of  Elazar  the 
priest  said  unto  the  children  of  Reuben,  and 
to  the  children  of  Gad,  and  to  the  children  of 
Menasseh,  This  day  do  we  know  that  the  Lord 
is  in  our  midst,  because  ye  have  not  commit- 
ted this  trespass  against  the  Lord  :  now  have 
ye  delivered"  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  Lord. 

32  ^  And  Phinehas  the  sou  of  Elazar  the 
priest,  and  the  princes,  returned  from  the 
children  of  Reuben,  and  from  the  children  of 
Gad,  out  of  the  land  of  Gil'ad,  unto  the  land 
of  Canaan,  to  the  children  of  Israel,  and  they 
brought  them  word  again. 

33  And  the  thing  was  pleasing  in  the  eyes 
of  the  children  of  Israel ;  and  the  children  of 
Israel  blessed  God ;  and  they  did  not  speak  any 
more  to  go  up  against  them  to  battle,  to  de- 
stroy the  land  wherein  the  children  of  Reuben 
and  Gad  dwelt. 

34  And  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the 
children  of  Gad  called  the  altar  ("  'Ed")  -^  for 
(they  said)  it  is'  a  witness  between  us  that 
the  Eternal  is  God. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  many  days, 
after  the  Lord  had  given  rest  unto  Israel  from 
all  their  enemies  round  about,  and  Joshua 
had  grown  old  and  was  well  stricken  in  age, 

2  That  Joshua  called  for  all  Israel,  for 
their  elders,  and  for  their  heads,  and  for  their 
judges,  and  for  their  officers,  and  said  unto 


'  i.  e.  Averted  the  dreaded  punishment,  by  not  commit- 
ting the  imputed  rebellion. 

*■  'Ud  signifies  "  witness;"  it  is  not  in  the  Hebrew,  but 
supplied  by  the  context.     The  passage  might  be  rendered, 


them,  I  am  become  old  and  well  stricken  in 
age; 

3  And  ye  have  yourselves  seen  all  that  the 
Lord  your  God  hath  done  unto  all  these  na- 
tions, because  of  you;  for  the  Lord  your  God 
it  is  that  hath  fought  for  you. 

4  Behold,  I  have  divided"  unto  you  by  lot 
those  nations  that  yet  remain,  to  be  an  in- 
heritance according  to  your  tribes,  from  the 
Jordan,  with  all  the  nations  that  I  have  cut 
off,  as  far  as  the  great  sea,  toward  the  setting 
of  the  sun. 

5  And  the  Lord  your  God  will  indeed  ex- 
pel them  from  befoi'e  you,  and  drive  them 
out  from  before  you ;  and  ye  shall  possess 
their  land,  as  the  Lord  your  God  hath  spoken 
unto  you. 

6  But  be  ye  very  steadfast  to  keep  and 
to  do  all  that  is  written  in  the  book  of  the 
law  of  Moses,  so  as  not  to  turn  aside  there- 
from to  the  right  or  to  the  left; 

7  So  as  not  to  come  among  these  nations, 
those  that  are  left  remaining  near  you;  and  of 
the  name  of  their  gods  shall  ye  not  make 
mention,  nor  cause  any  to  swear  thereby, 
neither  shall  ye  serve  them,  nor  bow  your- 
selves down  unto  them; 

8  But  unto  the  Lord  your  God  shall  ye 
cleave,  as  ye  have  done  unto  this  day. 

9  And  the  Lord  drove  out  from  before  you 
great  and  mighty  nations;  but  as  for  you,  no 
man  hath  been  able  to  stand  up  before  you 
unto  this  day. 

10  One  man  of  you  can  chase  a  thousand; 
for  the  Lord  your  God  it  is  that  fighteth  ibr 
you,  as  he  hath  spoken  unto  you. 

11  Take  good  heed  therefore  for  your 
souls'  sake,  to  love  the  Lord  your  God. 

12  For  if  ye  do  in  any  wise  turn  back,  and 
cleave  unto  the  remnant  of  these  nations, 
those  that  are  left  remaining  near  you,  and 
make  marriages  with  them,  and  come  in 
among  them,  and  they  among  you : 

13  Know  for  a  certainty  that  the  Lord 
your  God  will  no  more  drive  out  these  nations 
from  before  you;  but  they  shall  be  snares  and 
traps  unto  you,  and  scourges  in  your  sides, 
and  stings  in  your  eyes,  until  ye  perish  from 


"And  the  children  of  Reuben  and  the  children  of  Gad, 
gave  the  altar  a  name ;  for,"  &c. 

° 'nSiJn  Lit.  "I  have  caused  to  fall,"  viz.  Siun  "by 
lot;"  hence  the  phrase,  "I  have  divided  by  Int." 

28.'J 


JOSHUA  XXITT.  XXIV. 


off  this  good  land  which  the  Loud  your  God 
hath  given  you. 

14  And,  behold,  I  am  going  this  day  the 
way  of  all  the  earth ;  and  ye  know  with  all  your 
heart  and  with  all  your  soul,  that  not  one  thing 
hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things*  which  the 
Lord  your  God  spoke  concerning  you :  all  are 
come  to  pass  unto  you,  not  one  thing  thereof 
hath  failed. 

15  But  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  as  every 
good  thing  is  come  upon  you,  which  the  Lord 
your  God  spoke  unto  you :  so  will  the  Lord 
bring  upon  you  every  evil  thing,  until  he 
have  destroyed  you  from  off  this  good  land 
which  the  Lord  your  God  hath  given  unto 
you. 

16  When  ye  transgress  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord  your  God,  which  he  hath  commanded 
you,  and  go  and  serve  other  gods,  and  bow 
yourselves  down  to  them :  then  will  the  anger 
of  the  Lord  be  kindled  against  you,  and  ye 
shall  perish  quickly  from  off  the  good  land 
which  he  hath  given  unto  you. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  And  Joshua  assembled  all  the  tribes  jl 
of  Israel  to  Shechem ;  and  he  called  for  the 
elders  of  Israel,  and  for  their  heads,  and  for  i 
their  judges,  and  for  their  officers,  and  they 
presented  themselves''  before  God. 

2  And  Joshua  said  unto  all  the  people, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel, 
On  the  other  side  of  the  river"  did  your 
fathers  dwell  in  old  time,  even  Terach,  the 
father  of  Abraliam,  and  the  father  of  Nachor; 
and  they  served  other  gods. 

3  And  I  took  your  father  Abraham  from 
the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  I  led  him 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Canaan;  and  I 
multiplied  his  seed,  and  gave  him  Isaac. 

4  And  1  gave  unto  Isaac,  Jacob  and  Esau : 
and  I  gave  unto  Esau  mount  Seir,  to  possess 
it;  but  Jacob  and  his  children  went  down  into 
Egypt. 

5  And  I  sent  Mo.ses  and  Aaron,  and  I 
plagued  Egypt  in  the  manner  as  I  have  done 
among  them;  and  after  that  I  brought  you 
out. 

6  And  I  brought  your  fathers  out  of  Egypt; 


*  Philippson,  "Not  one  word,"  "good  words." 
'■  Lit.  "  Placed  themselves  standing." 
'  The  Euphrates. 

284 


and  ye  came  unto  the  sea;  and  the  Egyptians 
pursued  after  your  fathers  with  chariots  and 
horsemen  unto  the  Red  Sea. 

7  And  they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  he 
put  darkness  between  you  and  the  Egyptians, 
and  he  brought  the  sea  over  them,  and  covered 
them ;  and  your  eyes  saw  what  I  had  done  on 
Egypt;  and  ye  dwelt  in  the  wilderness  many 
days. 

8  And  I  brought  you  into  the  land  of  the 
Emorites,  that  dwelt  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Jordan ;  and  they  fought  with  30U :  and  I  gave 
them  into  your  hand,  and  ye  took  possession 
of  their  land;  and  I  destroyed  them  from 
before  you. 

9  Then  Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  the  king 
of  Moab,  arose  and  warred''  against  Israel ; 
and  he  sent  and  called  Bil'am  the  son  of 
Beor  to  curse  you  ; 

10  And  I  would  not  hearken  unto  Bil'am; 
but  he  had  to  bless  you  instead:  and  I  de- 
livered you  out  of  his  hand. 

11  And  ye  passed  over  the  Jordan,  and 
came  unto  Jericho ;  and  then  fought  the  men 
of  Jericho  against  you,  the  Emorites,  and  the 
Perizzites,  and  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Hit- 
tites,  and  the  Girgashites,  the  Hivites,  and 
the  Jebusites:  and  I  gave  them  up  into  your 
hand. 

12  And  I  sent  before  you  the  hornet  which 
drove  them  out  from  before  you,  even  the 
two  kings  of  the  Emorites:  not  with  thy 
sword,  and  not  with  thy  bow. 

13  And  I  gave  you  a  land  for  which  ye 
had  not  toiled,  and  cities  which  ye  had  not 
built,  and  ye  dwell  in  them :  of  vineyards  and 
oliveyards  which  ye  planted  not  do  ye  eat. 

14  Now  therefore  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve 
him  in  sincerity  and  in  truth ;  and  put  awa}' 
the  gods  which  your  fathers  served  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river  and  in  Egypt,  and 
serve  the  Lord. 

15  And  if  it  be  displeasing  in  your  eyes  to 
serve  the  Lord,  choose  for  yourselves  this 
day  whom  ye  will  serve:  whether  the  gods 
which  your  fathers  that  were  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river  served,  or  the  gods  of  the 
Emorites,  in  whose  land  ye  dwell ;  but  as  for 
me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord. 

^  Balak  did  not  make  actual  war,  but  his  intention  to 
do  so  (Num.  xxii.  6)  was  accounted  as  though  he  had  done 
so. — After  Redak. 


JOSHUA  XXIV. 


16  ^  And  the  people  answered  and  said. 
Far  be  it  from  us  to  forsake  the  Lord,  to  serve 
other  gods; 

17  For  the  Lord  our  God  it  is  that  hath 
brought  us  and  our  fathers  up  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  from  the  house  of  slavery,  and  who 
hath  done  those  great  signs  before  our  eyes,  and 
preserved  us  upon  all  the  way  whereon  we 
have  gone,  and  among  all  the  people  through 
the  midst  of  whom  we  have  passed  : 

18  And  the  Lord  hath  driven  out  all  the 
nations,  and  the  Emorites  who  dwelt  in  the 
land,  from  before  us;  therefore  also  will  we 
serve  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  our  God. 

19  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people,  Ye 
will  not  be  able"  to  serve  the  Lord;  for  he  is 
a  holy  God;  he  is  a  watchful  God;  he  will 
not  have  any  indulgence  for  j'our  transgres- 
sions and  for  your  sins; 

20  If  ye  forsake  the  Lord,  and  serve 
strange  gods,  then  will  he  again  do  you 
evil,*  and  consume  you,  after  that  he  liatli 
done  you  good. 

21  And  the  people  said  unto  Joshua. 
No;  nevertheless  the  Lord  will  we  serve. 

22  And  Joshua  said  unto  the  people.  Ye 
are  witnesses  against  yourselves  that  ye 
yourselves  have  chosen  for  you  the  Lord, 
to  serve  him.  And  they  said.  We  are  wit- 
nesses. 

23  And"  now  put  away  the  strange  gods 
which  are  in  the  midst  of  you,  and  incline 
your  heart  unto  the  Lord  the  God  of  Is- 
rael. 

24  And  the  people  said  unto  Joshua,  The 
Lord  our  God  will  we  serve,  and  his  voice 
will  we  obey. 

25  And  Joshua  made  a  covenant  with  the 


"  Meaning,  it  is  not  an  easy  thing  to  comply  with  the 
demands  of  religion;  hence  the  repeated  warning,  that 
with  choosing  to  be  Israelites,  our  fathers  also  accepted  the 
responsibility  and  punishment  for  sin. 


j^eople  on  that  day,  and  set  them  a  statute* 
and  an  ordinance  in  Shechem. 

26  And  Joshua  wrote  these  words  in  the 
book  of  the  law  of  God ;  and  he  took  a  great 
stone,  and  set  it  up  there  under  the  oak,  that 
v^as  by  the  snnctuar}'  of  the  Lord. 

27  Tf  And  Joshua  said  unto  all  the  jDeople, 
Behold,  this  stone  shall  be  among  us  as  a  wit- 
ness; for  it  hath  heard  all  the  words  of  the 
Lord  which  lie  spoke  unto  us:  it  shall  be 
therefore  as  a  witness  against  you,  that  ye 
may  not  deny  your  God. 

28  And  Joshua  let  the  people  depart,  every 
man  unto  his  inheritance. 

29  ^  And  it  came  to  jjass  after  these 
things,  that  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the  ser- 
vant of  the  Lord,  died,  one  hundred  and  ten 
years  old. 

30  And  they  buried  him  on  the  border  of 
his  inheritance  at  Timnath-serach,  which  is 
on  the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  on  the  north 
side  of  mount  Ga'ash. 

31  And  Israel  served  the  Lord  all  the  days 
of  Joshua,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders  who 
lived  many  days  after  Joshua,  and  who  had 
known  all  the  deeds  of  the  Lord,  that  he  had 
done  for  Israel. 

32  And  tlte  bones  of  Joseph,  which  the 
children  of  Israel  had  brought  up  out  of 
Egypt,  they  buried  in  Shechem,  in  a  parcel 
of  the  field  which  Jacob  had  bought  of  the 
sons  of  Chanior  the  father  of  Shechem  for  one 
hundred  kessitah :  and  it  remained  the  in- 
heritance of  the  children  of  Joseph. 

33  And  Elazar  the  son  of  Aaron  died;  and 
they  buried  him  on  the  hill  of  Phinehas  his 
son,  which  was  given  him  in  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim. 


'  Lit.  "  He  will  return  and  do,"  &c. 
°  This  is  the  farther  speech  of  Joshua. 
^  "He  laid  there  before  them  the  statutes  in  the  law.s, 
and  they  accepted  them." — Rashi. 

285 


THE  BOOK  OF  JUDGES, 

D'OfiW  "IQD. 

CONTAENING  THE  HISTORY  OF  ISRAEL  FROM  THE  DEATH  OF  JOSHUA  TO  THE 

BIRTH  OF  SAMUEL. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death 
of  Joshua,  that  the  children  of  Israel  asked 
the  Lord,  saying,  Who  shall  go  up  for  us 
against  the  Canaanites  at  the  first,  to  fight 
against  them? 

2  And  the  Lord  said,  Judah  shall  go  up; 
behold,  I  have  delivered"  the  land  into  his 
hand. 

3  And  Judah  said  unto  Simeon  his  brother, 
Come  up  with  me  into  my  lot,  and  we  will 
fight  against  the  Canaanites;  and  I  likewise 
will  go  with  thee  into  thy  lot.  So  Simeon 
went  with  him.'' 

4  And  Judah  went  up;  and  the  Lord  de- 
livered the  Canaanites  and  the  Perizzites  into 
their  hand;  and  they  smote  (of)  them  in 
Bezek  ten  thousand  men. 

5  And  they  found  Adoni-bezek  in  Bezek ; 
and  they  fought  against  him,  and  they  smote 
the  Canaanites  and  the  Perizzites. 

6  But  Adoni-bezek  fled ;  and  they  pursued 
after  him,  and  caught  him,  and  cut  off  his 
thumbs  and  his  great  toes. 

7  And  Adoni-bezek  said,  Seventy  kings," 
having  their  thumbs  and  their  great  toes  cut 
ofi",  gathered  food  under  my  table:  as  I  have 
done,  so  hath  God  requited  me.  And  they 
brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  and  he  died 
there. 

8  ][  And  the  children  of  Judah  fought 
against  Jerusalem,''  and  captured  it,  and  they 
smote  it  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  and  the 
city  they  set  on  fire. 

9  And  afterward  did  the  children  of  Judah 
go  down  to  fight  against  the  Canaanites,  that 

•  Lit.  "Given." 

''  As  tbo  country  of  Simeon  was  embraced  within  the 
territory  of  Judah,  it  was  to  be  expected  tliat  the  final 
conquest  should  be  undertaken  by  both  tribes  combined. 
286 


dwelt  in  the  mountain,  and  in  the  south,  and 
in  the  lowlands. 

10  And  Judah  went  against  the  Canaanites 
that  dwelt  in  Hebron;  (now  the  name  of 
Hebron  was  formerly  Kiryath-arba';)  and 
they  smote  Sheshai,  and  Achiman,  and  Tal- 
mai. 

11  And  he  went  from  there  against  the  in- 
habitants of  Debir;  and  the  name  of  Debir 
was  formerly  Kiryath-sepher : 

12  And  Caleb  said,  He  that  will  smite 
Kiryath-sepher,  and  capture  it,  to  him  Avill  I 
give  'Achsah  my  daughter  for  wife. 

13  And  'Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz,  Caleb's 
younger  brother,  captured  it:  and  he  gave 
him  'Achsah  his  daughter  for  wife. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  came  to 
him,  that  she  persuaded  him  to  ask  of  her 
father  a  field:  and  she  alighted  from  off  her 
ass;  and  Caleb  said  unto  her,  What  aileth 
thee? 

15  And  she  said  unto  him,  Give  me  a 
blessing;  for  thou  hast  given  me  a  dry  land: 
give  me  also  springs  of  water.  And  Caleb 
gave  her  the  upper  springs  and  the  nether 
springs. 

16  ^  And  the  children  of  the  Kenite,  the 
father-in-law  of  Moses,  went  up  out  of  the 
city  of  palm-trees  with  the  children  of  Judah 
into  the  wilderness  of  Judah,  Avhich  is  at  the 
south  of  'Arad;  and  they  went  and  dwelt 
with -the  people. 

17  And  Judah  went  with  Simeon  his  bro- 
ther, and  they  smote  the  Canaanites  that  in- 
habited Zephath,  and  devoted  it.  And  the 
name  of  the  city  was  called  Chormali. 

18  A)ul  Judah  captured  Gazzah  with  itsterri- 

°  "Kings"  means  no  doubt  all  independent  chiefs  or 
sheiks  of  villages,  as  they  exist  yet  in  the  East.  So  alsc 
seventy  may  be  an  indefinite  number,  signifying  many. 

''  Correctly,  Yerushalaylm 


JUDGES  T.  II. 


fory,  and   Aslikelon   with   its   territory,  and 
'Ekron  with  its  territory. 

19  And  the  Lord  was  with  Jndah;  and  he 
took  possession  of  the  mountain ;  but"  could 
not  drive  out  the  inhabitants  of  the  valley, 
because  they  had  chariots  of  iron. 

20  And  they  gave  Hebron  unto  Caleb,  as 
Moses  had  spoken;  and  he  drove  out  thence 
the  three  sons  of  'Anak. 

21  And  the  Jebusites  that  inhabited  Jeru- 
salem, the  children  of  Benjamin  did  not  drive 
out ;  but  the  Jebusites  dwelt  Avith  the  children 
of  Benjamin  in  Jerusalem  until  this  day. 

22  "if  And  the  house  of  Joseph,  these  also, 
went  up  against  Beth-el ;  and  the  Lord  was 
with  them. 

2.3  And  the  house  of  Joseph  sent  to  spy 
out  Beth-el :  now  the  name  of  the  city  formerly 
was  Luz. 

24  And  the  watchers  saw  a  man  coming 
forth  out  of  the  city,  and  they  said  unto  him. 
Show  us,  we  pray  thee,  the  entrance  into  the 
city,  and  we  will  show  thee  kindness. 

25  And  he  showed  them  the  entrance  into 
the  city,  and  they  smote  the  city  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword;  but  the  man  and  all  his 
family  they  let  go  free. 

26  And  the  man  went  into  the  land  of  the 
Hittites,  and  built  a  city,  and  called  its  name 
Luz:  this  is  its  name  unto  this  day. 

27  ][  Neither  did  Menasseh  drive  out  (the 
inhabitants  of)  Beth-shean  and  its  towns,  nor 
Ta'anach  and  its  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants 
of  Dor  and  its  toAvns,  nor  the  inhabitants  of 
Yibleam  and  its  towns,  nor  the  inhabitants 
of  Megiddo  and  its  towns ;  but  the  Canaanites 
succeeded''  to  remain  in  this  land. 

28  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Israel  be- 
came strong,  that  they  put  the  Canaanites  to 
tribute;  but  they  did  not  drive  them  out  en- 
tirely. 

29  ^[  Neither  did  Ephraim  drive  out  the 
Canaanites  that  dwelt  in  Gezer;  and  the  Ca- 
naanites dwelt  in  the  midst  of  them  at  Gezer. 


"  Sachs  and  cithers,  "  For  the  inhabitants  of  the  valley 
were  not  to  be  driven  out."  Jonathan,  "But  after  that, 
as  they  sinned,  they  could  not  expel  the  inhabitants  of  the 
plain." 

''  After  Sachs;  others,  "They  were  content,"  meaning, 
"  not  to  encroach  elsewhere;"  Philippson,  "  they  began;" 
Herxheimer,  "undertook." 

°  Lit.  "  As  the  hand  of  the  house  of  Joseph  grew 
heavy,"  which  means  that  the  Emorites  who  resisted  the 
Danites  were  at  length  overcome  by  the  tribe  of  Ephraim. 


30  *{\  Zebulun  did  not  drive  out  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Kitron,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Naha- 
lol;  and  the  Canaanites  dwelt  in  the  midst  of 
them,  and  became  tributary. 

31  ][  Asher  did  not  drive  out  the  inhabit- 
ants of  'Akko,  nor  the  inhabitants  of  Zidon, 
nor  of  Achlab,  nor  of  Achzib,  nor  of  Chelbah, 
nor  of  Aphik,  nor  of  Rechob ; 

32  And  the  Asherites  dwelt  in  the  midst 
of  the  Canaanites,  the  inhabitants  of  the  land ; 
for  the}'  did  not  drive  them  out. 

33  ^1  Naphtali  did  not  drive  out  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Beth-shemesh,  nor  the  inhabitants  of 
Beth-'anath ;  and  he  dwelt  in  the  midst  of  tlic 
Canaanites,  the  inhabitants  of  the  land ;  never- 
theless the  inhabitants  of  Beth-shemesh  and 
of  Beth-'anath  became  tributary  unto  them. 

34  And  the  Emorites  forced  the  children 
of  Dan  into  the  mountain ;  for  they  would  not 
suffer  them  to  come  down  into  the  valley ; 

35  And  the  Emorites  succeeded  to  remain 
on  mount  Cheres,  in  Ayalon,  and  in  Slui'al- 
bim ;  but  when  the  hand  of  the  house  of  Joseph 
prevailed,"  they  became  tributary. 

36  And  the  territory  of  the  Emorites  was 
from  the  ascent  of  'Akrabbim,  from  the  Rock* 
upward. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  And  a  messenger  of  the  Lord  came 
up  from  Gilgal  to  Bochim, 

^  And  he  said,  I  cau.sed  you  to  go  up  out 
of  Egypt,  and  I  brought  you  unto  the  land 
which  I  had  sworn  unto  your  fathers;  and  I 
said,  I  will  not  break  my  covenant  with  you 
for  ever. 

2  But  ye  for  your  part  shall  make  no  cove- 
nant with  the  inhabitants  of  this  land;  their 
altars  shall  ye  throw  down;  but  ye  have  not 
obeyed  my  voice:  what  is  this  ye  have  done? 

3  And  I  also  have  said,  I  will  not  drive 
them  out  from  before  you;  but  they  shall  be 
evil  neighbours  to  .you,"  and  their  gods  shall 
become  a  snare  unto  you. 

''  Sela';  no  doubt,  Petra,  in  Edom,  the  capital  of  Ara- 
bia Petrwa,  which  was  called  after  it.  "  And  upward" 
means  farther  to  the  southern  mountain  range. 

'  In  Num.  xxxiii.  55,  D'li'S  has  been  given  with  "as 
thorns;"  it  might  be  rendered  here  again  .so,  "they  shall 
be  to  you  as  thorns;"  but  as  the  word  stands  unconnected, 
Rashi  has  been  followed,  who  gives,  "  that  they  shall  at- 
tack your  sides  with  troops  and  armies  to  rob  and  plun- 
der." Jonathan  translates  i'p'i'oS  "as  terrors."  Our 
version  embraces  all  the  ideas. 

287 


JUDGES  II.  III. 


4  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  messenger 
of  the  Lord  spoke  these  words  unto  all  the 
children  of  Israel,  that  the  people  lifted  up 
their  voice,  and  wept. 

5  And  they  called  the  name  of  that  place, 
Bochim ;"  and  they  sacrificed  there  unto  the 
Lord. 

6  Tl  And  wheu*"  Joshua  had  let  the  people  go, 
the  children  of  Israel  went  every  man  unto 
his  inheritance  to  take  possession  of  the  land. 

7  And  the  people  served  the  Lord  all  the 
days  of  Joshua,  and  all  the  days  of  the  elders 
that  lived  many  days  after  Joshua,  who  had 
seen  all  the  great  deeds  of  the  Lord,  which  he 
had  done  for  Israel. 

8  Then  died  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  the 
servant  of  the  Lord,  being  one  hundred  and 
ten  years  old. 

9  And  they  buried  him  on  the  border  of 
his  inheritance  in  Timnath-cheres,  in  the 
mountain  of  Ephraim,  on  the  north  side  of 
mount  Ga'ash. 

10  And  also  all  that  generation  were 
gathered  unto  their  fathers;  and  there  arose 
another  generation  after  them,  who  knew  not 
the  Lord,  and  likewise  not  the  deeds  which 
he  had  done  for  Israel. 

11  Tl  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  the  evil 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  served  the  Be'alim : 

12  And  they  forsook  the  Lord  the  God  of 
their  fathers,  who  had  brouglit  them  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  and  they  went  after  other 
gods,  of  the  gods  of  the  nations  that  were 
round  about  them,  and  they  bowed  themselves 
unto  them,  and  incensed  the  Lord. 

13  And  they  forsook  the  Lord,  and  served 
Baiil  and  'Ashtaroth. 

14  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Israel,  and  he  delivered  them  into  the 
hand  of  spoilers  who  spoiled  them,  and  he 
sold  them  into  the  hand  of  their  enemies 
round  about,  and  they  were  not  able  any 
longer  to  stand  before  their  enemies. 

15  Whithersoever  they  went  out,  the  hand 
of  the  Lord  was  against  them  for  evil,  as  the 
Lord  had  spoken,  and  as  the  Lord  had  sworn 
unto  them :  and  they  were  greatly  distressed. 


*  That  is,  "  weepers." 

"  This  passage  (6  to  10)  refers  back  to  the  narrative  at 
the  end  of  the  boot  nf  Josluia,  which  has  been  interrupted 
by  the  account  of  the  conquest  of  the  land. 

"  Namely,  the  war.-;  nf  ('muiuih  lucntinnod  in  verse  1. 
Bashi  comments:  "Ouly  fur  this  pur(M)se  did  God  leave 
288 


16  And  the  Lord  raised  up  judges,  and 
they  delivered  them  out  of  the  hand  of  those 
that  spoiled  them. 

17  But  also  unto  their  judges  they  did  not 
hearken;  but  they  went  astray  after  other 
gods,  and  bowed  themselves  unto  them:  they 
turned  quickly  out  of  the  way  which  their 
fathers  had  walked  in,  to  obey  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord;  the}'  did  not  so. 

18  And  when  the  Lord  raised  them  up 
judges,  then  was  the  Lord  with  the  judge, 
and  he  delivered  them  out  of  the  hand  of  their 
enemies  all  the  days  of  the  judge;  for  the 
Lord  bethought  himself  because  of  their 
groaning  by  reason  of  those  that  oppressed 
them  and  ill-treated  them. 

19  And  it  came  to  ]3ass,  when  the  judge 
died,  that  they  returned,  and  became  more 
corrupt  than  their  fathers,  in  going  after 
other  gods  to  serve  them,  and  to  bow  down 
unto  them:  they  omitted  nothing  from  their 
doings,  and  from  their  stubborn  way. 

20  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Israel;  and  he  said,  For  the  cause 
that  this  people  have  transgressed  my  cove- 
nant which  I  commanded  their  fathers,  and 
have  not  hearkened  unto  my  voice  : 

21  So  Avill  I  also  for  my  part  not  drive  out 
henceforth  any  man  from  before  them  out  of 
the  nations  which  Joshua  left  when  he  died; 

22  In  order  to  prove  through  them  the 
Israelites,  whether  they  will  keep  the  way  of 
the  Lord,  to  walk  therein,  as  their  fathers 
did  keep  it,  or  not. 

23  And  thus  did  the  Lord  leave  these  na- 
tions, so  as  not  to  drive  them  out  speedily ;  and 
he  delivered  them  not  into  the  hand  of  Joshua. 

CHAPTER  HI. 

1  ^  Now  these  are  the  nations  that  the 
Lord  left,  to  prove  by  them  the  Israelites, 
namely,  all  those  who  had  not  experienced 
all  the  wars  of  Canaan ; 

2  Only  in  order  that  the  future  generations 
of  the  children  of  Israel  might  obtain  know- 
ledge, to  teach  them  war ;  but  only  such  as 
before  had  learned  nothing  thereof;*^ 

them,  that  the  future  generations  of  Israel  might  know 
and  understand  the  effects  of  sinning,  since  they  would  be 
compelled  to  learn  war;  while,  however,  (pi)  before,  when 
they  were  ready  to  servo  the  Lord,  they  had  no  know- 
ledge of  these  wars  and  their  pomps,  and  had  no  need  of 
them." 


JUDGES  III. 


3  Namely,  the  five  lords  of  the  Philistines, 
and  all  the  Canaanites,  and  the  Zidoniaiis. 
and  the  Hivites  that  dwelt  on  mount  Leba- 
non, from  mount  Ba'al-chermon  unto  the  en- 
trance" of  Chamath. 

4  And  they  were  left  to  prove  by  them 
the  Israelites,  to  know  whether  they  would 
hearken  unto  the  commandments  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  had  commanded  their  fa  fliers  by 
the  hand  of  Moses. 

5  And  the  children  of  Israel  dwelt  in  the 
midst  of  the  Canaanites,  the  Hittites,  and  the 
Emorites,  and  the  Perizzites,  and  the  Hivites, 
and  the  Jebusites; 

6  And  they  took  their  daughters  to  them- 
selves for  wives,  and  their  daughters  they 
gave  to  their  sons;  and  they  served  their 
gods. 

7  ][  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  (thus) 
the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  forgot 
the  Lord  their  God,  and  served  the  Be'alim 
and  the  groves.*" 

8  Wherefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was 
kindled  against  Israel,  and  he  sold  them  into 
the  hand  of  Cushan-rish'atliayim  the  king 
of  Mesopotamia;  and  the  children  of  Israel 
served  Cushan-rish'athayim  eight  years. 

9  And  the  childi-en  of  Israel  cried  then 
unto  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  raised  up  a  de- 
liverer to  the  children  of  Israel,  who  delivered 
them,  namely,  'Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz,  the 
younger  brother  of  Caleb. 

10  And  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  came  over 
him,  and  he  judged  Israel,  and  went  out  to 
battle:  and  the  Lord  delivered  Cushan-rish- 
'athayim the  king  of  Mesopotamia  into  his 
hand;  and  his  hand  prevailed  over  Cushan- 
rish'athayim. 

11  And  the  land  had  rest  forty  years;  and 
then  died  'Othniel  the  son  of  Kenaz. 

12  ][  And  the  children  of  Isi-ael  did  again 
the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord;  and  the 
Lord  strengthened  'Eglon  the  king  of  Moab 
against  Israel,  because  they  had  done  the  evil 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  he  gathered  unto  him  the  children 


'  Called  at  a  later  period  "  Coelesyria." 

''  Sachs  leaves  nntys  untranslated,  "Asheroth."  Phi- 
lippson,  "the  Astart6s,"  as  though  it  were  'AshtarDth,  and 
says,  that  the  Phoenicians  placed  the  statue  of  this  idol, 
"the  goddess  of  fortune,"  in  groves. 

'  After    Rashi   and   Jonathan;  others,    "left-handed," 
and  others  again,  "using  both  hands  alike." 
2  M 


of 'Ammon  and  'Amalek,  and  they  went  and 
smote  Israel,  and  took  possession  of  the  city 
of  palm-trees. 

14  And  the  children  of  Israel  served  'Eg- 
lon the  king  of  Moab  eighteen  years. 

15  But  the  children  of  Israel  cried  tlien 
unto  the  Lord;  and  the  Lord  raised  up  unto 
them  a  deliverer,  Ehud  the  son  of  Gera  a 
Benjamite,  a  man  who  was  lamed  in  his  right 
hand ;"  and  the  children  of  Israel  sent  by  him 
a  present  unto  'Eglon  the  king  of  Moab. 

16  But  Ehud  made  himself  a  sword  which 
had  two  edges,  of  a  cubit  length;  and  he 
girded  it  under  his  garments  upon  his  right 
thigh." 

17  And  he  brought  the  present  near  unto 
'Eglon  the  king  of  Moalj;  now  'Eglon  was  a 
very  fat  man. 

18  And  it  canae  to  pass  when  he  had  made 
an  end  to  ofier  the  present,  that  he  sent  away 
the  people  who  had  borne  the  present. 

19  But  he  himself  returned  again  from  the 
quarries  that  were  by  Gilgal,  and  said,  I  have 
a  secret  word  unto  thee,  O  king.  And  he  said, 
Keep  silence.  And  thereupon  went  out  from 
his  jDresence  all  that  stood  Ijy  him. 

20  And  Ehud  came  in  unto  him;  and  he 
was  sitting  in  the  summer  upper  chamber," 
which  was  for  himself  alone.  And  Ehud 
said,  I  have  a  word  of  God  unto  thee.  And 
he  arose  out  of  his  chair. 

21  And  Ehud  stretched  forth  his  left  hand, 
and  took  the  sword  from  his  right  thigh,  and 
thrust  it  into  his  body. 

22  And  the  haft  also  went  in  after  tlie 
blade;  and  the  fat  closed  upon  the  blade;  for 
he  did  not  draw  the  sword  out  of  his  body, 
and  it  passed  into  the  fundament. 

23  And  Ehud  went  forth  into  the  ante- 
room, and  shat*^  the  doors  of  the  upper  cham- 
ber after  him,  and  locked  them. 

24  He  was  just  gone  out,  when  his  ser- 
vants came;  and  they  saw,  behold,  the  doors 
of  the  upper  chamber  were  locked ;  antl  they 
said,  Surely  he  covereth  his  feet  in  the  sum- 
mer chamjjer. 


"*  To  have  it  ready  for  grasping  with  his  left  hand. 
"  Lit.  "a  cooling  upper-room,"  or  the  chamber  under 
the    roof  of  the   house,  which   was   open   to  the   cooling 
winds;   often  used  for  private  conversation  (1  Sam.  ix. 
26,)  or  prayer  (2  Kings  xxiii.  P2). 

'  Sachs   and  others,   "locked    the   doors — and   bolted 
il  them." 

283 


JUDGES  III.  IV. 


25  And  they  tarried  till  they  were  ashamed ; 
and  behold,  he  opened  not  the  doors  of  the 
upper  chamber;  wherefore  they  took  the  key 
and  opened  them :  and,  behold,  their  lord  was 
lying  dead  on  the  floor. 

26  And  Ehud  had  escaped  while  they  were 
tarrying,  and  passed  beyond  the  quarries,  and 
escaped  unto  Se'irah.* 

27  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  was 
come,  that  he  blew  the  cornet  on  the  moun- 
tain of  Ephraim,  and  the  children  of  Israel 
went  down  witli  him  from  the  mountain,  and 
he  before  them. 

28  And  he  said  unto  them,  Pursue  after 
me;  for  the  Lord  hath  delivered  your  enemies, 
the  MoJibites,  into  your  hand.  And  they 
went  down  after  him,  and  seized  on  the  fords 
of  the  Jordan  toward  Moab,  and  suffered  not 
a  man  to  pass  over. 

29  And  they  smote  of  Moab  at  that  time 
about  ten  thousand  men,  all  lusty,  and  all 
men  of  valour;  and  there  escaped  not  a  man. 

30  And  Moiib  was  humbled  that  day  under 
the  hand  of  Israel.  And  the  land  had  rest 
eighty  years. 

31  Tl  And  after  him  was  Shamgar  the  son 
of  'Anath,  who  smote  of  the  Philistines  six 
hundred  men  with  an  ox-goad;''  and  he  also 
delivered  Israel. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  again  did 
the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  when  Ehud 
was  dead. 

2  And  the  Lord  sold  them  into  the  hand 
of  Yabin  the  king  of  Canaan,  that  reigned  in 
Chazor;  and  the  captain  of  his  army  was 
Sissera,  who  dwelt  in  Charosheth-hago}am. 

3  And  the  children  of  Israel  cried  unto  the 
Lord;  for  he  had  nine  hundred  chariots  of 
iron;  and  he  oppressed  the  cliildren  of  Israel 
with  might  twenty  years. 

4  And  Deljorah,  a  prophetess,  the  wife  of 
Lapidotli, — she  judged  Israel  at  that  time. 

5  And  she  held  her  sitting  under  the  palm- 
tree  of  Deborah  between  Rumah  and  Beth-el 
on  the  mountain  of  Ephraim :  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  came  up  to  her  for  judgment. 


'  "Bnisli-wood." — -RAsni. 

'■  A  long  stick,  armed  at  tlie  oikI  with  a  sharp  point, 
for  driving  oxen ;  a  powerful  instrument  in  the  hand  of  a 
strong  man. 

-^Heb.  "sell." 
290 


6  And  she  sent  and  called  Barak  the  son 
of  Abino'am  out  of  Kedesh-naphtali;  and  she 
said  unto  him,  Behold,  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel  hath  commanded,  Go  and  lead  on  to- 
ward mount  Tabor,  and  take  with  thee  ten 
thousand  men  of  the  children  of  Naphtali 
and  of  the  children  of  Zebulun. 

7  And  I  will  draw  unto  thee.  t(i  the  brook 
Kishon,  Sissera,  the  captain  of  Yabin's  army, 
and  his  chariots  and  his  multitude;  and  I 
will  give  him  up  into  thy  hand. 

8  And  Barak  said  unto  her,  If  thou  wilt 
go  with  me,  then  will  I  go;  but  if  thou  wilt 
not  go  with  me,  I  will  not  go. 

9  And  she  said,  I  will  indeed  go  with  thee; 
nevertheless  it  will  not  be  for  thy  honour,  on 
the  way  which  thou  goest;  for  into  the  hand 
of  a  woman  will  the  Lord  deliver"  Sissera; 
and  Deborah  arose,  and  went  with  Barak  to 
Kedesh. 

10  And  Barak  called  Zebulun  and  Naph- 
tali together  to  Kedesh;  and  there  went  up 
in  his  train  ten  thousand  men;  also  Deborah 
went  up  with  him. 

11  Now  Cheber  the  Kenite  had  severed 
himself  from  the  Kenites,  from  the  children 
of  Chobab  the  father-in-law  of  Moses ;  and  he 
had  pitched  his  tent  as  far  as*  Elon-beza'a- 
nannim,  which  is  near  Kedesh. 

12  And  they  told  Sissera  that  Barak  the 
son  of  Abino'am  was  gone  up  to  mount  Ta- 
bor. 

13  And  Sissera  called  together  all  his  cha- 
riots, nine  hundred  chariots  of  iron,  and  all 
the  people  that  were  with  him,  from  Cha- 
rosheth-hagoyim  unto  the  brook  Kishon. 

14  And  Deborah  said  unto  Barak,  Up !  for 
this  is  the  day  on  which  the  Lord  hath  given 
Sissera  into  thy  hand;  behold,  the  Lord  is 
gone  out  before  thee:  so  Barak  went  down 
from  mount  Tabor,  with  ten  thousand  men 
after  him. 

15  And  the  Lord  confounded  Sissera,  and 
all  his  chariots,  and  all  his  army,"  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword  before  Barak ;  and  Sissera 
alighted  from  his  chariot,  and  fled  away  on 
foot. 

16  And  Barak  pursued  after  the  chariots. 


■*  Meaning  that,  in  moving  about  with  his  herds,  he  had 
extended  his  p.asture-ground  to  the  place  indicated.  (Sec 
also  Gen.  xiii.  12.)  Eton  is  translated  by  others,  "the 
grove  of  Za'anannim." 

•  Lit   "camp;"  or,  "those  who  mnlse  up  the  camp  " 


JUDGES  IV.  V. 


and  after  the  army,  unto  Charosheth-hagoyira : 
and  all  the  army  of  Sissera  fell  by  the  edge  of 
the  sword ;  there  was  not  left  even  one. 

17  But  Sissera"  had  fled  away  on  foot  to 
the  tent  of  Ja'el  the  wife  of  Cheber  the  Kc- 
nite;  for  there  was  peace  between  Yabin  the 
king  of  Chazor  and  the  house  of  Cheber  the 
Kenite. 

18  And  Ja'el  went  out  to  meet  Sissera, 
and  said  unto  him.  Turn  in,  my  lord,  turn  in 
unto  me,  fear  not:  and  he  turned  in  unto  her 
into  the  tent,  and  she  covered  him  with  a 
blanket. 

19  And  he  said  unto  her.  Give  me  to 
drink,  I  prjiy  thee,  a  little  water;  for  I  am 
thirsty :  and  she  opened  a  bottle  of  milk,  and 
gave  him  to  drink,  and  covered  him  up. 

20  And  he  said  unto  her,  Stand  at  the 
door  of  the  tent;  and  it  shall  be,  that. when 
any  man  should  come  and  ask  of  thee,  and 
say,  Is  there  any  man  here?  thou  shalt  say, 
No. 

21  And  Ja'el  the  wife  of  Cheber  took  there- 
upon the  nail  of  the  tent,  and  placed  a  ham- 
mer in  her  hand,  and  went  softly  unto  him, 
and  struck  the  nail  into  his  temple,  and  it  be- 
came fastened  in  the  ground ;''  but  he  was  fast 
asleep  and  weary;  so  he  died. 

22  And,  behold,  Barak  came  in  pursuit  of 
Sissera,  and  Ja'el  came  out  to  meet  him,  and 
said  unto  him.  Come,  and  I  will  show  thee 
the  man  whom  thou  art  seeking:  and  he 
came  to  her,  and  behold,  Sissera  was  lying 
dead,  with  the  nail  in  his  temple. 

2-3  So  did  God  humljle  on  that  day  Yabin 
the  king  of  Canaan  before  the  children  of 
Israel. 

24  And  the  hand  of  the  children  of  Israel 


'  This  is  quite  iu  accordance  with  the  manner  of  the 
writers  of  the  Bible;  they  first  give  an  account  in  general 
terms,  and  next  they  relate  the  particulars  which  resulted 
to  one  or  more  of  the  persons  in  the  narrative. 

''  Arnheim  renders  "inxn  njvni  "she  (Ja'el)  cowered 
down  on  the  ground,"  viz.  for  the  purpose  of  striking. 

°  After  Rashi,  Arnheim,  and  Sachs.  (Exod.  xxxii. 
25.)  Philippson  renders  nU'^^S  with  "princes,"  and  de- 
rives it  from  an  Arabic  root,  .signifying  "to  lead  in  a 
matter;"  and  translates,  "that  in  their  might  aro.se  the 
princes  in  Israel;  that  the  people,"  &c.  Herxheimcr, 
"wheu  deliverance  (Num.  v.  l8)  was  effected  in  Israel." 
According  to  our  version,  this  verse  forms  the  retrospect 
upon  the  past. 

■"Ra.slii;  but  Sachs  and  others,  after  the  Septuagint, 
make  t^i!  "a  chief;"  hence  ]n^£l  "princes;"  "the  princes 
ceased;"  but  the  text  requires  no  such  forced  construction. 


became  constantly  heavier  upon  Yabin  the 
king  of  Canaan,  until  they  had  destroj'ed 
Yabin  the  king  of  Canaan. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^f  Then  sang  Deborah  with  Barak  tlie 
son  of  Abino'am  on  that  day,  saying, 

2  When  depravity''  had  broken  out  in 
Israel,  then  did  the  people  ofl!er  themselves 
willingly;  (therefore)  praise  ye  the  Lord. 

3  Hear,  0  kings;  give  ear,  0  princes;  I — 
unto  the  Lord  will  I  sing;  I  will  sing  praise 
to  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel. 

4  Lord,  at  thy  going  forth  out  of  Seir,  at 
thy  marching  along  out  of  the  field  of  Edom, 
the  earth  trembled,  also  the  heavens  dropped, 
also  the  clouds  dropped  water. 

5  The  mountains  melted  away  because  of 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  yonder  Sinai,  be- 
cause of  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  the  God  of 
Israel. 

6  In  the  days  of  Shamgar  the  .son  of 'Anatli, 
in  the  days  of  Ja'el,  the  highways  were  unoc- 
cupied, and  those  who  travelled  on  roads 
walked  through  crooked  by-paths. 

7  Desolate  were  the  open  towns''  in  Israel, 
they  were  desolate,  until  that  I  arose,  Debo- 
rah, that  I  arose  a  mother  iu  Israel. 

8  They  chose  new  gods,  then  was  there 
war  in  the  gates:  was  there  a  shield  seen  or 
a  spear  among  forty  thousand  in  Israel?" 

9  My  heart  (belongeth)  to  the  go\ernors  of 
Israel,  that  offered  themselves  willingly  among 
the  people  -J  praise  ye  the  Lord. 

10  Ye  that  ride  on  white  asses,  }e  that  sit 
in  judgment,^  and  ye  who  walk  on  the  way, 
utter  praise ! 

11  (Urged  on)"*  by  the  voice  of  those  who 


°  Although  they  had  arms,  their  sins  caused  them  not 
to  wield  them,  and  to  flee  ingloriously. 

'  This  means,  that  her  goodwill  is  for  tho.se  chiefs  who 
volunteered  with  the  people  in  time  of  danger. 

8  Ralbag  makes  "Middin"  the  name  of  a  place,  (Josh. 
XV.  61,)  thus:  "Those  who  had  to  stop  at  Middin  for 
fear."  Zunz  and  others,  "on  carpets,"  i  e.  who  live  at 
home;  finst  the  "riders,"  next,  "the  sitters,"  and  next, 
"the  wanderers,"  are  thus  called  on  to  thank  God. 

''  "Instead  of  the  voice  of  the  archer.s," — Piulippso.v, 
D'SVno  from  I'n  "arrow."  Sachs,  "louder  than  the  call 
of  those  who  divide,"  from  ri'n  "to  divide;"  /.  e.  those 
who  sing  praises  shall  now  be  able  to  speak  out  more 
freely  than  the  shepherds  do  when  they  divide  their  flocks 
after  watering  them,  without  fearing  the  enemy.  Our 
text  says,  that  the  people,  incited  by  the  shepherds,  who 
now  are  again  unmolested,  shall  sing. 

291 


JUDGES  V. 


divide  (the  flocks)  between  the  watering  wells, 
there  shall  they  rehearse  the  benefits  of  the 
TiORD,  the  benefits  toward  his  open  towns  in 
Israel;  (for)  now  go  down  (again)  to  the 
gates  the  people  of  the  Lord. 

12  Awake,  awake,  Deborah!  awake,  awake, 
ntter  a  song!  up,  Barak,  and  lead  away  thy 
captives,  son  of  Abino'am. 

13  Then  obtained"  dominion  a  few  that 
had  escaped  for  the  nobles  among  the  people 
— the  Lord  gave  me  dominion  over  the 
mighty. 

14  They  whose  root  is  out  of  Ephraim 
were  against 'Amalek ;  after  thee,  Benjamin, 
with  thy  armies;  out  of  Machir  came  down 
lawgivers,  and  out  of  Zebulun  they  that 
handle  the  pen''  of  the  writer. 

15  And  the  princes  of  Issachar  were  with 
Deborah ;  yea  Issachar,  the  support"  of  Barak ; 
into  the  valley  he  hastened  down  in  his 
train ;  (but)  at  the  streams'*  of  Reuben  there 
were  great  thoughts"  of  heart. 

16  Why  didst  thou  sit  among  the  sheep- 
folds  to  hear  the  bleatings*^  of  the  flocks? 
At  the  streams  of  Reuben  there  were  great 
searchings  of  heart. 

17  Gil'ad  al)ode  beyond  the  Jordan;  and 
Dan — why  would  he  tarry  in  ships?  Asher 
remained  on  the  seashore,  and  aljode  near 
his  bays. 

18  Zebulun  is  a  people  that  jeoparded  its 
life  unto  death,  and  Naphtali — on  the  high 
places  of  the  (battle)  field. 

19  There  came  kings,  (and)  fought,  then 
fought  the  kings  of  Canaan,  in  Ta'anach  by 
the  waters  of  Megiddo :  gain''  of  money  they 
took  not  away. 

20  From  heaven  they  fought — the  stars  in 
their  courses  fought  against  Sissera. 

21  The  stream  of  Kishon  swept  them 
away,  that  ancient*'  stream,  the  stream  of  Ki- 

"  After  Sachs.  Rashi,  "  Then  obtained  a  remnant  domi- 
nion over  the  nobles  of  the  enemy."  Philippson,  "Then 
went  down  a  handful  against  a  mighty  people,  the  Lord 
went  down  with  me  against  the  heroes," — taking  tt 
yerad  as  equal  to  yarad;  whereas  the  others  make  it  de- 
rived from  rm  radoh,  "to  rule." 

^  After  Jonathan.  Zunz  and  others,  "  the  staff  of  the 
writer."  Philippson  and  Herxhcimer  take  l-JD  sopher, 
"leader,"  referring  to  Jer.  lii.  25,  though  there  it  is 
more  likely  ".secretary  or  scribe." 

°  After  Arnheim;  but  Rashi  has  it,  "and  the  other 
men  of  Issachar  likewise,"  p  as  thus,  "were  with  Barak." 
In  our  version  p  is  in  the  sense  of  "base,"  hence,  "sup- 
port" 


shon :  step  along,  0   my  soul,  in   victorious 
strength. 

22  Then  were  crushed  the  hoofs  of  the 
horses,  through  the  jirancuigs,  the  prancings 
of  their  mighty  ones. 

23  Curse  ye  Meroz,  saith  the  messenger  of 
the  Lord,  yea,  curse  ye  bittei'ly  its  inhabit- 
ants; because  they  came  not  to  the  help  of 
the  Lord,  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  among  the 
mighty. 

24  Blessed  above  (other)  women  shall  be 
Ja'el  the  wife  of  Cheber  the  Kenite,  above 
(other)  women  (dwelling)  in  the  tent  may 
she  be  blessed. 

25  Water  he  asked,  milk  she  gave  (him) : 
in  a  lordly  dish  she  brought  him  cream. 

26  Her  hand  she  put  forth  to  the  nail,  and 
her  right  hand  to  the  laboi'ious  workmen's 
hammer;  and  she  hammered  Sissera,  she 
struck  his  head,  and  crushed  and  smote 
through  his  temple. 

27  Between  her  feet  he  bent,  he  fell,  he 
lay ;  between  her  feet  he  bent,  he  fell :  where 
he  had  bent,  there  he  fell  down,  bereft  of 
life. 

28  Out  of  the  window  looked  and  uioaned 
the  mother  of  Sissera,  through  the  lattice, 
Why  tarrieth  his  chariot  so  long  in  coming? 
why  lag  the  wheels'  of  his  chariot? 

29  The  wise  among  her  ladies  answered 
her,  she  also  returned  a  reply  to  herself, 

30  Will  they  not  find, — divide  booty?  one 
maiden,  two  maidens  lor  every  man,  a  booty 
of  coloured  garments  for  Sissera,  a  booty 
of  coloured  embroidered  garments,  coloured, 
double-worked  garments  round  tlie  necks  of 
the  captives? 

31  Thus  may  perish  all  thy  enemies,  0 
Lord;  but  may  those  that  love  him  be  as  the 
rising  of  the  sun  in  his  might.  And  tlie  land 
had  rest  forty  years. 

''  Rashi  renders  "  in  the  divisions  of  the  heart  of  Reii- 
ben."     We  have  given  it  as  "streams,"  after  Ps.  Ixv.  10. 

'  i.  e.  Very  cautious  men,  who  would  not  venture  into 
the  battle. 

'  Philippson,  "pipes,"  in  opposition  to  the  "cornet"  of 
the  warrior. 

*  Philippson  after  Thanchum,  "a  small  piece  of  silver;" 
but  Rashi  comments,  "  they  came  to  help  Sissera  without 
object  of  reward."  It  may  mean,  however,  that  they  ob- 
tained no  booty ;  and  it  is  then  an  ironical  allusion  to  the 
shameful  defeat  of  the  Canaanites. 

''  "The  battle  stream." — Sachs  and  others. 

'  Lit.  "the  steps  of  his  chariots."  Sachs,  "the  stepa 
of  his  teams," 


JUDGES  VI. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  Anil  the  children  of  Israel  did  the  evil 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord:  and  the  Lord  deli- 
vered them  into  the  hand  of  Midian  seven 
years. 

2  And  the  hand  of  Midian  prevailed  over 
Israel;  and  because  of  the  Midianites  the 
children  of  Israel  made  for  themselves  the 
passes  which  are  in  the  mountains,  and  the 
caves,  and  the  strong-holds. 

3  And  it  was,  when  Israel  had  sown,  that 
the  Midianites  came  up,  and  the  'Amalekites, 
and  tilt'  children  of  the  east,  and  they  went 
up  against  them ; 

4  And  they  encamped  against  them,  and 
destroyed  the  products  of  the  earth,  as  far  as 
Gazzah,"  and  they  left  no  sustenance  for  Israel, 
neither  lamb,  nor  ox,  nor  ass. 

5  For  they  came  up  with  their  cattle  and 
their  tents,  and  came  as  locusts  in  multitude; 
and  both  they  and  their  camels  were  without 
number;  and  they  came  into  the  land  to  de- 
stroy it. 

6  And  Israel  was  greatly  impoverished  be- 
cause of  the  Midianites;  and  the  children  of 
Israel  cried  unto  the  Lord. 

7  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  chil- 
dren of  Isi'ael  had  cried  unto  the  Lord  be- 
cause of  the  Midianites, 

8  That  the  Lord  sent  a  prophet  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  he  said  unto  them. 
Thus  hatli  said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel, 
I  led  you  forth  out  of  Egypt,  and  brought 
you  out  of  the  house  of  slavery ; 

9  And  I  delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  Egyptians,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  all  that 
oppressed  you,  and  I  drove  them  out  from  be- 
fore you,  and  gave  you  their  land ; 

10  And  I  said  unto  you,  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God:  ye  shall  not  fear  the  gods  of  the 
Emorites,  in  whose  land  ye  dwell;  but  ye 
have  not  obeyed  my  voice. 

11  ^  And  there  came  an  angel  of  the 
Lord,  and  sat  down  under  the  oak  which  was 
in  'Ophrah,  that  pertained  unto  Joiish''  the 
Abi'ezrite;  and  Gid'on"  his  sou  was  beating  out 


*  Lit.  "  until  thou  comest  to  Gazza." 
'  Correctly  Yoash. 

°  Commonly  spelled  "Gideon." 

*  i.  e.  Only  a  small  quantity  at  a  time,  so  as  not  to  at- 
tract the  watchful  Midianites. 

"  According  to  the  Massorah,  Gid'on  addressed  God,  as 


wheat  in  the  wine-press,*  to  hide  it  from  the 
Midianites. 

12  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared 
unto  him,  and  said  unto  him.  The  Lord  is 
with  thee,  thou  mighty  man  of  Aulour. 

13  And  Gid'on  said  unto  him.  Pardon,  my 
lord,  if  the  Lord  be  indeed  with  us,  why  then 
hath  all  this  befallen  us  ?  and  where  are  all 
his  wonders  of  which  our  fathers  liave  told  us, 
saying,  Did  not  the  Lord  bring  us  up  from 
Egypt  ?  But  now  the  Lord  hath  forsaken  us, 
and  delivered  us  into  the  hand  of  Midian. 

I-!  And  the  Lord  turned  toward  him,  and 
said.  Go  in  this  thy  might,  and  thou  slialt 
save  Israel  from  the  hand  of  the  Midianites: 
behold,  I  have  sent  thee. 

15  And  he  said  unto  him,  Pardon  my 
Lord,"  wherewith  shall  I  save  Israel?  behold, 
my  family  is  the  weakest  in  Menasseh,  and  I 
am  the  youngest  in  my  father's  house. 

10  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Because 
I  will  be  with  thee,  and  thou  shalt  smite  the 
Midianites  as  one  man. 

17  And  he  said  unto  him.  If  now  I  have 
found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  then  give  me  a  sign*^ 
that  thou  hast  been  speaking  with  me ; 

18  Depart  not  hence,  I  pray  thee,  until  I 
come  unto  thee,  and  bring  fortli  my  present, 
and  set  it  before  thee.  And  he  said,  I  will 
tarry  until  thy  return. 

19  And  Gid'on  went  in,  and  made  ready 
a  kid,  and  unleavened  cakes  of  an  ephah  of 
flour:  the  flesh  he  put  in  a  basket,  and  the 
broth  he  put  in  a  pot,  and  brought  it  out  unto 
him  under  the  oak,  and  presented  it. 

20  And  the  angel  of  God  said  unto  him. 
Take  the  flesh  and  the  unleavened  cakes,  and 
lay  them  upon  this  rock,  and  the  broth  pour 
out.     And  he  did  so. 

21  Then  the  angel  of  the  Lord  put  forth 
the  end  of  the  staft'  that  was  in  his  hand,  and 
touched  the  flesh  and  the  unleavened  cakes ; 
and  there  rose  up  fire  out  of  the  rock,  and 
consumed  the  flesh  and  the  unleavened  cakes. 
And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  departed  out  of  his 
sight. 

22  And  when  Gid'on  perceived  that  it  was 


it  is  written  Adonay,  not  AJoiii.     But  our  version  is  after 
Michlol  Yophi. 

'  Gid'on  requested  a  token  by  which  he  could  be  certain 
that  it  was  no  delusion,  his  having  been  conversing  with 
a  messenger  of  God,  or  more  yet,  that  he  had  received  a 
direct  communication  from  the  Lord. 

293 


JUDGES  VI.  VII. 


an  angel  of  the  Lord,  Gid'on  said,  Alas,  0 
Lord  Eternal !  because  I  have  surely  seen  an 
angel  of  the  Lord  face  to  fiice. 

23  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Peace  be 
unto  thee ;  fear  not :  thou  shalt  not  die. 

24  And  Gid'on  built  there  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  and  called  it  Adonaj-shalom  [the 
Eternal  of  Peace :]  unto  this  day  it  is  yet  in 
'Ophrah  of  the  Abi'ezrites. 

25  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  same  night, 
that  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Take  thy  fixther's 
young  bullock,  and  the  second  bullock  of 
seven  years  old,  and  throw  down  the  altar  of 
Baiil  which  belongeth  to  thy  father,  and  the 
grove  that  is  around  it  shalt  thou  cut  down. 

26  And  build  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God  upon  the  top  of  this  rock,  on  the  level 
place,  and  take  the  second  bullock,  and  offer 
(it  as)  a  burnt-sacrifice  with  the  wood  of  the 
grove  which  thou  shalt  cut  down. 

27  And  Gid'on  took  ten  men  of  his  servants, 
and  did  as  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  him ; 
but  it  came  to  pass,  because  he  feared  his 
father's  household,  and  the  men  of  the  city,  to 
do  it  by  day,  that  he  did  it  by  night. 

28  And  when  the  men  of  the  city  arose 
early  in  the  morning,  behold,  the  altar  of 
Baal  was  overthrown,  and  the  grove  that  was 
around  it  was  cut  down,  and  the  second  bullock 
was  offered  upon  the  altar  which  had  been  built. 

29  And  they  said  one  to  another.  Who 
hath  done  this  thing?  And  they  inquired 
and  searched,  and  then  said,  Gid'on  the  son 
of  Joash  hath  done  this  thing. 

.30  Thereupon  said  the  men  of  the  city  unto 
Joiish,  Bring  out  thy  son,  that  he  may  die ; 
because  he  hath  overthrown  the  altar  of  Baal, 
and  because  he  hath  cut  down  the  grove  that 
was  around  it. 

81  But  Joash  said  unto  all  that  stood 
around  him.  Will  ye  indeed  contend  for  Baal  ? 
will  ye  assist  him?  he  that  will  contend  for 
him,  shall  be  put  to  death  ;  (wait)*"  until  morn- 
ing: if  he  be  a  god,  let  him  contend  for  him- 
self, because  one  hath  overthrown  his  altar. 

32  And  the  people  called  him  on  that  day 
Yerubba'al,"  saying.  Let  Baiil  contend  against 
him,  because  he  hath  overthrown  his  altar. 


"  i.  e.  The  level  part  on  the  top  of  the  rock ;  this  is  the 
view  of  Jonathan. 

''  After  Rashi,  who  supplies  the  word  "wait." 
•  From  Yarili,  "he  shall  contend." 
294 


33  ^\  And  all  the  Midianites  and  'Amalek- 
ites  and  the  children  of  the  east  assembled  to- 
gether, and  went  over*  and  encamped  in  the 
valley  of  Yizre'el. 

34  But  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  endued 
Gid'on,  and  he  blew  the  cornet:  and  Abi'ezer 
assembled  and  followed  him. 

35  And  he  sent  messengers  throughout  all 
Menasseh,  who  also  assembled  and  followed 
him ;  and  he  sent  messengers  through  Asher, 
and  through  Zeljulun,  and  through  Naphtali, 
and  they  came  up  to  meet  them. 

36  And  Gid'on  said  unto  God,  If  thou  wilt 
save  Israel  by  my  hand,  as  thou  hast  spoken, 

37  Behold,  I  set  up  this  fleece  of  wool  in 
the  threshing  floor :  if  now  there  be  dew  on 
the  fleece  alone,  and  it  be  dry  upon  all  the 
ground,  then  shall  I  know  that  thou  Avilt  save 
Israel  by  my  hand,  as  thou  hast  spoken. 

38  And  it  was  so;  and  when  he  rose  up 
early  on  the  morrow,  he  squeezed  the  fleece 
together,  and  wrung  dew  out  of  the  fleece, 
(making)  a  bowl  full  of  water. 

39  And  Gid'on  said  unto  God,  Let  not  thy 
anger  be  kindled  against  me,  and  I  will  speak 
but  this  once  (more);  let  me  have  a  pi'oof,  I 
pray  thee,  but  this  once  more  with  the  fleece; 
let  it,  I  pray,  be  dry  upon  the  fleece  alone,  and 
upon  all  the  ground  let  there  be  dew. 

40  And  God  did  so  that  night;  and  it  was 
dry  upon  the  fleece  alone,  and  on  all  the 
ground  there  was  dew. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  *\\  Then  Yerubba'al,  who  is  Gid'on,  and 
all  the  people  that  were  with  him,  rose  up 
early,  and  encamped  Ijeside  the  spring  of  Cha- 
rod;  and  the  camp  of  the  Midianites  was  on 
the  north  side  of  them,  by  the  hill  of  Moreh, 
in  the  valley. 

2  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Gid'on,  The 
people  that  are  with  thee  are  too  many  for 
me  to  give  the  Midianites  info  their  hand: 
lest  Israel  should  vaunt  themselves  against 
me,  saying.  My  own  hand  hath  saved  me. 

3  Now  therefore,  do  proclaim  in  the  ears 
of  the  people,  saying.  Whosoever  is  fearful 
and  afraid,  let  him  return  and  depart  early" 


"  The  Jordan. 

"  i3i"  from  the  Chaldaic  N1-3X  "  morning." — Rashi. 
Redak  renders  it,  "  let  them  take  a  circuit."  (Isaiah 
xxviii.  5.) 


JUDGES  VII. 


from  mount  Gil'ad.'  And  there  returncil  of 
the  people  txN-enty  and  two  thousand;  and  ten 
thousand  remained. 

4  ^  And  the  Lord  said  mito  Gid'on,  The 
people  are  yet  too  many;  let  them  go  down 
unto  the  water,  and  I  will  try  them  for  thee 

'  there :  and  it  sliall  be,  that  of  whom  I  will 
say  unto  thee,  This  one  shall  go  with  thee, 
the  same  shall  go  with  thee ;  and  of  whomso- 
ever I  will  say  unto  thee,  This  one  shall  not 
go  with  thee,  tlie  same  sliall  not  go. 

5  ^  So  he  caused  the  people  to  go  down 
unto  the  water :  and  the  Lord  said  unto  Gid'on, 
Every  one  that  lappeth  of  the  water  with  his 
tongue,  as  the  dog  lappeth,  him  shalt  thou  set 
by  himself;  likewise  every  one  that  bendeth 
down  upon  his  knees  to  drink. 

6  Autl  the  number  of  those  that  lapped, 
putting  their  hand''  to  their  mouth,  was  three 
hundred  men;  but  all  the  rest  of  the  peojjle 
bent  down  upon  their  knees  to  drink  water. 

7  ^[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Gid'on,  By 
the  three  hundred  men  that  lapped  will  I  save 
you.  and  deliver  the  Midianites  into  thy  hand ; 
and  let  all  the  other  people  go  every  man 
unto  his  place. 

8  And  they  took  the  provision  of  the  peo- 
ple in  their  hand,  and  their  cornets;  and  all 
the  rest  of  Israel  he  dismissed,  every  man  unto 
nis  tent ;  but  those  three  hundred  men  he  re- 
tained: and  the  camp  of  Midian  was  beneath 
him  in  the  valley. 

9  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  during  the  same 
night,  that  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Arise, 
get  thee  down  into  the  camjD ;  for  I  have  deli- 
vered it  into  thy  hand. 

10  And  if  thou  fear  to  go  down,  then  go  thou 
down  with  Purah  thy  servant  to  the  camp. 

11  And  thou  shalt  hear  what  they  will 
say;  and  after  that  sliall  tliy  hands  be 
strengthened,  and  thou  wilt  go  down  unto  the 
camp.  And  he  went  down  with  Purah  his 
servant  unto  the  outside"  of  the  armed  men 
that  were  in  the  camp. 

12  And  the  Midianites  and  the  'Amalek- 
ites  and  all  the  children  of  the  east  lay  along  in 
the  valley  like  the  locusts  for  multitude;  and 


"  lliibbi  Joseph  Schwurz,  in  his  Geography,  page  164, 
alleges  that  there  is,  about  one  mile  east  of  Strain,  the 
ancient  Yizre'el,  a  mount  called  Djebl  Djulud,  which  he 
deems  a  corruption  from  Djilead,  or  the  Gil'ad  of  this 
verse.  Others  explain  that  they  might  go  back  to  mount 
Gil'ad  proper,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Jordan. 


their   camels  were  without  number,  as  the 
sand  which  is  by  the  seaside  for  multitude. 

13  And  when  Gid'on  was  come,  behold,  a 
man  was  telling  a  dream  unto  his  fellow,  and 
said,  Behold,  I  have  dreamed  a  dream,  and,  lo, 
a  baked  cake  of  bailey  bread  was  rolling 
round  through  the  camp  of  Midian,  and  came 
unto  the  tent,''  and  struck  against  it  so  that 
it  fell,  and  it  turned  it  bottom  upward,  and 
the  tent  thus  tumbled  down. 

14  And  his  fellow  answered  and  said,  Tliis 
is  nothing  else  save  the  sword  of  Gid'on  the 
son  of  Joash,  a  man  of  Israel;  into  whose 
hand  God  hath  delivered  Midian,  and  the 
whole  camp. 

15  ^  And  it  was,  when  Gid'on  heard  the 
narration  of  the  dream,  and  its  interpretation, 
that  he  prostrated  himself,  and  returned  unto 
the  camp  of  Israel,  and  said,  Arise;  for  the 
Lord  hath  delivered  into  your  hand  the  camp 
of  Midian. 

16  And  he  divided  the  three  hundred 
men  into  three  companies,  and  he  put  cornets 
in  the  hand  of  all  of  them,  with  empty 
pitchers,  and  torches  in  the  pitchei's. 

17  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  jou  see 
me  do,  do  ye  likewise;  and,  behold,  when  I 
am  come  to  the  edge  of  the  camp,  it  sliall  be 
that,  as  I  do,  so  shall  ye  do. 

18  When  I  blow  the  cornet,  I  and  all  that 
are  with  me,  then  shall  3e  blow  the  cornets 
also  on  every  side  of  all  the  camp,  and  say, 
For  the  Lord,  and  for  Gid'on. 

19  ^  And  Gid'on,  and  the  hundred  men 
that  were  with  him,  came  unto  the  edge  of 
the  camp  hi  the  beginning  of  the  middle 
watch;  when  they  had  but  newly  set  the 
sentinels :  and  they  blew  the  comets,  and  broke 
the  pitchers  that  were  in  their  hand. 

20  And  the  three  companies  blew  the  cor- 
nets, and  broke  the  pitchers,  and  seized  with 
their  lett  hand  the  torches,  and  with  their 
right  hand  the  cornets  to  blow;  and  they 
cried.  The  sword  for  the  Lord,  and  for  Gid'on. 

21  And  they  remained  standing  every  man 
in  his  place  round  about  the  camp;  and  all  (in) 
the  camp  ran,  and  shouted,  and  tied. 


''  These  put  their  hand  into  the  spring  and  lapped  the 
water  out  their  hand;  the  others  kneeled  down  in  form 
and  drank  from  the  spring  direct,  or  fetched  it  in  buckets 
or  their  helmets. 

•  Perhaps  equal  to  the  modern  "outposts." 

^  No  doubt  that  of  the  sheik. 

295 


JUDGES  VII.  VIII. 


22  And  as  the  three  hundred  cornets 
sounded,  the  Lord  set  every  man's  sword 
against  his  fellow,  even  throughout  all  the 
camp;"  and  (those  in)  the  camp  tied  as  far 
as  Beth-hashittah  to  Zererah,  up  to  the  border 
of  Abelmecholah,  near  Tabbath. 

23  And  the  men  of  Israel  were  called  to- 
gether out  of  Naphtali,  and  out  of  Asher,  and 
out  of  all  Menasseh,  and  they  pursued  after 
the  Midianites. 

24  And  Gid'on  sent  messengers  throughout 
all  the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  saying,  Come 
down  against  the  Midianites,  and  seize  from 
them  the  waters  as  f;xr  as  Beth-barah  and  the 
Jordan.  And  all  tlie  men  of  Ephraim  assem- 
bled themselves,  and  seized  on  the  waters  as 
far  as  Beth-barah  and  the  Jordan. 

25  And  tliey  captured  two  jarinces  of 
the  Midianites,  'Oreb  and  Zeeb;  and  they 
slew  'Oreb  upon  the  rock  'Oreb,  and  Zeeb 
they  slew  at  the  winepress  of  Zeeb,  and  pur- 
sued the  Midianites ;  and  the  heads  of  'Oreb 
and  Zeeb  they  brought  to  Gid'on  from''  the 
other  side  of  the  Jordan. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  And  the  men  of  Ephraim  said  unto  him, 
What  is  this  thing  that  thou  hast  done  unto 
us,  not  to  call  for  us,  when  thou  wentest  to 
fight  with  the  Midianites?  And  they  quar- 
relled with  him  vehemently. 

2  And  he  said  unto  them,  What  have  I 
done  now  in  comparison  with  you  ?  Is  not  the 
gleaning  of  Ephraim  better  than  the  vintage 
of  Abi'ezer? 

3  Into  your  hand  God  delivered  the  princes 
of  Midian,  'Oreb  and  Zeeb :  and  what  have  I 
been  able  to  do  in  comparison  with  you  ? 
Then  was  their  anger"  abated  from  him,  when 
he  had  spoken  this  speech. 

4  And  Gid'on  came  to  the  Jordan,  and 
passed  over,  he,  and  the  three  hundred  men 
that  were  with  him,  faint,  and  in  pursuit. 

5  And  he  said  unto  the  men  of  Succoth, 
Give,  I  pray  you,  a  few  loaves  of  bread  unto 
the  people  that  are  in  my  train ;  for  they  are 


'  Sachs,  "  and  against  all  the  camp." 

*■  /.  ('.  These  chiefs  were  slain  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Jordan,  and  their  heads  were  brought  to  Gid'on  before  he 
passed  the  river. 

°  Ileb.  "  spirit." 

''  After  Sachs,  as  though  it  were  SjT  "^0.  Jonathan,  how- 
ever, leaves  it  untranslated,  "are  Zebacb  and  Zalmunna'." 
296 


faint,   and  I  am  pursuing  after  Zebach  and 
Zalmunna,'  the  kings  of  Midian. 

6  And  the  princes  of  Succoth  said,  Is  the 
sole''  of  the  foot  of  Zebach  and  Zalmunna'  now 
already  in  thy  hand,  that  we  should  give 
unto  thy  army  bread  ? 

7  And  Gid'on  said.  Therefore  when  the* 
Lord  hath  delivered  Zebach  and  Zalmunna' 
into  my  hand,  then  will  I  thresh  your  flesh 
with  the  thorns  of  the  wilderness  and  with 
briers. 

8  And  he  went  up  thence  to  Penuiil,  and 
spoke  unto  them  in  the  same  manner :  and 
the  men  of  Penuel  answered  him  as  the  men 
of  Succoth  had  answered." 

9  And  he  said  also  unto  the  men  of  Penuel 
thus,  When  I  return  again  in  peace,  I  will 
break  down  this  tower. 

10  ^  Now  Zebach  and  Zalmunna'  were  in 
Karkor,  and  their  camps  with  them,  about 
fifteen  thousand  men,  all  that  had  been  left 
of  all  the  camp  of  the  children  of  the  east ; 
but  those  who  had  fallen  were  one  hundred 
and  twenty  thousand  men  that  drew  the 
sword. 

11  And  Gid'on  went  up  by  the  way  of 
those  that  dwelt  in  tents,^  to  the  east  of  No- 
bach  and  Yogbehah,  and  smote  the  camp;  but 
the  camp  thought  itself  secure. 

12  And  Zebach  and  Zalmunna'  fled;  but  he 
pursued  after  them,  and  captured  the  two 
kings  of  Midian,  Zebach  and  Zalmunna',  and 
all  the  camp  he  discomfited.^ 

13  And  Gid'on  the  son  of  Joash  returned 
from  the  battle  before  the  rising  of  the  sun, 

14  And  he  caught  a  young  man  of  the  peo- 
ple of  Succoth,  and  inquired  of  him :  and  he 
wrote  down  for  him  the  princes  of  Succoth, 
and  the  elders  thereof,  seventy  and  seven 
men. 

15  And  he  came  unto  the  men  of  Succoth, 
and  said.  Behold  here  are  Zebach  and  Zal- 
munna', with  whom  ye  derided  me,  saying. 
Is  the  sole  of  the  foot  of  Zebach  and  Zal- 
munna' now  already  in  thy  hand,  that  we 
should  give  unto  thy  weary  men  bread  ? 

"  The  people  of  Succoth  and  Penuel  were  evidently 
afraid  of  the  vengeance  of  the  Midianites  in  case  they  were 
to  supply  (Jid'du  with  food,  deeming  him  too  feeble  to 
overcome  the  formidable  army  still  in  their  neighbour- 
hood. 

'  ('.  r.  The  Nomadic  tribes  east  of  ralostine. 

«  Ileb.  "  terrified." 


JUDCxES  VIII.  IX. 


16  And  he  took  the  elders  of  the  city,  and 
the  thorns  of  the  wilderness  and  briers,  and 
chastised  with  them  the  men  of  Succoth. 

17  And  the  tower  of  Penuel  he  beat  down, 
and  slew  the  men  of  the  city. 

18  And  he  said  unto  Zebach  and  Zal- 
munna',  What  kind  of  men  were  those  whoni 
ye  slew  at  Tabor?  And  they  answered,  As 
thou  art,  so  were  they ;  one"  was  in  form  like 
that  of  the  children  of  a  king. 

19  And  he  said,  They  were  my  brothers, 
the  sons  of  my  mother;  as  the  Lord  liveth,  if 
ye  had  spared  them  alive,  I  would  not  slay  you. 

20  And  he  said  unto  Yether  his  first-born, 
Rise  up,  and  slay  them.  But  the  youth  drew 
not  his  sword ;  for  he  was  afraid,  because  he 
was  yet  a  youth. 

21  Then  said  Zebach  and  Zalmunna',  Rise 
thou,  and  fall  upon  us;  for  as  the  man  is,  so 
is  his  strength.  And  Gid'on  arose,  and  slew 
Zebach  and  Zalmunna';  and  he  took  away 
the  crescent  ornaments  that  were  on  the 
necks  of  their  camels. 

22  *(\  And  the  men  of  Israel  said  unto 
Gid'on,  Rule  thou  over  us,  both  thou  and  thy 
son,  and  th}'  son's  son  also;  for  thou  hast  de- 
livered us  out  of  the  liand  of  Midian. 

23  And  Gid'on  said  unto  them,  I  will  not 
rule  over  you,  neither  shall  my  son  rule  over 
you :  the  Lord  shall  rule  over  you. 

24  And  Gid'on  said  luito  them,  I  would 
ask  one  request  of  you,  that  ye  should  give 
me  every  inan  the  ear-ring  of  his  booty;  for 
they**  had  had  golden  ear-rings,  because  they 
were  Ishmaelites. 

25  And  they  answei'ed,  We  will  willingly 
give.  And  they  spread  out  a  garment,  and 
they  cast  therein  every  man  the  ear-ring  of 
his  booty. 

26  And  the  weight  of  the  golden  ear-rings 
that  he  had  requested  was  a  thousand  and 
seven  hundred  shekels   of  gold;   besides  the  [ 
crescent  ornaments,  and  ear-drops,  and  purple  ij 
garments  that  were  on  the  kings  of  Midian,  j 
and  besides  the  chains  that  were  about  their 
camels'  necks. 

27  And  Gid'on  made  thereof  an  ephod, 
and  set  it  up  in  his  city,  in  "Ophrah :  and  all 
Israel  went  astray  after  it  thither;  and  it  be- 
came a  snare  unto  Gid'on,  and  to  his  house. 


Others,  "  every  one  was," 
/.  e.  The  Midianites. 

2N 


&c. 


28  And  Midian  was  humbled  before  the 
children  of  Israel,  so  that  they  lifted  not  up 
their  head  any  more.  And  the  country  was 
quiet  forty  years  in  the  days  of  Gid'on. 

29  Tl  And  Yerubba'al  the  son  of  Joash 
went  and  dwelt  in  his  own  house. 

30  And  Gid'on  had  seventy  sons  begotten 
of  his  body  ;  for  he  had  many  wives. 

31  And  his  concubine  that  was  in  Shechem, 
she  also  bore  him  a  son,  and  ho  gave  him 
the  name,  Abimelech. 

32  And  Gid'on  the  son  of  Joiish  died  in  a 
good  old  age,  and  was  buried  in  the  sepulchre 
of  Joiish  his  father,  in  'Ophrah  of  the  Abi'ez- 
rites. 

33  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Gid'on 
was  dead,  that  the  children  of  Israel  turned 
again,  and  went  astray  after  the  Ee'alim,  and 
made  themselves  Ba'al-berith  for  a  god. 

34  And  tlie  children  of  Israel  remembered 
not  the  Lord  their  God,  who  had  delivered 
them  out  of  the  hand  of  all  their  enemies  on 
eveiy  side : 

35  Neither  showed  they  kindness  to  the 
house  of  Yerubba'al,  namely,  Gid'on,  in  ac- 
cordance with  all  the  good  which  he  had 
done  unto  Israel. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  And  Abimelech  the  son  of  Yerub- 
ba'al went  to  Shechem  unto  his  mother's  bro- 
thers, and  spoke  unto  them,  and  unto  all  the 
family  of  the  house  of  his  mother's  father, 
saying, 

2  Speak,  I  pray  you,  in  the  ears  of  all  the 
men"  of  Shechem,  What  is  better  for  you, 
either  that  there  should  rule  over  you  seventy 
men,  all  the  sons  of  Yerubba'al,  or  that  there 
reign  over  you  one  man  ?  and  remember  that 
I  am  your  bone  and  your  tlesh. 

3  And  his  mother's  Ijrothers  spoke  con- 
cerning him  in  the  ears  of  all  the  men  of 
Shechem  all  these  words;  and  their  heart  be- 
came inclined  after  Abimelech ;  for  they  said. 
He  is  our  brother. 

4  And  they  gave  him  seventy  pieces  oi' 
silver  out  of  the  house  of  Ba'al-berith;  and 
Abimelech  hired  therewith  idle  and  heedless 
persons,  who  followed  him. 

5  And  he  came  unto  his  father's  house  at 


"Sachs  renders  U2W  ^byi   uuif'ornily  with   "lords    of 
Shechem." 

297 


JUDGES  IX. 


'Ophrah,  and  slew  his  brothers  the  sons  of 
Yerublja'al,  seventy  persons,  upon  one  stone; 
and  there  was  yet  left  Yotham  the  3'oungest 
son  of  Yerubba'al ;  for  he  had  hidden  himself 
G  ][  And  all  the  men  of  Shechem  and  all 
Beth-millo  assembled  together,  and  went,  and 
made  Abimelech  king,  by  the  oak  of  the  pil- 
lar'' that  was  by  Shechem. 

7  And  they  told  it  to  Yotham;  and  he 
went  and  stood  on  the  top  of  mount  Gerizzim, 
and  he  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  cried ;  and  he 
said  unto  them.  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  men  of 
Shechem,  so  that  God  may  hearken  unto  you. 

8  The  trees  went  once  forth  to  anoint  a 
king  over  them ;  and  they  said  unto  the  olive- 
tree,  Eeign  thou  over  us. 

9  But  the  olive-tree  said  unto  them,  Should 
I  give  up  my  fatness,  wherewith  through  me 
they  honour  God  and  men,  and  shall  I  go  to 
be  promoted*"  over  the  trees? 

10  And  the  trees  said  to  the  fig-tree,  Come 
thou,  reign  over  us. 

11  But  the  fig-tree  said  unto  them,  Should 
I  give  up  my  sweetness,  and  my  good  pro- 
ductiveness, and  go  to  be  promoted  over  the 
trees  ? 

12  Then  said  the  trees  unto  the  vine, 
Come  thou,  reign  over  us. 

13  But  the  vine  said  unto  them,  Should  I 
give  up  my  fresh  wine,  which  rejoiceth  God 
and  men,  and  go  to  be  promoted  over  the 
trees  ? 

14  Then  said  all  the  trees  unto  the  bram- 
ble, Come  thou,  reign  over  us. 

15  And  the  bramble  said  unto  the  trees.  If 
in  truth  ye  anoint  me  as  king  over  you,  then 
come  seek  protection  in  my  shadow;  and  if 
not,  then  let  fire  come  out  of  the  bramble, 
.and  devour  the  cedars  of  the  Lebanon. 

16  And  now,  if  ye  have  acted  in  truth 
and  sincerity,  when  ye  made  Abimelech  king, 
and  if  ye  have  dealt  well  with  Yerubba'al  and 
his  house,  and  have  done  unto  him  according 
to  the  merit  of  his  hands; 

17  (In  tliat  my  father  fought  for  you,  and 
cast  his  life  far  away,°  and  delivered  you  out 
of  the  hand  of  Midian  ; 

18  While  ye  are  risen  up  against  my 
father's  house  this  day,  and  have  slain  his 

'  Probably  the  pillar  erected  by  Joshua.  Herxheimer 
*■  Or,  "to  trouble  myself  about  the  trees."     Literally, 
"to  move  over  the  trees." 

°  i.  e.  JooparJizeil  his  life  in  iin  niioqunl  contest. 
298 


sons,  seventy  men,  upon  one  stone,  and  have 
made  Abimelech,  the  son  of  liis  maid-ser\ant, 
king  over  the  men  of  Shechem,  because  he 
is  your  brother;) 

19  If  ye  have  thus  acted  in  ti'uth  and 
sincerity  with  Yerubba'al  and  with  liis  house 
this  day:  then  rejoice  ye  in  Abimelech,  and 
let  him  also  rejoice  in  you. 

20  But  if  not,  let  fire  come  out  from  Abi- 
melech, and  devour  the  men  of  Shechem  and 
Beth-millo;  and  let  fire  come  out  from  the 
men  of  Shechem,  and  from  Beth-millo,  and 
devour  Aljimelech. 

21  And  Yotham  ran  away,  and  fled,  and 
went  to  Beer,  and  dwelt  there,  for  fear  of 
Abimelech  his  brother. 

22  ][  And  Abimelech  ruled  over  Israel 
three  years ; 

23  And  then  did  God  send  an  evil  spirit 
between  Abimelech  and  the  men  of  Shechem ; 
and  the  men  of  Shechem  became  unfaithfid 
toward  Abimelech ; 

24  So  that  the  violence  (done)  to  the 
seventy  sons  of  Yerubba'al  might  come,  and 
their  blood  be  laid  ujion  Abimelech  their 
brother,  who  had  slain  them;  and  upon  the 
men  of  Shechem,  who  had  strengthened  his 
hands  to  slay  his  lirothers. 

25  And  the  men  of  Shechem  set  persons  to 
lie  in  wait  for  him  on  the  tops  of  the  moun- 
tains, and  they  I'obbed  all  that  passed  by  them 
on  that  way:  and  it  was  told  unto  Abime- 
lech. 

26  ][  And  there  came  Ga'al  the  son  of 
'Ebed  with  his  brothers,  and  passed  through 
Shechem :  and  the  men  of  Shechem  put  their 
confidence  in  him. 

27  And  they  went  out  into  the  field,  and 
gathered  their  vineyards,  and  trod  (the 
grapes),  and  made  joyful  feasts,  and  went 
into  the  house  of  their  god,  and  ate  and 
drank,  and  cursed  Abimelech. 

28  And  Ga'al  the  son  of 'Ebed  said,  Who 
is  Abimelech,  and  who  is  Shechem,  that  we 
should  serve  him?  is  not  he  the  son  of  Yerub- 
ba'al? and  Zebul  his  superintendent?  serve'' 
the  men  of  Chamor  the  fiither  of  Shechem ; 
for  why  indeed  should  we  serve  him? 

29  And  0  that  some  one  would  put  tins 

^  {.  e.  Sooner  serve  the  ancient  owners  of  the  land 
(see  Gen.  xxxiii.  19)  than  such  a  creature.  Perhaps 
Ga'al  himself  may  have  been  a  Hivite,  and  claimed  de- 
scent from  the  ancient  lords. 


I 


JUDGES  IX. 


people  into  my  power!  and  I  would  remove 
Abimelech.  And  he  let  it  be  said  to  Abime- 
lecli,  Iiierease  thy  army,  and  come  out. 

oO  And  when  Zebul  the  ruler  of  the  city 
heard  the  words  of  Ga'al  the  son  of  'Ebed,  his 
anger  was  kindled. 

31  And  he  sent  messengers  unto  Abime- 
lech privately,"  saying,  Behold,  Ga'al  the  son  of 
'Ebed  and  his  brothers  are  come  to  Shechem ; 
and,  Ijehold,  they  incite''  the  city  to  enmity 
against  tlieo. 

32  And  now  rise  up  by  night,  thou  and 
the  people  that  are  with  thee,  and  lie  in  wait 
in  the  held : 

33  And  it  shall  be,  in  the  morning,  the 
moment  the  sun  shineth,  that  thou  shalt  rise 
early,  and  set"  upon  the  city;  and,  behold, 
when  he  and  the  people  that  are  with  him 
come  out  against  thee,  then  mayest  thou  do 
to  him  as  thy  means*  may  let  thee. 

34  ^  And  Abimelech  rose  up,  and  all  the 
people  that  were  with  him,  by  night,  and 
they  lay  in  wait  against  Shechem  in  four 
companies. 

35  And  Ga'al  the  son  of  'Ebed  went  out, 
and  stood  in  the  entrance  of  the  city-gate: 
and  Abimelech  rose  up,  and  tlie  people  that 
were  with  him,  from  the  ambush. 

36  And  when  Ga'al  saw  the  people,  he 
said  to  Zebul,  Behold,  people  are  coming 
down  from  the  tops  of  the  mountains.  And 
Zebul  said  unto  him.  Thou  regardest  the  sha- 
dow of  the  mountains  as  men. 

37  And  Ga'al  spoke  again  and  said.  See 
people  are  coming  down  from  the  highest  point 
of  the  land,  and  one  company  is  coming  along 
by  the  way  of  the  grove  of  Me'oneuim." 

38  Then  said  Zebul  unto  him,  Where  is 
now  thy  mouth,  wherewith  thou  saidst.  Who 
is  Alnmelech,  that  we  should  serve  him?  is 
not  tins  the  people  that  thou  hast  despised  ? 
go  out  now,  I  pray,  and  fight  with  them. 

39  And  Ga'al  went  out  before  the  men  of 
Shechem,  and  fought  with  Abimelech. 

40  And  Abimelech  pursued  him,  and  he 
fled  before  him,  and  many  fell  slain,  even  as 
far  as  the  entrance  of  the  gate. 

41  And  Abimelech  remamed  at  Arumah: 


'  Others,  "craftily,"  or,  "  to  Tormah,"  as  though  it  were 
a  name  of  a  place,  the  same  as  Arumah,  verse  41. 

"  Eedalc,  after  whom  Sachs,  "they  close  the  city  against 
thoe." 


and  Zebul  banished  Ga'al  and  his  brothers, 
that  they  should  not  remain  in  Shechem. 

42  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  the  people  went  out  into  the  field ;  and 
it  was  told  to  Abimelech. 

43  And  he  took  the  people,  and  divided 
them  i)ito  three  companies,  and  lay  in  wait  in 
the  field;  and  as  he  saw,  and,  behold,  that 
the  people  were  coming  forth  out  of  the  city, 
he  rose  up  against  them,  and  smote  them. 

44  And  Abimelech,  and  the  companies 
that  were  with  him,  spread  forward,  and  took 
position  in  the  entrance  of  the  city-gate :  and 
the  two  other  companies  spread  over  all  that 
were  in  the  fields,  and  smote  them. 

45  And  Abimelech  fought  against  the  city 
all  that  day;  and  he  captured  the  city,  and 
the  people  that  were  therein  he  slew ;  and  he 
beat  down  the  city,  and  sowed  it  with  salt. 

46  ^1  And  when  all  the  men  of  the  tower 
of  Shechem  heard  this,  they  entered  into  the 
strong-hold  of  the  house  of  the  god  Berith. 

47  And  it  was  told  unto  Abimelech,  that 
all  the  men  of  the  tower  of  Shechem  were 
gathered  together. 

48  And  Abimelech  went  thereupon  up  to 
mount  Zalmon,  he  and  all  the  people  that 
were  with  him ;  and  Abimelech  took  an  axe 
in  his  hand,  and  cut  down  a  bough  from  a 
tree,  and  bore  it,  and  laid  it  on  his  shoulder ; 
and  he  said  unto  the  people  that  were  with 
him,  What  ye  have  seen  that  I  have  done, 
make  haste,  and  do  like  me. 

49  And  all  the  people  also  cut  down  every 
man  his  bough,  and  followed  Abimelech,  and 
put  the  same  to  the  stronghold,  and  set  the 
stronghold  over  them*^  on  fire :  and  thus  died 
also  all  the  people  of  the  tower  of  Shechem, 
about  a  thousand  men  and  women. 

50  ][  And  Abimelech  went  then  to  Tlie- 
bez,  and  encamped  against  Thebez,  and  cap- 
tured it. 

51  But  there  was  a  strong  tower  within 
the  city,  and  thither  fled  all  the  men  and  the 
women,  and  all  the  chief  persons  of  the  city, 
and  shut  the  doors  behind  them,  and  went  up 
to  the  roof  of  the  tower. 

52  And  Abimelech  came  up  to  the  tower, 


°  Lit.  "spread  aljroatl,"  to  wit,  deploy  the  troops. 
^  Lit.  "As  thy  hand  may  find,"  ('.  e.  the  means. 
•  "The  wizards'  oak." — Philippson. 
'  i.  e.  The  persons  locked  up  in  the  stronghold. 

299 


JUDGES  IX.  X. 


and  fought  against  it,  and  approached  as  far 
as  Ihe  door  of  the  tower  to  burn  it  with 
fire. 

53  But  a  certain  woman  cast  a  piece  of  an 
upper  millstone  upon  Abimelech's  head,  and 
crushed  his  skull. 

54  Then  called  he  hastily  unto  the  young 
man  that  bore  his  armour,  and  said  unto  him. 
Draw  thy  sword,  and  slay  me,  that  people 
may  not  say  of  me,  A  woman  hath  slain  him. 
And  his  young  man  thrust  him  through,  and 
he  died. 

55  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  saw  that 
Abimelech  was  dead,  they  departed  every 
man  to  his  place. 

56  Thus  did  God  compensate  the  evil  of 
Abimelech,  which  he  had  done  unto  his  father, 
in  slaying  his  seventy  brothers: 

57  And  all  the  evil  of  the  men  of  Shechem 
did  God  bring  back  upon  their  own  head; 
and  thei'e  came  upon  tliem  the  curse  of  Yo- 
tliam  the  son  of  Yerubl)a'al. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  And  there  arose  after  Abimelech  to 
deliver  Israel  Tola'  the  son  of  Puah,  the  son 
of  Dodo,  a  man  of  Issachar;  and  he  dwelt  in 
Shamir  in  the  mountain  of  Ephraim. 

2  And  he  judged  Israel  twenty  and  three 
years,  and  then  died,  and  was  buried  in 
Shamir. 

3  ^  And  after  him  arose  Ya'ir,  the  Gil'adite, 
and  judged  Israel  twenty  and  two  years; 

4  And  he  had  thirty  sons  that  rode  on 
thirty  ass-colts,"  and  they  had  thirty  cities, 
which  are  called  Chavvoth-yair  unto  this  day, 
which  are  in  the  land  of  Gil'ad. 

5  And  Yair  died,  and  was  buried  in  Ka- 
mou. 

6  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  repeated  to 
do  the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lokd,  and  they 
served  the  Be'alim,  and  'Ashtaroth,  and  the 
gods  of  Syria,  and  the  gods  of  Zidon,  and  the 
gods  of  Moab,  and  the  gods  of  the  children  of 
'Ammon,  and  the  gods  of  the  Philistines,  and 
they  forsook  the  Lord,  and  served  not  him. 

7  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 


*  No  doubt  that  riiliiig  on  an  animal  was  a  token  of 
distinction  in  the  simplicity  of  ancient  manners. 

''  Mciinirig,  in  the  very  first  year  of  their  defection  from 
GiiJ  tliey  were  oppressed  and  crushed,  for  that  is  the  sig- 
nification of  the  word  IXXTIJ  whereas  before,  they  had 
300 


against  Israel,  and  he  sold  them  into  the  hand 
of  the  Philistines,  and  into  the  hand  of  the 
children  of 'Amnion. 

8  And  they  afflicted  and  oppres.sed  the  tdiil- 
dren  of  Israel  that*  year ;  (and)  for  eighteen 
years  all  the  children  of  Israel  that  ^vere 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan  in  the  land 
of  the  Emorites,  which  is  in  Gil'ad. 

9  And  the  children  of  'Amnion  passed  over 
the  Jordan  to  fight  also  against  Judah,  and 
against  Benjamin,  and  against  the  house  of 
I]phraiin;  so  that  Israel  was  sorely  distressed. 

10  And  tile  cliildreii  of  Israel  cried  unto 
the  Lord,  saying,  We  have  sinned  against 
thee,  becau.se  we  have  forsaken  our  (iod,  and 
have  served  the  Be'alim. 

11  ^.And  the  Lord  said  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  Behold  (I  delivered  you)  from  the 
Egyptians,  and  from  the  Emorites.  I'rom  the 
children  of  'Ammon,  and  from  the  Philis- 
tines. 

12  And  when  the  Zidoiiians,  and  the 
'Amalekites,  and  the  Ma'onites  did  oppress 
you,  and  ye  cried  to  me,  I  delivered  _you  also 
out  of  their  hand. 

13  And  yet  ye  have  forsaken  me,  and 
served  other  gods;  wherefore  I  will  deliver 
you  no  more. 

14  Go  and  cry  unto  the  gods  which  ye 
have  chosen;  let  these  deliver  you  in  the 
time  of  your  tribulation. 

15  And  the  children  of  Israel  said  unto  the 
Lord,  We  have  sinned:  do  thou  unto  us  en- 
tirely as  it  seeraeth  good  in  thy  eyes;  only  de- 
liver us,  we  pray  thee,  this  time.'' 

10  And  they  put  away  the  strange  gods 
from  their  midst,  and  served  the  Lord:  and 
his  soul  was  grieved*  I'or  the  trouble  of  Israel. 

17  ^  And  the  children  of  'Amnion  were 
called  together,  and  they  encamped  in  Gil'ad. 
And  the  childi-en  of  Israel  also  assembled  them- 
selves together,  and  encamped  in  Mizpah. 

18  And  the  people,  the  princes  of  Gil'ad, 
said  one  to  another.  Whatever  man  it  bo 
that  will  begin  to  fight  against  the  children 
of  'Ammon,  shall  become  the  head  over  all 
the  inhabitants  of  Gil'.id. 


nothing  to  fear;  and  this  state  of  affliction  lasted  eighteen 
years. 

"Lit.  "day." 

■^  Lit.  "was  short;"  »'.  e  "he  could  no  longer  endiira 
the,"  &c. 


JUDGES  XI. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


1  ^1  Now  Yiphthaclr''  the  Giradite  was  a 
mighty  man  of  valour,  but  he  was  the  son  of  a 
harlot;  and  Gil'ad  had  begotten  Yiphthach. 

2  And  the  wife  of  Gil'ad  also  bore  him 
sons;  and  Avhen  the  sons  of  the  wife  were 
grown  up,  tliev  <lrove  away  Yiphthach,  and 
said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  not  inherit  in  the 
house  of  our  father;  for  the  son  of  another^ 
woman  art  thou. 

3  And  Yiphthach  tied  away  from  his  bro- 
thers, and  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Tob ;  and  there 
gathered  themselves  to  Yiphthach  idle  men, 
and  they  went  out  with  him. 

4  Tf  And  it  came  to  pass  after  some  time, 
that  the  children  of  'Ammon  made  war  against 
Israel. 

5  And  it  was  so,  when  the  children  of 
'Ammon  made  war  against  Israel,  that  the 
elders  of  Gil'ad  went  to  fetch  Yiphthach  out 
of  the  land  of  Tob. 

6  And  they  said  unto  Yiphthach,  Come, 
and  become  a  leader  unto  us,  tliat  we  may 
fight  with  the  children  of  'Ammon. 

7  And  Yiphthach  said  unto  the  elders  of 
Gil'ad,  Did  ye  not  hate  me,  and  drive  me 
away  out  of  my  father's  house  ?  and  why  are 
ye  come  unto  me  now,  when  ye  are  in  dis- 
tress ? 

8  And  the  elders  of  Gil'ad  said  unto  Yiph- 
thach, Therefore  are  we  now  come  Isack  to 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  go  with  us,  and  fight 
against  the  children  of  'Ammon;  and  thou 
shalt  become  unto  us  a  head,  unto  all  the  in- 
habitants of  Gil'ad. 

0  And  Yiphthach  said  unto  the  elders  of 
Gil'ad,  If  ye  bring  me  home  again  to  fight 
against  the  children  of  'Annnon,  and  the  Lord 
give  them  up  I)efore  me,  shall'  I  remain  your 
head  ? 

10  And  the  elders  of  Gil'ad  said  unto  Yii)h- 
thach,  The  Lord  shall  be  a  hearer''  between 
us,  if  Ave  do  not  so  according  to  thy  word. 

11  Then  went  Yiphthach  with  the  elders 
of  Gil'ad,  and  the  people  appointed  him  over 

"  Improperly  termed  in  the  English  version  Jcphthah. 

^  Others,  "  a  strange  woman."  It  was,  no  doubt,  illegal 
to  banish  Yiphthaeh,  as  the  children  of  a  concubine,  (which 
according  to  Jewish  opinion  is  meant  here,)  could  inherit. 

°  Arnheim  renders  this  affirmatively,  "  then  will  I  re- 
main your  head."  Either  way  it  is  a  contract  which  he 
made  with  the  elders,  that  it  should  nut  be  merely  for  the 


them  as  head  and  as  leader;  and  Yiphthach 
spoke  all  his  words  before  the  Lord  in  Mitz- 
pah. 

12  T[  And  Yiphthach  sent  messengers  unto 
the  king  of  the  children  of  'Ammon,  saying, 
What  have  I  to  do  Avith  thee,  that  thou  art 
come  unto  me  to  fight  against  my  land  ? 

13  And  the  king  of  the  children  of  'Annnon 
said  unto  the  messengers  of  Yiphthach,  lie- 
cause  Israel  took  away  my  land,  Avhen  the\ 
came  up  out  of  Egypt,  from  the  Arnon  eveii 
unto  the  Yabbok,  and  unto  the  Jordan:  and 
noAv  restore  these  (lands)  again  in  peace. 

14  And  Yiphthach  again  sent  messengers 
unto  the  king  of  the  children  of  'Amnion  ; 

15  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thus  hath  said 
Yiphthach,  Israel  did  not  take  away  the  land 
of  Moiib,  nor  the  land  of  the  children  of  'Am- 
nion; 

16  For  when  they  came  up  out  of  Egypt, 
Israel  Avalked  through  the  Avilderness  unto  the 
Red  Sea,  and  came  to  Kadesh; 

17  And  Israel  then  sent  messengers  unto 
the  king  of  Edom,  saying,  Let  me  pass,  I  pray 
thee,  through  thy  land;  but  the  king  of  Edom 
AvoiUd  not  Iiearken;  and  also  to  the  king  of 
Moiib  they  sent;  but  he  Avould  not  consent: 
and  Israel  remained  in  Kadesh. 

IS  Then  they  Avandered  through  the  Avil- 
derness, and  travelled  round  the  land  of  Edom, 
and  the  land  of  Moalj,  and  came  from  the 
rising  of  the  sun  to  the  land  of  Moiib,  and  en- 
camped on  the  other  side  of  the  Arnon;  but 
they  came  not  Avithin  the  border  of  Moiib ;  for 
the  i^.rnon  is  the  boundary  of  Moiib. 

19  And  Israel  sent  messengers  unto  Sichon 
the  king  of  the  Emorites,  the  king  of  Chesh- 
bon ;  and  Israel  said  unto  him.  Let  us  pass, 
Ave  pray  thee,  through  thy  land  unto  my" 
place. 

20  But  Sichon  trusted  not  Israel  to  (let 
them)  pass  through  his  territoiy;  and  Sichon 
assembled  all  his  people,  and  encamped  in 
Yaliaz,  and  fought  against  Israel. 

21  And  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  deliver- 
ed Sichon  and  all  his  people  into  tlie  hand  of 

war  that  he  was  to  be  the  leader,  but  even  after  the  de- 
liverance of  the  people  had  been  achieved :  the  elders  as- 
sented to  this  proposition  also  in  verse  10. 

*  Eug.  version,  "witness,"  viz.  through  means  of  hear- 
ing. 

'  The  chief  speaking  in  the  singular  in  the  name  of  the 
people. 

301 


JUDGES  XI. 


Israel,  and  they  smote  them;  and  Israel  took 
possession  of  all  the  land  of  the  Emorites,  the 
inhabitants  of  that  country. 

22  And  they  took  possession  of  all  the 
territory  of  the  Emorites,  from  the  Anion 
even  unto  the  Yabbok,  and  from  the  wilder- 
ness even  unto  the  Jordan. 

2.3  So  now  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  hath 
dispossessed  the  Emorites  from  before  his  peo- 
ple Israel,  and  shouldst  thou  possess''  it  ? 

24  Truly!  that  which  Kemosh  thy  go"d 
may  give  thee  to  possess,  even  that  canst  thou 
possess;  but  whatsoever  the  Lord  our  God 
hath  driven  out  from  liefore  us,  even  that  will 
we  possess. 

25  And  now  art  thou  then  any  better  than 
Balak  the  son  of  Zippor,  the  king  of  Moab  ? 
did  he  ever  strive  against  Israel,  or  did  he 
ever  fight  against  them  ? 

2G  (And)  while  Israel  hath  dwelt  in  Chesh- 
bon  and  in  its  towns,  and  in  'Ar'or  and  in  its 
towns,  and  in  all  the  cities  that  are  along  the 
margins  of  the  Anion,  three  hundred  years : 
why  did  ye  not  recover  them  within  that 
time  ? 

27  Whereas  I  myself  have  not  sinned 
against  thee,  and  thou  doest  me  wrong  to  war 
against  me :  may  the  Lord,  the  Judge,  decide 
this  day  between  the  children  of  Israel  and 
the  children  of  'Ammon. 

28  Nevertheless  the  king  of  the  children  of 
'Amnion  hearkened  not  unto  the  words  of 
Yiphthach  which  he  had  sent  to  him. 

29  ^  Then  came  upon  Yiphthach  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord,  and  he  passed  through  Gil'ad 
and  Menasseh,  and  passed  through  Mitzpeh 
of  Gil'ad,  and  from  Mitzpeh  of  Gil'ad  he  pass- 
ed over  unto  the  children  of  'Amnion. 

30  And  Yiphthach  made  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord,  and  said,  If  thou  wilt  indeed  deliver 
the  children  of  'Ammon  into  my  hand, 

31  Then  shall  it  be,  that  whatsoever  coni- 
etli^  forth  out  of  the  doors  of  my  house  to 
meet  me,  when  I  return  in  peace  from  the 

°  Others  render,  "and  thou  wouldst  drive  them  out?" 
''  Heb.  "  the  fortheomer  that  comcth  forth." 
"  pll   is  not  transhitablc   in   this   i)iissage:    it  means, 
"and  only;"   and  is  used  to  qualify  intensively  the  ad- 
jective mTl",  thus,  "absolutely  his  sole  child." 

"^  "1'he  term  'descend  to  the  mountains'  is  used,  because 
Mizpah  was  situated  on  higher  ground." — Heuxheimer. 
"Descending  is  here  used  as  indicating  to  go  into  the 
caves  of  the  same." — Phiui'I'son.  Kashi  renders, 'mi-i 
"I  will  mourn  on  the  mountains." 
302 


children  of  'Ammon,  shall  belong  to  the  Lord, 
and  I  will  offer  it  up  for  a  burnt-offering. 

32  ][  So  Yiphthach  passed  over  unto  the 
children  of  'Amnion  to  fight  against  them: 
and  the  Lord  delivered  them  into  his  hand. 

33  And  he  smote  them  from  'Aro'er,  even 
till  thou  comest  to  Minnith,  twenty  cities, 
and  unto  Abel-keraniin,  with  a  very  great 
defeat;  and  the  children  of  'Amnion  were 
humbled  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

34  ^  And  Yiphthach  came  to  Mizpah  unto 
his  house,  and,  behold,  his  daughter  came  out 
to  meet  him  with  timbrels  and  with  dances: 
and  she"  was  his  sole  child;  he  had  beside  her 
neither  son  nor  daughter. 

35  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  saw  her, 
that  he  rent  his  garments,  and  said,  Alas, 
1113'  daughter!  thou  hast  bent  me  down  very 
low,  and  thou  art  one  of  those  that  trouble 
me;  for  I  have  ojiened  ni\'  mouth  unto  tlie 
Lord,  and  I  cannot  go  back. 

36  And  she  said  unto  him.  My  father,  if 
thou  hast  opened  thy  mouth  unto  the  Lord^ 
do  to  me  in  accordance  with  what  hath  pro- 
ceeded out  of  thy  mouth ;  since  the  Lord  hath 
taken  vengeance  for  thee  on  thy  enemies, 
on  the  children  of  'Amnion. 

37  And  she  said  unto  her  father.  Let  this 
thing  be  done  for  me:  Let  me  alone  two 
months,  that  I  may  descend*  to  the  moun- 
tains, and  bewail  my  virginity,  I  with  my 
companions. 

38  And  he  said,  Go.  And  he  sent  her 
away  for  two  months :  and  she  went  with  her 
companions,  and  bewailed  her  virginity  on 
the  mountains. 

3 'J  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two 
months,  that  she  returned  unto  her  father, 
and  lie  fulfilled'"  on  her  his  vow  which  he  had 
vowed;  and  she  knew  no  man;  and  it  be- 
came a  custom  in  Israel, 

40  That  the  daughters  of  Israel  went  from 
year  to  year  to  lament/  for  the  daughter  of 
Yiphthach  the  Gil'adite  four  days  in  the  year. 

"  Some  suppose  that  Yiphthach  actually  slew  his  daugh- 
ter, though  of  course  not  in  the  sanctuary;  others,  among 
them  Redak,  that  ho  built  a  house  beyond  the  precincts 
of  the  city,  where  she,  his  only  child,  lived  secluded  and 
unmarried  all  her  life.  To  those  who  know  how  much 
Israelites  regarded  children  as  a  blessing,  it  will  be  easy 
to  conceive  that  such  a  seclusion  must  have  been  extremely 
painful  to  Yijihthaoh  no  less  than  to  his  daughter,  without 
assuming  that  he  actually  sacrificed  her. 

'  Sachs  and  others,  "  to  sing  the  praise  of,"  &c. 


JUDGES  XII.  XIII. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ]|  And  the  men  of  Epliraim  were  called 
together,  and  went  northward,  and  said  unto 
Yijilitliaeh,  Wherefore  didst  thou  pass  over  to 
liii'lit  against  the  children  of  'Amnion,  and 
didst  not  call  for  us  to  go  with  thee?  thy 
house  will  we  burn  over  thee  with  fire. 

2  And  Yiphthach  said  unto  them,  I  and 
my  people  were  greatly  engaged  in  strife 
with  the  children  of 'Amnion;  and  I  called 
you,  but  ye  helped  me  not  out  of  their 
hand. 

3  And  when  I  saw  that  ye  helped  me  not, 
1  put  my  life''  in  my  hand,  and  passed  over 
to  the  children  of  'Amnion,  and  the  Lord  de- 
livered them  into  my  hand;  and  why  then 
are  ye  come  up  unto  me  this  day,  to  fight 
against  me? 

4  Then  Yiphthach  gathered  together  all 
the  men  of  Gil'ad,  and  fought  with  Ephraim; 
and  the  men  of  Gil'ad  smote  Ephraim,  because 
they  said,  Ye  are  fugitives  of  Ephraim :  Gil'ad 
is  in  the  midst,  between  Ephraim  and  Me- 
nasseh.** 

5  And  the  Gil'adites  seized  on  the  passages 
of  the  Jordan  before  the  Ephraimites:  and 
it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Ephraimites  who 
had  escaped  said,  Let  me  pass  over;  that  the 
men  of  Gil'ad  said  unto  him.  Art  thou  an 
Ephrathite?  and  if  he  said.  No; 

(J  Tlien  said  they  unto  him,  Do  say.  Shib- 
boleth; but  when  he  said,  Sibboleth,  and  was 
not  able  to  pronounce  it  correctly,  they  laid 
hold  of  him  and  slew  him  on  the  passages  of 
the  Jordan ;  and  there  fell  at  that  time  of  the 
Ephraimites  forty  and  two  thousand. 

7  And  Yiphthach  judged  Israel  six  years; 
and  then  died  Y^iphthach  the  Gil'adite,  and 
was  buried  in  (one  of)  the  cities  of  Gil'ad. 

8  ^  And  after  him  there  judged  Israel 
Ibzan  of  Beth-lechem. 

9  And  he  had  thirty  sons;  and  thirty 
daughters  he  sent  abroad,"  and  thirty  daugh- 
ters he  brought  in  for  his  sons  from  abroad: 
and  he  judged  Israel  seven  years. 

'  Figuratively  for  "perilling  life." 

''  After  Philippson,  who  considers  these  the  words  of 
the  Gil'adites,  reproaching  the  men  of  Ephraim,  who,  en- 
deavouring to  fly,  were  taunted  when  taken  with  their 
presumptuous  invasion  of  the  east  side  of  the  Jordan. 
The  meaning  is,  "Now  ye  Ephraimites  have  to  fly,  and  we 
Gil'adites  will  prevent  you,  as  our  country,  bordering  on 
the  river,  is  situated  between  the  two  tribes."     Hashi, 


10  Then  died  Ibzan,  and  was  buried  at 
Beth-lechem. 

11  T[  And  after  him  there  judged  Israel  Elon 
the  Zebulonite :  and  he  judged  Israel  ten  years. 

12  Then  died  Elon  the  Zelndonite.  and  was 
buried  in  Ayalon  in  the  country  of  Zebulun. 

13  ^  And  after  him  there  judged  Israel 
'Abdon  the  son  of  Hillel  the  Piratlionite. 

14  And  he  had  forty  sons  and  thirty  grand- 
sons, that  rode  on  seventy  ass-colts:  and  he 
judged  Israel  eight  years. 

15  Then  died"'Abdon  the  son  of  Ilillel  the 
Pir'athonite,  and  was  buried  in  Pir'athon  in 
the  land  of  Ephraim,  in  the  mountain  of  the 
'Amalekites. 

CHAPTER  XIIL 

1  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  did  again 
the  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord;  and  the  Lord 
delivered  them  into  the  hand  of  the  Philis- 
tines forty  years. 

2  ][  And  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Zor'ah, 
of  the  flimily  of  the  Danites,  whose  name 
was  Manoach ;  and  his  wife  was  barren,  and 
did  not  bear. 

3  And  there  appeared  an  angel  of  the  Lord 
unto  the  woman,  and  he  said  unto  her,  Be- 
hold, thou  art  bai'ren,  and  hast  not  born;  Init 
thou  wilt  conceive,  and  bear  a  son. 

4  And  now  do  beware,  and  drink  neither 
wine  nor  strong  drink,  and  eat  not  any  thing 
unclean. 

5  For,  lo,  thou  wilt  conceive,  and  bear  a 
son;  and  no  razor  shall  come  on  his  head; 
for  a  Nazarite  of  God  shall  the  lad  be  from 
the  womb:  and  he  shall  begin  to  deliver  Is- 
rael out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

G  And  the  woman  came  and  told  her  hus- 
band, saying,  A  man  of  God  came  unto  me, 
and  his  appearance  was  like  the  appearance 
of  an  angel  of  God,  very  terrible;  but  I  asked 
him  not  whence  he  might  be,  and  his  name 
he  did  not  tell  me. 

7  And  he  said  unto  me.  Behold,  thou  wilt 
conceive,  and  bear  a  son;  and  now  thou  must 
drink  neither  wine  nor  strong  drink,  and  not 

after  Jonathan,  translates,  "For  the  meanest  of  the 
Ephraimites  had,  despising  the  Gil'adites,  said,  What 
are  you  valued  at  in  the  midst  of  Ephraim  and  the  midst 
of  Menassch  ?"  The  slaughter  of  the  fugitives  is  iu  this 
way  assigned  to  motives  of  revenge  fur  past  ill-usage. 
There  are  other  versions  of  this  diftieult  verso,  but  we 
cannot  give  them  all. 

'  ('.  e.  He  gave  in  marriage 

303 


JUDGES  XIII.  XIV. 


eat  any  thing  unclean;  for  the  child  shall  be 
a  Nazarite  of  God  from  the  womb  until  the 
day  of  his  death. 

8  T[  And  Manoach  entreated  the  Lord, 
and  said,  Hear  me,  0  Lord,  let  the  man  of 
God,  whom  thou  didst  send,  come  again  unto 
us,  and  instruct  us  what  we  shall  do  unto  the 
child  that  is  to  be  born. 

9  And  God  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  Ma- 
noach ;  and  the  angel  of  God  came  again  unto 
the  woman,  as  she  was  sitting  in  the  field; 
and  Manoach  her  husband  was  not  with  her. 

10  And  the  woman  made  haste,  and  ran, 
and  informed  her  husband ;  and  she  said  unto 
him.  Behold,  there  luith  apj^eared  inito  me 
the  man,  that  came  unto  me  the  other"  day. 

11  And  Manoach  arose,  and  went  after  his 
wife ;  and  he  came  to  the  man,  and  said  unto 
him.  Art  thou  the  man  that  spokest  unto  the 
woman?  and  he  said,  I  am. 

12  And  Manoach  said,  If  now''  thy  words 
come  to  j)ass,  what  shall  be  (our)  ^ii'oceeding 
with  the  child,  and  what  shall  be  done  unto 
him? 

13  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 
Manoach,  Of  all  that  I  have  said  unto  the 
woman  must  she  beware. 

14  Of  any  thing  that  cometh  of  the  grape- 
vine she  may  not  eat,  and  wine  or  strong 
drink  she  may  not  drinlc,  and  any  thing  un- 
clean she  may  not  eat :  all  that  I  commanded 
her  must  she  observe. 

15  And  Manoach  said  unto  the  angel  of 
the  Lord,  Let  us,  I  pray  thee,  detain  thee, 
and  we  will  make  a  kid  ready  for"  thee. 

16  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 
Manoach,  Though  thou  detain  me,  I  will  not 
eat  of  thy  bread;  but  if  thou  wilt  offer  a 
burnt-offering,  thou  must  offer  it  unto  the 
Lord  ;  for  Manoach  knew  not  that  he  was  an 
angel  of  tlie  Lord. 

17  And  Manoach  said  unto  the  angel  of 
the  Lord,  What  is  thy  name,  that,  when  thy 
word  cometh  to  pass,  we  may  do  thee  honour ? 

18  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto 
him.  Why  is  it  that  thou  wilt  ask  after  my 
uame,  seeing  it  is  secret? 

°  Others,  "  to-day,"  conceiving  that  the  angel  returned 
the  very  same  day. 

'■  Arnheim  views  this  phrase  as  a  substitute  for  the  ex- 
pression "Let  us  now  hear  thy  words,"  "do  tell  us,"  so 
liliewise  in  verse  17. 

"  Lit.  "before  thee." 
304 


19  And  Manoach  took  the  kid  and  the 
meat-offering,  and  offered  it  upon  the''  rock 
unto  the  Lord:  and  he  did  woudrously;  and 
Manoach  and  his  Avife  looked  on. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  flame 
went  up  from  off  the  altar  toward  heaven, 
that  the  angel  of  the  Lord  ascended  in  the 
flame  of  the  altar;  and  Manoach  and  his  wife 
looked  on,  and  they  fell  on  their  faces  to  the 
ground. 

21  And  the  angel  of  tlie  Lord  was  no 
longer  visible  to  Manoach  and  to  his  wife: 
then  knew  Manoach  that  he  was  an  angel  of 
the  Lord. 

22  And  Manoach  said  unto  his  wife,  We 
shall  surely  die,  because  a  divine  being  have 
we  seen. 

23  But  his  wife  said  unto  him.  If  the  Lord 
were  pleased  to  kill  us,  he  would  not  have 
received  from  our  hand  a  burnt-offering  and  a 
meat-offering,  nor  would  he  have  let  us  see  all 
these  things,  and  at  this  time  he  would  udt 
have  let  us  hear  (such  a  thing)  as  this. 

24  And  the  woman  bore  a  son,  and  called 
his  name  Samson;'  and  the  child  grew  up, 
and  the  Lord  blessed  him. 

25  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  began  to 
move  him  in  Machaneh-dan'^  between  Zor'ah 
and  Eshtatil. 

CHAPTER  XIY. 

1  ^  And  Samson  went  down  to  Tim- 
nathah,  and  saw  a  woman  in  Tinniathah  of 
the  daughters  of  the  Philistines. 

2  And  he  went  up,  and  told  his  father  and 
his  mother,  and  said,  I  have  seen  a  woman  in 
Timnathah  of  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines; 
and  now  take  her  to  me  for  wife. 

3  Then  said  unto  him  his  father  and  his 
mother.  Is  there  not  among  the  daughters  of 
thy  brethi-en,  or  among  all  my  people,  a 
woman,  that  thou  art  going  to  take  a  wife 
from  the  Philistines,  the  uncircumcised  ?  And 
Samson  said  unto  his  father.  This  one  take 
for  me;  for  she  pleaseth  me  well.^ 

4  But  his  father  and  his  mother  knew  not 
that  it  was  from  the  Lord,  that  he  souglit  but 


■^  The  definite  article  refers  to  the  roclc  in  tlie  field 
where  this  occurrence  took  ])lace,  and  was  no  doubt  known 
at  the  time  the  book  was  written. 

°  Correctly,  "Shimshon." 

'  Or,  "Camp  of  Dan,"  the  name  of  a  place. 

'  Heb.  "she  is  right  in  my  eyes." 


JUDGES  XIV.  XV. 


an  occasion  against  the  Philistines;  and  at 
that  time  the  Philistines  had  dominion  over 
Israel. 

5  T[  And  Samson  thus  went  down,  with 
his  fiither  and  his  mother,  to  Timnathah; 
and  wlien  they  were  come  as  far  as  tlie  vine- 
yards of  Timnathah,  hehold,  a  young  lion 
came  roaring  toward  him. 

G  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lokd  came  sud- 
denly over  him,  and  he  rent  him  as  he  would 
have  rent  a  kid,  and  he  had  nothing  in  his 
hand;  but  he  told  xaot  his  father  or  his  mother 
wliat  he  had  done. 

7  And  he  went  down,  and  spoke  unto  the 
woman;  and  she  pleased  Samson  well. 

8  And  when  he  I'eturned  after  a  time  to 
take  her,  he  turned  aside  to  see  the  carcass 
of  the  lion :  and,  behold,  there  was  a  swarm 
of  bees  in  the  carcass  of  the  lion  and  honey 
likewise. 

9  And  he  took  it  out  in  his  hands,  and 
went  on,  eating  as  he  was  going,  and  came  to 
his  father  and  mother,  and  he  gave  unto  them, 
and  they  did  eat;  but  he  told  them  not  that 
out  of  the  carcass  of  the  lion  he  had  taken 
the  honey. 

10  And  his  f;ither  went  down  unto  the 
woman;  and  Samson  made  there  a  feast;  for 
so  used  the  young  men  to  do. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  saw 
him,  that  they  brought  thirty  companions, 
and  they  remained  with  him. 

12  And  Samson  said  unto  them,  I  will 
now  propound  unto  you  a  riddle:  if  ye  can  in 
anywise  tell  it  me  within  the  seven  days  of 
the  feast,  and  find  it  out,  then  will  I  give 
you  thirty  shirts  and  thirty  changes  of  gar- 
ments ; 

13  But  if  ye  will  not  be  able  to  tell  it  to 
me,  then  shall  ye  give  me  thirty  shirts  and 
thirty  clianges  of  garments.  And  they  said 
unto  him.  Propound  thy  riddle,  that  we  may 
hear  it. 

14  And  he  said  unto  them.  Out  of  the  eater 
came  forth  food,  and  out  of  the  strong  came 
forth  sweetness.  And  they  could  not  solve' 
the  riddle  in  three  days. 

lo  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh 
day,  that  they  said  unto  Samson's  wife.  Per- 
suade thy  husband,  that  he  may  solve  unto 

•Lit.  "tell." 

""  I.  e.  Whatever  time  was  left  after  she  first  urged  him 
with  her  tears  to  betray  his  secret 

20 


US  the  riddle,  lest  we  burn  thee  and  thy 
fither's  house  with  fire:  have  ye  invited  us 
to  impoverish  us?  is  it  not  so? 

It)  And  Samson's  wife  Avept  before  him, 
and  said.  Thou  dost  l)ut  hate  me,  and  lovest 
me  not:  that  riddle  hast  thou  propounded 
unto  the  children  of  my  people,  and  me  hast 
thou  not  told  (the  solution).  And  he  said 
unto  her,  Behold,  I  have  not  told  it  to  my 
father  and  to  my  mother,  and  thee  shall  I  tell 
it? 

17  And  she  wept  before  him  the  seven 
days,*  while  their  feast  lasted ;  and  it  came  to 
pass  on  the  seventh  da}-,  that  he  told  her,  IjC- 
cause  she  had  worried  him :  and  she  told  (the 
solution  of)  the  riddle  to  the  children  of  her 
people. 

18  Then  said  unto  him  the  men  of  the 
city  on  the  seventh  day  before  the  sun  was 
yet  gone  down,  What  is  sweeter  than  honey  ? 
and  Avhat  is  stronger  than  a  lion?  And  he 
said  unto  them.  If  ye  had  not  ploughed  with 
my  heifer,  ye  had  not  found  out  my  riddle. 

19  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  sud- 
denly over  him,  and  he  went  down  to  Ashke- 
lon,  and  slew  of  them  thirty  men,  and  he  took 
their  apparel,  and  gave  the  changes  of  gar- 
ments unto  the  expounders  of  the  riddle;  but 
his  anger  was  kindled,  and  he  went  up  to  his 
father's  house. 

20  And  Samson's  wife  was  given  to  his 
companion  who  had  been  given  him  as  his 
associate. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  after  some  time, 
in  the  time  of  wheat-harvest,  that  Samson 
visited  his  wife  with  a  kid;  and  he  said.  Let 
me  go  in  to  my  wife  into  the  chamber;  but 
her  father  would  not  sutler  him  to  go  in. 

2  And  her  father  said,  I  verily  thought  that 
thou  didst  utterly  hate  her;  therefore  I  gave 
her  to  thy  companion:  is  not  her  younger 
sister  fairer  than  she  ?  Let  her  be  thine,  I 
pray  thee,  instead  of  her. 

3  And  Samson  said  to  them.  Now  shall  I 
be  more"  blameless  than  the  Philistines, 
though  I  do  them  evil. 

4  And  Samson  went  and  caught  three  hun- 
dred foxes,'*  and  took  torches,  and  turned  tail 

"  Or,  "Now  shall  I  be  blameless  regarding  the  Philis- 
tines, though,"  &c. 
"  Others,  "jackals." 

305 


JUDGES  XV.  XVI. 


to  tail,  and  put  one  torch  between  two  tails 
in  the  midst ; 

5  And  he  set  the  torches  on  fire,  and  let 
them  go  into  the  standing  corn  of  the  Philis- 
tines, and  burnt  up  both  shocks  and  standing 
corn,  as  also  olive-yards. 

6  Then  said  the  Philistines,  Who  hath  done 
this?  And  they  answered,  Samson,  the  son- 
in-law  of  the  Tliimnite,  because  he  hath  taken 
his  wife,  and  given  her  to  his  companion. 
And  the  Philistines  went  up,  and  burnt  her 
and  her  fiither  with  fire. 

7  And  Samson  said  unto  them.  Since  ye 
will  do  the  like  of  this,  I  will  surely  be 
avenged  on  you,  and  after  that  will  I  cease. 

8  And  he  smote  them  hip'  and  thigh  with 
a  great  slaughter;  and  he  w^ent  down  and 
tarried  in  the  cleft  of  the  rock  'Etam. 

9  ][  And  the  Philistines  went  u]),  and 
encamped  in  Judah,  and  spread  themselves  in 
Lechi. 

10  And  the  men  of  Judah  said,  Why  are 
■ye  come  up  against  us  ?  And  they  answered. 
To  bind  Samson  are  we  come  up,  to  do  to 
hini  as  he  hath  done  to  us. 

11  Thereupon  went  three  thousand  men 
of  Judah  down  to  the  cleft  of  the  rock  'Etam, 
and  said  to  Samson,  Knowest  thou  not  that 
the  Philistines  rule  over  us  ?  and  what  is  this 
that  thou  hast  done  unto  us  ?  And  he  said 
unto  them.  As  they  did  unto  me,  so  have  I 
done  unto  them. 

12  And  they  said  unto  him.  To  bind  thee 
are  we  come  down,  to  deliver  thee  into  the 
hand  of  the  Philistines.  And  Samson  said 
unto  them,  Swear  unto  me,  that  ye  will  not 
assail  me  yourselves. 

13  And  they  said  unto  him,  thus,  No; 
ibr  we  will  (only)  bind  thee  fast,  and  deliver 
thee  into  their  hand;  but  we  will  in  nowise 
kill  thee.  And  they  bound  him  with  two 
new  cords,  and  brought  liini  up  from  the  rock. 

14  When  he  was  come  unto  Lechi,  the 
Philistines  sliouted  against  hina;  but  the 
Spirit  of  the  LoKD  came  suddenly  over  him, 
and  the  cords  that  were  upon  his  arms  became 
as  flax  tln-eads  that  are  burnt  with  fire,  and 
his  l>ands  melted  Irom  oft"  his  hands. 

15  And  he  found  a  fresh  jaw-bone  of  an 

*  A  proverbial  phrase,  meaning  "in  every  direction." 
'  ('.  e.  The  lifting  up  of  the  jaw-bone,  or,  the  casting 
away  of  the  jaw-bouc. 
306 


ass,  and  put  forth  his  hand,  and  took  it,  and 
smote  therewith  athousand  men. 

16  And  Samson  said.  With  a  jaw-l)nne  of 
an  ass,  heaps  upon  heaps,  with  the  jaw-bone 
of  an  ass  have  I  smitten  a  thousand  men. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had  made 
an  end  of  speaking,  that  he  cast  away  the 
jaw-bone  out  of  his  hand,  and  called  that 
place  Ramath-lechi.'' 

18  And  he  became  very  thirsty,  and  he 
called  on  the  Lord,  and  said.  Thou  hast  grant- 
ed through  the  hand  of  thy  servant  this  great 
deliverance;"  and  now  shall  I  die  for  thirst, 
and  fall  into  the  hand  of  the  uncircumcised  ? 

19  But  God  clave  a  hollow  place  that  was 
at  Lechi,  and  there  came  forth  water  out  of 
it;  and  he  drank,  and  his  spirit  came  again, 
and  he  revived;  wherefore  he  called  the  name 
thereof  'En-hakkore,''  which  is  in  Lechi  unto 
this  day. 

20  And  he  judged  Israel  in  the  dajs  of  the 
Philistines''  twenty  years. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  Then  went  Samson  to Gazzah,  and  saw 
there  a  harlot,  and  went  in  unto  her. 

2  And  it  was  told  to  the  Gazzites,  saying, 
Samson  is  come  hither :  and  they  compassed 
him  in,  and  lay  in  wait  for  him  all  the  night 
in  the  gate  of  the  city,  and  held  themselves 
quiet  all  the  night,  saying,  By  the  time  it 
is  light  in  the  morning  will  we  kill  him. 

3  And  Samson  lay  till  midnight ;  but  he 
arose  at  midnight,  and  took  hold  of  the  doors 
of  the  city-gate,  and  the  two  door-jidsts,  and 
tore  them  away  with  the  bolt,  and  [)vit  tiiem 
upon  his  shoulders,  and  carried  them  up  to 
the  top  of  the  mount  that  is  before  Ik'liron. 

4  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that  he 
loved  a  woman  in  the  valley  of  Shorek,  whose 
name  was  Delilah. 

5  And  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  cniue  up 
unto  her,  and  said  unto  her,  Persuade  him, 
and  see  wherein  his  great  strength  lietli,  and 
by  what  means  we  may  prevail  over  him, 
that  we  may  bind  him  to  subdue  him :  and 
we  will  give  thee  every  one  of  us  eleven  hun- 
dred j)ieces  of  silver. 

6  And  Delilah  said  to  Samson,  Tell  me,  I 


"  Zunz  and  others,  "  victory." 

''  "  The  spring  of  him  that  called." 

"  Who  still  retained  the  supremacy. — IIedak. 


JUDGES  XVI. 


pray  tlieo,  wherein  thy  great  strength  lieth, 
and  wherewith  thou  canst  be  bound  to  subdue 
thee. 

7  And  Samson  said  unto  her,  If  they  bind 
mc  with  seven  moist  cords  which  have  not 
yet  been  dried,  then  shall  I  become  weak,  and 
be  like  any  other  of  mankind. 

S  And  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  brought 
up  to  her  seven  moist  cords  which  had  not 
yet  been  dried,  and  she  bound  him  with  them. 

9  And  she  had  men  \yuig  in  wait,  sitting 
near  her  in  the  chamber.  And  she  said  unto 
him,  The  Philistines  are  upon  thee,  Samson. 
And  he  tore  the  cords,  as  a  thread  of  tow  is 
torn  when  it  toucheth"  the  fire;  and  his 
strength  was  not  perceived.'' 

10  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson,  Behold, 
thou  hast  deceived  me,  and  told  me  lies;  now 
do  tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  wherewith  thou  canst 
be  bound. 

11  And  he  said  unto  her.  If  they  bind  me 
fast  with  new  ropes  that  have  never  been 
used  in  work,  then  shall  I  become  weak,  and 
be  like  any  other  of  mankind. 

12  And  Delilah  took  new  ropes,  and  bound 
him  therewith,  and  said  unto  him.  The  Phi- 
listines are  upon  thee,  Samson.  And  the 
Hers  in  wait  were  sitting  in  the  chamber. 
But  he  tore  them  from  off"  his  arms  like  a 
thread. 

13  And  Delilah  said  unto  Samson,  Hitherto 
thou  hast  deceived  me,  and  told  me  lies;  do 
tell  me  wherewith  thou  canst  be  bound.  And 
he  said  unto  her,  If  thou  weavest  the  seven 
locks  of  my  head  with  the  web. 

14  And  she  fiistened'  it  with  the  pin,  and 
said  unto  him,  The  Philistines  are  upon  thee, 
Samson.  And  he  awakened  out  of  his  sleep, 
and  tore  away  the  pin  of  the  loom,  with  the 
web. 

15  And  she  said  unto  him,  How  canst  thou 
say,  I  love  thee,  when  thy  heart  is  not  with 
me  ?  these  three  times  hast  thou  deceived  me, 
and  hast  not  told  me  wherein  thy  great 
strength  lieth. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  she  worried 
him  daily  with  her  words,  and  urged  him, 
that  his  soul  became  impatient  to  die;'' 

17  And  he  told  her  all  his  heart,  and  said 


•  Heb.  "  smelleth." 

'  i.  e.  It  seemed  to  require  no  strength  in  hii 
this  f^reat  feut. 


to  do 


unto  her,  A  razor  hath  not  passed  oxn-  my 
head;  for  a  Nazarite  of  God  have  I  been  from 
my  mother's  womb;  if  I  were  shaved,  my 
sti'ength  would  depart  from  me,  and  I  should 
become  weak,  and  ])e  like  all  other  men. 

18  And  when  Delilah  saw  that  he  had  told 
her  all  his  heart,  she  sent  and  called  for  the 
lords  of  the  Philistines,  sa_ying,  Come  up  this 
once;  for  he  hath  told  me  all  his  heart.  Then 
came  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  up  unto  her, 
and  brought  the  money  in  their  hand. 

19  And  she  made  him  sleep  upon  her 
knees;  and  she  called  a  man,  and  caused  him 
to  shave  off  the  seven  locks  of  his  head ;  and 
she  began  to  subdue  him,  and  his  strength 
departed  from  him. 

20  And  she  said.  The  Philistines  are  upon 
thee,  Samson.  And  he  awoke  out  of  his 
sleep,  and  thought,  I  will  go  out  as  at  other 
times  before,  and  shake  myself  free.  But  he 
knew  not  that  the  Lokd  had  departed  from  him. 

21  And  the  Philistines  seized  him,  and  put 
out  his  eyes,  and  brought  him  down  to  Gazzah, 
and  bound  him  with  fetters  of  copper ;  and  he 
had  to  grind  in  the  prison-house. 

22  But  the  hair  of  his  head  began  to  grow 
again  after  it  was  shaved  oil'. 

23  T[  And  the  lords  of  the  Philistines 
gathered  themselves  together  to  offer  a  great 
sacrifice  unto  Dagon  their  god,  and  to  rejoice; 
and  they  said,  Our  god  hath  delivered  into 
our  hand  Samson  our  enemy. 

24  And  when  the  people  saw  liim,  they 
praised  their  god;  for  they  said.  Our  god  hath 
delivered  into  our  hand  our  enemy,  and  the 
destroyer  of  our  countiy,  and  him  who  hath 
slain  so  many  of  us.' 

25  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  their  lieart 
was  merry,  that  they  said,  Call  for  Samson, 
that  he  may  make  sport  for  us.  And  they 
called  for  Samson  out  of  the  jirison-house ; 
and  he  made  sport  before  them ;  and  they 
placed  him  between  the  pillars. 

26  And  vSamson  said  unto  the  lad  that  held 
him  by  the  hand,  Suffer  me  (to  go)  and  let 
me  feel  the  pillars  whereupon  the  house  is 
supported,  that  I  may  lean  upon  them. 

27  Now  the  house  was  full  of  men  and 
women;  and  there  were  all  the  lords  of  the 


'  /.  e.  She  wove  the  locks  and  fastened  the  web. 

^  Heb.  "  shortened." 

'  Heb.  "  and  who  multiplied  our  slain." 

307 


JUDGES  XVII.  XVIII. 


Philistines ;  and  upon  the  roof  were  about 
three  thousand  men  and  women,  that  looked 
on  while  Samson  made  sport. 

28  And  Samson  called  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  0  Lord  Eternal,  remember  me,  I  pray 
thee,  and  do  thou  strengthen  me  only  this 
once,  0  God,  that  I  may  be  avenged  for  one" 
of  my  two  eyes  on  the  Philistines. 

29  And  Samson  threw  his  arms  around 
the  two  middle  pillars  u})on  which  the  house 
was  supported,  and  he  leaned  on  them,  (on) 
one  with  his  right  hand,  and  (on)  the  other 
with  his  left. 

30  And  Samson  said,  Let  me*"  die  with  the 
Philistines.  And  he  bent  (them)  with  might, 
and  the  house  fell  upon  the  lords,  and  upon 
all  the  people  that  were  therein.  So  the  dead 
whom  he  slew  at  his  death  were  moi'e  than 
those  whom  he  had  slain  in  his  life. 

31  Then  came*  down  his  brothers  and  all 
the  house  of  his  father,  and  they  took  him 
up,  and  carried  him  up,  and  buried  him  be- 
tween Zor'ah  and  Eshtaol,  in  the  burying- 
place  of  Manoach  his  father.  And  he  had 
judged  Israel  twenty  years. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  If  And  there  was"  a  man  of  the  mountain 
of  Epliraim,  whose  name  was  Michayhu. 

2  And  he  said  unto  his  mother,  The  eleven 
hundred  shekels  of  silver  that  were  taken 
from  thee,  about  which  thou  cursedst,''  and 
spokest  of  also  in  my  ears, — behold,  the  silver 
is  with  me;  I  took  it.  And  his  mother  said. 
Blessed  be  my  son  unto  the  Lord. 

3  And  he  restored  the  eleven  hundred 
shekels  of  silver  to  his  mother ;  and  his  mother 
said,  I  had  wholly  dedicated  the  silver  unto 
tlie  Lord  from  my  hand,  for  my  son,  to  make 
a  graven  and  molten  image ;  and  now  I  will 
give  it  back  unto  thee. 

4  Yet  he  gave  tlie  money"  back  unto  his 

'  Ilashi ;  others,  "  that  I  may  execute  one  vengeance 
fur  my  two  eyes  on  the  Philistines." 

"  Heb.  "  my  soul." 

°  Commentators  suppose  that  the  history  of  chapters 
xvii.  and  xviii.  occurred  during  the  oppression  of  Cushan 
llish'atayiui,  hence  before  the  time  of  'Othniol,  the  first 
judge  ;  and  that  the  events  of  xix.,  xx.,  and  xxi.  occurred 
]ierhaps  immediately  after  .Joshua's  death.  But  as  they 
have  no  reference  to  the  relation  of  the  Israelites  with 
other  nations,  they  have  been  placed  at  tlie  end  of  the 
Book  of  Judges,  so  as  not  to  interrupt  the  narrative. — After 
llASHi  and  Philippson 
308 


mother;  and  his  mother  took  two  lunidrcd 
shekels  of  silver,  and  gave  them  to  the  silver- 
smith, who  made  thereof  a  graven  and  molten 
image;  and  it  was  in  the  house  of  Micali.*^ 

5  And  the  man  Micah  had  a  house  of  god, 
and  he  made  an  ephod,  and  tcraphim,  and 
con.secrated^'  one  of  his  ^ons,  who  l)ecame  his 
priest. 

6  In  those  days  there  was  no  king  in 
Israel:  every  man  did  what  seemed  right  in 
his  own  eves. 

7  Tl  And  there  was  a  young  man  out  of  Beth- 
lechem-judah  of  the  family  of  Judali,''  but  he 
was  a  Levite,  and  sojourned  tliere. 

8  And  tiie  man  departed  from  the  city, 
from  Beth-k'chem-judah,  to  sojourn  where  he 
could  tind  (a  jjbace) ;  and  he  came  to  the 
mountain  of  Ephraim  to  the  house  of  Micah, 
as  lie  was  pursuing  his  journey. 

9  And  Micah  said  unto  him.  Whence 
comest  thou?  And  he  said  unto  him,  I  am 
a  Levite  from  Beth-lechem-judah,  and  I  go 
to  sojourn  Avhere  I  may  tind  (a  place). 

10  And  Micah  said  unto  him.  Remain  with 
me,  and  become  unto  me  a  father  and  a  priest, 
and  I  will  give  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver  for 
the  year,  and  suitable  apparel,  and  thy  vic- 
tuals.    And  the  Levite  went  in. 

11  And  the  Levite  consented  to  dwell  with 
the  man;  and  the  young  man  was  unto  him 
as  one  of  his  sons. 

12  And  Micah  consecrated  the  Levite ; 
and  the  young  intin  became  his  priest,  and 
remained  in  the  house  of  Micah. 

13  Then  said  Micah,  Now  I  know  that  the 
Lord  will  do  me  good,  seeing  I  have  obtained 
a  Levite  for  priest. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  In  those  days  there  was  no  king  in  Israel ; 
and  in  those  days  the  tribe  of  the  Danites 
were  seeking  for  themselves  an  inheritance  tc 


■^  /.  e.  The  thief,  whoever  he  might  be. 

°  Probably  he  declined  supplying  the  money  himself; 
whereupon  his  uKitlur  took  it  hereelf  to  tlie  silversmith. 

■  Michah,  abbreviated  from  Michayhu. — The  image  wa.s 
both  molten  and  rhis(dled  out  with  the  graver — not  tw(. 
imagi'S,  as  the  English  version  has  it.  Tlie  whole  sh  !ws : 
confused  idea  of  religion,  that  people  who  believed  in  the 
Lord  slmuld  make  an  image  to  honnur  him ;  and  the  entire 
transaction  proves  the  bad  influence  of  Canaanitish  rxam 
pie  (in  the  people. 

e  Hcb    "  tilled  the  hand." 
;|      ''  ('.  c.  The  place  belonged  to  Judah. 


JUDGES  xvm. 


lIwcU  in;  for  there  had  not  ftillen  to  their 
share  up  to  that  day  among  tlie  tribes  of 
Israel  a  (sufficient)  inlieritanee. 

2  ]f  And  the  children  of  Dan  sent  from 
their  family  five  men  from  among  themselves, 
men  of  valour,  from  Zorah,  and  from  Esh- 
taiil,  to  spy  out  the  land,  and  to  search  it; 
and  they  said  unto  them,  Go,  search  the  land. 
And  they  came  to  the  mountain  of  Ephraim, 
as  far  as  the  house  of  Micah,  and  lodged 
there. 

3  They  were  just  by  the  house  of  Micah, 
when  they  recognised  the  voice  of  the  young 
man  the  Levite ;  and  they  turned  in  thither, 
and  said  unto  him.  Who  brought  thee  hither? 
and  what  doest  thou  in  this  place  ?  and  what 
hast  thou  here  ? 

4  And  he  said  unto  them,  Thus  and  thus 
hath  Mictdi  done  unto  me;  and  he  hired  me, 
and  I  became  his  priest. 

5  And  they  said  unto  him.  Ask  counsel, 
we  pray  thee,  of  God,  that  we  may  know 
whether  our  way  on  which  we  are  going  shall 
be  prosperous. 

6  And  the  priest  said  unto  them,  Go  in 
peace :  before  the  Lord  is  your  way  on  which 
ye  will  go. 

7  ^I  And  the  five  men  departed,  and  came 
to  Layish,  and  saw  the  people  that  were 
therein,  dwelling  in  security,  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  Zidonians,  quiet  and  secure ;  and 
no  one  inflicted  any  wrong  in  the  land,  as 
hereditary  ruler  ;^  and  they  were  far  from  the 
Zidonians,  and  had  no  concern  with  any  man. 

S  And  they  came  unto  their  brethren  to 
Zor  ah  and  Eshtaol :  and  their  brethren  said 
unto  them.  What  (news  bring)  ye  ? 

9  And  they  said,  Arise,  and  let  us  go  up 
against  them ;  for  we  have  seen  the  land,  and, 
behold,  it  is  very  good:  and  you  keep  still?** 
be  not  slothful,  to  go,  to  enter  to  take  pos- 
session of  the  land. 

10  When  ye  enter,  ye  will  come  unto  a 
secure  people,  and  the  land  is  roomy ;  for  God 
hath  given  it  into  your  hand ;  a  place  where 
theie  is  no  want  of  any  thing  that  is  on  the 
earth. 


"  After  Sachs ;  and  means  then,  that  there  was  no  con- 
test and  its  consequent  wrong  and  injuries  arising,  as  so 
frequently,  from  a  quarrel  about  the  succession.  Philipp- 
son  comments  that  no  ruler  in  the  vicinity  had  the  power 
to  injure  them  ;  whence  their  security. 


11  ])  And  there  went  from  there  of  the 
family  of  tlie  Danites,  out  of  Zor'ali  and  out 
of  Eshtaol,  six  hundred  men  girded  with 
weapons  of  war. 

12  And  they  Avent  up,  and  encamped  in 
Kiryath-ye'arim,  in  Judah;  wherefore  they 
called  that  place  Machaneh-dan  until  this 
day;   behold,  it  is  behind  Kiryath-ye'arim. 

13  And  they  pa.ssed  thence  unto  the  moun- 
tain of  Ephraim,  and  came  as  far  as  the 
house  of  Micah. 

14  Then  commenced  the  five  men  tliat  iiad 
gone  to  spy  out  the  country  of  Layish.  and 
said  unto  their  brethren.  Do  ye  know  that 
there  are  in  these  houses  an  ephod,  and  tera- 
phim,  and  a  graven  and  molten  image?  and 
now  consider  what  ac  have  to  do. 

15  And  they  turned  thitherward,  and 
came  to  the  house  of  the  young  man  the 
Levite,  unto  the  house  of  Micah,  and  asked 
him  after  his  welfare." 

16  And  the  six  hundred  men  who  were  of 
the  children  of  Dan,  girded  with  their  wea- 
pons of  war,  remained   standing  by  the  en- 

j  trance  of  the  gate. 

I  17  And  the  five  men  that  had  gone  to  spy 
!  out  the  land  went  up,  and  came  in  thither, 
[  and  took  the  graven  image,  and  the  ephod, 
!  and  the  teraphim,  and  the  molten  image ;  and 
;  the  priest  stood  in  the  entrance  of  the  gate 
I  with  the  six  hundred  men  that  were  girded 
with  the  weapons  of  war. 

18  And  these  went  into  Micah's  house, 
and  took  the  graven  image,  the  ephod,  and 
the  teraphim,  and  the  molten  image ;  and  the 
priest  said  unto  them,  What  are  ye  doing? 

19  And  they  said  unto  him.  Be  still,  lay 
thy  hand  upon  thy  mouth,  and  go  with  us, 
and  become  to  us  a  father  and  a  priest:  is  it 
better  that  thou  be  a  priest  unto  the  house  of 
one  man,  or  that  thou  be  a  priest  unto  a  tribe 
and  a  family  in  Israel? 

20  And  the  priest's  heart  became  glad,  and 
he  took  the  ephod,  and  the  terapliim,  and  the 
graven  image,  and  came  into  tlie  midst  of  the 
people. 

21  And  they  turned  and  went  away,  and 


■^  Abarbanel,  "But  you  keep  still?"  /.  e.  keep  your  ex- 
pedition a  secret.  Rashi  and  others,  "  And  you  rciunin 
idle?"   ('.  ('.   hesitate  to  go  thither. 

°  Lit.  "  Asked  him  concerning  (his)  peace,"  i.n.  "saluted 
him." 

309 


JUDGES  XVIII.  XIX. 


placed  the  little  ones  and  the  cattle  and  the 
heavy  things  before  them. 

22  When  they  were  at  a  distance  from  the 
house  of  Micah,  the  men  that  were  in  the 
houses  near  to  Micah's  house  were  called  to- 
gether, and  they  overtook  the  children  of 
Dan. 

23  And  they  called  unto  the  children  of 
Dan,  who  turned  their  faces,  and  said  unto 
Micah,  What  aileth  thee,  that  thou  hast  called 
out  thy  people? 

24  And  he  said.  My  god  which  I  made 
have  ye  taken  away,  and  the  priest,  and  are 
gone  away;  and  what  have  I  more?  and 
what  is  this  ye  say  unto  me.  What  aileth 
thee? 

25  And  the  children  of  Dan  said  unto  him. 
Cause  not  thy  voice  to  be  heard  among  us, 
lest  men  of  an  imbittered  spirit  assail  thee, 
and  thou  lose  thy  life,  with  the  life  of  thy 
household. 

26  And  the  children  of  Dan  went  on  their 
way;  and  when  Micah  saw  that  they  were 
too  strong  for  him,  he  turned  and  went  back 
unto  his  house. 

27  And  they  took  what  Micah  had  made, 
and  the  priest  whom  he  had  had,  and  came 
over  Layish,  over  a  people  that  were  quiet 
and  secui'e;  and  they  smote  them  with  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  and  the  city  they  burnt 
witli  fire. 

28  And  there  was  no  deliverer;  because  it 
was  far  from  Zidon,  and  the  people  had  ]io 
business  with  any  man;  and  it  was  in  the 
valley  that  lieth  by  Both-rechob.  And  they 
rebuilt  the  city,  and  dwelt  therein. 

29  And  they  called  the  name  of  the  city, 
Dan,  after  the  name  of  Dan  their  father,  who 
was  boi'n  unto  Israel:  nevertheless,  Layish 
was  the  name  of  the  city  at  first. 

30  And  the  children  of  Dan  erected  for 
themselves  the  graven  image :  and  Jonathan, 
the  son  of  Gershora,  the  son  of  Menasseh,"  he 
and  his  sons  were  priests  to  the  tribe  of  Dan 
until  the  day  of  the  exile  of  the  land.'' 

31  And  they  set  up  for  themselves  Mi- 
cah's graven  image,  which  he  had  made, 
all  the  time  that  the  house  of  God  was  in 
Shiloh. 


"  This  is  said  to  staud  for  Moses,  the  j  of  ntJ'jn  being 
writtcu  suspended,  indicating  that  it  is  superfluous. 

'■  Iledak  refers  this  to  the  capture  of  the  ark  by  the 
Philistines.     (1  Sam.  iv.  11.) 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  daj's, 
when  there  was  no  king  in  Israel,"  that 
there  was  a  certain  Levite  sojourning  on  the 
lower  edge  of  the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  who 
took  to  himself  a  concubine  out  of  Beth-lechem- 
judah. 

2  And  his  concubine  became  fixithless  unto 
him,  and  she  went  away  from  him  unto  her 
father's  house  to  Beth-lechem-judah.  and  was 
there  one  year*  and  four  months. 

3  And  tlien  her  husband  arose,  and  went 
after  her,  to  speakly  fi'iendly  unto  her,  to 
bring  her  back;  and  he  had  his  servant  with 
him,  and  a  couple  of  asses :  and  she  brought 
him  into  her  father's  house;  and  when  the 
father  of  the  damsel  saw  him,  he  rejoiced  to 
meet  him. 

4  And  his  father-in-law,  the  damsel's  fa- 
ther, detained  him;  and  he  abode  with  him 
three  days:  and  they  ate  and  drank,  and 
lodged  there. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  fourth  day, 
that  they  arose  early  in  the  morning,  and  he 
rose  up  to  depart;  but  the  damsel's  father 
said  unto  his  son-in-law,  Comfort  thy  heart 
with  a  morsel  of  bread,  and  afterward  can  ye 
go  your  way. 

6  And  they  sat  down,  and  both  of  them 
ate  togetlier  and  drank;  and  the  damsel's 
father  said  unto  the  man.  Do  consent,  I  jiray 
thee,  and  tarry  all  night,  and  let  tliy  heart  be 
merry. 

7  Still  the  man  rose  up  to  depart;  but 
his  iather-in-law  urged  him,  and  he  turned 
back  and  lodged  there. 

8  And  when  he  arose  early  in  the  morning 
on  the  fifth  day  to  depart,  the  damsel's  fatiier 
said,  Comfort  thy  heart,  I  pray  thee,  and 
tarry  until  the  decline  of  the  day :  and  Ijoth 
of  them  did  eat. 

9  And.  when  the  man  rose  up  to  denart, 
he,  and  his  concubine,  and  his  servant,  his 
father-in-law,  the  damsel's  father,  said  unto 
him,  Beliold,  now  tlie  day  drawetli  tdward 
evening,  tarry  all  night,  I  pray  you :  behold, 
it  is  the  resting  time  of  day,  lodge  here,  and 
let  thy  heart  be  merry;  and  you  may  get 

°  The  history  of  the  lawless  act  here  described  is  well 
introduced  in  this  manner,  as  it  could  not  have  occurred 
when  the  law  of  God  was  properly  administered. 

^  Others,  "four  whole  months." 


JUDGES  XIX.  XX. 


early  to-morrow  on  your  way,  and  go  then  to 
tliy'tent. 

U)  But  the  man  would  not  tarry  that  night, 
but  he  rose  up  and  went  away,  and  came  as 
fixr  as  opposite  Jebus,  which  is  Jerusalem; 
and  he  liad  with  him  two  saddled  asses,  and 
his  concubine  also  was  with  him. 

1 1  Wlien  they  were  by  Jebus,  the  day  was 
far  spent ;  and  the  servant  said  unto  his  mas- 
ter. Come,  I  pray  thee,  and  let  us  turn  in 
unto  this  city  of  the  Jebusites,  and  lodge 
in  it. 

12  And  his  master  said  unto  him,  We  will 
not  turn  into  one  of  the  cities  of  the  stranger, 
that  are  not  belonging  to  the  cliildren  of  Is- 
rael ;  but  we  will  ]5ass  on  as  far  as  Gib'ah. 

13  And  he  said  unto  his  servant.  Come, 
and  let  us  draw  near  to  one  of  these  places; 
and  let  us  lodge  all  night  in  Gib'ah,  or  in 
Ramah. 

14  And  they  passed  on  and  went  forward; 
and  the  sun  went  down  unto  them  by  Gib'ah, 
which  belongeth  to  Benjamin. 

15  And  they  turned  aside  thither,  to  go  in 
to  lodge  in  Gib'ah;  and  when  he  went  in,  he 
sat  down  in  the  street  of  the  city;  for  there 
was  no  man  that  brought  them  into  his  house 
to  lodge. 

16  And,  behold,  an  old  man  was  coming 
from  his  work  out  of  the  field  at  evening,  and 
this  man  was  from  the  mountain  of  Ephraim, 
and  he  sojourned  in  Gib'ah;  but  the  men  of 
the  place  were  Benjamites. 

17  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw 
the  wayfaring  man  in  the  street  of  the  city: 
and  then  said  the  old  man,  Whither  goest 
thou?  and  whence  comest  thou? 

18  And  he  said  unto  him.  We  are  passing 
from  Beth-lechem-judah  toward  the  lower 
edge  of  the  mountain  of  Ephraim ;  from  there 
am  I,  and  I  went  as  far  as  Beth-lechem-judah; 
but  I  am  going  to  the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  and 
there  is  no  man  that  bringeth  me  into  his 
house. 

19  Yet  there  is  both  straw  and  provender 
for  our  asses;  and  there  are  also  bread  and 
wine  for  me,  and  for  thy  handmaid,  and  for 
the  young  man  who  is  with  thy  servants; 
there  is  no  want  of  any  thing. 

20  And  the  old  man  said.  Peace  be  with 
thee;  only  let  all  thy  wants  lie  upon  me;  at 
least  lodge  not  in  the  street. 

21  So  he  brouo-ht  liim  to  his  house,  and 


gave   provender   unto   the   asses:    and  they 
washed  their  feet,  and  they  ate  and  drank. 

22  As  they  were  making  their  hearts 
merry,  behold,  the  men  of  the  city,  worthless 
people,  beset  the  house  round  about,  knocking 
at  the  door;  and  they  said  to  the  master  of 
the  house,  the  old  man,  thus,  Bring  forth 
the  man  that  is  come  to  thy  house,  that  we 
may  know  him. 

23  And  the  man,  the  master  of  the  house, 
went  out  unto  them,  and  said  unto  them.  No, 
my  brethren,  I  pray  you,  act  not  wickedly ; 
since  this  man  is  once  come  into  my  house, 
do  not  this  scandalous  thing. 

24  Behold,  here  is  my  daughter  a  vii'gin, 
and  his  concubine;  let  me  bring  them  out 
now,  and  liumble  ye  them,  and  do  to  them 
what  seemeth  good  in  your  eyes;  but  unto 
this  man  do  not  this  scandalous  thing. 

25  But  the  men  would  not  hearken  to  him ; 
so  the  man  took  hold  of  his  conculjine,  and 
brought  her  forth  unto  them  into  the  street; 
and  they  knew  her,  and  ill-used  her  all  the 
night  until  the  morning;  and  they  let  her  go 
when  the  day  began  to  dawn. 

26  Then  came  the  woman  (home)  in  the 
early  part  of  the  morning,  and  fell  down  at 
the  door  of  the  man's  house  where  her  lord 
was,  (and  lay)  till  it  was  light. 

27  And  when  her  lord  rose  up  in  the 
morning,  and  opened  the  doors  of  the  house, 
and  went  out  to  go  on  his  way :  l)ehold,  the 
woman,  his  concubine,  was  laying  at  the  door 
of  the  house,  with  her  hands  ujton  the  thres- 
hold. 

28  And  he  said  unto  her,  Rise  up,  and  let 
us  be  going;  but  no  one  answered.  Then  he 
took  her  upon  the  ass,  and  the  man  rose  up, 
and  went  unto  his  place. 

29  And  when  he  was  come  into  his  house, 
he  took  a  knife,  and  laid  hold  on  his  concu- 
bine, and  divided  her,  according  to  her  lioues, 
into  twelve  pieces,  and  sent  her  about  in  all 
the  territory  of  Israel. 

30  And  it  happened,  that  whoever  saw  it 
said,  There  hath  no  such  deed  been  done  ov 
seen  from  the  day  that  the  children  of  Israel 
came  up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  until  this 
day:  reflect  well  on  it,  give  advice,  and  speak. 

CHAPTER  XX. 
1  T[  Then  went    out  all  the  children  of 
Israel,  and   the   congregation  was   assembled 

311 


JUDGES  XX. 


together  as  one  man,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 
slieba',  with  the  land  of  Gil'ad,  unto  the  Lord 
in  Mizpah. 

2  And  there  presented  themselves  the 
chiefs"  of  all  the  people,  of  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel,  in  the  assembly  of  the  people  of  God, 
four  hundred  thousand  men  on  foot  that  drew 
the  sword. 

3  ][  (And  the  children  of  Benjamin  heard 
that  the  children  of  Israel  were  gone  up  to 
Mizpah.)  And  the  children  of  Israel  said, 
Speak,  how  did  this  wicli:edness  take  place? 

4  And  the  Levite,  the  husband  of  the 
woman  that  was  murdered,  answered  and 
said,  I  came  to  Gib'ah  that  belongetli  to  Ben- 
jamin, I  and  my  concubine,  to  stay  one  night, 

5  When  the  men  of  Gib'ah  rose  against 
me,  and  beset  the  house  round  about  against 
me  by  night ;  me  they  intended  to  slay ;  and 
my  concu])ine  they  humbled,  so  that  she 
died. 

6  And  I  took  hold  of  my  concubine  and 
cut  her  in  i)ieces,  and  sent  her  about  through- 
out all  the  fields  of  the  inheritance  of  Israel ; 
for  they  had  committed  incest  and  scandal 
in  Israel. 

7  Behold,  ye  are  all  here  children  of  Israel : 
furnish  for  yourselves  here  advice  and  counsel. 

8  And  all  the  people  then  arose  as  one 
man,  saying,  We  will  not  go  any  of  us  to  his 
tent,  neither  will  we  turn  any  of  us  into  his 
house. 

9  And  now  this  shall  be  the  thing  which 
we  will  do  to  Gib'ah :  We  will  go  up  against 
it  by  lot ; 

10  And  we  will  take  ten  men  out  of  every 
hundred  throughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel, 
and  a  hundred  out  of  every  thousand,  and  a 
thousand  out  of  every  ten  thousand,  to  pro- 
cure provisions  for  the  people ;  that  they  may 
do,  when  they  come  to  Gib'ah  of  Benjamin, 
in  accordance  with  all  the  scandalous  deed  that 
they  have  wrought  in  Israel. 

1 1  So  all  the  men  of  Israel  were  gathered 
against  the  city,  associated  together  as  one 
man. 

12  ][  And  the  tribes  of  Israel  sent  men 
through  all  the  divisions*  of  Benjamin,  saying. 


'  After  Jonathan.     Pliilippson,   after  Abarbanel,  ren- 
ders   nUD  with  "army  corps,"   or  "military  divisions;" 
and  transhates,  "and  the  whole  people  placed  themselves 
in  divisions,"  &c. 
812 


What  wickedness  is  this  that  hath  been  done 
among  you  ? 

13  Now  therefore  deliver  up  the  men,  those 
worthless  people,  who  are  in  Gib'ah,  that  we 
may  jjut  them  to  death,  and  remove  evil  from 
Israel.  But  the  children  of  Benjamin  would 
not  hearken  to  the  voice  of  their  brethren  tiie 
children  of  Israel. 

14  ^  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  ga- 
thered themselves  together  out  of  the  cities 
unto  Gib'ah,  to  go  out  to  battle  with  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel. 

15  And  at  that  time  there  were  numbered 
of  the  children  of  Benjamin  out  of  the  cities 
twenty  and  six  thousand  men  that  drew 
the  sword,  beside  the  inhabitants  of  Gib'ah, 
who  were  numbered  seven  hundred  chosen 
men. 

16  Among  all  this  people  there  were  seven 
hundred  chosen  men  hmie'  in  the  right  hand: 
every  one  of  these  could  sling  a  stone  at  a  hair, 
and  would  not  miss. 

17  ^  And  the  men  of  Israel,  beside  Benja- 
min, were  numbered  four  hundred  thousand 
men  that  drew  the  sword :  all  these  were  men 
of  war. 

18  And  they  arose,  and  went  up  to  Beth-el. 
and  asked  counsel  of  God ;  and  the  children 
of  Israel  said.  Who  of  us  shall  go  up  at  first 
to  the  battle  with  the  children  of  Benjamin? 
And  the  Lord  said,  Judah,  at  first. 

19  And  the  children  of  Israel  rose  u])  in 
the  morning,  and  encamped  against  Gib'ah. 

20  And  the  men  of  Israel  went  out  to 
battle  with  Benjamin;  and  the  men  of  Israel 
put  themselves  in  battle-array  against  them 
by  Gib'ah. 

21  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  came 
forth  out  of  Gib'ah,  and  struck  down''  to  the 
ground  of  the  Israelites  on  that  day  twenty 
and  two  thousand  men. 

22  And  the  people  the  men  of  Israel  took 
courage,  and  set  themselves  again  in  battle- 
array  in  the  place  where  they  had  arrayed 
themselves  on  the  first  day. 

23  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  uj)  and 
wept  before  the  Lord  luitil  the  evening,  and 
asked  counsel  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Shall  I  again 


■^Lit.  "Tribes." 

'  Others,  " Left-handed j"   others,  "using  both  hands." 
(See  above,  iii.  15.) 
''  Lit.  "destroyed." 


JUDGES  XX. 


approach  to  battle  with  the  children  of  Benjor 
mill  my  I)rother?  And  the  Lord  said,  Go  up 


ai2iiinst  liim. 


24  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  came  near 
against  the  children  of  Benjamin  on  the 
second  day. 

25  And  Benjamin  went  forth  against  them 
out  of  Gib'ah  on  the  second  day,  and  struck 
down  to  the  ground  of  the  children  of  Israel 
again  eighteen  thousand  men :  all  these  were 
men  that  drew  the  sword. 

20  Now  all  the  children  of  Israel,  and  all 
the  people,  went  up,  and  came  unto  Beth-el, 
and  wept,  and  sat  there  before  the  Lord,  and 
fasted  on  that  day  until  the  evening,  and 
offered  burnt-offerings  and  peace-oflFerings  be- 
fore the  Lord. 

27  And  the  children  of  Israel  inquired  of 
the  Lord,  (for  there  was  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  God  in  those  days, 

28  And  Phinehas,  the  son  of  Elazar,  the 
son  of  Aaron,  stood  before  it  in  those  days,) 
saying,  Shall  I  yet  continue  to  go  out  to  battle 
Avith  the  children  of  Benjamin  my  bi'other,  or 
shall  I  forbear?  And  the  Lord  said.  Go  up; 
for  to-morrow  will  I  deliver  him  into  thv 
hand. 

29  And  Israel  set  men  to  lie  in  wait  round 
about  Gib' ah. 

30  ^  And  the  children  of  Israel  went  up 
against  the  childi-en  of  Benjamin  on  the  third 
day,  and  put  themselves  in  array  against 
Gib' ah,  as  at  previous  times. 

31  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  went  out 
against  the  people,  and  were  drawn  away 
from  the  city;  and  they  began  to  smite  some 
of  the  people,  and  kill,"  as  at  previous  times, 
in  the  highways,  of  which  one  goeth  up  to 
Beth-el,  and  the  other  to  Gib'ah  in  the  field, 
about  thirty  men  of  Israel. 

32  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  said, 
They  are  defeated  before  us,  as  at  the  first. 
But  the  children  of  Israel  said.  Let  us  flee, 
and  draw  them  from  the  city  unto  the  high- 
ways. 

33  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  rose  up  out 
of  their  place,  and  put  themselves  in  array  at 
Ba'al-thamar :  and  those  that  lay  in  wait  of 


'  Lit.  "smite  of  the  people  slaiu." 

''  Some  refer  this  "they"  to  the  "men  of  Israel,"  mean- 
ing, that  the  Benjamites  thought  in  the  beginning  of  the 
battle  that  the  others  were  defeated,  as  they  began  to  fly. 

2  P 


Israel  rushed  forth  out  of  their  place,  out  of 
the  meadows  of  Gib'ah. 

34  And  there  came  against  Gib'ah  ten 
thousand  chosen  men  out  of  all  Israel,  and 
the  battle  was  severe;  but  they  knew  not 
that  the  evil  was  overtaking  them. 

35  ^  And  the  Lord  smote  Benjamin  before 
Israel ;  and  the  children  of  Israel  destroyed 
of  the  Benjamites  on  that  day  twenty  and 
five  thousand  and  one  hundred  men :  all 
these  were  those  that  drew  the  sword. 

36  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  saw  that 
they*"  were  defeated;  for  the  men  of  Isi-ael 
gave  place  to  the  Benjamites,  Ijecause  they 
trusted  unto  those  that  lay  in  wait  whom 
they  had  set  against  Gib'ah. 

37  And  those  in  ambush  hastened,  and 
spread  themselves  over  Gib'ah;  and  those 
that  lay  in  wait  moved  along,  and  smote  all 
the  city  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

38  Now  there  was  an  understanding  be- 
tween the  men  of  Israel  and  those  that  lay  in 
wait,  that  they  sliould  make  an  abundance  of 
columns  of  smoke  rise  up  out  of  the  city. 

39  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  turned 
round  in  the  battle,  and  Benjamin  began  to 
smite  and  kill  of  the  men  of  Israel  about 
thirty  persons ;  for  they  said,  Surely  they  are 
entirely  defeated  before  us,  as  in  the  first 
battle : 

40  Then  began  the  cloud"  to  arise  up  out 
of  the  city  as  a  pillar  of  smoke;  and  when 
the  Benjamites  looked  behind  them,  behold, 
the  flames  of  all  the  city  were  ascending  up 
to  heaven. 

41  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  turned 
again,  the  men  of  Benjamin  were  amazed; 
for  they  saw  that  the  evil  had  overtaken 
them. 

42  Therefore  they  turned  round  before  the 
men  of  Israel  unto  the  way  to  the  wilderness ; 
but  the  battle  overtook  them ;  and  those  who 
came  out  of  the  cities  destroyed  them  in  the 
midst  of  them. 

43  They  enclosed  the  Benjamites  I'ound 
about,  chased  them,  they  overtook  them  in 
their  places  of  rest,''  as  far  as  opposite  to  Gib'ah 
toward  the  rising  of  the  sun. 


"  Redak  renders,  "The  flames  to  send  up." 

^  Rashi.    Others,  "they  trod  them  down  with  ease;" 

others,  "  they  chased  them  to  Menuchah,"  as  though  it 

were  the  name  of  a  place. 

313 


JUDGES  XX.  XXi. 


44  And  there  fell  of  Benjamin  eighteen 
thousand  men :  all  these  were  men  of  valour. 

45  And  they  turned  and  fled  toward  the 
wilderness  unto  the  rock  of  Rimmon ;  and 
they  gleaned  of  tliem  in  the  highways  five 
thousand  men;  and  they  pursued  hard  after 
them  as  far  as  Gidom,  and  slew  of  them  two 
thousand  men. 

46  So  that  all  who  fell  on  that  day  of 
Benjamin  were  twenty  and  five  thousand  men 
that  drew  the  sword :  all  these  were  men  of 
valour. 

47  But  six  hundred  men  turned  and  fled 
into  the  wildeniess  unto  the  rock  Rimmon, 
and  they  abode  on  the  rock  Rimmon  four 
months. 

48  And  the  men  of  Israel  turned  again 
upon  the  children  of  Benjamin,  and  smote 
them  Avith  the  edge  of  the  sword,  as  well  the 
men  of  every  city,"  as  the  beasts,  and  all  that 
was  found :  also  all  the  cities  that  they  came 
upon  did  they  set  on  fire. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  Now  the  men  of  Israel  had  sworn  in 
Mizpah,  sajdng,  Not  any  one  of  us  shall  give 
his  daughter  unto  Benjamin  for  wife. 

2  And  the  people  came  to  Beth-el,  and 
abode  there  till  the  evening,  before  God,  and 
they  lifted  up  their  voices,  and  wept  with  a 
great  lamentation ; 

3  And  they  said,  Wherefore,  0  Lord,  God  of 
Israel,  is  this  come  to  pass  in  Israel,  that  there 
should  be  lacking  this  day  out  of  Israel  one 
tribe  ? 

4  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
the  people  rose  early,  and  built  there  an  altar, 
and  offered  burnt^oflerings  and  peace-offerings. 

5  %  And  the  children  of  Israel  said,  Who 
is  there  among  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  that 
came  not  up  with  the  congregation  unto  the 
Lord?  For  there  had  been  taken  the  great  oath 
concerning  him  that  came  not  up  to  the  Lord 
to  Mizpah,  saying.  He  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death. 

6  And  the  children  of  Israel  felt  regret  for 
Benjamin  their  brother,  and  they  said.  One 
tribe  hath  this  day  been  cut  down  from  Israel. 


'  Raslii.  Sachs  and  others  render  UDO  not  as  D'TID 
with  "people,"  but  "entirely;"  thus,  "the  entire  city,  no 
less  than  the  cattle,"  &c. 

"■  Lit.  "and  proclaimed  to  them  peace." 
314 


7  What  shall  we  do  as  respecteth  wives  for 
those  that  remain,  since  we  have  sworn  b\ 
the  Lord  that  we  will  give  none  of  our  dnugh- 
ters  unto  them  for  wives  ? 

8  And  they  said,  What  one  is  there  of  the 
tribes  of  Israel  that  came  not  up  unto  the 
Lord  to  Mizpah  ?  And,  behold,  there  had  not 
come  to  the  camp  a  man  from  Yabesh-gil'ad 
to  the  assembly. 

9  For  the  people  were  numbered,  and,  be- 
hold, there  was  not  present  a  man  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Yabesh-gil'ad. 

10  And  the  congregation  sent  thither  twelve 
thousand  persons  of  the  valiant  men,  and  com- 
manded them,  saying.  Go  and  smite  the  in- 
habitants of  Yabesh-gil'ad  with  the  edge  of 
the  sword,  with  the  women  and  the  children. 

11  And  this  is  the  thing  that  ye  shall  do, 
every  male,  and  every  woman  that  hath 
known  (man)  by  l^'ing  with  him,  shall  ye 
devote. 

12  And  they  found  among  the  inhabitants 
of  Yabesh-gil'ad  four  hundred  joung  virgins 
that  had  not  known  man  by  lying  with  any 
male :  and  they  brought  them  unto  the  camp 
to  Shiloh,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Canaan. 

1-3  T[  And  the  whole  congregation  sent  and 
spoke  to  the  children  of  Benjamin  that  were 
on  the  rock  Rimmon,  and'^'  oflered  them 
peace. 

14  And  Benjamin  returned  at  that  time: 
and  they  gave  unto  them  the  wives  whom  they 
had  saved  alive  out  of  the  women  of  Yabesh- 
gil'ad  ;  but  they  found  not  sufficient  for  them 
in  this  way. 

15  And  the  people  felt  regret  for  Benjamin ; 
because  that  the  Lord  had  made  a  breach  iu 
the  tribes  of  Israel. 

16  ]f  And  the  elders  of  the  congregation 
said.  What  shall  we  do  for  those  that  remain 
as  respecteth  wives;  because  the  women  have 
been  destroyed  out  of  Benjamin  ': 

17  And  they  said.  Their  inheritance"  must 
be  secured  for  Benjamin,  that  not  a  tribe  may 
be  blotted  out  from  Israel. 

18  Nevertheless  we  ourselves  are  not  able 
to  give  them  wives  of  our  own  daughters ;  for 
the  children  of  Israel  have  sworn,   saying. 


"Lit.  "An  inheritance  of  escape  shall  be  for  Benja- 
min;" ?".  e.  care  must  be  taken  that  the  possessions  of  this 
tribe  shall  remain  with  it,  and  not  be  diverted  by  it.s  ex- 
tinction. 


JUDGES  XXI.     1  SAMUEL  I. 


Ciirsod   be  lu'  tliat  givetli   a,  wife   to   Benja- 
min. 

I'J  ^1  And  they  said,  Behold,  there  is  a  feast 
of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh  from  year  to  year"  (at 
a  phxce)  which  is  on  the  north  side  of  Beth-el, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  highway  that  goeth  up 
from  Beth-el  to  Shechem,  and  on  the  south  of 
Lebonah. 

20  And  they  commanded  the  children  of 
Benjamin,  saying,  Go  ye  and  lie  in  wait  in 
the  vineyards; 

21  And  look  out,  and,  behold,  if  the 
daughters  of  Shiloh  go  out  to  dance  in  dances : 
then  come  ye  forth  out  of  the  vineyards,  and 
snatch  you  every  man  his  wife  from  the 
daughters  of  Shiloh,  and  go  then  to  the  land 
of  Benjamin. 

22  And  it  shall  be,  when  their  fathers  or 


their  brothers  come  to  contend  with  us,  that 
we  will  say  unto  them.  Be  favoura))le''  unto 
them  for  our  sakes;  because  we  took  not  for 
each  man  his  wife  in  the  war ;  (and)  because 
ye  yourselves  did  not  give  them  unto  them, 
that  ye  should  at  this  time  be  guilty. 

23  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  did  so, 
and  took  themselves  wives,  according  to  their 
number,  from  the  dancers  whom  they  had 
stolen  away ;  and  they  went  and  returned  unto 
their  inheritance,  and  rebuilt  the  cities,  and 
dwelt  in  them. 

24  And  the  children  of  Israel  departed 
thence  at  that  time,  every  man  to  his  tribe 
and  to  his  familj^,  and  they  went  out  from 
there  every  man  to  his  inheritance. 

25  In  those  days  there  was  no  l^ing  in  Israel : 
every  man  did  what  was  right  in  his  own  eyes. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  SAMUEL, 

CONTAINING  THE  HISTORY  OF  ISRAEL  FROM  THE  BIRTH  OF  SAMUEL  TO  THE 

DEATH  OF  SAUL. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  And  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Rama- 
thayira-zophim,  of  the  mountain  of  Ephraim, 
whose  name  was  Elkanah,  the  son  of  Yero- 
cham,  the  son  of  Elihu,  the  son  of  Tochu, 
the  son  of  Zuph,  an  Ephrathite. 

2  And  he  had  two  wives ;  the  name  of  the 
one  was  Hannah,  and  the  name  of  the  other 
Peninnah  :  and  Peninnah  had  children,  but 
Hannah  had  no  children. 

3  And  this  man  went  up  out  of  his  city  from 
year  to  year  to  prostrate  himself  and  to  sacri- 
fice unto  the  Lord  of  hosts  in  Shiloh.  And 
at  that  place  were  the  two  sons  of 'Eli,  Chophni 
and  Phinehas,  priests  of  the  Lokd. 

4  And  when  the  day  was  come  that  Elkar 


"  i.  e.  Once  every  year  at  a  particular  period. 

''  Sachs  and  Philippson  translate,  "  grant  them,"  i.  e, 
the  young  women,  "to  us;  for  we  have  not  taken  a  wife 
fur  each  in  the  battle,  (('.  e.  against  Yahesh,)"  &c. — The 


nah  offered,  he  gave  to  Peninnah  his  wife, 
and  to  all  her  sons  and  her  daughters,  por- 
tions ; 

5  But  unto  Hannah  he  gave  a  double  por- 
tion ;  for  Hannah  he  loved  (greatly) ;  but  the 
Lord  had  shut  up  her  womb. 

6  And  her  rival  also  provoked  her  continu- 
ally, in  order  to  make  her  fret;  because  the 
Lord  had  shut  up  lier  womb. 

7  And  as  he  did  so*  year  by  year,  as  often 
as  she  went  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lord,  so 
did  she  provoke  her;  wherefore  she  wept,  and 
did  not  eat. 

8  Then  said  to  her  Elkanah  her  husband, 
Hannah,  why  wilt  thou  weep  ?  and  why  wilt 
thou  not  eat  ?  and  why  should  thy  heart  be 
grieved?  am  not  I  better  to  thee  than  ten  sons? 


guilt  referred  to  is  the  breaking  of  the  oath,  which  they  de- 
clared was  not  incurred,  since  the  maidens  were  taken  by  the 
Benjamites,  not  given  to  them  voluntarily  by  their  parents. 
°  "  And  so  it  happened,"  &e. — Philippson. 

315 


1  SAMUEL  J.  11. 


9  And  Hannah  rose  up  after  they  had 
eaten  in  Shiloh,  and  after  they  had  drunk; 
and  'Eli  the  priest  was  sitting  upon  a  chair  by 
the  door-post  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

10  But  she  had  bitterness  of  soul,"  and 
prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  wept  greatly. 

11  And  she  vowed  a  vow,  and  said,  0  Lord 
of  hosts,  if  thou  wilt  indeed  look  on  the  af- 
fliction of  thy  handmaid,  and  remember  me, 
and  not  forget  thy  handmaid,  but  wilt  give 
unto  thy  handmaid  a  man-child :  then  will  I 
give  him  unto  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  his 
life,  and  no  razor  shall  come  upon  his  head. 

12  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  she  continued 
praying  long  before  the  Lord,  that  'Eli  watch- 
ed her  mouth. 

13  Now  as  for  Hannah,  she  spoke  in  her 
heart;  only  her  lips  moved,  but  her  voice 
could  not  be  heard  ;*"  wherefore  'Eli  regarded 
her  as  a  drunken  woman. 

14  And  'Eli  said  unto  her,  How  long  wilt 
thou  Ije  drunken?  put  away  thy  wine  from 
off  thee. 

15  And  Hannah  answered  and  said.  No, 
my  lord,  I  am  a  woman  of  a  sorrowful  spirit; 
but  neither  wine  nor  strong  drink  have  I 
drunk,  and  I  have  poured  out  my  soul  before 
the  Lord. 

16  Esteem  not  thy  handmaid  as  a  worth- 
less woman ;  for  out  of  the  abundance  of  my 
grief  and  vexation  have  I  spoken  hitherto. 

17  Then  'EU  answered  and  said,  Go  in 
peace;  and  may  the  God  of  Israel  grant  thy 
petition  which  thou  hast  asked  of  him. 

18  And  she  said,  Let  thy  handmaid  find 
grace  in  thy  eyes.  The  woman  then  went  on 
her  way,  and  did  eat,  and  her  countenance 
was  no  longer  as  before. 

19  And  they  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  prostrated  themselves  before  the  Lord, 
and  returned,  and  came  to  their  house  at  Ea- 
mah;  and  Elkanah  knew  Hannah  his  wife; 
and  the  Lord  remembered  her. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,"  after  the  lapse  of 
some  time,  that  Hannah  conceived,  and  bore 
a  son ;  and  she  called  his  name  Samuel,'' 
saying,  Because  from  the  Lord  have  I  asked 
him. 

"  /.  e.  Felt  deep  and  corroding  grief. 

*•  Prayer  to  be  acceptable  to  God  should  be  the  outpour- 
ing of  sincere  feeling,  and  needs  not  a  loud  voice. 

°  Redak;  "When  the  usual  time  after  Hannah  had  con- 
2eivcd  was  come  about,  that,"  i*te. 
816 


21  And  the  man  Elkanah  went  up,  with 
all  his  house,  to  offer  unto  the  Lord  the  yearly 
sacrifice,  and  his  vow. 

22  But  Hannah  did  not  go  up;  for  she 
said  unto  her  husband,  So  soon  as  the  child 
shall  be  weaned,  then  I  will  bring  him,  that 
he  may  ajjpear  before  the  Lord,  and  abide 
there  for  ever." 

23  And  Elkanah  her  husband  said  unto 
her,  Do  what  seemeth  good  in  thy  eyes ;  tarry 
until  thou  hast  weaned  him;  only  may  the 
Lord  fulfil  his  word.  So  the  woman  remained 
behind,  and  gave  her  son  suck  until  she  wean- 
ed him. 

24  And  she  took  him  up  with  lier,  when 
she  had  weaned  him,  with  three  bullocks,  and 
one  ephah  of  flour,  and  a  bottle  of  wine,  and 
she  brought  him  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord 
at  Shiloh ;   although  the  child  was  yet  young. 

25  And  they  slew  a  bullock,  and  brought 
the  child  to  'Eli. 

26  And  she  said,  Pardon,  my  lord,  as  thy 
soul  liveth,  my  lord,  I  am  the  woman  that 
stood  by  thee  here,  to  pray  unto  the  Lord. 

27  For  this  lad  did  I  praj-;  and  the  Lord 
hath  granted  me  my  petition  which  I  asked 
of  him ; 

28  Therefore  also  have  I  lent  him,  for  my 
part,  to  the  Lord;  all  the  days  that  have  been 
assigned  to  him  shall  he  be  lent  to  the  Lord. 
And  he  bowed  himself  there  before  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  And  Hannah  prayed,  and  said,  My 
heart  is  glad  in  the  Lord,  my  horn  is  exalted 
through  the  Lord:  my  mouth  is  enlarged' 
over  my  enemies;  because  I  rejoice  in  thy 
salvation. 

2  There  is  none  holy  like  the  Lord;  for 
there  is  none  beside  thee;  and  there  is  not 
any  rock  like  our  God. 

3  Talk  no  more  so  exceeding  proudly;  let 
not  arrogance  come  out  of  your  mouth;  for 
a  God  of  knowledge  is  the  Lord,  and  by  him 
are  actions  weighed. 

4  The  bow  of  the  mighty  is  In-oken,  and 
those  that  stumbled  are  girded  with  strength. 

5  They  that  were  full  hire  themselves  out 


*  Properly,  Shemuel,  from  Sno  bisty  "asked  of  God;" 
or,  Sx  yniil  "God  hath  heard,"  /.  e.  my  prayer. 

°  i.  e.  So  long  as  he  lives.  The  -\}}  in  the  first  part  of 
the  verse  has  been  given  after  Philippson.    ■ 

'  /.  r.  "T  open  it  wide  and  boldly." 


1  SAMUEL  II. 


for  bread;  and  they  tliat  wrre  liungrj'  cease 
(froui  labour) :  while  the  barren  hath  born 
seven,  she  that  hath  many  children  fadeth 
away. 

6  The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh  alive: 
he  bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and  bring- 
eth  up. 

7  The  Lord  maketh  jjoor  and  maketh  rich : 
he  bringeth  low  and  also  lifteth  up. 

8  He  I'aiseth  up  out  of  the  dust  the  poor, 
from  the  dunghill  he  lifteth  up  the  needy,  to 
set  them  among  nobles,  and  he  assigneth  them 
the  throne  of  glor}-;  for  the  Lord's  are  the 
pillars  of  the  earth,  on  which  lie  liath  set  the 
world. 

9  He  ever  guardeth  the  feet  of  his  pious 
ones,  and  the  wicked  shall  be  made  silent  in 
darkness;  for  not  by  strength  can  man  prevail. 

10  The  Lord — his  adversaries  will  be 
crushed;  out  of  heaven  will  he  thunder  upon 
them:  the  Lord  will  judge  the  ends  of  the 
earth;  and  he  will  give  strength  unto  his 
king,  and  lift  up  the  horn  of  his  anointed. 

11  ^[  And  Elkanah  went  to  Ramah  to  his 
house.  And  the  lad  was  ministering  unto  the 
Lord  l^efore  'Eli  the  priest. 

12  And  the  sons  of  'Eli  were  worthless 
men :  they  knew  not  the  Lord. 

13  And  the  custom  of  the  priests  with  the 
people  was,  that,  when  any  man  offered  a 
sacrifice,  the  priest's  servant  came,  while  (the 
man)  was  seething  the  flesh,  with  a  fork  with 
three  teeth  in  his  hand; 

14  And  he  struck  it  into  the  pan,  or  the 
kettle,  or  the  caldron,  or  the  pot;  (and)  all 
that  the  fork  brought  up  the  priest  took  away 
with  it.  So  did  they  unto  all  the  Israelites 
that  came  thither,  to  Shiloh. 

15  Even"  before  they  had  yet  burnt  the 
fat,  the  priest's  servant  would  come,  and  say 
to  the  man  that  sacrificed.  Give  flesh  to  roast 
for  the  priest;  for  he  wall  not  take  from  thee 
sodden  flesh,  but  raw. 

IG  And  if  the  man  said  unto  him,  They 
will  surely  presently  burn  the  fat,  and  then 
take  whatever  thy  soul  may  long  for:  then 


'  The  priests  had  of  sacrifices  the  breast  and  shoulder, 
and  this  was  theirs  ouly  after  the  fat  was  burnt.  Hence, 
their  exaction  was  so  odious,  especially  as  they  showed  such 
a  disrespect  for  the  proper  service,  that  they  would  be 
served  before  they  had  completed  the  duties  demanded  of 
them. 

''  Some  refer  this  to  the  people  who  formerly  sacrificed, 


would  he  say,  Mo;  but  thou  shalt  give  it  mc 
now ;  and  if  not,  I  will  it  take  by  force. 

17  And  the  sin  t)f  the  young  men  was  very 
great  before  the  Lord;  for  the  men''  despised 
the  offering  of  the  Lord. 

18  But  Samuel  was  ministering  Ijefore  the 
Lord,  being  a  lad,  girded  with  a  linen  ephod. 

19  Moreover  his  mother  used  to  make  him 
a  little  overcoat,  and  brought  it  to  him  from 
year  to  year,  when  she  came  up  with  her  hus- 
band to  offer  the  yearly  sacrifice. 

20  And  'Eli  blessed  Elkanah  and  his  wile, 
and  said.  May  the  Lord  gi\e  thee  seed  from 
this  woman  instead  of  the  loan  who  is  lent 
to  the  Lord.  And  they  wx^nt  back  unto  his 
place. 

•  21  And  truly  the  Lord  visited  Hannah, 
and  she  conceived,  and  bore  three  sons  and 
two  daughters.  And  the  lad  Samuel  grew 
up  before  the  Lord. 

22  ^\  Now  'Eli  was  very  old,  and  heard 
all  that  his  sons  were  in  the  habit  of  doing 
unto  all  Israel ;  and  how  they  w' ould  lie  wi*^h 
the  women  that  assembled  at  the  door  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

23  And  he  said  unto  them,  Why  will  ye 
do  such  things?  for  I  hear  of  your  evil  deal- 
ings from  all  this  people. 

24  No,  my  sons;  for  the  report  that  I  hear 
is  not  good,  which  the  Lord's  people  sjjread 
abroad." 

25  If  one  man  sin  against  another,  the 
judge  shall  judge  him ;  but  if  against  the  Lord 
a  man  should  sin,  who  shall  praj-  for  him? 
Nevertheless  would  they  not  hearken  unto  the 
voice  of  their  fiither,  because  the  Lord  desired 
to  slay  them. 

26  And  the  lad  Samuel  was  constantly 
growing  and  increasing  in  favour  both  with 
the  Lord,  and  also  with  men. 

27  ^  And  there  came  a  man  of  God  luito 
'Eli,  and  said  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Did  I  (not)  appear  unto  the  house  of 
thy  father,  when  they  were  in  Egypt  in  Pha- 
raoh's house? 

28  And  did  I  (not)  choose  him  out  of  all 


who  obtained  a  disgust  for  offerings  so  shamefully  abused 
by  the  priests.  Others  refer  "the  men"  to  'Eli's  son.s, 
who  acted  unworthily  with  the  sacrifices  as  hypocrites  of 
all  ages  do,  seeking  the  sanctuary  for  their  worldly  ad- 
vancement. 

°  Others,  "that  you  mislead  the  Lord's  people  to  sin." 
Our  version  is  after  Rashi.     (See  Esod.  xssvi.  6.) 

317 


1  SAMUEL  II.  III. 


the  tribes  of  Israel  to  me  as  a  priest,  to  offer 
upon  my  altar,  to  burn  incense,  to  wear  an 
ephod  before  me?  and  did  I  (not)  give  unto 
the  house  of  thy  father  all  the  fire-oflerings 
of  the  children  of  Israel  Z 

29  Wherefore  kick  ye  at  my  sacrifice  and 
at  my  meat-offering,  which  I  have  commanded 
in(my)  habitation?  and  (why)  honouredst  thou 
thy  sons  above  me,  to  fatten  yourselves  Avith 
the  first  of  every  offering  of  Israel  my  peo- 
ple? 

30  Therefore  saith  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel,  I  had  indeed  said,  Thy  house,  and  the 
house  of  thy  father,  should  walk  before  me 
for  ever;  but  now,  saith  the  Lord,  Be  it  far 
from  me;  for  those  that  honour  me  will  I 
honour,  and  those  that  despise  me  shall  be 
lightly  esteemed. 

31  Behold,  days  are  coming,  that  I  will 
hew  off  thy  arm,  and  the  arm  of  thy  father's 
house,  so  that  there  shall  not  be  an  old  man 
in  thy  house. 

32  And  thou  shalt  behold  a  rival"  in  my 
habitation,  in  all  that  Ijy  which  he''  will  do 
good  for  Israel :  and  there  shall  not  be  an  old 
man  in  thy  house  in  all  times. 

33  And  yet  I  will  not  cut  off  the  men 
descended  from  thee"  from  my  altar,  to  con- 
sume thy  eyes,  and  to  grieve  thy  soul :  and 
all  the  increase  of  thy  house  shall  die  as 
(vigorous)  men. 

34  And  this  shall  be  unto  thee  the  sign, 
tliat  shall  happen  on  thy  two  sons,  on  Chophni 
and  Phinehas :  On  one  day  shall  they,  both  of 
them,  die. 

35  And  I  will  raise  up  to  me  a  faithful 
priest,  who  shall  do  in  accordance  with  what 
is  in  my  heart  and  in  my  mind;  and  I  will 
build  for  him  an  enduring  house ;  and  he  shall 
walk  before  my  anointed  in  all  times. 

36  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whoever 
is  left  in  thy  liouse  shall  come  to  bow  down 
to  him  lor  a  gera*  of  silver  and  a  loaf  of 
bread,  and  shall  say,  Attach  me,  1  pray  thee, 
unto  one  of  the  priestly  offices,  that  1  may 
eat  a  piece  of  bread. 


CHAPTER  III. 


'  After  Rashi.  Others  render  li"  adverbially,  "Thou 
wilt  look  about  thee  with  cuvy."  But  it  means  simply 
that  'p]Ii,  or  his  de.sceiidants,  should  be  compelled  to  see 
in  God's  house  oue  who  should  supersede  them. 

""  "  He"  refers  to  the  rival,  and  means  "the  good  which 
lie  shall  be  permitted  to  effect."     Rashi  renders,  "on  all, 
when  it  shall  go  well  with  Israel." 
.318 


1  T[  And  the  lad  Samuel  was  ministering 
unto  the  Lord  before  'Eli.  And  the  word  of 
the  Lord  was  scarce  in  those  days:  prophecy 
was  not  extended. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  one  day,  when  'Eli 
was  lying  down  in  his  place,  and  his  eyes  had 
begun  to  grow  dim,  he  could  not  see; 

3  And  the  lamp  of  God  had  not  yet  gone 
out,  while  Samuel  was  lying  down  in  (the 
hall  of)  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  where  the  ark 
of  God  was ; 

4  That  the  Lord  called  Samuel:  and  he 
said,  Here  am  I. 

5  And  he  ran  unto  'Eli,  and  said,  Here  am 
I ;  for  thou  didst  call  me.  And  he  said,  1  did 
not  call:  lie  down  again.  And  he  went  and 
lay  down. 

6  And  the  Lord  continued  to  call  again, 
Samuel.  And  Samuel  arose  and  went  to  'Eli, 
and  said.  Here  am  I;  for  thou  didst  call  me. 
And  he  answered,  I  did  not  call,  my  son:  lie 
down  again. 

7  And  Samuel  knew  not  yet  the  Lord,  nor 
had  the  word  of  the  Lord  been  as  yet  revealed 
unto  him. 

8  And  the  Lord  continued  to  call,  Samuel, 
the  third  time;  and  he  arose  and  went  to 
'Eli,  and  said,  Here  am  I;  for  thou  didst  call 
me.  And  'Eli  then  perceived  that  the  Lord 
was  calling  the  lad. 

9  And  'Eli  said  unto  Samuel,  Go,  lie  down ; 
and  it  shall  be,  if  he  call  thee,  that  thou  shalt 
say.  Speak,  Lord;  for  thy  servant  heareth. 
And  Samuel  went  and  lay  down  in  his 
place. 

10  And  the  Lord  came,  and  jjlaced  him- 
self, and  called  as  at  previous  times,  Samuel, 
Samuel.  And  Samuel  said.  Speak;  for  thy 
servant  heareth. 

11  Tl  And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel,  Be- 
hold, I  will  do  a  thing  in  Israel,  at  which 
both  the  ears  of  every  one  that  heareth  it 
shall  tingle. 

12  On  that  day  will  I  fulfil  on  'Eli  all 


"  Lit.  "I  will  not  cut  off  a  man  unto  thee;"  i.  <■.  there 
shall  be  descendants  from  'Eli,  so  that  there  may  ever 
be  some  of  them  to  serve  at  the  altar  under  the  conditions 
named. 

^  /.  r.  A  small  coin.  The  meaning  is,  that  though  'Eli 
was  both  judge  and  high-priest,  his  descendants  should 
apply  to  the  new  head  for  means  of  support. 


1  SAMUEL  III.  IV. 


that  I  have  spoken  eonceriiing  his  liouse:  I 
will  begin  and  finish.' 

13  And  I  tell  him  that  I  will  judge  his 
house  for  ever;  for  the  iniquity  that  he  knew 
that  his  sons  were  drawing  a  curse  on  them- 
selves,'' and  he  restrained  them  not. 

14  And  therefore  have  I  sworn  unto  the 
house  of 'Eli,  that  the  iniquitj'  of 'Eli's  house 
shall  not  be  atoned  for  with  sacrifice  or  meat- 
oflering  for  ever. 

IG  And  Samuel  lay  until  the  morning, 
when  he  opened  the  doors  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord;  and  Samuel  feared  to  tell  the  vision 
unto  'Eli. 

IG  But  'Eli  called  Samuel,  and  said,  Sa- 
muel, my  son.     And  he  said,  Here  am  I. 

17  And  he  said.  What  is  the  word  which 
he  hath  spoken  unto  thee?  do  not,  I  pray 
thee,  conceal  it  from  me :  may  God  do  to  thee 
thus,  and  continue  to  do  so,  if  thou  conceal 
any  thing  from  me  of  all  the  word  that  he 
hath  spoken  unto  thee. 

18  And  Samuel  told  him  all  the  words, 
and  concealed  nothing  from  him.  And  he 
said,  He  is  the  Lor-d:  let  him  do  what  seem- 
eth  good  in  his  eyes. 

19  And  Samuel  grcAv  up,  and  the  Lord 
was  with  him,  and  he  did  not  let  fall  any  one 
of  all  his  words  to  the  ground. 

20  And  thus  knew  all .  Israel  from  Dan 
even  to  Beer-sheba'  that  Samuel  was  accredit- 
ed as  a  prophet  of  the  Lord. 

21  ]|  And  the  Lord  contiiuied  to  appear  in 
Shiloh;  for  the  Lord  revealed  himself  to  Sa- 
muel in  Shiloh  by  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  the  word  of  Samuel  became  known 
to  all  Israel.  Now  Israel  went  out  against 
the  Philistines  to  battle,  and  encamped  beside 
Eben-ha'ezer;"  and  the  Philistines  encamped 
in  Aphek. 

2  And  the  Philistines  put  themselves  in 
l)attle-array  against  Israel;  and  the  battle 
became  aeneral,''  and  Israel  was  smitten  be- 
fore  the  Philistines:  and  they  slew  on  the 
battle-ground",  in  the  field,  about  four  thousand 
men. 

3  And  when  the  people  were  come  back 


'  Ileb.   "beginning  and  ending."     Pliilippson,   "from 
the  beginning  to  the  end." 

''  "Were  rendering  themselves  vile." — Rashi. 


into  the  camp,  the  elders  of  Israel  said.  Where- 
fore hath  the  Lord  smitten  us  this  day  before 
the  Philistines?  Let  us  bring  over  to  us  out 
of  Shiloh  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
that  it  may  come  in  the  midst  of  us,  and  de- 
liver us  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies. 

4  So  the  people  sent  to  Shiloh,  and  they 
bi'ought  away  from  there  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  tlie  Lord  of  hosts,  who  dwelleth 
over  the  cherubim :  and  the  two  sons  of  'Eli, 
Chophni  and  Phinehas,  were  there  with  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  God. 

5  And  it  happened  when  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  came  into  the  camp, 
that  all  Israel  set  up  a  great  shout,  so  that 
the  earth  trembled. 

6  And  when  the  Philistines  heard  the 
noise  of  the  shouting,  they  said,  What  mean- 
etli  the  noise  of  this  great  shouting  in  the 
camp  of  the  Hebrews?  And  they  understood 
that  the  ark  of  the  Lord  was  come  into  the 
camp. 

7  And  the  Philistines  were  afraid;  for  they 
said,  God  is  come  into  the  camp.  And  they 
said.  Wo  unto  us!  for  the  like  of  this  hath 
not  been,  yesterday  or  the  day  before. 

8  Wo  unto  us !  who  shall  deliver  us  out  of 
the  hand  of  these  mighty  Gods?  these  are  the 
Gods  that  smote  the  Egyptians  with  every 
plague  in  the  wilderness. 

9  Be  strong,  and  act  like  men,  0  Philis- 
tines, so  that  ye  become  not  servants  unto 
the  Hebrews,  as  they  have  been  servants  to 
you :  therefore  act  like  men,  and  fight. 

10  And  the  Philistines  fought,  and  the  Is- 
raelites were  smitten,  and  they  fied  every 
man  unto  his  tent:  and  the  defeat  was  very 
great ;  and  there  fell  of  Israel  thirty  thousand 
men  on  foot. 

11  And  the  ark  of  God  was  taken;  and 
the  two  sons  of  'Eli,  Chophni  and  Phinehas, 
died  also. 

12  And  there  ran  a  man  of  Benjamin  from 
the  battle-field,  and  came  to  Shiloh  on  the 
same  day,  with  his  clothes  rent,  and  earth 
upon  his  head. 

13  And  when  he  came,  lo,  'Eli  was  sitting 
upon  a  chair  by  the  wayside  watching;  for 
his  heart  was  anxious  for  the  ark  of  God. 


°  /.  e.  The  place  afterward  so  called. 

^  Lit.  "wa.s  spread  out." 

°  Sachs;  literally,  "in  the  battle-array." 

319 


1  SAMUEL  IV.  V. 


And  when  the  mau  came  to  tell  it  in  the 
city,  all  the  city  cried  out. 

14  And  when  'Eli  heard  the  noise  of  the 
crying,  he  said.  What  meaneth  the  noise  of 
this  multitude?  And  the  man  came  in  hasti- 
ly, and  told  it  to  'Eli. 

15  Now  'Eli  was  ninety  and  eight  years 
old ;  and  his  eyes  were  fixed,  so  that  he  could 
not  see. 

16  And  the  mau  said  unto  'Eli,  I  am  the 
person  that  came  from  the  battle-field,  and  I 
myself  fled  from  the  battle-field  to-day.  And 
he  said.  What  was  it  that  took  place,  my  son  ? 

17  And  the  messenger  answered  and  said, 
Israel  is  fled  before  the  PhiUstines,  and  there 
hath  also  been  a  great  slaughter  among  the 
people,  and  also  thy  two  sons,  Chophni  and 
Phinehas,  are  dead,  and  the  ark  of  God  hath 
been  taken. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  mentioned 
the  ark  of  God,  that  he  fell  from  oflT  the  chair 
backward  by  the  side  of  the  gate,  and  his  neck 
was  broken,  and  he  died ;  for  the  man  was 
old,  and  heavy.  And  he  had  judged  Israel 
forty  years. 

19  And  his  daughter-in-law,  the  wife  of 
Phinehas,  was  with  child,  near  to  be  delivered : 
and  when  she  heard  the  tidings  concerning 
that  the  ark  of  God  had  been  taken,  and  that 
her  father-in-law  and  her  husband  were  dead, 
she  sank  down  and  gave  birth ;  for  her  pains 
came  suddenly  upon  her. 

20  And  at  the  moment  of  her  dying,  the 
women  that  stood  around  her  spoke  (unto  her). 
Fear  not;  for  a  son  hast  thou  born.  But  she 
answered  not,  nor  did  she  take  it  to  heart. 

21  And  she  named  the  child  I-chabod," 
«aying.  Glory  is  departed  from  Israel ;  because 
of  the  taking  away  of  the  ark  of  God,  and  be- 
cause of  her  father-in-law  and  her  husband. 

22  And  she  said,  Glory  is  departed  from 
Israel ;  for  the  ark  of  God  hath  been  taken 
away. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ][  And  the  Philistines  took  the  ark  of 
God,  and  brought  it  from  Eben-ha'ezer  unto 
Aslidod. 

2  And  the  Philistines  took  the  ark  of  God, 


*  This  means,  "  No  honour." — Rashi. 
•"  No  doubt  that  Dagon  was  represented  as  a   human 
figure  above,  terTninating  in  a  lish  budv. 
320 


and  brought  it  into  the  house  of  Dagon,  and 
set  it  by  Dagon. 

3  And  when  the  people  of  Ashdod  arose 
early  on  the  morrow,  behold,  Dagon  was  l}"ing 
upon  his  face  on  the  earth  before  the  ark  of 
the  Lord.  And  they  took  Dagon,  and  set  him 
again  in  his  place. 

4  And  when  they  arose  early  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  following  day,  behold,  Dagon  was 
lying  upon  his  face  on  the  ground  before  the 
ark  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  head  of  Dagon  and 
both  the  palms  of  his  hands  were  cut  oft'  upon 
the  threshold;  only  the  fish  portion''  was  left 
on  him. 

5  Therefore  do  the  priests  of  Dagon,  and 
all  that  come  into  Dagon's  house,  not  step  on 
the  threshold  of  Dagon  in  Ashdod  even  until 
this  day. 

6  ][  And  the  hand  of  the  Lord  became 
heavy  upon  the  people  of  Ashdod,  and  he 
destroyed  them,  and  smote  them  with  hemor- 
rhoids, even  Ashdod  and  its  territory. 

7  And  when  the  men  of  Ashdod  saw  that 
it  was  so,  they  said.  The  ark  of  the  God  of 
Israel  shall  not  remain  with  us;  for  his  hand 
is  sore  upon  us,  and  upon  Dagon  our  god. 

8  And  they  sent  and  gathered  together  all 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines  unto  them,  and 
said.  What  shall  we  do  with  the  ark  of  the 
God  of  Israel?  And  they  answered,  Let  the 
ark  of  the  God  of  Israel  be  removed  unto 
Gath.  And  they  removed  the  ark  of  the 
God  of  Israel  thither. 

9  And  it  happened,  after  they  had  re- 
moved it,  that  the  hand  of  the  I.,ord  was 
against  the  city  with  a  very  great  confusion ; 
and  he  smote  the  men  of  the  city,  Ijoth  small 
and  great,  and  they  had  hemorrhoids  in  their 
secret  parts. 

10  And  they  sent  away  the  ark  of  God 
to  'Eki'on.  And  it  came  to  i)ass,  as  the  ark 
of  God  came  to  'Ekron,  that  the  'Ekronites 
cried  out,  saying.  They  have  removed  to  us° 
the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel,  to  slay  us  and 
our  people. 

11  So  they  sent  and  gathered  together  all 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines,  and  said.  Send 
away  the  ark  of  the  God  of  Israel,  that  it  may 
return  to  its  own  place,  so  that  it  may  not 


"'Heb.Me,  to  slay  me  and  my  people."- — This  construc- 
tion, moreover,  occurs  frequently  to  represent  na'tions  as 
iudividuals;  altli-uigh  the  plural  is  meant. 


1  SAMUEL  V.  VI. 


slay  us,  and  our  people ;  for  there  was  a  con- 
fusion of  death  throughout  all  the  city;  tlie 
hand  of  God  was  very  heavy  there. 

12  And  the  people  that  did  not  die  were 
smitten  with  the  hemorrhoids;  and  the  la- 
mentation of  the  city  went  up  to  heaven. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^[  And  the  ark  of  the  Lord  ^vas  in  the 
fields  of  the  Pliilistines  seven  months. 

2  And  the  Philistines  called  for  the  priests 
and  the  diviners,  saying,  What  shall  we  do 
with  the  ark  of  the  Lord?  let  us  know 
wherewith  we  shall  send  oft'  it  to  its  place. 

3  And  they  said,  If  }e  send  away  the  ark 
of  the  God  of  Israel,  send  it  not  away  empty; 
l)ut  ye  must  to  a  certainty  return  him''  a  tres- 
pass-offering:  then  will  ye  be  healed,  and  it 
will  be  known  to  you  why  his  hand  is  not  re- 
moved from  you. 

4  And  they  said,  What  shall  be  the  tres- 
pass-offering that  we  shall  return  to  him  ? 
And  they  answered,  According  to  the  number 
of  the  lords  of  the  Philistines,  five  golden 
hemorrhoids,  and  five  golden  mice ;''  for  one 
plague  affected  them  all,  and  your  lords. 

5  Therefore  make  images  of  your  hemor- 
rhoids, and  images  of  your  mice  that  devastate 
the  land;'^  and  give  glory  unto  the  God  of 
Israel :  perhaps  he  will  lighten  his  hand  from 
off"  you,  and  from  off"  your  gods,  and  from  off" 
3'our  land. 

6  And  why  will  ye  harden  your  heart, 
just  as  the  Egyptians  and  Pharaoh  hardened 
their  heart?  Did  not  they,  when  he  had 
Avrought  wonderful  deeds  among  them,  dis- 
miss them,  and  they  departed  ? 

7  And  now  make  a  new  wagon,  and  take 
two  milch-cows,  on  which  there  hatli  come 
no  yoke,  and  harness  the  cows  to  the  wagon, 
and  bring  their  calves  home  away  from  them : 

8  And  take  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and  place 
it  into  the  wagon;  and  the  articles  of  gold, 
which  ye  return  him  as  a  trespass-offering.  3-e 
must  put  in  a  casket  alongside  of  it;  and  then 
send  it  away,  that  it  may  go. 


*  i.  e.  The  God  of  Israel.  Sachs  and  others,  "  it,"  re- 
ferring to  the  ark. 

''  Probably  this  was  the  plague  of  field-mice,  which 
destroyed  the  crops.  But  Philippson,  after  Abarbanel, 
supposes  that  it  means  a  local  disease,  called  "  mouise," 
as  now  "cancer,"  denotes  a  peculiar  malady. 

■^  It  was  customary  for  the  ancient  heathen  to  oflcr  to 


9  And  then  see,  if  it  go  up  by  the  way  to 
its  own  boundary,  to  Beth-shemesh,  then  hath 
he  done  us  this  great  evil;  but  if  not,  then 
shall  we  know  that  not  his  hand  hath  smitten 
us;  it  is  a  chance  which  hath  happened  to  us. 

10  And  the  men  did  so;  and  they  took  two 
milch-cows,  and  harnessed  them  to  the  wagon, 
and  their  calves  they  shut  up  at  home: 

11  And  they  jjlaced  the  ark  of  the  Lord  in 
the  wagon,  and  the  casket  with  the  mice  of 
gold  and  images  of  their  hemorrhoids. 

12  And  the  cows  went  straight  forward  on 
the  way  on  the  road  to  Beth-shemesh:  on  one 
high-way  they  did  go  along,  lowing  as  they 
went,  and  turned  not  aside  to  the  right  or  to 
the  left;  and  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  went 
after  them  as  for  as  the  border  of  Beth-she- 
mesh. 

13  And  they  of  Beth-shemesh  were  reaping 
their  wheat-harvest  in  the  valley ;  and  when 
they  lifted  up  their  eyes,  and  saw  the  ark, 
they  rejoiced  to  see  it. 

14  And  the  wagon  came  to  the  field  of 
Joshua,  the  Beth-shemite,  and  stood  still 
there;  and  there  was  a  great  stdne;  and  they 
split  the  wood  of  the  wagon,  and  the  cows 
they  offered  as  a  burnt-offering  unto  the 
Lord. 

15  And  the  Levites  took  down  the  ark  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  casket  that  was  with  it, 
wherein  were  the  articles  of  gold,  and  jjut 
them  on  tlie  great  stone;  and  the  men  of  Beth- 
shemesh  offered  burnt-oftl'rings  and  sacrificed 
sacrifices  on  the  same  day  unto  the  Lord. 

16  And  when  the  five  lords  of  the  Philis- 
tines had  seen  it,  they  returned  to  'Ekron  on 
the  same  day. 

17  Tl  And  these  are  the  golden  hemor- 
rhoids which  the  Philistines  returned  as  a 
trespass-offering  unto  the  Lord:  For  Ashdod 
one,  for  Gazzali  one,  for  Ashkelon  one,  for 
Gath  one,  for  'Ekron  one. 

18  ^  And  the  golden  mice  were  according 
to  the  niunber  of  all  the  cities  of  the  Philis- 
tines under  the  five  lords,  from  the  fortified 
city,  down  to  the  open  village,  even  unto  the 

their  gods  such  monuments  of  their  deliverance  as  repre- 
sented the  evils  from  which  they  had  been  rescued  ; 
and  Tavernier  (Travels,  p.  9'2)  informs  us,  that  among 
the  Indians,  when  a  pilgrim  goes  to  one  of  the  pagodas 
f(ira  cure,  he  brings  the  figure  of  the  meuiber  affected, 
made  of  gold,  silver,  or  copper,  according  to  his  cin-um- 

stauces,  which  he  ofl'ers  to  his  god. 

321 


1  SAMUEL  VI.  VII. 


great  stone"  whereon  they  hud  set  down  the 
ark  of  the  Lord,  and  which  is  unto  this  day 
in  the  field  of  Joshua,  the  Beth-shemite. 

19  And  he  smote  among  the  men  of  Beth- 
shemesh,  because  they  had  looked  into  the 
ark  of  the  Lord,  namely,  he  smote  among  the 
people  seventy  men  and  fifty  thousand  men:** 
and  the  people  mourned  because  the  Lord  had 
caused  among  the  people  a  greats  slaughter. 

20  And  the  men  of  Beth-shemesh  said, 
Who  is  able  to  stand  before  the  Lord,  this 
holy  God?  and  to  Avhom  shall  it  go  up  away 
from  us  ? 

21  And  they  sent  messengers  to  the  inha- 
bitants of  Kiryath-ye'arim,  saying,  The  Philis- 
tines have  brought  back  the  ark  of  the  Lord  : 
come  ye  down,  and  fetch  it  up  to  you. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  And  the  men  of  Kiryath-ye'arim  came, 
and  fetched  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord,  and 
brought  it  unto  the  house  of  Al)inadab  on  the 
hill,  and  Elazar  his  son  they  sanctified  to 
"•uard  the  ark  of  the  Lord. 

2  *\\  And  it  came  to  pass,  from  the  time 
the  ark  remained  in  Kirj-ath-ye'arim,  and  the 
time  was  long,  and  it  was  twenty  years:  that 
all  the  house  of  Israel  followed  anxiously  after 
the  Lord. 

3  And  Samuel  said  unto  all  the  house  of 
Israel,  as  followeth.  If  with  all  your  heai't  ye 
do  return  unto  the  Lord,  then  put  away  the 
gods  of  the  stranger  and  the  'Ashtarotli  from 
your  midst,  and  direct  your  heart  unto  the 
Lord,  and  serve  him  alone  :  and  then  will  he 
deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philis- 
tines. 

4  Then  did  the  children  of  Israel  put 
away  the  Be'alim  and  the  'Ashtaroth,  and 
served  the  Lord  alone. 

5  *[]  And  Sanuiel  said,  Assemble  all  Israel 
together  at  Mizpah,  and  I  will  pray  in  your 
behalf  unto  the  Lord. 

G  And  they  assembled  themselves  together 
at  Mizpali,  and  drew  water,  and  poured  it 
out  before  the  Lord,  and  fasted  on  that  day, 
and  said  there,  We  have  sinned  against  the 


°  After  JoiKitluin,  taldug  Sax  Ahrl  for  ps  Ebeii. 

'  As  Beth-Shomcsh  was  a  small  place,  it  is  supposed 

that  the  seventy  died  of  thcni,  and  the  fifty  thousand 

from  all  Israel.    Perhaps  it  might  be  translated,  "  seventy 

among  fifty  thousand,"  /.  c.  of  the  crowd  of  that  amount 

322 


Lord.     And  Samuel  judged  the  children  of 
Israel  in  Mizpah. 

7  And  when  the  Philistines  heard  that  the 
children  of  Israel  had  assembled  themselves 
at  Mizpah,  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  went 
up  against  Israel.  And  when  the  children 
of  Israel  heard  it,  they  were  afraid  of  the 
Philistines. 

8  And  tlie  children  of  Israel  said  to 
Samuel,  Do  not  abstain,"  so  as  not  to  cry  for  us 
unto  the  Lord  our  God,  that  he  may  help  us 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

9  And  Samuel  took  one  sucking  lamb,  and 
oflered  it  for  an  entire  burnt-oft'ering  unto  the 
Lord:  and  Samuel  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  be- 
half of  Israel ;  and  the  Lord  answered  him. 

10  And  as  Samuel  was  ofiering  up  the 
burnt^ofi'ering,  the  Philistines  drew  near  to 
battle  against  Israel ;  but  the  Lord  thundered 
Avith  a  loud  noise  on  that  day  over  the  Philis- 
tines, and  brought  them  into  confusion,  and 
they  were  smitten  before  Israel. 

11  And  the  men  of  Israel  went  out  of  Miz- 
pah, and  pursued  the  Philistines,  and  smote 
them,  as  far  as  below  Beth-car. 

12  And  Samuel  took  one  stone,  and  set  it 
between  Mizpah  and  Shen,  and  called  its 
name  Eben-ha'ezer,'*  saying.  As  far  as  this 
hath  the  Lord  helped  us. 

13  So  were  the  Philistines  hiunbled,  and 
they  came  no  more  into  the  territory  of 
Israel ;  and  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  against 
the  Philistines  all  the  days  of  Sanuiel.'' 

14  And  the  cities  which  the  Philistines 
had  taken  from  Israel  came  again  to  Israel, 
from  'Ekron  even  unto  Gatli,  and  their  terri- 
tory did  Israel  deliver  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
Philistines.  And  there  was  peace  between 
Israel  and  the  Emorites. 

15  And  Samuel  judged  Israel  all  the  days 
of  his  life. 

IG  And  he  went  from  year  to  year  and 
travelled  in  circuit  to  Beth-el,  and  Gilgal,  and 
Mizpah,  and  judged  Israel  in  all  these  places. 

17  And  his  return  was  to  Eamali;  for  there 
was  his  house;  and  there  he  judged  Israel: 
and  he  built  there  an  altar  unto  the  Lord. 


who  were  present.  The  last  is  an  hypothesis  of  Ilerx- 
heimer,  after  Josephus. 

°  Heb.  "Be  not  silent  from  us  from  crying." 

■'  /.  c.  The  stone  of  help. 

*  i.  e.  While  he  himself  held  actively  the  reins  of  go 
vorumout. 


1  SAMUEL  VIII.  IX. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pasa,  when  Samuel 
was  old,  that  he  appointed  his  sons  judges 
over  Israel. 

2  And  the  name  of  his  first-born  was 
Joel;"  and  the  name  of  his  second  Abiyah: 
they  judged  in  Beer-sheba'. 

o  I3ut  his  sons  Avalked  not  in  his  wa}^, 
and  they  inclined  after  their  own  advantage, 
and  took  jjribes.  and  perverted  justice. 

4  *||  Then  did  all  the  elders  of  Israel  as- 
semble themselves  together,  and  came  to 
Samuel  unto  Eamah, 

5  And  said  unto  him,  Behold,  thou  art  old, 
and  thy  sons  have  not  walked  in  thy  ways : 
now  apixiint  for  us  a  king  to  judge  us  like  all 
the  nations. 

G  But  the  thing  was  displeasing  in  the 
eyes  of  Samuel,  when  they  said,  Give  us  a 
king  to  judge  us.  And  Samuel  j^ra^ed  unto 
the  Lord. 

7  Tl  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel, 
Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the  people  in  all 
that  they  may  say  unto  thee;  for  not  thee 
have  they  rejected,  but  me  have  the}'  rejected, 
that  I  should  not  reign  over  them. 

8  In  accordance  with  all  the  deeds  which 
they  have  done  since  the  day  that  I  brought 
them  up  out  of  Egypt  even  until  this  day, 
when  they  forsook  me,  and  served  other  gods: 
so  do  they  also  unto  thee. 

9  And  now  hearken  unto  tlieir  voice; 
nevertheless  thou  must  still  solennily  fore- 
warn them,  and  tell  them  the  manner''  of  the 
king  that  will  reign  over  them. 

10  T[  And  Samuel  said  all  the  words  of 
the  Lord  unto  the  people  that  had  asked  of 
him  a  kin"'. 

11  ^  And  he  said,  This  will  be  the  man- 
ner of  the  king  that  will  reign  over  you :  Your 
sons  will  he  take,  and  appoint  them  for  himself 
with  his  chariots,  and  among  his  horsemen; 
and  they  will  have  to  run  before  his  chariot; 

12  And  to  appoint  ibr  himself  captains 
over  thousands,  and  captains  over  fifties ;  and 
to  plough  his  ground,  and  to  reap  his  harvest, 
and  to  nuike  his  instruments  of  war,  and 
the  instruments  of  his  chariots. 


"  Correctly,  Yoef. 

'  "  Eight,"  or  "  privilege."— Repak. 
°  Lit.  "  in."     But  it  means,  as  iu  verse  8,  that  Samuel 
said  all  this  again  in  prayer. 


13  And  your  daughters  will  he  take  for  oint- 
ment makers,  and  for  cooks,  and  for  Itakers. 

14  And  your  fields,  and  your  vineyards, 
and  your  olive-yards,  yea  the  best,  will  he 
take,  and  give  them  to  his  servants. 

15  And  of  your  seeds,  and  of  your  vine- 
yards will  he  take  the  tenth,  and  give  (the 
same)  to  his  officers,  and  to  his  servants. 

IG  And  your  men-servants,  and  your  maid- 
servants, and  your  best  ^oung  men,  and  your 
asses  will  he  take,  and  employ  (them)  for  liis 
work. 

17  Of  your  flocks  will  he  take  the  tenth: 
and  ye  yourselves  will  Ijecome  his  servants. 

IS  And  ye  will  cry  out  on  that  day  because 
of  your  king  whom  ye  will  have  chosen  for 
yourselves;  but  the  Lord  will  not  answer  you 
on  that  day. 

19  Nevertheless  the  people  refused  to  listen 
to  the  voice  of  Samuel ;  and  they  said.  No ; 
but  a  king  shall  be  over  us; 

20  That  we  also  may  ourselves  be  like  all 
the  nations;  and  that  our  king  may  judge  us, 
and  go  out  before  us,  and  fight  our  battles. 

21  And  Samuel  heard  all  the  words  of  the 
people,  and  he  spoke  tliem  before''  the  ears  of 
the  Lord. 

22  ^  And  the  Lord  said  to  Samuel. 
Hearken  unto  their  voice,  and  apjioint  them 
a  king.  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  men  of 
Israel,  Go  ye  every  man  unto  his  city. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  Now  there  was  a  man  of  Benjamin, 
whose  name  was  Kish,  the  son  of  Abiel,  the 
son  of  Zeror,  the  son  of  Bechorath,  the  son 
of  Aphiach,  the  son  of  a  Benjamite,  a  mighty 
man  of  valour. 

2  And  he  had  a  son  whose  name  was 
Saiil,''  young"  and  handsome;  and  there  Avas 
not  a  man  amom;'  the  children  of  Israel  hand- 
somer  than  he :  from  his  shoulders  and  up- 
ward he  was  taller  than  any  of  the  people. 

3  And  there  were  lost  the  asses  belonging 
to  Kish,  Saiil's  father;  and  Kish  said  to  Saiil 
his  son.  Do  take  with  thee  one  of  the  ser- 
vants, and  arise,  go  seek  the  asses. 

4  And  he  passed  through  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim,  and  passed  through  the  land  of  Sha- 


*  Correctly,  "  Shahiil." 

•  Philippson,    "Distinguished  and  amial 
amiable." 


823 


1  SAMUEL  IX. 


lisha,  but  they  found  (them)  not;  then  they 
passed  through  the  land  of  Sha'alim,  and  there 
was  nothing  there;  and  he  passed  through 
the  land  of  Benjamin,  but  they  found  them 
not. 

5  When  they  were  come  in  the  land  of 
Zuph,  Saiil  said  to  his  servant  that  was  with 
him,  Come,  and  let  us  return ;  lest  my  father 
relinquish  the  care  for  tlie  asses,  and  become 
anxious  for  us. 

6  And  the  otlier  said  unto  him,  Behold 
now,  a  man  of  God  is  in  this  city,  and  the 
man  is  honoured;  all  that  he  ever  saith  will 
surely  come  to  pass:  now  let  us  go  thither; 
perhaps  he  can  tell  us  our  way  that  we  should 
go. 

7  Then  said  Saiil  to  his  servant.  But,  be- 
hold, if  we  should  go,  what  shall  we  bring 
to  the  man?  for  the  bread  is  spent  out  of 
our  vessels,  and  there  is  not  a  present*  to 
bring  to  the  man  of  God:  what  have  we 
with  us? 

8  And  the  servant  answered  Saul  again, 
and  said.  Behold,  I  have''  here  in  my  hand 
the  fourth  part  of  a  shekel  of  silver;  and  I 
will  give  this  to  the  man  of  God,  that  he  may 
tell  us  our  way. 

9  In  former  times  it  was  custom  in  Israel, 
that  when  a  man  went  to  inquire  of  God,  he 
said  thus.  Come,  and  let  us  go  as  far  as  the 
seer;  for  the  Prophet  of  the  present  day  was 
in  former  times  called  a  Seer. 

10  Then  said  Saiil  to  his  servant.  Thy 
word  is  good :  come,  let  us  go.  So  they  went 
unto  the  city  where  the  man  of  God  was. 

11  As  they  went  up  the  ascent  to  the  city, 
they  found  some  maidens  going  out  to  draw 
water;  and  they  said  unto  them.  Is  the  seer 
here  ? 

12  And  they  answered  them,  and  said. 
He  is;  behold,  he  is  before  you:  malve  haste 
now,  for  this  day  came  he  to  the  city;  be- 
cause the  people  have  a  sacrifice  to-day  on 
the  high-])ln-ce ; 

13  As  soon  as  ye  are  come  into  the  city,  ye 
will  straightway  find  him,  bei'ore  yet  he  can 
go  up  to  the  high-place  to  eat;  for  the  people 
will  not  eat  until  he  be  come,  because  he  al- 
ways  blesseth    the    sacrifice;    afterward   eat 


'  We  are  not  to  suppo.se  from  tiiis  tliiit  the  prophets 
tcKik    money   to  predict   future  events:  Saiil  only  refers 
to  an  invariable  eus((]ni,  llia(  no  man  approached  a  supe- 
■S2i 


those  that  are  invited;  and  now  go  you  up; 
for  just  to-day  will  ye  surely  find  him. 

14  And  they  went  up  into  the  city.  They 
were  entering  into  the  city,  when,  behold, 
Samuel  came  out  toward  them,  to  go  ujj  to 
the  high- pi  ace. 

15  ^[  And  the  Loed  had  revealed  to  Sa- 
muel's ear  one  day  before  Saiil's  coming,  say- 
mo* 

16  About  this  time  to-morrow  will  I  send 
unto  thee  a  man  out  of  the  land  of  Benjamin, 
and  thou  shalt  anoint  him  as  chief  over  my 
people  Israel,  that  he  may  save  my  people 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines;  for  1  have 
beheld  my  people,  because  their  cry  is  come 
unto  me. 

17  And  when  Samuel  saw  Saiil,  the  Lord 
addressed  him.  Behold  the  man  of  whom  I 
spoke  to  thee.  This  one  shall  rule  over  my 
people. 

18  And  Saiil  drew  near  to  Samuel  within 
the  gate,  and  said.  Tell  me,  I  pray  thee, 
where  is  the  house  of  the  seer. 

19  And  Samuel  answered  Saiil,  and  said. 
I  am  the  seer:  go  up  before  meunto  the  high- 
place,  and  ye  shall  eat  with  me  to-day;  and 
I  will  let  thee  go  in  the  morning,  and  all  that 
is  in  thy  heart  will  I  tell  thee. 

20  And  as  for  thy  asses  that  were  lost  unto 
thee  this  day  three  days  ago,  do  not  set  thy 
heart  on  them;  for  they  have  been  found. 
And  to  whom  belongeth  all  that  is  desirable 
in  Israel?  Is  it  not  to  thee,  and  to  all  thy 
father's  house? 

21  And  Saiil  answered  and  said.  Am  not  I 
a  son  of  Benjamin,  of  one  of  the  smallest 
tribes  of  Israel?  and  (is  not)  my  family  the 
least  of  all  the  fiimilies  of  the  tribes  of  Benja- 
min? wherefore  then  hast  thou  spoken  to  me 
such  a  thing? 

22  And  Samuel  took  Saiil  and  his  servant, 
and  brought  them  into  the  apartment;  and  he 
assigned  them  a  place  at  the  head  of  the  in- 
vited guests,  who  were  about  thirty  persons. 

23  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  cook.  Hand 
here  the  portion  which  I  gave  thee,  of  which  I 
said  unto  thee.  Put  it  away  by  thee. 

24  And  the  cook  took  up  the  shoulder, 
and  that  which  was  on  it,  and  set  it  before 


rior  without  some  present  or  another,  however  small  in 
value 

'  Heb.  '■  there  i.'^  fnuiK.l  in  my  liaml." 


1  SAMUEL  IX.  X. 


Saiil  :  and  he  gaiil.  Behold  what  is  k-l't !  set  it 
het'oro  thee,  and  eat;  for  unto  this  time  hath 
it  been  kept  from  thee,  since  I  said,  I  have  in- 
vited the  people.  And  Saiil  ate  witli  Samuel 
on  that  day. 

25  And  they  went  down  from  tlie  high- 
place  into  the  city,  and  he  spoke  with  Saiil 
ujion  the  roof. 

2G  And  they  got  up  earlv;  and  it  came  to 
pass  Avhen  the  morning-dawn  arose,  tliat  Sa- 
muel called  Saiil  to  the  roof,  saying.  Up,  that 
I  may  send  thee  awaj'.  And  Saiil  arose,  and 
they  went  out,  both  of  them,  he  and  Samuel, 
into  the  street. 

27  As  they  were  going  down  to  the  end 
of  the  city,  Samuel  said  to  Saiil,  Say  to  the 
servant  that  he  pass  on  before  us, — and  he 
passed  on, — but  thou  remain  standing  a  while, 
and  I  will  let  thee  hear  the  word  of  God. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  And  Samuel  took  a  flask  of  oil,  and 
poured  it  upon  his  head,  and  kissed  him, 
and  said.  Behold,  it  is  because  the  Lord  hath 
anointed  thee  over  his  inheritance  as  chief 

2  When  thou  goest  this  day  away  from 
me,  thou  wilt  find  two  men  who  are  now" 
by  Rachel's  sepulchre,  on  the  boundary  of 
Benjamin  at  Zelzach;  and  they  will  say  unto 
thee,  The  a,sses  which  thou  wentest  to  seek 
are  found :  and,  lo,  thy  father  hath  given  up 
the  matter  of  the  asses,  and  is  anxious  for 
you,  saying,  What  shall  I  do  for  my  son  ? 

3  Then  shalt  thou  go  on  forward  from 
there,  and  thou  shalt  come  as  far  as  the  grove 
of  Tabor,  and  there  shall  meet  thee  three  men 
going  up  to  God  to  Beth-el,  one  carrying  three 
kids,  and  another  carrying  three  loaves  of 
bread,  and  another  carrying  a  bottle  of  wine : 

4  And  they  will  ask  thee  after  thy  welfare, 
and  give  thee  two  loaves  of  bread,  which 
thou  must  take  from  their  hand. 

5  After  that  shalt  thou  come  to  the  hill  of 
God,''  where  the  outposts  of  the  Philistines 
are;  and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  thou  art 
come  thither  to  the  city,  that  thou  wilt  meet 


»  After  Rasbi. 

''  The  hill  by  Kiryath-ye'arim,  where  the  ark  was. — 
Rash  I. 

°  "  A  company  of  scholars." — Jonathan  Evidently 
those  belonging  to  the  schools  of  the  prophets,  who  were 
probably  taught  religion,  poetry,  and  music. 

''"And  they  are   praising." — Jonathan.     Meaning. 


a  company  of  prophets"  coming  down  from 
the  high-iihice.  having  before  them  a  psaltery, 
and  a  tandiourine,  and  a  pipe,  and  a  harp; 
and  they  will  be  prophesying;'' 

6  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  will  suddenly 
come  over  thee,  and  thou  shalt  prophesy  with 
them,  and  thou  shalt  be  changed  into  another 
man. 

7  And  it  shall  be,  that,  when  these  signs 
are  come  unto  thee,  then  do  thou  what  thy 
hand  may  be  able  to  eflect;  for  God  is  with 
thee. 

8  And  thou  shalt  go  down  before  me  to  Gil- 
gal;  and,  behold,  I  will  come  down  unto  thee, 
to  offer  burnt-offerings,  (and)  to  sacrifice  sacri- 
fices of  peace-offerings :  seven  days  .shalt  thou 
tarry,  till  I  come  to  thee,  and  then  will  I  tell 
thee  what  thou  shalt  do. 

9  And  it  happened,  that,  as  he  turned  his 
back  to  go  away  from  Samuel,  God  changed 
his  heart  into  another;  and  all  these  signs 
came  to  pass  on  that  same  day. 

10  Tl  And  when  they  came  thither  to  the 
hill,  behold,  a  company  of  prophets  met  him ; 
and  the  Spirit  of  God  came  suddenly  over 
him,  and  he  prophesied  in  the  midst  of  them. 

11  And  it  came  to  pas.s,  when  all  that 
knew  him  before"  saw,  that,  behold,  he  pro- 
phesied with  the  prophets,  then  said  the 
people  one  to  another.  What  is  this  that  hath 
happened  to  the  son  of  Kish?  is  Saiil  also 
among  the  prophets? 

12  And  one  of  that  place  answered  and 
said,  And  who  is  their  father?^  Therefore  it 
became  a  proverb.  Is  Saiil  also  among  the 
prophets  ? 

13  And  when  he  had  made  an  end  of  pro- 
phesying, he  came  to  the  high-place. 

14  And  Saiil's  uncle  said  unto  him  and  to 
his  servant,  Whither  were  ye  gone?  And  he 
said.  To  seek  the  asses;  and  when  we  saw 
that  they  were  nowhere,  v/e  went  to  Samuel. 

15  And  Saiil's  uncle  said.  Do  tell  me,  I 
pray  thee,  Avhat  did  Samuel  say  unto  you. 

16  And  Saiil  said  unto  his  uncle,  lie  told 
us  plainly  that  the    asses  had  been   found. 


not  literally  predicting,  but  engaged  in  singing  the  praises 
of  God. 

°  Lit.  "yesterday,  the  day  before  yesterday." 
'  Jonathan,  "Who  is  their  teacher?"  referring  to  the 
prophets;  meaning,  prophecy  is  no  inheritance,  but  a  gift 
of  God ;  why  then  do  you  wonder  that  the  son  of  Kish  pro- 
phesies also? 

3:^5 


1  SAMUEL  X.  XI. 


But  of  the  matter  of  the  kingdom,  whereof 
Samuel  had  spoken,  he  told  liira  not. 

17  ^[  And  Samuel  called  the  people  to- 
gether unto  tlie  Lord  to  Mizpah; 

18  And  he  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel, 
I  brought  up  Israel  for  Egypt,  and  delivered 
you  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Egyptians,  and 
out  of  the  hand  of  all  the  kingdoms  that  op- 
pressed you ; 

19  And  ye  for  your  part  have  this  day  re- 
jected your  God,  he  who  hath  saved  you  out 
of  all  your  misfortunes  and  your  tribulations; 
and  ye  have  said  unto  him,  Nevertheless,  thou 
must  set  a  king  over  us:  and  now  present 
yourselves  before  the  Lord  according  to  your 
tribes,  and  according  to  your  thousands. 

20  And  Sanmel  caused  all  the  tribes  of 
Israel  to  come  near;  and  the  tribe  of  Benja- 
min was  seized. 

21  And  he  caused  the  tribe  of  Benjamin  to 
come  near  according  to  its  families,  and  the 
family  of  Matri  was  seized,  and  then  was  seized 
Saiil  the  son  of  Kish :  and  they  sought  him, 
but  he  could  not  be  found. 

22  And  they  inquired  again  of  the  Lord, 
Is  tlie  man  yet  come  hither?" 

][  And  the  Lord  said,  Behold,  he  hath  hid- 
den himself  among  tlie  vessels.'' 

23  And  they  ran  and  fetched  him  thence, 
and  he  placed  himself  erect  in  the  midst  of  the 
people,  and  he  was  higher  tluui  any  of  the 
people  from  his  shoulders  and  upward. 

24  And  Samuel  said  to  all  the  people, 
Have  ye  seen  him  whom  the  Lord  hath  made 
choice  of,  that  there  is  none  like  him  aniong  all 
the  people  ?  And  all  the  people  shouted,  and 
said,  Long  live  the  king. 

25  ^]  Then  did  Sanuiel  speak  to  the  people 
the  rights  of  the  kingdom,  and  wrote  it  in  a 
book,  and  laid  it  down  before  the  Lord.  And 
Samuel  sent  away  all  the  people,  every  man 
to  his  house. 

26  And  Saiil  also  went  to  his  home  to 
(lib'ali;  and  there  went  with  him  a  lariie 
crowd,  whose  heart  God  had  touched. 

27  But  the  worthless  men  said,  In  what 
can  this  one  help  us?  And  they  despised 
him,  and  brought  him  no  present.  But  he 
acted  as  though  he  were  deaf 


'  After  Redak,  as  though  it  were  ty'sn-    Others,  "Is  yet 
another  man  comi'  hither  ?" 

S20 


CHAPTER  XL 


1  ^  Then  came  up  Nachash  the  'Ammonite, 
and  encamped  against  Yabesh-girad :  and 
all  the  men  of  Yabesh  said  unto  Nachash, 
Make  a  covenant  with  us,  and  we  will  serve 
thee. 

2  And  Nachash  the  'Ammonite  said  unto 
them.  On  this  condition  will  I  make  it  with 
you,  that  ye  all  have  jJut  out  the  right  eye, 
that  I  may  lay  it  as  a  reproach  upon  all  Israel. 

3  And  the  elders  of  Yabesh  said  unto  him, 
Grant  us  seven  days  respite,  that  we  inay 
send  messengers  throughout  all  the. boundary 
of  Israel :  and  then,  if  there  be  none  to  save 
us,  will  we  come  out  to  thee. 

4  And  the  messengers  came  to  Gib' ah  of 
Saiil,  and  spoke  the  words  in  the  ears  of  the 
people ;  and  all  the  people  lifted  up  their 
\'oice,  and  w^ept. 

5  And,  behold,  Saiil  was  coming  after  the 
herds  out  of  the  field;  and  Saiil  said,  What 
aileth  the  people  that  they  weep?  And  they 
told  him  the  words  of  the  men  of  Yabesh. 

6  And  the  Spirit  of  God  came  suddenly 
over  Saiil  when  he  heard  these  words,  and  his 
anger  was  kindled  greatly. 

7  And  he  took  a  yoke  of  oxen,  and  cut 
them  in  pieces,  and  sent  them  about  through- 
out all  the  boundary  of  Israel  by  the  hand  of 
the  messengers,  saying,  Whosoever  goeth  not 
forth  after  Saiil  and  after  Samuel,  shall  have 
his  herds  thus  treated.  And  the  dread  of  the 
Lord  fell  on  the  people,  and  they  went  out 
as  one  man. 

8  And  he  numbered  them  in  Bezek;  and 
the  children  of  Israel  were  three  hundred 
thousand,  and  the  men  of  Judah  thirty  thou- 
sand. 

9  And  they  said  unto  the  messengers  that 
were  come,  Thus  shall  ye  say  unto  the  men  of 
Yabesh-gilad,  To-morrow  shall  ye  have  help, 
when  the  sun  shineth  hot.  And  the  messen- 
gers came  and  told  it  to  the  men  of  Yabesh : 
and  these  were  glad. 

10  And  the  men  of  Yabesh  said,"  To-mor- 
row will  we  go  out  unto  you,  and  ye  can  do 
unto  us  in  accordance  with  all  that  seemeth 
good  in  your  eyes. 

11  ^  And  it  happened  on  the  morrow, 


'■  1.  e.  The  baggage  of  the  assomhly. 

'  Meaning,  they  sent  word  to  tlic  'Animonitcfl. 


1  SAMUEL  XI.  Xli. 


that  Saiil  put  the  people  in  throe  companies; 
1111(1  they  caine  into  the  midst  of  the  camp  in 
the  morning  watch,  and  thej  smote  the  'Am- 
monites until  the  heat  of  the  day  :  and  it  came 
to  pass,  that  those  that  remained  were  seat^ 
tered,  and  no  two  among  them  were  left  to- 
gether. 

12  And  the  people  said  unto  Samuel,  Who 
is  there  that  saith.  Shall  Saul  reign  over  us  ? 
give  up  the  men,  and  we  will  put  them  to 
death. 

13  And  Saiil  said,  There  shall  not  a  man 
be  put  to  death  on  this  day;  for  to-day  the 
Lo?JD  liath  wrought  deliverance"  in  Israel. 

14  ^[  And  Samuel  said  to  the  people.  Come 
and  let  us  go  to  Gilgal,  and  renew  there  the 
choice''  of  the  king. 

15  And  all  the  people  went  to  Gilgal;  and 
they  appointed  there  Saiil  as  king  before  the 
Lord  in  Gilgal;  and  they  sacrificed  there  sacri- 
fices of  peace-ofterings  before  tlie  Lord;  and 
Saiil  with  all  the  men  of  Israel  rejoiced  there 
very  greatly. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ^  And  Samuel  said  unto  all  Israel,  Be- 
hold, I  have  hearkened  unto  your  voice  in  all 
that  ye  said  unto  me,  and  I  have  set  a  king 
over  you. 

2  And  now,  behold,  the  king  is  walking 
before  you;  and  I  am  old  and  gray-headed; 
and  my  sons,  behold,  they  are  with  you ;  and 
I  have  walked  before  30U  from  my  youth 
even  until  this  day. 

3  Behold,  here  am  I ;  testily  against  me  in 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  presence 
of  his  anointed :  Whose  ox  have  I  taken  ?  or 
whose  ass  have  I  taken  ?  or  whom  have  I  de- 
trauded  ?  whom  have  I  oppressed  ?  or  from 
wdiose  hand  have  I  received  any  ransom  so 
that  I  withdrew  my  eyes  from  him?  and  I 
will  restore  it  you. 

4  And  they  said.  Thou  hast  not  defrauded 
us,  nor  hast  thou  oppressed  us,  and  thou  hast 
not  taken  from  any  man's  liand  the  least. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them.  The  Lord  is 

•  Zunz,  "  Victory." 

'■  After  Sachs.  Rashi  agrees  with  this,  in  commentiiig, 
"Because  at  first  some  objected,  but  now  all  were  satis- 
fied."    Others  render,  "the  kingdom." 

°  According  to  Jonathan's  version,  who  supplies  between 
nDi"  and  niyo  the  word  x'73,  thus,  riBfOT  XT  Sj?  pu:  ^^;^^. 
Others  render,  "  who  appointed  Mo.ses  and  Aaron." 


witness  a,gainst  you,  and  his  anointed  is  wit- 
ness this  (lay,  that  ye  have  not  found  in 
my  hand  the  least:  and  they  answered.  He  is 
witness. 

6  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  people.  It  is 
the  Lord  who  did"  (wonders  through)  Moses 
and  Aaron,  and  who  brought  your  fathers  up 
out  of  the  land  of  P^gypt. 

7  And  now  stand  up,  that  I  may  hold 
judgment  with  you  before  the  Lord  concern- 
ing all  the  benefits  of  the  Lord,  which  he 
hath  done  to  you  and  to  ^our  fathers. 

8  When  Jacob  was  come  into  Egypt,  then 
did  your  fiithers  cry  unto  the  Lord,  and  the 
Lord  sent  Moses  and  Aaron,  and  they  brought 
forth  your  fathers  out  of  Egypt,  and  caused 
them  to  dwell  in  this  place. 

9  And  when  they  forgot  the  Lord  their 
God,  he  sold  them  into  the  hand  of  Sissera, 
the  chief  of  the  host  of  Chazor,  and  into  the 
hand  of  the  Philistines,  and  into  the  hand  of 
the  king  of  Moab,  and  they  made  war  against 
them. 

10  And  they  cried  (then)  unto  the  Lord, 
and  said.  We  have  sinned,  because  we  have 
forsaken  the  Lord,  and  have  served  tlie  Be- 
'alim  and  the  'Ashtaroth;  and  now  deliver  us 
out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  and  we  will 
serve  thee. 

11  And  the  Lord  sent  Yerubba'al,  and 
Bedan,*  and  Yiphthach,  and  Samuel,  and  he 
delivered  you  out  of  the  hand  of  your  enemies 
on  every  side,  so  tliat  ye  dwelt  salelj. 

12  But  when  ye  saw  that  Nachash  the 
king  of  the  children  of  'Amnion  came  against 
you,  ye  said  unto  me.  No;  but  a  king  shall 
reign  over  ns :  when  the  Lord  your  God  is 
vour  kinir. 

18  And  now  here  is  the  king  wdiom  ^e 
have  chosen,  whom  ye  have  asked  for!  and, 
beh(jld,  the  Lord  hath  set  over  j-ou  a  king. 

14  If  ye  will  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him, 
and  obey  his  voice,  and  will  not  rebel  against 
the  will"  of  the  Lord:  then''  shall  both  ye 
and  also  the  king  that  reiuneth  over  you  con- 
tinue  following  the  Lord  your  God. 

^  Samson,  or  "  son  of  Dan." 
°  Lit.  "mouth,"  elsewhere  given  with  "order." 
'  Both  Sachs  and  Arnheim  view  this  part  of  the  verse 
as  a  continuation  of  the  condition,  and  render,  "  Anil  if 
both  ye  and  also  the  king  that  reigneth  over  you,  follow 
the  Lord  your  God," — the  consequcuce  is  then  under- 
stood, meaning,  "  then  will  you  be  blessed." 

Z-27 


1  SAMUEL  XII.  XIII. 


15  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  to  the  voice 
of  the  Lord,  and  rebel  against  the  will  of  the 
Lord:  then  will  the  hand  of  the  Lord  be 
against  you,  as  it  was  against  your  flxthers. 

16  Also  now  stand  up  and  see  this  great 
thing,  which  the  Lord  is  about  doino;  before 
your  eyes. 

17  Is  it  not  wheat-harvest'  to-day?  I  will 
call  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will  send  thunders 
and  rain ;  and  ye  will  (thus)  perceive  and  see 
that  your  wickedness  is  great,  which  ye  have 
done,  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  to  ask  for  your- 
selves a  king. 

18  And  Samuel  called  unto  the  Lord;  and 
the  Lord  sent  thunders  and  rain  on  that  day : 
and  all  the  people  feared  greatly  the  Lord 
and  Samuel. 

19  And  all  the  people  said  unto  Samuel, 
Pray  in  behalf  of  thy  servants  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God,  that  we  may  not  die;  for  we  have 
added  unto  all  our  sins  yet  this  evil,  to  ask 
for  oui'selves  a  king. 

20  And  Samuel  said  unto  the  people.  Fear 
not;  ye  have  indeed  done  all  this  evil:  yet 
turn  not  aside  from  following  the  Lord,  and 
serve  ye  the  Lord  with  all  your  heart ; 

21  And  turn  ye  not  aside;  for  then  would 
ye  go  after  vain  things,  which  cannot  profit 
nor  deliver;  because  they  are  vain. 

22  For  the  Lord  will  not  forsake  his  people 
for  the  sake  of  his  gi'eat  name ;  because  it 
hath  pleased  the  Lord  to  make  you  a  peoj^Ie 
unto  himself 

23  Moreover  as  for  me,  far  be  it  from  me 
that  I  should  sin  against  the  Lord  by  ceasing 
to  pray  in  behalf  of  you ;  but  I  will  teach  you 
the  good  and  the  right  way : 

21  Only  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in 
truth  with  all  your  heart;  for  see  what  great 
things  he  hath  done  with  you. 

25  But  if  ye  will  in  any  wise  do  wickedly, 
both  ye  yourselves  as  also  your  king  shall 
peri.sh. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  When  Saul  had  reigned  one  year, — 
and  two*"  years  he  reigned  over  Israel, — 


'  A  period  when  rain  is  uncommon  in  Palestine. 

''  Rabbi  Isaiah,  in  his  commeutary,  makes  the  two  years 
mentioncJ  here  as  those  antecedent  to  the  anointing  of 
David;  as,  in  point  of  fact,  Saiil  must  have  reigned  longer. 

°  Correctly,   Yi)niilltan,  or  Ychonalhin. 

'  Others,  "garrison." 


2  Said  chose  for  hi  mself  three  thousand  men 
out  of  Israel ;  and  there  were  with  Saiil  two 
thousand  in  Michmash  and  on  the  mountain  of 
Beth-el,  and  a  thousand  were  with  Jonathan" 
in  Gib'ah  of  Benjamin:  and  the  rest  of  the 
people  he  sent  away  every  man  to  his  tents. 

3  And  Jonathan  smote  the  outpost*  of  the 
Philistines  that  was  at  Geba',  and  the  Philis- 
tines heard  of  it.  And  Saiil  Ijlew  the  cornet 
throughout  all  the  land,  saying,  Let  the  He- 
brews hear  it. 

4  And  all  Israel  heard  it,  saying,  Saiil  hath 
smitten  the  outpost  of  the  Philistines,  and  the 
Israelites  also  have  put  themselves  in  ill-favour 
with  the  Philistines.  And  the  people  were 
called  together  after  Saiil  to  Gilgal. 

5  And  the  Philistines  gathered  themselves 
together  to  fight  with  Israel,  thirty  thousand 
chariots,  and  six  thousand  horsemen,  and 
people  as  the  sand  which  is  on  the  sea-shore 
in  multitude;  and  they  came  \\\},  and  en- 
camped in  Michmash,  eastward  from  Beth- 
aven. 

6  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  saw  that 
they  Avere  in  a  strait,  (for  the  people  were 
oppressed,)  then  did  the  people  hide  themselves 
in  caves,  and  in  thickets,  and  in  rocks,  and 
in  strong-holds,  and  in  pits. 

7  And  some  of  the  Hebrews  passed  over 
the  Jordan  to  the  land  of  Gad  and  Gil'ad. 
As  for  Saiil,  he  was  still  in  Gilgal,  and  all  the 
people  followed  him  hastily." 

8  And  he  tarried  seven  days,  according  to 
the  set  time  that  SamueF  had  appointed ;  but 
Samuel  came  not  to  Gilgal;  and  the  people 
were  scattering  themselves  from  him. 

9  And  Saiil  said.  Bring  hither  to  me  tlie 
jjurnt-oftering  and  the  peace-offerings.  And 
he  offered  the  burnt^offering. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  soon  as 
he  had  made  an  end  of  offering  the  burnt- 
offering,  behold,  Samuel  came;  and  Saiil  went 
out  to  meet  him,  that  he  might  greet  him. 

11  And  Samuel  said,  What  hast  thou  done? 
And  Saiil  said.  Because  I  saw  that  the  people 
were  scattering  themselves  froni  me,  whereas 
thou  camest  not  at  the  appointed  day,  and 


'  Rashi.  Others,  "trembling,"  or  "fearfully." 
'  Philippson  supposes  that  Samuel  had  made  it  a  rule, 
independently  of  the  order  above,  x.  8,  for  Saiil  to  wait 
with  public  sacrifices  at  Gilgal,  where  the  taberniicle  w.is 
probably  at  that  time,  till  his  arrival,  which  might  rc<ju!re 
.some  days  from  the  time  he  was  bidden. 


1  SAMUEL  XIII.  XIV. 


the  Philistines  are  gathering  themselves  to- 
gether at  Michmash; 

12  And  I  said,  The  Philistines  will  now 
come  down  unto  me  to  Gilgal,  and  I  have  not 
yet  made  supplication  unto  the  Lord  :  where- 
fore I  forced  myself,  and  offered  the  burnt- 
offering. 

13  And  Samuel  said  to  Saiil,  Thou  hast 
done  foolishly :  thou  hast  not  kept  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  he 
had  commanded  thee;  for  now  would  the 
Lord  have  established  thy  government  over 
Israel  for  ever. 

14  But  now  thy  government  shall  not  en- 
dure :  the  Lord  hath  sought  out  for  himself  a 
man  alter  his  own  heart,  and  the  Lord  hath 
ordained  him  to  be  chief  over  his  people;  be- 
cause thou  hast  not  kept  what  the  Lord  had 
commanded  thee. 

15  ^[  And  Samuel  arose,  and  went  up  from 
Gilgal  unto  Gib' ah  of  Benjamin.  And  Saiil 
numbered  the  people  that  were  to  be  found 
with  him,  about  six  hundred  men. 

16  And  Saiil,  and  Jonathan  his  son,  and 
the  people  that  were  to  be  found  with  them, 
were  lying  in  Geba'  of  Benjamin;  but  the 
Philistines  were  encamped  in  Michmash. 

17  And  the  troop  of  freebooters  went  out 
of  the  camp  of  the  Philistines  in  three  com- 
panies: one  company  turned  into  the  way  to 
'Ophrah,  unto  the  land  of  Shu'al; 

18  And  another  company  turned  into  the 
w^ay  to  Beth-ohoron;  and  the  other  company 
turned  into  the  way  to  the  frontier  that  look- 
eth  over  the  valley  of  Zebo'im  toward  the 
wilderness. 

19  ^  Now  there  was  no  smith  to  be  found 
throughout  all  the  land  of  Israel;  for  the 
Philistines  said,  So  that  the  Hebrews  shall 
not  make  tliemselves  swords  or  spears. 

20  But  all  the  Israelites  went  down  to  the 
Philistines,  to  sharpen  every  man  his  plough- 
share, and  his  coulter,"  and  his  axe,  and  his 
mattock. 

21  And  they  used  a  file''  for  the  mattocks, 
and  for  the  coulters,  and  for  three-pronged 
forks,  and  for  the  axes,  and  to  sharpen  the 
goads. 

22  So  it  came  to  pass  on  the  day  of  battle, 


'  Pliilippson,  "plough-share,  scythe,  axe,  aud  sickle." 
'  Philippson,  "namely,  when  the  edge  was  dull  ou  the 
ugric-ultural  implements,  or  on  the  scythes,"  &c.,  taking 

2R 


that  there  was  neither  sword  nor  spear  found 
in  the  hand  of  any  of  the  people  that  were 
with  Saiil  and  Jonathan;  but  they  were  found 
with  Saiil  and  with  Jonathan  his  son. 

23  And  the  outpost  of  the  Philistines  went 
out  to  the  pass  of  Michmash. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  T[  Now  it  liappened  one  day,  that  Jona- 
than the  son  of  Saiil  said  unto  the  young 
man  that  bore  his  armour.  Come,  and  let  us 
go  over  to  the  Philistines'  outpost,  that  is  on 
the  other  side  yonder.  But  unto  his  lather 
he  told  nothing. 

2  And  Saiil  tarried  in  the  lower  part  of 
Gib'ali  under  the  pomegranate-tree  which  is 
by  Migron:  and  the  people  that  were  with 
him  were  about  six  hundred  men. 

3  And  Achiyah,  the  son  of  Achitub,  the 
brother  of  I-chabod,  the  sou  of  Phinehas,  the 
son  of  'Eli,  the  priest  of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh, 
wore  the  ephod.  And  the  people  knew  not 
that  Jonathan  was  gone. 

4  And  between  the  passes,  by  which  Jona- 
than sought  to  go  over  unto  the  outpost  of 
the  Philistines,  there  was  a  sharp  point  of 
rock  on  the  one  side,  and  a  sharp  point  of 
rock  on  the  other  side :  and  the  name  of  the 
one  was  Bozez,  and  the  name  of  the  other 
Seneh. 

5  The  one  point  rose  up  abruptly  north- 
ward opposite  Michmash,  and  the  other  south- 
ward opposite  Geba'. 

6  And  Jonathan  said  to  the  young  man 
that  bore  his  armour.  Come,  and  let  us  go 
over  unto  the  outpost  of  these  uncircumcised : 
it  may  be  that  the  Lord  will  work  for  us;  for 
there  is  no  restraint  to  the  Lord  to  save  by 
means  of  many  or  by  means  of  few. 

7  And  his  armour-bearer  said  unto  him. 
Do  all  that  is  in  thy  heart:  turn  thee;  be- 
hold, I  am  with  thee  according  to  thy  heart. 

8  Then  said  Jonathan,  Behold,  we  will 
pass  over  unto  these  men,  and  we  will  show 
ourselves  unto  them. 

9  If  they  say  thus  unto  us.  Stand  still 
until  we  come  to  you:  then  will  we  remain 
standing  in  our  places,  and  will  not  go  up  unto 
them. 


m'i"3   as   signifying  "gap,"   "dulness,"    from    ly-)    "to 
blunt."     Our  version  is  after  Kashi. 

329 


10  But  if  they  say  thus,  Come  up  uuto  us: 
then  will  we  go  up;  for  the  Lord  hath  de- 
livered them  into  our  hand;  and  this  shall 


be  unto  us  the  sign. 

11  And  when  both  of  them  showed  them- 
selves unto  the  outpost  of  the  Philistines, 
the  Philistines  .said,  Behold,  Hebrews  are 
coming  forth  out  of  the  holes  wherein  they 
have  hidden  themselves. 

1'2  And  the  men  of  the  outpost  addressed 
Jonathan  and  his  armour-bearer,  and  said, 
Come  up  to  us,  and  Ave  will  let  you  know 
something.  Then  said  Jonathan  unto  his 
armour-bearer,  Come  up  after  me;  for  the 
Lord  hath  given  them  up  into  the  hand  of 
Israel. 

10  And  Jonathan  then  ascended  upon  his 
hands  and  upon  his  feet,  and  his  armour- 
bearer  after  him :  and  they  fell  before  Jona- 
than, and  his  armour-bearer  was  killing  after 
him. 

11  And  that  tirst  defeat,  which  Jonathan 
and  his  armour-bearer  caused,  was  about 
twenty  men,  within  about  the  half  of  a  field," 
which  a  yoke  of  oxen  might  plough. 

15  And  there  arose  a  terror  in  the  camp, 
in  the  field,  and  among  all  the  people;  the 
outposts,  and  the  free-booters,  they  also  were 
terrified,  and  the  earth  quaked;  and  it  became 
a  very  great  terror.'' 

16  And  the  watchers  of  Saiil  in  Gib'ah  of 
Benjamin  looked;  and,  behold,  the  multitude 
))ecame  scattered,"  and  ran  hither  and  thither. 

17  ]f  Then  said  Saiil  unto  the  people  that 
were  with  him.  Muster  now,  and  see  who  is 
gone  away  from  us.  And  they  mustered, 
and,  behold,  there  was  neither  Jonathan  nor 
his  armour-bearer. 

18  And  Saiil  said  unto  Achiyah,  Bring 
hither  the  ark  of  God ;  for  the  ark  of  God  was 
on  that  day  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

19  And  it  happened,  while  Saiil  was  speak- 
ing unto  the  priest,  that  the  conliision  which 
was  in  the  camp  of  the  Philistines  went  on  and 
increased  more  and  more : 

"  Lit.  "  half  a  furrow  of  a  yoke  of  land;"  meaning, 
a  small  field,  half  as  much  as  a  pair  of  oxen  can  plough 
in  a  day. 

'  Lit.  "a  terror  of  God,"  /.  e.  "a  fearful  panic."  The 
word  "God"  added  in  Ilehrew,  expresses  the  highest 
of  the  thing  spoken  of;  thus,  "  the  mountains  of  God," 
kc. 

'  Lit.  "  njclted,"  i.  e.  lost  the  compact  order  of  soldiers, 
and  got  into  disorder.  DiSn  is  rendered  by  Redak  as  sig- 
330 


1  SAMUEL  XIV. 

^  And  Saiil  said  unto  the  priest,  With- 
draw thy  hand. 

20  And  Saiil  and  all  the  people  that  A\ere 
with  him  were  called  together,  and  they  came 
to  the  battle  :  and,  behold,  the  sword  of  every 
man  was  against  his  fellow,  the  disorder  being 
very  great. 

21  And  the  Hebrews  that  were  with  the 
Philistines  as  before  that  time,  those  namely 
who  had  gone  up  with  them,  were  in  the  camp 
round  aljout;  but  these  also  resolved  to  be 
with  the  Israelites  that  were  with  Saiil  and 
Jonathan. 

22  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  who  had  hid- 
den themselves  on  the  mountain  of  Ephraim, 
heard  that  the  Philistines  had  tied;  and  they 
also  followed  hard  after  them  in  the  battle. 

2-3  So  the  Lord  saved  Israel  that  day:  and 
the  battle  passed  over  unto  Beth-aven. 

24  And  the  men  of  Israel  were  hard  urged 
that  day;   and  Saiil  adjured  the  people,  say- 


ing, Cursed  be  the  man  that  will  eat  food'' 
until  the  evening,  until  I  have  been  avenged 
on  ray  enemies.  And  the  whole  people  tasted 
thus  no  food. 

25  And  (the  men  of)  all  the  land  came  to 
a  forest;  and  there  was  honey"  upon  the 
surface  of  the  field. 

26  And  when  the  people  were  come  into 
the  forest,  behold,  there  was  a  stream  of  ho- 
ney; )3ut  no  one  put  his  hand  to  his  mouth; 
for  the  people  feared  the  oath. 

27  But  Jonathan  had  not  heard  his  flither 
charging  the  people  with  the  oath ;  he  there- 
fore* put  forth  the  end  of  the  stafi'  that  was  in 
his  hand,  and  dipped  it  in  a  honey-comb,' 
and  carried  his  hand  again  to  liis  mouth ;  and 
his  eyes  became  clear. 

28  Then  commenced  one  of  the  people, 
and  said.  Thy  father  strictly  charged  the  peo- 
ple with  an  oath,  saying.  Cursed  be  the  man 
that  will  eat  food  this  day ;  though  the  people 
were  faint.''' 

29  Then  said  Jonathan,  My  father  hath 
troubled  the  land:    see,    I    pray   you,  how 


nifying  "to  strike;"  thus,  "went  and  struck  against  one 
another,"  or  "struck  one  another  more  and  more." 

■^  Hcb.  "  bread." 

"  This  was  wild  honey,  which  even  now  abounds  in 
Judea ;  and  bursting  from  the  comb  runs  down  the  hol- 
low trees,  rocks,  &c.  Riishi,  however,  comments,  "the 
juice  of  canes  growing  in  the  land  of  Israel." 

'  Rashi,  "  the  sugar-cane."     Sachs,  "the  pure  honey." 

8  After  Redak. 


1  SAMUEL  XIV. 


my  eyes  are  become  clear,  because  I  have  tasted 
a  little  of  this  honey. 

30  How  luucli  more,  if  haply  the  people 
had  eaten  freely  this  day  of  the  spoil  of  their 
enemies  which  they  found  ?  for  would  there 
not  ha\('  been  now  a  greater  defeat  among 
the  Philistines? 

31  And  they  smote  on  that  day  among  the 
Philistines  from  Michmash  to  Ayalon ;  and 
the  people  were  very  faint. 

31^  Ami  the  people  Hew  upon  the  spoil,  and 
took  sheep,  and  oxen,  and  young  steers,  and 
slew  them  on  tiie  ground  :  and  the  people  did 
eat  u[)on'  the  blood. 

33  And  they  told  Saiil,  saying.  Behold,  the 
people  are  sinning  against  the  Lord,  in  eating 
upon  the  blood.  And  he  (then)  said,  Ye 
have  acted  treacherously:  roll  (hither)  unto 
me  this  day  a  gi'eat  stone. 

34  And  Saiil  said,  Disperse  yourselves 
among  tlie  people,  and  say  unto  them.  Bring 
near  unto  me  every  man  his  ox,  and  every 
man  his  lamb,  and  slaughter  here,  and  eat; 
and  sin  not  against  the  Lord  in  eating  by  the 
blood.  And  all  the  people  brought  near  every 
man  his  ox  by  his  hand  that  night,  and 
slaughtered  (them)  there. 

35  And  Saiil  built  an  altar  unto  the  Lord: 
the  same  was  the  first''  altar  that  he  built 
unto  the  Lord. 

36  ^  And  Saiil  said.  Let  us  go  down  after 
the  Philistines  by  night,  and  spoil  them  until 
the  morning-light,  and  let  us  not  leave  a  man 
of  them.  And  they  said.  Do  whatsoever 
seemeth  good  in  thy  eyes. 

T[  Then  said  tlie  priest.  Let  us  draw  near 
hither  unto  God. 

37  And  Saiil  asked  counsel  of  God,  Shall  I 
go  down  after  the  Philistines  ?  wilt  thou  deli- 
ver them  into  the  hand  of  Israel?  But  he 
answered  him  not  on  that  day. 

38  And  Saiil  said,  Draw  ye  near  hither  all 
the  chief  of  the  people:  and  know  and  see 
through  what  this  sin  hath  happened  this 
day. 

39  For,  as  the   Lord  liveth,  who  saveth 


°  See  Leviticus  xix.  :26. — Rashi  thinks  they  slew  the 
Jams  with  the  young,  against  the  hiw.  Others  this : 
that  they  i-anetified  the  cattle,  and  ate  before  the  blood  was 
sprinkled.  Ralbag,  that  they  ate  on  the  place  where  the 
blood  had  flowed,  as  in  our  test ;  but  Redak,  that  having 
slain  the  cattle  on  the  ground,  the  blood  was  not  fully 
drained  out,  which  ought  to  be  done,  as  blood  is  prohi- 


Isx'ael,  that  if  it  be  in  Jonathan  my  son,  he 
shall  surely  die.  But  no  one  answered  him 
among  all  the  people. 

40  Then  said  he  unto  all  Israel,  Ye  shall 
be  on  one  side,  and  I  and  Jonathan  my  son 
will  be  on  the  other  side.  And  the  people 
said  unto  Saiil,  Do  what  seemeth  good  in  thy 
eyes. 

41  And  Saiil  said  unto  the  Lord,  God  of 
Israel,  0,  show  forth  the  perfect  truth.'  And 
Jonathan  and  Saiil  were  seized ;  but  the  peo[)le 
came  forth  (free). 

42  And  Saiil  said.  Cast  the  lot  between  me 
and  Jonathan  my  son.  And  Jonathan  was 
seized. 

43  Then  said  Saiil  to  Jonathan,  Do  tell 
me  what  thou  hast  done.  And  Jonathan 
told  him,  and  said,  I  did  Init  taste  with  the 
end  of  the  staff  that  was  in  my  hand  a  little 
honey:  lo,  I  am  willing  to  die. 

44  And  Saiil  said,  May  God  do  thus  now, 
and  in  future  also;  for  thou  shalt  surely  die, 
Jonathan. 

45  And  the  people  said  unto  Saiil,  Shall 
Jonathan  die,  who  hath  wrought  tliis  great 
salvation  in  Israel  ?  This  shall  not  be :  as 
the  Lord  liveth,  there  shall  not  tall  one  hair 
of  his  head  to  the  ground;  for  with  God  hath 
he  wrought  this  day.  So  the  people  rescued 
Jonathan,  and  he  died  not. 

46  ^  Then  went  Saiil  up  from  following 
the  Philistines;  and  the  Philistines  went  to 
their  own  place. 

47  So  Saiil  strengthened  himself  in  the 
government  over  Israel;  and  he  fought  on 
every  side  against  all  his  enemies,  against 
Motib,  and  against  the  children  of  'Amnion, 
and  against  Edom,  and  against  the  kings  of 
Zobah,  and  against  the  Philistines :  and 
whithersoever  he  turned  himself,  he  caused 
terror. 

48  And  he  gathered  an  army,'  and  he 
smote  the  'Amalekites,  and  delivered  Israel 
out  of  the  hands  of  those  that  spoiled  them. 

49  ^  Now  the  sons  of  Saiil  were  Jonathan, 
and  Yishvi,  and  Malkishua' :  and  the  names 


bited.     Hence  Saiil's  order,  verses  3,  4.     Whatever   it 
was,  it  was  an  infraction  of  a  precept  of  the  law. 
•■  Literally,  "  with  it  he  began  to  build  an  altar." 
°  D'Di\  "  perfect,"  that  which  is  in  accordance  with  truth. 
Rashi,   "  give   a  true  lot."     Others,   "  declare  the  inno- 
cent." 

■^  After  Jonathan.     Others,  "  he  did  mighty  deeds." 

331 


1  SAMUEL  XlV.  XV. 


of  his  two  (laughters — the  name  of  the  first- 
born was  Meralj,  and  the  name  of  the  yonnger 
Mich  ah 

50  And  the  name  of  Saul's  wife  was  Achi- 
no'am,  the  daughter  of  Achima'az:  and  the 
name  of  the  captain  of  his  army  was  Abiner, 
the  son  of  Ner,  Saiil's  uncle. 

51  And  Kish  the  fatlier  of  Saiil,  and  Ner 
the  father  of  Abner,  were  each  the  son  of 
Abiel. 

52  ^  And  the  war  against  the  Philistines 
was  violent  all  the  days  of  Saiil :  and  when 
Saiil  saw  any  strong  man,  or  any  valiant 
man,  he  took  him  unto  himself. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  And  Samuel  said  unto  to  Saiil,  Me 
did  the  Lord  send  to  anoint  thee  as  king  over 
his  people,  over  Israel ;  and  now  hearken 
thou  unto  the  voice  of  the  words  of  the  Lord. 

2  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  I 
remember  what  Amalek  did  to  Israel,  how 
he  lay  in  wait  for  him  on  the  way,  when  he 
came  up  from  Egypt- 

3  Now  go  and  smite  'Amalek,  and  devote 
all  that  they  have,  and  spare  them  not;  but 
slay  both  man  and  woman,  infant  and  suck- 
ling, ox  and  lamb,  camel  and  ass. 

4  ^  And  Saiil  ordered  the  people  to  assem- 
ble, and  he  numbered  them  in  Telaim,"  two 
hundred  thousand  men  on  foot,  and  ten  thou- 
sand of  the  men  of  Judah. 

5  And  Saiil  came  to  the  city  of  'Amalek, 
and  he  fought''  in  the  valley. 

6  And  Saiil  said  unto  the  Kenites,  Go,  de- 
part, get  you  down  from  the  midst  of  the 
'Amalekites,  lest  I  destroy  3'ou  with  them ; 
whereas  ye  acted  kindly  with  all  the-  children 
of  Israel,  at  their  conung  up  out  of  Egypt. 
And  the  Kenites  departed  from  the*  midst  of 
the  'Amalekites. 

7  And  Saiil  smote  the  'Amalekites  from 
Chavilah  until  thou  comest  to  Shur,  that  is 
before  Egypt. 

8  And  he  caught  Agag  the  king  of  the 

'  Raslii  and  others  translate,  "  And  he  numbered  them 
with  laml).s,"  and  expound,  he  told  every  one  to  take  a 
lamb  out  of  the  king's  flock,  and  then  counted  the  lambs, 
because  it  was  prohibited  to  count  the  persons  of  Israel. 
See  Esodus  x.x.k.  12.  Others,  however,  consider  Telaim  as 
the  name  of  a  place,  as  in  the  text. 

'  Rashi.    Others  take  3T1  for  niN'l  "and  lay  in  wait." 
Abarbanel,  "and  he  contended  for  the  stream.'' 
382 


'Amalekites  alive,  and  all  the  people  he  de- 
voted to  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

9  But  Saiil  together  with  the  people  had 
pity  on  Agag,  and  on  the  best  of  the  flocks, 
and  of  the  oxen,  and  of  the  failings,  and  the 
fat  lambs,  and  all  that  was  good,  and  they 
would  not  destroy  them;  but  all  the  cattle 
that  was  of  little  value  and  weak,  that  they 
destroyed. 

10  ^  And  the  Avord  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Samuel,  saying, 

11  I  repent  that  I  have  set  up  Saiil  as 
king ;  for  he  hath  turned  back  froi^j  following 
me,  and  my  word  hath  he  not  performed:  and 
it  displeased  Samuel,  and  he  cried  unto  the 
Lord  all  the  night. 

12  And  Samuel  rose  up  early  to  meet  Saiil 
in  the  morning ;  and  it  was  told  to  Samuel, 
saying,  Saiil  came  to  Carmel,  and,  behold,  he 
set  himself  up  a  monument,  and  then  v/ent 
about,  and  passed  on,  and  went  down  to 
Gilgal. 

13  And  Samuel  came  to  Saiil;  and  Saiil 
said  unto  him.  Blessed  be  thou  unto  the  Lord. 
I  have  performed  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

14  And  Samuel  said.  What  is  then  this 
bleating  of  tlie  flocks  in  my  ears,  and  the 
lowing  of  the  oxen  wliich  I  hear  ? 

15  And  Saiil  said,  Prom  the  'Amalekites 
have  they  brought  them  ;  because  the  people 
had  pity  on  the  best  of  the  flocks  and  of  the 
oxen,  in  order  to  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God;  and  the  rest  have  we  destroyed. 

16  •[  And  Samuel  said  unto  Saiil,  Stay, 
and  I  will  tell  thee  what  the  Lord  said 
to  me  this  night:  and  he  said  unto  him. 
Speak. 

17  T[  And  Samuel  said.  Is  it  not  that, 
however  little  thou  wast  in  thy  own  eyes," 
thou  art  the  head  of  the  tribes  of  Israel  ?  and 
the  Lord  anointed  thee  as  king  over  Israel  ? 

18  And  the  Lord  sent  thee  on  a  journey,'' 
and  said.  Go  and  destroy  the  siiniers,  the 
'Amalekites,  and  thou  shall  fight  against 
them  until  they  be  consumed. 


"  Meaning,  "  However  humble  Saiil  might  have  deemed 
himself  before  his  appointment,  he  was  still,  thnmgh  his 
having  been  anointed,  king  over  Israel ;  heiiee  his  exam- 
ple ought  to  have  led  others  to  obedience."  Our  version 
is  after  Sachs. — Philippson,  "  Art  thou  not  become,  al- 
though thou  wast  little  in  thy  eyes,"  &c. 

^  Lit.  "way,"  and  means  the  campaign  or  military 
journey. 


1  SAMUEL  XV.  XVI. 


I'J  Wlicivloiv  tlii'ii  ilifLst  thou  not  liearken 
unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  and  didst  tly  upon 
the  .sjjoil,  and  didst  the  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  LoKD? 

20  ^  And  Saiil  said  unto  Samuel,  Yea,  I 
have  fully  hearkened  unto  tiie  \oice  of  the 
Lord;  and  I  went  on  the  way  which  the 
LoKD  had  sent  me;  and  I  have  brought  Agag 
the  king  of  'Amalek;  and  the  'Amalekites 
have  I  destroyed. 

21  And  the  people  took  of  the  spoil,  of  the 
Hocks  and  oxen,  the  chief  of  the  devoted 
things,  to  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
Gilgal. 

22  ^f  And  Samuel  said,  Hath  the  Lord  as 
much  delight  in  burnt-offerings  and  in  sacri- 
iices,  as  in  obeying  the  voice  of  the  Lord? 
Behold,  to  obey  is  l)etter  than  sacrifice,  and 
to  attend  more  than  the  fat  of  the  rams. 

23  For  the  sin  of  witchcraft  is  rebellion, 
and  idolatry  and  image-worship,  stubbornness; 
inasmuch  as  thou  hast  despised  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  he  hath  also  despised  thee  that  thou 
shalt  not  lie  king. 

24  ^  And  Saiil  said  unto  Samuel,  I  have 
sinned;  for  I  have  transgressed  the  will  of 
the  Lord,  and  thy  words;  because  I  feared 
the  people,  and  I  hearkened  to  their  voice. 

25  And  now,  I  pray  thee,  pardon  my  sin, 
and  return  with  me,  that  I  may  prostrate 
myself  to  the  Lord. 

26  ^  And  Samuel  said  unto  Saiil,  I  will 
not  return  with  thee;  for  thou  didst  despise 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  the  Lord  hath  de- 
s[)ised  thee,  that  thou  shalt  not  be  king  over 
Israel. 

27  And  Samuel  turned  about  to  go:  and 
he  laid  hold  on  the  corner  of  his  mantle,  and 
it  was  rent. 

28  ][  And  Samuel  said  unto  him.  The 
Lord  hath  rent  the  kingdom  of  Israel  from 
off  thee  this  day,  and  hath  given  it  to  thy  as- 
sociate, who  is  better  than  thou. 

29  And  also  the  Strength  of  Israel  will  not 
lie  nor  repent;  for  he  is  not  a  man,  that  he 
should  repent. 

30  And  he  said,  I  have  sinned;  (yet) 
honour  me  now,  I  pray  thee,  in  the  presence 
of  the  elders  of  my  people,  and  in  the  pre- 


°  Correctly,  Yishai. 

"'  Lit.  "seeu."     German,   "ersebeu,"   ;'.   e. 
seeing. " 

'  Lit.  "call." 


'.select 


sence  of  Israel,  and  return  \\ith  me,  that   I 
may  prostrate  myself  unto  the  Lord  thy  God. 

31  So  Samuel  returned,  following'  Saiil; 
and  Saiil  prostrated  himself  to  the  Lord. 

32  ][  And  Samuel  said.  Bring  ye  hitlier 
unto  me  Agag  the  king  of  the  'Amalekites: 
and  Agag  came  unto  him  cheerfully;  and 
Agag  said,  Surely  the  bitterness  of  death  is 
past. 

33  Tl  And  Samuel  said.  As  thy  sword  did 
make  women  childless,  so  shall  thj'  mother 
be  childless  among  women;  and  Samuel  hewed 
Agag  in  pieces  before  the  Lord  in  Gilgal. 

34  ][  Then  Samuel  went  to  Ramah ;  and 
Saiil  went  up  to  his  house  at  Gib'ah  of  Saiil. 

35  And  Samuel  did  not  see  Saiil  any  more 
until  the  day  of  his  death;  because  Samuel 
mourned  for  Saiil;  and  the  Lord  repented 
that  -     -     -        ----- 


le  Had  made  Saiil  king  over  Israel. 


CHAPTER  XVL 

1  T[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  How 
long  wilt  thou  niourn  for  Saiil,  seeing  I  have 
rejected  liim  so  as  not  to  reign  over  Israel? 
fill  thy  horn  with  oil,  and  go,  I  will  send 
thee  to  Jesse"  the  Beth-lechemite;  for  I  have 
selected''  among  his  sons  unto  myself  a  king. 

2  And  Samuel  said,  How  shall  I  go?  if 
Saiil  should  hear  it,  he  would  kill  me. 

^  And  tlie  Lord  said.  Take  a  heifer  with 
thee,  and  say.  To  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  am 
I  come. 

3  And  invite"  Jes.se  to  the  sacrifice,  and  I 
Avill  let  thee  know  what  thou  shalt  do;  and 
thou  shalt  anoint  unto  me  the  one  whom  I 
will  say  unto  tliee. 

4  And  Samuel  did  that  which  the  Lord 
had  spoken,  and  came  to  Beth-lecliem.  And 
the  elders  of  the  to^vn  came  hastily''  to  meet 
him,  and  said.  Peace  to  thee  at  thy  coming. 

5  And  he  said,  Peace:  to  sacrifice  unto 
the  Lord  am  I  come;  sanctify  yourselves,  and 
come  with  me  to  the  sacrifice.  And  he  sanc- 
tified Jesse  and  his  sons,  and  invited  them  to 
the  sacrifice. 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  came, 
that  he  saw  Elial),  and  said.  Surely  the  Lord's 
anointed  is  (here)  before  him. 

7  ^  But  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  Re- 


''  After  Kaslii,  who  is  followed  by  Sachs;  but  Philipp- 
son  gives,  "came  trembling  to  meet  him,  and  said,  Is  tliy 
coming  in  peace?     And  he  said,  Peace." 

33a 


1  SAMUEL  XVI.  XVII. 


gard  not  his  appearance,  nor  the  height  of 
his  stature;  because  I  have  rejected  him;  for 
not  what  man  looketh  on ;" — for  man  looketh 
on  the  eyes,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the 
heart. 

8  Then  Jesse  called  Abinadab,  and  caused 
him  to  jjass  before  Samuel.  And  he  said. 
This  one  also  hath  the  Lord  not  chosen. 

9  Then  Jesse  caused  Shammah  to  pass  by. 
And  he  said.  This  one  also  hath  the  Lord  not 
chosen. 

10  And  Jesse  caused  seven  of  his  sons  to 
pass  before  Samuel:  and  Samuel  said  unto 
Jesse,  The  Lord  hath  not  made  choice  of 
these. 

11  And  Samuel  said  unto  Jesse,  Ai'e  there 
no  more  young  men?  And  he  said,  There  is 
yet  left  behind  the  youngest,  and,  behold,  he 
is  feeding  the  flocks.  And  Samuel  said  unto 
Jesse,  Send  and  fetch  him;  for  we  will  not 
sit  down''  till  he  have  come  liither. 

12  And  he  sent,  and  brought  him  in.  Now 
he  was  ruddy,"  having  withal  handsome  eyes, 
and  being  of  a  goodly  appearance. 

^  And  the  Lord  said.  Arise,  anoint  him; 
for  this  is  he. 

13  Then  took  Samuel  the  horn  of  oil,  and 
anointed  him  from  among''  his  brothers;  and 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  came  suddenly  upon 
David  from  that  day  and  forward.  And  Sa- 
muel then  rose  up,  and  went  to  Ramah. 

14  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  departed 
from  Saiil,  and  there  troubled  him  an  evil 
spirit"  from  the  Lord. 

15  And  Saiil's  servants  said  unto  him,  Be- 
hold now,  an  evil  spirit  from  God  troubleth 
thee. 

16  Let  our  lord  but  say  (the  word),  and 
thy  servants,  now  before  thee,  will  seek  out  a 
man,  who  is  skilful  as  a  player  on  the  hai'p ; 
and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the  evil  spirit 
from  God  is  upcm  thee,  that  he  shall  play 
with  his  hand,  that  thou  mayest  be  well. 

17  And  Saiil  said  unto  his  servants.  Select 
for  me,  I  pray  you,  a  man  that  can  play  well, 
and  bring  him  to  me. 

"  Tlio  sentence  is  completed  at  the  end  of  the  verse, 
"but  (rod  looketh  on  the  heart."  Some  render,  "that 
which  man  seeth  is  nothing."  Jonathan,  "man  seeth 
with  the  eyes,  and  before  God  are  revealed  the  thoughts 
of  the  heart." 

''  2D:  literally,  "sit  round,"  /.  e.  the  table. 

"  "Ked-haircd." — PinLU'PsoN. 

'  Kedak. 
334 


18  Then  answered  one  of  the  scr\  ants,  and 
said.  Behold,  I  have  seen  a  son  of  Jesse  the 
Beth-lechemite,  who  is  skilful  as  a  player, 
and  a  mighty  valiant  man,  and  a  man  of  war, 
and  intelligent  in  speech,'  and  a  person  of 
a  good  form,  and  the  Lord  is  with  him. 

19  Thereupon  Saiil  sent  messengers  unto 
Jesse,  and  said.  Send  me  David  thy  son, 
who  is  with  the  Hocks. 

20  And  Jesse  took  an  ass  laden  with  bread, 
and  a  bottle  of  wine,  and  a  kid,  and  sent 
them  through  David  his  son  unto  Saiil. 

21  And  David  came  to  Saiil,  and  stood  be- 
fore him;  and  he  loved  him  greatly,  and  he 
became  his  armour-bearer. 

22  And  Saiil  sent  to  Jesse,  saying,  Let 
David,  I  pray  thee,  stand  before  me;  for  he 
hath  found  favour  in  my  e}es. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  spirit  of 
God  was  upon  Saiil,  that  David  took  the 
harp,  and  played  with  his  hand;  so  Saiil  be- 
came relieved,  and  he  felt  well,  and  the  evil 
spirit  de^iarted  from  him. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^  And  the  Philistines  gathered  together 
their  camps  to  battle,  and  they  gathered 
themselves  together  at  Sochoh,  which  belong- 
eth  to  Judah ;  and  they  encamped  Ijetween 
Sochoh  and  'Azeliah,  at  Ephcss-dannnim. 

2  And  Saiil  and  the  men  of  Israel  gathered 
themselves  together,  and  encamped  in  the 
valley  of  Elah,  and  put  themselves  in  battle- 
array  ojjposite  to  the  Philistines. 

3  And  the  Philistines  stood  on  a  mountain 
on  the  one  side,  and  the  Israelites  stood  on  a 
mountain  on  the  other  side:  and  the  valley 
was  between  them. 

4  And  there  went  out  the"  champion  out 
of  the  camp  of  the  Philistines,  Goliath  of 
Gath  was  his  name,  whose  height  was  six 
cubits  and  a  span. 

5  And  he  had  a  helmet  of  copper  upon 
his  head,  and  he  Avas  clothed  with  a  scaly 
coat  of  mail ;  and  the  weight  of  the  coat  of 
mail  was  five  thousand  shekels  of  cojiper. 


°  A  melancholy,  depression  of  spirit,  the  cfl'ect  of  Divine 
punishment. 

'  Jonathan,  "in  counsel."  Philippson  refers  this  to  a 
knowledge  of  language  in  poetic  compo.sition,  a  (|uality 
highly  necessary  for  extemporaneous  song. 

°'  D'JDn  ly'X  "the  champion,"  who  had  probably  been 
distinguished  by  deeds  of  arms  before,  and  therefore  now 
chosen  to  challenge  Israel. 


1  SAMUEL  XVII. 


G  And  he  had  greaves  of  copper  upon  liis 
legs,  and  a  javelin"  of  copper  between  his 
.shoulders. 

7  And  the  staff  of  his  spear  was  like  a 
weaver's  beam;  and  the  Ijlade  o[' his  spear 
(weighed)  six  hundred  shekels  of  iron :  and 
the  shield-bearer  was  walking  before  him. 

8  And  he  stood  and  called  unto  the  arrays 
of  Israel,  and  said  unto  them.  Why  will  ye 
come  out  to  put  yourselves  in  battle-array? 
Behold!  I  am  the  Philistine,  and  ye  are  ser- 
vants to  Saul !  select  for  yourselves  one  man, 
and  let  him  come  down  to  me ; 

9  If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me,  and  he 
kill  me,  then  will  we  be  unto  ^ou  as  servants; 
but  if  I  prevail  against  him,  and  kill  him, 
then  shall  ye  be  unto  us  as  servants,  and  ye 
shall  serve  us. 

10  And  the  Philistine  said,  I  have  defied 
the  arrays  of  Israel  this  day;  give  me  a  man, 
and  let  us  fight  together. 

11  When  Saiil  and  all  Israel  heard  these 
words  of  the  Philistine,  they  were  disheart- 
ened, and  became  greatly  afraid. 

I'J  ^  Now  David  was  the  son  of  that 
Ephrathite  of  Beth-lechem-judah.  wliose  name 
was  ,lesse;  and  he  had  eight  sons:  and  the 
man  was  old  in  the  days  of  Saiil,  belonging  to 
the  [)ersons  (of  high  esteem). 

lo  And  the  three  eldest  sons  of  Jesse  were 
gone  following  Saiil  to  the  battle:  and  the 
names  of  his  three  sons  that  were  gone  to  the 
battle  were  Eliab  the  first-born,  and  the  next 
to  him  Aliinadab,  and  the  third  Shammah. 

14  And  David  was  the  youngest:  and  the 
three  eldest  followed  Saiil. 

15  But  David  kept  going  and  returning 
from  Saiil  to  feed  his  father's  flocks  at  Beth- 
lecliem. 

1(3  And  the  Philistine  drew  near  morning 
and  evening,  and  presented  himself  forty  days. 

17  And  Jesse  said  unto  David  his  son, 
Take,  I  pray  thee,  for  thy  brothers  an  ephah 
of  this  parched  corn,  and  these  ten  loaves, 
and  run  to  the  camp  to  thy  lirothers; 

18  And  these  ten  cheeses  shalt  thou  luring 
unto  the  captain  of  the  thousand,  and  inrpiire 
of  thy  brothers  how  they  fare,  and  take  away 
their  pledge.'' 

"  Jonathan,  however,  regards  JITJ  here  as  a  lancc- 
shaped  metal  band  brought  down  from  the  helmet  to  defend 
the  back  of  the  neck.  But  it  may  have  been  a  javelin 
slung  behind,  to  be  used  when  needed. 


19  Now  Saiil,  and  they,  and  all  the  men 
t)f  Isniel.  were  in  the  valley  of  Elah,  fighting 
with  the  Philistines. 

20  *i]  And  David  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  ga\e  up  the  flocks  to  a  keeper, 
and  took,  and  went,  as  Jesse  had  commanded 
him;  and  he  came  to  the  entrenchment,  as 
the  host  was  going  forth  in  battle-array,  and 
shouted  the  battle-cry- 

21  And  the  Israelites  and  the  Philistines 
put  themselves  in  battle-array,  army"  against 
army. 

22  And  David  left  the  articles  which  he 
had  on  him  in  the  hand  of  the  keeper  of  the 
Ijaggage,  and  ran  into  the  array,  and  came 
and  asked  of  his  brothers  after  their  Avelfare. 

2o  And  as  he  was  speaking  witli  them.  Ijc- 
hold,  there  came  up  the  champion,  Goliath 
the  Philistine,  by  name,  of  Gath,  out  of  the 
Ijattle-arrays  of  the  Philistines,  and  spoke  in 
accordance  with  these  same  words :  and  David 
heard  it. 

24  And  all  the  men  of  Israel,  when  they 
saw  the  man,  fled  from  Ijefore  him,  and  were 
greatly  afraid. 

25  And  the  men  of  Israel  said.  Have  ye 
seen  this  mtin  that  is  coming  forth?  for  to 
defy  Israel  is  he  coming  forth;  and  it  shall 
be,  that  the  man  who  killeth  him, — him  will 
the  kino;  enrich  Avith  oreat  riches,  and  his 
daughter  will  he  give  him,  and  his  father's 
house  wall  he  make  free  in  Israel. 

20  ^  And  David  said  to  the  men  that 
stood  by  him,  thus,  What  shall  be  done  to 
the  man  that  may  smite  yon  Philistine,  and 
take  away  the  reproach  from  Israel?  for  who 
is  this  uucircumcised  Philistine,  that  he 
should  defy  the  arrays  of  the  living  God? 

27  And  the  people  spoke  to  him  after  this 
manner,  saying.  So  shall  it  be  done  to  the 
man  that  may  smite  him. 

28  And  Eliab  his  eldest  brother  heard 
when  he  was  speaking  unto  the  men;  and 
Eliab's  anger  was  kindled  against  David,  and 
he  said,  Why  didst  thou  come  down  hither? 
and  with  whom  hast  thou  left  those  few  shee]) 
in  the  wilderness?  I  know  thy  presumption, 
and  the  wickedness  of  thy  heart ;  for  in  order 
to  see  the  battle  art  thou  come  down. 


''  No  doubt  a  token  that  the_y  were  well,  to  .satisfy  tl 
anxious  father;  or  it  may  be  a  testimnnia 
duct  from  their  superior. 

'  Lit.  "arra^-  opposite  array." 


of  good  con- 


335 


1  SAMUEL  XVII. 


29  And  David  said,  What  have  I  now 
done?     It  is  nothing  but  a  word. 

30  And  he  turned  from  him  toward  an- 
other, and  spoke  after  the  same  manner :  and 
the  peojjle  made  him  again  a  reply  after  the 
former  manner. 

31  And  the  words  which  David  had  spoken 
were  heard,  and  they  told  them  in  the  pre- 
sence of  Saiil,  who  sent  for  him. 

32  And  David  said  to  Saiil,  Let  no  man's 
heart  fail  because  of  him:  thy  servant  will  go 
and  fight  with  this  Philistine. 

33  And  Saiil  said  to  David,  Thou  art  not 
able  to  go  unto  this  Philistine  to  fight  with 
him;  for  thou  art  but  a  lad,  and  he  (hath 
been)  a  man  of  war  from  his  youth. 

34  ][  And  David  said  unto  Saiil,  Thy  ser- 
vant was  feeding  his  father's  flocks,  and  there 
came  a  lion,  and"  a  bear,  and  bore  oif  a  lamb 
out  of  the  drove; 

35  And  I  went  out  after  him,  and  smote 
him,  and  delivered  it  out  of  his  mouth :  and 
when  he  rose  up  against  me,  I  caught  him 
by  his  beard,  and  smote  him,  and  slew 
him. 

36  Both  the  lion  and  the  bear  did  thy  ser- 
vant smite :  and  this  uncircumcised  Philistine 
shall  become  as  one  of  them;  because  he  hath 
defied  the  arrays  of  the  living  God. 

37  ^  Moreover  David  said.  The  Lord  who 
hath  delivered  me  out  of  the  power  of  the 
lion,  and  out  of  the  power  of  the  bear,  will 
also  surely  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  this 
Philistine. 

T[  And  Saiil  said  unto  David,  Go,  and  may 
the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

38  And  Saiil  clothed  David  with  his  gar- 
ments, and  he  put  a  helmet  of  copper  upon 
his  head;  and  he  clothed  him  also  with  a 
coat  of  mail. 

39  And  David  girded  his  sword  over  his 
garments,  and  he  essayed  to  go;  for  he  had 
not  tried  it.  And  David  said  unto  Saiil,  I 
cannot  wallv  in  these  (things) ;  for  I  have 
never  ti-ied  it  before.  And  David  put  them 
oif  from  him. 

40  And  he  took  his  staff  in  his  hand,  and 
chose  himself  five  smooth  stones  out  of  the 
brook,  and  put  them  in  the  shepherd's  pouch 
which  he  had,  even  in  a  scrip,  with  his  sling 


°  Sachs,  "or."     Others   suppose   that   David   had   two 
such  encounters,  ouce  with  a  liou  aud  once  with  a  bear. 
336 


in  his  hand;  and  he  approached  to  the  Philis- 
tine. 

41  And  the  Philistine  went  and  drew  nearer 
and  nearer  unto  David;  and  tlie  man  that 
bore  the  shield  went  before  him. 

42  And  when  the  Philistine  looked  about, 
and  saw  David,  he  disdained  him ;  for  he  was 
but  a  lad,  and  ruddy,  with  a  fair  appearance. 

43  And  the  Philistine  said  unto  David, 
Am  I  a  dog,  that  thou  comest  unto  me  with 
sticks?  And  the  Philistine  cursed  David  by 
his  gods. 

44  And  the  Philistine  said  to  David,  Come 
to  me,  and  I  will  give  thy  flesli  unto  the 
fowls  of  the  heavens,  and  to  the  beasts  of  the 
field. 

45  ^  Then  said  David  to  the  Philistine, 
Thou  comest  unto  me  with  a  sword,  and  with 
a  spear,  and  with  a  javelin;  but  I  come  to 
thee  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  the  ari'ays  of  Israel,  that  tliou  hast 
defied. 

46  This  day  will  the  Lord  deliver  thee 
into  my  hand;  and  I  will  smite  thee,  and 
remove  thy  head  from  thee;  and  I  will 
give  the  carcasses  of  the  army  of  the  Philis- 
tines this  day  unto  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and 
to  the  wild  beasts  of  the  earth ;  and  all  the 
earth  shall  know  that  there  is  a  God  for 
Israel. 

47  And  all  this  assembly  shall  know  that 
the  Lord  saveth  not  through  sword  and  sjjear; 
for  the  battle  is  the  Lord's,  and  he  will  give 
you  up  into  our  hand. 

48  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Philis- 
tine arose,  and  went  and  drew  nigh  to  meet 
David,  that  David  hastened,  and  ran  toward 
the  battle-array  to  meet  the  Philistine. 

49  And  David  put  his  hand  into  the  pouch, 
and  took  thence  a  stone,  and  slung  it,  and  he 
struck  the  Philistine  on  his  forehead,  and  the 
stone  sunk  into  his  forehead:  and  he  fell  upon 
his  ftice  to  the  ground. 

50  So  David  prevailed  over  the  PliiUstine 
with  the  sling  and  with  the  stone,  and  smote 
the  Philistine,  and  slew  him;  but  tliere  was 
no  sword  in  the  hand  of  David. 

51  And  David  ran,  and  stood  l)y  tin.'  Phi- 
listine, and  took  his  sword,  and  drew  it  out 
of  its  sheath,  and  slew  him,  and  cut  ofi'  his 
head  therewith.  And  when  the  Philistines 
saw  that  their  hero  was  dead,  they  fled. 

52  And  then  arose  the  men  of  Israel  and 


1  SAMUEL  XVII.  XVlir. 


of  Judah,  and  shouted,  and  pursued  the  Phi- 
listines, until  thou  comest  to  the  valley,  and  to 
the  gates  of 'Ekron.  And  the  slain  of  the 
Philistines  fell  down  Ijy  the  way  to  Sha'ara- 
yim,  even  as  f\iv  as  Gath,  and  up  to  'Ekron. 

53  And  tlie  children  of  Israel  returned 
from  hotly  pursuing  after  the  Philistiaies,  and 
they  spoiled  their  camps. 

54  And  David  took  the  head  of  the  Philis- 
tine, and  brought  it  to  Jerusalem;  but  his 
weapons  he  placed  in  his  tent. 

55  ^  And  when  Said  saw  David  going 
forth  against  the  Philistine,  he  said  unto  Ab- 
ner,  the  captain  of  the  army,  Abner,  whose  son 
is  this  lad  ?"  And  Abner  said.  As  thy  soul 
liveth,  0  king,  I  know  it  not. 

56  And  the  king  said,  Ask  thou  whose  son 
this  youth  is. 

57  ^  And  as  David  returned  i\\nn  smiting 
the  Philistine,  Abner  took  him,  and  brought 
him  bel'ore  Saul  with  the  head  of  the  Philis- 
tine in  his  hand. 

58  And  Saiil  said  to  him.  Who.se  son  art 
thou,  young  man  ?  And  David  answered.  The 
son  of  thy  servant  Jesse  the  Beth-lechemite. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  had  made 
an  end  of  s[)eaking  unto  Saiil,  that  the  soul 
of  Jonatlum  was  knit  on  the  soul  of  David; 
and  Jonathan  loved  him  as  his  own  soul. 

'J  And  Saiil  took  him  on  that  da}',  and 
would  not  permit  him  to  go  home  to  his 
father's  house. 

o  Then  Jonathan  and  David  made  a  cove- 
nant, because  of  his  loving  him  as  his  own 
soul. 

4  And  Jonathan  strip})ed  himself  of  the 
robe  that  he  had  upon  him,  and  gave  it  to 
David,  and  likewise  his  garments,  even  to  his 
sword,  and  to  his  Ijow,  and  to  his  girdle. 

5  And  David  went  out;  whithersoever  Saiil 
used  to  send  him,  he  was  successful;  and 
Saiil  set  him  over  the  men  of  war;  and  he 
Avas  accepted  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  people, 
and  also  in  the  eyes  of  the  servants  of  Saiil. 

G  ^  And  it  came  to  ])ass  as  the^-  came  home, ' 
when  David  returned  from  smiting  the  Philis- 


*  Ralbug  explains  tlie  circumstance  of  Saiil's  iicit  recog- 
nising David,  as  owing   to  the  fact  that  he  had  hitherto 
been  only  at  court  during  Saiil's  melancholy,  and  had 
since  then  been  away  to  keep  the  flocks,  and  he  appeared 
2S 


tine,  that  the  women  came  forth  out  of  all 
the  cities  of  Israel,  singing  and  dancing,  to 
meet  king  Saiil,  with  tambourines,  with  joy, 
and  with  triangles. 

7  And  the  women  that  played  answered 
one  another,  and  said,  Saiil  hath  slain  his 
thousands,  and  David  his  ten  thousands. 

8  And  Saiil  was  very  wroth,  and  this  sa\'- 
ing  was  displeasing  in  his  eyes;  and  he  said. 
They  have  given  unto  David  ten  thousands, 
and  to  me  they  have  given  the  thousands  : 
and  all  tliat  he  lacketh  now  yet  is  only  tlie 
kingdom. 

9  And  Saiil  looked  jealous  on  David  from 
that  day  and  forward. 

10  ]|  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  an  evil  spirit  from  God  came  suddenly 
over  Saiil,  and  he  spoke  tbolish  things  in  the 
midst  of  the  house :  while  David  was  playing 
with  his  hand,  as  on  previous  da3s;  and  the 
spear  was  in  tiie  hand  of  SaiiL 

11  And  Saiil  cast  the  spear;  and  he 
thought,  I  will  strike  David  through  e\'en  on 
the  wall.  And  David  turned  aside  out  of  his 
presence  twice. 

12  And  Saiil  was  afraid  of  David;  Ix'cause 
the  Lord  was  with  him,  and  Irom  Saiil  he 
was  departed. 

13  Therefore  Saiil  removed  him  from  him- 
self, and  made  him  his  captain  over  a  tliou- 
sand  :  and  he  went  out  and  came  in  belbre 
the  people. 

14  ^\  And  David  was  successful  on  all  his 
ways;  and  the  Lord  was  with  him. 

15  And  when  Saiil  saw  that  he  was  very 
successful,  he  was  in  dread  of  him. 

16  But  all  Israel  and  Judah  loved  David; 
because  he  went  out  and  came  in  before 
them. 

1 7  ^[  And  Saiil  said  to  David,  Behold  here 
is  my  eldest  daughter  Meralj,  her  will  I  give 
to  thee  for  wife :  only  be  thou  luito  me  a  man 
of  valour,  and  fight  the  Lord's  battles.  And 
Saiil  thouglit.  Let  not  my  hand  be  against 
him,  but  let  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  be 
against  him. 

18  And  David  said  unto  Saiil,  Who  am  I? 
and  wdiat  is  my  life,   (or)  my  lather's  family 


before  him  now  in  a  shepherd's  dress.  Abner,  who  was  all 
the  time  with  the  army,  might  never  have  seen  David  till 
then.  But  after  all,  the  chief  inquiry  was  after  David's 
father,  whose  house  was  to  be  made  free  in  Israel. 

S37 


1  SAMUEL  XVlll.  XIX. 


in  Isi'ael,  that  I  should  Ije  a  son-in-law  to  the 
king  ? 

10  But  it  happened  at  the  time  when 
Merab,  Saul's  daughter  should  have  been 
given  to  David,  that  she  was  given  unto 
'Adriel  the  Mecholathite  for  wife. 

20  And  Michal  Saiil's  daugliter  loved 
David :  and  they  told  it  to  Saiil,  and  the 
thing  was  right  in  his  eyes. 

21  And  Saiil  said,  I  will  give  her  to  him, 
that  she  may  become  unto  him  a  snare,  and 
that  the  hand  of  the  Philistines  may  be 
against  him.  Wherefore  Saiil  said  to  David, 
Through'  the  second  shalt  thou  this  day  be- 
come my  son-in-law. 

22  And  Saiil  commanded  his  servants. 
Speak  to  David  secretly,  saying,  Behold,  the 
king  hath  delight  in  thee,  and  all  his  servants 
love  thee;  and  now  thou  must  become  the 
king's  son-in-law. 

23  And  the  .servants  of  Saiil  spoke  in  the 
ears  of  David  these  words.  And  David  said. 
Doth  it  seem  so  light  in  your  eyes  to  become 
the  king's  son-in-law.  seeing  that  I  am  a  poor 
man,  and  of  light  esteem'' 

24  And  the  servants  of  Saiil  told  him,  say- 
ing, Words  such  as  these  David  hath  spoken. 

25  Tl  And  Saiil  said.  Thus  shall  ye  say  to 
David,  The  king  desireth  not  any  dowry,  but 
a  hundred  foreskins  of  the  Philistines,  to  be 
avenged  on  the  king's  enemies.  But  Saiil 
thought  to  cause  David  to  fall  by  the  hand  of 
the  Philistines. 

26  And  when  liis  servants  told  David 
these  words,  the  tiling  was  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  David  to  become  the  king's  son-in- 
law  :  and  the  days  were  not  complete, 

27  When  David  arose  and  went,  he  and 
his  men,  and  smote  of  the  Philistines  two  hun- 
dred men ;  and  David  Ijrought  their  foreskins, 
and  they  counted  them  out  in  full  to  the 
king,  that  he  might  liecome  the  king's  son-in- 
law.  And  Saiil  gave  him  Michal  his  daughter 
for  wife. 

28  And  Saiil  saw  and  understood  that 
the  Lord  was  with  David:  and  Michal,  Saiil's 
daughter,  loved  him. 

2!)  And  Saiil  was  yet  the  more  afraid  of 
I)a\id;  and  Saiil  was  David's  enemy  all  the 
time. 


*  After   Pbilippson.       Jonathan,   aft<i-   whom     Rashi, 
"with  oni!  (if  the  tw(i." 
3S8 


30  ^  And  the  princes  of  the  Philistines 
went  forth  :  and  it  came  to  pass,  whenever 
they  went  forth,  that  David  Avas  more  suc- 
cessful than  all  the  servants  of  Saiil;  so  that 
his  name  was  highly  prized. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  And  Saiil  spoke  to  Jonathan  his  son, 
and  to  all  his  servants,  that  he  would  kill 
David.  But  Jonathan  the  son  of  Saiil  de- 
lighted greatly  in  David. 

2  And  Jonathan  told  David,  saying,  Saiil 
ray  father  seeketh  to  kill  thee ;  now  therefore, 
I  pray  thee,  take  heed  to  thyself  in  the 
morning,  and  abide  in  a  secret  place,  and  hide 
thyselfr 

3  And  I  will  go  out  and  stand  Ijy  the  side 
of  iny  father  in  the  field  where  thou  iirt,  and 
I  myself  will  speak  of  thee  to  my  father;  and 
I  will  see  what  it  is,  and  I  will  tell  thee. 

4  ^[  And  Jonathan  spoke  favourably  of 
David  unto  Saiil  his  father,  and  said  iint(j 
him,  Let  not  the  king  sin  against  his  servant, 
against  David;  since  he  liath  not  sinned 
against  thee,  and  because  his  deeds  are  very 
good  for  thee ; 

5  And  he  did  put  his  life  in  his  hand,  and 
he  slew  the  Philistine,  and  the  Lord  wrought 
a  great  salvation  for  all  Israel;  thou  sawest  it, 
and  wast  rejoiced :  wherefore  then  wilt  thou 
commit  sin  on  innocent  blood,  by  sla^'ing  Da- 
vid without  a  cause? 

C  And  Saiil  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of 
Jonathan :  and  Saiil  swore.  As  the  Lord  liv- 
etli,  he  shall  not  be  put  to  death. 

7  And  Jonathan  called  David,  and  Jona- 
than told  him  all  these  words.  And  Jona- 
than brought  David  to  Saiil,  and  he  was  in 
his  presence,  as  in  times  past. 

8  ^  And  the  war  occurred  again :  and  Da- 
vid went  out,  and  fought  with  the  Philistines, 
and  smote  them  with  a  great  defeat,  and  they 
fled  from  before  him. 

9  And  the  evil  spirit  from  the  Lord  came 
ujjon  Saiil,  and  he  was  sitting  in  his  house 
with  his  spear  in  his  hand :  and  Da\id  Avas 
playing  with  his  hand. 

10  And  Saiil  sought  to  strike  Diivid  tliinugh 
with  the  spear  even  to  the  wall;  hut  he  slip- 
ped away  from  before  Saiil,  who  struck  the 
spear  into  the  wall :  and  David  fled,  and 
escaped  that  night. 

11  T[  But  Saiil  sent  messengers  unto  Da- 


1  SAMUEL  XIX.  XX. 


vid's  house,  to  watch  liim.  luid  to  shiy  liim  in 
the  morning;  and  Michal  his  wife  told  it  to 
David,  saying,  It"  thou  save  not  thy  lite  tiiis 
night,  to-morrow  thou  wilt  he  put  to  death. 

12  And  Michal  let  David  down  through 
the  window:  and  he  went,  and  tied,  and 
escaped. 

13  And  Michal  took  an  image,"  and  put  it 
in  the  hed,  and  a  pillow''  of  goats'  hair  she  put 
for  its  head  to  I'est  on,  and  covered  it  with  a 
cloth. 

14  And  when  Saiil  sent  messengers  to  take 
David,  she  said.  He  is  sick. 

15  And  Saiil  sent  the  messengers  to  see 
David,  saying,  Bring  him  up  to  me  in  the 
bed,  that  I  may  put  him  to  death. 

16  And  when  the  messengers  were  come 
in,  behold,  there  was  an  image  in  the  bed, 
with  a  pillow  of  goats'  hair  for  its  head  to 
rest  on. 

17  And  Saiil  said  unto  Michal,  Why  hast 
thou  thus  deceived  me,  and  sent  away  my 
enemy,  that  he  is  escaped?  And  Michal  said 
to  Saiil,  He  said  unto  me,  Let  me  go  away: 
why  should  I  kill  thee? 

IS  So  David  tied,  and  escaped,  and  came 
unto  Samuel  to  Kaniah,  and  he  told  him  all 
that  Saiil  had  done  to  him.  And  he  and  Sa- 
nuiel  went  and  remained  in  Nayoth.'' 

11)  And  it  was  told  unto  Saiil,  saying,  Be- 
hold, David  is  at  Nayoth  near  Ramah. 

20  And  Saiil  sent  messengers  to  take  Da- 
vid;  and  when  they  saw  the  company  of  the 
prophets  prophesying.''  and  Samuel  standing 
as  superintendent  over  them:  then  came  upon 
the  messengers  of  Saiil  the  sjiirit  of  (iod,  and 
they  also  prophesied. 

21  And  when  it  was  told  to  Saiil,  he  sent 
other  messengers,  and  these  prophesied  like- 
w  isc.  i\.nd  Saiil  sent  again  messengers  the 
third  time,  and  these  also  prophesied. 

22  Then  went  he  himself  also  to  Ramah, 
and  came  as  far  as  the  great  well  that  is  in 
Sechu  :  and  he  asked  and  said.  Where  are 
Samuel  and  David?  And  some  one  said, 
Behold,  they  are  at  Nayoth  near  Ramah. 

23  And  he  went  thithei'  to  Na^'oth  near 

'  SoiiK'  suppose  tliat  it  may  have  been  a  bust  of  David; 
as  it  would  not  be  likely  that  there  should  have  been  in 
his  house  an  image  for  worship. 

"  Rashi,  "the  skin  of  a  goat." 

""School-house." — .Jon.\THAN.  Probably  the  house 
where  the  scholars  of  the  pro]>hi't-schi>(ils  met. 


Ramah:  and  there  came  upon  him  al.'^o  th(> 
Si)irit  of  God,  and  he  went  on,  and  prophesied 
as  he  went,  until  he  came  to  Nayoth  near 
Ramah. 

2-4  And  he  also  stripped  oil'  his  clothes," 
and  he  also  prophesied  himself  before  Samuel, 
and  lay  down  naked  all  that  day  and  all 
that  night.  Tlierefore  people  are  in  the  liabit 
of  saying.  Is  Saiil  too  among  the  prophets  ? 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  T[  And  David  fled  from  Nayoth  near 
Ramah,  and  came  and  said  before  Jonathan, 
What  have  I  done?  what  is  my  iniquity? 
and  what  is  mj'  sin  before  thy  lather,  that  he 
seeketh  my  life? 

2  And  he  said  unto  him,  God  forbid;  thou 
shalt  not  die:  behold,  my  father  is  not  wont 
to  do  a  great  thing  or  a  small  thing,  wliicli 
he  doth  not  inform''  me  of;  and  why  should 
ni}-  father  conceal  this  thing  from  me?  it  is 
not  so. 

3  But  David  swore  again,  and  said.  Thy 
father  well  knoweth  that  I  have  found  grace 
in  thy  eyes;  wherefore  he  said,  Jonathan 
must  not  know  this,  lest  he  l)e  grieved:  never- 
theless, as  truly  as  the  L(»ki)  liveth,  and  thy 
soul  liveth,  there  was  Init  one  step  between 
me  and  death. 

4  Then  said  Jcjuathan  unto  David,  What- 
soever thy  soul  sayeth  will  I  do  for  thee. 

5  And  David  said  unto  Jonathan,  Behold, 
to-morrow  is  the  new-moon,  and  1  should  as 
usual  sit  with  the  king  to  eat;  but  let  me  go, 
that  I  may  hide  myself  in  the  lield  until  the 
third  evening. 

G  If  thy  father  at  all  miss  me,  then  do  thou 
say,  David  asked  earnestly  leave  of' me  that  he 
might  run  to  Beth-lechem  his  city;  lor  there 
is  a  yearly  sacrifice  there  for  all  the  ianiily. 

7  If  he  .should  say  thus.  It  is  well:  then 
shall  thy  servant  ha\e  peace;  Ijut  if  it  be  at 
all  displeasing  to  him,  then  know  that  the 
evil  is  determined  on  by  him. 

8  And  do  thou  deal  kindly  with  thy  ser- 
vant; for  into  a  covenant  of  the  Lord  hast 
thou  ))rought  thy  servant  with  thee;   l)ut  if 

''  I'erhaps  as  above,  x.  6,  engaged  in  singing  religious 
hymns,  in  which  the  messengers  ioined  instead  of  seiziuir 

i)ivid.  "  " 

'  This  is  supposed  to  mean,  that  he  laid  aside  his  ar- 
mour and  royal  robes,  to  be  like  the  scholars  jiroscnt. 
'  lAt.  "and  he  will  not  reveal  njy  car." 

;i3;i 


1  SAMUEL  XX. 


there  be  in  me  any  iniquity,  slay  me  thyself; 
for  why  shouldst  thou  In'ing  me  to  thy  father? 

9  And  Jonathan  said,  Far  be  it  from  thee;" 
for  if  I  should  know  for  certain  that  evil  were 
determined  on  by  my  fatlier  to  come  upon 
theo,  would  I  not  tell  it  thee  ? 

10  Then  said  David  to  Jonathan,  Who 
shall  tell  it  me?  or  what,*  if  thy  father  answer 
thee  roughly? 

11  And  Jonathan  said  unto  David,  Come, 
,and  let  us  go  out  into  the  field.     And  they 

Avent  out,  both  of  them,  into  the  field. 

12  ^  And  Jonathan  said  unto  David,  May 
the  God  of  Israel  (punish  me)  if,  when  I  have 
sounded  my  father  about  this  time  to-morrow, 
or  of  the  third  day,  and,  behold,  if  he  be  good 
toward  David,  I  do  not  then  send  unto  thee, 
and  inform  thee  of  it. 

13  May  the  Lord  do  so  to  Jonathan  and 
continue  so  yet  farther,  that, if  it  please  my  fa- 
ther (to  do)  thee  evil,  I  "\vill  inform  thee  of  it, 
and  send  thee  away,  that  thou  mayest  go  in 
peace;  and  may  the  Lord  be  with  thee,  as  he 
hath  been  with  my  father. 

14  And  wilt  thou  not,"  should  I  be  yet 
alive,  show  me  the  kindness  of  the  Lord,  that 
I  may  not  die  ? 

15  But,  surely,  thou  wilt  not  withdraw  thy 
kindness  from  my  house  for  ever,  not  even 
when  the  Lord  cutteth  off  the  enemies  of  Da^ 
vid,  every  one,  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 

16  So  Jonathan  made  a  covenant  with  the 
house  of  David,  (saying,)  May  the  Lord  re- 
quire it  at  the  hand  of  David's  enemies. 

17  And  Jonathan  caused  David  to  swear 
again,  by  his  love  for  him;  for  he  loved  him 
as  he  loved  his  own  soul. 

18  Tl  Then  Jonathan  said  to  David,  To- 
morrow is  the  new-moon:  and  thou  wait  be 
missed,  because  thy  seat  will  be  left  empty. 

19  And  when  thou  hast  stayed  till  the 
third  day,  then  shalt  thou  go  down  greatly, 
and  come  to  the  place  where  thou  didst  hide 

*  Raslii  renders,  "  Far  it  be  from  thee  to  think  thus, 
tluit,  if  I  were  to  know  that,  &c.,  I  should  not  tell  it  to 
thee." 

''  Sachs,  and  others,  "or  what  hard  reply  thy  father 
would  make  thee  ?" 

°  After  llashi,  who  takes  nSi  as  a  petition  of  Jonathan, 
that  David  might  not  forget  their  friendship  in  his  pros- 
I»erity.  Abarbanel  refers  it  to  the  preceding,  and  takes  it 
as  an  imprecation  if  David  should  prove  false.  Sachs, 
"Nor  may  it  happen,  that  should  I  live,  thou  wouldst 
not  show,"  &,c. 
340 


thyself  on  the  work-day;''  and  thou  shalt  re- 
main by  the  stone  Ezel.'^ 

20  And  I  will  myself  shoot  three  arrows 
on  the  side  thereof,  as  though  I  were  shooting 
at  a  mark. 

21  And,  behold,  I  will  send  the  lad,  say- 
ing, Go,  find  the  arrows ;  if  I  should  now  say 
unto  the  lad,  Behold,  the  arrows  are  on  this 
side  of  thee :  then  take  him''  and  come ;  for 
there  is  peace  to  thee,  and  it  is  nothing;  as 
the  Lord  liveth. 

22  But  if  thus  I  should  say  unto  the  young 
man.  Behold,  the  arrows  are  beyond  thee: 
then  go  thy  way,  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  thee 
off. 

2-3  And  touching  the  matter  of  which  we 
have  spoken,  thou  and  I,  behold,  the  Lord  is 
between  me  and  thee  for  ever. 

24  Tl  So  David  hid  himself  in  the  fiehl: 
and  when  the  new-moon  was  come,  the  king 
set  himself  down  to  the  repast  to  eat. 

25  And  the  king  sat  upon  his  seat,  as  at 
other  times,  upon  the  seat  by  the  wall :  and 
when  Jonathan  arose,  Abner  seated  himself 
by  the  side  of  Saiil,  and  David's  place  was 
left  empty. 

26  Nevertheless  Saiil  spoke  not  the  least 
on  that  day;  for  he  thought.  Something  hath 
befiillen  him,  he  is  not  clean ;  because  he  hath 
not  yet  purified  himself^ 

27  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
the  second  day  of  the  new-moon,  that  David's 
place  was  left  empty:  and  Saul  said  unto 
Jonathan  his  son.  Wherefore  is  the  son  of 
Jesse  not  come,  both  yesterday  and  to-day, 
to  the  repast? 

28  And  Jonathan  answered  Saiil,  David 
asked  earnestly  leave  of  me  to  go  as  far  as 
Beth-lechem. 

29  And  he  said.  Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee; 
for  we  have  a  family-sacrifice  in  the  city,  and 
my  brother  himself  hath  connnanded  it  to 
me;  and  now,  if  I  have  found  favour  in  thy 

*  After  Jonathan.  Philippson,  "on  the  day  of  yonder 
event,"  xix.  2;  or  the  place  where  David  was  hidden  be- 
fore. 

'  Jonathan,  "the  guide-stone." 

'  Viz.  the  lad,  after  Eedak.  After  Easlii,  we  should 
render  it,  "Behold,  the  arrows  are  on  this  side  of  thee, 
take  them  and  come:  (then  come  thou  forth,)  for  there 
is,"  &c.  Philippson,  "this  side  of  thee,  fetch  it;  then 
come,  for  there  is,"  &c. 

*  Rashi.  Philippson,  "It  is  an  accident,  he  is  not 
clean;  surely  he  is  not  cleau." 


1  SAMUEL  XX.  XXI. 


eyes,  let  me  get  away,  I  pvay  thee,  that  I 
may  see  my  brothers:  thereibre  is  he  not 
come  unto  the  king's  table. 

30  ^1  And  the  anger  of  Saiil  was  kindled 
against  Jonathan,  and  he  said  unto  him.  Thou 
son  of  perverse  relielliousness!"  do  I  not  know 
that  thou  hast  chosen  the  son  of  Jesse  to 
thy  own  shame,  and  to  the  shame  of  thy 
mother's  nakedness?  • 

ol  For  all  the  days  that  the  son  of  Jesse 
liveth  upon  the  ground,  thou  wilt  not  have 
any  permanence  with  thy  kingdom:  there- 
lore  no\v  send  and  fetch  him  unto  me,  for  he 
shall  sui'ely  die.'' 

32  "I  And  Jonathan  answered  Saiil  his 
firther,  and  said  unto  him,  Wherefore  shall 
he  be  put  to  death?  what  hath  he  done? 

33  And  Saiil  cast  his  spear  at  him  to  smite 
him:  and  Jonathan  understood  that  it  was 
determined  on  by  his  father  to  put  David  to 
death. 

34  And  Jonathan  arose  from  the  table  in 
fierce  anger,  and  did  eat  no  food  on  the  second 
day  of  the  new-moon ;  for  he  was  grieved  for 
David;  because  his  father  had  made  him  feel 
ashamed. 

35  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning, 
that  Jonathan  went  out  into  the  field  to  the 
place  appointed  with  David,  and  a  little  lad 
was  with  him. 

3G  And  he  said  unto  his  lad,  Run,  do  find 
out  the  arrows  which  I  shoot:  and  the  lad  ran, 
and  he  shot  the  arrow  so  as  to  pass  beyond  him. 

37  And  when  the  lad  was  come  to  the 
l)lace  of  the  arrow  which  Jonathan  had  shot, 
Jonathan  called  after  the  lad,  and  said,  Be- 
hold, tlie  arrow  is  beyond  thee! 

38  And  Jonathan  called  after  the  lad,  Make 
haste,  speed,  stay  not:  and  Jonathan's  lad 
gathered  up  the  arrows,  and  came  to  his 
master. 

39  But  the  lad  knew  not  the  least:  only 
Jonathan  and  David  knew  the  matter. 

40  And  Jonathan  gave  his  weapons  unto 
the  lad  who  was  with  him,  and  said  unto 
him.  Go,  carry  them  to  the  cit}'. 

"  Sachs.  Others,  "Thou  son  of  a  perverse  rebellious 
woman." 

^  Heb.  "he  is  a  son  of  death." 

°  )'.  e.  He  wept  more  than  Jonatlian;  but  Sachs,  "until 
David  wept  aloud." 

■^  This  is  in  the  English  version  a  part  of  the  verse  42 
(if  the  last  chapter ;  our  ver.se  2  is  there  verse  1 ,  &c. 


41  And  as  .soon  as  the  lad  was  gone,  Da- 
vid arose  from  the  south  side  (of  the  stone), 
and  fell  on  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  Ijowed 
himself  three  times:  and  they  kissed  one  an- 
other, and  wept  one  with  another,  until  Da- 
vid exceeded." 

42  And  Jonathan  said  to  David,  Go  in 
peace:  wliat  we  have  sworn,  both  of  us,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lokd,  saying,  The  Lord  shall 
be  between  me  and  thee,  and  between  my 
seed  and  thy  seed  for  ever,  (shall  Ije  kept). 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

l*"  ^  And  he  arose  and  departed;  and  Jona- 
than went  into  the  city. 

2  And  David  came  to  Nob  to  Achimelech 
the  priest;  and  Achimelech  hastened  trem- 
bling to  meet  David,  and  said  unto  liim,  Why 
art  thou  alone,  and  no  man  is  with  thee  ? 

3  And  David  said  unto  Achimelech  the 
priest.  The  king  conunanded  me  a  business, 
and  said  unto  me.  Let  not  any  num  know 
the  least  of  the  business  concerning  which  I 
send  thee,  and  which  I  have  commanded 
thee.  And  the  young  men  have  I  appointed 
to  such  and  such  a  jjlace. 

4  And  now  what  hast  thou  on  hand?" 
put  five  loaves  of  bread  into  my  hand,  or 
what  else  can  be  found. 

5  And  the  priest  answered  David,  and 
said,  I  have  no  common  bread  on  hand,  but 
there  is  hallowed  bread;  if  the  young  men 
have  only  withheld  tliemselves  from  women. 

6  \  And  David  answered  the  priest  and 
said  to  him.  To  a  certainty  women  have  been 
denied  us  yesterday  and  the  day  before,  when  I 
went  forth,  and  the  vessels  of  the  yfiung  men 
wex'e  hoi}':  and  if  this  was  the  custom  with 
unholy  things,  how  much  more  will  it  remain 
this  day  holy  in  the  vessels.*^ 

7  So  the  priest  gave  him  hallowed  bread ; 
for  there  was  no  bread  there  except  the  show- 
bread,  that  was  removed  from  before  the  Loud, 
so  as  to  put  down  hot  bread  on  the  day  when 
it  was  taken  away. 

8  Now  a  certain   man  of  the  servants  of 


•  Lit.  "  what  is  under  thy  hand  ?" 

'  After  Ralbag.  Sachs,  "When  already,  &c.,  and  thi.s 
was  the  custom  with  the  unholy,"  &c.  The  latter  part 
of  the  verse  is  an  assurance  that  the  show-bread  shmild 
not  be  rendered  unclean  by  giving  it  to  David  and  his 
men,  a.<t  their  vessels  were  all  untouched  by  uncleanness. 
(See  Leviticus  xi.  xiv.  xv.  and  elsewhere.) 

.341 


1  SAMUEL  XXI.  XXTT. 


Saiil  was  there  on  tliat  day,  detained  before  tlie 
L(»iiD;  ;in(l  his  name  was  Doeg,  the  Edomite, 
the  cliief  of  the  herdsmen  that  belonged  to  Saiil. 

9  And  David  said  unto  Achimelech,  Hast 
thou  not  also  here  at  hand  a  spear  or  sword  ? 
for  both  my  sword  as  also  my  other  weapons 
have  I  not  brought  with  me,  because  the  king's 
business  was  urgent. 

10  ^  And  the  priest  said,  The  sword  of 
Goliath  the  Philistine,  whom  thou  didst  slay 
in  the  valley  of  Elah,  behold,  it  is  here 
wrapped  up  in  a  cloth  beliind  the  ephod  :  if 
Ihou  wilt  take  that  for  thysell',  take  it;  for 
there  is  no  other  save  it  here. 

1[  And  David  said,  There  is  none  like  that: 
give  it  to  me. 

11  T[  And  David  aro.se,  and  tied  on  that 
day  from  before  Saiil,  and  came  to  Achish 
the  king  of  Gath. 

12  And  the  servants  of  Achish  said  unto 
him,  Is  not  this  David  the  king  of  the  land? 
did  they  not  of  this  man  sing  one  to  another 
in  the  dances,  saying,  Saiil  liatli  slain  his 
thousands,  and  David  liis  ten  thousands? 

lo  And  David  took  these  words  to  his 
lieart,  and  was  greatly  afraid  of  Achish  the 
king  of  Gath. 

14  And  he  disguised  his  reason  before  their 
eyes,  and  played  the  madman  in  their  hands, 
and  scribbled  on  the  doors  of  the  gate,  and  let 
his  spittle  run  down  upon  his  beard. 

15  T[  Then  said  Achish  unto  his  servants, 
Lo,  ye  see,  the  man  is  mad:  wherefore  then 
will  ye  bring  him  to  me? 

IG  Have  I  lack  of  madmen,  that  ye  have 
brought  this  man  to  play  his  pranks  about 
me?  shall  this  one  come  into  my  house? 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  Tl  And  David  departed  thence,  and  es- 
caped to  the  cave  'AduUam:  and  when  his 
brothers  and  all  his  father's  house  heard  it, 
they  went  down  to  him  thither. 

2  And  there  gatheix'd  themselves  unto 
him  every  one  that  was  in  distress,  and 
every  one  that  had  a  creditor,  and  every  one 
that  had  an  emljittered  spirit ;  and  he  became 
a  captain  over  them:  and  there  were  witli 
liim  about  four  hundred  men. 

o  And  David  went  thence  to  Mi'/,[)eh  of 
Motib:  and  he  said  unto  the  king  of  Mo'ab, 


"  Others,  "  niulcr  a  gnivf  in 


llMIII 


Let  my  fatlier  and  my  mother,  I  pray  thee, 
g(j  fortli  with  you,  until  I  can  know  what  God 
will  do  for  me. 

4  And  he  conducted  them  to  the  presence 
of  the  king  of  Moab  :  and  they  remained  with 
him  all  the  time  that  David  was  in  the  strong- 
hold. 

0  And  the  prophet  Gad  said  unto  Da^id, 
Thou  must  not  remain  in  the  strong-hold: 
depart,  and  get  thee  into  the  land  of  Judah. 
Then  David  departed,  and  came  into  the  forest 
of  Chereth. 

G  ^1  And  Saiil  heard  that  David  was  disco- 
vered, and  the  men  that  were  with  him,  (now 
Saiil  was  sitting  in  Gib'ah  under  the  tamarisk 
on  the  hill,"  with  his  spear  in  his-  hand,  and 
all  his  .servants  were  standing  about  him ;) 

7  Then  said  Saiil  unto  his  servants  that 
stood  about  him.  Hear,  I  pray  you,  men  of 
Benjamin!  will  the  son  of  Jesse  give,  indeed, 
to  ever}'  one  of  you  fields  and  vineyards?  will 
he  appoint  you  all  captains  of  thousands,  and 
captains  of  hundreds  ? 

8  That  ye  have  conspired,  all  of  you, 
against  me,  and  there  is  none  that  inibrmeth 
me,  while  my  son  hath  made  a  covenant  with 
the  son  of  Jesse,  and  there  is  none  of  you  that 
is  concerned  for  me,  or  informeth  me  that  my 
son  hath  stirred  up  my  servant  to  lie  in  wait 
against  me,  as  it  is  this  day  ? 

9  ]|  Then  answered  Doeg  the  Edomite, 
who''  was  set  over  the  servants  of  Saiil,  and 
said,  I  saw  the  son  of  Jesse  coming  to  Nob, 
to  Achimelech  the  son  of  Achitub. 

10  And  he  asked  counsel  for  him  of  the 
Lord,  and  he  gave  him  provision,  and  gave 
him  also  the  sword  of  Goliath  the  Philistine. 

11  Then  sent  the  king  to  call  Achimelech, 
the  son  of  Achitub,  the  priest,  and  all  his 
father's  house,  tlm  priests  that  were  in  Nob: 
and  they  came,  all  of  them,  to  the  king. 

12  ^  And  Saiil  said.  Hear  now,  thou  son 
of  Achitub.  And  he  said,  Here  am  I,  my 
lord. 

13  And  Saiil  said  unto  him,  Why  have  ye 
conspired  against  me,  thou  and  the  son  of 
Jesse,  in  that  thou  didst  give  him  bread,  and  a 
sword,  and  hast  asked  counsel  for  him  of  God, 
that  he  should  rise  to  lie  in  wait  against  me, 
as  it  is  this  day  ? 

14  ^f  Then  answered  Achimelech  the  king, 


.JiiikiIIkiii;  ndiers,  "wIid  was  standing  by,"  &c. 


1  SAMUEL  XXII.  XXIIi. 


and  said,  And  who  is  among  all  thy  servants 
so  trusted  as  David,  and  the  king's  son-in- 
law,  and  freely  admitted  to  thy  jDrivate 
council," and  is  honoured  in  thy  house? 

15  Did  I  this  da}'  then  begin  to  ask  coun- 
sel for  him  of  God?  far  be  it  from  me;  let 
not  the  king  impute  any  thing  unto  his  ser- 
vant, (nor)  to  all  the  house  of  my  father;  for 
thy  servant  knew  not  of  all  tliis,  either  a  little 
or  great  thing. 

16  A)iil  the  king  said,  Thou  shalt  surely 
die,  Achimelech,  tliou,  and  all  thy  father's 
house. 

17  And  the  king  said  unto  the  runners 
that  stood  about  him.  Turn  round  and  slay 
the  priests  of  the  Lord;  because  tlieir  hand 
also  is  with  David,  and  because  they  knew 
that  he  was  fleeing,  ami  did  not  disclose  it  to 
me.  But  the  servants  of  the  king  would  not 
stretch  forth  their  hand  to  tall  upon  the 
priests  of  tlie  Lokd. 

18  And  the  king  said  to  Doeg,  Turn  thou 
round,  and  fall  upon  the  priests.  And  Doeg 
the  Edomite  turned  round,  and  he  fell  upon 
the  priests,  and  slew  on  that  day  eighty  and 
live  persons  that  did  wear  a  linen  ephod. 

19  And  Nob,  the  city  of  the  priests,  he 
smote  with  the  edge  of  the  sword,  Ijoth  men 
and  women,  children  and  sucklings,  and  oxen, 
and  asses,  and  lambs,  witli  the  edge  of  the 
sword. 

20  And  there  escaped  one  of  the  sons  of 
Achimelech  the  son  of  Achitul),  whose  name 
was  Kbyathar,''  and  he  tied  after  David. 

21  And  Ebyathar  told  David  that  Saiil  had 
slain  the  priests  of  the  Lord. 

22  And  David  said  unto  Ebyathar,  I  knew 
on  that  day,  because  Doeg  the  Edomite  was 
tliere,  that  he  would  surely  tell  Saiil:  I  have 
myself  occasioned  the  deatli  of  all  the  persons 
ot"  thy  father's  house. 

23  Remain  thou   with  me 
for  he  that  will  seek  my  life  will  seek  thy 
life;  Init  thou  shalt  be  well  guarded  with  me. 

CHAPTER  XXIIL 

1  ^  Then  they  told  David,  saying,  Behold, 
the  Philistines  are  fighting  against  Ke'ilah, 
and  they  are  plundering  the  threshing-floors. 

*  Rasbi  and  Redak,  "obedient  to  tby  will."  Our  ver- 
sion is  after  .Sachs  and  others,  who  take  "inj-ntyo  for  "thy 
secret  council."     (See  2  Samuel  xxiii.  i'S.) 


fear   nothing; 


2  Thereupon  David  asked  counsel  of  tht 
Lord,  saying.  Shall  I  go  and  smite  among 
these  Philistines? 

^f  And  the  Lord  said  unto  David,  Go  and 
smite  among  the  Philistines,  and  deliver 
Ke'ilah. 

3  And  David's  men  said  unto  him.  Behold, 
here  in  Judah  are  we  afraid  :  how  much  more 
then  if  we  slioidd  go  to  Ke'ilali  against  the 
battle-arrays  of  the  Philistines  ? 

4  ^[  Then  David  asked  yet  again  counsel 
of  the  Lord.  And  tlw  Lord  answered  him 
and  said,  Arise,  Go  down  to  Ke'ilah;  lor  I 
(will)  deliver  the  Philistines  into  thy  hand. 

•5  So  David  and  his  jnen  went  to  Ke'ilali; 
and  he  ii)Ught  with  the  Philistines,  and  lead 
away  their  cattle,  and  smote  among  them  a 
great  slaughter.  So  David  delivered  the  in- 
habitants of  Ke'ilah. 

G  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  Avhen  Elnathar 
the  son  of  Achimelech  fled  over  to  David,  to 
Ke'ilah,  that  the  ephod  came  down  witii  him." 

7  And  it  was  told  to  Saiil  that  David  was 
come  to  Ke'ilah.  And  Saiil  said,  God  hath 
delivered  him  into  my  hand;  for  he  is  shut 
in,  by  entering  into  a  town  that  hath  gates 
and  bars. 

8  And  Saiil  called  all  the  jjeople  together 
to  war,  to  go  down  to  Ke'ilah,  to  besiege 
David  and  his  men. 

9  And  Da\id  understood  that  Saiil  secretly 
devised  mischief  against  him;  and  he  said  to 
Ebyathar  the  priest.  Bring  hither  the  epliod. 

10  1]  Then  said  David,  0  Lord,  God  of 
Israel,  thy  servant  hath  heard  for  certain  that 
Saiil  seeketh  to  come  to  Ke'ilah,  to  destroy 
the  city  tor  my  sake. 

11  Will  the  men  of  Ke'ilah  surrender  me 
into  his  hand?  will  Saiil  come  down  as  thy 
servant  hath  heard?  0  Lord,  God  of  Isi-ae'l, 
I  beseech  thee,  tell  thy  servant. 

T[  And  the  Lord  said.  He  will  come  down. 

12  ^  Then  said  David,  Will  the  men  of 
Ke'ilah  surrender  me  and  my  men  into  the 
hand  of  Saiil  ?  And  the  Lord  said.  They 
will  surrender. 

13  T[  Then  arose  David  and  his  men,  about 
six  hundred  men,  and  departed  out  of  Ke'ilah, 
and  wandered  about  whithersoever  they  could 


Eng.  version,  "Abiathar.' 
Lit.  "in  his  hand." 


343 


1  SAMUEL  XXTII.  XXIV. 


go.  And  when  it  was  told  to  Saiil  that  David 
was  escaped  from  Ke'ilah,  he  forbore  to  go 
Ibrth. 

14  And  David  remained  in  the  wilderness 
in  strong-holds,  and  abode  on  the  mountain 
in  the  wilderness  of  Zi])h.  And  Saiil  sought 
him  all  the  time,  but  God  delivered  him  not 
into  his  hand. 

15  And  David  saw  that  Saiil  was  gone 
forth  to  seek  his  life :  and  David  was  in  the 
wilderness  of  Ziph  in  the  forest.'' 

16  ^  And  Jonathan,  the  son  of  Saiil,  arose, 
and  went  ■  to  David  into  the  forest,  and 
strengthened  his  hand  in  God.*" 

17  And  he  said  unto  him,  Fear  not;  for 
the  hand  of  Saiil  my  father  will  not  find  thee ; 
and  thou  wilt  be  king  over  Israel,  and  I  will 
be  next"  unto  thee ;  and  also  Saiil  my  father 
knoweth  this. 

18  And  they  made,  both  of  them,  a  cove- 
nant before  the  Lord:  and  David  remained 
in  the  forest;  Ijut  Jonathan  went  to  his  house. 

19  ^  Then  came  up  the  Ziphites  unto  Saiil 
to  Gib'ah,  saying,  Behold,  David  is  hiding 
himself  with  us  in  the  strong-holds  in  tlie 
forest,  on  the  hill  of  Chachilah,  which  is  on 
the  right  of  the  desert. 

20  And  now  in  accordance  with  all  the 
longing  of  thy  soul,  0  king,  to  come  down, 
come  down ;  and  our  part  shall  be  to  surren- 
der him  into  the  king's  hand. 

21  And  Saiil  said.  Blessed  be  ye  of  the 
Lord;  for  ye  liave  pity  on  me. 

22  Go,  I  pray  you,  make  yet  more  prepara- 
tions, and  remark  and  see  his  place  where 
his  foof  may  be,  who  hath  seen  him  there ; 
for  I  am  told  that  he  dealeth  with  great 
subtilty. 

23  See  therefore,  and  remark  eveiy  one 
of  all  the  lurking-places  where  he  usually 
liideth  himself,  and  come  ye  again  to  me  with 
the  certainty,  and  I  Avill  go  with  you;  and  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  if  he  be  in  the  land,  that 
I  will  search  him  out  throughout  all  the 
thousands  of  Judah. 

24  And  they  arose,  and  went  to  Ziph  be- 
fore Saiil;  but  David  and  his  men  were  in 

"  After  Jonathan.  Others  rentier  it  "Choreshah,"  as 
the  name  of  a  place. 

''  I.  e.  He  .strengthened  him  in  spirit  by  bidding  liiin  to 
rj^ly  on  G-od's  promise. 

°  nwo  "the  second,"  or  the  one  next  in  anthnrity  to 
ilic  king. 

344 


the  wilderness  of  Ma'on,  in  the  plain  on  the 
right  of  the  desert. 

25  And  Saiil  and  his  men  went  to  make  a 
search.  And  they  told  it  to  David :  wherefore 
he  came  down  to  the  rock,  and  abode  in  the 
wilderness  of  Ma'on.  And  when  Saiil  heard 
this,  he  pursued  after  David  into  the  wilder- 
ness of  Ma'on. 

26  And  Saiil  went  on  this  side  of  the 
mountain,  and  David  and  his  men  on  that 
side  of  the  mountain ;  and  David  made  haste 
to  get  away  from  before  Saiil ;  and  Saiil  and 
his  men  were  compassing  David  and  his  men 
to  seize  them. 

27  But  a  messenger  came  unto  Saiil,  say- 
ing, Haste  thee,  and  come;  for  the  Philistines 
have  invaded"  the  land. 

28  Wherefore  Saiil  returned  from  pursuing 
after  David,  and  went  against  the  Philistines : 
therefore  they  called  that  place  Selorham- 
machlekoth.' 

CHAPTP]R  XXIV. 

1^  And  David  went  up  from  there,  and 
abode  in  strong-holds  of  'En-gedi. 

2  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Saiil  was 
returned  from  pursuing  the  Philistines,  that 
it  was  told  to  him,  saying,  Behold,  David  is 
in  the  wilderness  of  'En-gedi. 

3  ^  Then  took  Saiil  three  thousand  chosen 
men  out  of  all  Israel,  and  went  to  seek  David 
and  his  men  upon  the  rocks  of  the  wild 
goats.'' 

4  And  he  came  to  the  sheepfolds  by  the 
way,  and  there  w.as  a  cave;  and  Saiil  went 
in  to  cover  his  feet:  and  David  and  his  men 
were  sitting  in  the  lower  end  of  the  cave. 

5  And  the  men  of  David  said  unto  him, 
Behold,  this  is  the  day  of  which  the  Lord 
hath  said  unto  thee,  Behold,  I  will  deliver  thy 
enemy  into  tliy  hand,  that  thou  mayest  do  to 
him  as  it  shall  seem  good  in  thy  eyes.  And 
David  arose,  and  cut  off  the  corner  of  the 
rol)e  whicli  Saiil  wore,  unperceived. 

0  And  it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that  Da- 
vid's heart  smote  him,  because  he  had  cut  off 
the  corner  of  Saiil's  (robe) . 

''  Eng.  version,  freely,  "where  his  haunt  is." 
"  Ileb.  "spread  themselves  upon." 
'  ('.  c.  The  rock  of  divisions. 

8  In   the  English  version  this  verse  is  v.  29  of  chap, 
xxiii.;  and  in  our  version  is  v.  1  of  xxiv. 
"  Sachs,  "chamois." 


tJESTRLTCTlON    OF"    THE    WALL    OK   JERICHO, 


t  SAMUEL  XXIV.  XXV. 


7  And  lie  said  unto  Iiis  men.  Far  be  it 
from  me  for  tlie  Lord's  sake,  that  I  should  do 
this  thing  unto  my  master,  the  Lord's  anoint- 
ed, to  stretch  forth  my  hand  against  him ;  be- 
cause he  is  the  anointed  of  the  Lord. 

8  So  David  restrained  his  servants  with 
these  words,  and  suffered  them  not  to  rise 
against  SaiiL  But  Saiil  rose  up  out  of  the 
cave,  and  went  on  his  way. 

9  ^  David  also  arose  afterward,  and  went 
forth  out  of  the  cave,  and  called  after  Saiil, 
saving.  My  lord,  the  king!  And  Saiil  then 
looked  behind  him,  and  David  bowed  his  face 
to  the  earth,  and  prostrated  himself. 

10  And  David  said  to  Saiil,  Wherefore 
wilt  thou  listen  to  men's  words,  saying.  Behold, 
David  seeketh  thy  injury? 

11  Behold,  tliis  day  thy  eyes  have  seen 
how  that  the  Lord  had  delivered  thee  to-day 
into  my  hand  in  the  cave,  and  some  one 
said  that  I  should  kill  thee :  but  my  soul  felt 
compassion  for  thee:  and  I  said,  I  will  not 
stretch  forth  my  hand  against  my  lord;  be- 
cause he  is  the  anointed  of  the  Lord. 

12  And  now,  my  father,  see,  yea,  see  the 
corner  of  thy  robe  in  my  hand;  for  in 
that  I  cut  off  the  corner  of  thy  robe,  and 
killed  thee  not,  know  thou  and  see  that  there 
IS  neither  evil  nor  transgression  in  my  hand, 
and  that  I  have  not  sinned  against  thee :  yet 
thou  liest  in  wait  for  my  soul  to  take  it. 

13  May  the  Lord  judge  between  me  and 
thee,  and  may  the  Lord  avenge  me  on  thee ; 
but  my  hand  shall  not  be  against  thee. 

14  As  saith  the  proverb  of  the  ancients. 
From  the  wicked  proceedeth  wickedness ;  but 
my  hand  shall  not  be  against  thee. 

15  After  whom  is  the  king  of  Israel  gone 
out?  after  whom* art  thou  pui'suing?  after  a 
dead  dog,''  after  a  single  flea. 

16  May  the  Lord  therefore  be  judge,  and 
decide  between  me  and  thee,  and  see,  and 
plead  my  cause,  and  obtain  me  justice  out  of 
thy  hand. 

1 7  ^[  And  it  came  to  pass,  "When  David  had 
finished  speaking  these  words  unto  Saiil,  that 
Saiil  said,  Is  this  thy  voice,  my  son  David? 
And  Saiil  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept. 

"  Jonathan  paraphrases,  "  after  one  weak  man,  after  one 
common  person." 

'  Lit.  "told,"  i.  e.  by  action. 

°  "  On  a  good  road,"  i.  e.  to  let  him  get  away  unharmed 
to  pursue  his  business  freely. 

*  Raslri,  "his  cattle  and  property."  This  Carmol  here 
2  T 


18  And  ho  said  to  David,  Thou  art  more 
righteous  than  I ;  for  thou  hast  dcme  for  me 
only  what  is  good,  whereas  I  have  rewarded 
thee  only  with  what  is- evil. 

19  And  thou  hast  proved''  this  day,  that 
thou  hast  dealt  well  with  me;  forasmuch  as 
when  the  Lord  had  surrendered  me  into  thy 
hand,  thou  didst  not  kill  me. 

20  For  if  a  man  lind  his  enemy,  will  he  let 
him  go  away  on  a  good  road?"  so  may  the 
Lord  reward  thee  with  good  for  what  thou 
hast  done  unto  me  this  day. 

21  And  now,  behold,  I  know  that  thou 
wilt  surely  become  king,  and  that  the  king- 
dom of  Israel  Avill  stand  firmly  in  thy  hand. 

22  And  now  swear  unto  me  by  the  Lord, 
that  thou  wilt  not  cut  off  my  seed  after  me, 
and  that  thou  wilt  not  destroy  my  name  out 
of  my  father's  house. 

23  And  David  swore  unto  Saiil;  and  Saiil 
went  to  his  liouse;  but  David  and  his  men 
went  up  into  the  strong-hold. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  And  Samuel  died;  and  all  the  Israel- 
ites assembled  themselves  together,  and  la- 
mented for  him,  and  Ijuried  him  in  his  house 
at  Ramah.  And  David  arose,  and  went  down 
to  the  wilderness  of  Paran. 

2  ^  And  there  was  a  man  in  Ma'on,  whose 
business''  was  in  Carmel;  and  the  man  was 
very  great,  and  he  had  three  thousand  sheep, 
and  a  thousand  goats :  and  he  was,  while  they 
were  shearing  his  sheep,  at  Carmel. 

3  Now  the  name  of  the  man  was  Nabal, 
and  the  name  of  his  wife  Abigayil :  and  the 
woman  was  of  good  understanding,  and  of  a 
beautiful  form ;  but  the  man  was  hard-hearted 
and  evil  in  his  deeds;  and  he  was  of  the  house 
of  Caleb. 

4  And  David  lieard  in  the  wilderness  that 
Nabal  was  shearing  his  sheep. 

5  And  David  sent  out  ten  young  men,  and 
David  said  unto  the  young  men.  Get  you  up 
to  Carmel,  and  go  to  Nabal,  and  ask  him  in 
my  name  after  his  well-being. 

6  And  ye  shall  say,"  May  it  thus  be  through- 
out thy  life ;  and  peace  be  to  thee,  and  peace 


mentioned  is  a  district  in  the  south  of  Judah,  not  Mount 
Carmel  at  the  north-west  of  Palestine. 

'  Rashi,  "May  it  thus  be  for  the  next  year;  peace,"  &c. 
Philippson,  "And  ye  shall  say  thus  to  him  who  liveth 
prosperously,  Peace,"  &c.  Herxheimer,  "And  ye  shall 
say  thus,  To  thy  prosperity,  and  have  peace,"  &c. 

345 


1  SAMUEL  XXV. 


be  to  thy  house,  and  unto  all  that  thou  hast 
be  peace. 

7  And  now  have  I  heard  that  thou  hast 
Bheep-shearers :  now  thy  shepherds  have  been 
with  us,  we  liave  not  injured  them,  neither 
hath  there  aught  been  missing  unto  them,  all 
the  time  they  were  at  Carmel. 

8  Ask  thy  young  men,  and  they  will  tell 
it  thee.  Therefore  let  the  young  men  find 
favour  in  thy  eyes;  for  on  a  festive  day  are 
we  come:  give,  I  pray  thee,  whatsoever  thy 
hand  is  capable  of  unto  thy  servants,  and  to 
thy  son,  to  David. 

9  And  David's  young  men  came,  and  they 
spoke  to  Nabal  in  accordance  with  all  these 
words  in  the  name  of  David ;  and  then  they 
ceased. 

10  And  Nabal  answered  tlie  servants  of 
David,  and  said,  Who  is  David?  and  who  is 
the  son  of  Jesse?  now-a-dajs  there  are  many 
servants  that  break  away  every  one  from  his 
master. 

11  Shall  I  then  take  my  bi'ead,  and  my 
water,  and  my  flesh  that  I  have  killed  for  my 
sheep-shearers,  and  give  it  unto  men,  whom  I 
know  not  whence  they  are? 

12  And  David's  young  men  turned  about 
on  their  way,  and  returned,  and  came  and 
told  him  in  accordance  with  all  these  words. 

13  And  David  said  unto  his  men,  Gird  ye 
on,  every  man,  his  sword.  And  they  girded 
on,  every  man,  his  sword;  and  David  also 
girded  on  his  sword :  and  there  went  up  after 
David  about  four  hundred  men,  and  two 
hundred  abode  by  the  baggage. 

14  But  one"  of  the  young  men  told  Abigayil, 
Nabal's  wife,  saying.  Behold,  David  sent  mes- 
sengers out  of  the  wilderness  to  greet  our 
master;  but  he  hath  spoken  rudely  to  them. 

15  Whereas  the  men  have  been  very  good 
unto  us;  and  we  have  not  been  injured, 
neither  have  we  missed  any  thing,  all  tiie 
time  that  we  went  about  with  them,  while 
we  were  in  the  field : 

10  A  wall  were  they  around  us  both  by 
night  and  l)y  day,  all  the  time  we  were  with 
them,  feeding  the  flocks. 

17  And  now  know  and  consider  what  thou 
canst  do;  for  evil  is  determined  on  asrainst 
our  master,  and  against   all   his   household; 

'  Hcb.  "one  young  man  of,"  &c. 
''  Others  give  this  phrase,  "any  male." 
346 


and  he  is  too  greatly  a  worthless  man  for  me 
to  speak  to  him. 

18  And  Abigayil  made  haste,  and  took 
two  hundred  loaves,  and  two  bottles  of  wine, 
and  five  sheep  ready  dressed,  and  five  mear 
sures  of  parched  corn,  and  a  hundred  clusters 
of  niisins,  and  two  hundred  cakes  of  figs,  and 
laid  them  on  asses. 

19  And  she  said  inito  her  young  men.  Pass 
on  before  me:  behold,  I  come  after  you.  But 
to  her  husband  Nabal  she  told  nothing. 

20  And  it  was  so,  as  she  was  riding  on  the 
ass,  and  coming  down  by  the  covert  of  the 
mount,  that,  behold,  David  and  his  men  came 
down  toward  her;  and  she  met  them. 

21  Now  David  had  said,  Yea,  for  naught 
only  have  I  guarded  all  that  lielongeth  to 
this  lellow  in  the  wilderness,  so  that  not  the 
least  was  missed  of  all  that  pertained  unto 
him;  and  he  hath  requited  me  evil  instead 
of  good. 

22  So  may  God  do  unto  the  enemies  of 
David,  and  do  so  yet  forther,  if  I  leave  of  all 
that  pertaineth  to  him  by  the  morning  light, 
as  much  as  a  dog.*" 

23  And  when  Abigayil  saw  David,  she 
hastened,  and  alighted  oft"  the  ass,  and  fell 
down  before  David  on  her  tace,  and  bowed 
herself  to  the  ground, 

24  And  she  fell  at  his  feet,  and  said.  On 
me,  me,  my  lord,  is  the  fault :  and  let  thy 
hand-maid,  I  pray  thee,  speak  in  thy  hearing, 
and  listen  to  the  words  of  thy  hand-maid. 

25  Let  not  my  lord,  I  pray  thee,  turn  his 
heart  unto  this  worthless  man,  unto  Nabal; 
for  as  his  name  is,  so  is  he:  Naljal"  is  his 
name,  and  meanness  is  with  him;  but  I  thy 
hand-maid  did  not  see  the  young  men  of  my 
lord,  whom  thou  didst  send. 

20  And  now,  my  lord,  as  the  Eternal  liv- 
eth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  it  is  the  Lord  who 
hath  withholden  thee  from  coming  to  blood- 
guiltiness,  and  from  helping  thyself  with  thy 
own  hand;  and  now  may  like  Nabal  be  thy 
enemies,  and  those  that  seek  (to  do)  my  lord 
evil. 

27  And  now  this  present  which  thy  hand- 
maid hath  brought  unto  my  lord,  let  it  even 
be  given  unto  the  young  men  that  follow  in 
the  train  my  lord. 


°  i.  e.   "Fool,"   "wicked,"  "mean,"  from  nrhahih,  "a 
scandalous,  foolish,  or  mean  act." 


1  SAMUEL  XXV.  XXVI 


28  Pardon,  I  pray  thee,  the  trespass  of  thy 
hand-maid;  for  tlie  Lord  will  certainly  make 
for  n)y  lord  an  enduring  liouse;  because  the 
battles  of  tlie  Lord  doth  my  lord  fight,  and 
evil  will  not  be  found  in  thee  all  thy  da^ys." 

29  And  though  a  man  is  risen  up  to  pursue 
thee,  and  to  seek  thy  soul :  yet  will  the  soul 
of  my  lord  be  bound  in  the  bond  of  life  with 
the  Lord  thy  God ;  and  the  soul  of  thy 
enemies  will  he  hurl  away,  as  out  of  the 
middle  of  the  sling. 

30  x\nd  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  the 
Lord  will  do  to  my  lord,  in  accordance  with 
all  the  good  that  he  hath  spoken  concerning 
thee,  and  will  ordain  thee  as  ruler  over 
Israel, 

31  That  this  shall  not  be  unto  thee  as  a 
cause  of  offence  and  as  a  reproach  of  heart 
unto  my  lord,  both  by  having  shed  blood 
without  cause,  and  by  my  lord  having  righted 
himself;  and  when  the  Lord  will  do  good 
unto  my  lord,  then  do  thou  remember  thy 
hand-maid. 

32  1[  And  David  said  to  Abigayil,  Blessed 
be  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  who  sent  thee 
this  day  to  meet  me; 

33  And  blessed  be  thy  intelligence,  and 
blessed  Ije  thou,  who  hast  prevented  me  this 
day  from  coming  unto  blood-guiltiness,  and 
from  helping  myself  with  my  own  hand. 

34  But  truly,  as  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel  liveth,  wdao  hath  withdrawn  me  from 
injuring  thee,  except  thou  hadst  hastened  and 
come  to  meet  me,  surely  there  would  not 
have  been  left  unto  Nabal  by  the  morning- 
light  so  much  as  a  dog. 

35  And  David  took  out  of  her  hand  that 
wdiich  she  had  brought  him;  and  unto  her  he 
said.  Go  up  in  peace  to  thy  house :  see,  I  have 
hearkened  to  thy  voice,  and  have  respected'' 
thy  presence. 

36  And  Abigayil  came  to  Nabal ;  and,  be- 
hold, he  held  a  feast  in  liis  house,  like  the 
feast  of  a  king;  and  NabaFs  heart  was  merry 
within  him,  and  he  was  exceedingly  drunken; 
wdierefore  she  told  him  not  a  word,  either 
little  or  great,  until  the  morning-light. 

37  But  it  happened  in  the  morning,  when 
the  wine  was  gone  out  of  Nabal,  that  his  wafe 


*  Sachs,  "  And  raisfoi-tunu  will  imt  assail  thee  all  thy 
days."  llashi,  "Therefore  should  wrong  uot  bo  found  on 
thee."     The  meaning  of  the  last  clause  is,  probably,  that 


told   him   these   things;    and    Ids   heart  died 
within  him,  and  he  became  as  a  stone. 

38  And  it  came  to  pass  in  about  ten  days 
thereafter,  that  the  Lord  struck  Nabal,  and 
he  died. 

39  And  when  Da^•id  heard  that  Nabal  was 
dead,  he  said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath 
pleaded  the  cause  of  my  reproach  from  the 
hand  erf  Nabal,  and  hath  withheld  his  servant 
from  evil;  and  the  wickedness  of  Nabal  iiath 
the  Lord  returned  upon  his  own  head.  And 
David  sent  and  applied  for  Abigayil,  to  take 
her  to  himself  for  wife. 

40  And  the  servants  of  David  came  to 
Abigayil  to  Carmel,  and  they  spoke  unto  her, 
saying,  David  hath  sent  us  unto  thee,  to  take 
thee  to  himself  for  wife. 

41  Thereupon  she  arose,  and  bowed  herself 
with  her  face  to  the  earth,  and  said,  Behold, 
let  thy  hand-maid  be  a  servant  to  wash  the 
feet  of  the  servants  of  my  lord. 

42  And  Abigayil  hastened,  and  arose,  and 
rode  upon  an  ass,  with  her  five  damsels  that 
went  in  her  train;  and  she  went  after  the 
messengers  of  David,  and  she  became  his  wife. 

43  David  also  took  Achino'am  of  Yizre'el; 
and  both  of  them  became  thus  his  wives. 

44  ^1  But  Saiil  had  given  Michal  his 
daughter,  David's  wife,  to  Palti,  the  son  of 
Layish,  who  was  of  Gallim. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  And  the  Ziphites  came  unto  Saiil  to 
Gil/ah,  saying,  Behold,  David  hideth  himself 
on  the  hill  of  Chachilah,  before  the  desert. 

2  Then  arose  Saiil,  and  went  down  to  the 
wilderness  of  Ziph,  and  with  him  were  three 
thousand  men  chosen  out  of  Israel,  to  seek 
David  in  the  wilderness  of  Ziph. 

3  And  Saiil  encamped  on  the  hill  of  Cha- 
chilah, which  is  before  the  desert  by  the 
way;  but  David  abode  in  the  wilderness,  and 
he  saw  that  Saiil  was  coming  after  him  into 
the  wilderness. 

4  David  thereupon  sent  out  spies,  and 
understood  that  Saiil  was  come  for  a  certainty. 

5  And  David  arose,  and  came  to  the  place 
where  Saiil  was  encamped;  and  David  beheld 
the  place  where  Saul  lay,  with  Abner  the  son 


she  begs  David  not  to  sully  his  reputation  by  doing  wrong 
to  the  innocent. 

''  i.  e.  Received  in  favour  the  prayer  of  the  petitioner. 

347- 


1  SAMUEL  XXVI. 


of  Ner,  the  captain  of  his  army:  and  Saiil 
was  lying  in  the  midst  of  the  ring,''  and  the 
people  were  encamped  round  about  him. 

6  Then  commenced  David  and  said  to  Achi- 
melech  the  Hittite,  and  to  Abisliai  the  son  of 
Zeruyah,  the  brother  of  Joiib,  saying,  Who  will 
go  down  with  me  to  Saiil  to  the  camp  ?  And 
Abishai  said,  I  will  i-eadily  go  down  with 
thee. 

7  So  David  and  Abi.shai  came  to  the  peo- 
ple by  night :  and,  behold,  Saul  lay  sleeping 
witliin  the  ring,  with  his  spear  stuck  in  the 
ground  by  his  head;  but  Abuer  and  the  j^eo- 
ple  were  lying  round  about  him. 

8  T[  Then  said  Abishai  to  David,  God  hath 
surrendered  this  day  thy  enemy  into  thy 
hand:  and  now  let  me  strike  him  through, 
I  pray  thee,  with  the  spear,  even  to  the  earth 
with  one  blow,  and  1  will  not  give  him  a 
second  one. 

9  But  David  said  to  Abishai,  Destroy  him 
not;  ior  who  hath  stretched  forth  his  hand 
against  tlie  Lord's  anointed,  and  remained 
guiltless? 

10  David  said  farthermore,  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  the  Lord  alone  shall  strike  him  down : 
either  his  day  shall  come  that  he  die;  or  he 
shall  go  down  into  battle,  and  perish. 

11  Far  be  this  from  me  for  the  sake  of  the 
Lord,  that  I  should  stretch  forth  my  hand 
against  the  Lord's  anointed ;  but  now,  I  pray 
thee,  take  thou  the  spear  that  is  by  his  head, 
and  the  cruise  of  water,  and  let  us  go  our 
■\vay. 

12  So  David  took  the  spear  and  the  cruise 
of  water  by  the  head  of  Saiil,  and  they  went 
their  way;  and  no  one  saw  it,  and  no  one 
perceived  it,  and  no  one  awaked;  for  they 
were  all  sleeping;  because  a  deep  sleep  from 
the  Lord  was  fallen  upon  them. 

13  Then  went  David  over  to  the  other 
side,  and  stood  on  the  top  of  the  mount  afar 
off,  the  space  between  them  being  great. 

14  And  David  called  to  the  people,  and  to 
Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  saying.  Wilt  thou  not 
answer,  Abner?  And  Abner  answered  and 
said.  Who  art  thou  that  callest  to  the  king  ? 

15  T[  And  David  said  to  Abner,  Art  thou 
not  a  man  ?  and  who  is  like  to  thee  in  Israel  ? 


"  /.  e.  Formed  by  the  people  and  their  baggage. 
'  David   regarded   bis  banishment  from   Palestine,  the 
vicinity  of  the  ark  of  God,   as  though   lie  had  been  bid- 
348 


why  then  hast  thou  not  kept  guard  over 
thy  lord  the  king?  for  there  came  one  of  the 
people  to  destroy  the  king  thy  lord. 

IG  This  thing  which  thou  hast  done  is  not 
good.  As  the  Lord  liveth,  ye  deserve  to  die; 
because  ye  have  not  kept  guard  over  your 
master,  over  the  Lord's  anointed.  And  now 
see,  Avhere  is  the  king's  spear,  and  the  cruise 
of  water  that  was  by  his  liead  ? 

17  And  Saiil  recognised  David's  A'oice,  and 
he  said.  Is  this  thy  voice,  my  son  David? 
And  David  said,  It  is  my  voice,  my  lord,  0 
king. 

18  And  he  said.  Why  is  this  that  my  lord 
doth  pursue  after  his  servant?  for  what  have 
I  done  ?  or  what  evil  is  in  my  hand  ? 

19  And  now,  I  pray  thee,  let  my  lord  the 
king  hear  the  words  of  his  servant!  If  the 
Lord  have  stirred  tliee  up  against  me,  then  may 
he  accept  the  savour  of  an  offering;  but  if  they 
be  the  children  of  men,  then  be  they  cursed 
before  the  Lord;  because  they  have  driven 
me  out  this  day  so  that  I  cannot  attach  my- 
self on  the  inheritance  of  the  Lord,  saying. 
Go,  serve  other  gods.*" 

20  Now,  therefore,  let  not  my  blood  fall  to 
the  earth  far  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord; 
for  the  king  of  Israel  is  come  out  to  seek  a 
single  flea,  as  one  doth  usually  pursue  a  par- 
tridge on  the  mountains. 

21  Then  said  Saiil,  I  have  sinned ;  return, 
my  son  David;  for  I  will  not  do  thee  harm 
any  more,  for  the  cause  that  my  life  was 
precious  in  thy  .eyes  this  day :  behold,  I  have 
acted  foolishly,  and  have  erred  exceedingly 
much. 

22  And  David  answered  and  said,  Behold, 
here  is  the  king's  spear!  and  let  one  of  the 
young  men  come  over  and  fetch  it. 

23  And  may  the  Lord  recompense  to  every 
man  his  righteousness  and  his  laithfulness ; 
since  the  Lord  delivered  thee  into  my  hand 
to-day,  and  I  would  not  stretch  forth  my 
hand  against  the  anointed  of  the  Lord. 

24  And  Ijeliold,  as  thy  lite  was  highly 
valued  this  day  in  my  eyes,  so  may  my  lite 
be  highly  valued  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord, 
and  may  he  deliver  me  out  of  all  tribula- 
tion. 


den  to  worship  idols.  Experience  also  proves,  that  reli- 
gion is  neglected  the  moment  men  are  separated  from 
early  associations. 


1  SAMUEL  XXVI.  XXVII.  XXVIII. 


25  T[  Then  said  Saiil  to  David,  Blos.sed  be 
thou  my  son  David :  thou  wilt  both  do  great 
thiiii^.s,  and  wilt  also  surely  prevail.  And 
David  went  then  on  his  way,  and  Saiil  re- 
turned to  his  place. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  David  said  in  his  heart.  Now  I 
may  yet  perish  suddenly  one  day  by  the  hand 
of  Saiil ;  there  is  nothing  better  for  me  than 
tliat  I  should  escape  at  once  into  the  land  of 
the  Philistines,  when  Saiil  will  abstain  frona 
nie,  to  seek  me  any  moi'e  in  all  the  territory 
of  Israel :  and  so  shall  I  escape  out  of  his 
hand. 

2  And  David  arose,  and  he  passed  over 
himself  witli  the  six  hundred  men  that  were 
with  him  unto  Acliish,  the  son  of  Ma'och,  the 
king  of  Gath. 

3  And  David  remained  with  Achish  at 
Gath,  he  and  his  men,  every  man  with  his 
houseliold,  also  David  with  his  two  wives, 
Achino'am  the  Yizre'elitess,  and  Abigayil,  Na- 
bal's  wife,  the  Carmelitess. 

4  And  when  it  was  told  unto  Saiil  that 
David  was  fled  to  Gath,  he  continued  no  more 
to  seek  for  him. 

5  Tl  And  David  said  unto  Achish,  If  now 
I  have  found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  let  them  give 
me  a  place  in  some  one  of  the  country-towns, 
that  I  may  dwell  there;  for  why  should  thy 
servant  dwell  in  the  royal  city  with  thee? 

6  Then  gave  Achish  unto  him  on  that  day 
Ziklag :  therefore  hath  Ziklag  pertained  unto 
the  kings  of  Judah  until  this  day. 

7  Tl  And  the  number '  of  the  days  that 
Daviil  dwelt  in  the  fields  of  the  Philistines 
was  a  full  year  and  four"  months. 

8  And  David  and  his  men  went  up,  and 
invaded  the  Geshurites,  and  the  Gizrites,  and 
the  'Amalekites;  for  these  nations  were  of  old 
the  inhabitants  of  the  land,  till  thou  comest 
to  Shur,  and  as  far  as  the  land  of  Egypt. 

9  And  David  smote  the  land,  and  left  not 
alive  either  man  or  woman,  and  took  away 
the  flocks,  and  the  oxen,  and  the  asses,  and 
the  camels,  and  the  apparel,  and  returned, 
and  came  to  Achish. 

10  And  Achish  said,  Whither  have  ye 
made  an  inroad  to-day?     And  David  said, 


*  Rashi  renders,  "a  few  days  above  four  months." 
''  Lit.  "for  the  army,"  i.  e.  gathering  the  varinus  divi- 
eions  into  an  army  to  eoninience  active  war. 


Against  the  south  of  Judah,  and  against  the 
south  of  the  Yerachmeelites,  and  against  the 
south  of  the  Kenites. 

11  And  David  lett  not  alive  either  man 
or  woman,  to  bring  (them)  to  Gath,  saying. 
That  they  may  not  tell  on  us,  saying.  So  hath 
David  done,  and  so  is  his  custom  all  the  days 
he  hath  dwelt  in  the  fields  of  the  Philistines. 

12  And  Achish  had  confidence  in  David, 
saying.  He  hath  surely  spoiled  his  odour 
among  his  people,  among  Israel;  and  he  will 
become  unto  me  a  servant  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  Tf  And  it  came  to  pass  in  tho.se  days, 
that  the  Philistines  gathered  their  camps  to- 
gether for  warfare,''  to  fight  with  Israel ;  and 
Achish  said  unto  David,  Thou  must  know 
that  thou  shalt  go  out  with  me  into  the  camp, 
thou  and  thy  men. 

2  And  David  said  to  Achish,  By  rea.son  of 
this  wilt  thou  thyself  ascertain  what  thy  ser- 
vant will  do.  And  Achish  said  to  David, 
Therefore  will  I  make  thee  the  guard  of  my 
head  for  all  times. 

3  ^  Now  Samuel  was  dead,  and  all  Israel 
had  lamented  him,  and  Ijuried  him  in  Ramah, 
even  in  his  own  city:  and  Saiil  had  remov- 
ed those  that  had  familiar  spirits,  and  the 
wizards,  out  of  the  land. 

4  And  the  Philistines  assembled  themselves 
together,  and  came  and  encamped  at  Shunem : 
and  Saiil  assembled  together  all  Israel,  and 
they  encamped  at  Gilboii'. 

5  And  when  Saiil  saw  the  camp  of  the 
Philistines,  he  was  afraid,  and  his  heart  trem- 
bled greatly. 

6  And  Saiil  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord;  but 
the  Lord  answered  him  not,  either  by  means 
of  dreams,  or  by  means  of  the  Urim,  or  by 
means  of  the  prophets. 

7  Then  said  Saiil  unto  his  servants,  Seeli 
out  for  me  a  woman  that  hath  a  familiar 
spirit,""  that  I  may  go  to  her  and  inquire  of 
her.  And  his  servants  said  to  him,  Reliolil, 
there  is  a  woman  that  hath  a  familiar  sjiiiit 
at  'En-dor. 

8  And  Saiil  disguised  himself,  and  put  on 
other  garments,  and  he  went,  he  and  two  men 
with  him,  and  they  came  to  the  wonnni  by 

°  Philippson,  "a  woman  liaving  the  power  to  adjure 
the  dead."  31X  is  rendered  )iy  him,  Saehs,  and  others 
"adjurers  of  the  dead." 

349 


1  SAMUEL  XXVIll.  XXIX. 


night:  and  he  said,  Divine,  I  pray  thee,  unto 
me  by  the  fixftiiliar  spirit,  and  bring  up  for 
nie  the  one  whom  I  shall  say  unto  thee. 

9  And  the  woman  said  unto  him.  Behold, 
thou  well  knowest  that  which  Saiil  hath  done, 
that  he  hath  cut  off  those  that  have  familiar 
spirits,  and  the  wizards,  out  of  the  land; 
wherefore  then  layest  thou  a  snare  for  my 
life,  to  cause  me  to  die  ? 

10  And  Saiil  swore  to  her  by  the  Lord, 
saying,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  there  shall  no 
guilt  attach  to  thee  for  this  thing. 

11  Then  said  the  wonuxn,  Whom  shall  I 
bring  up  for  thee?  And  he  said,  Samuel  thou 
must  bring  up  for  me. 

12  And  when  the  woman  saw  Samuel,  she 
cried  with  a  loud  voice :  and  the  woman  said 
to  Saiil  thus,  Why  hast  thou  deceived  me? 
since  thou  art  Saiil. 

13  And  the  king  said  unto  her,  Be  not 
afraid;  however,  what  hast  thou  seen?  And 
the  woman  said  unto  Saiil,  A  divine  being'' 
have  I  seen  ascending  out  of  the  earth. 

14  And  he  said  unto  her.  What  is  his 
form?  And  she  said.  An  old  man  is  coming 
up;  and  he  is  wrapt  in  a  mantle.  And  so 
Saiil  perceived  that  it  was  Samuel,  and  he 
bowed  with  his  face  to  the  ground,  and  pros- 
trated himself 

15  ][  And  Samuel  said  to  Saiil,  Why  hast 
thou  disquieted  me,  to  bring  me  up?  And 
Saiil  answered,  I  am  greatly  distressed,  and 
the  Philistines  make  war  against  me,  and  God 
is  departed  from  me,  and  hath  not  answered 
me  any  more,  either  by  the  agency  of  the 
prophets,  or  by  means  of  dreams;  wherefore 
I  have  called  thee,  to  make  known  unto  me 
what  I  shall  do. 

16  Then  said  Samuel,  And  why  wilt  thou 
ask  me,  seeing  the  Lord  is  departed  from 
thee,  and  is  become  thy  enemy?'' 

17  And  the  Lord  hath  done  for  himself  as 
!ie  hath  spoken  through  my  agency;  and  the 
Lord  hath  rent  the  government  out  of  thy 
liand,  and  hath  given  it  to  thy  associate,  to 
David ; 

18  As  thou  didst  not  obey  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  and  didst  not  execute  his  fierce  wrath 
;ipon  'Amalek;  therefore  hath  the  Lord  done 
this  thing  unto  thee  this  day. 


"  Hcb.  D'S;'  '.Txi  d'hSn  "i/ods  have  I  seeu  ascending," 
n'liioh  i.s  till!  jihii-al  of  majesty.     (See  Geu.  i.  20.) 
360 


19  And  the  Lord  will  deliver  also  Israel 
with  thee  into  the  hand  of  the  Philistines; 
and  to-morrow  shalt  thou  and  thy  sons  be 
with  me:  also  the  camp  of  Israel  will  the 
Lord  deliver  into  the  hand  of  the  Philis- 
tines. 

20  Then  fell  Saiil  hastily  with  his  full 
length  to  the  earth,  and  was  greatly  afraid, 
because  of  the  words  of  Samuel:  there  was 
also  no  strength  in  him;  for  he  had  not 
eaten  any  food  all  that  day,  and  all  that 
night. 

21  And  the  woman  came  unto  Saiil,  and 
saw  that  he  was  greatly  terrified ;  and  she  said 
unto  him,  Behold,  thy  hand-maid  hath  obeyed 
thy  voice ;  and  I  put  my  life  in  my  hand,  and 
hearkened  unto  thy  words  which  thou  spokest 
unto  me. 

22  And  now,  hearken  thou  also,  I  pray 
thee,  unto  the  voice  of  thy  hand-maid,  and  let 
me  set  before  thee  a  morsel  of  bread,  and  eat ; 
that  thou  mayest  have  strength  when  thou 
goest  on  the  way. 

23  But  he  refused,  and  said,  I  will  not  eat. 
But  his  servants  urged  him  much,  as  also  the 
woman;  and  he  hearkened  unto  their  voice. 
So  he  arose  from  the  earth,  and  sat  upon  the 
bed. 

24  And  the  woman  had  a  fatted  calf  in  the 
house;  and  she  hastened,  and  slaughtered  it, 
and  took  flour,  and  kneaded  it,  and  baked 
unleavened  bread  thereof: 

25  And  she  brought  it  near  before  Saiil, 
and  before  his  servants;  and  they  ;tte.  Then 
they  rose  up,  and  went  away  tliat  night. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  Now  tlie  Philistines  assembled  to- 
gether all  their  camps  at  Aphek:  and  the 
Israelites  encamjjed  by  the  sj^ring  which  is 
by  Yizre'el. 

2  And  the  lords  of  the  Philistines  passed 
on  by  hundreds,  and  by  thousands;  but  Da- 
vid and  his  men  passed  on  at  the  last  with 
Achish. 

3  Then  said  the  princes  of  the  Philistines, 
What  are  these  Hebrews  to  do?  And  Achish 
said  unto  the  princes  of  the  Philistines,  Be- 
hold, this  is  David,  the  servant  of  Saiil  the 
king  of  Israel,  who  hath  been  with  me  already 


'' Jonathan,    "and    now    assLstcth    thy   enemy,"   i. 
David. 


i 


1  SAMUEL  XXIX.  XXX. 


a  year,"'  or  even  years,  and  I  have  not  found 
the  least  in  him  (to  bhxnie)  from  the  day  of 
his  joining  (me)  until  this  day? 

4  ^  And  the  princes  of  the  Philistines 
Mere  angry  with  him;  and  the  princes  of  the 
Philistines  said  unto  him,  Cause  this  man 
to  go  back,  that  he  may  return  to  his  place 
whither  thou  hast  assigned  him ;  but  he  shall 
not  go  down  with  us  to  the  battle,  that  he  may 
not  become  an  adversary  to  us  in  the  battle; 
for  wherewith  conld  this  person  reconcile  him- 
self unto  his  master?  is  it  not  by  means  of 
the  heads  of  these  men  ? 

5  Is  not  this  David,  of  whom  they  sang 
one  to  another  in  the  dances,  saying,  Saiil 
hath  slain  his  thousands,  and  David  his  ten 
thousands  ? 

6  ][  Then  did  Achisli  call  David,  and  say 
unto  him,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  (I  declare) 
that  thou  art  upright,  and  that  thy  going  out 
and  thy  coming  in  with  me  in  the  camp  is 
good  in  my  eyes ;  for  I  have  not  found  in  thee 
any  evil  from  the  day  of  thy  coming  unto  me 
until  this  day;  nevertheless  in  the  eyes  of  the 
lords  thou  art  not  good. 

7  And  now  return,  and  go  in  peace,  that 
thou  ma^est  not  do  any  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  lords  of  the  Philistines. 

8  And  David  said  unto  Acliish,  But  Avhat 
have  I  done  ?  and  what  hast  thou  found  in 
thy  servant  from  the  day  that  I  have  been 
before  thee,  until  this  day,  that  I  shall  not  go 
to  fight  against  the  enemies  of  my  lord  the 
king  ? 

9  And  Achish  answered  and  said  to  David, 
I  know  that  thou  art  good  in  my  eyes,  as  an 
angel  of  God ;  nevertheless,  the  princes  of  the 
Philistines  have  said.  He  shall  not  go  up  with 
us  to  the  Ijattle. 

10  And  now  rise  up  early  in  the  morning 
with  the  servants  of  thy  master  that  are  come 
with  thee :  and  rise  then  np  early  in  the 
morning,  and  when  ye  have  light,  go 
away. 

11  And  David  and  his  men  rose  up  early 
to  go  away  in  the  morning,  to  return  unto 
the  land  of  the  Philistines;  but  the  Philistines 
went  up  to  Yizre'el. 


'  After  S;ichs.  Achish  at  the  moment  socmed  iint  to 
recollect  the  exact  length  of  David's  residence  with  him. 
Redak,  "  I  have  proved  him  in  one  j-ear  as  though  he  had 
been  many  with  me." 

''  Lit.  "spread  out  against,"  &c. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  when  David  and 
his  men  came  to  Ziklag  on  the  third  day, 
that  the  'Amalekites  had  invaded''  the  south, 
and  Ziklag.  and  smitten"  Zikliig.  and  Iturnt  it 
with  tire; 

2  And  had  taken  captive  the  Avomen  that 
were  therein,  Ijoth  great  and  small :  the3-  had 
not  slain  an^'  one,  but  had  led  them  off, 
and  gone  on  their  way. 

3  When  therefore  David  and  his  men 
came  to  the  city,  behold,  it  was  burnt  with 
fire;  and  their  wives,  and  their  sons,  and 
their  daughters,  had  been  taken  captive. 

4  And  David  and  the  people  that  -were 
with  him  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept,  until 
they  had  no  more  power  to  weep. 

5  And  the  two  wives  of  David  were  also 
taken  captive,  Achino'am  the  Yizre'elitess, 
and  Abigayil  the  wife  of  Nabal  the  Carmelite. 

6  And  David  was  greatly  distressed;  for 
the  people  spoke  of  stoning  him,  Ijecause  the 
soul  of  all  the  people  was  indjittered,  every 
man  for  his  sons  and  for  his  daughters;  but 
David  fortified  himself  in  the  Lord  his  God. 

7  Tl  And  David  said  to  Ebyathar  the 
priest,  the  son  of  Achimelech,  Bring  hither,  I 
pray  thee,  unto  me  the  epliod.  And  Ebyathar 
brought  the  ephod  near  unto  David. 

8  And  David  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
saying.  Shall'  I  pursue  aftei-  this  troop  ?  shall 
I  overtake  them  ?  And  he  said  to  him,  Pur- 
sue ;  for  thou  wilt  surely  overtake  them,  and 
certainly  recover  (all). 

9  So  David  went,  he  and  the  six  hundred 
men  that  were  with  him,  and  came  up  to  the 
brook  Bessor,  where  those  that  were  left  be- 
hind stayed. 

10  But  David  pursued  on,  he  and  four 
hundred  men;  and  there  stayed  behind  two 
hundred  men,  who  were  too  fatigued  to  go 
over  the  brook  Bessor. 

11  And  they  found  an  Egyptian  man  in 
the  field,  and  took  him  to  David,  and  gave 
him  bread,  and  he  did  eat;  and  they  made 
him  drink  water; 

12  And  they  gave  him  a  piece  of  a  cake 

"  "  Smiting"  does  not  mean  here  "  killing,"  but  de- 
stroying; since  it  says  in  the  next  verse  that  they  killed 
no  one. 

^  Sachs,  "  If  I  pursue  after  this  tr'H'p,  shall  T  overtake 

them  ?" 

351 


1  SAMUEL  XXX.  XXXI. 


of  figs,  aud  two  clusters  of  raisins,  and  he  ate, 
and  then  liis  spirit  returned''  to  him ;  for  he 
had  not  eaten  any  bread,  nor  drunk  any 
water,  three  days  and  three  nights. 

13  Tf  And  David  said  unto  him.  To  whom 
Ijelongest  thou  ?  and  whence  art  thou  ?  And 
he  said,  I  am  a  young  Egyptian  man,  the 
servant  to  an  ' Amalekite ;  and  my  master  left 
me  behind,  because  I  fell  sick,  to-day  three 
days  ago. 

14  We  made  an  invasion  upon  the  south 
of  the  Kerethites,''  and  upon  that  which  be- 
longeth  to  Judali,  and  upon  the  south  of 
Caleb;  and  Ziklag  did  we  burn  with  fire. 

15  And  David  said  to  him,  Wilt  thou  bring 
me  down  to  this  troop  ?  And  he  said,  Swear 
unto  me  by  God,  that  thou  wilt  not  kill  me, 
and  that  thou  wilt  not  surrender  me  into  the 
hand  of  my  master,  and  then  will  I  bring 
thee  down  to  this  troop. 

IG  Aud  he  brought  him  down;  and  behold 
they  were  scattered  over  the  face  of  all  the 
country,  eating  and  drinking,  and  dancing  for 
joy,  because  of  all  the  great  spoil  which  they 
had  taken  out  of  tlie  land  of  the  Philistines, 
and  out  of  the  land  of  Judah. 

17  And  David  smote  them  from  the  twi- 
light even  unto  the  evening  of  the  next  day : 
and  there  escaped  not  a  man  of  them,  save 
four  hundred  young  men,  who  rode  upon 
camels,  and  fled. 

18  And  David  recovei'ed  all  that  the 
'Amalekites  had  taken  away;  aud  his  two 
wives  also  did  David  rescue. 

19  And  there  was  nothing  missing  to  them, 
from  small  to  great,  as  also  sons  and  daugh- 
ters, and  spoil,  down  to  every  thing  that  they 
had  taken  from  them:  the  whole  did  David 
bring  back. 

20  And  David  took  all  the  flocks  and  the 
herds:"  these  they  drove  before  those  other 
cattle,  and  said.  This  is  David's  spoil. 

21  And  David  came  to  the  two  hundred 
men,  Avho  had  been  too  fatigued  to  fol- 
low after  David,  and  whom  they  had  left  to 
remain  at  the  brook  Bessor:  and  they  Aveut 


*  i.  e.  He  revived  from  a  comparative  state  of  insensi- 
bility. 

''  /.  c.  The  Philistines,  so  called  because  they  probably 
came  as  a  colony  f|;om  Krete,  now  Candia. 

°  Joseph  Kimchi  explains  the  vorse  as  moaning  that 
David  took,  as  natural,  the  other  cattle  found  with  the 
'Amalekites,  besides  his  own,  and  thi.s,  as  "  the  spoil  of 
352 


forth  to  meet  David,  and  to  meet  the  people 
that  were  with  him ;  and  David  came  near  to  the 
peojDle,  and  asked  them  after  their  well-ljeing. 

22  *i\  Then  exclaimed  every  wicked  and 
worthless  man,  of  those  that  had  gone  Avith 
David,  and  said,  Because  they  went  not  with 
us,  we  will  not  give  them  aught  of  the  spoil 
that  we  have  recovered,  save  to  every  man 
his  wife  and  his  children,  and  these  the}'  may 
lead  away,  and  go. 

23  Then  said  David,  Ye  must  not  do  so, 
my  brethren;  since''  the  Lord  hath  given  us 
this,  and  guarded  us,  and  delivered  the  troop 
that  came  against  us  into  our  hand. 

24  And  who  will  heai'keu  unto  you  in  this 
matter?  but  as  is  the  part  of  him  that  went 
down  to  the  battle,  so  shall  be  the  part  of 
him  that  remained  with  the  baggage :  together 
must  they  share. 

25  T[  And  it  happened  from  that  day  and 
forward,  that  he  made  it  a  statute  aud  an 
ordinance  for  Israel  until  this  day. 

26  ][  And  when  David  came  to  Ziklag,  he 
sent  of  the  spoil  unto  the  elders  of  Judah,  to 
his  friends,  saying.  Behold,  here  is  a  present" 
for  you  from  the  spoil  of  the  enemies  of  the 
LOKU : 

27  To  those  who  were  in  Beth-el,  and  to 
those  who  were  in  south  Ramoth,  and  to  those 
who  were  in  Yattir, 

28  Aud  to  those  who  were  in  'Aro'er,  aud 
to  those  who  were  in  Siphmoth,  and  to  those 
who  were  in  Eshtemoa', 

29  Aud  to  those  who  were  in  Rachal,  and 
to  those  -who  were  in  the  cities  of  the  Yerach- 
meelites,  aud  to  those  who  were  in  the  cities 
of  the  Kenites, 

30  Aud  to  those  who  wei'e  in  Chormah, 
aud  to  those  who  were  in  Kor-'ashan,  and  to 
those  who  were  in  'Athach, 

31  Aud  to  those  who  were  in  Hebron.  ;iud 
to  all  the  places  wliere  David  himself  aud  his 
men  had  wandered  about. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1   T[    Now  the   Philistines  fought  against 

David,"  was  put  in  advance  of  the  recovered  property. 
Rashi  renders  un:  "men  led  the  way  before  the  captured 
cattle,  and  said,"  &c. 

"  After  the  Massorah.  Others,  "  with  that  which  the 
Lord  hath  given  us,  when  ho  preserved,"  &c. 

°  Heb.  "blessing;"  so  called  from  the  oft'ects  it  has  on 
the  receiver,  and  being  a  token  of  good-will  of  the  giver. 


I 


2  SAMUEL  I. 


Israel ;  and  the  men  of  Israel  fled  from  before 
the  riiilistines,  and  there  fell  down  (many) 
slain  on  mount  Gilboii'. 

2  And  the  Philistines  overtook  Saiil  and 
his  sons;  and  the  Philistines  smote  Jonathan, 
and  Abinadab,  and  Malkishua',  the  sons  of 
Saul. 

3  And  the  battle  was  heavy  against  Saiil, 
and  he  was  found  by  the  archers,  the  men 
Avith  bows;  and  he  was  greatly  in  dread  of 
the  archers. 

4  And  Saiil  said  unto  his  armour-bearer, 
Draw  thy  sword,  and  thrust  me  through 
therewith;  lest  these  uncircumcised  come 
and  thrust  me  through,  and  wantonly  ill-use 
me.  But  his  armour-bearer  would  not;  for 
he  was  greatly  afraid ;  wherefore  Saiil  took 
tlie  sword,  and  fell  upon  it. 

5  And  when  his  armour-bearer  saw  that 
Saiil  was  dead,  then  fell  he  likewise  upon 
his  sword,  and  died  with  him. 

G  Thus  died  Saiil,  and  his  three  sons,  and 
his  armour-bearer,  also  all  his  men,  on  that 
same  day  together. 

7  And  when  the  men  of  Israel  that  were 
on  the  other  side  of  the  valley,  and  those 
that  were  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan, 


saw  that  the  men  of  Israel  had  tied,  and  that 
Saiil  and  his  sons  had  died :  they  forsook  the 
cities,  and  fled  away;  and  the  Philistines 
came  and  dwelt  in  them. 

8  Tf  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that  the  Philistines  came  to  strip  the  slain ; 
and  they  found  iSaiil  and  his  three  sons  fallen 
on  mount  Gilboa'. 

9  And  they  cut  off  his  head,  and  stri[)[)ed 
off  his  armour,  and  sent  it  into  the  land  of 
the  Philistines  round  about,  to  ])ublish  it  in 
the  house  of  their  idols,  and  among  the  jjeo- 
ple. 

10  And  they  put  his  armour  in  the  house 
of 'Ashtaroth;  and  his  body  they  fastened  to 
the  wall  of  Beth-shan. 

11  And  when  the  inhaliitants  of  Yaliesh- 
gifad  heard  concerning  him  that  which  the 
Philistines  had  done  to  Saiil : 

12  Then  arose  all  the  valiant  men,  and 
walked  all  the  night,  and  took  the  body  of 
Saiil  and  the  bodies  of  his  sons  from  the  wall 
of  Beth-shan,  and  they  came  to  Yabesh,  and 
burnt  them"  there. 

13  And  they  took  their  bones,  and  buried 
them  under  the  tamarisk-tree  at  Yabesh,  and 
they  fasted  seven  days. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  SAMUEL, 

CONTAINING  THE  HISTORY  OF  DAVID'S  REIGN  OVER  ISRAEL. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  Now  it  came  to  pass  after  the  death 
of  Saiil,  when  David  was  returned  from  smit- 
ing the  'Amalekites,  that  David  abode  in 
Ziklag  two  days. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 
that,  Ijehold,  a  man  came  out  of  the  camp 
from  Saiil  with  his  clothes  rent,  and  earth 


*  After  .Jonathan,  we  should  translate,  "they  burnt  for 
them  (their  armour  and  spears)  as  they  formerly  did  for  a 


upon  his  head :  and  it  happened,  when  he 
came  to  David,  that  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and 
prostrated  him.self 

8  And  David  said  unto  him.  From  wliere 
comest  thou?  And  he  said  imto  him.  Out  of 
the  camp  of  Israel  am  I  esca]ied. 

4  And  David  said  unto  him,  What  took 
place  there?  I  pray  thee,  tell  me.  And  he 
said,    That   the    people    are    fled    from    the 


king;"  this  would  recuueile  tlie  next  verse.     Or  perhaps 
the  flesh  was  burnt,  and  the  bones  kept  for  burial. 

353 


2  SAMUEL  I. 


battle,  and  that  also  many  of  the  people  are 
fallen  and  have  died;  and  that  also  Saiil  and 
Jonathan  his  son  are  dead. 

5  And  David  said  unto  the  young  man 
that  told  hiin,  How  knowest  thou  that  Saiil 
is  dead  as  also  Jonathan  his  son  ? 

G  And  the  young  man  that  told  him  said, 
I  happened  entirely  by  chance  to  be  upon 
mount  fiilboil',  when,  behold,  there  was  Saiil 
leaning  upon  his  spear;  and,  lo,  the  chariots 
and  horsemen  had  overtaken  him. 

7  And  he  turned  round,  and  he  saw  me, 
and  called  unto  me.     And  I  said,  Here  am  I. 

8  And  he  said  unto  me,  Who  art  thou? 
And  I  answered  him,  An  'Amalekite  am  T. 

9  And  he  said  unto  me,  Place  thyself,  I 
pray  thee,  by  me,  and  slay  me;  for  a  mortal 
tremour"  liath  seized  on  me,  although  my  life 
is  yet  whole  in  me. 

10  So  I  placed  myself  by  him,  and  slew 
him,  because  I  was  sure  that  he  could  not 
live  after  his  foil;''  and  I  took  the  crown  that 
was  upon  his  head,  and  the  bracelet  that  was 
on  his  arm,  and  I  have  brought  them  unto 
my  lord  hither. 

11  David  thereupon  took  hold  of  his  clothes, 
and  rent  them ;  and  (so  did)  likewise  all  the 
men  that  were  with  him  : 

12  And  they  lamented,  and  wept,  and 
fasted  until  the  evening,  for  Saiil,  and  for 
Jonatlian  his  son,  and  for  the  people  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  the  house  of  Israel;  because 
they  were  fallen  by  the  sword. 

13  ^f  And  David  said  unto  the  young  man 
that  told  him.  Whence  art  thou  ?  And  he  said. 
The  son  of  a  stranger,  an  'Amalekite,  am  I. 

14  And  David  said  unto  him.  How  wast 
thou  not  afraid  to  stretcli  forth  thy  hand  to 
destroy  the  Lord's  anointed? 


'  After  Jonathan.  Philippson,  "agony  of  death." 
Sachs,  "craniji."  Others,  "convulsion."  Still  all  these 
shades  have  at  lengtli  the  same  meauiug,  and  express 
"  the  shrinking  of  the  muscles  of  the  body  from  fear  or 
imminent  danger." 

"  Whether  the  'Amalekite  here  alludes  to  the  falling 
of  Saiil  on  his  sword,  by  which  he  did  not  die  at  once,  or 
whether  he  refers  to  his  fall  from  authority,  canuot  be  ascer- 
tained; so  also  whether  his  story  was  a  pure  invention, 
or  the  truth.  At  least,  he  robbed  the  body  of  the  royal 
insignia. 

"  llaslii  says  that  since  the  mighty  archers  had  fallen, 
it  would  be  necessary  that  Judah  should  practise  this 
weapon,  which  the  Philistines  wielded  so  formidably. 
(Jthers  transhite,  "  the  song  of  the  bow,"  /.  <;.  this  lament- 
ation in  which  the  archer  Jonathan  is  celebrated,  and 
364 


15  And  David  called  one  of  thp  young 
men,  and  said.  Come  near,  and  fall  upon  him. 
And  he  smote  him  that  he  died. 

16  And  David  said  unto  him,  Thy  blood 
is. upon  thy  own  head;  for  thy  mouth  hath 
testified  against  thee,  saying,  I  myself  have 
slain  the  Lord's  anointed. 

17  ^  And  David  lamented  with  this  lament- 
ation over  Saiil  and  over  Jonathan  his  son : 

18  And  he  said,  That  the  children  of  Ju- 
dali  sliould  be  taught  the  bow  f  behold  it  is 
written  in  the  book  of  Yashar. 

19  O  beauty  of  Israel!  upon  the  high 
places  slain :  hoAV  are  the  mighty  fallen ! 

20  Tell  it  not  in  Gath,  puljlish  it  not  in 
the  streets  of  Ashkelon;  that  the  daughters 
of  the  Philistines  may  not  be  glad,  that  the 
daughters  of  the  uucircumcised  may  not  re- 
joice. 

21  0  mountains  of  Gilboii',  no  dew,  nor 
rain  be  upon  you,  nor  fields  of  oflei'ings;  for 
there  the  shield  of  the  mighty  was  stained,'' 
the  shield  of  Saiil,  as  though  it°  had  not  Ijeen 
anointed  with  oil. 

22  From  the  blood  of  the  slain,  from  the 
fat  of  the  mighty,  the  bow  of  Jonathan 
turned  never  back,  and  the  sword  of  Saiil 
never  returned  empty. 

23  Saiil  and  Jonathan,  the  beloved  and  the 
dear  in  their  lives,  were  even  in  their  death 
not  divided:  more  than  eagles  were  they 
swift,  more  than  lions  were  they  strong. 

24  0  daughters  of  Israel,  weep  for  Said, 
who  clothed  you  in  scarlet,  with  beautiful' 
dres,ses,  who  put  on  ornaments  of  gold  upon 
your  apparel. 

25  How  are  the  mighty  fallen  in  the  midst 
of  the  battle  !  0  Jonathan,  on  th}-  high  places 
slain. 

that  it  was  preserved  in  the  book  of  Yasher,  mentioned 
also  in  Joshua  x.  13. 

''  Rendered  as  in  Lam.  iv.  14,  and  means,  "  The  shield 
is  stained  with  the  blood  of  those  who  bore  it." 

'■  After  Kalbag,  referring  the  ITtyo  "to  shield,"  "as 
though  it  had  not  been  anointed  before  the  battle  to  ward 
off  the  shafts  hurled  against  it."  Others,  "as  though  he 
(Saiil)  had  not  been,"  &c.  Others  think  that  the  ancients 
oiled  their  shields  when  they  were  laid  by ;  but  that 
when  in  use  it  needed  not  this  precaution  to  guard  tlieni 
against  rust;  and  they  translate,  "the  shield  of  Saiil, 
wiiich  did  not  need  the  anointing." 

'  D'Jl>  after  Redak,  who  comments  that  whatever 
gives  delight  is  called  np,  hence  properly  applied  to  fe- 
male dress.  Philippson,  "  to  cause  pleasure,"  /'.  c  the 
dress  of  scarlet  spoken  of. 


2  SAMUEL  II. 


26  I  am  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother 
Jonathan;  very  dear  hast  thou  been  unto 
me :  wonderful  Avas  thy  love  for  me,  passing 
the  love  of  women. 

27  How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  lost 
the  instruments  of  war ! 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  *|[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
DaA'id  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord,  saying. 
Shall  I  go  up  into  one  of  the  cities  of  Jiidah? 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  Go  up.  And 
David  said.  Whither  shall  I  go  up?  And  he 
said,  Unto  Hebron. 

2  So  David  went  up  thither,  and  his  two 
wives  also,  Achino'am  the  Yizre'elitess,  and 
Abiga_vil  Nabal's  wife  the  Carmelite. 

3  And  his  men  that  were  witli  him  did 
David  bring  up,  every  man  with  his  house- 
hold; and  the_y  dwelt  in  the  cities  of 
Hebron. 

4  And  then  came  the  men  of  Judah,  and 
they  anointed  there  David  as  king  over  the 
house  of  Judah.  And  they  told  David,  say- 
ing. The  men  of  Yabesh-gil'ad  were  those 
that  buried  Saiil. 

5  ][  And  David  thereupon  sent  messengers 
unto  the  men  of  Yabesh-gil'ad,  and  said  unto 
them,  Blessed  be  ye  of  the  Lord,  that  ye  have 
done  this  kindness  unto  your  lord,  unto  Saiil, 
and  have  buried  him. 

6  And  now  may  the  Lord  deal  with  you 
in  kindness  and  truth:  and  as  for  me  also,  I 
will  requite  you  this  good  deed,  because  ye 
have  done  this  thing. 

7  And  now  let  your  hands  be  strengthened, 
and  be  ye  valiant  men;  for  your  lord  Saiil  is 
dead;  and  also  me  have  the  house  of  Judah 
anointed  as  king  over  them. 

8  ^  But  Abner,  the  son  of  Ner,  the  captain 
of  the  army  of  Saiil,  took  Ish-boshcth  the  son 
of  Saiil,  and  brought  him  over  to  Machanayim ; 

9  And  made  him  king  over  Gil'ad,  and  over 
the  Ashurites,"  and  over  Yizre'el,  and  over 
Ephraim,  and  over  Benjamin,  and  over  all 
Israel. 

10  Tl  Forty  years  old  was  Ish-bosheth  the 
son  of  Saiil,  when  he  became  jjing  over  Is- 
rael, and  two  yeai's  ho  reigned.  But  the 
house  of  Judah  tijUowed  David. 

11  And   the  number  of  days  that  David 

*  Jonathan,  "  Asher." 


was  king  in  Hebron  over  the  house  of  Judah 
was  seven  years  and  six  months. 

12  ^  And  there  went  out  Al)ner  the  son 
of  Ner,  and  the  servants  of  Ish-bosheth  the 
son  of  Saiil,  IVoin  Machanayim  to  Gib'on. 

13  And  Joiib  the  son  of  Zeruyah  and  the 
servants  of  David  .also  went  out,  and  they 
met  together  Ijy  the  pool  of  Gib'on:  and  tluy 
sat  down,  these  on  the  one  side  of  the  pool, 
and  the  others  on  the  other  side  of  the 
pool. 

14  And  Abner  said  to  Joiib,  Do  let  the 
young  men  rise  up  and  play  before  us.  And 
Joiib  said,  They  may  rise  up. 

15  Then  tlie}"  rose  up  and  went  over  by 
numlxT:  twelve  for  Benjamin,  and  lor  Ish- 
bosheth  the  son  of  Saiil,  and  twelve  of  the 
servants  of  David. 

10  And  they  grasped  every  one  his  fellow 
by  the  head,  and  thrust  his  sword  in  his  tid- 
low's  side;  and  they  fell  down  together: 
wherefore  that  place  was  called  Chelkath- 
hazzurim,''  which  is  Ijy  Gib'on. 

17  And  the  battle  was  exceedingly  fierce 
on  that  d;iy;  and  Abner  with  the  men  of 
Israel  was  beaten,  before  the  servants  of 
David. 

18  And  there  were  at  that  place  three  st)ns 
of  Zeruyah,  Joiib,  and  Abishai,  and  'Asahel  : 
and  'Asahel  was  as  Heet  of  foot  as  any  roe  in 
the  field. 

19  And  'Asahel  pursued  after  Abner;  and 
he  turned  not  in  going  to  the  right  hand  or 
to  the  left  from  following  Abner. 

20  And  Abner  turned  round  and  said,  Art 
thou  'Asahel?     And  he  answered,  1  am. 

21  And  Abner  said  to  him.  Turn  thee 
aside  to  thy  right  hand  or  to  thy  left,  and  lay 
hold  for  thyself  on  one  of  the  young  men,  and 
take  thyself  his  armour.  But  'Asahel  would 
not  turn  aside  from  following  him. 

22  And  Abner  repeated  again  to  say  unto 
'Asahel,  Turn  thee  aside  from  following  me: 
Avherefore  should  I  smite  thee  to  the  ground? 
and  how  should  I  then  lift  up  my  face  to 
Joiib  thy  brotlier? 

23  But  he  refused  to  turn  aside;  and  Abner 
smote  him  with  the  hinder  end  of  the  spear 
under  the  fifth  rib.  so  that  the  spear  came  out 
I jehind  him ;  and  he  lell  down  there,  and  died 
on  the  spot :  and  it  came  to  pass,  that  all  who 

^  i.  c.  "The  field  of  strong  men,"  ur  "of  sharp  swords." 

355 


2  SAMUEL  II.  III. 


cixme  to  the  place  where  'Asahel  had  fallen 
down  and  died  remained  standing  still. 

24  But  Joab  and  Abiishai  pursued  after 
Abner:  and  the  sun  went  down  when  they 
were  come  to  the  hill  of  Ammah,  that  lieth 
before  Giach  on  the  way  to  the  wilderness  of 
Gib'on. 

25  And  the  children  of  Benjamin  assem- 
bled themselves  together  Ix'hind  Abner,  and 
formed  one  solid  body,  and  posted  themselves 
on  the  top  of  a  certain  hill. 

26  And  Abner  called  to  Joab,  and  said, 
Shall  for  everlasting  the  sword  devour? 
knowest  thou  not  that  it  will  be  bitter  in  tlie 
end?  and  how  long  shall  it  be,  ere  thou  wilt 
bid  the  people  to  return  from  pursuing  their 
brethren  ? 

27  And  Joilb  said,  As  God  liveth,  unless 
thou  hadst  spoken,  surely  then  already  in  the 
morning  would  the  people  have  gone  away 
every  one  from  pursuing  his  brother. 

28  So  Joab  blew  the  cornet,  and  all  the 
people  i"emained  standing  still,  and  pursued 
no  more  after  Israel,  and  they  continued  no 
more  to  fight. 

29  And  Abner  and  his  men  walked  through 
the  plain  all  that  night,  and  they  passed  over 
the  Jordan,  and  went  through  all  Bithron, 
and  they  came  to  Machanayim. 

30  And  Joiib  returned  from  pursuing  Ab- 
ner; and  he  gathered  all  the  people  together; 
and  there  were  missed  of  David's  servants 
nineteen  men  and  'Asahel. 

31  But  the  servants  of  David  had  smitten 
(many)  of  Benjamin,  and  of  Abnei''s  men: 
three  hundred  and  sixty  men  died. 

32  And  they  took  up  'Asahel,  and  buried 
him  in  the  sepulchre  of  his  fother,  which  was 
in  Beth-lechem.  And  Joilb  and  his  men  went 
all  that  night,  and  the  day  broke  on  them  at 
Hebron. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  And  the  war  last<'d  a,  long  time  between 
the  house  of  Saul  and  the  house  of  David; 
but  David  became  continually  stronger  and 
stronger,  and  the  house  of  Saiil  became  con- 
tinually weaker  and  weaker. 

2  ][  And  there  were  liorn  unto  David  sons 
in  Hebron  :  and  liis  first-born  was  Amnon,  of 
Achino'am  the  Yizre'elitess; 


Eashi.     Oilioi> 
35fi 


"  lield  fast  on  the  liouso  of  Saiil." 


3  And  his  second  was  Kilab,  of  Abigayil 
the  wife  of  Nabal  the  Carmelite;  and  the 
third,  Abshalom,  the  son  of  Ma'achah  the 
daughter  of  Talmai  the  king  of  Geshur; 

4  And  the  fourth,  Adoni3'ah,  the  son  of 
Chaggith;  and  the  fifth,  Shephatyah,  the  son 
of  Abital ; 

5  And  the  sixth,  Yithre'am,  by  'Eglah, 
David's  wife.  These  were  born  to  Da\i(l  in 
Hebron. 

6  T[  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  the  war 
lasted  Ijetween  the  house  of  Saiil  and  the 
house  of  David,  that  Abner  upheld"  with  all 
his  strength  the  house  of  Saiil. 

7  And  Saiil  had  a  concubine,  whose  name 
was  Rizpah,  the  daughter  of  Ayah :  and  Ish- 
bosheth  said  to  Abner,  Wherefore  hast  thou 
gone  in  mito  my  flither's  concubine? 

8  And  Abner  became  very  wroth  because 
of  the  words  of  Ish-bosheth,  and  said.  Am  I 
the  chief  of  the  dogs''  which  belong  to  Judah  ? 
unto  this  day  have  I  shown  kindness  unto 
the  house  of  Saiil  thy  father,  to  his  brothers, 
and  to  his  friends,  and  have  not  delivered 
thee  into  the  hand  of  David;  and  yet  thou 
chargest  me  to-day  with  a  wrong  committed 
with  this  woman? 

9  May  God  do  so  to  Abner,  and  continue 
to  do  yet  more  to  him,  that,  as  the  Lokd  hath 
sworn  to  David,  even  so  will  I  surely  do  to 
him ; 

10  To  transfer  the  kingdom  from  the  house 
of  Saiil,  and  to  establish  the  throne  of  David 
over  Israel  and  over  Judah,  from  Dan  even 
to  Beer-sheba'. 

11  And  he  could  not  answer  Abner  a  word 
more  in  reply,  because  of  his  fear  of  him. 

12  11  And  Abner  sent  messengers'  to  Da- 
vid on  his  behalf,  saying.  Whose  is  the  land? 
saying  (also,)  Make  thy  covenant  with  me, 
aiid,  behold,  my  hand  shall  be  with  thee,  to 
bring  round  unto  thee  all  Israel. 

13  And  he  said,  Well:  I  will  indeed  make 
a  covenant  with  thee;  but  one  thing  I  require 
of  thee,  namely,  Thou  shalt  not  see  my  face, 
except  thou  first  bring  Michal  Saiifs  daughter, 
when  thou  comest  to  see  my  face. 

14  II  Au(4  David  sent  messengers  to  Ish- 
bosheth,  the  son  of  Saiil,  saying,  Give  u[)  to 
me  my  wife  Michal,  whom  I  espoused  to  ni'i 
for  a  iiuudred  foreskins  of  the  Philistine.-. 


"  H;ishi,  ":\iii  I  tlic  (.-liicf  I'f  tlie  dog-kccpoi-.s, 


"&C. 


2  SAMUEL  lit. 


15  And  Ish-bosheth  sent,  and  took  her  from 
the  man,  from  Paltiel  tlie  son  of  Layish. 

IG  And  her  husband  went  with  her  going 
along  and  weeping  behind  her  as  far  as  Ba- 
ehurim:  wlien  Abner  said  unto  liim,  Go,  re- 
turn.    And  he  returned. 

17  ^  And  Abner  had  used  these  words 
witli  the  elders  of  Israel,  saying,  Already  yes- 
terday and  even  before  ^^e  have  been  desiring 
David  as  king  o\er  you : 

18  And  now  do  it;  for  the  Lord  hath  said 
of  David  thus,  By  the  hand  of  my  servant 
David  will  1  save  my  people  Israel  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  Philistines,  and  out  of  the  hand 
of  all  their  enemies. 

1!)  And  Abner  also  spoke  in  the  ears  of 
Benjauiiu;  and  Abner  went  also  to  speak  in 
tlie  ears  of  David  in  Hebron  all  that  seei]ied 
good  in  the  eyes  of  Israel,  and  in  the  eyes 
of  the  whole  house  of  Benjamin. 

20  And  Abner  came  to  David  to  IIel>ron. 
and  with  him  were  twenty  men;  and  David 
made  for  Abner  and  for  the  men  that  were 
with  him  a  feast. 

21  And  Abner  said  unto  David,  I  will  now 
arise  and  go,  and  I  will  assemble  unto  my 
lord  the  king  all  Israel,  that  they  may  make 
a  covenant  with  thee,  and  that  thou  mayest 
reign  over  all  that  thy  soul  longeth  for.  And 
David  dismissed  Abner:  and  he  went  in  peace. 

22  And,  behold,  the  servants  of  David 
and  Joilb  came  from  a  predatory  excursion, 
and  brought  in  much  booty  with  them;  but 
Abner  was  no  more  with  David  in  Hebron  ; 
for  he  had  dismissed  him,  and  he  was  gone 
in  peace. 

2.3  When  Joalj  and  all  the  army  that  was 
with  him  were  come,  they  told  Joiib,  saying, 
Abner  the  son  of  Ner  came  to  the  king,  and 
he  hath  dismissed  him,  and  he  is  gone  in 
peace. 

21  Then  came  Joab  to  the  king,  and  said, 
What  hast  thou  done?  behold,  Abner  came 
unto  thee :  why  is  it  that  thou  hast  dismissed 
him,  that  he  went  fi-eely  away? 

25  Thou  knowest  Abner  the  son  of  Ner, 
that  to  deceive  thee  did  he  come,  and  to 
know  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in,  and 
to  know  all  that  thou  art  doing. 

2G  And  Joilb  went  out  from  David,  and  he 
sent  messengers  after  Abner,  who  brought 
him  back  from  the  well  of  Sirah ;  but  David 
knew  it  not. 


I  27  And  when  .Miner  was  rctinned  to  He- 
bron, Joiib  took  him  aside  in  the  gate  to 
speak  with  him  in  private;  and  he  smote  him 
there  under  the  fifth  rib,  and  he  died,  for  the 
blood  of 'Asahel  his  brother. 

28  And  wdien  David  heard  it  afterward, 
he  said,  I  and  my  kingdom  are  guiltless  be- 
fore the  Lord  for  ever  of  the  blood  of  Aljner 
the  son  of  Ner : 

29  May  it  rest  on  the  head  of  Jo;d:>,  and 
on  all  his  fither's  house;  and  may  there  not 
fail  from  the  house  of  Joiib  one  that  hath  an 
issue,  or  that  is  a  leper,  or  that  leaneth  on  a 
crutch,  or  that  falleth  by  the  sword,  or  that 
lacketh  bread. 

oO  But  Joiib  and  Abishai  his  brother  slew 
Abner,  because  he  had  killed  their  brother 
'Asahel  at  Gib'on  in  the  battle. 

31  And  David  said  to  Joiib,  and  to  all  the 
people  that  were  with  him.  Bend  your  clothes, 
and  gird  3'ourselves  with  sackcloth,  and  (go) 
mourning  before  Abner.  And  kinij  David 
walked  behind  the  bier. 

32  And  they  buried  Abner  in  Hebron : 
and  the  king  lifted  up  his  voice,  and  wept  at 
the  grave  of  Abner ;  and  all  the  people  wept. 

33  ^  And  the  king  lamented  over  Abner, 
and  said,  O,  that  Abner  had  to  die,  as  the 
worthless  dieth ! 

31  Thy  hands  were  not  bound,  and  thy 
feet  were  not  put  into  fetters :  as  one  falleth 
before  men  of  wickedness  art  thou  fiillen. 
And  all  the  people  w'cpt  again  over  him. 

35  And  all  the  people  came  to  cause  David 
to  eat  food  while  it  was  3'et  day;  but  David 
swore,  saying.  So  do  God  to  me,  and  thus 
may  he  continue,  if  before  the  sun  be  down  I 
taste  bread,  or  the  least  else. 

36  And  all  the  people  took  notice  of  it, 
and  it  was  pleasing  in  their  eyes :  as  wdiatso- 
ever  the  king  did  was  pleasing  in  the  eyes  of 
all  the  people. 

37  And  all  the  people  and  all  Israel  under- 
stood on  that  day  that  it  had  not  l)een  of  the 
king  to  slay  Abner  the  son  of  Ner. 

38  T[  And  the  king  said  unto  his  servants, 
Know  ye  not  that  a  prince  and  a  great  man 
hath  fallen  this  day  in  Israel? 

39  And  I  am  this  day  yet  weak,  and  just 
anointed  king;  and  these  men,  the  sons  of 
Zeruyah,  are  too  strong  for  me :  may  the  Lord 
pay  the  doer  of  evil  according  to  his  wicked- 
ness. 

357 


2  SAMUEL  IV.  V. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  ][  And  when  Saiil's  son  heard  that  Ab- 
ner  had  died  in  Hebron,  liis  hands  became 
enfeebled,  and  all  the  Israelites  were  troubled. 

2  And  Saul's  son  had  two  men  who  were 
captains  of  bands ;  the  name  of  the  one  was 
Ba'anah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Rechab, 
the  sons  of  Rimmon  the  Beerothite,  of  the 
children  of  Benjamin;  (for  Beeroth  also  was 
reckoned  to  Benjamin: 

3  And  the  Beerothites  had  fled  to  Gittayim, 
and  remained  sojourners  there  until  this 
day.) 

4  ^  And  Jonathan,  Saiil's  son,  had  a  son 
that  was  lame  on  both  feet.  He  was  five 
years  old  when  the  tidini^s  came  of  Saiil  and 
Jonathan  from  Yizre'el,  and  his  nurse  took 
him  up  and  fled :  and  it  came  to  pass,  in  her 
haste  to  flee,  that  he  fell,  and  was  rendered 
lame.     And  his  name  was  Mephibosheth. 

5  And  the  sons  of  Rimmon  the  Beerothite, 
Rechab  and  Ba'anah,  went,  and  came  at  tlie 
heat  of  the  day  to  the  house  of  Ish-bosheth, 
who  was  just  lying  in  bed  as  usual  at  noon." 

6  And  they  came  thither  into  the  interior 
of  the  house,  as  buyers  of  wheat;  and  they 
smote  him  under  the  fifth  rib:  and  Rechab 
and  Ba'anah  his  brother  escaped. 

7  Namely,  they  came  into  the  house,  while 
he  was  lying  on  his  bed  in  his  sleeping-cham- 
ber, and  they  smote  him,  and  slew  him,  and 
cut  ofl'  his  head,  and  took  his  head,  and  went 
by  the  Avay  of  the  plain  all  the  niglit. 

8  And  they  brought  the  head  of  Ish-bosheth 
unto  David  to  Hebron,  and  they  said  to  the 
king.  Behold,  here  is  the  head  of  Ish-bosheth 
the  son  of  Saiil  thy  enemy,  who  sought  tliy 
life:  and  the  Lord  hath  granted  to  my  lord 
the  king  vengeance  this  day  on  Saiil,  and  on 
his  seed. 

9  But  David  answered  Rechab  and  Ba- 
'anah his  brother,  the  sons  of  Rimmon  the 
Beerothite,  and  said  unto  them.  As  the  Loud 
liveth,  who  hath  redeemed  my  soul  out  of  all 
adversity, 

10  When  one  told  me,  saying.  Behold, 
Saiil  is  dead,  and  he  was  in  his  own  eyes  as 

*  It  is  customary,  in  all  hot  countries,  to  travel  or  work 
very  early  and  very  late,  anil  to  rest  at  noon,  at  which 
time  the  heat  most  prevails. 

''  The  meaning  probably  is  that  the  fort  was  so  strong, 
that  even  the  bliud  and  lame  could  keep  an  enemy  nut. 
868 


though  lie  brought  good  tidings,  I  took  hold 
of  him,  and  slew  him  in  Ziklag,  who  (thought) 
that  I  should  give  him  a  reward  for  his  tid- 
ings : 

11  How  much  more,  when  wicked  men 
have  slain  a  righteous  man  in  his  own  house 
upon  his  bed?  and  now,  behold,  I  will  require 
his  blood  of  your  hand,  and  I  will  remove 
you  away  from  the  earth. 

12  And  David  gave  the  command  to  the 
young  men,  and  they  slew  them,  and  cut  off 
their  hands  and  their  feet,  and  hanged  them 
up  by  the  pool  in  Hebron.  But  the  head  of 
Ish-bosheth  they  took,  and  buried  it  in  the 
sepulchre  of  Abner  in  Hebron. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Tf  Then  came  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  to 
David  unto  Hebron,  and  spoke,  saying.  Be- 
hold us,  thy  lione  and  thy  flesh  are  we; 

2  Already  yesterday,  and  even  before,  when 
Saiil  was  king  over  us,  thou  wast  the  one 
that  led   out  and  brought  in  Israel : 

^  And  the  Lord  said  to  thee,  Thou  shall 
indeed  feed  my  people  Israel,  and  thou  shalt 
be  a  chief  over  Israel. 

3  Tlius  came  all  the  elders  of  Israel  to  the 
king  unto  Hebron ;  and  king  David  made  a 
covenant  with  them  in  Hebron  before  the 
Lord  :  and  they  anointed  David  as  king  over 
Israel. 

4  ]|  Thirty  years  was  David  old  when  he 
became  king,  (and)  forty  years  he  reigned. 

5  In  Hebron  he  reigned  over  Judah  seven 
years  and  six  months :  and  in  Jerusalem  he 
reigned  thirty  and  three  years  over  all  Israel 
and  Judah. 

6  And  the  king  and  his  men  went  to  Jeru- 
salem against  the  Jebusites,  the  inh;d)itants 
of  the  land;  who  said  unto  David,  as  Ibllow- 
eth.  Thou  shalt  not  come  in  hither,  except 
thou  (flrst)  remove  away  the  blind''  and  the 
lame :  meaning,  David  cannot  come  in  hither. 

7  Nevertheless  David  captured  the  strong- 
hold of  Zion :  the  same  is  the  city  of  David. 

8  And  David  said  on  that  day.  Whosoever 
will  smite  the  Jebusites,  and  reach  the  aque- 
duct" and*  the  lame  and  the  blind,  that  are 

°  Some  render  iijs  "  the  gutter  pipe,"  through  which 
the  rain-water  is  led  off  from  th(!  roof.  Others  view  it  as 
a  subterranean  passage.  Jonathan,  "  and  will  succeed  to 
conquer  the  fort." 

''  Here  should  be  supplied  "smite,"  or  "remove." 


2  SAMUEL  V.  VT. 


hateful  to  David's  soul," — Wherefore  people'' 
nsHallj  say.  The  blind  and  the  lame  shall  not 
come  into  the  house. 

9  And  David  dwelt  in  the  fort,  and  he 
called  it  -The  City  of  David."  And  Davi.l 
built  (it)  round  about  from  the  JNIillo  and  in- 
ward. 

10  And  Da\i(l  went  on,  and  became  greater 
atid  greater,  and  the  Lord  the  God  of  hosts 
was  with  him. 

11  ^1  And  Hiram  the  king  of  Tyre  sent 
messengers  to  David,  and  cedai'-trees,  and 
carpenters,  and  stone-masons;  and  they  built 
a  house  for  David. 

12  And  David  felt  conscious  that  the 
Lord  had  established  him  as  king  over  Israel, 
and  that  he  had  exalted  his  kingdom  for  the 
sake  of  his  people  Israel. 

13  ^  And  David  took  yet  more  concubines 
and  wives  out  of  Jerusalem,  after  he  Avas 
come  from  Hebron;  and  there  were  born  to 
David  yet  (more)  sons  and  daughters. 

14  And  these  are  the  names  of  those  that 
were  born  unto  him  in  Jerusalem :  Shammua', 
and  Sholjab,  and  Nathan,  and  Solomon," 

15  And  Yibchar,  and  Elishua',  and  Ne- 
pheg,  and  Yaphia', 

16  And  Elishama',  and  Elyada',  and  Eli- 
phelet. 

17  ]|  But  when  the  Philistines  heard  that 
the  people  had  anointed  David  as  king  over 
Israel,  all  the  Philistines  came  up  to  seek 
David :  and  David  heard  of  it,  and  went  down 
to  the  strong-hold. 

18  The  Philistines  also  came  and  spread 
themselves  out  in  the  valley  of  Eepha'im. 

19  And  David  asked  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
saying,  Shall  I  go  up  against  the  Philistines? 
wilt  thou  deliver  them  into  my  hand? 

"If  And  the  Lord  said  unto  David,  Go  up; 
for  I  will  certainly  deliver  the  Philistines 
into  thy  hand. 

20  And  David  came  to  Ba'al-perazim,  and 
David  smote  them  thei'e,  and  said,  The  Lord 
hath  broken  down  my  enemies  before  me,  as 
a  breach  (is  made  by)  water.     Wherefore  he 


"  The  ellipsis  is  supplied  in  1  Chron.  xi.  6,  ''Whoever 
smitetb  the  Jebusites  at  the  first  shall  he  head  and  chief  " 

*■  ('.  e.  People  have  the  proverb,  The  blind  and  lame  are 
poor  defenders. 

°  Correctly,  Shdonioh. 

^  After  Jonathan.  (See  1  Chron  xiv.  12.)  But,  lit. 
"carried  them  away."  '  Or,  Kiryath-ye'arim. 


called    the    name   of  tbat    place   Ba'al-pera- 
zim. 

21  And  they  left  behind  there  their  idols, 
and  David  and  his  men  burnt''  them. 

22  ^1  And  the  Philistines  came  up  once 
again,  and  spread  themselves  out  in  the  valley 
of  Rephaim. 

23  And  when  David  asked  counsel  of  the 
Lord,  lie  said,  Thou  shalt  not  go  up;  Init 
turn  al)out  and  fall  in  the  rear  of  them,  and 
come  upon  them  opposite  to  the  mnlljerry- 
trees. 

24  And  it  shall  be,  when  thou  hearest  the 
soinid  of  walking  on  the  tup  of  the  mulberry- 
trees,  that  tli(ju  shalt  then  bestir  thyself;  for 
then  will  the  Lord  go  out  before  thee,  to  smite 
in  the  camp  of  the  Philistines. 

25  And  David  did  so,  as  tiie  Lord  had 
commanded  him ;  and  he  smote  the  Philis- 
tines from  Gel)a'  until  thou  contest  to  Gezer. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  A)id  David  assembled  again  all  the 
chosen  men  of  Israel,  thirty  thousand. 

2  And  David  arose,  and  went  with  all  the 
people  who  were  with  him  from  Ba'ale-yehu- 
dah,'  to  bring  up  from  there  the  ark  of  God, 
the  name  of  which  was  callecF  by  the  name  of 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  thatdwelleth  over  the  che- 
rubim. 

3  And  they  conveyed  the  ark  of  God  in  a 
new  wagon,  and  brought  it  out  of  the  house 
of  Abinadab  that  was  on  the  hill;  and  "Uzzah 
and  Acliyo,  the  sons  of  Abinadab,  guided  tiie 
new  wagon. 

4  When  they  brought  it  out  of  the  house 
of  Abinadab  which  was  on  the  hill,  (they  were) 
near  the  ark  of  God ;  but  Achyo  went  before 
the  ark. 

5  And  David  and  all  the  house  of  Israel 
played'  before  the  Lord  on  all  manner  of  in- 
struments made  of  fir-woocl,  and  on  harps, 
and  on  psalteries,  and  on  tambourines,  and 
with  bells,  and  with  cyanbals. 

0  And  when  they  came  to  the  threshing- 
floor  of  Nachon,  'Uzzah  put  forth  (his  hand) 


'  Philippson,  "  on  which  was  proclaimed  the  N.'VME, 
the  name  of  the  Eternal  of  hosts  who  dwelleth  between 
the  cherubim."  Some  Rabbins, "  throiigli  which  the  name, 
the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  was  made  known." 

*  Aruheim  renders,  "Danced  before  the  Lord,  witii  all 
manner  of  cypress-branches,  (in  their  hands,)  and  played," 
&c. 

359 


2  SAMUEL  VI.  VII. 


to  the  ark  of  (UA,  and  took  hold  of  it;  for  the 
oxen  shook"  it. 

7  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  'Uzzah;  and  God  smote  him  there  for 
tjie  error;  and  he  died  there  by  the  ark  of 
God. 

8  And  it  was  grievous  to  David,  because 
the  Lord  had  suddenly''  taken  away  'Uzzah ; 
and  he  called  that  place  Perez-'uzzah  [Breach 
of 'Uzzah]  until  this  day. 

9  And  David  Avas  afraid  of  the  Lord  on 
that  day,  and  said.  How  shall  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  come  to  me? 

10  So  David  would  not  allow  to  have  the 
ark  of  the  Lord  removed  unto  him  into  the 
city  of  David;  but  David  had  it  carried  round 
into  the  house  of  'Obed-edom  the  Gittite. 

11  And  tlie  ark  of  the  Lord  remained  in 
the  house  of  'Obed-edom  the  Gittite  thi'ee 
months:  and  the  Lord  blessed  'Obed-edom, 
and  all  his  household. 

12  And  it  was  told  to  king  David,  say- 
ing, The  Lord  hath  blessed  the  house  of 
Obed-edom,  and  all  that  pertaineth  unto  him, 
because  of  the  ark  of  God:  and  David  then 
went  and  brought  i;p  the  ark  of  God  from 
the  house  of  'Obed-edom  into  the  city  of 
David  with  joy. 

13  And  it  happened,  that  when  the  bearers 
of  the  ark  of  the  Lord  had  progressed  six 
paces,  he  sacrificed  an  ox  and  a  fatling. 

14  And  David  danced  with  all  his  might 
before  the  Lord;  and  David  was  girded  with 
a  linen  ephod. 

15  So  David  and  all  the  house  of  Israel 
brought  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  with  shouting, 
and  with  the  sound  of  the  cornet. 

IG  And  it  happened,  as  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  came  into  the  city  of  David,  that 
Michal  the  daughter  of  Saiil  looked  through 
the  window,  and  saw  king  David  leaping 
and  dancing  before  the  Lord;  and  she  despised 
him  in  her  heart. 

17  And  they  brought  in  the  ark  of  the 
Lord,  and  set  it  in  its  place,  in  the  midst  of 


'"The  oxen  had  brolcpn  loose." — Joel  Briel  and 
others.     I'hilippson,  "  had  jumped  sideward." 

'  Lit.  "made  a  breaeh  on  'Uzzah." 

°  After  Ilashi.  Others  render,  "  I  will  yet  farther  play 
before  him,  should  I  be  yet  more  despised  than  now,  (for 
toward  him  I  also  am  reckoned  as  nothing,)  yea,  even 
with  the  maid-servants  of  whom  thou  hast  spoken,  would 
I  ho  honoured  thereby;"  which  would  say,  that  the  king 
;iCO 


the  tent  that  David  had  pitched  for  it:  and 
David  offered  burn  t-oflfo rings  before  the  Lord 
and  peace-offerings. 

18  And  when  David  had  made  an  end  of 
offering  the  burnt-ofierings  and  the  peace- 
offerings,  he  blessed  the  people  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

19  And  he  dealt  out  to  all  the  people,  to 
the  whole  multitude  of  Israel,  to  both  men 
and  women,  to  every  person  one  cake  of 
bread,  and  a  good  piece  of  flesh,  and  a  flagon 
of  wine:  and  all  the  people  departed  every 
one  to  his  house. 

20  And  David  then  returned  to  ])less  his 
household. 

^  But  Michal  the  daughter  of  Saiil  came 
out  to  meet  David,  and  she  said.  How 
honoured  was  to-day  the  king  of  Israel,  who 
uncovered  himself  to-day  before  the  eyes  of 
the  handmaids  of  his  servitnts,  as  only  one  of 
the  low  fellows  can  uncover  himself! 

21  And  David  said  unto  Michal,  Before 
the  Lord,  who  chose  me  before  thy  father, 
and  before  all  his  house,  to  ordain  me  ruler 
over  the  people  of  the  Lord,  over  Israel: — 
yea,  before  the  Lord  will  I  yet  farther  play. 

22  And  should  I  be  yet  more  vile"  than 
thus,  and  should  I  be  base  in  my  own  eyes: 
yet  among  the  maid-servants  of  whom  thou 
hast  spoken,  yea,  among  them  would  I  still  be 
honoured. 

23  And  Michal  the  daughter  of  Saiil  had 
no  child  until  the  day  of  her  death. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
dwelt  in  his  house,  and  the  Lord  had  given 
him  rest  round  about  from  all  his  enemies; 

2  That  the  king  said  unto  Nathan  the  jjro- 
phet.  See  now,  I  dwell  in  a  house  of  cedar, 
v^hile  the  ark  of  God  dwelleth  within  cur- 
tains.'' 

3  And  Nathan  said  to  the  king,  All  that 
is  in  thy  heart  go  and  do ;  for  the  Lord  is 
with  tliee. 


of  Israel,  in  humbling  himself  before  God,  would  not  lose 
the  respect  of  the  humblest  of  his  people.  Arnheim  ren- 
ders, "  and  I  would  yet  be  more  vile  than  thus,  and  would 
be  base  in  my  own  eyes,  if  of  the  maid-servants  of  whom 
thou  hast  spoken,  I  should  seek  fur  honour;"  and  consi- 
ders it  as  a  satirical  expression,  that  David  would  indeed  be 
vile  were  he  to  seek  for  praise  from  the  lowest  classes. 
■^  i.  f.  A  simple  tent. 


2  SAMUEL  VII. 


4  ^[  And  it  came  to  ])ass  during  that  night, 
^f  That  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Nathan,  saving, 

0  Go  and  say  unto  my  servant,  unto  David, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord.  Wilt  thou  indeed 
build  uie  a  house  for  my  dwelling? 

6  For  I  have  not  dwelt  in  a  house  since 
the  day  that  I  brought  up  the  children  of 
Israel  out  of  Egypt,  even  until  this  day;  but 
have  been  moving  about  in  a  tent  and  in  a 
tabernacle. 

7  In  all  the  places  wliere  I  moved  about 
among  all  the  children  of  Israel,  did  I  speak 
a  word  to  any  one"  of  the  tribes  of  Israel, 
whom  I  ordained  to  feed  my  people  Israel, 
saying,  Why  have  ye  not  built  for  me  a  house 
of  cedar  ? 

8  Now  therefore,  thus  shalt  thou  say  unto 
my  servant,  to  David,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  I  took  thee  from  tlie  sheep- 
cote,  from  behind  the  Hocks,  to  be  a  ruler 
over  my  people,  over  Israel ; 

9  And  I  have  been  with  thee  whithersoever 
thou  didst  go,  and  I  have  cut  off  all  thy  ene- 
mies from  thy  presence,  and  I  have  made 
thee  a  great  name,  like  the  name  of  the  great 
who  are  on  the  earth ; 

10  And  I  have  procured  a  place  for  my 
people,  for  Isi-ael,  and  I  have  planted  them, 
that  they  may  dwell  in  a  place  of  tlieir  own, 
and  be  no  more  troubled;  and  that  the 
children  of  wickedness  shall  not  afflict  them 
any  more  as  aforetimes, 

11  And  (as  it  was)  since  the  day  that  I 
ordained  judges  to  be  over  my  people  Israel; 
and''  I  have  caused  thee  to  rest  from  all  thy 
enemies;  and  the  Lord  telleth  thee  that  he, 
the  Lord,  will  make  thee  a  house. 

12  When  thy  days  will  be  completed,  and 
thou  wilt  sleej)  with  thy  fathers :  then  will  I 
set  up  thy  seed  after  thee,  who  shall  proceed 
out  of  thy  body,  and  I  will  establish  his 
kingdom. 

'  /.  c.  The  one  ehosen  from  the  tribes  to  govern,  "  the 
judge." 

'  Philippson  ends  the  first  period  with  the  last  verse; 
and  translates,  "  And  since  the  time  that  I  ordained 
judges  over  my  people  Israel,  have  I  granted  to  thee 
(alone)  rest,"  etc. 

°  After  Jonathan  and  Rashi.  Philippson,  "As  this  is 
the  rule  of  man,"  *'.  e.  as  one  man  acts  to  another,  not  as 
a  mortal  has  a  right  to  expect  of  God.  In  our  version 
min  is  regarded  as  synonymous  with  Dija'D  "manner," 
"right,"  "claim,"  "desert." 

2  V 


13  He  it  is  that  shall  build  a  house  for  my 
name,  and  I  will  establish  the  throne  of  his 
kingdom  for  ever. 

14  I  too  will  be  to  him  as  a  f\ither,  and  he 
shall  indeed  be  to  me  as  a  son :  so  that  when 
he  committeth  iniquity,  I  will  chastise  him 
with  the  rod  of  men,  and  with  the  plagues  of 
the  children  of  man ; 

15  But  my  kindness  shall  not  depart  from 
him,  as  I  caused  it  to  depart  from  Saiil,  whom 
I  removed  from  before  thee. 

16  And  thy  house  and  thy  kingdom  shall 
be  steadfast  for  ever  before  thee :  thy  throne 
shall  be  established  for  ever. 

17  In  accordance  with  all  these  words,  and 
in  accordance  with  all  this  vision,  so  did 
Nathan  speak  unto  David. 

18  T[  Then  Avent  king  David  in,  and  sat 
down  before  the  Lord,  and  he  said.  Who  am 
1, 0  Loi\l  Eternal?  and  what  is  my  house,  that 
thou  liast  brought  me  as  far  as  hitherward? 

19  And  this  was  yet  too  small  a  thing  in 
thy  eyes,  0  Lord  Eternal;  and  thou  hast 
spoken  also  of  thy  servant's  house  for  a  dis- 
tant time.  And  is  this  the  desert"  of  man,  0 
Lord  Eternal? 

20  And  what  can  David  add  yet  more  to 
speak  unto  thee?  since  thou,  0  Lord  Eternal, 
knowest  well  thy  servant? 

21  For  the  sake  of  thy  word,  and  in  ac- 
cordance with  thy  own  heart,  hast  thou  done 
all  this  great  thing,  so  as  to  let  tliy  servant 
know  it. 

22  Therefore  art  thou  great,  0  Eternal 
God;  for  there  is  none  like  thee,  and  there  is 
no  god  beside  thee,  in  accordance  with  all 
that  we  have  heard  with  our  ears. 

23  And  who  is  like  thy  people,  like  Israel, 
the  only  nation  on  the  earth,  which  God** 
went  to  redeem  for  himself  as  a  people,  and 
to  acquire  for  himself  a  name,  and  to  do  for 
you"  this  great  deed,  and  fearful  things  for 
thy'  land  (to  drive  out),from^  before  thy  peojjle 


^  Jonathan,  and  after  him  Rashi,  refer  DTlSx,  trans- 
lating it,  "Divine  messengers,"  to  Moses  and  Aaron,  to 
which  then  the  plural,  uSn  "they  went,"  is  correctly 
joined;  in  our  version  it  is  the  plural  of  majesty. 

"  "You,"  here,  is  an  address  to  Israel. 

'  "Thy  land"  reverts  again  to  God,  who  is  the  one 
mainly  addressed  by  David. 

^  Philippson,  "because  of  thy  people,  which  thou  hast 
redeemed  for  thyself  from  Egypt  (from)  nations  and  their 
gods."  Sachs,  "(against)  heathens  and  their  gods."  Our 
version  is  after  Rashi,  supplying  "to  drive  out." 

361 


2  SAMUEL  VII.  Vm. 


which  thou  hast  redeemed  for  thyself  from 
Egypt,  nations  and  their  gods. 

24  For  thou  hast  established  for  thyself  thy 
people  Israel  as  a  people  unto  thee  for  ever; 
and  thou,  0  Lord,  art  indeed  Ijecome  their 
God. 

25  And  now,  0  Eternal  God,  let  the  word 
that  thou  hast  spoken  concerning  thy  servant, 
and  concerning  his  house,  stand  firm  for  ever, 
and  do  as  thou  hast  sjjoken. 

2G  And  let  thy  name  be  magnified  unto 
everlasting,  that  men  may  say,  The  Lord  of 
hosts  is  tlie  God  over  Israel:  and  may  the 
house  of  thy  servant  David  be  established  be- 
fore thee. 

27  For  thou,  0  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of 
Israel,  hast  revealed  to  the  ear  of  thy  servant, 
saying,  A  house  will  I  build  up  for  thee; 
therefore  hath  thy  servant  found  the"  heart  to 
pray  unto  thee  this  prayer. 

28  And  now,  0  Lord  Eternal,  thou  art  the 
(true)  God,  and  thy  words  must  become  the 
truth,  and  thou  hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant 
this  goodness : 

29  And  now  let  it  ^^lease  thee  and  bless 
the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may  continue 
for  ever  before  thee;  for  thou,  0  Lord  Eter- 
nal, hast  spoken  it;  and  from  thy  blessing 
let  the  house  of  thy  servant  be  blessed  for 
ever. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
David  smote  the  Philistines,  and  humbled 
them :  and  David  took  Metheg-haammah''  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

2  And  he"  smote  Moiib,  and  measured  them 
with  a  line,  laying  them  down  on  the  ground; 
and  he  measured  with  two  lines  to  put  to 
death,  and  with  one  full  line  to  keep  alive. 
And  the  Moabites  became  David's  servants, 
bringing  presents. 

3  David  smote  also  Hadad'ezer,  the  son  of 
Rechob,  the  king  of  Zobah,  a^  he  went  to  ex- 
tend his  territoi'y"  at  the  river  Euphrates. 

4  And  David  captui-ed  from  him  a  thousand 
and  seven  hundred  horsemen,  and  twenty 
thousand  men  on  foot :  and  David  hamstringed 

*  Lit.  "fdund  his  heart,"  ('.  e.  the  courage. 

'  In  1  Chron.  xviii.  1,  Gath  is  inentioned.  Rashi  thinks 
Gath  was  called  "Metheg,"  or  "a goad,"  because  it  was 
the  chief  town. 

°  After  Jonathan.  Horxheimcr,  "  to  restore  his  power." 
3C2 


all  the  chariot-teams,  but  reserved  of  them 
a  hundred  chariot-teams. 

5  And  the  Syrians  of  Damascus  then  came 
to  aid  Hadad'ezer  the  king  of  Zobah,  when 
David  slew  of  the  Syrians  twenty  and  two 
thousand  men. 

6  And  David  put  garrisons'*  in  Syria  of 
Damascus:  and  the  Syrians  became  servants 
to  David,  bearing  presents.  And  the  Lord 
helped  David  whithersoever  he  went. 

7  And  David  took  the  shields'"  of  gold  that 
belonged  to  the  servants  of  Hadad'ezer,  and 
brought  them  to  Jerusalem. 

8  And  from  Betacli,  and  from  Berothai, 
cities  of  Hadad'ezer,  did  king  David  take  ex- 
ceedingly much  copper. 

9  ^  And  when  To'i  the  king  of  Chamath 
heard  that  David  had  smitten  all  the  host  of 
Hadad'ezer, 

10  Then  did  To'i  send  Yoram  his  son  unto 
king  David,  to  ask  him  after  his  well-being, 
and  to  bless  him,  because  that  he  had  fought 
against  Hadad'ezer,  and  smitten  him;  for 
Hadad'ezer  had  been  engaged  in  wars  with 
To'i;  and  he  had  in  his  hand  vessels  of  silver, 
and  vessels  of  gold,  and  vessels  of  cojijper : 

11  These  also  did  king  David  sanctify 
unto  the  Lord,  with  the  silver  and  gold  that 
he  had  sanctified  from  all  the  nations  which 
he  subdued; 

12  From  Syria,  and  from  Moab,  and  from  the 
children  of  'Ammon,  and  from  the  Philistines, 
and  from  'Amalek,  and  from  the  spoil  of  Ha- 
dad'ezei',  the  son  of  Rechob,  the  king  of  Zobah. 

13  And  David  acquired  a  name  when  he 
returned  from  his  smiting  the  Syrians  in  the 
valley  of  salt,  eighteen  thousand  men. 

14  And  he  put  garrisons  in  Edom ;  through- 
out all  Edom  put  he  garrisons,  and  all  the 
Edomites  became  servants  to  David.  And  the 
Lord  helped  David  whithersoever  he  went. 

15  And  David  reigned  over  all  Israel;  and 
David  did  what  is  just  and  right  unto  all  his 
people. 

16  And  Joab  the  son  of  Zeruyah  was  over 
the  army ;  and  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Achi- 
lud  was  recorder; 

17  And  Zadok  the  son  of  Achitub,   and 

Sachs,  "to  turn  hack  his  arm,"  or  "power;"  which  last  is 
both  strictly  according  to  the  words,  and  gives  a  good  sense, 
and  means  that  David  went  to  drive  back  Hadad'ezer. 

"  Or,  "tax  collectors." — Rashi. 

=  "Quivers  of  gold." — Rashi. 


I 


2  SAMUEL  VIII.  IX.  X. 


AcliiiiK'lecli  the  son  of  Ebyathar,  wore  priests; 
and  Serayah  was  scribe; 

18  And  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada'  was 
over  both  the  Kerethites  and  tlie  Pelethites; 
and  David's  sons  were  officers  of  state. 

CHAPTER  TX. 

1  ^  And  David  said,  Is  tliere  yet  any  one 
that  is  left  of  the  house  of  Saiil,  that  I  may 
show  him  kindness  for  the  sake  of  Jonathan  ? 

2  And  the  house  of  Saiil  had  a  servant 
whose  name  was  Ziba;  and  they  called  him 
unto  David;  and  the  king  said  unto  him, 
Art  thou  Ziba?  And  he  said,  Thy  servant^ 
(is  it). 

3  And  the  king  said,  Is  there  no  one  left 
any  more  of  the  house  of  Saiil,  that  I  may 
show  him  the  kindness  of  God?  And  Ziba 
said  unto  the  king,  There  is  yet  a  sou  of 
Jonathan,  lame  on  both  feet. 

4  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  Where  is 
he?  And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king.  Behold, 
he  is  in  the  house  of  Machir.  the  sou  of  'Am- 
miel,  in  Lo-debar. 

5  And  king  David  sent,  and  had  him 
taken  out  of  the  house  of  Machir,  the  son  of 
'Ammiel,  from  Lo-debar. 

6  And  Mephibosheth,  the  son  of  Jonathan, 
the  son  of  Saiil,  came  unto  David,  and  he  fell 
on  his  face,  and  bowed  himself.  And  David 
said,  Mephibosheth  !  And  he  answered.  Here 
is  thy  servant! 

7  And  David  said  unto  him.  Fear  not;  for 
I  will  surely  show  thee  kindness  for  the  sake 
of  Jonathan  thy  fatlier,  and  I  will  restore 
unto  thee  all  the  land  of  Saiil  thy  lather; 
and  thou  shalt  eat  bread  at  my  table  con- 
tinually. 

8  And  he  bowed  himself,  and  said.  What 
is  thv  servant,  that  thou  shouldst  turn  thv 
regard  unto  such  a  dead  dog  as  I  am? 

9  Then  called  the  king  for  Ziba,  Saul's 
servant,  and  said  unto  him.  All  that  hath 
pertained  to  Saiil  and  to  all  his  liouse  have  I 
given  unto  tliy  master's  son. 

10  And  thou  shalt  till  for  him  the  land, 
thou,  and  thy  sons,  ami  thy  servants,  and  thou 
shalt  bring  in  (the  j)roduct),  that  thy  master's 
son  may  have  bread  which  he  can  eat;  but 


'  i.  e.  "Yes."  The  repetition  of  the  chief  word  in  the 
question  in  the  answer  is  equal  to  the  affirmative  abverb, 
"yes." 

"  These  wonls  are  not  in  the  Hebrew;  but  they  are 


Mephibosheth  thy  master's  son  shall  eat  con- 
tinually bread  at  my  table.  Now  Ziba  had 
fifteen  sons  and  twenty  servants. 

11  And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king.  In  accord- 
ance with  all  that  my  lord  the  king  may  com- 
mand his  servant,  so  will  thy  servant  do. 
And  Mephibosheth  (said  the  king)''  shall  eat 
at  my  table,  as  one  of  the  king's  sons. 

12  And  Mephibosheth  had  a  young  son, 
whose  name  was  Micha.  And  all  that  dwelt 
in  the  house  of  Ziba  were  servants  unto  Me- 
phibosheth. 

l.S  And  Mephibosheth  dwelt  in  Jerusalem; 
for  he  ate  continually  at  the  king's  table;  and 
he  was  lame  on  both  his  feet. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
the  king  of  the  children  of  'Ammon  died,  and 
Chanun  his  son  reigned  in  his  stead. 

2  Then  said  David,  I  will  show  kindness 
unto  Chanun  the  son  of  Nachash,  as  his  father 
showed  me  kindness.  And  David  sent  to  com- 
fort him  by  the  hand  of  his  servants  for  his 
father.  And  David's  servants  came  unto  the 
land  of  the  children  of  'Amnion. 

3  And  the  princes  of  the  children  of 
'Ammon  said  unto  Chanun  their  lord,  Doth 
David  honour  thy  father  in  thy  eyes,  that  he 
hath  sent  comforters  unto  thee?  hath  David 
not  sent  his  servants  unto  thee,  in  order  to 
search  the  city,  and  to  spy  it  out,  and  to  over- 
throw it? 

4  Chanun  thereupon  took  David's  servants, 
and  shaved  off  the  one-half  of  their  beard, 
and  cut  off  their  garments  in  the  middle,  even 
to  their  buttocks,  and  sent  them  away. 

5  When  they  told  it  unto  David,  he  sent 
(persons)  to  meet  them,  because  the  men 
were  greatly  ashamed;  and  the  king  said. 
Tarry  at  Jericho  until  your  beard  be  grown, 
and  then  return. 

6  And  when  the  children  of  'Ammon  saw 
that  they  were  become  in  l)ad  odour  Avith 
David,  the  children  of 'Ammon  sent  and  hired 
the  Syrians  of  Beth-rechob,  and  the  Syrians 
of  Zoba,  twenty  thousand  men  on  foot,  and 
the  king  Ma'achah  with  a  thousand  men,  and 
of  the  people  of  Tob  twelve  thousand  men. 

added  according  to  Rashi  and  others.  But  Ziba  may 
also  have  ofTered  a  free  table  to  his  master,  as  he  wag 
evidently  a  very  rich  man ;  wherefore  the  addition  is  not 
necessary. 

363 


2  SAMUEL  X.  XI. 


7  And  when  David  heard  of  it,  he  sent 
Jo'dh,  and  all  the  arm)',  (and)  the  mighty 
men. 

8  And  the  children  of  'Ammon  came  out, 
and  put  themselves  in  battle-array  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  gate :  and  the  Syrians  of  Zol)a, 
and  of  Eechob,  and  the  people  of  Toh  and 
Ma'achah,  were  by  themselves  in  the  field. 

9  When  now  Joab  saw  that  the  frontof  the 
battle  was  against  him  before  and  behind,  he 
selected  from  all  the  chosen  men  of  Israel, 
and  arrayed  himself  against  the  Syrians : 

10  And  the  rest  of  the  people  he  delivered 
into  the  hand  of  Aljishai  his  brother,  who 
arrayed  himself  against  the  children  of  'Am- 
nion. 

11  And  he  said,  If  the  Svrians  be  too 
strong  for  me,  then  shalt  thou  bring  me  help ; 
but  if  the  children  of  'Amnion  be  too  strong 
for  thee,  then  will  I  go  to  help  thee. 

12  Be  strong,  and  let  us  strengthen  our- 
selves in  behalf  of  our  people,  and  in  behalf 
of  the  cities  of  our  God :  and  may  the  Lord 
do  that  which  seemeth  good  in  his  eyes. 

13  And  Joab  drew  nigh,  and  the  people 
that  were  with  him,  unto  the  battle  against 
the  Syrians:  and  they  fled  from  before  him. 

14  And  when  the  children  of  'Ammon  saw 
that  the  Syrians  were  fled,  then  did  they  also 
fly  before  Abishai,  and  entered  into  the  city. 
Joiib  then  returned  from  the  children  of  'Am- 
nion, and  came  to  Jerusalem. 

15  And  when  the  Syrians  saw  that  they 
were  smitten  before  Israel,  they  gathered 
them.selves  altogether. 

16  And  Hadar'ezer  sent,  and  brought  out 
the  Syrians  that  were  beyond  the  river,  and 
they  came  to  Chelani ;  and  Shobach  the  cap- 
tain of  the  army  of  Hadar'ezer  went  before 
them. 

17  And  when  it  was  told  to  David,  lie 
gathered  all  Israel  together,  and  passed  over 
the  Jordan,  and  came  to  Chelam.  And  the 
Syrians  set  themselves  in  battle-array  against 
David,  and  fought  with  him. 

18  And  the  Syrians  fled  from  before  Israel; 
and  David  slew  of  the  Syrians  (the  men)  of 
seven  hundred  chariots,  and  forty  thousand 
horsemen ;  and  Shobach  also  the  captain  of 
their  army  he  smote,  and  he  died  there. 

19  And  when  all  the  kings,  the  vassals  to 
Hadar'ezer  saw  that  they  were  smitten  before 
Israel,    they  made   peace   with    Israel,    and 

364 


served  them:  and  the  Syrians  feared  to  help 
the  children  of  'Amnion  any  more. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  return  of 
the  same  season  of  the  year,  at  the  time  when 
kings  go  forth,  that  David  sent  Joiib,  and  liis 
servants  with  him,  and  all  Israel;  and  they 
destroyed  the  children  of  'Amnion,  and  Ije- 
sieged  Rabbah.  But  David  remained  behind 
at  Jerusalem. 

2  And  it  happened  at  evening-tide,  that 
David  arose  from  oft'  his  couch,  and  walked 
upon  the  roof  of  the  king's  house :  and  he  saw 
from  the  roof  a  woman  bathing  herself;  and 
the  woman  was  of  a  very  beautiful  appear- 
ance. 

3  And  David  sent  and  inquired  after  the 
woman ;  and  some  one  said.  Behold,  this  is 
Bath-sheba',  the  daughter  of  Eli'am,  the  wife 
of  Uriyalr'  the  Hittite. 

4  And  David  sent  messengers,  and  took 
her;  and  she  came  in  unto  him,  and  he  lay 
with  her,  and  she  had  just  purified  herself 
from  her  uncleanness :  and  she  returned  unto 
her  house. 

5  And  the  woman  conceived ;  and  she  sent 
and  told  David,  and  said,  I  am  with  child. 

6  And  David  sent  to  Joiib,  Send  unto  me 
Uriyah  the  Hittite.  And  Joiib  sent  Uriyah 
to  David. 

7  And  when  Uriyah  was  come  unto  him, 
David  asked  after  the  well-being  of  Joiib,  and 
after  the  well-being  of  the  people,  and  how 
the  war  prospered. 

8  And  David  said  to  Uriyah,  Go  down  to 
thy  house,  and  wash  thy  feet.  And  Uriyah 
went  forth  out  of  tbe  king's  house,  and  there 
followed  him  a  mess  of  food  from  the  king. 

9  But  Uriyah  laid  himself  down  at  the 
door  of  the  king's  house  with  all  the  servants 
of  his  lord,  and  went  not  down  to  his  house. 

10  And  they  told  David,  saying,  Uriyah 
is  not  gone  down  unto  his  house:  and  David 
said  unto  Uriyah,  Art  thou  not  come  from  a 
journey?  why  then  art  thou  not  gone  down 
unto  thy  own  house? 

11  Then  said  Uriyah  unto  David,  The  ark, 
and  Israel,  and  Judah  abide  in  booths;  and 
my  lord  Joiib  and  the  servants  of  my  lord 
are  encamped  in  the  open  field :  and  slioidd  I 

^  Commonly  written   Uriah. 


2  SAMUEL  XI.  XII. 


"After  Jonathan  and  Sachs;  "iiniy^  lit.  "watching," 
i,  e.  by  putting  the  troops  in  such  a  position  that  no  one 
can  go  in  and  out  without  being  noticed. 

■■  i.  c.  Gid'on,  or  Ycrubba'al.  "  Besheth"  is  a  word  of 
disgrace,  signifying  "shame,"  instead  of  the  usual  name 
of  the  idol  "Ba'al,"  or  "Lord." 


alone  go  unto  my  hou.se,  to  eat  and  to  drink,  II 
and  to  lie  with  my  wife  ?  as  thou  livest,  and  ij 
as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  do  this  thing. 

12  And  David  said  to  Uriyah,  Tarry  here 
also  this  day,  and  to-morrow  will  I  send  thee 
off.  So  Uriyah  remained  in  Jeru.salem  on 
that  day  and  the  following. ' 

l-\  And  David  invited  him,  and  he  ate  and 
drank  before  him,  and  he  made  him  drunken  ; 
;ind  he  went  out  in  the  evening  to  lie  down 
on  his  resting-place  with  the  servants  of  his 
lord;   but  to  his  house  he  did  not  go  down. 

14  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning, 
that  David  wrote  a  letter  to  Joab,  and  sent 
it  by  the  hand  of  Uriyah. 

15  And  he  wrote  in  the  letter,  saying.  Set 
Urij'ah  in  front,  opposite  to  the  hottest  fight, 
and  tben  withdraw  from  behind  him,  that  he 
may  be  smitten  and  die. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joiib  was 
enclosing"  the  city,  that  he  placed  Uriyah 
toAvard  the  spot  of  which  he  knew  that  valiant 
men  were  thex'e. 

17  And  the  men  of  the  city  went  out  and 
fought  with  Joiib;  and  there  fell  some  of  the 
people,  of  the  servants  of  David,  and  there 
died  also  Uriyah  the  Ilittite. 

18  Then  did  Joab  send,  and  told  unto 
David  all  the  events  of  the  war. 

19  And  he  charged  the  messenger,  saying. 
When  thou  hast  finished  telling  all  the  events 
of  the  war  to  the  king, 

20  And  it  happen  that  the  king's  wrath 
arise,  and  he  say  unto  thee,  Wherefore  did 
you  approach  unto  the  city  to  fight?  knew  ye 
not.  tliat  they  would  shoot  down  from  oS  the 
wall  ? 

21  Who  smote  Abimelech  the  son  of  Ye- 
rubbesheth  T*  did  not  a  woman  throw  down 
upon  him  a  piece  of  an  upper  mill-stone  from 
off  the  wall,  so  that  he  died  at  Thebez?  why 
did  ye  approach  unto  the  wall''  then  must 
thou  say.  Also  thy  servant  Uriyah  the  Ilittite 
is  dead. 

22  And  the  mes,senger  went,  and  came 
and  told  unto  David  all  for  which  Joiib  had 
sent  him. 


23  And  the  messenger  said  unto  David, 
Because''  the  men  overpowered  us,  and  came 
out  against  ns  into  the  field;  but  we  set  upon 
them,  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  the  gate. 

24  And  the  archer.s  tben  shot  at  thv  ser- 
vants  from  off  the  wall ;  and  there  died  .some  of 
the  servants  of  the  king,  and  also  thy  servant 
Uriyah  the  Ilittite  is  dead. 

20  Then  said  Da\id  to  the  messenger. 
Thus  shalt  thou  say  to  Joiib,  Let  this  thing 
not  be  displeasing  in  thy  eyes;  for  at  times 
this,  at  other  times  the  other  will  the  sword 
devour;  continue  firmly  in  thy  war  against 
the  city,  and  overthrow  it;  and  thus  do  thou 
encourage  him.'' 

26  And  when  the  wife  of  LTriyah  heard 
that  Urijah  her  husband  had  died,  she  mourn- 
ed for  her  lord. 

27  And  when  the  (time  of)  mourning  was 
past,  David  sent  and  took  her  to  his  house,  and 
she  became  his  wife;  and  she  bore  him  a  son. 
But  the  thing  which  David  had  done  was  dis- 
pleasing in  tlie  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XIL 

1  ^  x\nd  the  Lord  sent  Nathan  unto  David, 
and  he  came  unto  him  and  said  to  him.  Two 
men  were  once  in  one  city,  the  one  rich  and 
the  other  poor. 

2  The  rich  man  had  flocks  and  herds,  in 
great  abundance. 

3  But  the  poor  man  had  nothing,  save  one 
little  ewe,  wliich  he  had  Ijought;  and  he 
nourished  it,  and  it  grew  up  with  him  and 
with  his  children  together;  of  his  bread  it  used 
to  eat,  and  out  of  his  cup  it  u.sed  to  drink,  and 
in  his  bosom  it  used  to  lie,  and  it  was  to  him 
as  a  daughter. 

4  And  there  came  a  traveller  unto  the 
rich  man ;  and  he  felt  compunction  to  take 
from  his  own  flocks  and  from  his  own  herds 
to  dress  for  the  ^vayfarer  that  was  come  to 
him;  but  he  took  the  ewe  of  the  poor  man, 
and  dressed  it  for  the  man  that  was  come  to 
him. 

5  And  the  anger  of  David  was  greatly 
kindled    against    the    man;    and  he  said  to 

"  This  would  appear  to  be  the  conclusion  of  the  report, 
and  is  intended  to  account  for  the  loss  of  so  many  lives  ; 
first  that  the  'Ammonites  forced  their  way  out,  but  were 
then  repulsed  by  the  Israelites,  Vfho,  in  their  eagerness  to 
distinguish  themselves,  did  not  heed  the  archers  till  too  late. 

"  This  is  said  to  the  messenger  in  encourage  Joiib. 

305 


2  SAMUEL  XII. 


NatLau,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  surely  the  man 
that  hath  done  this  deserveth  to  die; 

6  And  the  ewe  he  shall  pay  fourfold,  for 
punishment  that  he  hath  done  this  thing,  and 
because  he  had  no  compassion. 

7  ][  Then  said  Nathan  to  David,  Thou  art 
the  man !  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God 
of  Israel,  It  is  I  who  anointed  thee  as  king- 
over  Israel,  and  it  is  I  who  delivered  thee  out 
of  the  hand  of  Salil; 

8  And  I  gave  unto  thee  the  house  of  thy  mas- 
ter, and  (put)  the  wives  of  thy  master  into  thy  bo- 
som, and  gave  unto  thee  the  house  of  Israel  and 
Judah :  and  if  this  be  too  little,  I  could  bestow 
on  thee  yet  many  more  like  these  things. 

9  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  word 
of  the  Lord  to  do  what  is  evil  in  his  eyes? 
Uriyah  the  Ilittite  hast  thou  smitten  with 
the  sword,  and  his  wife  hast  thou  taken  unto 
thee  for  wife ;  but  him  hast  thou  slain  with 
the  sword  of  the  children  of  'Ammon. 

10  And  now,  the  sword  shall  not  depart 
from  thy  house  for  ever;  for  the  reason  that 
thou  hast  despised  me,  and  hast  taken  the 
wife  of  Uriyah  the  Hittite  to  be  thy  wife. 

11  •[[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold  I 
will  raise  up  against  thee  evil  out  of  thy  own 
house,  and  I  will  take  away  thy  wives  before 
thy  eyes,  and  I  will  give  them  unto  thy 
neighbour;  and  he  shall  lie  with  thy  wives 
before  the  face  of  this  sun. 

12  For  thou  hast  done  it  in  secret;  but  I 
will  surely  do  this  thing  before  all  Israel,  and 
before  the  sun. 

13  ^  Then  said  David  unto  Nathan,  I  have 
sinned  against  the  Lord. 

^  And  Nathan  said  to  David,  Also  the 
Lord  hath  caused  thy  sin  to  pass  away :  thou 
shalt  not  die. 

14  Nevertheless,  because  thou  hast  given 
great  cause  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to 
blaspheme  through  this  thing,  the  child  also 
that  hath  been  l^orn  unto  thee  shall  surely  die. 

15  And  Nathan  went  to  his  house;  and 
the  Lord  struck  the  child  that  Uriyah's  wife 
had  born  unto  David,  that  it  became  very  sick. 

16  And  David  besought  God  in  behalf  of 
the  lad ;  and  David  kept  a  fast,  and  came 
home,  and  lay  over  night  upon  the  earth. 

*  Correctly,  Shelomoh,  from  "  shalum,"  peace,  per- 
haps referring  to  the  forgiveness  of  his  sin. 

'■  Eng.   version,    Jedidiah;    it   signifies,    "beloved  of 
the  Lord." 
366 


1 7  And  the  elders  of  his  house  arose  about 
him,  to  raise  him  up  from  the  earth;  but  he 
would  not,  and  he  did  not  partake  of  any 
bread  with  them. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  seventh 
day  that  the  child  died;  and  the  servants  of 
David  were  afraid  to  tell  him,  that  the  child 
was  dead;  for  they  said,  Behold,  while  the 
child  was  yet  alive,  we  sjDoke  to  him,  and  he 
would  not  hearken  to  our  voice:  how  then 
shall  we  say  to  him.  The  child  is  dead!  he 
might  do  (himself)  a  hurt. 

19  But  when  David  saw  that  his  servants 
were  whispering  to  each  other,  David  under- 
stood that  the  child  was  dead;  wherefore 
David  said  unto  his  servants.  Is  the  child 
dead  ?  and  they  said.  He  is  dead. 

20  David  then  rose  up  from  the  earth,  and 
washed  and  anointed  himself,  and  changed 
his  garments,  and  Avent  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord  and  prostrated  himself;  and  then  he 
came  to  his  own  house,  and  asked  that  they 
should  set  food  before  him.  and  he  ate. 

21  And  his  servants  then  said  unto  him, 
What  is  this  thing  which  thou  hast  done? 
On  account  of  the  child  when  living  thou 
didst  last  and  weep ;  but  as  soon  as  the  child 
was  dead  thou  didst  arise  and  eat  bread ! 

22  And  he  said.  While  the  child  was  yet 
alive,  I  fasted  and  wept;  because  I  said.  Who 
knoweth,  but  that  the  Lord  will  be  gracious 
to  me,  that  the  child  may  live  ? 

23  But  now  he  is  dead,  wherefore  should 
I  fast  then  ?  can  I  restore  him  again  ?  I  am 
going  to  him ;  but  he  will  not  return  to  me. 

21  And  David  comforted  Bath-sheba'  his 
wife,  and  he  went  in  unto  her,  and  lay  with 
her;  and  she  bore  a  son,  and  called  his  name 
Solomon;"  and  the  Lord  loved  him. 

25  And  he  sent  by  the  hand  of  Nathan 
the  prophet,  and  called  his  name,  Yedideyah'' 
in  behalf  of  the  Lord. 

26  ^  And  Joab  fought  against  Eabbah  of 
the  children  of  'Ammon,  and  captured  the 
royal  city. 

27  And  Joiib  sent  messengers  to  David ; 
and  said,  I  have  fought  against  Rahbah,  and 
have  also  captured  the  water-town.*" 

28  And  now  gather  the  rest  of  the  people 


°  i.  e.  That  portion  of  the  city  situated  near  the  water, 
the  river  Zorlca;  in  the  preceding  verse  the  royal  city  is 
mentioned ;  perhaps  the  palace  of  the  king  may  likewise 
have  been  in  the  part  situated  near  the  river. 


2  SAMUEL  XII.  XIII. 


together,  and  encamp  against  the  city,  and  I 
capture  it:  lest  I  capture  the  city  myself,  and 
it  be  called  by  my  name." 

29  And  David  gathered  all  the  people  to- 
gether and  went  to  Rabbah,  and  fought 
against  it,  and  captured  it. 

30  And  he  took  the  crown  of  Malkan? 
from  off  his  head,  and  its  weight  was  a  talent 
of  gold,  and  (on  it  was)  a  precious  stone,  and 
it  was  set  on  the  head  of  David;  and  the  booty 
of  the  city  he  brought  out  in  great  abundance. 

.31  And  the  people  that  were  therein  he 
brought  forward,  and  put  them  under'  saws, 
and  under  iron  threshing-wagons,  and  under 
axes  of  iron,  and  made  them  pass  through 
Ijrick-kilns;  and  thus  did  he  unto  all  the 
cities  of  the  children  of  'Amnion:  and  David 
returned  then  with  all  the  people  unto  Jeru- 
salem. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
Abshalom  the  son  of  David  had  a  handsome 
sister,  whose  name  was  Thamar;  and  Am- 
non  the  son  of  David  loved  her. 

2  And  Amnon  worried  himself  so  that  hefell 
sick  on  account  of  Thamar  his  sister;  for  she 
was  a  virgin ;  and  it  was  im])0ssible  in  the 
eyes  of  Amnon,  to  do  her  the  least  (harm.) 

3  But  Amnon  had  a  friend,  whose  name 
was  Yonadab,  the  son  of  Shim'ah,  David's 
brother;  and  Yonadab  was  a  very  sensible  man. 

4  And  he  said  to  him.  Why  art  thou  so 
wasted,  0  prince,''  morning  after  morning? 
Wilt  thou  not  tell  me?  Then  said  Amnon 
to  hiui,  Thamar  the  sister  of  Abshalom  my 
brother  do  I  love. 

5  And  Yonadab  said  to  liim,  Lie  down  on 
thy  couch,  and.  feign  thyself  sick ;  and  when 
thy  father  cometh  to  see  thee,  thou  must  say 
unto  him,  Let,  I  pray  thee,  Thamar  my  sister 
come,  and  give  me  some  food,  and  prepare  the 
refreshment  before  my  eyes,  in  order  that  I 
may  see  it,  and  eat  it  out  of  her  hand. 


'  i.  r.  That  the  conquest  woukl  be  ascribed  to  Jo'ab, 
not  to  David,  who  would  thus  be  robbed  of  the  ghiry  at- 
tached to  this  achievement. 

"  /.  c.  The  idol  of  'Amnion,  from  the  same  derivation  as 
Molech.  Others  derive  it  from  "p-i  "  king,"  thus,  "  their 
king;"  but  we  have  followed  lliishi. 

"  Philippson,  "ho  put  them  to  saws,  &c.,  and  led  them 
to  the  brick-kilns;"  that  is,  he  made  them  labour  at  these 
various  operations:  the  text  will  readily  bear  this  version. 

"  Heb.  "son  of  the  king." 


6  So  Amnon  lay  down,  and  feigned  him- 
self sick;  and  when  the  king  came  to  see  him, 
Amnon  said  to  the  king.  Let,  I  pray  thee, 
Thamar  my  sister  come,  and  mix  up  be- 
fore my  eyes  a  couple  of  cakes,  that  I  may 
enjoy  them  out  of  her  hand. 

7  Then  did  David  send  home  to  Thamar, 
saying.  Do  go  now  to  thy  brother  Amnon's 
house,  and  prepare  for  him  the  refreshment. 

8  So  Thamar  went  to  the  house  of  Annion 
her  brother,  and  he  w^as  lying  down ;  and  she 
took  the  dough  and  kneaded,  and  mixed  it 
up  before  his  eyes,  and  baked  the  cakes ; 

9  And  she  took  the  pan,  and  poured  them 
out  before  him;  but  he  refused  to  eat;  and 
Amnon  said,  Cause  every  man  to  go  out  from 
me;  and  the}'  went  out,  every  man^  from  him. 

10  And  Amnon  said  unto  Thamar,  Bring 
the  refreshment  into  the  chamber,  that  I 
may  enjoy  it  out  of  thy  hand.  So  Thamar 
took  the  cakes  which  she  had  made,  and 
brought  them  unto  Amnon  her  brother  into 
the  chamber. 

11  And  when  she  had  brought  them  near 
unto  him  to  eat,  he  took  hold  of  her,  and 
said  unto  her.  Come,  lie  with  me,  my  sister. 

12  But  she  said  to  him.  No,  my  brother, 
do  not  violate  me;  for  such  a  deed  ought  not 
to  be  done  in  Israel ;  do  not  this  scandalous 
act! 

13  And  I,  whither  should  I  carry  my  shame  ? 
and  as  for  thee,  thou  wouldst  be  like  one  of 
the  worthless  in  Israel;  but  now,  0  speak,  I 
pray  tliee,  unto  the  king,  for  he  Avill  not  with- 
hold me  from  thee. 

14  Nevertheless,  he  would  not  hearken 
unto  her  voice;  but  he  overpowered  her,  and 
violated  her,  and  lay  with  her. 

15  Then  did  Amnon  hate  her  with  a  very 
great  hatred;  so  that  the  hatred  with  which 
he  hated  her  was  greater  than  the  love  with 
which  he  had  loved  her;  and  Amnon  said 
unto  her.  Arise,  be  gone. 

IG   And   she   said   to   him,   (Do)    not'"  add 

"  rniN  '7N  we  have  rendered  after  Rashi,  taking  miN  as 
meaning  "  sequel,"  that  which  fullows  from  a  foregone 
cause ;  properly,  "  Let  not  this  greater  wrong  to  send  me 
away  be  the  sequel  of  the  other  thou  hast  done."  Jona- 
than renders  it  as  though  it  were  mix  S;'  "  concerning." 
I'hilippson  translates,  "  She  spoke  to  him  concerning  the 
evil  deed,  Greater  is  this  than  the  other  which  thou  hast 
done  to  me."  But  the  Massoretic  punctuation  and  reading 
do  not  warrant  such  a  version,  We  have  strictly  followed 
both, 

367 


2  SAMUEL  XIII. 


this  yet  greater  wrong  than  the  other  which 
thou  hast  done  with  me,  to  send  me  (now) 
away !     But  lie  would  not  listen  to  her ; 

17  And  he  called  his  young  man,  his  ser- 
vant, and  said,  Do  send  this  woman  away 
from  me,  into  the  street,  and  lock  the  door 
behind  her. 

18  'And  she  had  on  her  a  garment  of  divers 
colours;  for  thus  were  usually  apparelled  the 
king's  daughters  when  virgins,  in  robes;  and 
his  servant  brouglit  her  out  into  the  street, 
and  locked  the  door  behind  her. 

19  And  Tliamar  put'  ashes  on  her  head, 
and  the  garment  of  divers  colours  which  was 
on  her  she  rent ;  and  she  placed  her  hand  on 
her  head,  and  went  aAvay  and  cried  as  she 
went  along^ 

20  Then  said  to  her  Abshalom  her  bro- 
ther, Hath  Aminon''  thy  brother  been  with 
thee?  but  now,  my  sister,  keep  silence,  he  is 
thy  brother,  take  this  thing  not  to  thy  heart. 
So  Thamar  remained,  and  was  secluded"  in 
the  house  of  Abshalom  her  Ijrother. 

21  And  when  king  David  heard  all  these 
things,  it  displeased  him  greatly. 

22  And  Abshalom  spoke  not  with  Amnon 
either  bad  or  good;  for  Abshalom  hated  Am- 
non, because  he  had  violated  Thamar  his 
sister. 

23  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  after  two  full 
years,  that  Abshalom  had  sheep-shearers  at 
Ba'al-chazor,  which  is  near  Ephraim;  and 
Abshalom  invited  all  the  king's  sons. 

24  And  Abshalom  came  to  the  king,  and 
said,  Behold,  now,  thy  sei'vant  hath  sheep- 
shearers;  let  the  king,  I  pray  thee,  and  his 
servants  go  with  thy  servant. 

25  And  the  king  said  to  Abshalom,  No,  my 
son,  do  not  let  us  all  go  now,  that  we  may 
not  be  a  burden  upon  thee.  And  he  urged 
him  much,  but  he  would  not  go,  and  he 
blessed  him. 

2G  And  Abshalom  said,  If  not,  let,  I  pray 
thee,  Amnon  my  brother  go  with  us.  And 
the  king  said  to  him.  Why  should  he  go  with 
thee? 

27  But  Abshalom  urged  him  greatly,  and 
he  sent  with  him  Amnon  and  all  the  sons 
of  the  king. 

'  Lit.  "took,"  ?'.  c.  first  took  and  then  applied  it. 
*■  i.  e.  Little  Aiiiuon,  a  term  of  contempt. 
"  Ileb.  n:30ty  "  desiilutc,"  /.  e.  seeing  no  one  but  those 
around  her,  and  unwilling  to  meet  friends  and  strangers. 
;i(i8 


28  Now  Abshalom  commanded  his  ser- 
vants, saying,  Mark  ye,  I  pray  you,  when  Am- 
non's  heart  is  merry  with  wine,  and  I  say 
unto  you.  Smite  Amnon:  then  kill  him,  fear 
not;  behold,  it  is  I  who  command  it  you  ;  be 
firm  and  show  yourselves  men  of  valour. 

29  And  the  servants  of  Abshalom  did  unto 
Amnon  as  Abshalom  had  commanded.  Then 
arose  all  the  king's  sons,  and  they  rode  ofl', 
every  man  on  his  mule,  and  tied. 

30  And  it  happened,  while  they  were  on 
the  way,  that  the  report  came  to  David,  say- 
ing, Abshalom  hath  smitten  all  the  king's 
sons,  and  there  is  not  one  of  them  left. 

31  Then  arose  the  king  and  rent  his  gar- 
ments, and  laid  himself  on  the  earth ;  and  all 
his  servants  were  standing  by  with  their  gar- 
ments rent. 

32  But  Yonadab  the  son  of  Shim'ah, 
David's  brother,  commenced  and  said.  Let  not 
my  lord  suppose  that  they  ha\'e  slain  all  the 
young  men,  the  king's  sons;  since  Amnon 
alone  is  dead ;  for  by  the  command  of  Absha- 
lom was  this  ordained  from  the  day  that  he 
violated  Thamar  his  sister. 

33  And  now  let  notni}-  lord  the  king  take 
the  thing  to  his  heart,  thinking,  that  all  the 
king's  sons  are  dead;  for  Amnon  alone  is 
dead. 

34  And  Abshaiom  fled  away.  And  the 
young  man  that  was  watching  lifted  up  his 
eyes,  and  looked,  and  behold,  many  people 
were  coming  by  the  way  behind  him,  by  the 
side  of  the  mount. 

35  And  Yonadab  said  to  the  king.  The 
king's  sons  are  come :  according  to  the  word 
of  thy  servant,  so  hath  it  come  to  pass. 

36  And  it  hapjtened,  as  he  had  just  finished 
speaking,  that,  behold,  the  king's  sons  came, 
and  they  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept;  and 
also  the  king  and  all  his  servants  wept  very 
much. 

37  But  Abshalom  had  tied;  and  he  went 
to  Talmai,  the  son  of  'Ammihud,  the  king  of 
Geshur:  and  (David)  mourned  for  his  son 
all  the  time. 

38  So  did  Abshalom  tly,  and  go  to  Geshur,- 
and  he  remained  there  three  years. 

39  And  (the  soul"*  of)  king  David  longed 


''  Philippsou,  "  And  king  David  ceased  to  go  forth 
against  Abshalom,"  i.  e.  that  at  first  he  had  thought  to 
punish  him,  and  demand  him  from  the  king  of  Geshur; 
but  uow  he  had  given  up  this  intention. 


UEI-IOKAH      THE     I'KOl 'HhCTESSS, 


2  SAMUEL  XIV. 


to  go  forth  unto  Al)slialoni;  for  ho  was  com- 
forted concerning  Amnon,  that  he  Avas  dead. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  *\\  And  wlion  now  Joiib  the  son  of  Zeru- 
yah  perceived  that  the  heart  of  the  king  was 
(turned)  toward  Abshalom: 

2  Then  sent  Joiib  to  Tekoa ,  and  lie  fetched 
thence  a  wise  woman,  and  said  to  her,  Feign, 
I  pray  thee,  as  tliougli  thou  niournest,  and  do 
put  on  mourning  garments,  and  anoint  thy- 
self not  with  oil ;  but  be  as  a  woman  that 
hath  these  many  days  been  mourning  for  tlie 
dead. 

3  And  thou  must  come  to  the  king  and 
speak  with  him  after  these  words:  and  Joab 
put  the  words  into  her  mouth. 

4  And  the  woman  of  TekoJi'  spoke  to  the 
king,  and  fell  on  her  lace  to  the  ground,  and 
bowed  herself,  and  said.  Help,  0  king ! 

5  ^[  And  the  king  said  unto  her.  What 
aileth  thee?  And  she  said,  Truly,  I  am  a 
widow-woman ;  since  my  husband  is  dead. 

6  And  thy  hand-maid  liad  two  sons,  and 
they  two  quarrelled  together  in  the  tield, 
and  there  was  no  one  between  them  to  help 
(either) ;  so  the  one  smote  the  other,  and  slew 
him. 

7  And,  behold,  the  whole  family  is  risen  up 
against  thy  hand-maid,  and  they  said.  Give  up 
the  slayer  of  his  brother,  that  we  may  ha\'e 
him  put  to  death,  for  the  life  of  his  brother 
whom  he  hath  killed;  and  we  will  destroy- 
also  the  heir :  and  thus  they  will  quench  my 
coal  which  is  remaining,  so  as  not  to  allow  to 
my  husband  either  name  or  remainder  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

8  ^  And  the  king  said  unto  the  woman. 
Go  to  thy  house,  and  I  will  issue  (my)  charge 
concerning  thee. 

9  Then  said  the  woman  of  Tekoil'  unto  the 
king,  On  me,  my  lord,  0  king,  be  the  iniquity, 
and  on  my  father's  house :  and  may  the  king 
and  his  throne  Ije  guiltless. 

10  ^  And  the  king  said,  Whosoever  speak- 
eth  aught  unto  thee,  bring  him  to  me,  and  he 
shall  not  touch  thee  any  more. 

11  Then  said  she,  Let  the  king,  I  pray 
thee,  remember  the  Lord  thy  God,  so  as  not 

'  i.  e.  That  tlicy  would  kill  a  man  without  legal  proof, 
with  no  witnesses  to  see  the  crime. 

^  Jonathan,  "  Thus  is  it  not  possible  for  a  righteous  judge 
to  accept    money  for    falsehood,   and    lie    should    devise 

2  W 


to  sutler  the  avenger  of  I  lie  blood  to  cause 
yet  more  destruction,  and  that  they  may  not 
destroy  my  son.  And  he  said.  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  there  shall  not  fall  one  hair  of  thy  son 
to  the  earth. 

12  Then  said  the  woman.  Let  th}-  hand- 
maid, I  pray  thee,  speak  unto  my  lord  the 
king  one  word.  And  he  said.  Speak  on. 

lo  And  the  woman  s;iid.  Wherefore  then 
hast  thou  thought  such  a  thing  against  the 
people  of  God?"  and  since  the  king  doth  speak 
this  thing,  he  is  as  a  guilty  man,  if  the  king 
do  not  permit  his  banished  one  to  return  home. 

14  For  we  must  needs  die,  and  are  as  water 
which  is  spilt  on  the  ground,  which  cannot 
be  gathered  up  again;  and  yet  doth  God'' 
not  take  away  life ;  and  he  devisetli  thoughts, 
so  that  the  banished  one  may  not  remain 
banished  from  him. 

15  And  now  that  I  am  come  to  speak  unto 
my  lord  the  king  of  this  thing,  (happened) 
because  the  people  made  me  afraid;  and 
therefore  thy  handmaid  said,  I  will  still  speak 
unto  the  king;  perhaps  the  king  may  act  (in 
accordance  with)  the  word  of  his  handmaid. 

16  For  the  king  may  hear  (me),  to  deliver 
his  handmaid  out  of  the  hand  of  the  man 
(that  desireth)  to  exterminate  me  and  my  son 
together  out  of  the  inheritance  of  God. 

17  And  tliy  handmaid  said.  May  the  word 
of  my  lord  the  king  now  become  (the  means 
of  giving)  repose ;  for  as  an  angel  of  God,  so 
is  my  lord  the  king  to  comprehend  the  good 
and  the  bad:  and  may  the  Lord  thy  God  be 
with  thee. 

18  T[  Then  answered  the  king  and  said 
unto  the  woman.  Conceal  not,  I  pray  thee, 
from  me  a  word  concerning  what  I  am  going 
to  ask  thee.  And  the  woman  said.  Let  my 
lord  the  king  but  speak. 

19  And  the  king  said,  Is  not  the  hand  of 
Joiib  with  thee  in  all  this?  And  the  woman 
answered  and  said.  As  thy  soul  liveth,  my 
lord,  0  king !  none  can  turn  to  the  right  or 
to  the  left  from  all  that  my  lord  the  king 
liath  spoken;  for  it  was  thy  servant  Joiib 
who  hath  bidden  me,  and  it  was  he  that  liatli 
put  in  the  mouth  of  thy  handmaid  all  these 
words.    , 

thoughts,  so  as  not  to  banish  from  him  the  banished." 
Sachs,  "Should  the  judge  not  desire,  and  devise  thoughts, 
that  the  banished  may  not  remain  banislicil  from  him''" 

3G9 


-/ 


2  SAMUEL  XIV.  XV. 


20  In  order  to  change  the  apjoearance  of 
the  matter  hath  thy  servant  Joab  done  this 
thing :  and  my  lord  is  wise,  according  to  the 
wisdom  of  an  angel  of  God,  to  know  all  that 
is  (done)  on  the  earth. 

21  ^  And  the  king  said  unto  Joab,  Behold, 
now,  thou  hast  done  this  thing:  go  then, 
brins:  back  the  voung  man  Abshalom. 

22  And  Joiib  fell  on  his  face  to  the  ground, 
and  bowed  himself,  and  blessed  the  king :  and 
Joiib  said,  To-day  is  thy  servant  convinced 
that  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  my  lord, 
0  king;  since  the  king  hath  acted  in  accord- 
ance with  the  word  of  thy  servant. 

23  And  JoJib  arose  and  went  to  Geshur, 
and  brought  Abshalom  to  Jerusalem. 

24  Tl  And  the  king  said,  Let  him  repair  to 
his  own  house,  but  my  face  he  shall  not  see. 
So  Abshalom  repaired  to  his  own  house,  but 
the  king's  fiice  he  did  not  see. 

25  ][  And  like  Abshalom  there  was  no  man 
as  handsome  in  all  Israel,  so  that  lie  was 
greatly  praised :  from  the  sole  of  his  foot  up  to 
the  crown  of  his  head  there  was  no  blemish 
on  him. 

26  And  when  he  shaved  off  (the  hair  of) 
his  head  (and  it  was  at  the  end  of  every 
year  that  he  shaved  it  ofl";  because  it  was  too 
heavy  on  him,  so  that  he  had  to  shave  it  ofl':) 
he  weighed  the  hair  of  his  head  at  two  hun- 
dred shekels  by  the  king's  weight. 

27  And  there  were  born  unto  Abshalom 
three  sons  and  one  daughter,  whose  name  was 
Tliamar :  this  one  was  a  woman  of  handsome 
appearance. 

28  ^  And  Abshalom  dwelt  two  full  years 
in  Jerusalem,  and  the  king's  face  he  did  not 
see. 

29  Abshalom  sent  out  therefore  for  Joab, 
to  send  him  to  the  king;  but  he  would  not 
come  to  him:  and  he  sent  again  the  second 
time;  but  he  would  not  come. 

30  He  thereupon  said  unto  his  servants. 
See,  Joilb's  field  is  alongside  of  mine,  and 
he  hath  barley  there:  go  and  set  it  on  fire. 
And  Abshalom's  servants  set  the  field  on 
fire. 

31  T[  Then  did  Joiib  arise,  and  he  went  to 
Abshalom  unto  his  house,  and  said  unto  him, 

°  (.  c.  The  place  where  the  public  meetings  and  courts 
were  held  in  Palestine.     It  is  customary  for  Eastern  kings 
to  give  audience   and  hold  judgment  early  iu  the  morn- 
ing, immediately  after  performing  their  devotions. 
370 


Wherefore  have  thy  servants  set  the  field  be- 
longing to  me  on  fire? 

32  And  Abshalom  said  to  Joab,  Behold,  I 
had  sent  unto  thee,  saying,  Come  hither,  that 
I  may  send  thee  to  the  king,  to  say,  Wherefore 
am  I  come  from  Geshur?  it  would  be  better 
for  me  were  I  yet  there :  and  now  let  me  see 
the  king's  face;  and  if  there  be  any  iniquity 
in  me,  let  him  put  me  to  death. 

33  So  Joiib  went  to  the  king,  and  told  it  to 
him :  and  he  called  for  Abshalom,  who  came 
to  the  king,  and  bowed  himself  on  his  face  to 
the  ground  before  the  king;  and  the  king 
kissed  Abshalom. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  tliat 
Abshalom  provided  for  himself  a  chariot 
and  horses,  and  fifty  men  who  ran  before 
him. 

2  And  Abshalom  rose  up  early,  and  stood 
on  the  side  of  the  way  to  the  gate :"  and  it 
happened,  that  whenever  a  man  who  had  a  con- 
troversy came  to  the  king  for  judgment,  Al> 
shalom  called  to  him,  and  said.  From  what 
city  art  thou?  And  he  said.  Thy  servant  is 
from  one  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

3  And  Abshalom  said  unto  him.  See,  thy 
words  are  good  and  right;  but  no  one  listeneth 
to  thee  on  the  part  of  the  king.'' 

4  And  Abshalom  said,  Oh  if  there  were  but 
one  to  appoint  me  judge  in  the  land,  so  that 
every  man  who  may  have  any  controversy  or 
cause  might  come  mito  me,  and  I  would  do 
him  justice! 

5  And  it  happened,  that  when  a  man  came 
nigh  to  bow  down  to  him,  he  used  to  jntt 
forth  his  hand,  and  laid  hold  of  him,  and 
kissed  him. 

6  And  Abshalom  did  after  this  manner  to 
all  Israel  that  came  to  the  king  for  judgment: 
and  thus  did  Abshalom  steal  the  heart  of  the 
men  of  Israel. 

7  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  forty'^ 
years,  that  Abshalom  said  unto  the  king,  Let 
me  go,  I  pray  thee,  and  fulfill  my  vo^v,  -w  Inch 
I  have  vowed  unto  the  Lord,  at  Hebron. 

8  For  thy  servant  vowed  a  vow  while  I 
abode  at  Geshur  in  Syria,  saying.  If  the  Lord 


''  i.  e.  There  is  no  one  ready  to  attend  to  the  case. 

°  The  Eabbins  suppose  this  period  is  reckoned  from  the 
time  that  the  people  asked  a  king  of  Samuel.  Others, 
the  time  when  David  was  anointed. 


2  SAMUEL  XV. 


rtill  ever  l)riiig  me  back  again  to  Jerusalem, 
then  will  I  serve  the  Lord. 

9  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  Go  in  peace : 
and  he  arose,  and  went  to  Hebron. 

10  T[  But  Abshalom  sent  spies  throughout 
all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  saying,  When  ye  hear 
the  sound  of  the  cornet,  then  shall  ye  say, 
Abshalom  is  become  king  at  Hebron. 

11  And  with  Abshalom  went  two  huudred 
men  out  of  Jerusalem,  who  were  invited,  and 
going  in  their  simplicity ;  and  they  knew  of 
nothing  whatever. 

12  And  Abshalom  sent  for  Achithophel 
the  Gilonite,  David's  counsellor,  from  his  city, 
from  Giloh,  while  he  ofiered  the  sacrifices. 
And  the  conspiracy  became  strong;  and  tlie 
people  increased  continually  with  Abshalom. 

13  And  there  came  a  news-bearer  to  David, 
saying,  The  heart  of  the  men  of  Israel  is 
turned  after  Abshalom. 

14  And  David  said  unto  all  his  servants 
that  were  with  him  at  Jerusalem,  Arise,  and 
let  us  flee;  for  there  will  not  (else)  be  any 
escape  for  us  from  Abshalom :  make  haste  to 
depart,  lest  he  make  haste  and  overtake  us 
suddenly  and  overwhelm  us  with  evil,  and 
smite  the  city  with  the  edge  of  the  sword. 

15  And  the  king's  servants  said  unto  the 
kiuij;.  In  accordance  with  sdl  that  my  lord 
the  king  may  choose,  are  thy  servants  ready. 

16  And  the  king  went  forth,  and  all  his 
household  in  his  train.  And  the  king  left 
behind  ten  women,  who  were  concubines,  to 
guard  the  house. 

17  And  the  king  went  forth,  and  all  the 
people  in  his  train,  and  tarried  in  a  place  that 
was  fixr  oS." 

18  And  all  his  servants  passed  on  along- 
side of  him,  and  all  the  Kerethites,  and  all 
the  Pelethites;  and  all  the  Gittites,  six  hun- 
dred men,  who  were  come  in  his  train  from 
Gath,  passed  on  before  the  king. 

19  Then  said  the  king  to  It'tai  the  Gittite, 
Wherefore  wilt  thou  also  go  with  us?  turn 
back  and  abide  with  the  l\iug;  for  thou 
art  a  stranger,  ami  also  an  exile  from  tli\ 
place.^ 

20  Yesterday  thou  earnest;  and  to-day 
should  I  move  thee  about  with  us  to  wander? 


*  Philippson  leaves  untranslated,  Bith-hammerchnk,  and 
supposes  it  was  a  well-known  house  at  some  distance  from 
Jerusalem,  so  called  in  the  manner  of  the  modern  phrase, 
"halfway  house." 


seeing  that  I  go  whither  I  may:  retui'n  thou, 
and  take  back  thy  brethren  with  thee,  in 
kindness  and  truth. 

21  And  Ittai  answered  the  king,  and  said. 
As  the  Lord  liveth,  and  as  my  lord  the  king 
liveth,  surely  in  whatever  place  my  lord  the 
king  may  be,  whether  for  death  or  lor  life, 
even  there  will  thy  servant  be. 

22  And  David  said  then  to  Ittai,  Go  and 
pass  on.  And  Ittai  the  Gittite  passed  on, 
and  all  his  men,  and  all  the  little  ones  that 
were  with  him. 

23  And  all  the  (people  of  the)  country 
wept  with  a  loud  voice,  as  all  the  people 
passed  on  :  and  the  king  passed  over  the 
brook  Kidron,  and  all  the  people  passed 
over,  along  the  way  to  the  wilderness. 

24  And  lo  Zadok  also,  and  all  the  Levites 
with  him,  were  bearing  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  God ;  and  they  set  down  the  ark  of 
God;  and  Ebyathar  went  up,  until  all  the 
people  had  finished  passing  out  of  the  city. 

25  ^  And  the  king  said  unto  Zadok,  Carry 
back  the  ark  of  God  into  the  city;  if  I  shall 
find  favour  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  he  will 
bring  me  back  again,  and  show  me  both  it, 
and  his  dwelling; 

26  But  if  he  should  thus  say,  I  have  no 
delight  in  thee :  here  am  I,  let  him  do  to  me 
as  seemeth  good  in  his  eyes. 

27  ^  The  king  said  also  unto  Zadok  the 
priest.  If  thou  see  the  justice  of  this,  return 
to  the  city  in  peace:  and  your  two  sons, 
x\cliima'az  thy  son,  and  Jonathan  the  son  of 
Ebyathar,  ai*e  with  you." 

28  See,  I  will  tarry  in  the  plain  of  the 
wilderness,  until  there  come  word  from  you 
to  bring  me  news. 

29  Zadok  therefore  and  Ebyathar  carried 
the  ark  of  God  again  to  Jerusalem :  and  they 
remained  there. 

30  And  David  went  up  by  the  ascent  of  the 
mount  of  Olives,  weeping  as  he  went  up,  and 
had  his  head  covered,  and  he  was  walking 
barefoot :  and  all  the  people  that  were  with 
him  covered  every  man  his  head,  and  they 
went  up,  weeping  as  they  went  up. 

31  And  some  one  told  David,  saying, 
Achithophel  is  among  the  conspirators  with 

"  Philippson,  who  views  the  '^  of -jDipaS  as  used  in  the 
sense  "for,"  an  exile  as  respects  (for)  thy  place.  Jona- 
than however,  "  If  thou  be  banished  (return)  to  thy  place." 

'  This  verse  is  rendered  after  Kashi. 

371 


2  SAMUEL  XV.  XVI. 


Abshaloni.  And  David  said,  I  pray  thee, 
turn  into  foolishness  the  counsel  of  Achitho- 
phel,  0  Lord! 

32  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  David 
was  come  to  the  top,  where  he  used  to  bow 
himself  down  to  God,  Ijehold,  Chushai  the 
Arkite  came  to  meet  him  with  his  coat  rent, 
and  earth  upon  his  head. 

33  And  David  said  unt(j  him.  If  thou  pas.s- 
est  on  with  me,  thou  wouldst  be  a  burden 
unto  me; 

34  But  if  thou  shouldst  return  to  the 
city,  and  say  unto  Abshalom,  Thy  servant 
will  I  be,  0  king;  thy  lather's  servant  have  I 
been  this  long  time  past,  and  now  will  I  also 
be  thy  servant:  then  mightest  thou  defeat 
for  me  the  counsel  of  Achithopel. 

35  And,  behold,  thou  hast  with  thee  there 
Zadok  and  Ebyathar  the  priests;  therefore 
shall  it  be,  that  what  thing  soever  thou  may- 
est  hear  out  of  the  king's  house,  shalt  thou 
tell  to  Zadok  and  Ebyathar  the  priests. 

36  Behold,  they  have  tliere  with  them 
their  two  sons,  Achima'az  for  Zadok,  and 
Jonathan  for  Ebyathar:  and  ye  shall  send 
by  means  of  them  unto  me  whatever  thing 
ye  can  hear. 

37  So  Chushai,  David's  friend,  came  into 
the  city,  as  Abshalom  had  just  resolved  to 
enter  into  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  XVL 

1  And  when  David  was  passed  a  little  be- 
yond the  top  (of  the  mount),  behold,  Ziba  the 
servant  of  Mephibosheth  came  toward  him, 
Avith  a  couple  of  asses  saddled,  and  upon  them 
two  hundred  loaves  of  bread,  and  a  hundred 
bunches  of  raisins,  and  a  hundred  (cakes)  of 
dried  figs,"  and  a  bottle  of  wine. 

2  And  the  king  said  unto  Ziba,  What 
meanest  thou  with  these?  And  Ziba  said, 
The  asses  are  for  the  king's  household  to  ride 
on ;  and  the  bread  and  the  dried  figs  for  the 
young  men  to  eat;  and  the  wine  to  drink 
for  such  as  may  be  faint  in  the  wilderness. 

3  And  the  king  said,  And  where  is  thy 
master's  son?  And  Ziba  said  unto  the  king, 
Behold,  he  remaineth  at  Jerusalem;  for  he 
said,  To-day  will  the  house  of  Israel  restore 
unto  me  the  kingdom  of  my  father. 


'  After  Jonathan ;  but  |"p  literally,  means  "summer." 
''  After  the  Massorali ;  others,  "as  alsd  all  the  people 
aud  all  the  mighty  men  on  his  right  and  loft." 
372 


4  Then  said  tiie  king  to  Ziba,  Behold, 
thine  shall  be  all  that  pertaineth  unto  Mephi- 
bosheth. And  Ziba  said,  I  prostrate  myself: 
let  me  but  find  grace  in  thy  eyes,  my  lord,  0 
king. 

5  And  when  king  David  came  as  far  as 
Bachurim,  behold,  there  came  out  thence  a 
man  of  the  family  of  the  house  of  Saiil,  whose 
name  was  Shim'i,  the  son  of  Gera,  coming 
forth,  and  cursing. 

6  And  he  cast  stones  at  David,  and  at  all 
the  servants  of  king  David :''  and  all  the  peo- 
ple and  all  the  mighty  men  were  on  his  right 
and  on  his  left. 

7  And  thus  said  Shim'i  as  he  cursed. 
Away,  away,  thou  man  of  blood,  and  thou 
worthless  man! 

8  The  Lord  hath  brought  back  upon  tliee 
all  the  blood  of  the  house  of  Saiil,  in  whose 
stead  thou  didst  reign;  and  the  Lord  hath 
placed  the  kingdom  into  the  hand  of  Aljsha- 
lom  thy  son ;  and,  behold,  thou  art  now  in  thy 
misfortune,  because  a  man  of  blood  art  thou. 

9  Then  said  Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruyah 
unto  the  king.  Why  should  tins  dead  dog 
curse  my  lord  the  king?  let  me  go  over,  I 
pray  thee,  and  remove  his  head. 

10  And  the  king  said.  What  have  I  to  do 
with  you,  ye  sons  of  Zeruyah  ?  so  let  him 
curse;  because  the  Lord  hath  said  unto 
him,  Curse  David.  Who  shall  then  say. 
Wherefore  hast  thou  done  so  ? 

11  And  David  said  to  Abishai,  and  to  all 
his  servants.  Behold,  my  son,  who  hath  come 
forth  out  of  my  own  body,  seeketh  my  lil'e  : 
how  much  more  now  this  Benjamite?  let  him 
alone,  and  let  him  curse;  for  the  Lord  hath 
said  it  to  him. 

12  Perhaps  the  Lord  will  look  on  my 
affliction,"  and  the  Lord  will  requite  me  good 
instead  of  his  cursing  this  day. 

13  ^  And  David  and  his  men  went  (thus) 
on  the  way. 

T[  And  Shim'i  went  on  the  side  of  the 
mount  opposite  to  him,  and  cursed  as  he 
went,  and  threw  stones  toward  him,  and  cast 
dust.* 

14  ^  And  the  king,  and  all  tlie  peo]ile 
that  were  with  him,  arrived  Aveary,  and  re- 
freshed themselves  there." 

°  Rashi  after  Jonathan,  "(the  tears  of)  my  eye." 
""  Others,  "cast  up  the  dust,"  viz.,  in  walking  hcfure 
David.  '  Bachurim. 


2  SAMUEL  XVI.  XVII. 


15  And  Abshalom,  iind  all  the  people  the 
men  of  Israel,  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  Achi- 
thopliol  (iilso)  with  him. 

16  Anil  it  oanu'  to  pass,  when  Chushai  the 
Arkite,  David's  friend,  was  come  unto  Ab- 
slialom,  that  Chushai  said  unto  Abshalom, 
Long-  liv^e  the  king!     Long  live  the  king! 

17  And  Abshalom  said  to  Chushai,  Is  this 
thy  kindness  for  thy  friend?  why  art  thou 
not  gone  with  thy  friend? 

18  And  Chushai  said  unto  Abshalom,  No; 
but  whom  the  Lord,  and  this  people,  and  all 
the  men  of  Israel  have  chosen,  his  will  I  be, 
and  with  him  will  I  remain. 

19  And  secondly,  who  is  it  whom  I  shall 
serve?  is  it  not  in  the  presence  of  his  son?  as 
I  liave  served  in  thy  father's  presence,  so  will 
I  be  in  thy  presence. 

20  ]f  Then  said  Abshalom  to  Achithophel, 
Hold  counsel  among  yourselves  as  to  what  we 
shall  do. 

21  And  Achithophel  said  unto  Abshalom, 
Go  in  unto  thy  lather's  concul^ines,  whom  he 
hath  left  to  guard  the  house;  and  all  Israel 
will  hear  that  thou  art  in  bad  odour  with 
thy  father:  and  then  Avill  the  hands  of  all 
that  are  with  thee  become  strong. 

22  So  they  spread  for  Abshalom  a  tent  upon 
the  roof;  and  Abshalom  went  in  unto  his 
lather's  conculjines  before  the  eyes  of  all 
Israel. 

23  And  the  counsel  of  Achithophel,  which 
he  counselled  in  those  days,  Avas  as  if  a  man 
had  asked  advice  of  the  word  of  God:  so  was 
all  the  counsel  of  Achithophel  both  with 
David  and  with  Abshalom.  . 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  T[  Moreover  Achithophel  said  unto  Ab- 
shalom, D(j  let  me  now  select  twelve  thou- 
sand men,  and  I  will  arise  and  pursue  after 
David  this  night; 

2  And  I  will  come  upon  him  while  he  is 
weary  and  weak-handed,  and  will  terrify  him; 
so  that  all  the  people  that  are  with  him  will 
tiee;  and  I  will  smite  the  king  alone; 

3  And  I  will  bring  back  all  the  people  unto 
thee:  when  all  return  (except")  the  man  whom 
thou  seekest,  all  the  people  will  be  in  peace. 


'  After  Sacbs,  who  follows  Rashi,  in  supplying  "ex- 
cept," meaning,  tbat  David  aloue  should  perish,  where- 
fore the  whole  people  would  submit  to  Abshalom  without 


4  And  the  thing  Avas  pleasing  in  the  eyes 
of  Abshalom,  and  in  the  eyes  of  .all  the  elders 
of  Israel. 

5  ^  Then  said  Abshalom,  Do  call  now  also 
Chushai  the  Arkite,  and  let  us  hear  what  he 
likewise  beareth  in  his  mouth. 

G  And  when  (Inishai  was  come  to  Absha- 
lom, Abshalom  said  unto  him,  as  followeth, 
Such  words  as  these  hath  Achithophel  spoken  : 
shall  we  do  after  his  words?  if  not,  do  thou 
speak. 

7  ][  And  Chushai  snid  unto  Abshalom, 
The  counsel  that  Achithophel  hath  given  at 
this  time  is  not  good. 

8  And  Chushai  said,  Thou  well  knowest 
thy  father  and  liis  men,  that  they  ai-e  mighty 
men,  and  are  of  an  imbittered  spirit,  as  a  bear 
robljed  of  her  whelps  in  the  field :  and  thy 
father  is  also  a  man  of  war,  and  will  not  lodge 
with  the  people. 

9  Behold,  he  is  now  hidden  in  some  one 
of  the  pits,  or  in  some  one  of  the  (other) 
places :  and  it  will  come  to  pass,  when  some 
of  them  should  fall  at  the  first  onset,  that  who- 
soever heareth  it  would  say,  There  hath  been 
a  slaughter  among  the  people  that  follow  Ab- 
shalom. 

10  And  he  also  that  is  most  valiant,  whose 
heart  is  as  the  heart  of  the  lion,  would  Ijeconie 
quite  discouraged ;  for  all  Israel  knoweth  that 
thy  father  is  a  mighty  man,  and  they  who 
are  with  him  are  valiant  persons. 

11  But  I  counsel  that  all  Israel  be  gathered 
together  unto  thee,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer- 
sheba',  like  the  sand  that  is  by  the  sea  in 
multitude:  while  thou  in  thy  own  person 
goest  into  the  fight. 

12  And  when  we  come  upon  him  in  some 
one  of  the  places  where  he  may  be  found,  we 
will  encamp  around  him  as  the  dew  falleth  on 
the  earth :  and  there  shall  not  be  left  of 
him  and  of  all  tlu;  men  that  are  with  him 
so  much  as  one. 

13  And  if  he  should  withdraw  into  a  city, 
then  shall  all  Israel  bring  ropes  to  that  city, 
and  we  will  drag  it  into  the  stream,  until 
there  be  not  found  there  even  one  small 
stone. 

14  ^  And  Abshalom  and  all  the  men  of 


war.  Philippson  renders  ty\xn  as  a  collective  noun,  "the 
populace;"  thus,  "as  soon  as  all  the  populace  whom  thou 
seekest  return,"  &c. 

373 


2  SAMUEL  XVII.  XVIIt. 


Israel  said,  The  counsel  of  Cliushai  the  Arkite 
is  better  thau  the  counsel  of  Achithophel. 

^  But  the  Lord  had  ordained  to  frustrate 
the  good  counsel  of  Achithophel,  to  the  intent 
that  the  Lord  might  bring  the  evil  upon  Ab- 
shalom. 

15  Tl  Then  said  Chushai  unto  Zadok  and 
to  Ebyathar  the  priests,  Thus  and  thus  did 
Achithophel  counsel  Abshalom  and  the  elders 
of  Israel;  and  thus  and  thus  have  I  coun- 
selled. 

16  Now  therefore  send  quickly,  and  tell 
David,  saying.  Lodge  not  this  night  in  the 
plains  of  the  wilderness,  but  rather  pass  over 
at  once;"  lest  the  king  be  entirely  ruined,'' 
and  all  the  people  that  are  with  him. 

17  Now  Jonathan  and  Achima'az  were 
staying  by  'En-rogel ;  and  a  maid-servant  had 
to  go  and  tell  them,  that  they  should  go  and 
tell  king  David;  for  they  dared  not  be  seen 
to  come  into  the  city. 

18  Nevertheless  a  lad  saw  them,  and  told 
it  to  Abshalom ;  but  they  went,  both  of  them, 
quickly  away,  and  came  to  the  house  of  a 
man  in  Bachurim,  who  had  a  well  in  his 
court;  and  they  went  down  thither. 

19  And  the  wife  took  and  spread  a  covering 
over  the  well's  mouth,  and  scattered  ground 
corn  thereupon;  so  that  nothing  was  per- 
ceived. 

20  And  Abshalom's  servants  came  to  the 
woman  into  the  house,  and  they  said.  Where 
are  Achima'az  and  Jonathan?  And  the  wo- 
man said  unto  them,  They  are  passed  over 
the  brook  of  water."  And  they  sought,  but 
could  not  find  them;  and  they  returned  to 
Jerusalem. 

21  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  they  were 
gone,  that  they  came  up  out  of  the  well,  and 
went  and  told  it  to  king  David,  and  they  said 
unto  David,  Arise,  and  pass  quickly  over  the 
water;  for  thus  hath  Achithophel  counselled 
against  you. 

22  Then  did  David  arise,  and  all  the  peo- 
ple that  were  with  him,  and  they  passed  over 
the  Jordan:  by  the  time  the  morning  was 
light,  not  even  one  was  lacking  who  had  not 
passed  over  the  Jordan. 

23  And  when  Achithophel  saw  that  his 


•  The  Jordan. 

'  Ileb.  "be  swalliiwed  up." 
"  Jonathan,  "  The  Jordnn." 
.?71 


counsel  was  not  followed,  he  saddled  the  ass, 
and  arose,  and  went  home  to  his  house,  to  his 
city,  and  gave  his  chai'ge  to  his  household, 
and  hanged  himself;  and  he  died,  and  was 
buried  in  the  sepulchre  of  his  father. 

24  ^[  Then  came  David  to  Machanayim: 
and  Abshalom  passed  over  the  Jordan,  he 
and  all  the  men  of  Israel  with  him. 

25  And  Abshalom  placed  'Amassa  instead 
of  Joiib  as  captain  over  the  army :  and  'Amassa 
was  the  son  of  a  man,  whose  name  was  Yithra 
the  Israelite,  who  had  gone  in  to  Abigal  the 
daughter  of  Nachash/  the  sister  of  Zeruyah 
Joab's  mother. 

20  And  Israel  and  Abshalom  encamped  In 
the  land  of  Gil'ad. 

27  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  David 
was  come  to  Machanayim,  that  Shobi  the  son 
of  Nachash  of  Kabbah  of  the  cliildren  of 
'Amnion,  and  Machir  the  son  of  'Ammiel  of 
Lo-debar,  and  Barzillai  the  Gil'adite  of  Ro- 
gelim, 

28  Brought  beds,  and  bowls,  and  earthen 
vessels,  and  wheat,  and  barley,  and  flour,  and 
parched  coi'n,  and  beans,  and  lentiles,  and 
parched  pulse, 

29  And  honey,  and  cream,  and  sheep,  and 
cow's  cheese,  for  David,  and  for  the  people 
that  were  with  him,  to  eat;  for  they  said. 
The  people  are  hungry,  and  weary,  and  thirsty, 
in  the  wilderness. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  And  David  numbered  the  people  that 
were  with  liim,  and  he  set  over  them  captains 
of  thousands  and  captains  of  hundreds. 

2  And  David  sent  forth  the  people  a  third 
part  under  the  command  of  Joab,  and  a  third 
part  under  the  command  of  Abishai  the  son 
of  Zeruyah,  Joab's  brother,  and  a  third  part 
under  the  command  of  Ittai  the  Gittite. 

^  And  the  king  said  unto  the  people,  I 
myself  also  will  without  fail  go  forth  with 
you. 

3  But  the  people  said,  Thou  shalt  not  go 
forth;  for  if  we  should  have  to  flee  away, 
tliey  will  not  care  for  us;  and  if  half  of  us 
die,  they  will  not  care  for  us;  for  now  thou 
art  worth  ten  thousand  of  us:  therefore  now 


*  Herxheimer  supposes  that  Nachash  may  have  been  the 
first  husband  of  David's  mother;  others  think  that  Na- 
chash is  idcntiral  witli  Josse. 


2  SAMUEL  XVIll. 


it  is  better  tlitit  thou  shouldst  be  a  succour 
to  us  out  of  the  city. 

4  And  tlie  king  said  unto  them,  What 
seemeth  good  in  your  eyes  will  I  do.  And 
the  king  placed  himself  by  the  side  of  the 
gate,  and  all  the  people  went  out  by  hundreds 
and  by  thousands. 

5  And  the  king  commanded  Joiib  and  Abi- 
shai  and  Ittai,  saying,  Deal  gently  for  my  sake 
with  the  young  man,  with  Abshalom.  And 
all  the  people  heard  when  the  king  charged 
all  the  captains  with  respect  to  Abshalom. 

6  So  the  people  went  out  into  the  field 
against  Israel:  and  the  battle  took  place  in 
the  forest  of  Ephraim. 

7  And  the  peojile  of  Israel  were  smitten  there 
before  David's  servants,  and  the  slaughter  was 
great  there  on  that  day — twenty  thousand 
men. 

8  And  the  battle  became  extended  there 
over  the  face  of  all  the  country:  and  the 
forest  devoured  yet  more  of  the  people  than 
the  sword  had  devoured  on  that  daj^ 

9  And  Abshalom  happened  to  come  before 
the  servants  of  David.  And  Abshalom  was 
riding  upon  a  mule,  and  the  mule  came  under 
the  thick  boughs  of  a  great  oak,  and  his  head 
caught  hold  of  the  oak,  and  he  was  left  hang- 
ing'' Ijetween  the  heaven  and  the  earth:  and 
the  mule  that  was  under  him  passed  on. 

10  And  a  certain  man  saw,  and  told  it  to 
Joilb,  and  said.  Behold,  I  have  seen  Abshalom 
hanging  on  an  oak. 

11  And  Joab  said  unto  the  man  that  told 
him,  And.  behold,  thou  sawest  him:  why  then 
didst  thou  not  smite  him  there  to  the  ground  ? 
and  it  would  have  been  obligatory  on  me  to 
give  thee  ten  shekels  of  silver  and  a  girdle. 

12  And  the  man  said  unto  Joiib,  And 
though  I  should  weigh  on  my  hands  a  thou- 
sand shekels  of  silver,  I  would  not  stretch 
forth  my  hand  against  the  kings  son ;  for  be- 
fore our  ears  did  the  king  charge  thee  and 
Abishai  and  Ittai,  saying.  Take  heed,  who- 
ever it  lie,  of  the  young  man,  of  Abshalom. 

•  Lit.  "was  put." 

*"  Meaning,  .Should  I  have  even  pretended  not  to  know 
of  the  king's  injunction,  still  would  my  life  have  paid  the 
forfeit,  as  David  discovers  all  things;  and  thou  Joiib 
wouldest  then  have  stood  aloof,  and  let  justice  be  executed 
against  so  common  a  man,  without  interposing.  Phil- 
ippson  translates,  "  or  should  I  act  falsely  in  my  soul,"  i.  e. 
against  my  better  knowledge. — ij:n  is  not  "against,"  but 
"at  a  distance,"  or  as  here  given,  "  aloof" 


13  Or  should  I  even  have  acted  with  false- 
hood against  my  own  life,  since  there  is  no 
matter  which  can  be  hidden  from  the  king; 
thou  wouldst  surely  have  placed  thyself  aloof' 

14  Then  said  Joiib,  I  will  not  wait"  thus 
before  thee.  And  he  took  three  darts  in  his 
hand,  and  thrust  them  into  the  heart  of 
Abshalom,  who  was  yet  alive  in  the  midst'' 
of  the  oak. 

15  And  ten  young  men,  Joab's  armour- 
bearers,  encompassed  and  smote  Abshalom, 
and  slew  him. 

IG  And  Joiib  blew  the  cornet,  and  the  peo- 
ple returned  from  pursuing  after  Israel;  for 
Joiib  restrained  the  people. 

17  And  they  took  Abshalom,  and  cast  him 
down  in  the  forest,  into  the  large  pit,  and 
erected  upon  him  a  very  great  heap  of  stones : 
and  all  Israel  fled,  every  one,  to  his  tents. 

18  Now  Abshalom  had  taken  and  reared 
up  for  himself  in  his  lifetime,  the  pillar,  which 
is  in  the  king's  dale;  for  he  said,  I  have  no" 
son,  so  as  to  keep  my  name  in  remembrance; 
and  he  called  the  pillar  after  his  own  name  : 
and  it  was  called  Abshalom's  monument, 
even  until  this  day. 

19  ^  And  Achima'az  the  son  of  Zadok 
said,  Do  let  me  run,  I  pray  thee,  and  bear 
the  king  tidings,  tliat  the  Lord  hath  done 
him  justice  from  the  power  of  his  enemies. 

20  And  Joiib  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  not 
the  man  to  bear  (good)  tidings  this  day,  and 
thou  shalt  bear  tidings  another  day ;  but  this 
day  thou  shalt  bear  no  tidings,  because  the 
king's  son  is  dead. 

21  ^  Then  said  Joiib  to  the  Cushi,^  Go 
tell  the  king  what  thou  hast  seen.  And 
Cushi  bowed  himself  unto  Joiib,  and  ran. 

22  Then  said  Achima'az  the  son  of  Zadok 
yet  again  to  Joiib,  Be  it  as  it  may,  let  me,  I 
pray  thee,  run  also  after  the  Cu.shi.  And  Joiib 
said,  Wherefore  is  it  that  thou  wilt  run,  my  son, 
seeing  that  thou  hast  no  profitable^  tidings  ? 

23  But  be  it  as  it  may,  let  me  run.  And 
he  said  unto  him.  Run.     And  Achima'az  ran 

°  Rasbi,  "entreat  thee." 

"  Heb.  "  heart." 

■^  Some  suppose  that  it  means,  that  none  of  his  sons 
was  destined  to  succeed  him;  others,  that  perhaps  they 
had  not  been  born  when  he  erected  this  pillar;  others 
that  they  had  died. 

'  Probably  an  ./Ethiopian  attached  to  David's  service. 

'  After  Rashi. 

375 


2  SAMUEL  XVIII.  XIX. 


by   the   way   of  the   plain,   and    passed    the 
Cushi. 

24  And  David  was  sitting  between  the  two 
gates:  and  the  watchman"  went  up  to  the 
roof  of  the  gate,  upon  the  wall,  and  as  he 
lifted  up  his  eyes,  he  saw,  and  behold,  a  man 


was  running  alone. 


25  And  the  watchman  ci'ied,  and  told  it  to 
the  king.  And  the  king  said,  If  he  be  alone, 
there  are  tidings  in  his  mouth.  And  he  came 
nearer  and  nearer  continually. 

26  And  the  watchman  saw  another  man 
running:  and  tlie  watchman  called  unto  the 
gate-keeper,  and  said,  Behold,  here  is  a  man 
running  alone.  And  the  king  said,  Also  this 
one  bringeth  tidings. 

27  And  the  watchman  said,  I  regard  the 
running  of  the  foremost  as  the  running  of 
Achima'az  the  son  of  Zadok.  And  the  king 
said.  That  is  a  good  man,  and  with  good  tidings 
must  he  come. 

28  And  Achima'az  called,  and  said  unto 
the  king.  Peace.  And  he  prostrated  himself 
to  the  king  vfith  his  face  to  the  earth,  and 
said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  hath 
surrendered  the  men  that  had  lifted  up  their 
hand  against  my  lord  the  king. 

29  ][  And  the  king  said.  Is  the  young  man 
Abshalom  safe?*"  And  Achima'az  answered,  I 
saw  the  greatest  crowd  when  Joab  sent  off  the 
king's"  servant,  and  thy  servant;  but  I  know 
not  what  hath  happened. 

30  And  the  king  said.  Turn  aside,  place 
thyself  here.  And  he  turned  aside,  and  re- 
mained staTiding. 

31  And,  behold,  the  Cushi  came  (next); 
and  the  Cushi  said,  Let  my  lord  the  king 
receive  the  tidings,  that  the  Lord  hath  done 
thee  justice  this  day  trom  the  power  of  all 
those  that  had  risen  up  against  thee. 

32  ]f  And  the  king  said  unto  the  Cushi,  Is 
the  young  man  Abshalom  safe?  And  the 
Cushi  answered.  May  like  the  young  man  be 
the  enemies  of  my  lord  the  king,  and  all  that 
have  risen  up  against  thee  tor  evil. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ^  ''And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and 


•  Correctly,  "  the  look  out." 
"  Heb.  "  Is  then!  \,r:iPK  to,"  &c. 
'  i.  e.  The  CiLshi  and  himself. 
''  This  verse  is  the  v.  83J  of  ch.  xviii. 
version. 

;)76 


the  Enelisl 


he  went  up  to  the  upper  chamber  of  the  gate, 
and  wept :  and  thus  he  said  as  he  went,  0  my 
son  Abshalom,  my  son,  my  son  Abshalom! 
who  would  grant  that  I  had  died  in  thy  stead, 
0  Abshalom,  my  son,  my  son ! 

2  And  it  was  told  unto  Joab,  Behold,  the 
king  is  weeping  and  he  mourneth  for  Absha- 
lom. 

3  And  the  victory'  on  that  day  was  turned 
into  mourning  unto  all  the  people;  for  the 
people  heard  it  said  on  that  day,  that  the 
king  was  grieved  for  his  son. 

4  And  the  people  repaired  by  stealth  on 
that  day  when  coming  into  the  city,  as  usually 
steal  away  the  people  who  are  ashamed  when 
they  flee  in  battle. 

5  But  the  king  covered  his  face,  and  the 
king  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  0  my  son 
Abshalom,  0  Abshalom,  my  son,  my  son ! 

6  ^f  And  Joiib  came  to  the  king,  into  the 
house,  and  said.  Thou  hast  covered  with 
shame  this  day  the  faces  of  all  thy  servants, 
who  have  saved  thy  life  this  day,  and  the 
life  of  thy  sons  and  of  thy  daughters,  and  the 
life  of  thy  wives,  and  the  life  of  thy  concu- 
bines ; 

7  Since  thou  lovest  thy  enemies,  and  hatest 
thy  friends;  for  thou  hast  declared  this  day, 
that  thou  hast  neither  princes  nor  servants;' 
for  I  perceive  this  day,  that  if  Abshalom  were 
but  alive,  and  we  all  were  dead  this  day,  that 
then  it  would  have  been  just  right  in  thy 
eyes. 

8  And  now  arise,  go  forth,,  and  speak  to 
the  heart^  of  thy  servants;  for  by  the  Lord 
have  I  sworn,  that  if  thou  go  not  forth,  there 
shall  not  remain  one  man  with  thee  this 
night:  and  this  would  be  worse  unto  thee 
tlian  all  the  evil  that  hath  befallen  thee  from 
thy  youth  until  now.'' 

9  ^  Then  the  king  arose,  and  sat  in  the 
gate.  And  they  told  it  unto  all  the  people, 
saying.  Behold,  the  king  is  sitting  in  the  gate. 
And  all  the  people  came  before  the  king; 
but  Israel  lied,  every  man  to  his  tents. 

10  ^  And  all  the  people  were  contending 
tliroughout  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  saying. 
The  king  hath  saved  us  out  of  the  hand  of 

'  Heb.  "salvation,"  or  "deliverance." 
'  /.  e.  That  they  are  nothing  in  his  estimation. 
'  i.  c.  Cheerfully  and  encouragingly. 
''  Because  there  wore  yet  many  disaffected,  who  probably 
would  have  souf^ht  David's  life. 


2  SAMUEL  XIX. 


our  cnoniies,  and  he  it  was  that  hath  delivered 
usoutot'the  hand  of  the  Philistines;  and  now 
he  is  tied  outof  the  land  from  hefore  Abshalom. 

11  And  Abshalom,  whom  we  had  anointed 
over  us,  died  in  battle:  and  now  why  are  ye 
silent  about  bringing  the  king  back? 

12  ^  And  king  David  sent  to  Zadok  and 
to  Ehyathar  the  priests,  saying,  Speak  ye  unto 
the  elders  of  Judah,  saying,  Why  will  you  be 
the  last  to  bring  the  king  back  to  his  house  ? 
seeing  the  speech  of  all  Israel  is  already  come 
to  the  king,  to  his  house. 

13  My  brothers  are  ye,  my  bone  and  my 
flesh  are  ye :  wherefore  then  will  you  be  the 
last  to  bring  Ijack  the  king  ? 

14  And  to  'Amassa  shall  ye  say.  Art  thou 
not  my  bone  and  my  flesh?  May  God  do  so 
to  me,  and  may  he  thus  continue  to  do,  if 
thou  shalt  not  be  captain  of  the  army  before 
me  continually  in  the  room  of  JoJil). 

15  And  he"  tunied  the  heart  of  all  the  men 
of  Judah,  as  of  one  man :  and  these  sent  unto 
the  king,  Eeturn  thou,  with  all  thy  servants. 

16  So  the  king  returned,  and  came  as  far 
as  the  Jordan  ;  and  Judah  came  to  Gilgal,  to 
go  forth  to  meet  the  king,  to  conduct  the 
king  over  the  Jordan. 

17  Then  hastened  Shim'i  the  son  of  Gera, 
the  Benjamite,  who  was  of  Bachurim,  and 
went  down  with  the  men  of  Judah  to  meet 
king  David. 

18  And  there  were  with  him  a  thousand 
men  of  Benjamin,  and  Ziba  the  servant  of 
the  house  of  Saiil,  and  his  fifteen  sons  and 
his  twenty  servants  with  him ;  and  they  set 
hastily  over  the  Jordan  before  the  king. 

19  And  there  went  over  the  ferry-boat  to 
carry  over  the  king's  household,  and  to  do 
what  was  good  in  his  eyes.  And  Shim'i  the 
son  of  Gera  fell  down  befoi'e  the  king,  as  he 
was  passing  over  the  Jordan ; 

20  And  he  said  unto  the  king.  Let  not  my 
lord  impute  it  unto  me  as  iniquity,  neither  do 
thou  remember  that  in  which  thy  servant 
acted  perversely  on  the  day  that  my  lord  the 
king  went  forth  out  of  Jerusalem,  so  that  the 
king  should  lay  it  to  his  heart. 

21  For  thy  servant  doth  know  that  I  have 
indeed  sinned  ;  and,  behold,  I  am  come  this 
day  the  first  of  all  the  house  of  Joseph''  to  go 
down  to  meet  my  lord  the  king. 


e.  'Amassa;  others  refer  ''he"  to  David. 
■2  X 


22  But  Aljishai  the  son  of  Zeruyah  spoke 
out  and  said.  Shall  Shim'i  for  this  not  be 
put  to  death,  because  he  cursed  the  Lord's 
anointed? 

23  And  David  said,  What  have  I  to  do 
with  you,  ye  sons  of  Zeruyah,  that  ye  should 
become  a  hinderance  this  day  unto  me?  shall 
this  day  any  man  be  put  to  death  in  Israel? 
for  do  I  not  know  that  this  day  I  am  king 
over  Israel? 

24  And  the  king  said  unto  Shim'i,  Thou 
shalt  not  die.     And  the  king  swore  unto  him. 

25  1[  And  Mephibosheth  the  (grand-)son 
of  Saiil  came  down  to  meet  the  king,  and  he 
had  not  dressed  his  feet,  nor  trimmed  his 
beard,  nor  washed  his  clothes,  from  the  day 
that  the  king  departed  until  the  day  that  he 
came  home  in  peace. 

26  And  it  came  fo  pass,  when  he  was  come 
to  Jerusalem  to  meet  the  king,  that  the  king 
said  unto  him.  Wherefore  didst  thou  not  go 
with  me,  Mephibosheth? 

27  And  he  answered,  My  lord,  0  king,  my 
servant  deceived  me;  for  thv  sei'vant  said,  I 
will  saddle  for  me  the  ass,  that  I  ma}'  ride 
thereon,  and  go  with  the  king;  because  thy 
servant  is  lame. 

28  And  he  slandei'ed  thy  servant  unto  my 
lord  the  king;  l)ut  my  loi'd  the  king  is  like 
an  angel  of  God :  do  then  what  is  good  in 
thy  eyes. 

29  For  all  of  my  father's  house  were  no- 
thing but  men  deserving  death  with  my  lord 
the  king :  and  yet  didst  thou  set  thy  servant 
among  those  that  eat  at  thy  own  table.  What 
other  merit  therefore  have  I,  and  what  to 
complain  of  yet  farther  unto  the  king  ? 

30  \  And  the  king  said  unto  him,  For 
what  purpose  speakest  thou  yet  thy  words? 
I  have  said,  Thou  and  Ziba  shall  divide  the 
field. 

31  And  Mephibosheth  said  unto  the  king, 
Yea,  let  him  take  the  whole,  since  that  my 
lord  the  king  is  come  (back)  in  peace  unto 
his  own  house. 

32  \  And  Barzillai  the  Gil'adite  came  down 
from  Eogelim ;  and  he  passed  over  the  Jordan 
with  the  king,  to  accompany  him  over  the 
Jordan. 

33  Now  Barzillai  was  very  aged,  eighty 
years  old :  and  he  had  sustained  the  king 


e.  All  Israel,  in  opposition  to  Judah. 

377 


2  SAMUEL  XIX.  XX. 


while  he  lay  at  Machanayim;  for  he  was  a 
very  great  man. 

34  And  the  king  said  unto  Barzillai,  Come 
thou  over  with  me,  and  I  will  sustain  thee 
near  me  in  Jerusalem. 

35  But  Barzillai  said  unto  the  king,  How 
many  yet  are  the  days  of  tlie  years  of  my 
life,  that  I  should  go  up  with  the  king  to 
Jerusalem  ? 

30  I  am  eighty  years  old  this  day :  can  I 
discern  between  good  and  evil?  or  can  thy 
servant  taste  what  I  eat  or  what  I  drink  ?  or 
can  I  listen  yet  to  the  voice  of  singing  men 
and  singing  women?  wherefore  then  should 
thy  servant  become  yet  a  burden  unto  my 
lord  the  king? 

37  Thy  servant  will"  pass  a  little  way 
over  the  Jordan  with  the  king:  and  why 
should  the  king  recompense  me  with  this  re- 
ward ? 

38  Let  thy  servant,  I  pray  thee,  turn  back 
again,  that  I  may  die  in  my  own  city,  by  the 
sepulchre  of  my  father  and  of  my  mother. 
But,  behold,  thy  servant  Kimham  will  pass 
over  with  my  lord  the  king;  and  do  to  him 
what  is  good  in  thy  eyes. 

39  And  the  king  said,  Kimham  shall 
pass  over  with  me,  and  I  will  do  to  him  that 
which  shall  seem  good  in  thy  eyes :  and  what- 
soever thou  wilt  desire  of  me,''  will  I  do  for 
thee. 

40  And  all  the  people  passed  over  the  Jor- 
dan, after  the  king  had  passed  over;  and  the 
king  kissed  Barzillai,  and  blessed  him;  and 
he  returned  unto  his  own  place. 

41  ^\  Then  did  the  king  pass  on  to  Gilgal, 
and  Kindian  passed  on  with  him :  and  all  the 
jieople  of  Judah  conducted  the  king,  and  also 
lialf  the  people  of  Israel. 

42  And,  behold,  all  the  men  of  Israel  came 
to  the  king,  and  said  unto  the  king,  Why 
have  our  brethren  the  men  of  Judah  stolen 
thee  away,  and  have  conducted  the  king  and 
his  household  over  the  Jordan,  and  all  David's 
men  with  him? 

43  T[  And  all  the  men  of  Judah  replied  to 
the  men  of  Israel,  Because  the  king  is  near  of 
kin  to  us:  wherefore  then  are  ye  so  angry 
for   this    matter?  have  we   eaten    the  least 

"  After  Raslii ;  but  Sachs,  "  Scarcely  is  tliy  servant  able 
to  pass  over,"  &c. 

''  Lit.  "choose  by  mc." 
"Jonathan,  "of  the  king's  property." 
378 


from  the  king?"  or  hath  he  given  us   any 
gift? 

44  ^  And  the  men  of  Israel  answered  the 
men  of  Judah,  and  said.  Ten  parts  have  we"* 
in  the  king,  and  also  in  David  have  we  more 
right  than  ye:  why  then  did  ye  esteem  us 
lightly  ?  and  w^as  not  our  word  the  very  lirst  to 
bring  back  our  king?  And  the  words  of  the 
men  of  Judah  were  fiercer  than  the  words  of 
the  men  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ][  And  there  happened  to  be  a  worthless 
man,  wliose  name  was  Sheba',  the  son  of 
Biehri,  a  Benjamite :  and  he  l)lew  the  cornet, 
and  said,  We  have  no  irdvt  in  David,  nor  have 
we  any  inheritance  in  the  son  of  Jesse :  every 
man  to  his  tents,  0  Israel ! 

2  So  every  man  of  Israel  went  ofl'  from 
David,  following  Sheba'  the  son  of  Biehri;  but 
the  men  of  Judah  adhered  unto  their  king, 
from  the  Jordan  even  to  Jerusalem. 

3  And  David  came  to  his  house  at  Jerusa- 
lem; and  the  king  took  the  ten  women,  the 
concubines,  whom  he  had  left  to  guard  the 
house,  and  put  them  in  a  guard-house,  and 
provided  ibr  them,  but  went  not  in  unto  them. 
So  they  were  confined  until  the  day  of  their 
death,  living  in  widowhood." 

4  T[  Then  said  the  king  to  'Amassa,  Call 
together  for  me  the  men  of  Judah  within 
three  days,  and  thou  present  thyself  here 
(then). 

5  So  'Amassa  went  to  call  Judah  together; 
but  he  remained  out  longer  than  the  set  time 
which  he  had  appointed  him. 

G  And  David  said  to  Abishai,  Now  will 
Sheba'  the  son  of  Biehri  do  us  more  harm 
than  (did)  Abshalom :  take  thou  the  servants 
of  thy  lord,  and  pursue  after  him,  lest  he  suc- 
ceed in  reaching  fortified  cities,  and  withdraw 
himself  from  our  eyes. 

7  And  there  went  out  after  him  Joilb's 
men,  and  the  Kerethites,  and  the  Pelethitcs, 
and  all  the  mighty  men :  and  they  went  forth 
out  of  Jerusalem,  to  pursue  alter  Sheba'  the 
son  of  Biehri. 

8  They  were  close  by  the  great  stone  which 
is  at  Gib'on,  as  'Amassa  came  before  them. 

•^  Heb.  "I,"  and  so  in  this  whole  conversation,  "I" 
and  "thou,"  which  are  rendered  here  "we"  and  "you." 

'  Lit.  "widowhood  life."  TTTI  njD'7iX  signifies  a  woman 
forsaken  by  her  husband,  "a  living  widow." 


2  SAMUEL  XX.  XXI. 


And  Joilb  was  girded  with  his  coat,  his  (usual) 
garment,  and  upon  it  the  girdle  of  the  sword 
which  was  fastened  upon  his  loins  in  its 
sheatli ;  and  as  he  went  forth  it  fell  out. 

9  And  Joiib  said  to  'Amassa,  Art  thou  in 
health,  my  brother?  And  Joiib's  right  hand 
took  hold  of 'Amassa's  beard  to  kiss  him." 

10  And  'Amassa  did  not  guard  himself 
against  tlie  sword  that  was  in  Joiib's  hand: 
so  he  smote  him  therewith  in  the  fifth  rib  and 
shed  out  his  l)owels  to  the  ground,  and  struck 
him  not  again ;  and  he  died.  But  Joilb  and 
Abishai  his  brother  pursued  after  Sheba'  the 
son  of  Bichri. 

11  And  one  man  of  Joab's  people  remained 
standing  by  him,  and  said,  He  that  favoureth 
Joiib,  and  he  that  is  for  David,  follow  Joiib. 

1 12  And  'Amassa  was  wallowing  in  his  blood 
in  the  midst  of  the  highway.  And  when  the 
man  saw  that  all  the  people  stood  still,  he 
put  'Amassa  aside  out  of  the  highway  into 
the  field,  and  threw  a  garment  over  him, 
wlien  he  saw  that  every  one  that  came  by 
him  stood  still. 

13  When  he  was  removed  out  of  the  high- 
way, every  man  passed  on  after  Joiib,  to  pur- 
sue after  Sheba'  the  son  of  Bichri. 

14  And  this  one  passed  through  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel  unto  Abel,  which  is  of  Beth- 
ma' achah,  and  all  the  Berim:''  and  they  as- 
sembled themselves  together,  and  went  also 
after  him. 

15  And  they  came  and  besieged  him  in 
Abel  of  Beth-ma' achah,  and  they  cast  up  a 
trench  against  the  city,  and  it  stood  enclosed 
by  the  troops  f  and  all  the  people  that  were 
with 
wall. 

IG  Then  called  a  wise  woman  out  of  the 
city,  Hear,  hear:  say,  I  pray  you,  unto  Joiib, 
Come  near  as  fiir  as  hither,  that  I  may  speak 
with  thee. 

17  And  when  he  was  come  near  unto  her, 
the  woman  said,   Art  thou  Joiib?     And  he 


"  iS  may  either  refer  to  'Amassa  thus,  "him,"  or  to  the 
beard,  when  we  should  say,  "  it."  Kissing  the  beard  is 
the  usual  manner  of  saluting  in  the  East,  according  to 
D'Arvieux. — Philippson. 

'  Rabbi  Joseph  Sehwarz,  in  his  Geography,  p.  203, 
states  that  this  means  a  district  near  Abel-beth-ma'achah 
near  which  were  several  towns  called  Bir!,Bei:rotli,  Biri/a; 
collectively,  "the  Berim." 

'  After  Jonathan;  but  Philippson,  "and  it  (the  trench) 


Joiib  were  battering  to  throw  down  the 


said,  I  am.  Then  said  she  unto  him.  Hear 
the  w^ords  of  thy  hand-maid.  And  he  said, 
I  do  hear. 

18  Then  said  she,  tlius.  They  ought  surely 
first  to  have  spoken,  saying,  "Let  them  ask 
at  least  in  Abel:"  and  so  would  they  have 
come  to  an  end."" 

19  I  am  one  of  the  peaceful  and  laithful 
(cities)  in  Israel ;  thou  seekest  to  overthrow  a 
city  and  a  metropolis  in  Israel :  why  wilt 
thou  destroy  the  inheritance  of  the  Lord? 

20  ^]  And  Joiib  answered  and  said.  Far  Ije 
it,  far  be  it  from  me,  that  I  should  destroy 
or  ruin. 

21  The  matter  is  not  so;  but  a  man  from 
the  mountain  of  Ephraim,  Sheba'  the  son  of. 
Bichri  is  his  name,  hath  lifted  up  his  hand 
against  the  king,  against  David :  give  him  up 
alone,  and  I  will  withdraw  I'rom  the  city. 
And  the  woman  said  unto  Joilb,  Behold,  liis 
head  shall  be  cast  down  to  thee  over  the 
wall. 

22  And  the  woman  came  unto  all  the  peo- 
ple with  her  wisdom;  and  they  cut  off  the 
head  of  Sheba'  the  son  of  Bichri,  and  cast  it 
down  to  Joiib :  and  he  blew  the  cornet,  and 
they  scattered  themselves  from  the  city,  every 
man  to  his  tents.  And  Joiib  returned  to  Je- 
rusalem unto  the  king. 

23  ^  Now  Joilb  was  over  all  the  army  of 
Israel;  and  Benayah  the  son  of  Yehoyada' 
was  over  the  Kerethites  and  over  the  Pele- 
thites ; 

24  And  Adoram  was  over  the  tribute ;  and 
Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Achilud  was  recorder ; 

25  And  Sheva  was  scribe;  and  Zadok  and 
Ebyathar  were  priests; 

26  And  'Ira  also  the  Yairite  was  an  officer 
of  state  unto  David. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  days 
of  David  three  years,  year  after  year;  and 
David  besought"  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 


stood  against  the  fortifications,"  i.  e.  it  reached  to  their 
height.  Others,  "the  city  stood  with  its  inner  wall," 
i.  e.  the  outer  one  being  already  thrown  down. 

*  After  Rashi ;  meaning,  before  destroying  Abel  they 
should  have  resolved  to  ask  the  men  of  the  city  to  come 
to  terms,  which  could  readily  have  been  arranged. 

°  After  Jonathan.  Others,  "  sought,"  i.  e.  inquired 
what  should  be  done,  through  the  Urim  and  Thummim 

37b 


^ 


2  SAMUEL  XXI. 


j[  And  the  Lord  said,  On  account  of  Saiil, 
and  on  the  account  of  the  house  of  blood,  is 
tiiis;  because  he  liath  slain  the  Gib'onites. 

2  And  the  king  called  for  the  Gil/onites, 
and  said  unto  them;  (now  the  Gib'onites  are 
not  of  the  children  of  Israel,  but  of  the  rem- 
nant of  the  Emorites;  and  the  children  of 
Israel  had  sworn  unto  them;  but  Saiil  had 
sought  to  slay  them  in  his  zeal  for  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  and  Judah;) 

3  Wherefore  David  said  unto  the  Gib'on- 
ites, What  shall  I  do  for  30U ?  and  wherewith 
shall  I  make  the  atonement,  that  je  may 
bless  the  inhei'itance  of  the  Lord  ? 

4  And  the  Gib'onites  said  unto  him,  We 
have  no  concern  of  silver  or  gold  with  Saiil 
and  with  his  house;  nor  do  we  wish  to  kill  any 
man  in  Israel.  And  he  said.  What  ye  say, 
will  I  do  for  you. 

5  And  they  said  to  the  king,  The  man 
that  consumed  us,  and  that  devised  against 
us  that  we  should  be  destroyed,  so  that  we 
should  have  no  footing  in  all  the  boundaries 
of  Israel, — 

G  Let  there  be  delivered  unto  us  seven 
men  of  his  sons,  and  we  will  hang  them  up 
unto  the  Lord  in  Gib'ah  of  Saiil,  the  chosen 
of  the  Lord. 

^f  And  the  king  said,  I  will  give  them. 

7  But  the  king  had  pity  on  Mephibosheth, 
the  son  of  Jonathan  the  son  of  Saiil,  because 
of  the  Lord's  oath  that  was  between  them, 
between  David  and  Jonathan  the  son  of  Saiil. 

8  And  the  king  took  the  two  sons  of  Riz- 
2)ah  the  daughter  of  Ayah,  whom  she  had 
born  unto  Saiil,  Armoni  and  Mephibosheth; 
and  the  five  sons  of  Michal  the  daughter  of 
Saiil,  whom  she  had  brought'  up  for  'Adriel 
the  son  of  BarzilJai  the  Mecholatliite  : 

9  And  he  delivered  them  into  the  hand  of 
the  Giiyonites,  and  they  hanged  them  on  the 
mount  before  the  Lord  ;  and  they  fell,  these 
seven,  together;  and  they  were  put  to  death 
in  the  first''  days  of  harvest,  in  the  beginning 
of  tiie  barley-harvest. 

H)  And  Rizpah  the  daughter  of  Ayah  took 
sacl'Ccloth,  and  spread  out  it  for  herself  upon 
the  rock,  from  the  beginning  of  the  harvest 


°  As  ]\licli;il  was  David's  wife ;  but  tlie  cliildren  were 
tliose  of  Merab,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Saiil,  who  were 
probably  educated  by  her  Hister. 

''  Lit.  "  in  the  days  of  harvet^t,  iu  the  fii-st." 
S80 


until  water  dropped  down  upon  them  out  of 
heaven,  and  she  suffered  neither  the  birds  of 
heaven  to  rest  on  them  by  day,  nor  the  beasts 
of  the  field  by  night. 

11  And  it  was  told  to  David  what  Rizpah 
the  daughter  of  Ayah,  the  concubine  of  Saiil, 
had  done. 

12  And  David  then  went  and  took  the 
bones  of  Saiil  and  the  bones  of  Jonathan  his 
son  from  the  men  of  Yabesh-gifad,  who  had 
stolen  them  from  the  market-place  of  Beth- 
shan,  where  the  Philistines  had  hanged  them 
up,  at  the  time  the  Philistines  had  smitten 
Saiil  at  Gilboii' : 

13  And  he  brought  up  from  there  the 
bones  of  Saiil  and  the  Ijones  of  Jonathan  his 
son;  and  they  gathered  up  the  bones  of  tliose 
that  had  been  han2;ed. 

14  And  they  buried  the  bones  of  Saiil  ;Hid 
Jonathan  his  son  in  the  country  of  Benjamin 
at  Zela',  in  the  sepulchre  of  Kish  his  father : 
and  they  performed  all  that  the  king  had 
commanded.  And  after  tliat  God  was  en- 
treated for  the  land. 

15  \  And  the  Philistines  had  again  a  war 
with  Israel;  and  David  went  down,  and  his 
servants  with  him,  and  fought  against  the 
Philistines :  and  David  became  fatiaued. 

10  And  Yishbi  at  Nob,  who  was  of  the  chil 
dren  of  the  Raphah,"  the  weight  of  whose 
spear  was  three  hundred  shekels  of  copper, 
he  being  girded  with  a  new  armour,  thought 
to  slay  David. 

17  But  Abishai  the  son  of  Zeruyah  suc- 
coured him,  and  smote  the  Philistine,  and 
killed  him.  Then  swore  the  men  of  David 
unto  him,  saying.  Thou  shalt  go  out  no  more 
witli  us  to  battle,  that  thoii  mayest  not  quench 
tlie  lamp  of  Israel. 

18  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
there  was  again  a  battle  at  Gob  with  the  Philis- 
tines: then  smote  Sibbechai  the  Chushathite 
Saph,  who  was  of  the  children  of  the  Raphah. 

19  And  there  was  again  a  battle  at  Gob 
with  the  Philistines,  when  Elchanun  the  son 
of  Ya'are-oregim,  the  Beth-lechemite,  slew 
Goliath''  the  Gittite,  the  staff  of  whose  spear 
was  like  a  weaver's  beam. 


"  Other.s  translate  the  word,  "  the  giant." 

^  A  younger  Goliath  ;  perhaps  a  descendant  of  the  one 

slain  by  David  in   his  youth.     In   1  Chron.  xx.  5,  he  is 

called  "Laclimi,  brother  of  (.loliatli,"  &c. 


2  SAMUEL  XXI.  XXII. 


20  Tl  And  there  was  again  a  battle  in  Gatli, 
where  was  a  man  of  (great)  stature,"  that  had 
on  every  hand  six  fin"ers,  and  on  every  foot 
six  toes,  (in  all)  four  and  twenty  in  number; 
and  he  also  was  born  to  the  Raphah. 

21  And  he  defied  Israel;  but  Jonathan  the 
son  of  Shim'ah  the  brother  of  David  slew 
him. 

22  These  four  were  born  to  the  Raphah  in 
Gath ;  and  they  fell  by  the  hand  of  David, 
and  by  the  hand  of  his  servants. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  ^[  And  David  spoke  unto  the  Lord  the 
words  of  this  song,  on  the  day  that  the  Lord 
had  delivered  him  out  of  the  hand  of  all  his 
enemies,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saiil. 

2  And  he  said,  Lord,  my  rock,  my  fortress, 
and  my  deliverer ; 

.3  God,  my  rock,  in  whom  I  trust;''  my 
shield,  and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  my  high 
tower,  and  my  refuge,  my  saviour!  from  vio- 
lence dost  thou  save  me ! 

4  Praised,"  I  cried,  be  the  Lord,  and  from 
my  enemies  was  I  saved. 

5  For  the  waves  of  death  encompassed  me, 
the  floods  of  destruction'^  made  me  afraid ; 

6  The  bonds  of  hell  encircled  me,  the 
snares  of  death  seized  on  me : 

7  (When)  in  my  distress  I  called  upon  the 
Lord,  and  to  my  God  I  cried ;  and  he  heard 
from  his  temple  my  voice,  and  my  complaint 
(entered)  into  his  ears. 

8  Then  shook  and  trembled  the  earth;  the 
foundations  of  the  heavens  were  moved;  and 
they  shook,  because  he  was  wroth. 

9  Smoke  went  up  in  his  anger,"  and  con- 
suming fire  out  of  his  mouth,  coals  flamed  forth 
from  him. 

10  And  he  bent  the  heavens,  and  came 
down,  and  thick  darkness  was  under  his  feet. 

11  And  he  rode  upon  a  cheruli.  and  flew 
along,  and  he  w^as  seen  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind. 

12  And  he  made  darkness  round  about 
him  into  pavilions,  heavy  masses  of  w^aters, 
thick  clouds  of  the  skies. 


'  Philippson  and  Sachs,  "a  champiou." 
''  ''With  whom  I  seek  protection." — S.\CHS. 
°  Mendelssohn.     Others  render,  "I  call  on  the  praised 
sno,  on  the  Lord." 
■'  "  Bands  of  tho  wicked." — Jon.vtha.v. 


13  From  tlie  brightness  before  him  flamed 
forth  coals  of  fire. 

14  The  Lord  thundered  from  heaven,  and 
the  Most  High  uttered  forth  his  voice. 

15  And  he  sent  out  arrows,  and  scattered 
them;  lightning,  and  discomfited  them. 

16  And  then  were  seen  the  channels  of  the 
sen,  there  were  laid  open  the  foundations  of 
the  world;  at  the  reljuke  of  the  Lord,  through 
the  blast  of  the  breath  of  his  nostrils. 

17  He  stretched  out  from  above  (his  hand), 
he  took  me;  he  drew  me  out  from  the  mighty 
waters. 

18  He  delivered  me  from  my  enemy,  the 
strong,  from  those  that  hated  me,  when  they 
were  too  mighty  for  me. 

19  They  overcame  me  on  the  da}'  of  my 
calamity ;  but  the  Lord  became  my  stay ; 

20  And  he  brought  me  forth  into  a  large 
space :  he  delivered  me,  because  he  had  delight 
in  me. 

21  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to 
my  righteousness:  according  to  the  purity  of 
m}'  hands  did  he  recompense  me. 

22  For  I  had  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord, 
and  had  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 

23  For  all  his  ordinances  were  befoi'e  me, 
and  from  none  of  his  statutes  did  I  depart. 

24  I  was  also  upright*^  toward  him,  and  I 
guarded  myself  against  my  iniquity. 

25  Therefore  did  the  Lord  recompense  me 
according  to  my  righteousness,  according  to 
my  purity  before  his  eyes. 

26  With  the  kind  thou  wilt  show  thyself 
kind  ;  with  the  upright  mighty"  man  thou 
wilt  show  thyself  upright. 

27  With  the  pure  thou  wilt  show  thyself 
pure;  and  wdth  the  perverse  thou  wilt  wage  a 
contest. 

28  And  the  afflicted  people  thou  wilt  save; 
but  thy  eyes  are  upon  the  haughty,  (that) 
thou  mayest  bring  (them)  down. 

29  For  thou  art  my  lamp,  0  Lord!  and  the 
Lord  will  enlighten  my  darkness. 

30  For  (aided)  by  thee  I  run  through  a 
troop :  (helped)  by  my  God  I  leap  over  a  wall. 

31  As  for   God — his  way  is  perfect;   the 


°  Others,  "  from  his  nostrils." 
'  "I  belong  entirely  to  him." — Sacus. 
s  After  Sachs.    Redak,  however,  regards  ^UJ  here  sim- 
ply as  ^^2i  "man;"  hence,  "the  upright  man." 


381 


2  SAMUEL  XXII.  XXIII. 


word  of  the  Lord  is  tried;  he  is  a  shield  to 
all  that  trust  in  him. 

32  For  who  is  god,  save  the  Lord?  and 
who  is  a  rock,  save  our  God? 

33  God  is  my  strength''  and  power;  and 
he  rendereth  free  from  obstruction  my  way. 

34  He  maketh  my  feet  like  those  of  the 
hinds,  and  upon  my  high  places  he  causeth 
me  to  stand. 

35  He  teacheth  my  hands  for  tlie  wax*,  so 
that  a  brazen  bow  is  bent  by  my  arms. 

36  And  thou  gavest  me  the  shield  of  thy 
salvation;  and  thy  assistance''  hath  made  me 
gi'eat. 

37  Thou  enlargest  my  steps  under  me,  so 
that  my  joints  do  not  slip. 

38  I  pursue  my  enemies  and  destroy  them; 
and  I  return  not  again  until  I  have  made  an 
end  of  them. 

39  And  I  make  an  end  of  them,  and  I 
crush  them,  that  they  cannot  rise;  and  they 
fall  under  my  feet. 

40  For  thou  hast  girded  me  with  strength 
for  the  Avar;  thou  subduest  my  opponents 
under  me. 

41  And  my  enemies  thou  causest  to  turn 
their  back  to  me;  those  that  liate  me, — that 
I  may  destroy  them. 

42  They  look  about,  but  there  is  none  to 
help ;  unto  the  Lord — but  he  answereth  them 
not. 

43  And  I  beat  them  small  as  the  dust  of 
the  earth ;  as  the  mire  of  the  street,  I  stamp 
them,  I  tread  them  down. 

44  Thou  hast  also  delivered  me  from  the 
contests  of  my  people :  thou  preservest  me  to 
be  the  head  of  nations,  a  people  which  I 
know  not  shall  serve  me. 

45  The  children  of  the  stranger  shall  utter 
Hattery"  unto  me;  as  soon  as  their  ear  hear- 
eth''  they  shall  be  obedient  unto  me. 

40  The  children  of  the  stranger  shall  fade 


*  "My  mighty  fortress." — Sachs. 

^  Rashi,  "meekuefis."  Eng.  version,  "gentleness." 
Sachs,  "favour."  Philippson,  "thy  hearing  of  prayer." 
But  our  version  is  after  Jonathan,  who  has  -jID'aai 
ljpil33l  "anJ  thy  word  and  assistance." 

'  "From  fear  of  nie  they  will  tell  falsehoods." — Rashi. 
"Submit  themselves." — Enq.  version. 

"  I-it.  "at  the  hearing  of  the  ear." 

°  Ilashi.  Piiilippson,  "they  come  forth  armed,"  ?.  e. 
at  David's  bidding. 

'  Others,  "later,"  or  those  subsequent  to  the  preceding. 

383  *  ^ 


away,  and  come  forth  tottering''  out  of  their 
close  2)l<ices. 

47  The  Lord  liveth,  and  blessed  be  my 
Rock;  and  exalted  be  the  God,  the  Rock  of 
my  salvation ; 

48  The  God,  that  granteth  me  vengeance, 
and  bringeth  down  nations  under  me ; 

49  And  that  bringeth  me  forth  from  my 
enemies :  also  above  my  opponents  thou  liftest 
me  up,  from  the  man  of  violence  thou  delivcr- 
est  me. 

50  Therefore  will  I  give  thanks  unto  thee, 
0  Lord,  among  the  nations,  and  unto  thy 
name  will  I  sing  praises; 

51  (To)  the  tower  of  salvation  of  his  king, 
and  who  showeth  kindness  to  his  anointed,  to 
David  and  to  his  seed  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  T[  And  these  are  the  last'  w^ords  of 
David.  Thus  saith^  David  the  son  of  Jesse, 
and  thus  saith  the  man  who  was  raised  up 
on  high,  the  anointed  of  the  God  of  Jacob, 
and  the  sweet''  singer  of  Israel : 

2  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spoke  through 
me,  and  his  word  was  upon  my  tongue. 

3  (Thus)  said  the  God  of  Israel,  concerning 
me  spoke  the  Rock  of  Israel,  That  (I  should 
be)  ruler  over  men,  be  righteous,  ruling  in 
the  fear  of  God ; 

4  And'  as  in  the  light  of  morning  the  sun 
riseth,  in  a  morning  without  clouds,  with 
more  than  the  brightness  (reflected)  by  rain 
on  the  herbs  that  spring  from  the  earth. 

5  Truly  is  not  so  my  house  with  God? 
since  he  hath  made  with  me  an  everlasting 
covenant,  firm  in  all,  and  sure?  yea,  will  he 
not  cause  to  grow  all  my  salvation,  and  all 
my  desire  ?'' 

6  But  the  godless  are  all  of  them  as  waving 
thorns,  which  cannot  be  taken  in  the  hand ; 

7  But  the  man  that  will  touch  them  must 


^  Sachs,  and  others,  "assertion." 

'■  Lit.  "agreeable  (or  beloved)  through  songs"  (or 
Psalms). 

'  This  describes  the  nature  of  David's  prosperity. 

''  The  verses  3  and  4  are  after  Rashi ;  verse  5  is  given 
after  Philippson;  but  Rashi  renders,  "For  not  so  is  my 
house  with  God,  that  my  morning  should  be  cloudy;  for 
an  everlasting  covenant  hath  he  granted  me,  well  ordered 
in  all  and  guarded;  for  he  is  all  my  help  and  my  desire, 
because  he  will  not  let  grow  another  king  after  my 
kingdom," 


2  SAMUEL  XXIIl. 


protect  his  hand  with  iron  and  the  staff  of  a 
spear:  and  they  will  be  utterly  burnt  with 
hre  in  the  dwelling." 

8  ^  These  are  the  names  of  the  mighty 
men  whom  David  had:  Yosholvbasheljeth,'' 
the  Thachkemonite,  the  chief  among  the  cap- 
tains,— the  same  as  'Adino  the  'Eznite, — be- 
cause of  eight  hundred  slain  at  one  time. 

9  *i\  And  after  him  was  El'azar  the  son  of 
Dodo,  the  son  of  Achochi,  one  of  the  three 
mighty  men  with  David,  when  they  defied 
the  Philistines  that  were  there  gathered  to- 
gether to  battle,  and  the  men  of  Israel  had 
\vitlidrawn  themselves ; 

lU  He  then  arose,  and  smote  the  Philistines 
until  liis  hand  was  weary,  and  his  hand  did 
cleave  unto  the  sword :  and  the  Lord  wrought 
a  great  victory  on  that  day;  and  the  people 
returned  after  him  only  to  strip  (the  slain). 

11  ^  And  after  him  was  Shammah  the 
son  of  Age  the  Hararite.  The  Philistines 
were  gathered  together  into  a  troop,"  and 
there  was  a  piece  of  ground  full  of  lentiles; 
and  the  people  had  fled  from  tlie  Philistines; 

12  But  he  placed  himself  in  the  midst  of 
the  ground,  and  delivered  it,  and  smote  the 
Philistines:  and  the  Lord  wrought  a  great 
victory. 

13  And  these  three,  the  chiefs  of  the  thirty, 
went  down,  and  came  to  David  at  harvest- 
time  unto  the  cave  of  'Adullam:  and  the 
troop  of  the  Philistines  was  encamped  in  the 
\alley  of  Rephaim. 

14  And  David  was  then  in  the  strong-hold, 
and  an  outpost  of  the  Philistines  was  then  in 
Betli-lecliem. 

15  And  David  longed,  and  said.  Oh  that 
one  would  brins;  me  water  to  drink  out  of  the 
well  at  Beth-lechem,  which  is  by  the  gate! 

l(j  And  the  three  mighty  men  broke 
through  the  camp  of  the  Philistines;  and 
drew  water  out  of  the  well  of  Beth-lechem, 
that  was  by  the  gate,  and  took  it,  and  brought 
it  to  David;  but  he  would  not  drink  thereof, 
and  poured  it  out  unto  the  Lord. 


"  Sachs.  Philippson,  "on  their  own  phico,"  i.  e.  on  the 
spot  where  they  grow. 

''  Rashi,  "who  sat  among  the  jiulges  and  was  wise." 
(Jthers,  "the  private  counsellor,  Thaehkemoni."  Phi- 
lippson, very  peculiarly, "  Yosheb-bashebeth-thachkeiuoni, 
the  captain  of  the  body-guard;  he  struck  with  his  spear 
right  hundred  slain  at  one  time."  ':i"i'n  U'l^'  Dr.  P. 
translates  thus  :  "striking  down  with  his  spear," — deriving 


1 7  And  he  said.  Far  be  it  from  me,  0  Lord, 
that  I  should  do  this:  (is  not  this)  the  blood 
of  the  men  that  went  at  the  risk  of  their 
life?  and  thus  he  would  not  drink  it.  These 
things  did  the  three  mighty  men. 

18  *[]  And  Al)ishai,  tlie  brother  of  Joiib,  the 
son  of  Zeru3'ah,  was  the  chief  of  these  three ; 
and  he  lifted  u])  his  spear  against  three  hun- 
dred slain,  and  had  a  uame  among  the  three. 

19  Although  he  was  the  most  honoured  of 
the  three,  wherefore  he  became  their  captain  : 
he  nevertheless  attained  not  unto  the  three 
(in  prowess). 

20  ^  And  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada', 
the  son  of  a  valiant  man,  great  in  many  acts 
of  Kabzeel;  he  it  was  that  smote  the  two 
lion-like  heroes  of  Moiib;  he  also  went  dt)wn 
and  slew  a  lion  in  the  midst  of  a  pit  on  a  day 
when  it  snowed ; 

21  And  he  slew  an  Egyptian,  a  man  of 
good  appearance;  and  the  Egyptian  had  a 
spear  in  his  hand;  but  he  went  down  to  him 
with  a  staff,  and  he  snatched  the  spear  out 
of  the  Egyptian's  hand,  and  slew  him  with 
his  own  spear. 

22  These  things  did  Benayahu  the  son  of 
Yehoyada',  and  he  had  a  name  among  the 
three  mighty  men. 

2.3  He  was  more  honoured  than  the  thirty; 
but  he  attained  not  to  these  three.''  And 
David  appointed  him  in  his  private  council." 

24  ^\  'Asahel  the  brother  of  Joab  was  one 
of  the  thirty;  Elchanan  the  son  of  Dodo  of 
Beth-lechem, 

25  T[  Shanunah  the  Charodite,  Elika  the 
Charodite, 

26  ][  Chelez  the  Paltite,  'Ira  the  son  of 
'Ikkesh  the  Teko'ite, 

27  ^  Abi'ezer  the  'Anethothite,  Mebunnai 
the  Chushathite, 

28  ][  Zalmon  the  Achochite,  Maharai  the 
Netophathite, 

29  ][  Cheleb  the  son  of  Ba'anah,  the  Ne- 
tophathite, Ittai  the  son  of  Ribai  of  Gib'ah 
of  the  children  of  Benjamin, 

these  words  from  the  Arabic;  but  the  construction  is  too 
obscure.  Our  version  is  after  Sachs,  renderiug  Si'  "be- 
cause," /.  e.  he  was  made  the  chief  of  the  captains  for  the 
great  feat  of  valour  in  causing  the  death  of  eight  hundred 
at  one  time. 

"  Redak,  "at  Chayah." 

^  I.  r.  Brave  as  he  was,  the  three  first  excelled  him. 

'  Others,  "guard," 

'     "  383 


2  SAMUEL  XXIII.  XXIV. 


30  Tf  Benayahii  the  Pir'athonite,  Hiddai 
of  Nachale-Ga'ash, 

31  ^  Abi-'albon  the  'Arbathite,  'Azmaveth 
the  Barchumite, 

32  ^  Elyachba  the  Sha'albonite,  Bne-ya- 
shen,  Jonathan," 

33  T[  Shammah  the  Hararite,  Achiam  the 
son  of  Sharar  the  Ararito, 

34  ^  Elijjhelet  the  son  of  Achasbai,  the 
son  of  the  Ma'achathite,  Eli'am  the  son  of 
Achithophel  the  Gilonite, 

35  ^  Chezrai  the  Carmelite,  Pa'arai  the 
Arbite, 

36  t  Yigal  the  son  of  Nathan  of  Zobah, 
Bani  the  Gadite, 

37  T[  Zelek  the  'Ammonite,  Nacharai  the 
Beerothite,  the  armour-bearer  of  Joalj  the  son 
of  Zeruyah, 

38  1[  'Ira  the  Yithrite,  Gareb  the  Yithrite, 

39  ii  Uriyah  the  Hittite :  in  all  thirty  and 
seven. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  And  again  was  the  anger  of  the  Lord 
kindled  against  Israel,  and  he  incited  David 
against  them  to  say,  Go,  number  Israel  and 
Judah. 

2  And  the  king  said  to  Joab  the  captain 
of  the  army,  who  was  with  him,  Traverse, 
I  pray  thee,  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  from 
Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba',  and  number  ye  the 
people,  that  I  may  know  the  number  of  the 
people. 

3  Then  said  Joab  unto  the  king,  Now  may 
the  Lord  thy  God  add  unto  the  people,  how 
many  soever  they  be,  a  hundred-fold  more, 
and  may  the  eyes  of  my  lord  the  king  see  it; 
but  why  doth  my  lord  the  king  find  delight 
in  this  thing? 

4  Nevertlieless  the  king's  word  remained 
firm  against  Joiib,  and  against  the  captains 
of  the  army:  and  Joilb  and  the  captains  of 
the  army  went  out  from''  the  presence  of  the 
king,  to  numljcr  the  ])eople  of  Israel. 

5  And  they  passed  over  the  Jordan,  and 
encamped  in  'Aro'er,  on  the  right  side  of  the 
city  that  lieth  in  the  midst  of  the  valley  of 
Gad,  and  toward  Ya'zer: 

*  Eng.  ver.,  "of  the  sons  of  Yashen,  Jonathan." 

''  Lit.  "before  tlic  king;"  and  so  it  is  rendered  by  Phi- 

lippson,  after  Jonathan. 

"  Philippson,  "the  new  lowhmd,"  which  had  probably 

been  newly  conquered  by  the  Ilciibcnites.  (1  Chrou.  v.  10.) 
;!84 


6  Then  they  came  to  Gil'ad,  and  to  the 
land  of  Tachtim-chod.shi  f  and  they  came  to 
Dan-ya'an,  and  about  to  Zidon; 

7  And  they  came  to  the  strong-hold  of 
Tyre,  and  to  all  the  cities  of  the  Hivites,  and 
of  the  Canaanites;  and  they  went  out  to  the 
south  of  Judah,  up  to  Beer-sheba'. 

8  And  so  they  traversed  all  the  land,  and 
they  came  at  the  end  of  nine  months  and 
twenty  days  to  Jerusalem. 

9  And  Joab  gave  up  the  sum  of  the  num- 
ber of  the  people  unto  the  king:  and  there 
were  in  Israel  eight  hundred  thousand  valiant 
men  that  drew  the  sword;  and  the  men  of 
Judah  were  five  hundred  thousand  men. 

10  And  David's  heart  smote  him  after  that 
he  had  numbered  the  people. 

Tl  And  David  said  unto  the  Lord,  I  have 
sinned  greatly  in  what  I  have  done ;  and  now, 
I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  cause  the  iniquity  of 
thy  servant  to  pass  away;  for  I  have  acted 
very  foolishly. 

11  And  when   David  was    arisen    in    the 


ni 
morning, 

][  The  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  Gad 
the  prophet,  David's  seer,  saying, 

12  Go  and  speak  unto  David,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Three  things  do  I  oflFer''  thee : 
choose  for  thyself  one  of  them,  and  I  will 
do  it  unto  thee. 

13  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  told  it  unto 
him ;  and  he  said  unto  him.  Shall  there  come 
unto  thee  seven  years  of  famine  in  thy  land  ? 
or  three  month.s,  that  thou  flee  before  thy 
enemies,  while  they  pursue  thee?  or  that 
there  be  for  three  days  a  pestilence  in  thy 
laud?  now  consider  and  see  what  word  I  shall 
bring  back  to  him  that  hath  sent  me. 

14  ^  And  David  said  unto  Gad,  I  am  in 
a  great  strait :  let  us  fiiU  then  into  the  hand 
of  the  Loud, — for  his  mercies  are  great;  but 
let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  of  man. 

15  And  the  Lord  sent  a  pestilence  in 
Israel  from  the  morning  even  to  the  time 
appointed :°  and  there  died  of  the  people  from 
Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba'  seventy  thousand 
men. 

16  And  when  the  angel  stretched  out  his 


*  Heb.  "I  lay  upon  thee." 

'  {.  c.  Tlie  three  days  agreed  on. 


But  Juiuitban,  after 
the  Talmud,  limits  the  plague  to  the  time  that  the  daily 
sacrifice  was  burnt;  some  even  that  the  mortality  lasted 
but  about  an  hour. 


1  KINGS  I. 


liand  over  Jerusalem  tu  destroy  it,  the  Lord 
belliought  himself  of  the  evil,  and  said  to  the 
angel  that  destroyed  among  the  people,  It  is 
enough :  now  stay  thy  hand.  And  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  was  by  the  threshing-floor  of 
Aravnah  the  Jebusite. 

17  ^  And  David  spoke  unto  the  Lord 
when  he  saw  the  ansel  that  smote  among 
the  people,  and  said,  Lo.  I  have  indeed 
sinned,  and  I  have  truly  done  wickedly; 
but  these  sheep,  what  have  the}-  done?  let 
thy  hand,  I  pray  thee,  be  against  me,  and 
against  my  father's  house. 

18  ^  And  Gad  came    to    David   on    that 
day,  and    said    unto    him,  Go   up,  erect    an 
altar  unto  the  Lord  on   the  threshing-floor  I 
of  Aravnah  the  Jebusite. 

19  And  David  went  up,  according  to  the, 
word  of  Gad,  as  the  Lord  had  commanded. 

20  And  Aravnah  looked  up,  and  saw  the 
king  and  his  servants  coming  on  toward  him : 
and  Aravnah  went  out,  and  bowed  himself  I 
before  the  king  with  his  face  to  the  ground. 

2 1  ][  And  Aravnah  said,  Wherefore  is  my , 


lord  the  king  come  to  his  servant?  And 
David  said.  To  buy  from  thee  the  threshing- 
floor,  to  build  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  that 
the  i)lague  may  be  stayed  from  the  people. 

22  And  Aravnalr  said  unto  David,  Let  my 
lord  the  king  take  and  ofler  up  what  seemeth 
good  in  his  eyes :  behold,  the  oxen  are  here 
for  burnt-olferings.  and  the  threshing-rollers 
and  the  harness  of  the  oxen  for  wood. 

23  All  these  things  did  Aravnah,  the  king," 
give  unto  the  king. 

Tf  And  Aravnah  said  unto  the  king,  May 
the  Lord  thy  God  receive  thee  favourably. 

24  And  the  king  said  unto  Aravmdi,  No; 
but  I  will  surely  buy  it  from  thee  at  the  value; 
for  I  will  not  offer  burnt-offerings  unto  the 
Lord  my  God  without  paying  therefijr.  So 
David  bought  the  threshing-floor  and  the  oxen 
for  fifty  shekels  of  silver. 

25  And  David  built  there''  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  and  offered  burnt-ofierings  and  peace- 
offerings:  and  the  Lord  Avas  entreated*"  for 
the  land,  and  the  plague  was  stayed  from 
Israel. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE  KINGS, 


'x   DoV'J    15D. 


CONTAINING  THE  HISTORY  OF  ISRAEL  FROM  THE  DEATH  OF  DAVID  TU  THAT 

OF  JEHOSHAPHAT. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Now  king  David  was  old,  stricken  in 
years;  and  they  covered  him  Avith  clothes, 
but  he  could  not  become  warm. 

2  Wherefore  his  servants  said  unto  him, 
Let  them  seek  out  for  my  lord  the  king  a 
young  vii'gin,  and  let  her  stand  before  the 
king,  and  let  her  be  an  attendant  on  him; 


'  Tradition  represents  Aravnah  as  a  proselyte  and  former 
king  or  chief  of  Jebus,  or  Jerusalem. 

"■  The  spot  is  said  to  have  been  the  one  where  Solomon 
built  the  temple. 

2  Y 


and  let  her  lie  in  thy  besom,  that  my  lord 
the  king  may  become  warm. 

3  So  they  sought  for  a  fair  maiden  through- 
out all  the  territory  of  Israel;  and  they  found 
Abishag  the  Shunammite,  and  brought  her  to 
the  king. 

4  And  the  nutiden  was  exceedingly  fiiir;  and 
she  became  an  attendant  on  the  king,  and 
ministered  to  him ;  but  the  king  knew  her  not. 


"  This  expression  means  that  the  Loud  accepted  the 
prayers  of  the  people;  whereas  before  this  their  entreaties 
seem  to  have  been  unavailing,  since  so  many  calamities 
overcame  them  one  after  annlher. 

385 


1  KINGS  I. 


5  And  Adoniyah  the  son  of  Chaggith  ex- 
alted himself,  saying,  I  shall  be  king:  and  he 
procured  himself  a  chariot  and  horsemen,  and 
fifty  men  who  ran  l^efore  him. 

6  And  his  father  had  never  grieved  him 
in  all  his  life  by  saj-ing,  Why  hast  thou  done 
so?  and  he  also  was  of  a  very  goodly  form; 
and  his  mother  had  Ijorn  him  after  Absha- 
lom.° 

7  And  he  had  conferences  with  Joiib  the 
son  of  Zeruyah,  and  with  Ebyathar  the  priest: 
and  the}-,  following  Adoniyah,  helped  him. 

8  But  Zadok  the  priest,  and  Benayahu  the 
son  of  Yehoyada',  and  Nathan  the  prophet, 
and  Shim'i,  and  Re'i,  and  the  mighty  men 
that  belonged  to  David,  were  not  with  Adoni- 
yah. 

9  And  Adoniyali  slaughtered  sheep  and 
oxen  and  fatted  cattle  by  the  stone  Zocheleth, 
which  is  by 'En-rogel ;''  and  he  invited  all  his 
brothers  the  king's  sons,  and  all  the  men  of 
Judah  the  king's  servants; 

10  But  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  Benayahu. 
and  the  mighty  men,  and  Solomon  his  bro- 
ther, he  invited  not. 

11  And  Nathan  spoke  unto  Bath-sheba' 
the  mother  of  Solomon,  saying.  Hast  thou 
not  heard  that  Adoniyali  the  son  of  Chaggith 
is  become  king,  and  (that)  David  our  lord 
knoweth  it  not? 

12  And  now  come,  let  me,  I  pray  thee, 
give  thee  counsel,  that  thou  mayest  save  thy 
own  life,''  and  the  life  of  thy  son  Solomon. 

13  Go  and  get  thee  in  unto  king  David, 
and  say  unto  him.  Didst  not  thou,  my  lord, 
()  king,  swear  unto  thy  liand-maid,  saying. 
Assuredly,  Solomon  thy  son  shall  reign  after 
me,  and  only  he  shall  sit  upon  my  throne? 
why  then  is  Adoniyah  become  king? 

14  And,  lo,  while  thou  shalt  be  yet  speak- 
ing there  with  the  king,  I  myself  will  come 
in  after  thee,  and  confirm  thy  words. 

15  And  Batli-sheba'  went  in  unto  the  king 
into  the  chamber,  and  the  king  was  very  old ; 
and  Abishag  the  Shunammite  was  ministering 
unto  the  king. 

IG  And  Bath-sheba'  bowed,  and  prostrated 


*  Ileb.  "she  had  burn  him  after  Abshalom  ;"  racauing, 
that  the  mother  of  AJoniyali  bore  him,  after  Abshalom 
liad  been  born  by  his  mother;  since  they  were  half-bro- 
thers only. 

*■  "Fuller's-spring." — Hkhxuki.MEU, 
386 


herself  unto   the   king:    and   the   king  said, 
What  wouldst  thou  ? 

17  And  she  said  unto  him,  My  lord,  thou 
thyself  didst  swear  hy  the  Lord  thy  God  unto 
thy  handmaid,  Assuredly,  Solomon  thy  son 
shall  reign  after  me,  and  only  he  shall  sit 
njjon  my  throne. 

18  And  now,  behold,  Adoniyah  is  become 
king;  and  now,  my  lord,  0  king,  thou  know- 
est  it  not : 

19  And  he  hath  slaughtered  oxen  and  fat- 
ted cattle  and  sheep  in  abundance,  and  hath 
invited  all  the  sons  of  the  king,  and  Ebyathar 
the  i)riest,  and  Joiib  the  captain  of  the  army; 
but  Solomon  thy  .servant  hath  he  not  invited. 

20  And  as  for  thee,  my  lord,  0  king,  the 
eyes  of  all  Israel  are  upon  thee,  to  tell  them, 
who  shall  sit  on  the  throne  of  my  lord  the 
king  after  him. 

21  Otherwi.se  it  would  come  to  pass,  ^\dien 
my  lord  the  king  sleepeth  with  his  fathers, 
that  I  and  my  son  Solomon  may  be  counted 
offenders. 

22  And,  lo,  Avhile  she  was  yet  speaking 
with  the  king,  Nathan  the  prophet  also  came 
in. 

2.3  And  they  told  the  king,  saying,  Behold, 
liei'e  is  Nathan  the  prophet:  and  when  he 
was  come  in  before  tlie  king,  he  prostrated 
himself  before  the  king  with  his  face  to  the 
ground. 

24  And  Nathan  said.  My  lord,  0  king, 
hast  thou  then  said,  Adoniyah  shall  reign 
after  me,  and  he  shall  sit  upon  my  throne? 

25  For  he  is  gone  down  this  day,  and  hath 
slaughtered  oxen  and  fatted  cattle  and  sheep 
in  abundance,  and  hath  invited  all  the  kina's 
sons,  and  the  captains  of  the  arm}',  and  Elna- 
thar  the  priest:  and,  Ijehold,  they  are  eating 
and  drinking  before  him,  and  they  say.  Long 
live  king  Adoni^Mh. 

2G  But  as  for  me,  me  thy  servant,  and 
Zadok  the  priest,  and  Benayahu  the  son  of 
Yehoyada',  and  tliy  servant  Solomon,  hath  he 
not  invited. 

27  Can  it  be  that  this  hath  been  done  by 
order  of  my  lord  the  king,  and  thou  hast  not 


'  Tiiis  would  seem  to  indicate  that  with  the  commcnee- 
meut  of  the  kingdom,  there  was  danger  of  introducing 
the  cruel  practice  even  now  prevailing  in  the  East,  that  at 
almost  every  accession  the  reigning  monarch  destroys 
those  who  can  be  injurious  to  him. 


1  KINGS  I. 


informed  thy  servant,  who  should  sit  on  the 
throne  of  my  lord  the  king  after  him  ? 

28  Then  answered  king  David,  and  said, 
Call  me  Bath-sheha' ;  and  she  eame  into  the 
kings  presence,  and  stood  hefore  the  king. 

29  And  the  king  swore  and  said,  As  the 
Lord  liveth,  that  hath  redeemed  my  soul  out 
of  all  distress. 

30  Even  as  I  have  sworn  unto  tliec  Jjy  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  saying.  Assuredly 
Solomon  thy  son  shall  reign  alter  me,  and 
only  he  shall  sit  upon  my  throne  in  my 
stead :  even  so  will  I  certainly  do  this  day. 

31  Then  did  Bath-sheba'  bow  herself  with 
her  face  to  the  earth,  and  prostrate  herself 
unto  the  king;  and  she  said,  May  my  lord, 
the  king  David,  live  for  ever! 

32  T[  And  king  David  said.  Call  unto  me 
Zadok  the  priest,  and  Nathan  the  prophet, 
and  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada'.  And 
the^'  came  before  the  king. 

33  And  the  king  said  unto  them,  Take 
with  vou  tlie  servants  of  your  lord,  and  cause 
Solomon  my  son  to  ride  upon  my  own  mule, 
and  conduct  him  down  to  Gichon : 

34  And  let  Zadok  the  priest  witli  Nathan 
the  prophet  anoint  him  there  as  king  over 
Israel;  and  blow  ye  with  the  cornet,  and  say, 
Long  live  king  iSolomon. 

3-3  Then  shall  ye  go  up  after  him,  and  he 
shall  come  and  sit  upon  my  throne;  and  he 
shall  be  king  in  ni}'  stead :  and  liim  have  I 
ordained  to  be  ruler  over  Israel  and  over 
Judah. 

36  And  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada' 
answered  the  king,  and  said,  Amen :  Maj^ 
thus  say  the  Eternal  tlie  God  of  my  lord  the 
king. 

37  As  the  Eternal  hath  been  with  my 
lord  the  king,  even  so  may  he  be  with  Solo- 
mon, and  may  he  make  his  throne  greater 
than  the  throne  of  my  lord  the  king  David. 

38  Thereupon  Zadok  the  priest,  and  Na- 
than the  prophet,  and  Benayahu  the  son  of 
Yehoyada',  and  the  Kerethites,  and  the  Pele- 
thites,  w^ent  down,  and  caused  Solomon  to  ride 
upon  king  David's  mule,  and  conducted  him 
to  Gichon. 

39  And  Zadok  the  priest  took  the  horn  of 
oil  out  of  the  tabernacle,  and  anointed  Solo- 


*  S"n  wa  not  alone  valiant  "in  arms,"  but  "worthy," 
or  "distinguished  for  good  deeds." 


mon.  And  they  blew  with  the  cornet;  and 
all  the  people  said.  Long  live  king  Solo- 
mon. 

40  And  all  the  people  went  up  after  him, 
and  the  people  blew  on  flutes,  and  rejoiced 
with  great  joy,  so  tliat  the  earth  was  rent  at 
their  noise. 

41  And  Adoniyah  and  all  the  guests  that 
wei'e  with  him  heard  it  as  they  had  just 
finished  eating:  and  when  Joab  heard  the 
sound  of  the  cornet,  he  said.  Wherefore  is 
this  noise  of  the  city  in  an  uproar? 

42  And  while  he  was  yet  speaking,  behold, 
Jonathan  the  son  of  Eljyathar  the  priest  came 
in:  and  Adoniyah  said  (unto  him).  Come  in; 
for  thou  art  a  worthy"  man,  and  must  bring 
good  tidings. 

43  And  Jonathan  answered  and  said  to 
Adoniyah,  Alas,  no:""  our  lord  king  David 
hath  made  Solon;on  king  ; 

44  And  the  king  hath  sent  with  him  Zad<jk 
the  priest,  and  Natlum  the  proi)het,  and  Be- 
nayahu the  son  of  Yehoyada',  and  the  Ke- 
rethites, and  the  Pelethites,  and  they  have 
caused  him  to  ride  upon  the  king's  mule; 

45  And  Zadok  the  priest  and  Nathan  the 
prophet  have  anointed  him  as  king  on  the 
Gichon ;  and  they  are  come  up  from  there 
rejoicing,  and  the  city  hath  Ijeen  set  in  com- 
motion. This  is  the  noise  that  ye  have 
heard. 

46  And  Solomon  hath  also  sat  on'  the 
kingly  throne. 

47  And  also  the  king's  servants  are  come 
to  Ijless  our  lord  king  David,  saying,  May  God 
make  the  name  of  Solomon  more  famous  than 
thy  name,  and  make  his  throne  greater  than 
thy  throne :  and  the  king  hath  bowed  himself 
upon  the  bed. 

48  And  also  thus  hath  the  king  said,  Bless- 
ed be  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  who  hath 
given  (me)  this  day  one  who  sitteth  on  my 
throne,  while  my  eyes  see  it. 

49  And  all  the  guests  that  were  with  Ado- 
ni\'ah  were  terrified,  and  rose  up,  and  Avent, 
every  man,  on  his  own  way. 

50  And  Adoniyah  was  afi'aid  because  of 
Solomon;  and  he  arose,  and  went,  and  caught 
hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

51  And  it  was  told  unto  Solomon,  saying. 


"" '73N,  literally,  "but,"  Lore  denoting  the  oppojvite  of 
what  Adoniyah  expected. 

387 


1  KINGS  I.  II. 


Behold,  Adoniyah  feareth  king  Solomon ;  and, 
behold,  he  hath  caught  hold  on  the  horns  of 
tlie  altar,  saying,  Let  king  Solomon  swear 
unto  me  to-day  that  he  will  not  slay  his  ser- 
vant with  the  sword. 

52  And  Solomon  said,  It'  he  will  become  a 
worthy  man,  there  shall  not  a  hair  of  his  fall 
to  the  earth ;  but  if  any  wrong  shall  be  found 
on  him,  then  shall. he  die. 

53  So  king  Solomon  sent,  and  they  brought 
liim  down  from  the  altar;  and  he  came  and 
bowed  himself  to  king  Solomon ;  and  Solomon 
said  unto  him.  Go  to  thy  house. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  T[  xVnd  when  the  days  of  David  drew 
near  that  he  should  die,  he  charged  Solomon 
his  son,  saying, 

2  I  am  going  the  way  of  all  the  earth ;  but 
be  thou  strong,  and  become  a  man ; 

3  And  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord  thy 
God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  to  keep  his  statutes, 
his  commandments,  and  his  ordinances,  and 
his  testimonies,  as  it  is  written  in  the  law  of 
Moses;  in  order  that  thou  maj-est  prosjaer  in 
all  that  thou  doest,  and  whithersoever  thou 
turnest  thyself; 

4  In  order  that  the  Lord  mav  fulfd  his 
Avord  which  he  hath  spoken  concerning  me, 
saying,  If  thy  children  take  heed  to  their 
way,  to  walk  before  me  in  truth  with  all  their 
heart  and  with  all  their  soul,  there  shall  never 
fail  thee,  said  he,  a  man  on  the  throne  of 
Israel. 

5  And  thou  also  knowest  well  what  Joiib 
the  son  of  Zeruyah  hath  done  to  me,  what  he 
did  to  the  two  captains  of  the  armies  of  Israel, 
unto  Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  and  unto  'Amassa 
the  son  of  Yether,  whom  he  slew,  and  shed  the 
blood  of  war  in  peace,  and  put  the  blood  of 
war  upon  his  girdle  that  was  about  his  loins, 
and  on  his  shoes  that  were  on  his  feet. 

G  Do  therefore  according  to  thy  wisdom, 
and  let  not  his  hoary  head  go  down  in  peace 
to  the  gra\'e. 

7  ^]  But  unto  the  sons  of  Bar/.illai  the 
Gil'adite  show  thou  kindness,  and  let  them 
be  of  those  that  eat  at  thy  tajjle ;  for  so  they 
came  near  to  me  when  I  tied  from  before  Ab- 
shalom  thy  brother. 

"  Lit.  "lay  with,"  or  "laid  himself  down."    Abavbanel 
well   observes,  that  thi.s  expression   does  not  mean    the 
association  of  the  bodies  after  death,   since  David  was 
388 


8  And,  behold,  thou  hast  with  tliee  Shim'i 
the  son  of  Gera,  the  Benjamite  of  Bachurim, 
who  cursed  me  with  a  grievous  curse  on  the 
day  when  I  went  to  Machanayim;  but  who 
came  down  to  meet  ine  at  the  Jordan,  and  I 
swore  to  him  by  the  Lord,  saying,  I  will  not 
put  thee  to  death  with  the  sword. 

U  But  now  leave  him  not  unpunished ;  for 
thou  art  a  wise  man :  know  then  what  thou 
oughtest  to  do  unto  him,  and  bring  thou  down 
his  hoary  head  with  blood  to  the  grave. 

10  And  David  slept"  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  in  the  city  of  David. 

11  And  the  days  that  David  reigned  over 
Israel  were  forty  years :  in  Hebron  he  reigned 
seven  years,  and  in  Jerusalem  he  reigned 
thirt}-  and  three  years. 

12  Then  sat  Solomon  upon  the  throne  of 
David  his  father;  and  his  kingdom  was  estii- 
Ijlished  greatly. 

13  ^\  And  Adoniyah  the  son  of  Chaggith 
came  to  Bath-sheba'  the  mother  of  Solomon: 
and  she  said.  Is  thy  coming  for  peace?  And 
he  said.  For  peace. 

14  He  said  moreover,  I  have  a  word  for 
thee.     And  she  said.  Speak. 

15  And  he  said.  Thou  well  knowest  that 
mine  was  the  kingdom,  and  that  on  me  all 
Israel  had  set  their  fxces,  that  I  should  reign : 
nevertheless  the  kingdom  was  turned  about. 
and  became  my  brother's;  for  from  the  Lord 
was  it  (made)  his. 

IG  And  now  there  is  one  petition  I  am  go- 
ing to  ask  of  thee,  do  not  turn  me  away. 
And  she  said  unto  him,  Speak. 

17  And  he  said.  Speak,  I  pray  thee,  unto 
Solomon  the  king,  (for  he  will  not  turn  thee 
away,)  that  he  may  give  me  Abishag  the 
Shuuannnite  for  wife. 

IS  And  Bath-sheba'  said.  Well:  I  will 
speak  for  thee  unto  the  king. 

19  Bath-shel)a'  thereupon  went  unto  king 
Solomon,  to  speak  unto  him  for  .Adoniyah; 
and  the  king  rose  up  to  meet  her,  and  bowed 
himself  unto  her,  and  then  sat  down  on  his 
throne,  and  placed  a  chair  for  the  king's 
mother;  and  she  sat  on  his  right  hand. 

20  Then  said  she,  There  is  one  small  peti- 
tion I  am  going  to  ask  of  thee:  do  not  turn 
me  away.     And  the  king  said  unto  her,  Ask 


not  buried  in  the  family  sepulchre  at  Hebron;  but  the 
spiritual  association  after  our  decease.  (^Compare  with 
Deut.  sxsi.  10.) 


1  KINCxS  II. 


on.    my   mother;   for   T   will    not    turn    thee 
away. 

21  And  !^he  said,  Let  Abis^hag  the  Shu- 
naramite  be  given  to  Adoiiiyah  thy  brother 
for  wife. 

22  And  king  Solomon  answered  and  said 
unto  his  mother.  And  why  dost  thon  ask 
xibishag  the  Slnnianiuiite  for  Adoniyah? 
rather"  ask  for  hiui  the  kinirdom;  for  he 
is  my  elder  brother; — even  for  him,  and  for 
Ebyathar  the  priest,  and  for  Joiib  the  son  of 
Zeruyah. 

23  ^  Then  swore  king  Solomon  by  the 
Lord,  saying.  May  God  do  so  to  me,  and 
may  he  thus  continue,  if  Adoniyah  have  not 
spoken  this  word  against  his  own  life. 

24  And  now,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath 
established  me,  and  seated  me  on  the  throne 
of  David  my  father,  and  who  hath  made  me 
a  house,  as  he  hath  spoken,  this  very  day 
shall  Adoniyah  be  put  to  death. 

25  And  king  Solomon  sent  by  the  hand*" 
of  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada' ;  and  he 
fell  upon  him  so  that  he  died. 

26  T[  And  mito  Ebyathar  the  priest  said 
the  king.  Go  to  'Anathoth,  unto  thy  own 
fields ;  for  thou  art  a  man  worthy  of  death ; 
but  on  this  day  will  I  not  put  thee  to  death; 
l^ecause  tliou  hast  borne  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
Eternal  before  David  my  father,  and  because 
thou  wast  afflicted  in  all  wherein  my  father 
was  afflicted. 

27  So  Solomon  banished  Ebyathar  that  he 
should  not  be  priest  unto  the  Lord,  to  fulfil 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  wdiich  he  had  spoken 
concerning  the  house  of  'Eli  in  Shiloh." 

28  ]|  And  the  report  came  to  Joiib;  for 
Joab  had  turned  after  Adoniyah,  though  he 
had  not  turned  after  Abshalom.  And  Joab 
fied  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  and 
caught  hold  on  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

29  And  it  was  told  to  king  Solomon  that 
Joiib  had  fled  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord; 
and  that,  behold,  he  was  close  by  the  altar. 


'  The  demanding  of  the  relict  of  David,  though  she 
never  was  actually  his  wife,  showed  that  Adoniyah  enter- 
tained some  hopes  of  reaching  the  throne  through  her, 
after  the  custom  of  the  orientals.  Solomon,  therefore, 
told  his  mother  that  she  might  as  well  have  asked  at 
once  to  constitute  Adoniyah  as  king,  and  bring  back  to 
power  his  followers. 

*■  "Through  the  hand"  means  the  message  was  sent  by 
Benayahu,  who  saw  the  droree  executed. 


Then   sent   Solomon    Benayahu    the    son    of 
Yehoyada',  saying.  Go,  fall  upon  him. 

30  And  Benayahu  came  to  the  tabernacle 
of  the  Lord,  and  said  unto  him.  Thus  hath 
said  the  king.  Come  forth.  And  he  said.  No; 
but  here  will  I  die.  And  Benayahu  brought 
the  king  word  again,  saying,  Thus  hath  Joiib 
spoken,  and  thus  liath  he  answered  me. 

31  Then  said  the  king  unto  him.  Do  as  he 
hath  spoken,  and  fall  upon  him,  and  bury 
him;  and  remove  (thus)  the  innocent  Ijloml, 
which  Joiib  hath  shed,  from  me,  and  from  the 
house  of  my  fiither. 

32  And  may  the  Lord  •bring  back  his 
lilood-guiltiness  upon  his  own  head,  because 
he  fell  upon  two  men  more  righteous  and 
better  than  he,  and  slew  them  with  the 
sword,  while  my  father  David  knew  it  not, 
Abner  the  son  of  Ner,  the  captain  of  the 
army  of  Israel,  and  'Amassa  the  son  of 
Yether,  the  captain  of  the  army  of  Judah. 

33  And  their  Ijlood  shall  return  upon  the 
head  of  Joiib,  and  upon  the  head  of  his  seed 
for  ever;  but  unto  David,  and  unto  his  seed, 
and  unto  his  house,  and  unto  his  throne, 
may  there  be  peace  for  ever  from  the  Lord. 

34  So  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada'  went 
up,  and  fell  upon  him,  and  slew  him:  and  he 
was  buried  in  his  own  house  in  tlie  wilder- 
ness. 

35  And  the  king  appointed  Benayaliu  the 
son  of  Yehoyada'  in  his  place  over  the  army; 
and  Zadok  the  priest  did  the  king  appoint  in 
the  place  of  Ebyathar. 

36  T[  And  the  king  sent  and  called  tijr 
Shim'i,  and  said  unto  him,  Build  thee  a  house 
in  Jerusalem,  and  dwell  there,  and  thou  shalt 
not  go  forth  from  there  hither  or  thither. 

37  And  it  shall  be,  that  on  the  day  thou 
goest  out,  and  passest  over  the  brook  Kidron, 
thou  shalt  know  for  certain  that  thou  shalt 
surely  die :  thy  blood  shall  be  uyion  thy  own 
head. 

38  And  Shim'i  said  unto  the  king.  If'  is 


°  This  was  for  having  taken  part  with  Adoniyah ;  but 
by  it  a  remarkable  prophecy  was  fulfilled.  God  had  told 
'Eli  (1  Sam.  ii.  30-36)  that  the  high-priesthood  should 
depart  from  his  house :  Ebyathar  was  the  last  high-priest 
of  Ithamar,  of  which  family  also  was  'Eli  the  judge.  Za- 
dok, who  succeeded,  was  of  the  family  of  Elazar;  and  by 
this  change  the  high-priesthood  reverted  to  its  ancient 
channel. 

*'  Lit.  "the  thing  is  good." 

389 


V 


\_ 


1  KINGS  11.  m. 


well:  as  my  lord  the  king  hath  spoken,  so 
will  thy  servant  do.  And  Shim'i  dwelt  in 
Jerusalem  many  days. 

39  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of 
three  years,  that  two  servants  of  Shim'i  ran 
away  unto  Achish  the  son  of  Ma'achah  the 
king  of  Gath  :  and  they  told  unto  Shim'i,  say- 
ing, Behold,  thy  servants  are  in  Gath. 

40  And  Shim'i  arose,  and  saddled  his  ass, 
and  went  to  Gath  to  Achi.sh  to  seek  his  ser- 
vants; and  Shim'i  went,  and  brought  his  ser- 
vants from  Gath. 

41  ^  And  it  was  told  to  Solomon  that 
Shim'i  had  gone  from  Jerusalem  to  Gath,  and 
had  returned. 

42  And  the  king  sent  and  called  for  Shim'i, 
and  said  uuto  him.  Did  I  not  make  thee  swear 
by  the  Lord,  and  warned  thee,  saying,  On 
the  day  tliou  goest  out,  and  walkest  abroad 
hither  or  thither,  know  ibr  certain  that  thou 
shalt  surely  die  ?  and  thou  saidst  unto  me,  It 
is  well,  I  liave  heard?" 

43  Why  then  hast  thou  not  kept  the  oath 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  commandment  with 
which  I  charged  thee? 

44  The  king  said  moreover  to  Shim'i, 
Thou  well  knowest  all  the  wickedness  of 
which  thy  heart  is  conscious,  that  thou  hast 
done- to  David  my  father:  and  the  Lord  bring- 
eth  back  thy  wickedness  upon  thy  own  head; 

45  But  king  Solpmon  will  be  blessed,  and 
the  throne  of  David  will  be  established  before 
the  Lord  for  ever. 

4G  So  the  king  commanded  Benayahu  the 
son  of  Yehoyada',  who  went  out,  and  fell 
upon  him,  so  that  he  died.  And  the  kingdom 
was  established  in  the  hand  of  Solomon. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^  And  tSolomon  intermarried  with  Pha- 
raoh the  king  of  Egypt,  and  took  the  daughter 
of  Pharaoh,  and  brought  lier  into  the  city  of 
David,  until  he  had  finished  building  his  own 
house,  and  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
wall  of  Jerusalem  round  about. 

2  But  the  people  sacrificed  still  on  the  high- 
places;  because  there  was  no  house  built  unto 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  until  those  days. 

3  Tl  And  Solomon  loved  the  Lord,  walking 
in  the  statutes  of  David  his  father :  only  that 


'  Herxheimer, 
heard  tlic  word." 
3'JO 


'I  obey."     Pfiifippison,  "Well,  I  liavc 


he  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  on  the  high- 
places. 

4  And  the  king  went  to  Gib'on  to  sacrifice 
there ;  for  that  was  the  great  high-place :  one 
thousand  burntrofferings  did  Solomon  offer 
upon  that  altar. 

5  Tf  In  Gib'on  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solo- 
mon in  a  dream  of  the  night:  and  God  said, 
Ask  what  I  shall  give  thee. 

6  And  Solomon  said,  Thou  hast  shown 
unto  thy  servant  David  my  father  great  kind- 
ness, just  as  he  walked  before  thee  in  truth, 
and  in  righteousness,  and  in  uprightness  of 
heart  with  thee;  and  thou  hast  kept  for  him 
this  great  kindness,  and  thou  hast  given  him 
a  son  who  sitteth  on  liis  throne,  as  it  is  this 
day. 

7  And  now,  0  Lord  my  God,  thou  hast 
made  thy  servant  king  in  the  place  of  David 
my  father :  and  I  am  but  a  young  lad ;  I  know 
not  how  to  go  out  or  come  in. 

8  And  thy  servant  is  in  the  midst  of  thy 
people  wliicli  thou  hast  chosen,  a  great  peo- 
ple, that  cannot  be  numbered  nor  counted  for 
multitude. 

9  Give  therefore  thy  servant  an  understand- 
ing heart  to  judge  thy  people,  to  discern  be- 
tween good  and  bad;  for  who  would  (other- 
wise) be  able  to  judge  this  thy  great''  peo- 
ple? 

10  And  the  speech  was  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  that  Solomon  had  asked 
this  thing. 

11  And  God  said  unto  him,  Because  thou 
hast  asked  this  thing,  and  hast  not  asked  for 
thyself  long  life;''  and  hast  not  asked  for  thy- 
self riches,  nor  hast  asked  the  life  of  thy  ene- 
mies; but  hast  asked  for  thyself  discernment 
to  understand  (how  to  give)  judgment : 

12  Behold,  1  have  done  according  to  thy 
word  ;  lo,  I  have  given  thee  a  wise  and  a 
discerning  heart;  so  that  like  unto  thee  there 
was  none  before  thee,  nor  after  thee  shall  any 
one  arise  like  unto  thee. 

13  And  also  what  thou  hast  not  nsked 
have  I  given  thee,  both  riches,  and  honour : 
so  that  like  unto  thee  there  shall  not  have 
been  any  one  among  the  kings  all  thy  days. 

14  And  if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  wa^s,  to 
kee])  my  statutes  and  my  commandments,  as 


''  After    Jonathan, 
'troublesome." 


Arnheim,     "powerful;"     Eashi, 
"  Heb.  "many  days." 


1  KINGS  in.  IV. 


tliv  father  David  did  wallc,  then  will  I 
leiiiithen  thy  days. 

15  ^f  And  Solomon  awoke,  and,  behold,  it 
was  a  dream ;  and  he  went  to  Jerusalem,  and 
stood  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  and  offered  up  burnt-oflerings,  and  pre- 
pared peace-oflferings,  and  made  a  feast  to  all 
his  servants. 

10  ^  Then  came  there  two  women,  that 
were  harlots,  unto  the  king,  and  placed  them- 
selves before  him. 

17  And  the  one  woman  said.  Pardon,  my 
lord,  I  and  this  woman  dwell  in  one  house ; 
and  I  was  delivered  of  a  child  with  her  in 
the  house. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day 
after  I  was  delivered,  that  also  this  woman 
was  delivered:  and  we  were  together,  there 
was  no  stranger  with  us  in  the  house,  only 
we  two  were  in  the  house. 

19  And  this  woman's  son  died  in  the  night; 
because  she  had  overlaid  him. 

20  And  she  arose  in  the  midst  of  the  night, 
and  took  my  son  from  beside  me,  while  thy 
handmaid  slept,  and  laid  him  in  her  bosom, 
and  her  dead  son  she  laid  in  my  bosom. 

21  And  when  I  rose  in  the  morning  to  give 
my  son  suck,  behold,  he  was  dead;  but  when 
T  looked  at  him  carefully  in  the  morning,  be- 
hold, it  was  not  my  son,  whom  I  had  born. 

22  And  the  other  woman  said.  It  is  not  so;" 
my  son  is  the  living  one,  and  thy  son  is  the 
dead ;  and  this  one  said.  It  is  not  so ;  thy  son 
is  the  dead,  and  my  son  is  the  living:  thus 
they  spoke  before  the  king. 

2-3  Then  said  the  king.  This  one  saith.  This 
is  my  son  that  liveth,  and  thy  son  is  dead: 
and  the  other  saith,  It  is  not  so ;  thy  son  is 
the  dead,  and  my  son  is  the  living. 

24  And  the  king  said,  Fetch  me  a  sword: 
and  they  brought  the  sword  before  the  king. 

25  And  the  king  said,  Hew  the  living  child 
in  two,  and  give  the  one  half  to  one,  and  the 
other  half  to  the  other. 

2G  Then  spoke  the  woman  whose  son  was 
the  living  unto  the  king,  for  her  love''  had 
become  enkindled  for  her  son,  and  she  said,  0 
pardon,  my  lord,  give  her  the  living  child,  and 
only  do  not  slay  it;  but  the  other  said, 
Neither  mine  nor  thine  shall  it  be,  hew  it 
asunder. 

*  After  Jonathan;  others,  "  No;  but,"  &c. 


27  The  king  then  answered  and  said,  Give 
her  the  living  child,  and  do  not  slay  it:  she  is 
its  mother. 

28  And  when  all  Israel  heard  of  the  judg- 
ment which  the  king  had  given,""  they  feared 
the  king;  for  they  saw  that  the  wisdom  of 
God  was  in  him,  to  exercise  justice. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Thus  was  king  Solomon  king  over  all 
Israel. 

2  ^  And  these  were  the  princes  whom 
he  had:  'Azaryahu  the  son  of  Zadok  the 
priest ; 

3  Elichoreph  and  Achiyah,  the  sons  of 
Shisha,  scribes;  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Achi- 
lud,  the  recorder; 

4  And  Benayahu  the  son  of  Yehoyada' 
over  the  army;  and  Zadok  and  Ebyathar 
priests ; 

5  And  Azaryahu  the  son  of  Nathan  was 
over  the  superintendents;  and  Zabud  the  son 
of  Nathan  was  an  officer  of  state  and  the 
kings  friend; 

G  And  Achishar  was  over  the  household; 
and  Adoniram  the  son  of  'Abda  was  over  the 
tribute. 

7  ^  And  Solomon  had  twelve  superintend- 
ents over  all  Israel,  who  provided  for  the  king 
and  his  household:  one  month  in  the  year 
had  the  particular  one  to  jirocure  provisions. 

8  And  these  are  their  names:  Ben-churon 
the  mountain  of  Ephraim ; 

9  Ben-deker,  in  Makaz,  and  in  Sha'albim, 
and  Beth-shemesh,  and  Elon-beth-chanan ; 

10  Ben-chessed,  in  Arubboth;  to  him  per- 
tained Soclioh  and  all  the  land  of  Chepher; 

11  Ben-abinadab,  in  all  the  district  of  Dor; 
he  had  Taphath  the  daughter  of  Solomon 
for  wife; 

12  ^  Ba'ana  the  son  of  Achilud  in  Tha'a- 
nach  and  Megiddo,  and  all  Beth-shean,  which 
is  by  Zarethanah  beneath  Yizre'el.  from  Beth- 
shean  to  Abel-mecholah,  as  far  as  beyond  Yok- 
me'am ; 

13  ^  Ben-geber,  in  Ramoth-girad ;  to  him 
pertained  the  villages  of  Ya'ir  the  son  of  Me- 
nasseh,  which  are  in  Gil'ad;  to  him  also  per- 
tained the  region  of  Argob,  which  is  in  Ba- 
shan,  sixty  great  cities  with  walls  and  brazen 
bars; 


Lit. 


'  mercy. 


Lit.  "judged." 
391 


1  KINGS  IV.  V. 


14  ^  Acliinadab  the  son  of  'Iddo  in  Ma- 
chanayim; 

15  ^  Achima'az  in  Naplitali;  he  also  took 
Bahsemath  the  daughter  of  Solomon  for  wife; 

IG  ^  Ba'anah  the  son  of  Cliiishai  in  Asher 
and  in  Be'aloth; 

17  ][  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Paruach,  in 
Issachar; 

18  Tl  Shim'i  the  son  of  Ela,  in  Benjamin; 

19  if  Geber  the  son  of  Uri  in  the  country 
of  Gil'ad,  the  country  of  Sichon  the  king 
of  the  Emorites,  and  of  'Og  the  king  of  Ba- 
shan;  besides"  the  one  superintendent  who 
was  in  the  land. 

20  Judali  and  Israel  were  numerous,  as 
the  sand  which  is  by  the  sea  in  multitude; 
and  they  ate  and  drank,  and  made  merry. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1''  And  Solomon  was  ruling  over  all  the 
kingdoms  from  the  river  unto  the  land  of  the 
Philistines,  and  as  far  as  the  boundary  of 
Egypt,  which  brought  presents,  and  served 
Solomon  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

2  Tl  And  Solomon's  provision  for  one  day 
was  thirty  kors"  of  fine  flour,  and  sixty  kors 
of  meal, 

3  Ten  fotted  oxen,  and  twent}-  pasture 
oxen,  and  a  hundred  sheep,  besides  harts,  and 
roebucks,  and  fallowdeer,  and  fatted  fowl. 

4  For  he  had  dominion  over  all  the  region 
on  this  side  the  river,  from  Thiphsach  even  to 
Gazzah,  over  all  the  kuigs  on  this  side  the 
river:  and  he  had  peace  on  all  sides  round 
about  him. 

5  And  Judah  and  Israel  dwelt  in  safety, 
every  man  under  his  vine  and  under  his  fig- 
tree,  from  Dan  even  to  Beer-sheba',  all  the 
days  of  Solomon. 

6  ^  And  Solomon  had  forty  thousand  stalls 
for  the  horses  for  his  chariots,  and  twelve 
thousand  horsemen. 

7  And  those  superintendents  provided  for 
king  Solomon,  and  for  all  that  came  near 
unto  king  Solomon's  table,  every  man  in  his 
month :  they  let  nothing  be  wanting. 

8  The  barley  also  and  the  straw  for  the 

*  Rashi.  There  is  a  doubt  concerning  this  officer; 
some  suppose  it  refers  to '  Azaryahu,  son  of  Nathan,  (ver.  5,) 
and  others,  to  a  thirteenth  officer  not  named,  who  had  to 
furnish  supplies  in  the  thirteenth  month  of  a  leap-year. 

''  The  English  version  commences  chapter  v.  only  at 
our  verse  15. 
392 


horses  and  the  runners'*  did  they  bring  unto 
the  place  where  he  might  be,  every  man  ac- 
cording to  his  prescription. 

9  ^  And  God  gave  unto  Solomon  wisdom 
and  understanding  exceedingly  much,  and 
largeness"  of  heart,  even  as  the  sand  that  is 
on  the  sea-shore. 

10  And  Solomon's  Avisdom  excelled  the 
wisdom  of  all  the  children  of  the  east  coun- 
try, and  all  the  wisdom  of  Egypt. 

11  And  he  was  wiser  than  all  men;  than 
Ethan  the  Ezrachite,  and  Heman,  and  Kal- 
kol,  and  Darda',  the  sons  of  Machol :  and  his 
name  was  (spread)  among  all  the  nations 
round  abont. 

12  And  he  spoke  three  thousand  proverbs; 
and  his  songs  were  a  thousand  and  five. 

13  And  he  spoke  concerning  the  trees,  from 
the  cedar-tree  that  is  on  the  Lebanon  even 
unto  the  hyssop  that  spriugeth  out  of  the 
wall ;  he  spoke  also  concerning  the  beasts, 
and  concerning  the  fowl,  and  concerning  the 
creeping  things,  and  concerning  the  fishes. 

14  And  men  came  from  all  the  jjeople  to  hear 
the  wisdom  of  Solomon,  from  all  the  kings  of 
the  earth,  who  had  heard  of  his  wisdom. 

15  ^  And  Hiram*^  the  king  of  Tyre  sent 
his  servants  unto  Solomon ;  for  he  had  heard 
that  they  had  anointed  him  king  in  the  room 
of  his  father;  for  Hiram  had  all  the  time  been 
a  lover  of  David. 

16  ][  And  Solomon  sent  to  Hiram,  saying, 

1 7  Thou  well  knowest  of  David  my  father, 
that  he  was  not  able  to  build  a  house  unto  the 
name  of  the  Lord  his  God,  on  account  of  the 
war  wherewith  his  enemies  encompassed  him, 
until  the  Lokd  had  put  them  under  the  soles 
of  his  feet. 

18  But  now  hath  the  Lord  my  God  given 
me  rest  on  every  side,  there  is  neither  adver- 
sary nor  evil  hinderance. 

19  And,  behold,  I  purpose  to  build  a  house 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God,  as  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  unto  David  my  father,  say- 
ing. Thy  son,  whom  I  will  place  in  thy  room 
upon  thy  throne,  he  it  is  that  shall  build  the 
house  unto  my  name. 


"  A  certain  measure,  said  to  be  about  9|  Prussian 
bushels,  or  about  14}  imperial  ones. 

■^  A  species  of  fleet  horses.  Others  render,  "dromeda- 
ries." 

'  /.  e.  "Extensive  knowledge." 

'  Correctly,  Chiram. 


1  KINGS  V.  VI. 


20  And  now  command  thou  that  they  hew 
me  cedar-trees  out  of  Lebanon;  and  my  ser- 
vants shall  be  with  thy  servants;  and  the 
wages  of  thy  servants  will  I  give  unto  thee  in 
accordance  with  all  that  thou  wilt  say;  for 
tliou  well  knowest  that  there  is  not  among  us 
a  man  that  hath  the  skill  to  hew  timber  like 
unto  tlie  Zidonians. 

21  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Hiram 
heard  the  words  of  Solomon,  that  he  rejoiced 
greatly;  and  he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord 
this  da}-,  who  hath  given  unto  David  a  wise 
son  over  this  numerous  people. 

22  And  Iliram  sent  to  Solomon,  saying,  I 
have  heai'd  what  thou  hast  sent  to  me  for:  I 
will  gladly  execute  all  thy  desire  in  respect 
of  timber  of  cedar,  and  in  respect  of  timber 
of  fir. 

23  My  servants  shall  bring  them  down 
from  the  Lebanon  unto  the  sea:  and  I  will 
convey  them  by  sea  in  fioats  unto  the  place 
of  which  thou  wilt  send  me  word,  and  I  Avill 
cause  theni  to  be  taken  apart  there,  and  thou 
shalt  take  them  away;  and  tliou  shalt  accom- 
plish my  desire,  in  giving  the  food  for  my 
household. 

24  So  Iliram  gave  Solomon  cedar-trees  and 
fir-trees,  all  his  desire. 

25  And  Solomon  gave  Hiram  twenty  thou- 
sand kors  of  wheat  as  provision  for  his  house- 
hold, and  twenty  kors  of  beaten  oil :  thus  did 
Solomon  give  to  Hiram  year  by  year. 

26  1|  And  the  Lord  gave  wisdom  unto  So- 
lomon, as  he  had  spoken  to  him;  and  there 
was  peace  between  Hiram  and  Solomon ;  and 
they  made  a  covenant  with  each  other. 

27  And  king  Solomon  raised  a  levy  out  of 
all  Israel;  and  the  levy  was  thirty  thousand 
men. 

.  28  And  he  sent  them  into  the  Lebanon,  ten 
thousand  in  each  month  by  turns;  one  month 
they  used  to  be  in  the  Lebanon,  two  months 
at  home :  and  Adoniram  was  over  the  levy. 

29  ^  And  there  belonged  to  Solomon 
seventy  thousand  bearers  of  burdens,  and 
eighty  thousand  stone-cutters  in  the  moun- 
tains ; 

30  Besides  the  chiefs  who"  were  appointed 

'  Others,  "the  chiefs  of  Solomou's  oflScers  who  were." 

^  i.  e.  Commenced  to  build. 

°  Wesseli  renders,  "windows  transparent  when  closed," 
or  "glass  windows."  .Tonathan,  "narrow  without  and 
wide  within." 

■2  Z 


by  Solotnon  over  the  work,  three  thousand 
and  three  hundred,  who  ruled  over  the  people 
that  wrought  on  the  work. 

31  And  when  the  king  commanded,  they 
quarried  out  great  stones,  heavy  stones,  to 
lay  the  foundation  of  the  house,  and  hewn 
stones. 

32  And  the  builders  of  Solomon,  and  the 
builders  of  Hiram,  and  the  Giblites  hewed 
them;  and  so  they  prepared  the  wood  and 
the  stones  to  build  tlie  house. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  in  the  four  hun- 
dred and  eightieth  year  after  the  soinii  forth 
of  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  in  the  fourth  year,  in  tlie  month  Ziv, 
which  is  the  second  month,  of  the  reign  of 
Solomon  over  Israel,  that  he  built''  the  house 
unto  the  Lord. 

2  And  the  house  which  king  Solomon  built 
unto  the  Lord,  was  sixty  cubits  in  length, 
and  twenty  in  breadth,  and  thirty  cubits  in 
height. 

3  And  the  porch  before  the  temple  of  the 
house,  was  twenty  cubits  in  length,  in  front 
of  the  breadth  of  the  house;  and  ten  cubits 
in  breadth  at  the  east  side  of  the  house. 

4  And  he  made  for  the  house  windows  wide 
without  and  narrow  within.'' 

5  And  he  built  on  the  wall  of  the  house  a 
gallery  round  about,  on  the  walls  of  the  house 
round  about,  of  the  temple  and  of  the  most 
holy  place :  and  he  made  side-chambers  round 
about. 

6  The  nethermost  gallery  was  five  cubits 
in  Ijreadth,  and  the  middle  was  six  cubits  in 
breadth,  and  the  third  was  seven  cubits  in 
breadth ;  for  projections''  had  he  made  to  the 
house  round  about  on  the  outside,  so  as  to 
fasten  nothing  in  the  walls  of  the  house. 

7  And  the  house,  when  it  was  in  building, 
was  built  of  entire  stones  as  they  had  been 
prepared  at  the  quaiTy:  so  that  neither  ham- 
mer, nor  axe,  nor  any  tool  of  iron  was  heard 
in  the  house,  while  it  was  in  building. 

8  The  door  for  the  middle"  (gallery)  side- 
chamber  was  in  the  right  side  of  the  house : 

^  Lit.  m^TlJO  means  "diminutions,"  ('.  c.  the  wall  dimi- 
nished in  thickness  one  cubit  each  at  the  end  of  the  fir-t 
and  second  stories,  on  which  projection  thus  formed  the 
beams  of  the  galleries  were  laid. 

"  Jonathan  renders,  "the  lowermost  gallery." 

393 


1  KINGS  VI. 


and  with  wmdiiig-  stairs  they  went  up  into 
the  middle  chamber,  and  out  of  the  middle 
into  the  third. 

9  So  he  built  the  house,  and  finished  it; 
and  covered  the  house  with  hollow  tiles,''  and 
with"'  boards  of  cedar. 

10  And  he  built  the  gallery  against  all  the 
house,  (each)  five  cubits  in  height;  and  it 
was  fastened  on  to  the  house  with  timber  of 
cedar." 

11  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
Solomon,  saying, 

12  This  house  which  thou  art  building — if 
thou  wilt  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  execute 
my  ordinances,  and  keep  all  m}'  command- 
ments to  walk  in  them:  then  will  I  perform 
my  word  with  thee,  which  I  have  spoken 
unto  David  thy  f\ither. 

13  And  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  I  will  not  forsake  my 
people  Israel. 

14  ^  So  did  Solomon  build  the  house,  and 
finish  it. 

15  And  he  built  the  walls  of  the  house  within 
with  boards  of  cedar ;  from  the  floor  of  the  house 
to  where  the  walls  touched  the  ceiling  did  he 
overlay  it  on  the  inside  with  wood;  and  he  over- 
laid the  floor  of  the  house  with  boards  of  fir. 

16  And  he  built  the  twenty  cubits  on  the 
lower  side  of  the  house  with  boards  of  cedar, 
from  the  floor  to  the  battlements;  and  he  built 
it  within,  for  the  debir,''  for  the  holy  of 
holies. 

17  And  the  house,  that  is,  the  temple  be- 
fore it,  was  forty  cubits  long. 

18  And  the  cedar  on  the  house  within  was 
carved  with  colocynths  and  opening  flowers : 
all  was  cedar,  no  stone  was  seen. 

19  And  the  debir  in  the  house  within  did 
he  prepare,  to  set  therein  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  the  Lord. 

20  And    the    interior   of    the    debir   was 
.  twenty  cubits  in  length,  and  twenty  cubits  in 

breadth,  and  twenty  cubits  was  its  height: 


*  Rashi.  Otbers,  "narrow  boards  or  slats,"  or  "shin- 
gles of  cypress." 

"  Arnheim,  from  "no  "order,"  i.  c.  of  columns,  "and 
the  columnar-hall  with  cedar-wood."  Philippson,  "and 
he  covered  the  house  with  slats,  and  beams  of  cedar." 

°  Rashi,  "and  ho  fastened  the  house,"  &c.  Philipp- 
son-, "and  he  encased  the  house,"  &c.  Our  version  is 
after  Ralbag. 

''  T31  can  scarcely  be  translated  except  with  the  harsh  es- 
394 


and  he  overlaid   it  with  pure  gold ;   and  he 
overlaid  the  altar  with  cedar-wood. 

21  And  Solomon  overlaid  the  house  within 
with  pure  gold :  and  he  barred  by  means  of 
chains  of  gold  the  front  of  the  debir;  and  he 
overlaid  it  with  gold. 

22  And  the  whole  house  he  overlaid  with 
gold,  until  all  the  house  was  finished :  also 
the  whole  altar  that  was  before  the  debir  did 
he  overlay  with  gold. 

23  And  Avithin  the  debir  he  made  two 
cherubims  of  oleaster-wood,'  each  ten  cubits 
high. 

24  And  five  cubits  was  the  one  wing  of 
the  cherub,  and  five  cubits  the  other  wing  of 
the  cherub:  (there  were)  ten  cubits  from  the 
uttermost  part  of  the  one  wing  unto  the  utter- 
most part  of  the  other. 

25  And  the  other  cherub  was  also  ten  cu- 
bits :  both  the  cherubim  were  of  one  measure 
and  one  form. 

20  The  height  of  the  one  cherub  was  ten 
cubits,  and  so  that  of  the  other  cherub. 

27  And  he  set  the  cherubim  within  the 
innermost  part  of  the  house :  and  they  spread 
forth  the  wings  of  the  cherubim,  so  that  the 
wing  of  the  one  touched  the  one  wall,  and  the 
wing  of  the  other  cherub  touched  the  other 
wall;  and  their  wings  toward  the  middle  of 
the  house  touched  one  another. 

28  And  he  overlaid  the  cherubim  with 
gold. 

29  And  on  all  the  wall  of  the  house  round 
about,  he  carved  figures  of  cherubim  and 
palm-trees  and  opening  flowers,  in  the  debir 
and  in  the  temple. 

30  And  the  floor  of  the  house  he  overlaid 
with  gold  for  the  debir  and  for  the  temple. 

31  And  for  the  entrance  of  the  debir  he 
made  doors  of  oleaster-wood :  the  lintel  with' 
the  side-posts  forming  five  sides. *^ 

32  And  also  upon  the  two  doors  of  oleaster- 
wood  he  carved  figures  of  cherubim  and  palm- 
trees  and  opening  flowers,  and  overlaid  them 


pression,  "speaking-place,  the  spot  for  revealing;"  where- 
fore we  have  left  it,  with  Herxheinier,  untranslated.  The 
English  version  has  "oracle,"  evidently  not  a  good  word. 

"  i'.  e.  The  wild  olive.  Lit.  "  oil-trees ;"  but  Jonathan, 
"olive-trees." 

'  After  Rashi,  who  explains  that  the  lintel  was  not 
straight,  but  formed  an  angle :  hence  the  base  and  side- 
posts  with  the  lintel  formed  a  pentagon,  or  five-sided 
opening  A. 


1  KINGS  VI.  VII. 


with  gold,  and  spread  the  gold,  by  beating, 
upon  the  cherubim,  and  ujjon  the  palm-trees. 

33  So  also  made  he  for  the  entrance  of  the 
temple  door-posts  of  oleusterwond  in  sliape 
of  a  square ; 

34  And  two  doors  of  fir-wood:  the  one 
door  having  two  leaves  which  were  folding, 
and  the  other  door  having  two  leaves  which 
were  folding." 

35  And  he  carved  thereon  cherubim,  and 
palm-trees  and  opening  flowers:  and  he  over- 
laid them  with  gold  fitting  upon  the  carved 
Avork. 

36  And  he  built  the  inner  court  of  three 
rows  of  hewn  stone,  and  one  row  of  cedar 
beams. 

37  In  the  fourth  year  was  the  foundation 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord  laid,  in  the  month 
Ziv; 

38  And  in  the  eleventh  year,  in  the  month 
Bui,  which  is  the  eighth  month,  was  the 
house  finished  throughout  all  its  parts,  and 
according  to  all  its  requirements.  So  was  he 
building  it  seven  years. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  But  his  own  house  was  Solomon  build- 
ing thirteen  years,  and  then  lie  finished  all 
his  house. 

2  He  built  also  the  house  of  the  forest  of 
Lebanon:  a  hundred  cubits  was  its  length, 
and  fifty  cubits  was  its  breadth,  and  thirty 
cu)>its  was  its  height,  upon  four  rows  of  cedar 
pillars,  with  cedar  beams  upon  the  pillars. 

3  And  it  was  covered  with  cedar  above 
over  the  beams,''  that  lay  on  the  forty-five 
pillars,  fifteen  in  a  row. 

4  And  there  were  window-spaces  in  three 
rows,  and  windows  were  ojiposite  each  other 
in  three  ranks. 

5  And  all  the  entrances  and  door-posts 
formed  a  square  in  shape:  and  windows  were 
ojjposite  windows  in  three  ranks. 

6  And  he  made  a  porch  of  pillars ;  fifty 
cubits  was  its  length,  and  thirty  cubits  its 
breadth;  and  the  porch  was  before  them;  and 
the  other  pillars  with  an  entablature"  before 
them. 

°  D'S'Sj  lit.  "  revolving,"  /.  c.  on  their  own  hinges. 

''  Some  render,  "  above  the  chambers  which  rested  on 
the  pillars,  which  chambers  were  forty-five,"  &c. 

°  Philippsou,  "  and  the  porch  was  in  front,  also  columns 
and  a  stairway  in  front."     But  3^  is  considoreil  by  the 


7  Then  he  made  a  porch  for  the  throne 
where  he  might  judge,  the  porch  of  judg- 
ment: and  it  was  covered  with  cedar  from 
one  side  of  the  floor  to  the  other. 

8  And  his  house  where  he  dwelt  in  another 
court  within  the  porch,  was  of  the  like  work : 
and  Solomon  made  also  a  house  for  Pharaoh's 
daughter,  whom  he  had  taken  for  wife,  like 
unto  this  porch. 

9  All  these  were  of  heavy  stones,  hewn 
after  a  fixed  measure,  sawed  with  the  saw 
inside  and  outside,  even  from  the  foundation 
unto  the  coping,  and  from  the  outside  unto 
the  great  court. 

10  And  the  foundation  was  of  heavy 
stones,  large  stones,  stones  of  ten  cubits,  and 
stones  of  eight  cubits. 

11  And  above  were  heavy  stones,  hewn 
after  a  fixed  measure,  and  cedars. 

12  And  the  great  court  round  about  was 
of  three  I'ows  of  hewn  stones,  and  one  row  of 
cedar  beams,  both  for  the  inner  court  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  the  porch  of  the 
house. 

13  ^  And  king  Solomon  sent  and  fetched 
Hiram  out  of  Tyre. 

14  He  was  the  sou  of  a  widow  of  the  tribe 
of  Naphtali,  and  his  father  was  a  man  of 
Tjre,  a  worker  in  copper :  and  he  was  filled 
with  wisdom,  and  understanding,  and  know- 
ledge, to  make  every  work  in  copper;  and 
he  came  to  king  Solomon,  and  did  all  his 
work. 

15  And  he  cast  the  two  pillars  of  copper, 
eighteen  cubits  was  the  height  of  the  one  pil- 
lar;"^ and  a  line  of  twelve  cubits  did  encom- 
pass the  second  pillar. 

16  And  he  made  two  capitals,  to  set  upon 
the  tops  of  the  pillars, of  molten  copper;  five 
cubits  Was  the  height  of  the  one  capital,  and 
five  cubits  was  the  height  of  the  other  capital; 

17  And  nets  of  checker-work,  and  wreaths 
of  chain-work,  for  the  capitals  which  were 
upon  the  top  of  the  pillars ;  seven  for  the  one 
capital,  and  seven  for  the  other  capital. 

18  And  he  made  the  pillars,  so  that  two 
rows  of  pomegranates  were  round  about  upon 
the  one  net-work,  to  cover  the  capitals  that 

Rabbins  as  thick  beams,  forming  cornices  over  the  columns, 
as  rendered  here. 

^  The  height  is  given  of  one  pillar,  and  the  circumfe- ' 
rence  of  the  other;  though  both  were  alike. 

395 


1  KINGS  VII. 


were  upon  the  top:  and   the  same  he  made 
for  tlie  otlier  capitaL 

19  And  the  capitals,  that  were  upon  the 
top  of  the  piUars,  furnished  with  hly-work, 
(as)  those  in  the  porch,  were  four  cubits. 

20  And  the  capitals"  upon  the  two  pillars 
rose  also  above,  close  by  the  rounding  which 
was  on  the  side  of  the  net-work :  and  the 
pomegranates  were  two  hundred,  in  rows 
round  about,  upon  either''  capital. 

21  And  he  set  up  the  pillars  for  the  porch 
of  the  temple;  and  he  set  up  the  right  pillar, 
and  called  its  name  Yachin ;  and  he  set  up  the 
left  pillar,  and  called  its  name  Boilz. 

22  And  upon  the  top  of  the  i)illars  there 
was  lily-work :  and  so  was  finished  the  work 
of  the  pillars. 

23  ^  And  he  made  the  molten  sea,  ten 
cubits  i'rom  the  one  brim  to  tlie  other,  rounded 
all  about,  and  it  was  five  cubits  in  height : 
and  a  line  of  thirty  cubits  did  encompass  it 
round  about. 

24  And  colocynth-shaped  knobs  were  under 
its  brim  round  about  encompassing  it,  ten  in 
a  cubit,  encircling  the  sea  round  al^out:  the 
colocynths  were  in  two  rows,  and  were  cast 
(with  it)  when  it  was  cast. 

25  It  was  standing  upon  twelve  oxen, 
three  looking  toward  the  north,  and  three 
looking  toward  the  west,  and  three  looking 
toward  the  south,  and  three  looking  toward 
the  east;  and  the  sea  was  resting  above  upon 
them,  and  all  their  hinder  parts  were  inward. 

20  And  its  thickness  was  a  hand's  breadth, 
and  its  brim  was  wrought  like  the  brim  of  a 
cu|),  with  lily-buds:  it  could  contain  two 
thousand  baths. 

27  ][  And  he  made  ten  bases  of  copper: 
four  cubits  Avas  the  length  of  each  one  base, 
and  four  cubits  its  breadth,  and  three  cubits 
its  heiglit. 

28  And  this  was  the  workmanship  oi'  the 
bases:  They  had  borders,  and  the  borders  were 
between  the  corner  ledges; 

29  And  on  the  borders  that  were  between 


"  Tliis  verse  is  translated  by  others  freely  to  explain 
thd  obscurity:  "The  two  hundred  pomegranates  hung  in 
two  rows  around  the  capitals,  to  wit,  (one  row)  above,  and 
(another  row)  below  the  centre,  around  which  was  the 
not-work."  Our  version  seems  to  indicate  the  same,  that 
the  capitals  rose  above  the  ornaments  which  covered  them 
in  the  centre.  ''  Rashi. 

°  lta.shi  renders  p  "there  was  a  pedestal  above,"  viz, 
for  the  laver  to  rest  oii. 


the  ledges  were  lions,  oxen,  and  cherubitn; 
and  upon  the  corner  ledges  it  was  thus  also" 
above;  and  likeAvise  beneath  the  lions  and 
oxen  were  pendant  wreaths  of  plated  work."* 

30  And  every  base  had  four  copper  wheels, 
and  axles  of  copper ;  and  its  four  corners  had  un- 
dersetters :  under  the  laver  were  the  under.set- 
ters  cast  on ;  at  the  side  of  each  were  pendants. 

31  And  its  mouth"  was  within  the  capital 
and  above  a  cubit  in  height;  but  the  mouth  of 
this  was  rounded  after  the  work  of  the  base,  a 
cubit  and  a  half-cubit;  and  also  upon  its  mouth 
were  car\ings ;  and  their  borders  were  square, 
not  rounded. 

32  And  the  four  Avheels  were  under  the 
borders ;  and  the  axletrees  of  tlie  wheels  were 
joined  to  the  base :  and  the  height  of  each 
one  wheel  was  a  cubit  and  a  half  cubit. 

33  And  the  workmanshi[)  of  the  wheels 
was  like  tlie  workmanship  of  a  chariot-wheel : 
their  axletrees,  and  their  naves,'  and  their 
felloes,  and  their  spokes,  were  all  cast. 

34  And  there  were  four  undersetters  to  the 
tour  corners  of  each  one  base ;  the  underset- 
ters were  of  one  piece  with  the  base  itself 

35  And  on  the  top  of  tlie  base  was  a 
rounded  compass  of  half  a  cubit  high :  and 
on  the  top  of  the  base  were  its  side-ledges ; 
and  its  borders  were  of  one  piece  with  itself 

36  And  he  engraved  on  the  plates  of  its 
side-ledges  and  on  its  borders,  cherubim, 
lions,  and  palm-trees:  and  in  the  open  space 
of  every  one  were  pendant  wreaths'^  round 
about. 

37  After  this  manner  did  he  make  the  ten 
bases:  one  casting,  one  measure,  one  form, 
was  there  for  all  of  them. 

38  ^  Then  made  he  ten  lavers  of  copper; 
forty  baths  could  each  one  laver  contain; 
every  laver  was  four  cubits :  each  one  laver 
was  upon 'each  one  base  of  the  ten  bases. 

39  And  he  put  the  bases,  five  on  the  right 
side  of  the  house,  and  five  on  the  left  side  of 
the  house:  and  the  sea  he  set  on  the  right 
side  of  the  house  eastward  opposite''  the  south. 

■^  Philippson,  "Also  beneath  were  oxen  and  lions  sol- 
dered on,  of  plated  work;"  nvh  thus,  after  Jonathan, 
"fastened  on." 

°  i.  e.  Of  the  laver  which  rested  on  the  base. 

'  Sachs,  and  others,  "felloes,  spokes,  and  naves." 

'  Sachs.  Philipp.son,  "  And  he  engraved  on  the  tables 
— cherubim,  &c.,  according  to  the  space  of  each,  and  they 
were  then  solilored  on,"  &c.      (nr'?  as  above,  v.  29.) 

"  ('.  r.  South-easterly. 


1  KINC.S  VII.  VIII. 


40  ^  And  lliraiu  iiiailc  the  lavers,  and 
the  shovels,  and  the  basins;  so  Hiram  made 
•an  end  of  doing  all  the  work  tliat  he  made 
for  king  Solomon  for  the  house  of  the 
Lord: 

41  The  two  ]>iiliirs,  and  the  two  bowl- 
shaped  capitals  that  were  on  the  top  of  the 
two  pillars;  and  the  two  net-works,  to  cover 
tlie  two  bowl-shaped  capitals  which  were 
upon  the  top  of  the  pillars; 

42  And  the  four  hundred  pomegranates  for 
the  two  net-works,  two  rows  of  pomegranates 
lor  each  one  net-work,  to  cover  the  two  bowl- 
shaped  capitals  that  were  upon  the  fronf  of 
the  pillars; 

43  And  the  ten  bases,  and  the  ten  lavers 
upon  the  bases; 

44  And  the  one  sea,  and  the  twelve  oxen 
under  tlie  sea; 

45  And  the  pots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
basins;  and  all  these  vessels,  which  Iliram  had  I 
made  for  king  Solomon  for  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  Avere  ol'  polished  copper. 

46  In  the  plain  of  the  Jordan  did  the  king 
cast  them,  in  the  clay-ground''  Ijetween  Suc- 
coth  and  Zarethan. 

47  And  Solomon  set  down  all  tlie  vessels 
(unweighed),  because  they  were  exceedingly 
many:  the  weight  of  the  copper  was  not  in- 
quired into. 

48  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vessels  that 
pertained  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  :  The 
altar  of  gold,  and  the  table  whereupon  the 
show-bread  was,  of  gold, 

49  And  the  candlesticks,  five  on  tlie  right 
side,  and  five  on  the  left,  before  the  debir,''of 
pure  gold,  with  the  flowers,  and  the  lamps, 
and  the  tongs  of  gold, 

50  And  the  bowls,  and  the  knives,''  and 
the  basins,  and  the  spoons,  and  the  censers 
of  pure  gold ;  and  the  hinges,  for  the  doors  of 
the  inner  house,  for  the  holy  of  holies,  for  the 
doors  of  the  house,  and  for  the  temple,  (were) 
of  gold. 

51  ^[  And  so  was  ended  all  the  work  that 
king  Solomon  made  for  the  house  of  the  Lord: 
and  vSolomon  lirought  in  tlie  things  sanctified 
by  David  his  father,  the  silver,  and  the  gold, 

"  Meaning,  whieh  were  visible  when  in  front. 
"  Lit.  "in  thick"  or  "solid  earth." 
'  lleuflered  "the  most  holy  place,"  in  vi.5. 
^  Eng.  ver.   "snuffers."       Raslii   supposes   nnoio   auil 
11130  to  be  particular  musical  instrunnnts. 


and  the  vessels,   (and)   he  placed   (these)   in 
the  treasuries  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

1  •[[  Then  did  Solomon  assemble  the  elders 
of  Israel,  and  all  the  heads  of  the  trilies,  the 
])i'inces  of  the  divisions  of  the  children  of  Is- 
rael, unto  king  Solomon  in  Jerusalem,  to  bring 
up  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of 
the  city  of  David,  which  is  Zion. 

2  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  assembled 
themselves  unto  king  Solomon  at  the  feast" 
in  the  month  Etlianim,  which  is  the  seventii 
month. 

'  3  And  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came,  and 
the  priests  took  np  the  ark. 

4  And  they  brought  up  the  ark  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation, 
and  all  the  holy  vessels  that  were  in  the  taber- 
nacle: even  these  did  the  priests  and  the  Le- 
vites  bring  up. 

5  And  king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congre- 
gation of  Israel,  that  were  assembled  unto 
him,  were  with  him  before  the  ark,  sacrificing 
sheep  and  oxen,  that  conld  not  be  told  nor 
numbered  for  multitude. 

6  And  the  priests  brought  in  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord  unto  its  place,  into 
the  debir  of  the  house,  into  the  most  holy 
place,  under  the  wings  of  the  cherubim. 

7  For  the  cherubim  spread  forth  their 
wings  over  the  place  of  the  ark,  and  the 
cherubim  covered  the  ark  and  its  staves  from 
above. 

8  And  the_y  had  made  the  staves  so  long, 
that  the  ends  of  the  staves  were  seen  out  in 
the  holy  place  in  the  front  of  the  debir,  but 
they  were  not  seen  without;'  and  they  have 
remained  there  until  this  day. 

9  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark  save  the 
two  tables  of  stone,  which  Moses  had  placed 
therein  at  Horeb,  where  the  Lord  made  a' 
covenant  with  the  children  of  Israel,  when 
they  came  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  priests 
were  come  out  of  the  holy  place,  that  the 
cloud  filled  the  liouse  of  the  Lord: 

11  And  the  priests  were  not  able  to  stand 

"  The  Feast  of  Tabernacles,  celebrated  in  the  month  of 
Tishry,  formerly  Ethanim. 

'  The  staves  which  ^Moses  had  made  to  carry  the  ar'K, 
had  been  made  longer  than  before,  and  tliey  just  touched 
tiie  curtain,  so  as  lo  be  iiierelv  iicrceptible  on  the  outside. 

'   '         '  3U7 


1  KINGS  VIII. 


to  minister  because  of  the  cloud ;  lor  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  had  filled  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

12  ][  Then  said  Solomon,  The  Lord  said 
that  he  would  dwell  in  the  thick  darkness. 

13  1  have  indeed  built  a  dwelling-house  for 
thee,  a  settled  place  for  thy  abode  for  ever. 

14  And  the  king  turned  his  face  about, 
and  blessed  all  the  congregation  of  Israel; 
and  all  the  congregation  of  Israel  was  stand- 
in  o" 

15  And  he  said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Israel,  who  spoke  with  his  mouth  unto 
David  my  father,  and  hath  with  his  hand  ful- 
filled it,  when  he  said, 

16  Since  the  day  that  I  brought  forth  my 
people  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  I  did  not  make 
choice  of  any  city  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel 
to  build  a  house,  that  my  name  might  be 
therein;  but  I  made  choice  of  David  to  be 
over  my  people  Israel. 

17  And  it  was  in  the  heart  of  David  my 
lather  to  build  a  house  for  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  the  God  of  Israel. 

18  But  the  Lord  said  unto  David  my  father. 
Whereas  it  was  in  tliy  heart  to  build  a  house 
unto  my  name,  thou  didst  well  that  it  was  in 
thy  heart: 

19  Nevertheless,  thou  shalt  not  thyself 
build  the  house;  but  thy  son  that  shall  come 
forth  out  of  thy  loins,  he  shall  build  the  house 
unto  my  name. 

20  And  the  Lord  hath  fulfilled  his  word 
that  he  hath  spoken :  and  I  am  risen  up  in 
the  room  of  David  my  fatlier,  and  I  sit  on  the 
throne  of  Israel,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken, 
and  I  have  built  the  house  for  the  name  of 
the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel. 

21  And  I  have  assigned  there  a  place  for 
the  ark,  wherein  is  the  covenant  of  the  Lord, 
Avhich   he  made  with   our  ftithers,  when   he 

"Ijrought  them  Ibrth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt. 

22  ^  And  Solomon  now  placed  himself  be- 
fore the  altar  of  the  Lord  in  the  presence  of 
all  the  congregation  of  Israel,  and  spread  forth 
his  hands  toward  heaven; 

23  And  he  said,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 
there  is  no  god  like  thee,  in  the  heavens 
above,  and  on  the  earth  beneath,  thou  who 
keepest  the  covenant  and  the  kindness  for 
thy  servants  that  walk  before  thee  with  all 
theii'  heart; 

24  Who  hast  kejjt  for  thy  ser\ant  David 

398 


my  father  what  thou  hadst  promised  him ; 
and  thou  spokest  with  thy  mouth,  and  hast 
fulfilled  it  with  thy  hand,  as  it  is  this  day. 

25  And  now,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 
keep  for  thy  servant  David  my  father  what 
thou  hast  spoken  concerning  him,  saying.  There 
shall  never  fail  thee  a  man  in  my  sight  who 
sitteth  on  the  throne  of  Israel;  if  thy  chil- 
dren but  take  lieed  to  their  way  to  walk  be- 
fore me,  as  thou  hast  walked  before  n)e. 

26  And  now,  0  God  of  Israel,  I  pray  thee, 
let  thy  word  be  verified,  which  thou  hast 
spoken  unto  tliy  servant  David  my  father. 

27  For  in  truth  will  God  then  dwell  on  the 
earth?  behold,  the  heavens  and  the  heavens 
of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee:  how  much 
less  then  this  house  that  I  have  built! 

28  Yet  wilt  thou  turn  thy  regard  unto  the 
2)rayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplication, 
0  Lord  my  God,  to  listen  unto  the  entreaty 
and  unto  the  prayer,  which  thy  servant  pray- 
eth  before  thee  to-day; 

29  That  thy  eyes  may  be  open  toward 
this  house  night  and  day,  toward  the  place 
of  which  thou  hast  said.  My  name  shall  be 
there ;  that  thou  mayest  listen  unto  the  prayer 
which  thy  servant  shall  pray  at  this  place. 

30  And  listen  thou  to  the  supplication  of 
thy  servant,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  which 
they  will  pray  at  this  place :  aiid  oh,  do 
thou  hear  in  heaven  thy  dwelling-place;  and 
hear,  and  forgive. 

31  If  any  man  trespass  against  his  neigh- 
bour, and  an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  cause 
him  to  swear,  and  the  oath  come  before  thy 
altar  in  this  house : 

32  Then  do  thou  hear  in  heaven,  and  act, 
and  judge  thy  servants,  by  condemning  the 
wicked,  to  bring  his  way  upon  his  head ;  and 
by  justifying  the  righteous,  to  give  him  ac- 
cording to  his  righteousness. 

33  ^[  When  thy  people  Israel  are  struck 
down  before  the  enemy,  because  they  have 
sinned  against  thee,  and  they  return  then  to 
thee,  and  confess  thy  name,  and  pray,  and 
make  supplication  unto  thee  in  this  house: 

34  Then  do  thou  hear  in  heaven,  and  for- 
give the  sin  of  thy  people  Israel,  and  cause 
them  to  return  unto  the  land  which  thou  hast 
given  unto  their  fathers. 

35  Tl  When  tlie  heavens  Ije  sliut  up,  and 
there  be  no  rain,  because  they  have  sinned 

!  iigainst  thee,  and  tlicy  pray  toward  this  place, 


1  KINGS  VIII. 


iind  coiitl'ss  thy  iiaiiic,  and  turn   i'rom  their 
sin,  because  thou  liast"  afflicted  them : 

36  Then  do  tliou  hear  in  heaven,  and  for- 
give the  sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  people 
Israel;  for''thou  wilt  teach  them  the  good  way 
wherein  they  should  walk ;  and  give  then  rain 
upon  thy  land,  which  tlion  hast  given  to  thy 
jjeople  for  an  inheritance. 

37  ^  If  there  be  fiimine  in  the  land,  if 
there  be  pestilence,  blasting,  mildew,  or  if 
there  be  locust,  caterpillar,  if  their  enemy 
besiege  them  in  the  land  in  their  gates;  at 
whatsoever  plague,  whatsoever  sickness ; 

38  Wliat  prayer  and  supplication  soever 
bo  made  by  any  man,"  of  all  thy  people  Is- 
rael, when  they  shall  be  conscious  every 
man  of  the  plague  of  his  own  heart,  and  he 
then  spread  forth  his  hands  toward  this 
house : 

39  Then  do  thou  hear  in  heaven  the  place 
of  thy  dwelling,  and  forgive,  and  act,  and  give 
to  every  man  in  accordance  with  all  his  ways, 
as  thou  mayest  know  his  heart;  for  thou,  tliv- 
self  alone,  knowest  the  heart  of  all  the  chil- 
dren of  men; 

40  In  order  that  they  may  fear  thee  all 
the  days  that  the}-  live  on  the  face  of  the 
land  which  thou  hast  given  unto  our  fathers. 

41  But  also  to  the  stranger,  who  is  not  of 
thy  people  Israel,  but  cometli  out  of  a  far-oft' 
country  for  the  sake  of  thy  name;  . 

42  For  they  will  hear  of  thy  great  name, 
and  of  thy  strong  hand,  and  of  thy  out- 
stretched arm;  when  he  will  come  and  pray 
at''  this  house : 

43  Mayest  thou  listen  in  heaven  the  place 
of  thy  dwelling,  and  do  according  to  all  that 
the  stranger  will  call  on  thee  for;  in  order 
that  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  may  know 
thy  name,  to  fear  thee,  as  (do)  thy  people 
Israel;  and  that  they  may  understand  that 
this  house,  which  I  have  built,  is  called  by 
thy  name." 

44  %  If  thy  people  go  out  to  battle  against 
their  enemy,  on  the  way  on  which  thou  may- 
est send  them,  and  they  do  pray  unto  the 
Lord  in  the  direction  of  the  city  which  thou 

"  Jmuithaii,  ''because  thou  wilt  accept  their  prayers," 
takinj;  u:i'r\  as  derived  from  nj>',  "to  answer  prayer." 

"  Others,  "after  thou  hast  tauj^ht  them,"  &e. 

'  Redak,  "be  it  one  man,  or  all  thy  people  Israel." 

''  After  Jonathan ;  though  from  tlie  context  we  have 
rendered  Sn  at  times,  with  "at"  in  tliis  passage.     But  the 


hast  chosen,   and  of  the  house   that  I  have 
built  for  thy  name: 

45  Then  hear  thou  in  heaven  their  prtiyer 
and  their  sup{)lication,  and  procure  them  jus- 
tice."^ 

46  If  they  sin  against  thee,  (for  there  is  no 
man  that  may  not  sin,)  and  thou  be  angry 
with  them,  and  give  them  up  before  the 
enemy,  so  that  their  captors  carry  them  away 
captive  unto  the  land  of  the  enemy,  (be  it)  lar 
or  near ; 

47  And  if  tliey  then  take  it  to  their  heart 
in  the  land  whither  they  have  been  carried 
captive,  and  repent,  and  make  supplication 
unto  thee  in  the  land  of  their  captors,  say- 
ing. We  have  sinned,  and  have  committed  ini- 
quity, we  have  acted  wickedly; 

48  And  they  return  unto  thee  with  all 
tlieir  heart,  and  with  all  their  soul,  in  the 
land  of  their  enemies,  who  have  led  them 
away  captive,  and  they  pray  unto  thee  in  the 
direction  of  their  land,  which  thou  hast  given 
unto  their  fathers,  of  the  city  which  thou 
hast  chosen,  and  of  the  house  which  I  have 
built  for  thy  name : 

49  Then  hetir  thou  in  heaven  the  place  of 
thy  dwelling  their  prayer  and  their  sui)plica- 
tion,  and  procure  them  justice; 

50  And  forgive  thy  people  for  what  they 
have  sinned  against  thee,  and  all  their  trans- 
gressions whereby  they  have  transgressed 
against  thee,  and  cause  them  to  find  mercy 
before  their  captors,  that  they  may  have 
mercy  on  them; 

51  For  they  are  thy  people,  and  thy  heri- 
tage, whom  thou  hast  brought  forth  out  of 
Egypt,  from  the  midst  of  the  iron  furnace; 

52  That  thy  eyes  may  be  open  unto  the 
supplication  of  thy  servant,  and  unto  the  sup- 
plication of  thy  people  Israel,  to  listen  unto 
them  in  all  for  which  they  call  unto  thee ; 

53  For  thou  hast  separated  them  unto  thee 
as  a  heritage  from  all  the  people  of  the 
earth,  as  thou  spokest  by  the  hand  of  Moses 
thy  servant,  when  thou  broughtest  forth  our 
ftitliers  out  of  Egypt,  0  Lord  Eternal. 

54  ^  And  it  happened,  that, when  Solomon 


I  word  has  been  chosen  no  doubt  purposely,  to  denote  that 
praj'er  should  be  said  tou-ard  the  sanctuary,  if  it  should 
not  be  possible  to  pray  in  it. 

"  Heb.  "thy  name  is  called  upon  this  house." 
'  Arnheim,  "do  for  them  what  they  need."     (See  also 
V.  4[).) 


1  KINGS  Vlll.  IX. 


hud  made  an  end  ol"  pi-ayiiig  all  this  prayer 
and  supplication  unto  the  Lord,  he  arose  from 
before  the  altar  of  the  Lord  from  kneeling  on 
his  knees,  with  his  hands  spread  out  toward 
heaven. 

55  And  he  stood  up,  and  blessed  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel  with  a  loud  voice,  saj- 

56  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  given 
rest  unto  his  people  Israel,  in  accordance  with 
all  that  he  hath  spoken :  (so  that)  there  hath 
not  failed  one  word  of  all  his  good  promise, 
which  he  spoke  bv  the  hand  of  Moses  his 
servant. 

57  The  Lord  our  God  be  with  us,  as  he 
was  with  our  t;ithers;  oh  may  he  not  leave 
us,  nor  forsake  us; 

58  That  he  may  incline  our  heart  unto 
him,  to  walk  in  all  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his 
commandments,  and  his  statutes,  and  his 
ordinances,  which  he  commanded  our  fathers. 

59  And  may  these  my  words,  wherewith  I 
have  made  supplication  before  the  Lord,  be 
nigh  unto  the  Lord  our  God  day  and  night, 
that  he  may  maintain  the  cause  of  his  servant, 
and  the  cause  of  his  people  Israel  in  their 
daily  requirements ;" 

60  In  order  that  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth  ma}-  know  that  the  Lord  is  the  (true) 
God,  and  none  else. 

61  Let  your  heart  therefore  be  entire  with 
the  Lord  our  God,  to  walk  in  his  statutes, 
and  to  keep  his  commandments,  as  at  this 
day. 

62  And  the  king,  and  all  Israel  with  him, 
offered  sacritices  before  the  Lord. 

63  And  Solomon  ofiered  (as)  the  sacrifice 
of  peace-offering  which  he  offered  inito  the 
Lord,  two  and  twenty  thousand  oxen,  and  a 
hundred  and  twenty  thousand  sheep.  And 
thus  did  the  king  and  all  the  children  of  Israel 
dedicate  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

64  On  the  same  day  did  the  king  hallow 
the  interior  of  the  court  that  was  before  the 
house  of  the  Lord;  lor  he  prepared  there  the 
burnt-offerings,  and  the  meat-offerings,  and  the 
fat  of  the  peace-offerings;  because  the  copper 
altar  that  was  before  the  Lord  was  too  sm.all 
to  contain  the  burnt-offerings,  and  the  meat- 
offerings, and  the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings. 

65  And   Solomon    held   at   that   time   the 


'  Heb.  "the  thing  of  a  d;iy  on  its  day." 
■100 


feast,**  and  all  Israel  with  him.  a  great  assem- 
bly, from  the  entrance  of  Chamath  unto  the 
river  of  Egypt,  before  the  Lord  our  God, 
seven  da3s  and  seven  days,  even  fourteen 
days. 

66  On  the  eighth  da)-  he  dismissed  the  peo- 
ple, and  they  blessed  the  king;  and  they  went 
unto  their  tents  joyful  and  glad  of  heart,  be- 
cause of  all  the  good  that  the  Lord  had  done 
for  David  his  servant,  and  tor  Israel  his  people. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  Avheu  Solomon  had 
finished  building  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  king's  house,  and  all  Solomon's  desire 
which  he  was  pleased  to  execute : 

2  ^  That  the  Lord  appeared  to  Solomon 
the  second  time,  as  he  had  appeared  inito 
him  at  Gib'on. 

3  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him,  I  have 
heard  thy  praj  er  and  thy  supplication,  that 
thou  hast  offered  before  me;  I  have  hallowed 
this  house,  which  thou  hfist  built,  to  put  my 
name  there  for  ever;  and  my  eyes  and  my 
heart  shall  be  thei'e  at  all  times. 

4  And  as  for  thee,  if  thou  wilt  walk  before 
me,  as  David  thy  father  walked,  in  integrity 
of  heart,  and  in  rectitude,  to  do  in  accordance 
with  all  that  I  have  commanded  thee,  (and) 
wilt  keep  my  statutes  and  my  ordinances  : 

5  Then  will  I  establish  the  throne  of  thy 
kingdom  over  Israel  for  ever;  as  I  have  spoken 
concerning  David  thy  fathei',  sa3ing,  There 
shall  never  fail  thee  a  man  upon"  the  throne 
of  Israel. 

6  But  if  ye  will  at  all  turn  awa}-,  ^e  or 
your  children,  from  following  me,  and  will 
not  keep  m_v  commandments  (and)  my  sta- 
tutes which  I  have  set  before  you,  and  go  and 
serve  other  gods,  and  bow  down  to  them : 

7  Then  will  I  cut  off  Israel  from  the  face 
of  the  land  which  I  have  given  them;  and 
the  house,  which  I  have  hallowed  unto  m}^ 
name,  Avill  I  cast  away  from  my  sight ;  and 
Israel  shall  be  a  pro\erb  and  a  In-word  among 
all  the  nations; 

8  And  at  this  house,  (which)  should  be  so  ex- 
alted, every  one  that  passeth  l)y  it  shall  be 
astonished,  and  shall  hiss;  and  men  will  say, 
'Why  hath  the  Lord  done  thus  unto  this  land, 
and  unto  this  house? 


^  i.  e.  Of  tabernai'les. 


'  Lit.  "  from." 


1  KINGS  IX.  X. 


9  And  tlicy  .sliall  say,  For  the  cause  that 
they  forsook  tlie  Lord  their  God,  who  had 
brouglit  forth  their  fathers  out  of  the  land  of 
I]gypt,  and  took  hold  ofotlier  gods,  and  bow- 
ed down  to  them,  and  served  them :  therefore 
hath  the  Lord  liroiight  upon  tliem  all  this 
evil. 

10  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of 
twenty  years,  when  Solomon  had  built  the 
two  houses,  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
king's  house, 

11  (Now  Hiram  the  king  of  Tjre  had  sup- 
plied Solomon  with  cedar-trees  and  lir-treea, 
and  with  gold,  according  to  all  his  desire.) 
that  king  Solomon  then  gave  to  Hiram 
twenty  cities  in  the  land  of  Galilee. 

12  And  Hiram  came  out  from  Tyre  to  see 
the  cities  which  Solomon  had  given  him;  but 
they  were  not  right  in  his  eyes. 

13  And  he  said,  What  kind  of  cities  are 
these  which  thou  hast  given  me,  my  brother? 
And  he  called  them,  The  hand  of  Cabul,  until 
this  day. 

14  ][  And  Hiram  sent  to  the  king  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  talents  of  gold. 

15  And  this  is  the  manner  of  the  levy 
which  king  Solomon  raised,  to  build  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  his  own  house,  and 
the  Millo,"  and  the  wall  of  Jerusalem,  and 
Chazor,  and  Megiddo,  and  Gezer. 

IG  (Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt  had  gone  up, 
and  captured  Gezer,  and  burnt  it  witli  tire,  and 
slain  the  Canaanites  that  dwelt  in  the  city, 
and  given  it  as  a  marriage-present  unto  his 
daughter,  Solomon's  wife. 

17  And  Solomon  built  Gezer,  and  lower 
Beth-choron, 

18  And  Ba'alath,  and  Thadmor''  in  the  wil- 
derness, in  the  land," 

19  And  all  the  treasure-cities'*  that  Solomon 
had,  and  the  cities  for  the  chariots,  and  the 
cities  for  the  horsemen,  and  the  (other)  desire 
of  Solomon  which  he  desired  to  build  in  Jeru- 
salem, and  in  Lebanon,  and  in  all  the  land 
of  his  dominion.) 


"  Millo  is  said  to  have  been  a  deep  valley  between  the 
ancient  city  of  Jebu.s,  and  the  city  of  David  on  Mount 
Zion  :  this  Solomon  filled  up,  and  built  upon ;  and  it  be- 
came a  fortified  place,  and  a  place  for  public  assemblies. 

"  The  word  is  written  iu  the  Hebrew  text  Thamar, 
which  is  "  Palm,"  the  same  as  Palmyra,  the  usual  name 
of  the  place. 

°  Kashi  comments,  "this  means,  near  the  inhabited 
country." 

3  A 


20  MY  the  people  that  were  left  of  the 
Emorites,  the  Hittites,  the  Perizzites,  the  Hi- 
vites,  and  the  Jcbusites,  who  were  not  of  the 
children  of  Israel, 

21  Their  children  that  were  left  after  them 
in  the  land,  whom  the  children  of  Israel  had 
not  been  able  utterly  to  destroy,  these  did 
Solomon  levy  as  trilnitary  labourers  until  this 
day. 

22  Yet  of  the  children  of  Israel  did  Solo- 
mon make  no  one  a  bond-man ;  but  they  were 

the  men  of  war,  and  bis  servants,  and  his 
princes,  and  his  captains,  and  the  officers  of 
his  chariots,  and  of  his  horsemen. 

23  ]f  These  (also)  were  the  chiefs  of  the 
superintendents  that  were  over  Solomon's 
work,  live  hundred  and  fifty,  wlio  ruled  o^  er 
the  people  that  wrought  on  the  work. 

21  But  Pharaoh's  daughter  came  up  out 
of  the  city  of  David  unto  her  house  whicli 
he  had  built  for  her:  then  did  he  build  the 
Millo. 

25  And  Solomon  did  ofler  three  times  in 
every  year  burnt-olfe rings  and  peace-oflerings 
upon  the  altar  which  he  had  built  unto  the 
Lord,  and  he  burnt  incense  upon  the  one  that 
was  before  the  Lord.  So  he  tinished  the 
house.^ 

26  And  king  Solomon  made  a  slii]y-  in  'Ez- 
yon-gebei',  which  is  near  Eloth,  on  the  shore 
of  the  Red  Sea,  in  the  land  of  Edom. 

27  And  Hiram  sent  in  the  ship  his  ser- 
vants, seamen, that  had  knowledge  of  the  sea, 
with  the  servants  of  Solomon. 

28  And  they  came  to  Ophir,  and  fetched 
from  there  gold,  four  hundred  and  twenty 
talents,  and  brought  it  to  king  Solomon. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  T[  And  when  the  queen  of  Slieba  heard 
of  the  fame  of  Solomon  iu  connection''  witli 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  she  came  to  prove  him 
with  riddles. 

2  And  she  came  to  Jerusalem  with  an  ex- 
ceedingly  great   train,   with    camels   bearing 

''  i.  e.  Those  where  the  public  stores  and  provisions 
were  kept.     (See  E.Kod.  i.  11.) 

'  Here  recommences  the  statement  of  the  levy  beguu 
in  verse  15. 

'  Arnheim,  after  Kalbag,  "he  paid  his  dues  to  the 
house,"  i.  e.  the  necessary  sacrifices  for  the  altar. 

^  Others,  "ships"  or  "navy,"  referring  to 2  Chr.  viii.  18. 

''  Herxheimer  explains,  "what  he  had  done  for  the 
fllniilifatiim  of  the  LdLiH." 

401 


1  KINGS  X. 


spices,  and  gold  in  great  abundance,  and  pre- 
cious stones :  and  when  she  was  come  to  Solo- 
mon, she  spoke  with  him  of  all  that  was  on 
her  heart. 

3  And  Solomon  solved  her  all  her  ques- 
tions: nothing  remained  hidden  from  the 
king,  which  he  did  not  tell  her. 

4  And  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  saw  all 
Solomon's  wisdom,  and  the  house  that  he  had 
built, 

5  And  the  food  of  his  table,  and  the  sitting 
of  his  servants,  and  the  attendance  of  his 
ministers,  and  their  apparel,  and  his  cup- 
bearers, and  his  ascent"  by  which  he  went  up 
unto  the  house  of  the  Lord  :  there  was  no 
more  spirit  in  her. 

6  And  she  said  to  the  king.  The  truth  only 
was  the  word  that  I  heard  in  my  own  land 
of  thy  acts  and  of  thy  wisdom. 

7  And  I  believed  not  in  the  words,  until  I 
came,  and  my  eyes  saw  (all) :  and,  behold, 
the  half  hath  not  been  told  me;  thou  excel- 
lest  in  wisdom  and  prosperity  the  report 
which  I  have  heard. 

8  Happy  are  thy  men,  happy  are  these  thy 
servants,  who  stand  before  thee  continually, 
who  hear  thy  wisdom. 

9  Blessed  be  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  hath 
had  delight  in  thee,  to  place  thee  on  the 
throne  of  Israel;  because  the  Lord  lovetli 
Israel  for  ever,  therefore  hath  he  made  thee 
king,  to  do  justice  and  righteousness. 

10  And  she  gave  to  the  king  one  hundred 
and  twenty  talents  of  gold,  and  of  spices  a  very 
great  store,  and  precious  stones :  there  came  no 
more  spices  in  such  abundance  as  these  which 
the  queen  of  Sheba  gave  to  king  Solomon. 

11  And  also  the  ship  of  Hiram,  that 
fetched  gold  from  Ophir,  brought  in  from 
Ophir  in  great  abundance  sandal-wood**  and 
precious  stones. 

12  And  the  king  made  of  the  sandal- wood 
a  railing  for  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  for 
the  king's  house,  and  harps  and  psalteries  for 
the  singers:  there  came  no  such  sandal-wood, 
nor  was  it  seen  (again)  until  thi.s  day. 

"  After  Rashi,  who  with  other  Rabbins  takes  inS^'  for 
in'Sj',  )'.  r..  a  passage  loading  from  the  palace  to  the 
temple.  But  Jonathan,  "  and  his  burnt-offerings,  which 
he  offered  at  the  house  of  the  Lord." 

''  After  Kodak. 

'  /iunz  and  others,  siiiijilv  "  nK'rcliants." 
40i 


13  And  king  Solomon  gave  unto  the  queen 
of  Sheba  all  her  pleasure,  whatsoever  she 
asked,  beside  what  Solomon  gave  her  of  his 
royal  bounty.  So  she  turned  about  and  went 
to  her  own  country,  she  and  her  servants. 

14  \  Now  the  weight  of  the  gold  that 
came  to  Solomon  in  one  year  was  six  hun- 
dred and  sixty  and  six  talents  of  gold, 

15  Beside  (what  he  had)  of  the  travelling 
tradesmen,"  and  of  the  traffic  of  the  mer- 
chants, and  of  all  the  kings  of  confederate 
nations,''  and  of  the  governors  of  the  country. 

16  And  king  Solomon  made  two  hundred 
targets  of  beaten  gold :"  six  hundred  shekels 
of  gold  he  used  for  each  one  target. 

17  And  (he  made)  three  hundred  shields  of 
beaten  gold;  three  manehs  of  gold  he  used 
for  each  one  shield:  and  the  king  put  them 
in  the  house  of  the  forest  of  Lebanon.^ 

18  The  king  also  made  a  great  throne  of 
ivory,  and  overlaid  it  with  the  best  gold. 

19  The  throne  had  six  steps,  and  there  was 
a  round  top  on  the  throne  behind ;  and  there 
were  arms  on  either  side  on  the  place  of  the 
seat,  and  two  lions  stood  beside  the  arms. 

20  And  twelve  lions  stood  there  upon  the 
six  steps  on  both  sides:  thei'e  was  not  the 
like  made  in  any  other  kingdom. 

21  And  all  king  Solomon's  drinking-vessels 
were  of  gold,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the  house 
of  the  forest  of  Lebanon  were  of  pure  gold ; 
none  were  of  silver;^  it  was  not  valued  in 
the  days  of  Solomon  at  the  least. 

22  For  the  king  had  a  Tharshish-ship" 
at  sea  with  the  ship  of  Hiram  :  once  in  three 
3'ears  the  Tharshish-ship  used  to  come  home, 
laden  with  gold,  and  silver,  ivory,  and  apes, 
and  peacocks. 

23  And  king  Solomon  became  greater  than 
all  the  kings  of  the  earth  for  riches  and  for 
wisdom. 

24  And  (men  of)  all  the  earth  sought  the 
presence  of  Solomon  to  hear  his  wisdom, 
which  God  had  put  in  his  heart. 

25  And  thoy  brought  every  man  his  jare- 
sent,  vessels  of  silver,  and  vessels  of  gold,  and 


'' After  Jonathan;  others,  "kings  of  Arabia;"  Zunz, 
"  the  western  country." 

'  Zunz  and  Philippson,  "  alloyed  gold;"  Redak,  "soft," 
or  "  the  finest  gold." 

'  Jonathan,  "summer  palace." 

'  Lit.  "there  was  no  silver." 

''  "  African-traders." — Kasui. 


1  KINGS  X.  XI. 


and  garments,  and  armour,  and  spices,  horses, 
and  mules :  and  so  year  by  year. 

26  ][  And  Solomon  gathered  together  cha- 
riots and  horsemen :  and  he  had  a  thousand 
and  four  hundred  chariots,  and  twelve  thou- 
sand horsemen,  whom  he  quartered  in  the 
cities  for  chariots,  and  near  the  king  at  Jeru- 
salem. 

27  And  the  king  rendered  the  silver  in 
Jerusalem  like  stones,  and  the  cedai's  he 
rendered  like  the  sycamore-trees  that  are  in 
the  lowlands,  for  abundance. 

28  And  Solomon  had  horses  brought  out 
of  Egypt;  and  a  company"'  of  the  king's  mer- 
chants bought  a  quantity  at  a  price. 

29  And  a  chariot-team''  came  up  and  went 
out  of  Egypt  for  six  hundred  shekels  of  silver, 
and  a  horse  for  a  hundred  and  fifty :  and  so 
for  all  the  kings  of  the  Ilittites,  and  for  the 
kings  of  Syria,  did  they  bring  them  out  by 
their  means." 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  *[\  But  king  Solomon  loved  many  strange 
women,  beside  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh, 
women  of  the  Moiibites,  'Ammonites,  Edom- 
ites,  Zidoniaiis,  and  Hittites. 

2  Prom  the  nations  concerning  which  the 
Lord  had  said  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Ye 
shall  not  go  in  among  them,  nor  shall  they 
come  in  among  you;  surely  they  will  turn 
away  your  heart  after  their  gods :  unto  these 
Solomon  did  cleave  to  love  them. 

3  And  he  had  seven  hundred  wives,  prin- 
cesses, and  three  hundred  concubines:  and 
his  wives  turned  away  his  heart. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  time  that 
Solomon  was  old,  that  his  wives  turned  away 
his  heart  after  other  gods;  and  his  heart  w^as 
not  undivided  with  the  Lord  his  God,  like 
the  heart  of  David  his  flither. 

5  And  Solomon  went  after  'Ashtoreth  the 
divinity  of  the  Zidonians,  and  after  Milcom 
the  abomination  of  the  'Ammonites. 

6  And  Solomon  did  what  is  evil  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  went  not  fully  after  the 
Lord,  like  David  his  father. 

7  ][  Then  did  Solomon  build  a  high-place 
for  Kemosh,  the  abomination  of  Moab,  on  the 


*  Rashi.  Others,  "and  Solomou  Iiad  liorscs  brought 
out  of  Egypt  and  linen,  the  king's  merchants  bought  the 
linen  at  a  price." 


mount  that  is  before  Jerusalem,  and  for  Mo- 
lech,  the  abomination  of  the  children  of  'Am 
mon. 

8  And  so  did  he  for  all  his  strange  wives, 
who  bui-nt  incense  and  sacrificed  unto  their 
gods. 

9  And  the  Lord  was  angry  with  Solomon ; 
because  his  heart  was  turned  away  from  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  who  had  appeared 
unto  him  twice; 

10  And  had  comnumded  him  concerning 
this  thing,  that  he  should  not  go  after  other 
gods;  but  he  did  not  keep  that  which  the 
Lord  had  commanded. 

11  ][  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Solomon, 
Forasmuch  as  this  is  in  thy  mind,  and  thou 
hast  not  kept  my  covenant  and  my  statutes, 
which  I  commanded  concerning  thee :  I  will 
surely  rend,  the  kingdom  from  thee,  and  will 
give  it  to  thy  servant. 

12  Nevertheless  in  thy  days  will  I  not  do 
it,  for  the  sake  of  David  thy  father;  (but) out 
of  the  hand  of  thy  son  will  I  rend  it. 

13  Still  all  the  kingdom  will  I  not  rend 
away:  one  tribe  will  I  give  to  thy  son  on  ac- 
count of  David  my  servant,  and  on  account 
of  Jerusalem  which  I  have  chosen. 

14  ][  And  the  Lord  stirred  up  an  adver- 
sary unto  Solomon,  Iladad  the  Edomite :  he 
was  of  the  king's  seed  in  Edom. 

15  It  came  to  pass,  namely,  when  David 
was  in  Edom,  when  Joiib  the  captain  of  tlic 
army  was  gone  up  to  bury  the  slain,  after  he 
had  smitten  every  male  in  Edom; 

IG  (For  six  months  did  Joab  remain  there 
with  all  Israel,  until  he  he  had  cut  oft'  every 
male  in  Edom :) 

17  That  Hadad  fled,  he  and  certain  Edom- 
ites  of  his  father's  servants  with  him,  to  go 
into  Egypt ;  but  Hadad  was  then  yet  a  young 
lad. 

18  And  they  arose  from  Midian,  and  came 
to  Paran;  and  they  took  (some)  men  with 
them  from  Paran,  and  came  to  Egypt,  unto 
Pharaoh  the  king  of  Egypt;  who  gave  him  a 
house,  and  decreed  him  a  support,  and  gave 
him  land. 

19  And  Hadad  found  great  favour  in  the 
eyes  of  Pharaoh,  so  that  he  gave  him  for  wife 


''  Eng.  version,  simply  "a  chariot." 
"  From  this  it  appears  that  Solomon's  trailers  had   a, 
monopoly  to  supply  the  neighbourhood  with  Imrses. 

4QS 


1  KINGS  XI. 


the  sister  of  his  own  wife,  the  sister  of  Thach- 
peness  tlie  queen. 

20  And  the  sisterofThachpeness  bore  him 
Genubath  his  son,Avhoni  Thaehpeness  brought 
up  in  Pharaoh's  house ;  and  Genuljath  remained 
in  Pharaoh's  house  among  the  sons  of  Pharaoh. 

'Jl  And  when  Had!id  heard  in  Egypt  that 
David  slept  with  his  fathers,  and  that  Joab 
the  captain  of  the  army  was  dead :  Iladad 
said  to  Pharaoh,  Dismiss  me,  that  I  may  go 
to  my  own  country. 

22  Then  said  Pharaoh  unto  him,  But  wdiat 
dost  thou  hick  with  me,  that,  behold,  thou 
seekest  to  go  to  thy  own  country?  And  he 
answered.  Nothing:  nevertheless  thou  must 
let  me  go  away. 

23  And  God  stirred  him  up  (another)  adver- 
sary, Rezon  the  son  of  Elyada',  who  had  fled 
fro7n  Hadad'ezer  the  king  of  Zobah  his  lord; 

24  And  he  gathered  around  him  some  men, 
and  Ix'came  captain  over  a  band,  when  David 
slew  those  (of  Zoljali) ;  and  they  went  to  Da- 
mascus, and  dwelt  therein,  and  reigned  in 
Damascus. 

25  And  he  was  an  adversary  to  Israel  all 
the  days  of  Solomon,  beside  the  mischief  that 
Iladad  did:  and  he  abhorred"  Israel,  and 
reigned  over  Syria. 

26  ^  Also  Jerobo'am"'  the  son  of  Nebat,  an 
Ejihrathite  of  Zeredah,  the  name  of  whose 
mother  was  Zeru'ah,  a  widow  woman,  was  a 
servant  of  Solomon,  and  he  lifted  up  his  hand 
against  the  king. 

27  And  this  was  the  occasion  that  he 
lifted  ui)  his  hand  aaainst  the  king:  Solomon 
built  up  the  Millo,"  and  closed  up  the  breach 
of  the  city  of  David  his  father. 

28  And  the  man  Jerobo'am  was  a  mighty 
man  of  valour:  and  Solomon  seeing  the 
young  man  that  he  was  (also)  an  industrious 
worker,  he  appointed  hini  over  all  the  charge 
of  the  house  of  Joseph. 

29  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  at  tliat  time 
when  Jerobo'am  went  out  of  Jcmisalem,  that 
the  prophet  Achiyah  the  Siiilonite  found  him 
on  the  way;  and  he  had  clad  himself  with  a 
new  garment;  and  these  two  were  alone  by 
themselves  in  the  field; 

•Jonathan,  "and  he  rebelled  against  Israel."  Zunz, 
"and  he  dreaded." 

''  Properly,  Yaroh'am. 

"  Rashi,  in  the  name  of  the  Talmud,  explains  that 
David  had  left  the  Milio  open  and  tiie  wall  breathed,  that 
404 


30  'And  Achiyah  caught  hold  of  the  new 
garment  that  was  on  him,  and  rent  it  in 
twelve  pieces; 

31  And  he  said  to  Jerobo'am,  Take  thee 
ten  pieces;  for  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Behold.  I  will  rend  the  king- 
dom out  of  the  hand  of  Solomon,  and  I  will 
give  to  thee  the  ten  tribes; 

32  But  the  one  tribe  shall  remain  for  him. on 
account  of  my  servant  David,  and  on  account 
of  Jerusalem,  the  city  which  I  have  chosen 
out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel ; 

33  For  the  cause  that  they  have  forsaken 
me,  and  have  bowed  down  to  'Ashtoreth  the 
divinity  of  the  Zidonians,  toKemosh  the  god  of 
Moab,  and  to  Milconr  the  god  of  the  children  of 
'Amnion,  and  have  not  walked  in  my  ways, 
to  do  what  is  riglit  in  my  eyes,  and  my  sta- 
tutes and  my  ordinances,  like  David  his  father. 

34  Nevertheless  will  I  not  take  the  whole 
kingdom  out  of  his  hand;  but  I  will  let  him 
remain  prince  all  the  days  of  his  life  for  the 
sake  of  David  my  servant,  whom  I  chose,  who 
kept  my  commandments  and  my  statutes  ; 

35  But  I  will  take  the  kingdom  out  of  the 
hand  of  his  son,  and  I  will  give  it  unto  thee, 
even  the  ten  tribes. 

36  And  unto  his  son  will  I  give  one  tribe; 
so  that  there  may  remain  a  government^  for 
David  my  servant  at  all  times  before  me  in 
Jerusalem,  the  city  which  I  have  chosen  for 
me,  to  put  my  name  there. 

37  But  thee  will  I  take,  and  thou  shalt 
reign  over  all  that  thy  soul  may  long  for;  and 
thou  shalt  be  king  over  Israel. 

38  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  wilt  hearken 
unto  all  that  I  shall  command  thee,  and  wilt 
walk  in  my  ways,  and  do  what  is  I'ight  in  my 
eyes,  to  keep  my  statutes  and  my  command- 
ments, as  David  my  servant  did :  that  I  will 
be  with  thee,  and  build  thee  a  permanent 
house,  as  I  have  built  for  David,  and  1  will 
give  Israel  unto  thee. 

39  And  I  will  afflict  the  seed  of  David  for 
this;  but  not  for  all  times. 

40  ][  Solomon  thereupon  sought  to  iiut  Je- 
robo'am to  death;  but  Jerobo'am  artise.  and  fled 
into  Egypt,  luito  Shishak  tlie  king  of  Egypt, 


the  pilgrims  might  freely  enter  and  lodge,  and  that  Solo- 
mon having  built  it  up  for  the  purpose  of  Pharaoh's 
daughter,  brought  about  a  reproof  from  Jerobo'am. 

''  After  Jonathan ;  others  take  Tj  as  i:  and  render  "  a 
lamji,"  or  "light." 


1  KINCS  XI.  XII. 


and  he  remaiiiod  in  Egypt  nntil  the  death  of 
Solomon. 

41  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Solomon, 
and  all  that  he  did,  and  his  wisdom,  behold, 
they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  history  of 
Solomon. 

4:^  And  the  days  that  Solomon  reigned  in 
Jerusalem  over  all  Israel  were  forty  years. 

43  And  Solomon  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  was  buried  in  the  eity  of  David  his 
father:  and  Rehobo'am"  his  son  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ^  And  Rehobo'am  went  to  Shechem; 
for  all  Israel  were  come  to  Shechem  to  make 
him  king. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jerobo'am 
the  son  of  Nebat,  heard  of  it,  (but  he  was  yet 
in  Egypt,  whither  he  was  fled  irom  the  pre- 
sence of  king  Solomon,  and  Jerobo'am  dwelt 
in  Egypt; 

3  And  they  had  sent  and  called  him;)  that 
Jerobo'am  and  all  the  congregation  of  Israel 
came,  and  spoke  unto  Rehobo'am,  saying, 

4  Thj-  lather  made  our  yoke  hard;  but 
do  thou  now  make  lighter  the  hard  service  of 
thy  father,  and  his  heavy  yoke  which  he  put 
upon  us,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 

5  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  away  yet 
for  three  days,  and  then  return  to  me.  And 
the  people  went  away. 

6  Then  consulted  king  Rehobo'am  with 
the  old  men,  that  had  stood  before  Solomon 
his  father  while  he  yet  lived,  and  said.  How 
do  ye  advise  that  I  should  give  an  answer  to 
this  people? 

7  And  they  spoke  unto  him,  saying.  If 
thou  wilt  this  day  be  a  servant  unto  this  peo- 
l)le,  and  wilt  serve  them,  and  be  attentive  to 
them,  and  speak  to  them  good  words;  then 
will  they  be  servants  unto  thee  for  all  times. 

8  But  he  forsook  the  counsel  of  the  old 
men,  which  they  had  given  him,  and  consulted 
with  the  young  men  that  were  grown  up  with 
him,  tho.se  who  stood  before  him : 

9  And  he  said  unto  them,  What  do  you 
counsel  how  we  should  give  an  answer  to  this 
people,  who  have  spoken  to  me,  saying.  Make 
lighter  the  yoke  which  thy  father  did  put 
upon  us? 

*  Corrfctly,  Rn-Jinh' tnyi. 


10  Then  sjioke  unto  him  the  3'oung  men 
that  were  grown  up  with  him,  saying.  Thus 
must  thou  say  unto  this  people  that  have 
spoken  unto  thee,  saying,  Th}'  father  made 
our  yoke  heavy,  but  do  thou  make  it  lighter 
unto  us:  thus  must  thou  speak  unto  them. 
My  little  fnmcr  is  thicker  than  mv  father's 
loins. 

11  And  now,  if  my  father  hath  burdened 
you  with  a  heavy  yoke,  I  will  even  add  to 
your  yoke  ;  if  my  father  liath  chastised  you 
with  whips,  then  will  I  chastise  you  with 
scorpion-thorns. 

12  When  now  Jerobo'am  and  all  the  peo- 
ple came  to  Rehobo'am  on  the  third  day,  as 
the  king  had  spoken,  saying.  Return  to  me 
on  the  third  day  : 

13  The  king  answered  the  people  harshly, 
and  forsook  the  old  men's  counsel  that  they 
had  advised  him; 

14  And  he  spoke  to  them  after  the  counsel 
of  the  young  men,  saying.  My  father  made 
your  yoke  heavy,  and  Twill  even  add  to  your 
yoke;  my  father  chastised  you  with  whips, 
but  I  will  chastise  you  with  scorpion-thorns. 

15  Thus  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the 
people;  for  it  was  so  brought  about  from  the 
Lord,  in  order  that  he  might  fulfil  his  word, 
which  the  Lord  had  spoken  by  means  of 
Achiyah  (he  Shilonite  unto  Jerobo'am  tlie  son 
of  Nebat. 

16  So  when  all  Israel  saw  that  the  king 
hearkened  not  unto  them,  the  people  gave 
the  king  an  answer  saying.  What  portion 
have  we  in  David?  nor  have  we  an  inherit- 
ance in  the  son  of  Jesse;  to  your  tents,  0 
Israel :  now  see  to  thy  own  house,  Daviil. 
So  did  Israel  go  away  unto  their  tents. 

17  But  as  for  the  children  of  Israel  who 
dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  over  them  did 
Roliobo'am  reign. 

18  Tf  Then  sent  king  Rehobo'am  Adorani, 
who  was  over  the  tribute ;  but  all  Isi-ael 
stoned  him  with  stones,  that  he  died.  There- 
fore king  Rehobo'am  made  speed  with  all  his 
might  to  get  up  into  his  chariot,  to  flee  to 
Jerusalem. 

19  So  did  Israel  rebel  against  the  house  of 
David  unto  this  day. 

20  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  Isi'ael 
heard  that  Jerobo'am  was  returned,  that  they 
sent  and  called  him  unto  the  congregation, 
and  inade  him  king  over  all  Israel :  there  was 

405 


1  KINGS  XII.  XIII. 


none  that  followed  the  house  of  David,  save 
the  tribe  of  Judah  alone. 

21  And  when  Rehobo'am  was  come  to  Je- 
rusalem, he  assembled  all  the  house  of  Judah, 
with  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  a  hundred  and 
eighty  thousand  chosen  men,  warriors,"  to 
fight  against  the  house  of  Israel,  to  bring 
Imck  the  kingdom  to  Rehobo'am  the  son  of 
Solomon. 

22  ]|  But  the  word  of  God  came  unto  She- 
ma'yah  the  man  of  God,  saying, 

23  Say  unto  Echobo'am,  the  son  of  Solo- 
mon, the  king  of  Judah,  and  unto  all  the 
house  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  to  the 
remnant  of  the  people,  saying, 

24  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Ye  shall 
not  go  up,  nor  fight  with  your  brethren  the 
children  of  Israel :  return  every  man  to  his 
house;  for  from  me  hath  this  thing  been 
brought  about.  And  they  hearkened  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  and  returned  to  go  home, 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

25  Tl  And  Jeroljo'am  built^'  Shechem  in  the 
mountain  of  Ephraim,  and  dwelt  therein; 
and  he  went  out  from  there  and  built  Penuel. 

26  And  Jerobo'am  said  in  his  heart,  Now 
may  the  kingdom  return  to  the  house  of 
David : 

27  If  this  people  go  up  to  prepare  sacrifices 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  then 
may  the  heart  of  this  people  turn  again  unto 
their  lord,  even  unto  Rehobo'am  the  king  of 
Judah,  and  they  might  kill  me,  and  return  to 
Rehobo'am  the  king  of  Judah. 

28  Whereupon  the  king  took  counsel,  and 
he  made  two  calves  of  gold,  and  said  unto  the 
people,  You  have  been  long  enough  going  up 
to  Jerusalem:  behold,  here  are  thy  gods,  0 
Israel,  which  have  brought  thee  up  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

29  And  he  placed  the  one  in  Beth-el,  and 
the  other  put  he  in  Dan. 

30  And  this  thing  became  a  sin ;  and  the 
people  went  before  the  one,  as  far  as  Dan.° 

31  And  he  made  a  house  of  the  high- 
places,  and  made  priests  of  the  lowest*  of  the 
people,  who  were  not  of  the  sons  of  Levi. 

32  And  Jerobo'am  made  a  feast  in  the 
eighth  month,  on   the  fifteenth  day  of  the 

'  Lit.  "conducting"  or  "making  war." 
'■  /.  e.  He  fortified  it,  and  built  probably  a  palace  in 
it. — Redak. 

■=  Tills  is  mentioned  to  the  disgrace  of  the  people,  as 
40G 


month,  like  unto  the  feast  that  is  in  Judah, 
and  he  ofiered  upon  the  altar;  so  did  he  in 
Beth-el,  sacrificing  unto  the  calves  that  he 
had  made:  and  he  stationed  at  Beth-el  the 
priests  of  the  high-places  whom  he  had  made. 
33  So  he  offered  upon  the  altar  which  he 
had  made  in  Beth-el  on  tlie  fifteenth  day  of 
the  eighth  month,  in  the  month  which  he 
had  falsely  devised  of  his  own  heart;  and  he 
ordained  a  feast  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
and  he  went  up  to  the  altai",  to  burn  incense. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  T[  And,  behold,  there  came  a  man  of 
God  out  of  Judah  Ijy  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Beth-el:  while  Jerobo'am  was  standing 
upon  the  altar  to  burn  incense. 

2  And  he  called  out  against  the  altar  by 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  he  said,  0  altar, 
altar,  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  a  child 
shall  be  born  unto  the  house  of  David,  Josiah 
hy  name,  and  he  shall  sacrifice  upon  thee  the 
priests  of  the  high-places  that  burn  incense 
upon  thee,  and  men's  bones  shall  be  burnt 
upon  thee. 

3  And  he  gave  on  the  same  day  a  token, 
saying,  This  is  the  token  that  the  Lord  hath 
spoken,  Behold,  the  altar  shall  be  rent,  and 
the  ashes  which  are  upon  it  shall  be  spilled 
about. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
heard  the  word  of  the  man  of  God,  which  he 
had  called  out  against  tlie  altar  in  Beth-el, 
that  Jerobo'am  stretched  forth  his  hand  from 
off  the  altar,  saying.  Seize  him.  And  his  h.and, 
which  he  had  put  forth  against  him,  dried  up, 
so  that  he  could  not  draw  it  back  to  himself. 

5  The  altar  also  was  rent,  and  the  ashes 
were  spilled  about  from  the  altar,  according 
to  the  token  which  the  man  of  God  had  given 
by  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

6  And  the  king  connnenced  and  said  unto 
the  man  of  God,  Offer  but  entreaty  before  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  pray  in  behalf  of  me,  that 
my  hand  may  return  to  me  again.  And  tlie 
man  of  God  off'ered  his  entreaty  before  the 
Lord,  and  the  king's  hand  returned  to  him 
again,  and  became  as  it  was  before. 

7  And  the  king  spoke  unto  the  man  of 

they  went  to  the  end  of  the  land  to  worship  the  idol,  and 
would  not  go  to  Jerusalem,  which  was  a  great  deal  nearer. 
— RAl.BAr,. 

''  Mc.TxheiiiH'r,  "all  clast^es  of  the  people." 


/ 


1  KINGS  XIII. 


(u)(i.  Come   hoinc  witli   mo,   and   take   some 
refreshment,  and  I  will  give  thee  a  present. 

8  But  the  man  of  God  said  unto  the  king, 
If  thou  wert  to  give  me  the  half  of  thy  house, 
I  would  not  go  in  with  thee,  neither  would  I 
eat  bread  nor  drink  water  in  this  place; 

9  For  so  was  it  charged  me  by  the  word 
of  the  LoKD,  saying.  Thou  shalt  not  eat  bread, 
nor  drink  water,  nor  return  by  the  way  that 
tiK)u  camest. 

10  So  he  Avent  by  another  way,  and  re- 
turned not  by  the  way  on  which  he  was  come 
to  Beth-el. 

11  ^[  Now  there  dwelt  a  certain  old  pro- 
phet in  Beth-el;  and  his  son  came  and  told 
him  all  the  deed  that  the  man  of  God  had 
done  that  day  in  Beth-el:  the  words  (also) 
which  he  had  spoken  unto  the  king,  these 
too  they  told  to  their  father. 

12  And  their  father  spoke  unto  them. 
What  way  did  he  go?  His  sons  however 
had  seen  what  way  had  gone  the  man  of  God, 
who  had  come  from  Juihih. 

13  And  he  said  unto  his  sons,  Saddle  me 
the  ass.  So  they  saddled  him  the  ass,  and 
he  rode  away  thereon, 

14  And  he  went  after  the  man  of  God, 
and  found  him  sitting  under  the  oak;  and  he 
said  unto  him,  Art  thou  tlie  man  of  God  that 
camest  from  Judah  ?     And  he  said,  I  am. 

15  Then  said  he  unto  him,  Come  with  me 
home,  and  eat  bread. 

IG  And  he  said,  I  cannot  return  with  thee, 
nor  go  in  with  thee :  neither  will  I  eat  bread 
nor  drink  water  with  thee  in  this  place; 

17  For  a  command  came  to  me  ))y  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  Thou  shalt  not  eat  bread 
nor  drink  water  there;  thou  shalt  not  return 
to  go  by  the  way  (also)  by  which  thou  camest. 

18  And  he  said  unto  him,  I  also  am  a  pro- 
phet like  thee;  and  an  angel  spoke  unto  me 
by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  saying.  Bring  him 
back  with  thee  unto  thy  house,  that  he  may 
eat  bread  and  drink  water.  But  he  lied  unto 
him. 

19  So  he  returned  with  him,  and  ate  bread 
in  his  house,  and  drank  water. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  sit- 
ting at  the  table, 


°  Philippson  translates,  "belonging  to  the  prophet  who 
had  brought  him  back." 
''  Ileb.  "brokon  " 


T[  That  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
the  prophet  who  had  brought  him  back ; 

21  And  he  called  unto  the  man  of  God 
that  was  come  fi-om  Judah,  saying,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Forasmuch  as  thou  hast  dis- 
obeyed the  order  of  the  Lord,  and  hast  not 
kept  the  commandment  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  had  connnanded  thee  ; 

22  But  didst  return,  and  hast  eaten  bread 
and  drunk  water  in  the  place,  of  which  he 
had  spoken  to  thee,  Thou  shalt  not  eat  bread, 
nor  drink  water:  thy  dead  body  shall  not 
come  unto  the  sepulchre  of  thy  fathers. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  he  had  eaten 
bread,  and  after  he  had  drunk,  that  he  saddled 
for  him  the  ass,  (to  wit,)  for"  the  prophet 
whom  he  had  brought  back. 

24  And  when  he  was  gone,  a  lion  met  him 
on  the  way,  and  slew  him:  and  his  corpse 
remained  cast  down  on  the  way,  and  the  ass 
stood  by  it,  the  lion  also  stood  by  the  corpse. 

25  And,  behold,  men  passed  by,  and  saw 
the  corpse  cast  down  on  the  way,  and  the 
lion  standing  by  the  corpse ;  and  they  came 
and  spoke  of  it  in  the  city  where  the  old  pro- 
phet dwelt. 

20  And  when  the  prophet  that  had  brought 
him  back  from  the  way  heard  it,  he  said.  It 
is  the  man  of  God  who  was  disobedient  unto 
the  order  of  the  Lord;  wherefore  the  Lord 
hath  given  him  up  unto  the  lion,  who  hath 
torn*  him,  and  slain  him,  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  spoken  unto 
him. 

27  And  he  spoke  to  his  sons,  saying.  Sad- 
dle me  the  ass.     And  they  saddled  him. 

28  And  he  went  and  found  his  corpse  cast 
down  on  the  way,  and  the  ass  and  the  lion 
standing  by  the  corpse:  the  lion  had  not 
eaten  the  corpse,  nor  torn  the  ass. 

29  And  the  prophet  took  up  the  corpse  of 
the  man  of  God,  and  laid  it  upon  the  ass,  and 
brought  it  back ;  and  he  came  to  the  city  of 
the  old  prophet,  to  lament  for,  and  to  biu-y 
him. 

30  And  he  laid  his  corpse  in  his  own  sepul- 
chre; and  they  lamented  over  him,  "Alas, 
my  brother!"" 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  he  had  buried 


°  Probably  the  commencing  words  of  a  well-known  la- 
ment, (see  Jer.  xxii.  18,)  which,  with  all  other  Hebrew 
writings  except  the  Bible,  have  been  lost. 

407 


1  KINGS  XIll.  XIV. 


him,  that  he  spoke  to  his  sons,  saying.  When 
I  am  dead,  then  bury  me  in  the  sepulchre 
wherein  the  man  of  God  is  buried;  beside  his 
bones  lay  ye  my  bones ; 

32  For  the  thing  which  he  called  out  by 
tlie  word  of  the  Lf)KD  against  the  altar  whicli 
is  in  J3eth-el,  and  against  all  the  liouses  of 
the  high-places''  which  are  in  the  cities  of  Sa- 
maria,'' will  surely  come  to  pass. 

33  ^  After  this  event  Jerobo'am  returned 
not  from  his  evil  way;  but  made  again  of  the 
lowest  of  the  people  priests  of  the  high-places : 
whosoever  desired  it,  he  consecrated,  that  he 
might  become  one  of  the  priests  of  the  high- 
places. 

34  And  he  became  through  this  tiling  the 
cause  of  sin*"  unto  the  house  of  Jerobo'am, 
and  to  cause  that  it  was  blotted  out,  and  de- 
stroyed from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  *[[  At  that  time  Abiyah  the  son  of  Jero- 
bo'am fell  sick. 

2  And  Jerobo'am  said  to  his  wife.  Arise,  I 
pray  thee,  and  disguise  thyself,  that  people 
may  not  know  that  thou  art  the  wife  of  Jero- 
bo'am ;  and  go  to  Shiloh :  behold,  there  is 
Achiyaliu  the  prophet,  who  spoke  of  me  that 
(I  should  become)  king  over  this  peoi:)le. 

3  And  take  with  thee''  ten  loaves  of  bread 
and  spice-cakes,  and  a  cruise  of  honey,  and  go 
to  him :  he  will  tell  thee  what  is  to  become 
of  the  lad. 

4  And  Jerobo'am's  wife  did  so,  and  arose, 
and  went  to  Shiloh,  and  came  to  the  house 
of  Achiyahu.  But  Achiyahu  was  not  able  to 
see;  for  his  eyes  were  set  by  reason  of  his 
high  age. 

5  Tl  And  the  Lord  had  said  unto  Achiyahu, 
'Behold  the  wife  of  Jerobo'am  is  coming  to 
inquire  a  word  of  thee  about  lier  son ;  for  he 
is  sick  :  thus  and  thus  shalt  thou  speak  unto 
her;  for  it  will  be,  when  she  cometh  in,  that 
she  will  feign  to  be  another. 

G  And  it  happened,  Avhen  Achiyahu  heard 
the  sound  of  her  feet,  as  she  came  in  at  the 
door,  that  he  said,  Come  in,  thou  wife  of  Je- 

"  "  High-places"  is  the  general  term  for  elevations  where 
altars  were  erected,  some  using  their  roofs  or  courts  for 
lliut  purpo.se.     (See  Rashi  on  1  Kings  iii.  2.) 

''  (Jnrrcctly,  Shomcroii. 

°  Kodak,  "punishment."    (See  Zech.  xlv.  19.)    Zunz, 
"guiltiness." 
-108 


robo'am ;  why  is  this,  that  thou  feignest  to  be 
another?  but  I  am  sent  to  tliee  with  a  hard 
message. 

7  Go,  say  to  Jerobo'am,  Thus  hath  said  tlie 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  Forasmuch  as  I  exalt- 
ed thee  from  the  midst  of  the  people,  and 
made  thee  prince  over  my  people  Israel, 

8  And  I  rent  the  kingdom  away  from  the 
house  of  David,  and  gave  it  unto  thee; 
whereas  thou  hast  not  been  like  my  servant 
David,  who  kept  my  commandments,  and  who 
followed  after  me  with  all  his  heart,  to  do 
only  what  is  right  in  my  eyes  ; 

9  And  thou  hast  done  more  evil  than  all 
that  were  before  thee;  and  thou  art  gone 
and  hast  made  unto  thyself  other  gods,  and 
molten  images,  to  provoke  me  to  anger,  and 
me  hast  thou  cast  behind  thy  back : 

10  Therefore,  behold,  will  1  bring  evil  upon 
the  house  of  Jerobo'am,  and  will  cut  off  from 
Jerobo'am  every  male,"  (also)  the  guarded 
and  fortified  in  Israel;  and  I  will  sweep  out 
after  the  house  of  Jeroljo'am  as  one  sweepeth 
away  the  dung  till  tliere  be  nothing  left 
of  h. 

11  Him  that  dieth  of  Jerobo'am  in  the 
city  shall  the  dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  in 
the  field  shall  the  fowls  of  the  heavens  eat; 
for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

12  But  thou,  arise  now,  go  to  thy  own 
house :  when  thy  feet  enter  into  the  city,  the 
child  shall  die. 

13  And  all  Israel  shall  mourn  for  him, 
and  bury  him;  for  this  one  alone  shall  come 
of  Jerobo'am's  (family)  to  the  grave ;  because 
there  hath  been  found  in  him  some  good 
thing  toward  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  in 
the  house  of  Jerobo'am. 

14  And  the  Lord  will  raise  up  unto  him- 
self a  king  over  Israel,  who  shall  cut  off  the 
house  of  Jerobo'am  what  is  here  this  day, 
and  what  will  be  after  this.' 

15  And  the  Lord  will  smite  Israel,  as  the 
reed  is  shaken  in  the  water,  and  he  will  pull 
up  Israel  out  of  this  good  land,  which  he 
gave  to  their  fathers,  and  will  scatter  them 
on  the  other  side  of  the  river;  because  they 


^  Heb,  "in  thy  hand." 

'  Others,  "  even  a  dog." 

'  After  Jonathan  and  llashi.  Kimchi,  "  the  house  of 
Jerobo'am  on  the  day  he  (that  king)  will  arise;  but 
what  is  even  this  evil  now?  for  the  IjOKL)  will  .'•mite/' 
&e. 


SAMSOM     Pt;LLI>!C-.     DOWN     T  H  K     l-'ILUAR«    OK    THE     HOLISE. 


1  KINGS  XV. 


they  buried   him  in   the  city  of  David:  and 
Assa  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

9  And  in  the  twentieth  year  of  Jerobo'am 
the  king  of  Israel  became  Assa  king  over 
Judah. 

10  And  forty  and  one  years  did  he  reign 
in  Jerusalem.  And  the  name  of  his  mother" 
was  Ma'achah,  the  daughter  of  Abishalom. 

11  And  Assa  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  like  David  his  lather. 

12  And  he  put  away  the  sodomites  out  of 
the  land,  and  removed  all  the  idols  which  his 
fiithers  had  made. 

13  And  also  Ma'achah  his  mother,  even 
her  he  removed  from  being  queen;  because 
she  had  made  a  scandalous  image  for  the 
grove;''  and  Assa  cut  down  her  scandalous 
image,  and  burnt  it  by  the  brook  Kidron. 

14  But  the  high-places  were  not  removed; 
nevertheless  Assa's  heart  was  entire  with  the 
Lord  all  his  days. 

15  And  he  brought  the  things  which  his 
father  had  sanctified,  and  his  own  sanctified 
things,"  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  silver, 
and  gold,  and  vessels. 

IG  And  there  was  wMr  between  Assa  and 
Ba'sha''  the  king  of  Israel  all  their  days. 

17  And  Ba'sha  the  king  of  Israel  went  up 
against  Judah,  and  built  Ramah,  in  order  not 
to  suffer  any  one  to  go  out  or  come  in  to  Assa 
the  king  of  Judah. 

18  Then  did  Assa  take  all  the  silver  and 
the  gold  that  were  left  in  the  treasures  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  treasures  of  the 
king's  house,  and  gave  them  into  the  hand  of 
his  servants;  and  king  Assa  sent  them  to 
Ben-hadad,  the  son  of  Taln-inniion,  the  son 
of  Chesyon,  the  king  of  Syria,  who  dwelt  in 
Damascus,  saying, 

19  A  covenant  is  between  me  and  thee, 
(as)  between  my  father  and  thy  fother:  be- 
hold, I  have  sent  unto  thee  a  present  of  silver 
and  gold;  go  and  do  l)r('ak  thy  covenant  witli 
Ba'sha  the  liing  of  Israel,  that  he  may  with- 
draw from  me. 

20  And  Ben-hadad  hearkened  unto  king 
Assa,  and  sent  the  captains  of  the  armies 
wliich  he  had  against  the  cities  of  Israel,  and 
smote 'lyon,  and  Dan,  and  Abel-beth-ma'achah, 

*  More  correctly,  "  grandmother,"  as  Ma'achah  was 
Aliiyam's  mother. 

"  Fhilippson,  "because  she  liad  made  a  terrific  image 
for  Astartc."     Arnhcim,   "Asherah." 
410 


and  the  whole  of  Kinneroth,  with  all  the  land 
of  Naphtali. 

21  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ba'sha  heard 
this,  that  he  left  oft'  the  building  of  Ramah, 
and  remained  in  Tirzah. 

22  Then  king  Assa  called  together  by  pro- 
clamation all  Judah,  none  being  exempted: 
and  they  took  away  tlie  stones  of  Ramah,  and 
its  timber,  wherewith  Ba'sha  had  built;  and 
king  Assa  built  with  them  Geba'  of  Benjamin, 
and  Mizpah. 

23  And  the  rest  of  all  the  acts  of  Assa, 
and  all  his  mighty  deeds,  and  all  that  he  did, 
and  the  cities  wliich  he  built,  behold,  they 
are  written  in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of 
the  kings  of  Judah.  Nevertheless  in  the 
time  of  his  old  age  he  became  diseased  in  his 
feet. 

24  And  Assa  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
David  his  father:  and  Jehoshaphat  his  son 
became  king  in  his  stead. 

25  ^  And  Nadab  the  son  of  Jerobo'am  be- 
came king  over  Israel  in  the  second  year  of 
Assa  the  king  of  Judah ;  and  he  reigned  over 
Israel  two  years. 

2G  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  and  he  walked  in  the  way  of  his 
father,  and  in  his  sin  wherewith  he  had  in- 
duced Israel  to  sin. 

27  And  Ba'sha  the  son  of  Achiyah,  of  the 
house  of  Issachar,  conspired  against  him ;  and 
Ba'sha  smote  him  at  Gibbethon,  which  be- 
longed to  the  Philistines:  while  Nadab  and 
all  Israel  were  besieging  Gibbethon. 

28  And  Ba'sha  slew  him  in  the  third  year 
of  Assa  the  king  of  Judah,  and  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

29  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  reigned, 
that  he  smote  all  the  house  of  Jerobo'am;  he 
left  not  any  tluit  breathed  unto  Jerobo'am, 
until  he  had  destroyed  him,  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  spolven  by 
his  servant  Achiyah  the  Shilonite; 

30  Because  of  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am  which 
he  had  sinned,  and  through  which  he  had  in- 
duced Israel  to  sin,  by  his  provoking  where- 
with he  provoked  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
to  anger. 

■■  After  Jonathan ;  but  the  Keri  would  require  "and  he 
brought  in  the  things  which  his  father  had  sanctified,  and 
the  (other)  things  sanctified /«/•  the  house  of  the  Lord." 

'  Uomniuuly  WiiUen  Jiaualia. 


1  KINGS  XV.  xvr. 


?.l  Alul  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Nadab,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  l)ook  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel. 

32  And  there  was  war  between  Assa  and 
Ba'sha  the  king  of  Israel  all  their  days. 

33  ^  In  the  third  year  of  Assa  the  king  of 
Judah  became  Ba'sha  tlie  son  of  Achiyah 
king  over  all  Israel,  in  Thirzah,  (tor)  twenty 
and  four  years. 

34  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  and  walked  in  the  way  of  Jero- 
bo'ani,  and  in  his  sin  wherewith  he  had  in- 
duced Israel  to  sin. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  to 
Jehu"  the  son  of  Ciianani  against  Ba'sha,  say- 
ing, 

2  Forasnuicli  as  I  lifted  thee  up  out  of  the 
dust,  and  I  set  thee  as  prince  over  my  people 
Israel;  and  thou  hast  walked  in  the  way  of 
Jerobo'am,  and  hast  induced  my  people  Israel 
to  sin,  to  provoke  me  to  anger  with  their 
sins: 

3  Behold,  I  will  sweep  out  after  Ba'sha, 
and  after  his  house;  and  I  will  render  thy 
house  like  the  house  of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of 
Nebat ; 

4  Ilira  that  dieth  of  Ba'sha  in  the  city 
shall  the  dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  of  his 
in  tlie  field  shall  the  fowls  of  the  heavens  eat. 

o  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Ba'sha,  and 
what  he  did,  and  his  mighty  deeds,  behold, 
they  are  written  in  the  Ijook  of  the  chronicles 
of  the  kiniis  of  Israel. 

G  And  Ba'sha  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  Ijuried  in  Thirzah:  and  Elah  his  son  be- 
cajne  king  in  his  stead. 

7  And  also  by  the  hand  of  Jehu  the  son 
of  Chanani,  the  prophet,  came  the  word  of  the 
Lord  against  Ba'sha,  and  against  -his  house, 
botli  for  all  the  evil  that  he  did  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger  with 
the  work  of  his  hands,  thus  being  like  the 
house  of  Jerobo'am;  and  because  he  had  kill- 
ed him.'' 

8  T[  In  the  twenty  and  sixth  year  of  Assa 
the  king  of  Judah  became  Elah  the  son  of 

'  Correctly,  Yeha.  In  general  it  may  be  observed,  that 
all  the  Hebrew  words  commencing  with  '  rendered  in  the 
English  version  with  J,  should  be  pronounced  with  Y,  as 
the  other  sound  is  not  found  in  Hebrew. 


Ba'sha    king  over  Israel  in  Thirzah,  (for)  two 
years. 

9  And  there  conspired  against  him  his  ser- 
vant Zimx-i,  captain  of  half  the  chariots,  as  he 
was  in  Thirzah,  drinking  himself  drunk  in  the 
house  of  Arza,"  wlio  was  set  over  the  house  in 
Thirzah. 

10  And  Zimri  went  in  and  smote  him,  and 
killed  him,  in  the  twenty  and  seventh  year 
of  Assa  the  king  of  Judah,  and  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  began  to 
reign,  as  soon  as  he  sat  on  his  throne,  that  he 
slew  all  the  house  of  Ba'sha:  he  left  him  not 
a  single  male,  neither  of  his  kinsfolks,  nor  of 
his  friends. 

12  Thus  did  Zimri  exterminate  all  the 
house  of  Ba'sha,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  which  he  had  spoken  against  Ba'sha  by 
the  agencv  of  Jehu  the  prophet, 

13  For  all  the  sins  of  Ba'sha,  and  the  sins 
of  Elah  his  son,  by  which  they  had  sinned, 
and  by  which  they  had  induced  Israel  to  sin, 
to  provoke  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  to  an- 
ger with  their  vanities. 

14  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Elah,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel. 

15  T[  In  the  twenty  and  seventh  year  of 
Assa  the  king  of  Judah  did  Zimri  reign  seven 
days  in  Thirzah:  and  the  people  were  en- 
camped against  Gibbethon,  which  belonged  to 
the  Philistines. 

IG  And  when  the  people  that  were  en- 
camped heard  it  said,  Zimri  hath  conspired, 
and  hath  also  slain  the  king:  all  Israel  made 
'Omri,  the  captain  of  the  army,  king  over  Is- 
rael on  that  da\'  in  the  camp. 

17  And  'Omri  went  up,  and  all  Israel  with 
him  from  Gibbethon,  and  they  besieged  Thir- 
zah. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Zimri  saw 
that  the  city  was  captured,  that  he  went  into 
the  strong-hold  of  tlie  king's  house,  and  burnt 
the  king's  house  over  Wm  with  fire,  and  he 
died;  ^ 

19  For  his  sins  which  he  had  sinned,  in 
doing  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord, 

''  Only  piety  on  the  part  of  Ba'sha  could  excuse  his 
killing  Nadab  and  his  family;  hence  his  own  sin  made  it 
a  crime  for  which  he  deserved  punishment. 

°  Jonathan,  "In  the  temple  of  his  house-idol,  Arza." 

411 


1  KINGS  XVI.  XVIi. 


to  walk  in  the  way  of  Jerobo'am,  and  in  his 
sin  which  he  did,  to  induce  Israel  to  sin. 

20  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Zimri,  and 
his  conspiracy  that  he  contrived,  behold,  they 
are  wiitten  in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of 
the  kings  of  Israel. 

21  Tl  At  that  time  were  the  people  of  Is- 
rael divided  into  two  parts :  one  half  of  the 
people  followed  Tliibni  the  son  of  Ginath,  to 
make  him  king;  and  the  other  half  followed 
'Omri. 

22  But  the  people  that  followed  'Omri  pre- 
vailed against  the  people  that  followed  Tliibni 
the  son  of  Ginath:  and  Thibni  (also)  died, 
and  'Omri  became  king. 

2.3  In  the  thirty  and  first  year  of  Assa  the 
king  of  Judah  became  'Omri  king  over  Is- 
rael, (for)  twelve  years;  in  Thirzah  he  reigned 
six  years. 

24  And  he  bought  the  mount  Samaria,  of 
Sliemer  for  two  talents  of  silver,  and  built  on 
the  mount,  and  called  the  name  of  the  city 
which  he  had  built,  after  the  name  of  Shemer, 
the  lord  of  the  mount,  Samaria. 

25  And  'Omri  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  and  did  worse  than  all  that  were 
before  him. 

26  And  he  walked  in  all  the  way  of  Jero- 
bo'am the  son  of  Nebat,  and  in  his  sin  where- 
with he  induced  Israel  to  sin,  to  provoke  the 
Lord  God  of  Israel  to  anger  with  their  vani- 
ties. 

27  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  'Omri  which 
he  did,  and  his  mighty  deeds  that  he  displa}'- 
ed,  beliold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of 
the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

28  And  'Onn-i  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  in  Samaria:  and  Achab"  his  son 
became  king  in  his  stead. 

29  Tl  And  Achab  the  son  of  'Omri  became 
king  over  Israel  in  the  thirty  and  eighth  year 
of  Assa  the  king  of  Judah ;  and  Achab  the 
son  of  'Omri  reigned  over  Israel  in  Samaria 
twenty  and  two  years. 

30  And  Achab  the  son  of  'Omri  did  wliat 
is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  more  than 
all  that  had  been  before  him. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  if  it  had  been 

•  Pronounce  Ach-ahb.     Eng.  ver.  Ahab. 

'  Sec  Josh.  vi.  26. 

°  Correctly,  EUyah,  or  Elii/ahu.     Tishbi  is  supposed 
to  have  been  a  town  in  (xalilee,  in  Naplitali,  and    that 
Elijah  was  an  inhabitant  (itMiiTud,  in  Mcua.sscli. 
il2 


too  light  a  thing  for  him  to  walk  in  the  sin."? 
of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Neljat,  that  he  took 
for  wife  Izebel  the  daughter  of  Ethba'al  the 
king  of  the  Zidonians,  and  went  and  served 
Ba'al,  and  worshipped  him. 

32  And  he  erected  an  altar  for  Ba'al  in 
the  house  of  Ba'al,  which  he  had  built  in 
Samaria. 

33  And  Achab  made  a  grove;  and  Achab 
did  j^et  more,  so  as  to  provoke  the  Lord  the 
God  of  Israel  to  anger,  than  all  the  kings  of 
Israel  that  had  been  before  him. 

34  In  his  days  did  Chiel  the  Beth-elite 
build  Jericho :  with  Abirani  his  first-born  laid 
he  the  foundation  thereof,  and  with  Segub 
his  youngest  son  set  he  up  the  gates  thereof,"^' 
according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which  he 
had  sjDoken  by  means  of  Joshua  the  son  of  Nun. 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

1  ^  Then  said  Elijah"  the  Tishbite,  who  was 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Gil'ad,  unto  Achab,  As 
the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  liveth,  before 
Avhom  I  have  stood,  there  shall  not  be  in 
these  years  dew  or  rain,  except  according  to 
my  word.* 

2  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
him,  saying, 

3  Go  away  from  here,  and  turn  thyself 
eastward,  and  hide  thyself  by  the  brook  Ke- 
rith,  which  is  to  the  east  of  the  Jordan. 

4  And  it  shall  be,  that  out  of  the  brook 
shalt  thou  drink;  and  the  ravens'"  have  I  or- 
dained to  sustain  thee  there. 

5  And  he  went  and  did  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord  ;  and  he  went  and  remained 
by  the  brook  Kerith,  that  is  to  the  east  of  the 
Jordan. 

G  And  the  ravens  brought  him  bread  and 
flesh  in  the  morning,  and  bread  and  flesh  in 
the  evening:  and  out  of  the  brook  he  used  to 
drink. 

7  And  it  came  to  pass  after  a  while,^  that 
the  brook  dried  up;  because  there  had  been 
no  rain  in  the  laud. 

8  ^[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
him,  saying, 

9  Arise,  go  unto  Zarepliath,  which  belong- 

^  Pbilippson,  "unless  I  first  announce  it;"  /.  e.  by  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

'  Some  suppose  that  it  should  be  translated,  Arabs,  or 
"  men  from  'Oreb." 

'  Philippson,  "  at  the  end  of  a  year." 


1  KINGS  XVII.  XVIII. 


etli  to  Ziduii,  and  remain  there:  behold,  I 
have  ordained  there  a  widow-woman  to  sus- 
tain thee. 

10  So  he  arose  and  went  to  Zarephath; 
and  when  he  came  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  be- 
hold, there  was  there  a  widow-woman  gather- 
ing sticks  of  wood :  and  he  called  her,  and 
said,  Fetch  me,  I  pray  thee,  a  little  water  in 
a  vessel,  that  I  may  drink. 

11  And  as  she  went  to  fetch  it,  he  called 
to  lier,  and  said.  Bring  me,  I  pray  thee,  a 
morsel  of  bread  in  thy  hand. 

12  And  she  said,  As  the  Lord  thy  God 
liveth,  I  have  nothing  baked,  but  a  handful 
of  meal  in  a  jar,  and  a  little  oil  in  a  cruise : 
and,  behold,  I  am  gathering  a  couple  of  sticks, 
that  I  may  go  in  and  prepare  it  for  me  and 
my  son;  and  when  we  have  eaten  it,  we  shall 
have  to  die." 

13  And  Elijah  said  unto  her,  Fear  not;  go 
and  do  as  thou  hast  said;  but  make  me  there- 
of a  little  cake  at  first,  and  bring  it  out  unto 
me,  and  for  thee  and  for  thy  son  shalt  thou 
prepare  (something)  afterward. 

14  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel,  The  jar  of  meal  shall  not  fail,  neither 
shall  the  cruise  of  oil  diminish,  until  the  day 
that  the  Lord  giveth  rain  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

15  And  she  went  and  did  according  to  the 
word  of  Elijah:  and  she,  and  he,  and  her 
household,  did  eat  (many)  days.** 

16  The  jar  of  meal  failed  not,  nor  did  the 
cruise  of  oil  diminish,  according  to  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  spoken  through 
means  of  Elijah. 

17  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these 
events,  that  the  son  of  the  woman,  the  mis- 
tress of  the  house,  fell  sick ;  and  his  sickness 
became  very  severe,  until  that  at  length 
there  was  no  breath  left  in  him. 

18  And  she  said  unto  Elijah,  What  have  I 
to  do  with  thee,  0  man  of  God?  thou  art 
come  unto  me  to  call  my  sin  to  remembrance, 
and  to  slay  my  son  ! 

19  And  he  said  unto  her.  Give  me  thy  son. 
And  he  took  him  out  of  her  bosom,  and 
carried  him  up  into  the  upper  chamber,  in 
which  he  abode,  and  he  laid  him  upon  his 
own  bed. 


i.  e.  Of  starvation. 
Or,  "a  full  year." 


20  And  he  called  unto  the  Lord,  and  said, 
0  Lord  my  God,  hast  thou  also  brought  evil 
upon  the  widow  Avith  whom  I  sojourn,  by 
slaying  her  son? 

21  And  he  stretched  himself  out  over  the 
child  three  times,  and  called  unto  the  Lord, 
and  said,  0  Lord  my  Ciod,  let,  1  pray  thee, 
the  soul  of  this  child  return  again  within 
him. 

22  And  the  Lord  listened  to  the  voice  of 
Elijah:  and  the  soul  of  the  child  returned 
into  him,  and  he  revived. 

23  And  Elijah  took  the  child,  and  brought 
him  down  out  of  the  upper  chamber  into  the 
house,  and  gave  him  unto  his  mother;  and 
Elijah  said.  See,  thy  son  liveth. 

24  And  the  woman  said  to  Elijah,  Now  by 
this  do  I  know,  that  thou  art  a  man  of  God, 
and  the  word  of  the  Lord  in  thy  moutli  is  truth. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  ]|  And  it  lasted  many  days,  when  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  to  Elijah  in  the  third 
year,  saying,  Go,  show  thyself  unto  Achab ; 
and  I  will  give  rain  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

2  And  Elijah  went  to  show  himself  unto 
Achab;  and  the  famine  was  grievous  in  Sa- 
maria. 

3  And  Achab  called  'Obadiah,"  who  was 
the  superintendent  of  the  house ; — (now  'Oba- 
diah  feared  the  Lord  greatly; 

4  And  it  happened,  when  Izebel  cut  off  the 
prophets  of  the  Lord,  that  'Obadiah  took  a 
hundred  prophets,  and  hid  them  fifty  each  in 
one  cave,  and  provided  them  with  bread  and 
water;) 

5  And  Achab  said  unto  'Obadiah,  Go 
through  the  land,  unto  all  the  springs  of 
water,  and  unto  all  the  brooks;  peradventure 
we  may  find  grass  and  keep  alive  horse  and 
mule,  that  we  lose  not  all  the  cattle. 

6  So  they  divided  between  them  the  laud 
to  pass  through  it :  Achab  went  one  way  by 
himself  alone,  and  'Obadiah  went  another  way 
by  himself  alone. 

7  And  as  'Obadiah  was  on  the  way,  behold, 
Elijah  came  toward  him;  and  he  recognised 
him,  and  fell  on  his  face,  and  said,  Art  thou 
here  indeed,  my  lord  Elijah? 


Correctly,  'Obcuh/ah,  or  ' OUn'i/a 


lui. 
413 


1  KINGS  XVIII. 


8  And  he  said  unto  him,  I  am:  go,  say 
unto  thy  lord,  Behold,  Elijah  is  here. 

9  And  he  said,  What  have  I  sinned,  that 
thou  wouldst  deliver  thy  servant  into  the 
hand  of  Achab,  to  slay  me  ? 

10  As  the  Lord  thy  God  liveth,  there  is 
not  a  nation  or  kingdom  whither  my  lord 
hath  not  sent  to  seek  thee ;  and  when  they 
said,  He  is  not  here:  he  caused  that  kingdom 
and  nation  to  take  an  oath,  that  no  one  could 
find  thee. 

11  And  now  thou  sayest,  Go,  say  unto  thy 
lord.  Behold,  here  is  Elijah. 

12  And  it  may  come  to  pass,  that,Avhen  I 
go  from  thee,  the  spirit"  of  the  Lokd  may 
carry  thee  whither  I  know  not;  and  when  I 
come  to  inform  Achab,  and  he  cannot  find 
thee,  he  will  slay  me;  but  I  thy  servant  have 
feared  the  Lord  from  my  youth- 

13  Hath  it  not  been  told  unto  my  lord 
what  I  did  when  Izebel  slew  the  prophets  of 
the  Lord,  how  I  hid  a  hundred  men  of  the 
prophets  of  the  Lord,  fifty  each  in  one  cave, 
and  provided  them  with  bread  and  Avater? 

14  And  now  thou  sayest.  Go  say  to  thy  lord. 
Behold,  Elijah  is  here:  and  he  will  slay  me. 

15  Then  said  Elijah,  As  the  Lord  of  hosts 
liveth,  before  whom  I  have  stood,  surely''  to- 
day will  I  show  myself  unto  him. 

16  So  'Obadiah  went  to  meet  Achab,  and 
he  told  it  to  him ;  and  Achab  went  to  meet 
EHjah. 

17  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Achab  saw 
Elijah,  that  Achab  said  unto  him.  Art  thou 
he  that  troul:)leth'  Israel  ? 

18  And  he  answered,  I  have  not  troubled 
Israel;  but  thou,  and  thy  father's  house, 
through  your  forsaking  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord,  and  because  thou  hast  followed 
the  Be'alim. 

19  And  now   send,  assemble   unto  me  all  ij 
Israel  at  Mount  Carmel,  and  the  prophets  of 
Ba'al  four  hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  prophets 
of  the  grove'  four  hundred,  who  eat  at  the 
table  of  Izebel. 

'  "  Wind  of  the  Lord." — Moses  Friedlander. 

''  o  in  this  connection  is  to  be  taken  as  a  strong  affirma- 
tion :  "surely,"  "without  doubt." 

°  "JJringcr  of  destruction  to  Israel." — Arnhei.m.  It 
must  bo  understood  that  the  country  was  suffering  from 
the  want  of  rain,  which  Achab  ascribed  to  the  interference 
of  Elijah,  (see  above,  xvii.  1  ;)  but  the  prophet  properly 
laid  the  fault  upon  the  king  and  his  family,  who  through 
their  sins  had  caused  the  heavens  to  be  shut  uji  that  there 
414 


20  And  Achab  sent  round  among  all  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  he  assemljlcd  the  pro- 
phets at  Mount  Carmel. 

21  And  Elijah  approached  unto  all  the 
people,  and  said,  How  long  halt  ye  Isetween 
the  two  opinions?  if  the  Lord  be  the  God, 
follow  him;  and  if  Ba'al — follow  him.  And 
the  people  answered  him  not  a  word. 

22  And  Elijah  said  unto  the  people,  I  have 
been  left  a  prophet  of  the  Lord  by  myself 
alone;  but  the  prophets  of  Ba'al  are  four 
hundred  and  fifty  men. 

23  Thei'efore  let  there  be  given  unto  us 
two  bullocks;  and  let  them  choose  for  them- 
selves the  one  liullock,  and  cut  it  in  pieces, 
and  lay  it  on  wood,  and  put  no  fire  to  it:  and 
I  will  prepare  the  other  bullock,  and  lay  it  on 
wood,  and  put  no  fire  to  it. 

24  And  do  ye  call  on  the  name  of  your  god,° 
and  I  will  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord:  and 
it  shall  be  that  the  God  who  answereth  by 
fire,  he  shall  be  the  (true)  God.  And  all  the 
people  answered  and  said,  The  proposal  is  good. 

25  And  Elijah  said  unto  the  prophets  of 
Ba'al,  Choose  you  for  yourselves  the  one  l)ul- 
lock,  and  prepare  it  first ;  for  ye  are  the  many ; 
and  call  on  the  name  of  your  god,  but  put  no 
fire  to  it. 

26  And  they  took  the  IjuUock  which  he 
had  given  to  them,  and  they  prepared  it;  and 
they  called  on  the  name  of  Ba'al  from  morn- 
ing even  until  noon,  saying,  0  Ba'al,  answer 
us;  but  thei'e  was  no  voice,  nor  any  answer: 
and  they  danced  about  the  altar  which  had 
been  made. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass  at  noon,  tliat  Elijah 
mocked  at  them,  and  said,  Call  with  a  loud 
voice;  for  he  is  a  god;  either  he  is  holding 
council,'  or  he  is  busy  in  some  pursuit,*''  or  he 
is  on  a  journey;  or  peradventure  he  sleepeth, 
and  may  thus  awaken. 

28  And  they  called  with  a  loud  voice  and 
cut  themselves  after  their  custom  with  knives 
and  spears,''  till  the  Ijlood  gushed  out  over 
them. 

was  no  rain;  they,  therefore,  not  he,  had  brought  the  de- 
struction on  Israel. 

'' More  correctly,  "Asherah,"  the  name  of  an  idol; 
"Astarte,"  in  Philippson. 

°  Others,  "gods." 

'  Rashi.     Others,  "he  is  hist  in  thought." 

^Philippson,  "stepped  aside."  Aruheini,  "engaged  in 
business." 

''  I'hig.  ver.  "lancets."      Lit.  with  swurd.s  and  spears. 


1  KTNCS  XVllI.  XIX. 


29  And  it  came  to  pu^^s,  wlu'ii  niiililay 
was  past,  that  they  practised  their  follies 
until  near  (the  time  of)  the  offering  of  the 
evening-saerifiee;  ])ut  there  was  neither  voice, 
nor  any  answer,  nor  any  perceptible  sound. 

30  And  Elijah  said  unto  all  the  people, 
("ome  near  unto  nie:  and  all  the  people  came 
near  unto  him;  and  he  repaired  the  altar  of 
the  LoiiD  that  had  been  torn  down. 

31  And  Pjlijah  took  twelve  stones,  accord- 
ino"  to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  the  sons  of 
Jacol),  unto  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord  was 
come,  saying,  Israel  shall  be  thy  name. 

32  And  he  built  of  the  stones  an  altar  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord;  and  he  made  a  trench 
as  great  as  would  contain  two  seiihs  of  seed" 
round  about  the  altar. 

33  And  he  put  in  order  the  wood,  and  cut 
the  bullock  in  pieces,  and  laid  them  on  the 
wood, 

34  And  he  said.  Fill  four  jars  with  water; 
and  they  had  to  pour  it  on  the  burnt-offering, 
and  on  the  wood;''  and  he  said,  Do  it  the 
second  time ;  and  they  did  it  the  second  time ; 
and  he  said.  Do  it  the  third  time;  and  they 
did  it  the  third  time. 

35  And  the  water  ran  round  about  the 
altar;  and  the  trench  also  he  filled  with 
water. 

36  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  (the  time  of) 
the  oflering  of  the  evening-sacrifice,  that 
Elijah  the  prophet  came  near,  and  said,  0 
TjORD,  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of 
Israel,  this  da}'  let  it  be  known  that  thou  art 
God  in  Israel,  and  that  I  am  thy  servant,  and 
that  at  thy  word  I  ha^-e  done  all  these 
things. 

37  Answer  me,  0  Lord,  answer  me,  and 
let  all  this  people  know  that  thou,  0  Lord, 
art  the  (true)  God,  and  thou  wilt  (then)  have 
turned  their  heart  back  again." 

38  And  there  fell  a  fire  of  the  Lord,  and 
consumed  the  burnt-ofiering,  and  the  wood, 
and   the   stones,   and  the  dust;  and  the  wa- 

°  /.  e.  Covering  a  space  in  which  two  seiihs  (a  certain 
measure)  could  be  sown. 

''  Here  commences  verse  34  in  the  English  version. 

"  This  is  acoordiug  to  Arnheim's  version,  after  Sa'adyah 
Gaon :  others,  and  among  them,  llambam,  give,  "  that 
through  thy  permission  their  heart  was  hitherto  turned 
backward."  The  former  version,  however,  is  more  in 
concert  with  what  precedes  and  follows.  Elijah  had  re- 
presented to  the  people  the  folly  of  their  indecision;  and 
proposed  thereupon  the  test  of  tire  as  a  mark  of  the  divi- 


ter  also  that  was  in  the  trench  did  it  lick 
up. 

39  And  when  all  the  ])eople  saw  this,  thev 
fell  on  their  iaces;  and  the}-  said,  the  Lord — 
he  is  the  God  ;  the  Lord — he  is  the  God. 

40  And  Elijah  said  unto  them.  Seize  the 
prophets  of  Ba'al;  not  one  of  them  must 
escape;  and  they  seized  them:  and  Elijah 
brought  them  down  to  the  brook  Kishon,  and 
slaughtered  them  there. 

41  And  Elijah  said  mito  Achab,  Go  up,'' 
eat  and  drink ;  for  there  is  a  sound  of  al)un- 
dance  of  rain.'' 

42  So  Achab  went  up  to  eat  and  to  drink. 
And  Elijah  went  up  to  the  top  of  Carmel; 
and  he  cast'  liimself  down  toward  the  earth, 
and  put  his  face  between  his  knees; 

43  And  he  said  to  his  servant,  Go  up,  I 
pray  thee,  look  in  the  direction  of  the  sea. 
And  he  went  up,  and  looked,  and  said,  Not 
the  least  (is  visible).  And  he  said,  Go  again, 
seven  times. 

44  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  seventh  time, 
that  he  said,  Behold,  there  is  a  little  cloud 
like  a  man's  hand  arising  out  of  the  sea. 
And  he  said.  Go  up,  say  unto  Achab,  Harness 
up  (thy  chariot),  and  come  down,  that  the 
rain  may  not  detain  thee. 

45  And  it  came  to  jJass  in  the  mean  while, 
that  the  heavens  were  blackened  with  clouds 
and  wind,  and  there  w'as  a  great  rain.  And 
Achab  rode,  and  went  to  Yizre'el. 

46  And  the  inspiration*^  of  the  Lord  came 
over  Elijah,  and  he  girded  up  his  loins ; 
and  he  ran  l)eibre  Achab  up  to  the  entrance 
of  Yizre'el. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  \  And  Achab  told  Izebel  all  that  Elijan 
had  done,  and  withal  that  he  had  slain  a!! 
the  prophets  with  the  sword. 

2  Then  sent  Izebel  a  messenger  unto  Elijah, 
saying,  So  may  the  gods  do  to  me,  and  may 
they  thus  continue,  if  about  this  time  to-mor- 

nity  in  either  god.  He  therefore  prays,  after  the  vanity 
of  Ba'al  had  been  exhibited,  that  the  Lord  would  answer 
him  with  lire,  through  which  means  the  people  would  be- 
come converted.  And  .so  it  was.  Nevertheless,  the  usual 
version  can  be  defended,  as  meaning  that  their  man) 
sins  had  hitlierto  prevouted  their  repentance. 

1      ''  )'.  e.  Away  from  Kishon. 

i      °  Arnheim,   "  for  there  i.s  a   sound   of  the    uoi,se    of 

I  rain." 

'  To  ra-av  for  raiu. — ILvsiU.  '  Literallv,  -'hiiiid." 


1  KINGS  XIX. 


row  I  do  not  render  thy  life  as  the  life  of  any 
one  of  them. 

3  And  when  he  saw  this,  he  arose,  and 
went  for  his  life,  and  came  to  Beer-sheba', 
which  belongeth  to  Judah,  and  he  left  his 
young  man  there. 

4  But  he  himself  went  forward  into  the 
wilderness  a  day's  journey,  and  he  came  and 
sat  down  under  a  certain  broom-bush  :"  and  he 
requested  for  himself  to  die ;  and  he  said.  It  is 
enough,  now,  0  Lord,  take  away  my  soul; 
for  I  am  not  better  than  my  fathers. 

5  And  he  laid  himself  down  and  slept  un- 
der a  certain  broom-bush,  and,  behold  then, 
an  angel  was  touching  him,  and  said  unto 
him,  Arise,  eat. 

6  And  he  looked  about,  and,  behold,  there 
was  at  his  head  a  cake  baked  on  coals,*"  and 
a  cruise  of  water ;  and  he  ate  and  drank,  and 
laid  himself  down  again. 

7  And  the  angel  of  the  L(3RD  came  again, 
the  second  time,  and  touched  him,  and  said. 
Arise,  eat;  because  the  journey  is  yet  far  for 
thee. 

8  And  he  arose,  and  ate  and  drank;  and 
he  went  on  the  strength  of  that  eating  forty 
days  and  forty  nights  unto  the  mount  of  God, 
Horeb. 

9  And  he  came  there  unto  a  cave,  and  re- 
mained there  over  night:  and,  behold,  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  to  him,  and  said  unto 
him,  What  dost  thou  here,  Elijah? 

10  And  he  said,  I  have  been  very  zealous 
for  the  Lord,  the  God  of  hosts ;  for  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  have  forsaken  thy  covenant, 
thy  altars  have  they  thrown  down,  and  thy 
prophets  have  they  slain  with  the  sword:  and 
I  am  left  liy  myself  alone,  and  they  have 
sought  my  life,  to  take  it  away. 

11  And  he  said.  Go  forth,  and  stand  upon 
the  mount  before  the  Lord  :  and,  behold,  the 
Lord  passed  by,  and  a  wind,  great  and  strong, 
rending  the  mountains,  and  breaking  in  pieces 
the  rocks  (went)  before  the  Lord;  but  not  in 
the  wind  was  the  Lord;  and  after  the  wind 
was  an  earthquake;  but  not  in  the  earth- 
quake was  the  Lord; 

12  And  after  the  earthquake  was  a  fire; 

*  Generally  rendered  "juniper-tree;"  but  according  to 
R.  .Toseph  Schwarz  in  his  Geography,  (p.  309,)  the  broom 
(I'lania  Genistd,  (leiiiatu  liaekm)  grow.s  plentifully 
in  the  desert,  to  the  height  of  ahout  eight  feet,  but  no 
jiiniprr. 

'■  "On  hot  stones." — J'iiilu'Pson. 
41  e 


but  not  in  the  fire  was  the  Lord;  and  after 
the  fire  was  the  sound  of  a  soft  whisper." 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Elijah  heard 
it,  that  he  concealed  his  face  in  his  mantle, 
and  went  out,  and  stood  in  the  entrance  of 
the  cave:  and,  behold,  there  came  a  voice 
unto  him,  and  said,  What  dost  thou  here, 
Elijah  ? 

14  And  he  said,  I  have  been  very  zealous 
for  the  Lord,  the  God  of  hosts;  because  the 
children  of  Israel  have  forsaken  thy  covenant, 
thy  altars  have  they  thrown  down,  and  thy 
prophets  have  they  slain  with  the  sword:  and 
I  am  left  by  myself  alone,  and  they  have 
sought  my  life,  to  take  it  away. 

15  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Go,  re- 
turn on  thy  way  to  the  wilderness  of  Damas- 
cus; and  go,  anoint  Chazael  to  be  king  over 
Syria; 

16  And  Jehu  the  son  of  Nimshi  shalt  thou 
anoint  to  be  king  over  Israel ;  and  Elisha'  the 
son  of  Shaphat  of  Abel-mecholah  shalt  thou 
anoint  to  be  prophet  in  thy  stead. 

17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  him 
that  escapeth  the  sword  of  Chazael  shall  Jehu 
slay;  and  him  that  escapeth  the  sword  of 
Jehu  shall  Elisha'  slay. 

18  And  I  will  leave  in  Israel  seven  thou- 
sand, all  the  knees  which  have  not  been  bent 
unto  Ba'al,  and  every  mouth  which  hath  not 
kissed  him. 

19  And  he  departed  thence,  and  found 
Elisha'  the  son  of  Shaphat,  who  was  plough- 
ing; twelve  yoke  of  oxen  were  before  him, 
and  he  w-as  with  the  twelfth:  and  Elijah 
passed  up  to  him,  and  cast  his  mantle  toward 
him." 

20  And  he  left  the  oxen,  and  ran  after 
Elijah,  and  said,  Let  me,  I  pray  thee,  kiss 
but  my  father  and  my  mother,  and  I  will 
(then)  follow  thee :  and  he  said  unto  him.  Go, 
return ;  for  what  have  I  done  to  thee  ? 

21  And  he  returned  back  from  him,  and 
took  a  yoke  of  oxen,  and  slew  them,  and  with 
the  instruments  of  the  oxen  he  boiled  the  flesh" 
for  them,  and  he  gave  it  unto  the  people,  and 
they  did  eat;  and  then  he  arose,  and  went 
after  Elijah,  and  ministered  unto  him. 


°  "  A  sound  composed  of  sound  and  silence." — Ralbao. 
Eng.  ver.,  "A  still  small  voice."  Philippson,  and  others, 
"Ein  sanftes  Siiuseln,"  or  delicate  whispering,  as  that 
produced  by  wind  in  the  trees. 

''  !.  e.  As  a  sign  of  appointing  him  prophet. 

■•  i'lashi,  "he  boiled  their  flesh." 


1  KINGS  XX. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

1  T[  And  Ben-liadad  the  king  of  Syria 
assembled  all  his  host  together:  and  thirty 
and  two  kings  were  with  him,  and  horses, 
and  chariots;  and  he  went  up  and  besieged 
Samaria,  and  made  ^\■ar  against  it. 

2  And  he  sent  messengers  to  Ac.liab  the 
king  of  Israel  into  the  city; 

3  And  he  said  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said 
Ben-hadad,"  Thy  silver  and  thy  gold  are 
mine;  thy  wives  also  and  thy  children,  even 
the  best,  are  mine. 

4  And  the  king  of  Israel  answered  and 
said,  According  to  thy  word,  my  lord,  0  king, 
thine  am  I,  and  all  that  I  have. 

5  And  the  messengers  returned,  and  said. 
Thus  hath  said  Ben-hadad,  to  say. (to  thee), 
I  have  indeed  sent  unto  thee,  saying.  Thou 
shalt  give  unto  me  thy  silver,  and  thy  gold, 
and  thy  wives,  and  thy  children;'' 

6  Nevertheless,  about  this  time  to-morrt)w 
will  I  send  my  servants  unto  thee,  and  they 
shall  search  through  thy  house,  and  the 
houses  of  thy  servants;  -and  it  shall  be,  that 
whatsoever  is  pleasant  in  thy 'd'yes,  they  shall 
place  it  in  their  hand,  and  take  it  away. 

7  Then  did  the  king  of  Israel  call  for  all 
the  elders  of  the  land,  and  said,  Mark,  I  pray 
you,  and  see  that  this  man  seeketh  mischief; 
"for  he  hath  sent  unto  me  for  my  wives,  and 
lor  my  children,  and  for  my  silver,  and  for 
my  gold,  and  I  have  not  refused  them  to  him. 

8  And  all  the  elders  and  all  the  people 
said  unto  him.  Thou  must  not  hearken,  nor 
consent. 

9  Wherefore  he  said  unto  the  messengers 
of  Ben-hadad,  Say  to  my  lord  the  king,  All  that 
thou  didst  send  for  to  thy  servant  at  the  first 
will  I  do;  Ijut  this  thing  I  am  not  able  to  do. 
And  the  messengers  went  away,  and  brought 
him  word  again. 

10  And  Ben-hadad  then  sent  unto  him, 
and  said.  May  the  gods  do  so  unto  me,  and 
continue  to  do  so,  if  the  dust  of  Samaria  shall 
suffice  for  handfuls''  for  all  the  people  that 
are  in  my  train. 


"  At  this  word  ends  in  the  English  version  verso  2. 

''  Moaning,  tliat  it  should  not  be  a  more  nominal  sub- 
mission, or  a  ransom  for  the  retention  of  the  property  and 
families;  but  a  complete  surrender,  so  that  Beu-hadaJ 
should  bo  empowered  to  ransack  all  and  take  all. 

"  Rashi  and  Jonathan,  "for  the  steps;"  moaning,  the 
3C 


11  And  the  king  of  Israel  answered  and 
said.  Speak,  Let  him  that  girdeth  on  the 
armour  not  boast  himself  as  he  that  putteth 
it  of!'. 

12  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  heard 
this  message,  as  he  was  drinking,  he  and  the 
kings  in  the  pa\'ilions,  that  he  said  unto  his 
servants.  Get  ready  for  the  attack.''  And  they 
got  ready  for  the  attack  against  the  city. 

13  And,  ])ehold,  there  approached  a  certain 
prophet  unto  Achab  the  king  of  Israel,  and 
said.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Hast  thou  seen 
all  this  great  multitude?  behold,  I  will  deliver 
it  into  thy  hand  this  day;  and  tliou  shalt 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

14  And  Achab  said,  By  whom?  And  he 
said,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  By  means  of 
the  young  men"  of  the  princes  of  the  provinces. 
Then  said  he,  Who  shall  order  the  battle  ?f 
And  he  said,  Thou. 

15  He  then  numbered  the  young  men  of 
the  princes  of  the  provinces,  and  they  we)-e 
two  hundred  and  thirty-two:  and  after  them 
he  numbered  all  the  people,  all  the  children 
of  Israel,  seven  thousand  strong. 

16  And  they  went  out  at  midday;  while 
Ben-hadad  was  drinking  himself  drunk  in  the 
pavilions,  he  and  the  kings,  the  thirty  and 
two  kings  that  helped  him. 

17  And  the  young  men  of  the  princes  of 
the  provinces  went  out  at  first;  and  Ben- 
hadad  sent  out,  and  they  told  him,  saying. 
Some  men  are  come  out  of  Samaria. 

18'  And  he  said.  If  they  be  come  out  for 
peace,  catch  them  alive;  and  if  they  be  come 
out  for  war,  alive  must  ye  catch  them. 

19  So  these,  the  young  men  of  the  princes 
of  the  provinces,  came  out  of  the  city,  with 
the  army  which  followed  them. 

20  And  they  slew  every  one  his  man;  and 
the  Syrians  tied,  and  Israel  pursued  them : 
and  Ben-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  escaped  on 
a  horse  with  the  horsemen. 

21  And  the  king  of  Israel  Avent  out.  and 
smote  the  horses  and  chariots,  and  inflicted 
on  the  Syrians  a  great  defeat. 

22  And  the  prophet  approached  unto  the 

dust  that  adheres  to  the  shoes  in  walking;  so  numerous 
should  the  enemy  be. 

''  Rashi,  "Place  the  besieging  engines  forward." 

"  (Others,  "  the  sons  of,"  &c. 

'  Rashi,  "order  to  command."  Zunz,  "comraencej" 
so  also,  "join  the  battle.'' 

417 


1  KINGS  XX. 


king  uf  Israel,  and  said  unto  him,  Go,  strength- 
en thyself,  and  mark,  and  see  what  thou  hast 
to  do;  for  at  the  return  of  the  year  the  king 
of  Syria  will  come  up  against  thee. 

23  ][  And  the  servants  of  the  king  of  Syria 
said  unto  him,  Gods  of  the  mountains  are 
their  gods ;  therefore  they  prevailed  over  us ; 
but  let  us  fight  against  them  in  the  plain, 
(and  see)  whether  we  shall  not  prevail  over 
them. 

24  But  do  this  thing.  Remove  the  kings, 
every  one  from  his  place,  and  appoint  gover- 
nors in  their  rooms; 

25  And  thou,  number  for  thyself  an  army, 
like  the  army  that  thou  hast  lost,  horse  for 
horse,  and  chariot  for  chariot:  and  we  will 
fight  against  them  in  the  plain,  (and  see) 
whether  we  shall  prevail  over  them.  And 
he  hearkened  unto  their  voice,  and  did  so. 

26  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  return  of 
the  year,  that  Ben-hadad  numbered  the  Sy- 
rians, and  went  up  to  Aphek,  to  the  war 
with  Israel. 

27  And  the  children  of  Israel  were  num- 
bered, and  provisioned,  and  went  (out)  against 
them:  and  the  cliildren  of  Israel  encamped 
opposite  to  them  like  two  little  flocks  of  goats ; 
but  the  Syrians  filled  the  country. 

28  And  there  approached  the  man  of  God, 
and  spoke  unto  the  king  of  Israel,  and  said. 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Forasmuch  as 
the  Syrians  have  said,  "A  God  of  the  hills  is 
the  Lord,  but  he  is  not  God  of  the  valleys:" 
will  I  deliver  all  this  great  multitude  into 
thy  hand;  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

29  And  they  encamped  one  opposite  the 
other  for  seven  days.  And  it  happened,  that 
on  the  seventh  day  the  battle  took  place :  and 
the  children  of  Israel  smote  of  the  Syrians  a 
hundred  thousand  men  on  foot  in  one  day. 

;;0  But  those  that  were  left  fled  to  Apliek, 
into  the  city;  but  the  city-wall*  fell  upon  the 
twenty  and  seven  thousand  men  that  had 
been  left.  And  Ben-hadad  fled,  and  came  into 
the  city,  into  an  innermost''  chanil)er. 

31  And  his  servants  said  unto  him,  Behold 


'  I'hilippson  supposes  that  the  w.iU  foil,  as  the  city  was 
taken  by  assault. 

''  Heb.  "into  a  chanilici-  within  a  chamber." 
"  llashi.      Arnheini,  "ami  the   men  watched  and  hast- 
ened tn  assure  them,  whether  he  spoke  of  him,"  /.  e.  Ben- 
hadad 

118 


now,  we  have  heard  that  the  kings  of  the 
house  of  Israel  are  kindly  kings:  let  us,  we 
pray  thee,  put  sackcloth  on  our  loins,  and 
ropes  upon  our  heads,  and  go  out  to  the  king 
of  Israel ;  persidventure  he  may  save  thy  life. 

32  So  they  girded  sackcloth  on  their  loins, 
and  ropes  on  their  heads,  and  came  to  the 
king  of  Israel,  and  said.  Thy  servant  Ben- 
hadad  hath  said.  I  pray  thee,  let  me  live. 
And  he  said,  Is  he  yet  alive?  he  is  nw  bro- 
ther. 

33  Now  the  men  took  it  for  a  good  sign, 
and  hastened  and  caught  at  his  word,  whetlier 
it  was  his  earnest  f  and  they  said.  Thy  bro- 
ther Ben-hadad!  But  he  said,  Go  ye,  bring 
him.  Then  came  Ben-hadad  forth  to  him; 
and  he  caused  him  to  come  up  into  the  cha- 
riot. 

34  And  he*  said  unto  him,  The  cities, 
which  my  fother  took  from  thy  father,  will  I 
restore;  and  thou  canst  lay  out  for  thyself 
streets  in  Damascus,  as  my  flither  laid  out  in 
Samaria.  "And"  I  for  my  part  will  send 
thee  away  with  this  covenant."  So  he  made 
a  covenant  with  him,*  and  sent  him  away. 

35  ^  And  a  certain  man  of  the  sons  of  the 
projahets  said  unto  his  companion,  By*^  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  smite  me,  I  pray  thee. 
But  the  man  refused  to  smite  him. 

36  Then  said  he  unto  him.  Forasmuch  as 
thou  hast  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord, 
behold,  when  thou  goest  away  from  me,  a 
lion"^  shall  slay  thee.  And  he  went  away 
from  him,  when  a  lion  found  him,  and  slew 
him. 

37  Then  he  met  with  another  man,  and 
said,  Smite  me,  I  pray  thee.  And  the  man 
smote  him,  smiting  and  wounding  (him). 

38  And  the  prophet  then  went,  and  placed 
himself  before  the  king  on  the  way,  and  dis- 
guised himself  w' ith  a  bandage  over  his  eyes. 

39  And  as  the  king  passed  by,  he  cried 
unto  the  king,  and  said.  Thy  servant  Avent  out 
into  the  midst  of  the  battle;  and,  behold,  a 
man  turned  aside,  and  brought  unto  me  a  man, 
and  said.  Guard  this  man;  if  l)y  any  means 
he  be  missing,  then  shall  tliy  life  be  (forfeit) 


"  Ben-hadad.  =  Words  of  Achab. 

'  Rashi  and  Arnheim  so  divide  the  verse.  Others, 
"  said  to  his  companion  by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  Smite 
me,"  &c. 

8  Disobedience  to  prophets,  is  punishable  sin.  (Deut. 
xviii.  ly.) 


1    KINGS  XX.  XXI. 


for  his  lite,  or  else  thou  shalt  weigh  lue  down 
a  talent  of  silver. 

40  But  it  happened  as  th}-  servant  was 
busy  here  and  there,  that  he  was  gone.  And 
the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  him,  So  is  thy 
sentence:  tliou  thyself  hast  decided  it. 

4 1  And  he  hastened,  and  removed  the  band- 
age from  his  eyes;  and  the  king  of  Israel  re- 
cognised him  that  he  was  one  of  the  prophets. 

42  And  he  said  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord,  Because  thou  hast  let  go  out  of  thy 
hand  the  man  whom  I  had  caught  in  my  net." 
therefore  shall  thy  life  bo  the  forfeit  for  his 
life,  and  thy  people  for  his  people. 

43  And  the  king  of  Israel  went  to  his 
house  low-sj^irited  and  displeased,  and  he  came 
to  Samaria. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  these  events, 
that  Naboth  the  Yizre'elite  had  a  vineyard, 
which  was  in  Yizre'el,  near  the  palace  of 
Achab  the  king  of  Samaria. 

2  And  Achab  spoke  unto  Naboth,  saying. 
Give  me  thy  vineyard,  that  it  may  serve  me 
for  an  herb-garden,  because  it  is  near  unto 
my  house;  and  I  will  give  thee  in  its  stead  a 
vineyard  better  than  it ;  (or,)  if  it  seem  good 
in  thy  eyes,  I  wall  give  thee  the  money,  the 
value  of  the  same. 

3  And  Naboth  said  to  Achab,  Far  be  it 
from  me  before  the  Lord,  that  I  should  give 
the  inheritance  of  my  fathers  unto  thee. 

4  And  Achab  came  into  his  house  low- 
spirited  and  displeased  because  of  the  word 
Avhich  Naboth  the  Yizre'elite  had  spoken  to 
him,  when  he  said,  I  will  not  give  unto  thee 
the  inheritance  of  my  fathers.  And  he  laid 
himself  dt)wn  upon  his  bed,  and  turned  away 
his  face,  and  woidd  eat  no  food. 

5  But  Izeljel  his  wife  came  to  him,  and 
spoke  unto  him.  Why  is  thy  spirit  so  sad? 
and  why  eatest  thou  no  food? 

6  And  he  said  unto  her.  Because  I  spoke 
vmto  Naboth  the  Yizre'elite,  and  said  unto 
him.  Give  me  thy  vineyard  for  money;  or 
else,  if  it  plea.se  thee,  I  will  give  thee  a  vine- 
yard in  its  stead ;  but  he  hath  said,  I  will  not 
give  unto  thee  my  vineyard. 

7  Then    said   unto   him    Izebel    his  wife, 


"  Kcdnk,  after  iMidrasli.     Jnnathan,  "who  deserved  to 
die."     Aniheiii),  "the  man  iu  luy  net." 


Dost  thou  now  govern  the  kingdom  of  Is- 
rael?'' arise,  eat  bread,  and  let  thy  heart  be 
merry:  I  will  myself  give  thee  the  vine- 
yard of  Naboth  the  Yizre'elite. 

8  So  she  wrote  letters  in  Achab's  name, 
and  sealed  them  with  his  seal ;  and  she  sent 
the  letters  unto  the  elders  and  unto  the  nobles 
who  were  in  his  city,  and  who  dwelt  near 
Naboth. 

9  And  she  wrote  in  the  letters,  saying. 
Proclaim  a  fast,  and  cause  Naboth  to  sit  at 
the  head  of  the  people; 

10  And  seat  two  men,  worthless  fellows, 
opposite  to  him,  and  let  them  bear  witness 
against  him,  saying.  Thou  hast  blasphemed 
God  and  the  king:  and  then  lead  him  forth, 
and  stone  him,  that  he  may  die. 

11  And  the  men  of  his  city,  the  elders  and 
the  nobles,  those  who  dwelt  in  his  city,  djd 
as  Izebel  had  sent  unto  them,  as  was  written 
in  the  letters  which  she  had  sent  unto  them. 

12  They  proclaimed  a  fast,  and  caused 
Nalwth  to  sit  at  the  head  of  the  people. 

13  And  there  came  in  two  men,  worthless 
fellows,  and  seated  themselves  opposite  to 
him;  and  these  worthless  men  testified  against 
him,  against  Naboth,  in  the  presence  of  the 
peoi)le,  saying,  Naboth  hath  blasphemed  God 
and  the  king.  Then  they  led  him  forth  out 
of  the  city,  and  stoned  him  with  stones,  that 
he  died. 

14  And  they  sent  to  Izebel,  saying,  Naboth 
hath  been  stoned,  and  is  dead. 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Izebel  heard 
that  Naboth  had  lioen  stoned,  and  was  dead, 
that  Izebel  said  to  Achab,  Arise,  take  posses- 
sion of  the  vineyai'd  of  Naboth  the  Yizre'elite, 
which  he  refust'd  to  give  thee  for  money;  for 
Naboth  is  not  alive,  but  dead. 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Achab  heard 
that  Naboth  was  dead,  that  Achab  rose  up  ic 
go  down  to  the  vineyard  of  Naboth  the  Yiz- 
re'elite, to  take  possession  of  it. 

17  T]  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
Elijah  the  Tishbite,  saying, 

18  Arise,  go  down  to  meet  Achab  the  king 
of  Israel,  who  is  in  Samaria:  behold,  he  is  in 
the  vineyard  of  Naboth,  whither  he  is  gone 
down  to  take  possession  of  it. 

19  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  him,  saying. 


''  "Thiiu  art  yet  in  jm.sse.'^sion  of  the  royal  power  over 
Israel." — Arnhei.M. 

419 


1  KINGS  XXI.  XXII. 


Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Hast  thou  murdered, 
and  also  taken  possession?  And  thou  shalt 
speak  unto  him,  saying,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  In  the  place"  where  the  dogs  licked  the 
blood  of  Naboth  shall  the  dogs  lick  thy  blood, 
yes,  thine  also. 

20  And  Achab  said  to  Elijah,  Hast  thou 
iound  me,  0  my  enemy?  And  he  answered, 
I  have  found  thee;  because  thou  hast  sold 
thyself  to  do  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

21  Behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon  thee, 
and  I  will  sweep  out  after  thee,  and  will  cut 
off  from  Achab  every  male,  and  the  guarded 
and  fortified  in  Israel, 

22  And  I  will  make  thy  house  like  the 
house  of  Jerol)o'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  and  like 
the  house  of  Ba'sha  the  son  of  Achiyah,  for 
the  provocation  wherewith  thou  hast  provok- 
ed (me)  to  anger,  and  induced  Israel  to  sin. 

23  And  also  concerning  Izebel  hath  the 
Lord  spoken,  saying,  The  dogs  shall  eat  Ize- 
bel in  the  valle^'''  of  Yizre'el. 

24  Him  that  dieth  of  Achab  in  the  city 
shall  the  dogs  eat;  and  him  that  dieth  in  the 
field  shall  the  fowls  of  the  heavens  eat. 

25  But  indeed  there  was  none  like  unto 
Achab,  who  sold  himself  to  do  what  is  evil  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  to  which  Izebel  his  wife 
incited  him. 

26  And  he  acted  very  abominably  in  fol- 
lowing the  idols,  in  all  things  just  as  had 
done  the  Emorites,  whom  the  Lord  had 
driven  out  from  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

27  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Achalj  heard 
these  words,  that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and  put 
sackcloth  upon  his  Hesh,°  and  fested,  and 
slept  in  the  sackcloth,  and  walked  about  bare- 
footed.'' 

28  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
Elijah  the  Tishbite,  saying, 

29  Hast  thou  seen  how  Achab  hath  hum- 
bled liimself  before  me?  therefore,  because  he 
hath  humbled  himself  before  me,  will  I  not 
bring  the  evil  in  his  days:  in  tlie  days  of  his 
son  will  I  bring  the  evil  upon  his  house. 


"  E.  Jos.  Schwarz  renders  nipDD  "in  punisbincut  for,"  as 
the  pool  at  Samaria,  wLeru  Auhab's  blood  was  spilt,  could 
uovor  have  conveyed  the  blood  of  the  slain  king  to  Yizre'el. 

"  After  Jonathan.     Others,  "at  the  outer  wall,"  &c. 

"  "On  his  body." — Arniieim,  and  others,  who  always 
render  "iB'a,  when  used  as  here,  witli  "body,"  and  not 
"flesh." 

420 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


1  And  they  remained  (at  rest)  three 
years,  there  being  no  war  between  Syria  and 
Israel. 

2  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  third  year 
that  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  came 
down  to  the  king  of  Israel. 

3  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  his  ser- 
vants. Know  ye  that  Ramoth  in  Gil'ad  is 
ours,  and  we  remain  idle,  without  taking  it 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Syria? 

4  And  he  said  unto  Jehoshaphat,  Wilt 
thou  go  with  me  to  the  battle  against  Ea- 
moth-gil'ad?  And  Jehoshaphat  said  to  the 
king  of  Israel,  I  (will  be)  like  thee,  my  peo- 
ple like  thy  people,  my  horses  like  thy  horses. 

5  And  Jehoshaphat  said  unto  the  king  of 
Israel,  Inquire,  I  pray  thee,  to-day  (first)  of 
the  word  of  the  Lord. 

6  Then  assembled  the  king  of  Israel  the 
prophets,  about  four  hundred  men,  and  said 
unto  them,  Shall  I  go  against  Kamoth-girad 
to  battle,  or  shall  I  forbear?  And  they  said, 
Go  up;  and  the  Lord  will  deliver  (it)  into 
the  hand  of  the  king." 

7  And  Jehosliaphat  said.  Is  there  not  here 
a  pro^jhet  of  the  Eternal  besides,  that  Ave 
might  inquire  of  him? 

8  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jeho- 
shaphat, There  is  yet  one  man,  by  whom  we 
might  inquire  of  the  Lord;  but  I  hate  him; 
for  he  will  never  pro2)hesy  good  concerning 
me,  but  evil:  (it  is)  Michayhu  the  son  of 
Yimlah.  And  Jehoshaphat  said,  Let  not  the 
king  say  so. 

9  Then  called  the  king  of  Israel  a  certain 
officer,  and  said.  Hasten  hither  Michayhu  the 
son  of  Yimlah. 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  and  Jehosha- 
phat the  king  of  Judah  M'ere  sitting  each  on 
his  throne,  dressed  in  their  regal  garments,  in 
a  tlireshing-floor  at  the  entrance  of  the  gate 
of  Samaria;  and  all  the  prophets  prophesied 
before  them. 

11  And  Zedekiah'the  sonof  Kena'anah  had 


*  Jonathan.  Others,  "he  walked  about  heavy-hearted," 
or  "slowly,"  "softly;"  but  the  actual  idea  is,  that  he  di.s- 
played  regret  in  his  outward  demeanour,  even  iu  his  walk, 
his  gait  being  changed. 

"  Ambiguous,  not  clearly  defining  what  king,  or  what 
shnidd  be  delivered.    Lit.,  "the  Lord  will  deliver  into,"  &c. 

'  C!orreetly,  Zii/kcj/ah. 


1  KINGS  XXII. 


made  himself  horns  of  Iron ;  and  he  said,  Thus 
hath  said  the  LoRD,  With  these  shalt  thou 
pusli  tlie  Syrians,  until  thou  have  made  an 
end  of  them. 

12  And  all  the  prophets  prophesied  so, 
saving.  Go  up  to  Eamoth-gil'ad,  and  prosper; 
and  the  Lokd  will  deliver  it  into  the  king's 
hand. 

13  And  the  messenger  that  went  to  call 
Miohayhu  spoke  unto  him,  saying,  Behold 
now,  the  words  of  the  prophets  are  with  one 
voice"  good  for  the  king:  do  let  thy  word,  I 
pray  thee,  he  like  the  word  of  any  one  of 
them,  and  speak  something  good. 

14  And  Michayhu  said.  As  the  Lord  liv- 
eth,  truly,  what  "the  Lord  may  say  unto  me, 
that  will  I  speak. 

15  And  when  he  wa,s  come  to  the  king, 
the  king  said  unto  him,  Michayhu,  shall  we 
go  against  Eamoth-gil'ad  to  l)attle,  or  shall 
we  forbear?  And  he  answered  him,  Go  up,  and 
]n-osper;  and  may''  the  Lord  deliver  it  into 
the  hand  of  the  king. 

16  x\nd  the  king  said  unto  him.  How  many 
times  yet  must  I  adjure  thee  that  thou  shalt 
not  speak  to  me  any  thing  but  the  truth  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord? 

17  And  he  said,  I  saw  all  Israel  scattered 
over  the  mountains,  as  iiocks  that  have  not  a 
shepherd :  and  the  Lord  said.  These  have  no 
master;  let  them  return  every  man  to  his 
house  in  peace. 

IS  And  tlie  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jeho- 
shaphat.  Did  1  not  say  unto  thee  that  he 
would  not  prophesy  concerning  me  any  good, 
but  (only)  evil? 

19  And  he  said,  Therefore  hear  thou  the 
word  of  the  Lord  :  I  saw  the  Lord  sitting  on 
his  throne,  and  all  the  host  of  heaven  stand- 
ing by  him  on  his  right  and  on  his  left. 

20  And  the  Lord  said.  Who  wall  persuade 
Achab,  that  he  may  go  up  and  fall  at  Ramoth- 
gil'ad?  And  one  said.  In  this  manner,  and 
another  said.  In  that  manner. 

21  And  there  came  forth  a°  spirit,  and 
placed  himself  before  the  Lord,  and  said,  I 
will  persuade  him.  ''And  the  Lord  said  unto 
him,  Wherewith? 

22  And  he  said,  I  will  go  forth,  and  I  will 
be  a  lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  his  pro- 


'Heb.  "mouth." 

'  Ra-shi.     Othors.  "for  the  Lord  will,"  &e. 


phets.     And    he    said,   Thou    wilt   persuade 
him,  and  also  prevail :  go  forth,  and  do  so. 

23  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  put  a 
l3'ing  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  these  thy  pro- 
phets; but  the  Lord  hath  spoken  evil  con- 
cerning thee. 

24  And  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Kena'anah 
went  near,  and  struck  Michayhu  on  the 
cheek,  and  said.  Which  way  passed  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  away  from  me  to  speak  witli 
thee? 

25  And  Michayhu  said,  Behold,  thou  shalt 
see  it  on  that  day,  wdien  thou  shalt  go  into  the 
innermost  chamber  to  hide  thyself. 

26  And  the  king  of  Israel  said.  Take  Mi- 
chajdiu,  and  carry  him  back  unto  Amon  the 
governor  of  the  city,  and  unto  Joiish  the 
king's  son; 

27  And  say.  Thus  hath  said  the  king,  Put 
this  man  in  the  prison,  and  feed  him  with 

j  sparing  bread  and  with  sparing  water,  until  I 
come  home  in  peace. 

28  And  Michayhu  said.  If  thou  return  at 
all  in  peace,  then  hath  the  Lord  not  spoken 
through  me.  And  he  said.  Hear  it,  0  all  ye 
nations ! 

29  ^  So  the  king  of  Israel  went  up  wdth 
Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  to  Eamoth- 
gil'ad. 

30  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jeho- 
shaphat, I  will  disguise  myself,  and  enter 
into  the  battle;  but  do  thou  put  on  thy  regal 
garments.  And  the  king  of  Israel  disguised 
himself,  and  went  into  the  battle. 

31  And  the  king  of  Syria  had  commanded 
the  captains  over  his  chariots,  thirty-two  (in 
number),  saying,  Fight  neither  with  a  small 
nor  a  great  one,  save  only  with  the  king  of 
Israel  alone. 

32  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains 
of  the  chariots  saw  Jehoshaphat,  that  they 
said.  Surely  this  is  the  king  of  Israel.  And 
they  turned  aside  against  him  to  fight:  and 
Jehoshaphat  cried  out. 

33  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains 
of  the  chariots  perceived  that  it  was  not  the 
king  of  Israel,  that  tliey  turned  back  from 
following  him. 

34  But  a  man  drew  his  bow  at  a  venture, 
and  struck  the  king  of  Israel  between  the 


Lit.     "  The  spirit." 

^  In  the  English  version,  verse  22  commences  here. 

421 


1  KINGS  XXII. 


joints"  find  the  armour :  wherefore  he  said 
unto  his  chariot-driver,  Turn  about,  and  carry 
nie  out  of  the  camp ;  for  I  am  wounded.*" 

35  And  the  battle  increased  on  that  day; 
and  the  king  was  stayed  up  in  his  chariot 
against  the  Syrians;  but  he  died  in  the  even- 
ing: and  the  blood  of  the  wound  flowed  down 
into  the  hollow  of  the  chariot. 

30  And  there  went  a  proclamation  through- 
out the  camp  at  the  going  down  of  the  sun, 
saying,  Every  man  to  liis  city,  and  every 
man  to  his  own  land. 

37  So  the  king  died,  and  w.as  brought  to 
Samaria;  and  they  buried  the  king  in  Sa- 
maria. 

38  And  the  chariot  was  washed  out  at  the 
pool  of  Samaria;  and  the  dogs  licked  up  liis 
blood,  as  they  washed  his  armour:''  according 
to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he  had  spoken. 

39  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Achab.  and 
all  that  he  did,  and  the  ivory  house  which 
he  built,  and  all  the  cities  that  he  built,  be- 
hold, they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

40  So  Achab  slept  with  his  fathers:  and 
Achazyahu  his  son  bectwne  king  in  his  stead. 

41  il  And  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Assa 
became  king  over  Judah  in  the  fourth  year 
of  Achab  the  king  of  Israel. 

42  Jehoshaphat  was  thirty  and  five  years 
old  when  he  became  king,  and  twenty  and 
five  years  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And 
his  mother's  name  was  'Azubah  the  daughter 
of  Shilchi. 

43  And  he  walked  in  all  the  ways  of  Assa 
his  father;  he  turned  not  aside  from  it,  doing 
Avhat  is  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord: 

44**  Nevertheless  the  high-places  were  not 

°  Rashi  interprets,  that  it  was  what  is  called  a  scaly 
armour,  in  which  the  scales  cover  the  perforations  of  the 
coat  of  mail,  in  one  of  which  the  arrow  struck. 

"  Ilrb.  "mailc  sick." 


removed;   for  the    people    still    ofllTod,    nud 
burnt  incense  on  the  high-places. 

45  And  Jehoshaphat  made  peace  with  the 
king  of  Israel. 

46  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoshaphat, 
and  his  mighty  deeds  that  he  showed,  and 
how  he  warred,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ju- 
dah . 

47  And  the  remnant  of  the  sodomites, 
that  had  been  left  in  the  days  of  his  father 
Assa,  did  he  put  away  out  of  the  land. 

48  There  was  then  no  king  in  Edom:  a 
deputy  was  king. 

49  Jehoshaphat  made  Tharshish-ships  to 
go  to  Ophir  for  gold;  but  they  went  not;  for 
the  ships  were  wrecked  at  'Ezyon-geber. 

50  Then  said  Achaz^-ahu  the  son  of  Achab 
unto  Jehoshaphat,  Let  my  servants  go  with 
thy  servants  in  the  ships.  But  Jehoshaphat 
would  not. 

51  And  Jehoshaphat  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city 
of  David  his  father:  and  Jehoram  his  son 
became  king  in  his  stead. 

52  ^  Achazyahu  the  son  of  Achab  became 
king  over  Israel  in  Samaria  in  the  seven- 
teenth year  of  Jehoshaphat,  the  king  of  Ju- 
dah ;  and  he  reigned  over  Israel  two  years. 

53  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  and  walked  in  the  way  of  his 
father,  and  in  the  way  of  his  mother,  and  in 
the  way  of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who 
had  induced  Israel  to  sin. 

54  And  he  served  Ba'al,  and  bowed  down 
to  him,  and  he  provoked  to  anger  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  all  just  as  his  father  had 
done. 


"  After  Jonathan.  But  others  render,  "  while  the  har- 
lots bathed  therein." 

''  This  is  a  part  of  verse  4.3  in  the  English  version,  in 
which  the  chapter  has  hut  53  verses. 


THE  SI<:C'OND  BOOK  OF  TllK  KINGS, 

CONTAINING  THE  CONTINUATION   OF   THE  HISTORY  OF   ISRAEL  TO  THE 

DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Then  did  Moiib  rebel  against  Israel  after 
the  death  of  Acliab. 

2  And  Achazyah  fell  down  through  the 
lattice  in  his  upper  chamber  that  was  in  Sa^ 
niaria,  and  became  sick ;  and  he  sent  messen- 
gers, and  said  unto  them.  Go,  inquire  of 
Ba'al-zebub"  the  god  of  'Ekron  whether  I  shall 
recover  from  this  sickness. 

3  But  an  angel  of  the  Lord  spol^^e  to  Elijah 
the  Tislibite,  Arise,  go  up  to  meet  the  mes- 
sengers of  the  king  of  Samaria,  and  say  unto 
them,  Is  it  because  there  is  not  a  God  in  Is- 
rael, that  ye  go  to  inquire  of  Ba'al-zebub  the 
god  of 'Ekron? 

4  Now  therefore,  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
From  the  bed  on  which  thou  art  gone  up 
shalt  thou  not  come  down;  for  thou  shalt 
surely  die.     And  Elijah  departed. 

5  And  the  messengers  returned  unto  him, 
and  he  said  unto  them.  Why  is  this  that  ye 
are  already  returned? 

6  And  they  said  unto  him,  There  came  up 
a  man  to  meet  us,  and  said  unto  us,  Go,  return 
unto  the  king  that  hath  sent  you,  and  speak 
unto  him,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Is  it  be- 
cause there  is  not  a  God  in  Israel,  that  thou 
sendest  to  inquire  of  Ba'al-zebub  the  god  of 
'Ekron  ?  therefore  from  the  bed  on  which 
thou  art  gone  up  shalt  thou  not  come  down  ; 
for  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

7  And  he  spoke  unto  them,  Wljat  is  the 
manner  of  the  man  who  came  up  to  meet  you, 
and  spoke  unto  you  these  words? 

8  And  they  said  unto  him,  He  is  a  hairy 
man,  with  a  girdle  of  leather  girded  about 
his  loins.  And  he  said.  It  is  Elijah  the  Tisli- 
bite. 

'  Literally,  "the  lord  of  flies;"  probably  so  called  be- 
cause he  was  supposed  to  defend  the  people  from  flies. 


9  Then  did  he  send  unto  him  a  captain 
of  fifty  with  his  fifty:  and  he  went  up  to 
him,  and,  behold,  he  was  sitting  on  the  top  of 
the  mount;  and  he  spoke  unto  him,  Oman 
of  God,  the  king  hath  commanded,  Come 
down. 

10  And  Elijah  answered  and  spoke  to  the 
captain  of  the  iifty.  And  if  I  te  a  man  of  God, 

I  let  a  fire  come  down  from  heaven  and  consume 

!  thee  and  th}'  fift}'.  And  there  came  down  a 
fire  from  heaven,  and  consumed  him  and  liis 

I  fifty. 

I  11  And  lie  sent  again  unto  him  another 
captain  of  fifty  with  his  fifty.  And  he  com- 
menced and  spoke  unto  him,  0  man  of  God, 
thus  hath  the  king  said,  Come  down  quickly. 

12  And  Elijah  answered  and  spoke  unto 
them.  If  I  be  a  man  of  God,  let  a  fire  come 
down  from  heaven,  and  consume  thee  and  thy 
fifty.  And  the  fire  of  God  came  down  from 
heaven,  and  consumed  him  and  his  fifty. 

13  And  he  sent  again  a  captain  of  fifty 
the  third  time''  with  his  fifty.  And  the  third 
captain  of  fifty  went  up,  and  came  and  bent 
down  on  his  knees  Ix-fore  Elijah,  and  besought 
him,  and  spoke  unto  him,  O  man  of  God,  I 
pray  thee,  let  my  life  and  the  life  of  these 
fifty  thy  servants  be  precious  in  thy  eyes. 

14  Behold,  there  came  down  a  fire  from 
heaven,  and  consumed  the  two  captains  of  the 
first  fifties  with  their  fifties;  and  now  let 
my  life  be  precious  in  thy  eyes. 

15  T[  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  spoke 
unto  Elijah,  Go  down  with  him:  be  not  afraid 
of  him.  And  he  arose,  and  went  down  with 
him  unto  the  kin<j;. 

16  And  he  spoke  unto  him,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Forasmuch  as  thou  didst  send 
messengers  to  inquire  of  Ba'al-zebub  the  God 


Arnl 


Others,  ''the  third  fifty. 


423 


2  KINGS  I.  11. 


of  'Ekron,  as  though  there  were  no  God  in 
Israel  to  inquire  of  his  word  :  therefore 
from  the  bed  on  which  thou  art  gone  up  shalt 
thou  not  come  down ;'  for  thou  shalt  surely 
die. 

17  And  he  died,  according  to  the  woi'd  of 
the  Lord  which  Elijah  had  spoken ;  and  Je- 
horam  became  king  in  his  stead  in  the  second 
year  of  Jehoram''  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat  the 
king  of  Judah;  because  he  had  no  son. 

18  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Achazyahu 
which  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Lord 
was  about  to  take  up  Elijah  by  a  storm-wind 
to  heaven,  that  Elijah  went  out  with  Elisha' 
from  Gilgal. 

2  And  Elijah  said  unto  Elisha',  Remain,  I 
pray  thee,  here;  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me  as 
far  as  Beth'el.  But  Elisha'  said.  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave 
thee.     So  they  went  down  to  Beth-el. 

3  And  the  sons"  of  the  prophets  that  were 
at  Beth-el  came  forth  to  Elisha',  and  said  unto 
him,  Knowest  thou  that  to-day  the  Lord  will 
take  away  thy  master  from  thy  head?  And 
he  said,  I  also  know  it ;  be  still. 

4  And  Elijah  said  unto  him,  Elisha',  re- 
main, I  pray  thee,  here;  for  the  Lord  hath 
sent  me  to  Jericho.  But  he  said,  As  the 
Lord  liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not 
leave  thee.     So  they  came  to  Jericho. 

5  And  the  sons  of  the  prophets  that  were 
at  Jericho  came  near  to  Elisha',  and  said  unto 
him,  Knowest  thou  that  to-day  the  Lord  Avill 
take  away  thy  master  from  thy  head  ?  And 
he  said,  I  also  know  it;  be  still. 

6  And  Elijah  said  unto  him,  Remain,  I 
pray  thee,  here ;  for  the  Lord  hath  sent  me 
to  the  Jordan.     But  he  said,  As  the  Lord 


"  In  the  East,  there  is  usually  at  the  end  of  each  cham- 
ber a  little  gallery,  raised  three  or  four  feet  above  the 
floor,  with  a  ballustnide  in  front,  to  which  they  go  up  by 
a  few  steps:  here  they  place  (heir  beds;  an  allusion  to 
which  situation  is  involved  in  this  declaration  of  Elijah's, 
and  frequently  referred  to  in  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  (See 
Gen.  xlix.  4.) 

'■  As  it  is  said  in  chap.  iii.  1,  that  he  began  his  reign  in 

the  eighteenth  of  Jehoshaphat,  it  is  supposed  that  Jeho- 

Bhaphat  admitted   his  sou  Jehoram   to  reign  with  him, 

eight  or  nine  years  before  his  death ;  hence,  the  secoud 

421 


liveth,  and  as  thy  soul  liveth,  I  will  not  leave 
thee.     So  these  two  went  on. 

7  And  fifty  men  of  the  sons  of  the  pro- 
phets went,  and  stood  opposite  (to  them)  afar 
oflF:  and  those  two  stood  by  the  Jordan. 

8  And  Elijah  took  his  mantle,  and  folded 
it  together,  and  smote  the  waters,  and  they 
were  divided  hither  and  thither,  and  they 
went,  both  of  them,  over  on  dry  ground. 

9  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  passed 
over,  that  Elijah  said  unto  Elisha',  Ask  what 
I  shall  do  for  thee,  before  I  shall  be  taken 
away  from  thee.  And  Elisha'  said,  Let  there 
he,  I  pray  thee,  a  double  portion"*  of  thy  spirit 
U2»n  me. 

10  And  he  said.  Thou  hast  asked  a  hard 
thing:  if  thou  see  me  when  I  am  taken  from 
thee,  it  shall  be  so  (given)  unto  thee;  but  if 
not,  it  shall  not  be. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  went  on, 
speaking  as  they  were  going,  that,  behold, 
there  came  a  chariot  of  fire,  and  horses  of 
fire,  and  parted  them  both  asunder;  and  Eli- 
jah went  up  by  a  storm-wind*  to  heaven. 

12  And  Elisha'  saw  it,  and  he  cried,  My 
flither,  my  father,  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and 
their  horsemen.*^  And  he  saw  him  no  more; 
and  he  took  hold  of  his  clothes,  and  rent  them 
in  two  pieces. 

13  And  he  lifted  up  the  mantle  of  Elijah 
that  had  fallen  from  him,  and  went  back,  and 
stood  by  the  border  of  the  Jordan ; 

14  And  he  took  the  mantle  of  Elijah  that 
had  fallen  from  him,  and  smote  the  waters, 
and  said,  Where  is  the  Lord  the  God  of  Eli- 
jah? and  when  he  also  had  smitten  the 
waters,  they  parted  hither  and  thither;  and 
Elisha'  passed  over. 

15  And  when  the  sons  of  the  prophets 
who  were  at  Jericho,  at  a  distance,  saw 
him,  they  said,  The  spirit  of  Elijah  doth 
rest  on  Elisha'.     And  they  came  forth  to  meet 

year  that  Jehoram  was  associate  king,  and  the  eighteenth 
of  Jehoshaphat. 

°  7.  e.  As  the  Targumist  renders  N'O:  ''TnSn  "disciples 
of  the  prophets." 

^  Ralbag  suggests  that  it  means  that  Elisha  requested 
to  obtain  a  twofold  portion  of  Elijah's  spirit  above  the 
other  disciples,  regarding  himself  as  his  spiritual  first- 
born, who  was  entitled  to  a  double  portion.  (See  Deut. 
xxi.  17.) 

°  Arnheim,  "storm-cloud." 

'  Jonathan,  "  who  wast  better  for  Israel  by  thy  prayers 
than  their  chariots  and  horsemen." 


2  KINGS  TI.  IIT. 


hiiu,  and  bowed  thomselves  unto  liini  to  the 
ground. 

]  G  And  they  said  unto  him,  Behold  now, 
there  are  among  thy  servants  fifty  strong 
men;  let  them  go,  we  pray  thee,  and  seek 
th^'  master;  peradventure  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord  hath  taken  him  up,  and  cast  him  upon 
one  of  the  mountains,  or  into  one  of  the  val- 
leys.    And  he  said,  Ye  must  not  send. 

1 7  And  they  urged  him  till  he  was  ashamed," 
when  he  said,  Send.  And  they  sent  fifty  men; 
and  the}-  sought  three  dnjs,  but  found  him 
not. 

18  And  they  returned  again  to  him,  for  he 
had  remained  at  Jericho;  and  he  tlien  said 
unto  them.  Did  I  not  sa}'  unto  you.  Ye  should 
not  go? 

19  ^  And  the  men  of  the  city  siiid  unto 
Elisha',  Behold,  I  pray  thee,  the  situation  of 
this  city  is  good,  as  my  lord  seeth ;  but  the 
water  is  bad,  and  the  land  causeth  luitimely 
births. 

20  And  he  said.  Fetch  me  a  new  flask, 
and  put  salt  therein :  and  they  fetched  it  to 
him. 

21  And  he  went  forth  unto  the  spring  of 
the  waters,  and  cast  therein  the  salt,  and 
said.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lokd,  I  have  healed 
these  waters;  there  shall  not  be  from  there 
any  more  death  or  untimely  births. 

22  So  the  waters  were  healed  unto  this 
day,  according  to  the  word  of  Elisha'  which 
he  spoke. 

23  ^  And  he  went  up  from  there  to  Beth-el : 
and  as  he  was  going  up  by  the  way,  there 
came  forth  young  lads'"  out  of  the  city,  and 
they  mocked  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Go  up, 
bald-head!  go  up,  bald-head! 

24  And  he  turned  back,  and  looked  on 
them,  and  cursed  them  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  and  there  came  I'orth  two  she-bears  out 
of  the  forest,  and  tore  of  them  forty  and  two 
boyfe\ 

25  And  he  went  from  there  to  mount 
Carmel,  and  from  there  he  returned  to  Sa^ 
maria. 


"  /.  c.  till  he  was  a.shamed  to  refuse  any  longer. 

''  The  wonts  □•:£3p  w\i'i  not  only  .signify  little  chil- 
dren, hut  young  men;  for  rap  signifies  not  only  little, 
but  young,  in  opposition  to  old;  and  l;?:  signifies  not 
only  a  child,  but  a  young  man,  grown  to  years  of  matu- 
rity :  thus  Isaac  is  called  i;;:  when  perhaps  over  thirty 
years  old,  Joseph  when  thirty,  and  Rehobo'am  when  forty. 
3D 


CHAPTER   in. 

1  \  And  Jehoram  the  son  of  Achab  be- 
came king  over  Israel  in  Samaria  in  the 
eighteenth  year  of  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of 
Judah,  and  he  reigned  twelve  years. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord;  Ijut  not  like  his  father,  and  like 
his  mother;  and  he  removed  the  statue  of 
Ba'al  which  his  lather  had  made. 

3  Nevertheless  unto  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am 
the  son  of  Neljat,  who  had  induced  Israel  to 
sin,  did  he  cleave:  he  departed  not  there- 
from. 

4  ^[  And  Mesha'  the  king  of  Moab  was  a 
sheepmaster,  and  rendered  as  tribute  unto 
the  king  of  Israel  a  hundred  thousand  landjs, 
and  a  hundred  thousand  rams,  with  the  wool. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass,  "when  Achab  was 
dead,  that  the  king  of  Moab  rebelled  against 
the  king  of  Israel. 

6  And  king  Jehoram  went  out  of  Samaria 
at  that  time,  and  numbered  all  Israel. 

7  And  he  went  and  sent  to  Jehoshaphat 
the  king  of  Judah,  saying.  The  king  of  Moab 
hath  rebelled  against  me:  wilt  thou  go  with 
me  against  Moab  to  battle?  And  he  said,  I 
will  go  up,  I  as  thyself,  my  people  as  thy 
people,  my  horses  as  thy  horses. 

8  And  he  said.  Which  way  shall  we  go 
up?  And  he  said,  The  way  through  the  wil- 
derness of  Edom. 

9  So  the  king  of  Israel  went,  with  the  king 
of  Judah,  and  the  king  of  Edom;  and  they 
took  a  circuitous  route,  a  seven  days'  journey; 
and  there  was  no  water  for  the  camp,  and  for 
the  cattle  that  followed  in  their  train. 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  said,  Alas!  that 
the  Lord  hath  called  these  three  kings,  to 
deliver  them  into  the  hand  of  Moab! 

11  But  Jehoshaphat  said.  Is  there  not  here 
a  prophet  of  the  Lord,  that  we  may  inquire 
of  the  Lord  from  him?  And  there  answered 
one  of  the  king  of  Israel's  servants  and  said, 
Here  is  Elisha'  the  son  of  Shaphat,  who  pour- 
ed" water  on  the  hands  of  Elijah. 


These  idolatrous  young  men,  having  heard  of  the  ascen- 
sion of  Elijah,  without  believing  it,  blasphemously  bade 
Elisha'  follow  him. — After  Abarbanel. 

°  )'.  e.  "Ilad  waited  on  him."  Elisha'  must  therefore 
have  followed  the  army  in  the  wilderness,  to  be  ready  to 
take  advantage  of  circumstances  to  preach  the  word  of 
God. — Philippson. 

425 


2  KINGS  in.  It. 


12  And  JeliOHliaphat  said,  The  word  of  the 
Lord  is  with  him.  And  tliere  went  down  to 
him  the  king  of  Israel  and  Jehoshaphat  and 
the  king  of  Edom. 

13  And  EHsha'  said  unto  the  king  of  Is- 
rael, What  have  I  to  do  with  thee?  go  to  the 
prophets  of  th}'  father,  and  to  the  prophets 
of  thv  mother.  And  the  king  of  Israel  said 
unto  him,  Not  so;  for  the  Lord  hatli  called 
these  three  kings,  to  deliver  them  into  the 
hand  of  Moiib. 

14  And  Elisha'  said,  As  the  Lord  of  hosts 
liveth,  before  whom  I  have  stood,  surely, 
were  it  not  that  I  regard  the  presence  of 
Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah,  I  would  not 
look  toward  thee,  nor  see  thee. 

1-5  But  now  bring  me  a  musician.  And 
it  came  to  pass,  when  the  musician  2)layed, 
that  the  inspiration^of  the  Lord  came  upon  him. 

16  And  he  said,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Make  this  valley  full  of  ditches. 

17  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Ye  shall 
not  perceive  wind,  nor  shall  ye  see  rain;  yet 
this  valley  shall  be  filled  with  w'ater,  that  ye 
may  drink,  yourselves,  and  your  flocks,  and 
your  cattle. 

18  And  this  is  yet  too  light  a  thing  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord;  and  he  will  also  deliver 
the  Moabites  into  your  hand. 

19  And  ye  shall  smite  every  fortified  city, 
and  every  choice  city,  and  every  good  tree 
shall  ye  fell,  and  all  springs  of  water  shall  ye 
stop,  and  every  good  piece  of  land  shall  ye 
spoil  with  stones. 

20  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  at 
the  time  when  the  meat-ofiering  is  offered, 
that,  behold,  there  came  water  by  the  way 
from  Edom,  and  the  country  was  filled  with 
the  water. 

21  And  when  all  the  Moabites  heard  that 
the  kings  were  come  up  to  fight  against  them, 
they  were  called  together  from  every  one  who 
was  girded  with  a  sword,''  and  upward,  and 
they  posted  themselves  on  the  border. 

"  /.  e.  The  power  to  foresee  what  was  impending. 

'■  Lit.  "girdle;"  i.  c.  from  the  youngest  that  could 
buckle  on  a  sword,  to  those  of  a  higher  age. 

°  Jonathan.  Arnheim,  literally,  "they  have  ruined 
themselves." 

^  Some  suppose  that  the  prince  thus  sacrificed  was  a 
son  of  the  Edumean  king  wlio  had  fallen  into  the  hand 
of  the  Moiibite,  wherefore  ho  felt  indign.ant  at  Israel, 
whose  alliance  had  brought  him  so  much  evil.  Others, 
again,  understand  that  Mcslia'  slow  his  own  son,  which 
420 


22  And  when  they  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning,  and  the  sun  shone  upon  the  water, 
the  Moabites  saw  the  water  at  a  distance  as 
red  as  blood. 

2.3  And  they  said.  This  is  blood ;  the  kings 
have  certainly"  had  a  contest  among  them- 
selves, and  they  have  smitten  one  another: 
and  now,  up  to  the  spoil,  Moab. 

24  But  when  they  came  to  the  camp  of  Is- 
rael, the  Israelites  rose  up  and  smote  the 
Moabites,  so  that  they  fled  before  them;  and 
they  smote  the  Moabites  com2:>letely,  even  in 
their  own  country. 

25  And  the  cities  they  pulled  down,  and 
into  every  good  piece  of  land  they  cast  every 
man  his  stone,  and  filled  it  up,  and  every 
sirring  of  water  tliey  stopped,  and  every  good 
tree  they  felled,  until  they  left  only  its  stones 
in  Kir-chareseth,  and  this  the  slingers  encom- 
passed and  smote  it. 

26  And  when  the  king  of  Moiib  saw  that 
the  battle  was  too  strong  for  him,  he  took 
with  him  seven  hundred  men  that  drew  the 
sword,  to  break  through  unto  the  king  of 
Edom;  but  they  could  not. 

27  Then  took  he  his  eldest*^  son  that  should 
have  reigned  in  his  stead,  and  offered  him  for 
a  burnt-offering  upon  the  wall.  And  there 
was  great  indignation  against  Israel:  and 
they  departed  from  him,  and  returned  to 
their  land. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  T[  And  a  certain  woman,  of  the  wives  of 
the  sons  of  the  prophets  cried  unto  Elisha', 
saying,  Thy  servant  my  husband  is  dead ; 
and  thou  well  knowest  that  thy  servant  was 
one  who  feared  the  Lord  :  and  now  the  credi- 
tor is  come  to  take  my  two  sons  unto  himself 
for  servants." 

2  And  Elisha'  said  unto  her,  What  shall  I 
do  for  thee  ?  tell  me,  what  hast  thou  in  the 
house?  And  she  said.  Thy  handmaid  hath 
nothing  in  the  house,  save  a  pot  of  oil. 


revolting  spectacle  broke  up  the  confederacy.  Rashi, 
and  others,  that  God's  wrath  was  kindled  against  the  Is- 
raelites, who  were  then  idolaters. 

"  This  passage  proves  that  with  the  prevalence  of  idola- 
try the  purer  principles  of  the  law  fell  into  disuse.  The 
power  of  taking  a  human  being  into  bondage  for  debt,  is 
nowhere  conferred  upon  the  creditor;  and  here  we  see 
that  the  widow  of  one  of  the  scholars  of  the  prophets  is 
threatened  by  her  creditor  with  the  servitude  of  her  chil- 
dren. 


2  KINGS  IV. 


fi  And  he  said,  Go,  borrow  ibr  thyself 
vessels  from  abroad  from  all  thy  neighbours, 
empty  vessels,  let  them  not  he  a  few. 

4  And  then  go  home,  and  lock  the  door 
behind  thee  and  behind  thy  sons,  and  then 
pour  out  into  all  those  vessels;  and  that  which 
is  full  tliou  slialt  set  aside. 

5  So  she  went  from  him,  and  locked  the 
door  behind  her  and  behind  her  sons,  who 
brought  the  vessels  near  to  her,  and  she  poured 
out. 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  vessels 
were  full,  that  she  said  unto  her  son.  Bring 
near  to  me  yet  another  vessel;  and  he  said 
unto  her,  There  is  not  a  vessel  more :  and  the 
oil  stayed. 

7  Tiien  came  she  and  told  it  to  the  man 
of  God;  and  he  said.  Go,  sell  the  oil,  and  pay 
thy  debt,  and  thou  with  thy  children  shalt 
live  of  the  rest. 

8  •[[  And  it  happened  one  day,  that  Elisha' 
passed  over  to  Shunera,  and  there  was  a  great 
woman,  and  she  constrained  him  to  eat  bread ; 
and  it  happened,  that  as  oft  as  he  passed  by, 
he  used  to  turn  in  thither  to  eat  bread. 

9  And  she  said  unto  her  husband,  Behold 
now,  I  perceive  that  this  is  a  holy  man  of 
God,  who  passeth  through  by  us  continu- 
ally. 

10  Let  us  then  make  a  little  upper  cham- 
ber, on  the  wall ;  and  let  us  set  for  him  there 
a  bed,  and  a  table,  and  a  chair,  and  a  candle- 
sticlv :  and  it  shall  be,  when  he  cometh  to  us, 
that  he  shall  turn  in  thither. 

1 1  And  it  happened  one  day,  that  he  came 
thither,  and  he  turned  into  the  upper  chamber, 
and  lay''  there. 

12  And  he  said  to  Gechazi  his  servant. 
Call  this  Shunammite:  and  he  called  her,  and 
she  stood  before  him. 

13  And  he  said  unto  him.  Say  now  unto 
her,  Beliold,  thou  hast  been  at  pains  to  take 
all  this  trouble  for  us:  what  is  to  be  done  for 
thee  ?  wouldst  thou  be  spoken  for  to  the 
king,  or  to  the  chief  of  the  army?  And  she 
said,  I  dwell  in  the  midst  of  my  own  people.'' 

14  And  he  said,  What  then  is  to  be  done 


•  Others,  "  slept." 

'  "  Among  my  relatives:  no  one  injures  me,  and  I  have 
no  need  of  the  aid  of  the  king  or  the  chief  of  the  army." 
— Rashi. 

"  See  Gen.  xviii.  10. 

'  This  passage  proves  the  correctness  of   the  rabbini- 


for  her?  And  Gechazi  said,  Verily,  she  hath 
no  son,  and  her  husband  is  old. 

15  And  he  said,  Call  her:  and  he  called 
hei',  and  she  stood  in  the  door. 

16  And  he  said.  At  this  season,  next  year,"" 
thou  shalt  embrace  a  son.  Aiidshe  said,  No,  my 
lord,  man  of  God,  do  not  deceive  thy  hand-maid. 

17  But  the  woman  conceived,  and  bore  a 
son  at  that  season  in  the  following  year,  as 
Elisha'  had  spoken  unto  her. 

18  And  the  child  grew  up;  and  it  happen- 
ed one  day,  that  he  went  out  to  his  father  to 
the  reapers. 

19  And  he  said  unto  his  father.  My  head, 
my  head:  and  he  said  to  a  lad.  Carry  him  to 
his  mother. 

20  And  he  took  him  up,  and  brought  him 
to  his  mother,  and  he  sat  on  her  knees  till 
noon,  when  he  died. 

21  And  she  went  up,  and  laid  him  on  the 
bed  of  the  man  of  God,  and  locked  the  door 
behind  him,  and  went  out, 

22  And  she  called  unto  her  husband,  and 
said,  Send  me,  I  pray  thee,  one  of  the  young 
men,  and  one  of  the  she-asses,  that  I  may 
hasten  as  far  as  the  man  of  God,  and  return. 

23  And  he  said.  Wherefore  art  thou  going 
to  him  to-day  ?  it  is  neither  new  moon,  nor 
sabbath.'^  And  she  said.  It  is  well. 

24  Then  she  saddled  the  she-ass,  and  said 
to  her  servant.  Drive,  and  go  forw^ard ;  do  not 
resti'ain  me  in  riding,  unless  I  say  it  to  thee. 

25  So  she  went  and  came  unto  the  man  of 
God  to  mount  Carmel:  and  it  came  to  pass, 
when  the  man  of  God  saw  her  afar  off,  that 
he  said  to  Gechazi  his  servant.  Behold,  yonder 
is  that  Shunammite. 

26  Now  do  run  to  meet  her,  and  say  unto 
her.  Is  it  well  with  thee  ?  is  it  well  with  thy 
husband  ?  is  it  well  with  the  child  ?  and  she 
answered,  It  is  well. 

27  And  she  came  to  the  man  of  God  to  the 
mount,  and  caught  hold  of  his  feet;  and 
Gechazi  came  near  to  thrust  her  away;  but 
the  man  of  God  said.  Let  her  alone;  for  her 
soul  is  grieved  within  her;  and  the  Lord  hatli 
hidden  it  from  me,  and  hath  not  told  it  me. 


cal  rule  that  a  person  should  wait  upon  his  teacher  on  the 
festival;  for  the  husband  remonstrated  with  the  wife,  that 
it  being  neither  sabbath,  which  includes  the  festivals,  n<ir 
new  moon,  there  was  no  cause  for  her  going  to  Elisha' ; 
and  no  doubt  to  calm  his  uneasiness  on  that  account,  she 
answered  him,  "It  is  peace,"  meaning,  "  All  is  well." 

427 


2  KINGS  IV.  V. 


28  And  she  said,  Did  I  request  a  son  from 
my  lord?  did  I  not  say,  Do  not  lead  me  astray  ? 

29  Then  said  he  to  Gechazi,  Gird  up  th}' 
loins,  and  take  my  staff  in  thy  hand,  and  go 
thy  way:  if  thou  meet  any  man,  thou  shalt 
not  salute  him;  and  if  any  salute  thee,  thou 
shalt  not  answer  him;  and  lay  my  staff  upon 
the  face  of  the  lad. 

30  And  the  mother  of  the  lad  said,  As 
the  Lord  livetli,  and  as  thy  soul  livetli,  I  will 
not  leave  thee.    And  he  arose  and  followed  her.  I 

31  And   Gechazi  passed   on   before  them, ' 
and  laid  the  staff  upon  the  face  of  the  lad  ; 
but  there  was  neither  voice,  nor  perceptible 
sound ;  wherefore  he  went  back  to  meet  him, 
and  told  him,  saying,  The  lad  is  not  awakened. 

32  And  when  Elisha'  was  come  into  the 
house,  behold,  fjie  lad  was  dead,  laid  upon 
his  bed. 

33  And  he  went  in  and  locked  the  door 
behind  both  of  them,  and  prayed  unto  the 
Lord. 

34  And  he  went  up,  and  laid  himself  upon 
the  child,  and  put  his  mouth  upon  his  mouth, 
and  his  eyes  upon  his  eyes,  and  his  hands 
upon  his  hands;  and  he  stretched  himself 
upon  him:  and  the  flesh  of  the  child  became 
warm. 

35  Then  he  returned,  and  walked  in  the 
house  to  and  fro;  and  went  up,  and  stretched 
himself  (again)  upon  liim :  and  the  lad  sneezed 
as  many  as  seven  times,  and  the  lad  opened 
his  eyes. 

36  And  he  called  Gechazi,  and  said.  Call 
this  Shunammite:  so  he  called  her,  and  she 
came  in  unto  him;  and  he  said.  Take  up  thy 
son. 

37  Then  went  she  in,  and  fell  at  his  feet, 
and  bowed  herself  to  the  ground,  and  took  up 
her  son,  and  went  out. 

38  Tl  And  Elisha'  returned  to  Gilgal;  and 
there  was  a  famine  in  the  land ;  and  the  sons 
of  the  prophets  were  sitting  before  him  :  and 
he  said  unto  his  servant,  Set  on  the  large  pot, 
and  seethe  pottage  for  the  sons  of  the  pro- 
phets. 

39  And  one  went  out  into  the  field  to 
gather  herbs,  and  found  a  wild  vine,  and 
gathered  thereof  wild  colocynths  his  garment 


'  Pliilippson,  "rid  him." 

*"  The  king  of  Syria,  from  his  ignorance  of  the  customs 
of  Israel,  whore   the  l;iii2   prisscsscl    no  power  over  tlic 
.J28 


full,  and  came  and  cut  them  up  into  the  pot 
of  pottage;  for  they  knew  them  not. 

40  And  they  poured  it  out  for  the  men  to 
eat ;  and  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  were  eating 
of  the  pottage,  that  they  cried  out,  and  said, 
Death  is  in  the  pot,  0  man  of  God.  And  they 
could  not  eat. 

41  But  he  said,  Then  Ijring  some  meal. 
And  he  cast  it  into  the  pot;  and  he  said.  Pour 
it  out  for  the  people,  that  they  may  eat.  And 
there  was  nothing  bad  in  the  pot. 

42  ^1  And  tliere  came  a  man  from  Ba'al- 
shalishah,  and  brought  unto  the  nuui  of  God 
bread  of  the  first-fruits,  twenty  loaves  of  bar- 
ley bread,  and  fresh  ears  of  corn  in  his  scrip: 
and  he  said.  Give  it  unto  the  people,  that 
they  may  eat. 

43  And  his  servitor  said,  What,  shall  I  set 
this  before  a  hundred  men?  And  he  said. 
Give  it  unto  the  people,  that  they  may  eat; 
for  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  They  shall  eat, 
and  shall  leave  (thereof). 

44  So  he  set  it  before  them,  and  they  ate, 
and  left  thereof,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  Na'aman,  the  captain  of  the  army 
of  the  king  of  Syria,  was  a  great  man  before 
his  lord,  and  highly  honoured;  because  by 
him  had  the  Lord  given  victory  unto  Syria : 
and  this  man  was  valiant  in  war,  (but)  a 
leper. 

2  And  the  Syrians  had  gone  out  in  preda- 
tory troops,  and  had  brought  away  captive 
out  of  the  land  of  Israel  a  little  maiden  ;  and 
she  waited  on  Na'aman's  wife. 

8  And  she  said  unto  her  mistress,  Oh  that 
my  lord  were  but  before  the  prophet  that  is  in 
Samaria !  then  would  he  heal^  him  of  liis  leprosy. 

4  And  he  went  in,  and  told  his  lord,  saj-- 
ing.  Thus  and  thus  hath  spoken  the  maiden 
that  is  from  the  land  of  Israel. 

5  And  the  king  of  Svria  said.  Go  to,  qo, 
and  I  will  send  a  letter  unto  the  king  of 
Israel.  And  he  departed,  and  took  with  him 
ten  talents  of  silver,  and  si.\  thousand  pieces 
of  gold,  and  ten  changes  of  garments. 


6  And  he  brought  the 


letter''  to  the  king 


prophet,  thought  it  sufficient  to  address  the  former.  Hence 
the  words  of  Elisha',  "And  he  shall  know  that  there  is  a 
proplie'  in  Israel." 


2  KINGS  V. 


of  Israel,  which  t^aid,  And'  now  when  this  let- 
ter Cometh  unto  thee,  behold,  I  have  sent  to 
thee  Na'anian  my  servant,  that  thou  mayest 
heal  him  ol'  his  leprosy. 

7  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king  of 
Israel  read  the  letter,  tliat  he  rent  his  clothes, 
and  said.  Am  I  (Jod,  to  kill  and  to  make  alive, 
that  this  one  doth  send  unto  me  to  heal  a 
man  of  his  leprosy?  for  know  to  a  certainty, 
I  pray  you,  and  see  that  he  but  seekcth  a 
quarrel  against  me. 

8  And  it  happened,  when  Elisha'  the  man 
of  God  heard  that  the  king  of  Israel  had  rent 
his  clothes,  tliat  he  sent  to  the  king,  saying, 
Wherefore  hast  thou  rent  thy  clothes  ?  let  him 
but  come  to  me,  and  he  shall  know  that  tliere 
is  a  prophet  in  Israel. 

9  And  Na'aman  came  with  his  horses  and 
and  with  his  chariot,  and  remained  at  the 
door  of  the  house  of  Elisha'. 

10  And  Elisha'  sent  a  messenger  unto  him, 
saying,  Go  and  bathe  seven  times  in  the  Jor- 
dan, and  thy  flesh  shall  be  restored  (healthy) 
to  thee,  and  thou  shalt  become  clean. 

11  But  Na'aman  became  wroth,  and  went 
away,  and  said.  Behold,  I  had  thought.  He 
will  surely  come  out  to  me,  and  stand,  and  call 
on  the  name  of  the  Lord  his  God,  and  swing 
his  hand  over  the  place,  and  heal  the  leper. 

12  Are  not  Amanah  and  Pharpar,  the 
rivers  of  Damascus,  better  than  all  the  waters 
of  Israel  ?  may  I  not  bathe  in  them,  and  be- 
come clean  ?  and  he  turned  and  went  away 
in  a  rage. 

13  And  his  servants  came  near,  and  spoke 
unto  him,  and  they  said.  My  father,  if  the  pro- 
phet had  bidden  thee  a  great  tiling,  wonldst 
thou  not  do  it?  how  much  rather  then,  when 
he  hath  said  to  thee,  Bathe,  and  become  clean  ? 

14  Then  went  he  down,  and  dived  seven 
times  in  the  Jordan,  according  to  the  word  of 
the  man  of  God:  and  his  flesh  was  restored 
(healthy)  like  the  flesh  of  a  little  boy,  and  he 
became  clean. 

15  And  he  returned  to  the  man  of  God,  he 
with  all  his  camp,  and  came  and  stood  before 
him,  and  said,  Behold,  now  I  know  that  there  is 
no  god  on  all  the  earth,  but  in  Israel;  and  now, 
I  pray  thee,  take  a  present  from  thy  servant. 

16  But  he  said,  As  the  Lord  liveth  before 

"  Perhaps  tlie  conclusion  of  the  letter. 

^  Jonathan,  "secret  place;"  others,  "tower." 


whom  I  lia\c  stood,  1  will  take  none:  and  he 
nrged  him  to  take  it ;  but  he  refused. 

17  And  Na'aman  said,  If  (thou  wilt)  not, 
(then)  let  there  be  given,  I  pray  thee,  unto 
thy  servant  two  mules'  burden  of  earth ;  for 
thy  servant  will  not  offer  henceforth  either 
burnt-offering  or  peace-sacrifice  unto  other 
gods,  except  unto  the  Lord. 

18  For  this  thing  may  the  Lord  pardon  thy 
servant,  that  when  my  lord  goetli  into  the 
house  of  Rimmon  to  prostrate  himself  there, 
and  he  leaneth  on  my  hand,  and  I  prostrate 
myself  also  in  the  house  of  Rimmon  :  when  I 
prostrate  myself  in  the  house  of  Rimmon,  may 
the  LoKD  pardon  thy  servant  for  this  thing. 

19  And  lie  said  unto  him,  Go  in  peace:  so 
he  departed  from  him  some  distance. 

20  ^  But  Gechazi,  the  servant  of  Elisha' 
the  man  of  God,  said.  Behold,  my  master 
hath  spared  Na'aman,  this  Syrian,  in  not  re- 
ceiving from  liis  hand  what  he  had  brought; 
but,  as  the  Lord  liveth,  I  will  run  after  him, 
and  take  some  little  thing  from  him. 

21  So  Gechazi  hurried  after  Na'aman;  and 
when  Na'aman  sa\v  liim  running  after  him, 
he  lighted  down  from  the  chariot  to  meet 
him,  and  said.  Is  (all)  well? 

22  And  he  said,  (All)  is  well.  My  mas- 
ter hath  sent  me,  saying.  Behold,  even  now 
there  are  come  to  me  from  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim  two  young  men  of  the  sons  of  the 
prophets :  do  give  them,  I  pray  thee,  a  talent 
of  silver,  and  two  changes  of  garments. 

23  And  Na'aman  said,  Give  thy  assent, 
take  two  talents.  And  he  urged  him,  and 
bound  up  two  talents  of  silver  in  two  bags, 
with  two  changes  of  garments,  and  he  gave 
them  unto  his  two  young  men,  and  they 
carried  them  before  him. 

24  And  when  he  came  to  the  hill,''  he  took 
them  from  their  hand,  and  bestowed  them  in 
the  house  :  and  he  dismissed  the  men,  and  the}' 
departed. 

25  But  he  went  in,  and  stood  before  his 
master.  And  Elisha'  said  unto  him.  Whence 
contest  thou,  Gechazi?  And  he  said.  Thy 
servant  went  not  hither  or  thither. 

2G  And  he  said  unto  him.  My  mind  was 
not  gone,"  when  the  man  turned  round  from 
his  chariot  to  meet  thee.     Is  it  a  time  to  take 


Lit.  "My  heart  was  not  gone,' 


niv  kniiwledcre. 


it  did  not  escape 


2  KINGS  V.  VI. 


money,  and  to  take  garments,  and  oliveyards, 
and  vineyards,  and  sheep,  and  oxen,  and 
men-servants,  and  maid-servants? 

27  May  then  the  leprosy  of  Na'aman 
cleave  unto  thee,  and  unto  thy  seed  for  ever. 
And  he  went  out  from  his  presence  a  leper 
(as  white)  as  snow. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  And  the  sons  of  the  prophets  said  unto 
Elisha',  Behold  now,  the  place  where  we 
dwell  before  thee  is  too  narrow  for  us. 

2  Let  us  go,  we  pray  thee,  as  far  as  the  Jor- 
dan, and  take  thence  every  man  one  beam, 
and  let  us  prepare  for  us  there  a  place  to 
dwell  therein.     And  he  said,  Go. 

3  And  one  said,  Give  thy  assent,  I  pray 
thee,  and  go  with  thy  servants.  And  he 
said,  I  will  indeed  go. 

4  So  he  went  with  them;  and  they  came 
to  the  Jordan,  and  they  cut  down  trees. 

5  But  as  one  was  felling  a  beam,  the  axe- 
head"  fell  into  the  water :  and  he  cried,  and 
said,  Alas,  my  lord !  it  was  also*  borrowed. 

6  And  the  man  of  God  said,  Where  did  it 
fall?  And  he  showed  him  the  place.  And 
he  cut  down  a  stick,  and  cast  it  in  thither, 
and  he  caused  the  iron  to  swim. 

7  And  then  said  he.  Lift  it  up  to  thee. 
And  he  stretched  out  his  hand,  and  took  it. 

8  ^  And  the  king  of  Syria  made  war 
against  Israel,  and  took  counsel  with  his  ser- 
vants, saying,  In  such  and  such  a  jjlace  shall 
be  my  camp. 

9  And  the  man  of  God  sent  unto  the  king 
of  Israel,  saying,  Beware  that  thou  pass  not 
that  place;  for  thither  the  Syrians  are  come 
down. 

10  And  the  king  of  Israel  sent  to  the  place, 
which  the  man  of  God  had  told  him  and 
warned  him  of,  and  he  took  care  of  himself 
there:  not  once  nor  twice. 

11  Therefore  the  heart  of  the  king  of  Syria 
was  sorely  troubled  concerning  this  thing; 
and  he  called  for  his  servants,  and  said  unto 
them.  Can  ye  not  tell  me  who  of  us  is  for  the 
king  of  Israel  ? 

12  And  one  of  his  servants  said.  Not  so, 

•  Heb.  "iron." 

'  i.  e.  The  loss  is  the  greater  because  it  belougs  to  an- 
other. 

"  ('.  c.  Confound  their  sight,  so  that  they  may  not  know 
what  they  see,  and  so  mistake  one  place  for  another.   The 
430 


my  lord,  0  king;  but  Elisha',  the  prophet 
that  is  in  Israel,  can  teU  unto  the  king  of 
Israel  the  words  that  thou  mayest  speak  in 
thy  sleeping-chamber. 

13  And  he  said.  Go  and  see  where  he  is, 
tliat  I  may  send  and  fetch  him.  And  it  was 
told  unto  him,  saying,  Behold,  he  is  in  Do- 
tlian. 

14  And  he  sent  hither  horses,  and  chariots, 
and  a  strong  army :  and  they  came  by  night, 
and  surrounded  the  city. 

15  And  the  servant  of  the  man  of  God 
rose  early,  and  went  forth,  ^vhen,  behold,  an 
army  compassed  the  city  both  with  horses 
and  chariots.  And  his  servant  said  unto 
him,  Alas,  my  master!  how  shall  we  do? 

16  And  he  said.  Fear  not;  for  those  that 
are  with  us  are  more  than  those  that  are  with 
them. 

17  And  Elisha'  prayed,  and  said,  0  Lord, 
open,  I  jjray  thee,  his  ejes,  that  he  may  see. 
And  the  Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  the  young 
man:  and  he  saw,  and  behold,  the  mountain 
was  full  of  horses  and  chariots  of  fire  round 
about  Elisha'. 

18  And  when  they  came  down  to  him, 
Elisha'  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  said.  Smite, 
I  i^ray  thee,  this  people  with  blindness."  And 
he  smote  them  with  blindness  according  to 
the  word  of  Elisha'. 

19  And  Elisha'  said  unto  them,  This  is  not 
the  way,  neither  is  this  the  city:  follow  me, 
and  I  will  lead  you  to  the  man  whom  ye 
wish  to  seek.  And  he  led  them  thus  to  Sa- 
maria, 

20  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  were 
come  into  Samaria,  that  Elisha'  said.  Lord, 
open  the  eyes  of  these,  that  they  may  see. 
And  the  Lord  opened  their  eyes,  and  they 
saw,  and.  behold,  they  were  in  the  midst  of 
Samaria. 

21  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Elisha', 
when  he  saw  them,  Shall  I  smite  them?  Shall 
I  smite  them,  my  father? 

22  But  he  said,  Tiiou  shtilt  not  smite 
them :  wouldst  thou  smite  those  whom  thou 
hast  taken  captive  with  thy  sword  and  with 
thy  bow?''  set  bread  and  water  before  them. 


word  DHUD,  rendered  "blindness,"  occurs  only  hero  and  in 
Gen.  xix.  11. 

■^  Rashi.  But  Zunz,  "Hast  thou  taken  them  i-aptivc 
with  thy  sword  and  with  thy  bow,  that  thou  woidd>t 
smite  them?'' 


2  KINGS  VI.  VII. 


that  they  may  cat  and  ihiuk,  aud  go  (back) 
to  their  master. 

23  Aud  he  prepared  for  them  a  great  meal ; 
and  they  ate  and  drank,  and  he  sent  them 
avvay,  and  they  went  (back)  to  their  master. 
Aud  the  predator}'  bands  of  Sjria  came  no 
more  into  the  kind  of  Israek 

24  •[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
]3ea-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  assembleil  all 
his  camp,  and  went  up,  and  besieged  Sar 
maria. 

.25  And  there  was  a  great  famine  in  Sa- 
maria;  and,  behold,  they  besieged  it,  until  an 
ass's  head  was  sold  for  eighty  pieces  of  silver, 
and  the  fourth  part  of  a  kab  of  dove's  dung 
for  five  pieces  of  silver. 

26  And  it  happened  as  the  king  of  Israel 
was  passing  along  upon  the  wall,  that  a  wo- 
man cried  unto  him,  sayijig.  Help,  m^-  lord, 
O  king. 

27  Aud  he  said,  If  the  Lord  do  not  help 
thee,  whence  shall  I  help  thee  ?  shall  it  be  out 
of  the  threshing-floor,  or  out  of  the  wine- 
press ? 

28  And  the  king  said  unto  her.  What 
aileth  thee  ?  And  she  said,  This  woman  said 
unto  me.  Give  up  thy  son,  that  we  may  eat 
him  to-day,  and  my  son  we  will  eat  to-mor- 
row. 

29  So  we  boiled  my  son,  and  ate  him ;  but 
when  I  said  unto  her  on  the  next  day.  Give 
up  thy  son,  that  we  may  eat  him :  she  hid 
her  son. 

30  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
heard  the  A\ords  of  the  woman,  that  he  rent 
his  clothes,  as  he  was  passing  along  upon  the 
wall:  and  the  people  looked,  and,  behold,  he 
had  sackcloth  beneath  upon  his  flesh. 

31  Then  said  he.  May  God  do  so  unto  me 
and  continue  so  yet  farther,  if  the  head  of 
Elisha'  the  son  of  Shaphat*  shall  remain  on 
him  this  day. 

32  But  Elisha'  was  sitting  in  his  house, 
and  the  elders  were  sitting  with  him ;  and  he*^' 
sent  a  man  from  before  liim;  but  before  the 
messenger  could  yet  come  to  him,  he  said  to 
the  elders.  See  ye  how  this  son  of  the  murderer 

*  Perhaps  he  expected,  as  Rashi  thiuks,  that  Elisha' 
ought  and  could  have  prevented  the  famine  by  procuring 
the  defeat  of  the  Syrians,  through  his  prayers;  or  per- 
haps, as  others  suggest,  he  had  dissuaded  him  from  surren- 
dering. 

''  Ra.shi  adds,  "the  king;"  but  it  more  properly  refers  to 


hath  sent  to  reirtove  my  head?  look,  when 
the  messenger  cometh,  shut  the  door,  and 
hold  him  back  with  the  door:  is  not  the  soinid 
of  his  masters  feet  behind  him? 

33  And  while  he  was  yet  speaking  with 
them,  behold,  the  messenger  came  down  unto 
him:  and  he"  said.  Behold,  this  evil  is  of  the 
Lord;  what  shall  I  hope  for  in  the  Lord  any 


longer  ? 


CHAPTER  VII. 


1  ^f  Then  said  Elisha',  Hear  ye  the  word 
of  the  Lord  :  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  About 
this  time  to-morrow  a  seiih''  of  fine  flour  shall 
be  sold  for  a  shekel,  and  two  seiihs  of  barley 
for  a  shekel,  in  the  gate  of  Samaria. 

2  Then  answered  the  lord  of  the  king,  on 
whose  hand  lie  used  to  lean,  the  man  of  God, 
and  said,  Behold,  will  the  Lord  make  windows 
in  the  heavens,  that  this  thing  shall  be?  And 
he  said.  Behold,  thou  shalt  see  it  with  thy 
eyes,  but  thereof  shalt  thou  not  eat. 

3  ^  And  there  were  four  leprous  men  at  the 
entrance  of  the  gate:  aud  they  said  one  to 
another,  Why  do  we  remain"  here  until  we 
die? 

4  If  Ave  say,  We  will  enter  into  the  city, 
then  is  the  famine  in  the  city,  and  we  shall 
die  there;  and  if  we  remain  here,  we  die 
(also) :  now  therefore  come,  and  let  us  go*^ 
over  unto  the  camp  of  the  Syrians;  if  they 
will  let  us  live,  we  shall  live ;  and  if  they  kill 
us,  we  shall  but  die. 

5  And  they  rose  up  in  the  twilight,  to  go 
unto  the  camp  of  the  Syrians;  and  when  they 
were  come  to  the  uttermost  part  of  the  camp 
of  the  Syrians,  behold,  there  was  no  man 
there. 

G  For  the  Lord  had  caused  the  camp  of 
the  Syrians  to  hear  a  noise  of  chariots,  and  a 
noise  of  horses,  the  noise  of  a  large  army :  and 
they  said  one  to  the  other,  Lo,  the  king  of 
Israel  hath  hired  against  us  the  kings  of  the 
Hittites,  and  the  kings  of  the  Egyptians,  to 
come  upon  us. 

7  And  they  were  arisen  aud  fled  in  the 
twilight,  and  had  left  their  tents,  and  their 

Elisha',  who  sent  out  somebody  to  look  out  for  the  messenger 
whom  he  knew  prophetically  to  be  coming. — Philippson. 

'  Kashi  says,  "he"  refers  to  "  the  king,"  who  was  also 
after  the  messenger. 

■^  The  sciih  was  about  two  gallons  and  a  half. 

'  Tat.  "  f^it."  '         '  bit.  "  fall  unto." 

431 


2  KINGS  VII.  YIII. 


horses,  and  their  asses,  the  cavap  as  it  was, 
and  fled  for  their  Ufe. 

8  And  so  came  these  lepers  to  the  utter- 
most part  of  the  camp,  and  they  went  into 
one  tent,  and  ate  and  drank,  and  carried 
away  thence  silver,  and  gold,  and  garments, 
and  went  and  hid  them ;  and  they  returned, 
and  entei-ed  into  another  tent,  and  carried 
away  (something)  thence,  and  went  and  hid  it. 

9  And  then  they  said  one  to  the  other, 
We  do  not  act  correctly;  this  day  is  a  da}'  of 
good  tidings;  and  if  we  remain  silent,"  and 
tarry  till  the  morning-light,  we  shall  incur 
guilt:  now  then  come,  and  let  us  go  and  tell 
it  at  the  kino:'s  house. 

10  So  they  went  and  called  unto  one  of 
the  gate-keepers  of  the  city,  and  they  told 
them,  saying.  We  came  to  the  camp  of  the 
Syrians,  and,  behold,  there  was' no  man  there, 
nor  the  voice  of  man;  but  the  horses  Avere 
tied,  and  the  asses  were  tied,  and  the  tents  as 
they  had  been. 

11  And  he  called  the  gate-keepers;  and 
they  told  it  at  the  king's  house  within. 

12  And  the  king  arose  in  the  night,  and 
said  unto  his  servants,  I  can  easily  tell  you 
what  the  Syrians  have  done  to  us :  they  knoAV 
that  we  are  hungry;  and  they  are  therefore 
gone  out  of  the  camp  to  hide  themselves  in 
the  field,  saying.  If  thej^  should  come  out  of 
the  city,  we  will  catch  them  alive,  and  enter 
into  the  city. 

13  And  one  of  his  servants  answered  and 
said.  Let  some  take,  I  pray  thee,  five  of  the 
horses  that  remain,  which  are  left  in  the  city, 
let  it  fare  witli  them  as  with  all  the  multitude 
of  Israel  that  are  left  in  it,  (or)  let  it  lare  with 
them  as  with  all  the  multitude  of  Israel  that 
have  perished  :*'  and  let  us  send  out  and  see. 

14  And  they  took  two  chariots  with  horses ;° 
and  the  king  sent  after  the  camp  of  the  Sy- 
rians, saying,  Go  and  see. 

15  And  they  went  after  them  as  far  as  the 
Jordan;  and,  lo,  the  whole  wa}'  was  full  of 
garments  and  vessels,  which  the  Syrians  had 
cast  away  in  their, haste:  and  the  messengers 
returned,  and  told  it  to  the  king. 

16  And  the  people  went  out,  and  plundered 


'  Zuiiz.  Otbei-s,  "anil  we  remain  silent,  and  if  we 
tarry,"  &g 

^  Zunz  anrl  .\rnlu-ini.  "  If  it  ])c  said,  tliuy  are  in  danger 
of  being  slain  ]>y  the  Syrian.**,  tliey  arc  in  this  city  in 
danger  of  famine,  like  all  the  multitude  of  Israel  that  are 
433 


the  camp  of  the  Syrians:  and  a  seJili  of  fine 
flour  was  to  be  had  for  a  shekel,  and  two 
seahs  of  barley  for  a  shekel,  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

17  And  the  king  had  ajjpointed  the  lord  on 
whose  hand  he  used  to  lean  to  have  the 
charge  of  the  gate;  and  the  people  trod  him 
down  in  the  gate,  and  he  died ;  as  the  man  of 
God  had  spoken,  which  he  spoke  when  the 
king  came  down  to  him. 

18  And  it  came  to  pass  as  the  man  of  God 
was  speaking  to  the  king,  saying,  Two  seahs 
of  barley  for  a  shekel,  and  a  seiih  of  fine  flour 
for  a  shekel,  shall  be  about  this  time  to-mor- 
row in  the  gtite  of  Samaria : 

19  That  the  lord  had  answered  the  man 
of  God,  and  said,  Now,  behold,  if  even  the 
Lord  were  to  make  windows  in  tlie  heavens, 
would  such  a  thing  be?  And  he  had  said. 
Behold,  thou  shalt  see  it  with  thy  eyes,  but 
thereof  shalt  thou  not  eat. 

20  And  it  happened  unto  him  so;  for  the 
people  trod  him  down  in  the  gate,  and  he 
died." 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  Elisha'  spoke  unto  the  woman, 
whose  son  he  had  restored  U>  life,  saying, 
Arise,  and  go,  thou  and  thy  household,  and 
sojourn  wheresoever  thou  canst  sojourn;  for 
the  Lord  hath  called  for  a  famine,  and  it  is 
also  coming  in  the  laud  for  seven  years. 

2  And  the  woman  arose,  and  did  after  the 
word  of  the  man  of  God;  and  she  went,  she 
with  her  household,  and  sojourned  in  tbe  land 
of  the  Philistines  seven  years. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  seven 
years,  that  the  woman  returned  out  of  the 
land  of  the  Philistines  ;  and  she  went  forth  to 
cry  unto  the  king  for  her  house  and  for  her 
land. 

4  ^  And  the  king  was  just  speaking  with 
Gecliazi  the  ser-\'ant  of  the  man  of  Gt)d,  say- 
ing. Relate  to  me,  I  pray  thee,  all  the  great 
things  that  Elisha'  hath  done. 

■5  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  just  relat- 
iu"'  to  the  kin"'  how  he  had  restored  the  dead 
to  life,  that,  behold,  the  woman,  whose  son  he 

left;  and  if  they  die,  they  are  like  all  those  of  Israel  who 
have  died  by  famine." — K.\snT,  after  Jonathan. 

"  Others,  •'  two  horses  with  riders  ;"  others, "  two  teams, 
chariot-horses."     Eng.  ver.  "  two  ehariot-horscs." 

■^  See  Deut.  xviii.  U). 


iLl,\lll      ^^1,A1X      1;;V     WA\I1J 


v. 


2  KINGS  VIII. 


had  restored  to  life,  cried  to  tlie  king  for  her 
house  and  for  her  land.     And  Gechazi  said, 
My  lord,  O  kinp:,  this  is  the  woman,  and  this 
is  her  son,  whom  Elisha'  restored  to  life. 
G  And  the  kins;  asked  of  the  woman,  wlio 


came  to  his  master;  who  said  to  iiim,  What 
hath  Elisha'  said  to  thee?  And  he  said.  He 
said  to  nie  that  thou  conldst  surely  recover. 

IG  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow, 
that    he    took    a  coverlid,  and  dip[)ed  it  in 


related  it  to  him.     So  the  king  appointed  unto '^  water,  and  spread'  it  over  his  face,  and  he 
her  a  certain  ofticer,  saying,  Restore  all  that    died:  and  Chazael  became  king  in  his  stead, 
belongeth  to  her,  and  all  the  products  of  the';      16  ^j  And  in  tbo  fifth  year  of  Joraui  the 
field  since  the  day  that  she  left  the  land,  even  i  son  of  Achab  the  king  of  Israel,  Jehoshaphat 
until  now.  \  being  yet  king  of  Judtdi,  Jehoram  the  son  of 

7  ^  And  Elisha'  came  to  Damascus;*  and  |  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  became  king. 
Ben-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  was  sick  ;  and  it ;  17  Thirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  when 
was  told  him,   saying,   The  man   of  God  is    he  became  king,  and  eight  years  did  ho  reign 


come  even  hither. 

S  And  the  king  said  nnto  Chazael,  Take  a 
present  in  thy  hand,  and  go  to  meet  the  man 
of  God,  and  inquire  of  the  Lord  from  him, 
saying.  Shall  I  recover  from  this  sickness? 

9  So  Chazael  went  to  meet  him,  and  took 
a  present  in  his  hand,  and  all  manner  of  good 
things  of  Damascus,  a  burden  for  forty  camels, 
and  he  came  and  stood  before  him,  and  said. 
Thy  son  Ben-hadad  the  king  of  Syria  hath 
sent  me  to  thee,  saying.  Shall  I  recover  from 
this  sickness? 

10  And  Elisha'  said  unto  him.  Go,  say 
unto  him,  Thou  mayest  certainly  recover; 
nevertlieless  the  Lord  hath  shown  me  that 
he  shall  surely  die. 

11  And  he  restrained''  his  countenance,  and 
held  back  as  long  as  he  could :  and  then  wept 
the  man  of  God. 

12  And  (Uiazael  said.  Why  doth  my  lord 
weep?  And  he  said.  Because  I  know  what 
evil  thou  wilt  do  unto  the  children  of  Israel: 
their  strong-holds  wilt  thou  set  on  fire,  and 
their  young  men  wilt  thou  slay  with  the 
sword,  and  their  children  wilt  thou  dash,  and 
their  pregnant  women  wilt  thou  rip  up. 

13  And  Chazael  said,  But  what  is  thy  ser- 
vant, the  dog,°  that  he  should  do  this  great 
thing?  And  Elisha'  said,  The  Lord  hath 
caused  me  to  see  thee  as  king  over  Syria. 

14  So  he  went   away  from    Elisha',   and 


"  Heb.  Da7nmcssek. 

''  After  Rashi,  who  cxplaius  "cnuntenaiiee"  as  though  it 
read  "sorrowful  countenance."  Jonathan,  "Ho  turned 
away  his  face,"  &c.  Philippsou,  "And  he  directed  his 
face  (toward  him)  and  fixed  it  on  hiiu  till  ho  was  ashamed, 
and  he  wept — the  uum  of  God."  Zunz  has  nearly  the 
same  idea. 

"  Not  as  in  the  English  version,  "  What,  is  thy  servant  a 
dog,"  dtc.,  but,  "the  dog;"  meaning,  "Shall  so  worthless 
a  oerson  ever  have  the  power  to  do,"  &c. 

3E 


in  Jerusalem. 

IS  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kiitgs 
of  Israel,  as  the  house  of  Achalj  had  done; 
for  a  dauii'hter  of  Achab  had  he  for  Avife:  and 
he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

19  Yet  would  the  Lord  not  destroy  Judah 
for  the  sake  of  David  his  servant,  as  he  said 
unto  him,  to  give  him  a  government"  and  to 
his  children  at  all  times. 

20  In  his  days  Edom  revolted  from  under 
the  power  of  Judah.  and  they  appointed  a 
king  over  themselves. 

21  And  Joram  went  over  to  Za"ir,  and  all 
the  chariots  were  with  him;  and  he  rose  up 
by  night,  and  smote  the  Edomites  who  com- 
passed him  about,  and  the  captains  of  the 
chariots:  and  the  people  tied  unto  their  tent.->. 

22  Yet  Edom  revolted'  from  under  the 
power  of  Judah  even  until  this  day ;  tiien  did 
Libnah  revolt  at  the  same  time. 

23  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Ji)rara,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  Ijook  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

24  And  Joram  slejjt  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
David:  and  Achazyahu  his  son  becam.e  king 
in  his  stead. 

2-5  ^  In"  the  twelfth  year  of  Joram  the  son 
of  Achab  the  king  of  Israel  became  Achazyahu, 
the  son  of  Jehoram  the  king  of  Judah,  king. 

''  Tlu'  text  leaves  it  doubtful  whether  Chazael  or  Ben- 
liada<l  liiiiiself  moistened  the  coverlid  or  cloth  and  placed 
it  on  his  face  to  allay  the  fever;  and  if  Chazael  did,  whe- 
tlier  it  was  to  serve  the  sick  king,  or  to  smother  him  ; 
probably  the  first  was  the  case,  as  such  a  remedy  is  said 
not  to  be  uncommon  in  the  East. 

'  Jonathan.     Others,  "  a  light." 

'  Gradual  decay  of  the  power  of  the  house  of  David, 
the  cnrisciiu 'nee  nl'  id:ihtrv  md  misgovernmcnt. 

'■'  lleh.    -In  tlie  year,  the  twelfth  year" 

488 


2  KINGS  VIII.  IX. 


26  Two  and  twenty  years  old  was  Achaz- 
yahu  when  he  became  kmg;  and  one  year 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  'Athalyahu,  the  (grand-)  daughter 
of  'Omri  the  king  of  Israel. 

27  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  house 
of  Achab,  and  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  like  the  house  of  Achab;  for  he 
was  the  son-in-law  of  the  house  of  Achab. 

28  And  he  went  with  Joram  the  son  of 
Achab  to  the  war  against  Chazael  the  king 
of  Syria  at  Ramotli-girad:  and  the  S3'rians 
smote  Joram. 

29  And  king  Joram  returned  to  be  healed 
in  Yizre'el  of  the  wounds  which  the  Syrians 
had  inflicted  on  him  at  llamah,"  when  he 
was  fighting  against  Chazael  the  king  of 
Syria.  And  Achazyahu  the  son  of  Jehoram 
the  king  of  Judah  went  down  to  see  Joram 
the  son  of  Achab  in  Yizre'el,  because  he  was 
sick. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  1[  And  Elisha'  the  prophet  called  one  of 
the  children  of  the  prophets,  and  said  unto 
him.  Gird*"  up  thy  loins,  and  take  this  flask 
of  oil  in  thy  hand,  and  go  to  Ramoth-girad : 

2  And  when  thou  art  come  thither,  look 
out  there  for  Jehu  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat 
the  son  of  Nimshi,  and  go  in,  and  cause  him 
to  stand  up  from  the  midst  of  his  brethren, 
and  bring  him  in  to  the  innermost  cham- 
ber; 

3  And  thou  shalt  then  take  the  flask  of 
oil,  and  pour  it  on  his  head,  and  say,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  I  have  anointed  thee  as 
king  over  Israel.  Then  must  thou  open  the 
door,  and  flee,  and  not  wait  for  any  thing. 

4  So  the  young  nuui,  the  disciple"  of  the 
prophet,  went  to  Ramoth-gil'ad. 

5  And  when  he  came,  behold,  the  captains 
of  the  army  were  sitting;  and  he  said,  I  have 
a  word  for  thee,  0  captain.  And  Jehu  said, 
For  whom  of  all  of  us?  And  he  said,  For 
thee,  0  captain. 

6  And  he  arose,  and  went  into  the  house: 
and  he  poured  the  oil  on  his  head,  and  said 
unto  him,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of 

*  The  singular  from  Ramotli. 

^  As  the  upper  garments  of  the    orientals  wore  long 
auJ  flowing,  it  was  indispensably  necessary  to    tuck    up 
the  skirts  with  a  ginllc  about  their  loins,  in  order  to  use 
any  exiieditiuu  in  tiieir  wuik,  i)r  on  a  journey. 
434 


Israel,  I  anoint  thee  as  king  over  the  people 
of  the  Lord,  over  Israel. 

7  And  thou  shalt  smite  the  house  of  Achab 
thy  master,  that  I  may  avenge  the  blood  of 
my  servants  the  prophets,  and  the  blood  of 
all  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  a,t  the  hand  of 
Izebel. 

8  And  the  whole  house  of  Achab  shall 
perish:  and  I  will  cut  off  from  Achab  every 
male,  and  the  guarded  and  fortified  in  Israel; 

9  And  I  will  make  the  house  of  Achab 
like  the  house  of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat, 
and  like  the  house  of  Ba'sha  the  son  of  Achi- 
yah; 

10  And  Izebel  shall  the  dogs  eat  in  the 
field  of  Yizre'el,  with  none  to  bury  her.  And 
he  (then)  opened  the  door,  and  fled. 

11  But  Jehu  came  forth  to  the  servants  of 
his  lord :  and  one  said  unto  him,  Is  all  well  ? 
wherefore  came  this  madman  to  thee?  And 
he  said  unto  them,  Ye  yourselves  know  the 
man,  and  his  talk. 

12  And  they  said,  It  is  false:  only  tell  us, 
we  pray  thee.  And  he  said.  So  and  so  did 
he  speak  to  me,  saying.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  I  anoint  thee  as  king  over  Israel. 

13  Then  they  hastened,  and  they  took 
every  man  his  garment,  and  put  it  under  him 
on  the  top''  of  the  stairs;  and  they  blew  the 
cornet,  saying,  Jehu  is  king. 

14  So  Jehu  the  son  of  Jehoshaphat  the  son 
of  Nimshi  conspired  against  Joram.  (Now 
Joram  had  kept  guard  at  Ramoth-giVad,  he 
and  all  Israel,  because  of  Chazael  the  king  of 
Syria. 

15  But  king  Jehoram  was  returned  to  be 
healed  in  Yizre'el  of  the  wounds  which  the 
Syrians  had  inflicted  on  him,  when  he  was 
fighting  with  Chazael  the  king  of  Syria.)  And 
Jehu  said.  If  this  be  your  mind,  then  let  none 
that  escapeth  go  forth  out  of  the  city  to  go 
to  tell  it  in  Yizre'el. 

16  So  Jehu  rode  in  a  chariot,  and  went  to 
Yizre'el;  for  Joram  was  lying  there.  And 
Achazyah  the  king  of  Judah  was  come  down 
to  see  Joram. 

17  And  the  watchman  stood  on  the  tower 
in  Yizre'el,  and  he  saw  the  company  of  Jehu 

"  Jonathan,  as  though  it  read  x'^::!  ii':  -\^yr\.  Others, 
'•The  young  man,  the  prophet." 

'' Jonathan,  "on  the  step  of  the  sun-dial."  Others, 
"on  the  bare  steps."  Perhaps,  however,  that  the  steps 
were  so  re  instructed  as  to  show  the  hours. 


2  KINGS  IX.  X. 


as  he  came;  and  he  said,  A  compauy  do  I  see. 
And  Jehoram  said,  Take  a  horseman,  and  send 
out  to  meet  them,  and  let  him  say.  Is  it 
peace  ? 

18  So  there  went  one  riding  on  horseback 
to  meet  him,  and  said,  Thus  hath  said  the 
king.  Is  it  peace?  And  Jehu  said.  What 
hast  thou  to  do  with  peace?  turn  thee  about 
behind  me.  And  the  watchman  told,  saying, 
The  messenger  came  up  to  them,  but  he  hath 
not  returned. 

19  Then  sent  he  out  a  second  rider  on 
horseback,  who  came  to  them,  and  said,  Thus 
hath  said  the  king.  Is  it  peace?  And  Jehu 
answered.  What  hast  thou  to  do  with  peace? 
turn  thee  about  behind  me. 

20  And  the  watchman  told,  saying,  He 
came  up  to  them,  but  he  hath  not  returned : 
and  the  driving  is  like  the  driving  of  Jehu 
the  sou  of  Nimshi ;  for  he  driveth  as  though 
he  were  mad. 

21  And  Jehoram  said.  Harness  up.  And 
his  chariot  was  harnessed  up.  And  Jehoram 
the  king  of  Israel  and  Achazyaliu  the  king 
of  Judah  went  out,  each  in  his  chariot,  and 
they  went  out  to  meet  Jehu,  and  found  him 
in  the  portion  of  land  of  Naboth  the  Yiz- 
re'elite. 

22  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jehoram  saw 
Jehu,  that  he  said,  Is  it  peace,  Jehu?  And 
he  said,  What  jjeace  can  there  be  with  the 
acts  of  incest  of  thy  mother  Izebel  and  her 
many  witchcrafts  ? 

23  And  Jehoram  turned  about,"  and  tied, 
andsaid  to  Achazyahu,  Treachery,  Achazj'ahu. 

24  And  Jehu  grasped''  the  bow  with  his 
full  strength,  and  struck  Jehoram  between 
his  arms,  and  the  arrow  went  out  at  his  heart, 
and  he  sunk  down  in  his  chariot. 

2-5  Then  said  he  to  Bidkar  his  officer,  Lift 
up,  (and)  cast  him  down  in  the  part  of  the 
field  that  was  Naboth's  the  Yizre'eHte ;  for  re- 
member how  that  I  and  thou  rode  alongside 
each  other  after  Aehab  his  father,  when  the 
Lord  pronounced  over  him  this  fatal  decree:" 

26  Surely  I  have  seen  yesterday  the  blood 
of  Naboth,  and  the  blood  of  his  sons,  saith 
the  Lord;  and  I  will  repay  thee  in  this  part 
of  the  field,  saith  the  Lord.     And  now  lift 


•Lit.    "turned  about   bis   b;iuds ;" 
reins  of  the  horses  with  his  hands. 
*  Heb.  "filled  his  hand  with  a  bow." 


turniui:   the 


up,  (and)  cast  him  down  into  the  field,  accord- 
ing to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

27  And  when  Achazyahu  the  king  of  Judah 
saw  this,  he  fled  by  the  way  of  the  garden- 
house;  but  Jehu  pursued  after  him,  and  said. 
Also  him  smite  in  the  chariot.  (And  they 
did  so)  on  the  ascent  to  Gur,  which  is  by 
Yible'am.  And  he  fled  to  Megiddo,  and  died 
there. 

28  And  his  servants  carried  him  in  a  cha- 
riot to  Jerusalem,  and  buried  him  in  his  sepul- 
chre with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David. 

29  ]f  And  in  the  eleventh  year  of  Joram  the 
son  of  Achab  became  Achazyah  king  over 
Judah. 

30  And  Jehu  came  to  Yizre'el ;  and  wlien 
Izel^el  heard  of  it,  she  painted  her  eyes,  and 
ornamented  her  head,  and  looked  out  at  the 
window. 

31  And  as  Jehu  entered  in  at  the  gate,  she 
said.  Is  it  peace,  0  Zimri,  who  hath  shiin  his 
master? 

32  And  he  lifted  up  his  face  to  the  window, 
and  said,  Who  is  on  my  side  ?  who  ?  And  there 
looked  out  to  him  two  or  three  chamberlains. 

33  And  he  said.  Pitch  her  down.  So  they 
pitched  her  down  :  and  some  of  her  blood  was 
sprinkled  on  the  wall,  and  on  the  horses;  and 
he  trod  her  under  foot.* 

34  And  he  came  in,  and  ate  and  drank; 
and  then  said  he,  Look,  I  pray  you,  after  this 
accursed  one,  and  bury  her;  for  she  is  a  kings 
daughter. 

35  And  they  went  to  bury  her;  but  they 
found  nothing  of  her  but  the  skull,  and  the 
feet,  and  the  palms  of  the  hands. 

36  And  they  returned,  and  told  him ;  and 
he  said.  It  is  the  word  of  the  Lord,  which 
he  spoke  by  means  of  his  servant  Elijah  the 
Tishbite,  saying,  In  the  field  of  Yizre'el  shall 
the  dogs  eat  the  flesh  of  Izebel : 

37  And  the  carcass  of  Izebel  shall  be  us 
dung  upon  the  face  of  the  field  in  the  portion 
of  Yizre'el ;  so  tliat  they  shall  not  say.  This  is 
Izebel. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  T[  And  Achab  had  seventy  sons  in  Sa- 
maria.   And  Jehu  wrote  letters  and  sent  them 


Lit.  "  bore  over  him  this  burden.'' 
Philippson,  freely,  "  and  he  drove  on  over  her." 

435 


2  KINGS  X. 


to  Saniaria,  uuto  the  rulers  of  Yizre'el,  the 
elders,  and  to  those  that  brought  up  Achab's 
children,  saying, 

2  And"  now  as  soon  as  this  letter  cometh 
to  you,  seeing  that  there  are  with  3'ou  your 
master's  sons,  and  there  are  with  you  the 
chariots  and  the  horses,  and  the  fortified  city, 
and  the  armour: 

3  Select  then  the  best  and  the  most  fitting 
of  your  master's  sons,  and  set  him  on  his 
father's  throne,  and  fight  for  your  master's 
house. 

4  But  they  were  exceedingly  much  afraid, 
and  said,  Behold,  the  two  kings  could  not 
stand  before  him :  how  then  shall  we  be  able 
to  stand? 

5  And  the  superintendent  over  the  house, 
and  the  commander  over  the  city,  and  the 
elders,  and  the  bringers  up  of  the  children, 
sent  to  Jehu,  saying,  We  are  thy  servants, 
and  all  that  thou  mayest  say  unto  us  will  we 
do;  we  will  not  set  up  any  one  as  king:  do 
what  is  good  in  thy  eyes. 

6  Then  wrote  lie  to  them  a  letter  the  second 
time,  saying.  If  ye  be  tor  me,  and  if  ye  will 
hearken  unto  my  voice,  then  take  the  heads 
of  the  men,  your  master's  sons,  and  come 
to  me  to  Yizre'el  by  this  time  to-morrow. 
Now  the  king's  sons,  seventy  persons,  were 
with  the  great  men  of  the  city,  who  brought 
them  up. 

7  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  letter 
came  to  them,  that  they  took  the  king's  sons 
and  slaughtei'ed  them,  seventy  persons,  and 
put  their  heads  in  baskets,  and  sent  them  to 
him  to  Yizre'el. 

8  And  the  messenger  came,  and  told  him, 
saying.  They  have  brought  the  heads  of  the 
king's  sons.  And  he  said.  Place  ye  them  in 
two  heaps  at  the  entrance  of  the  gate  until 
the  morning. 

9  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  morning,  tluit 
he  went  out,  and  stood,  and  said  to  all  the 
people,  Ye  are  righteous:  behold,  I  conspired 


'  Frc(|uently  when  letters  or  messages  are  quoted  in 
the  ISible,  only  the  material  parts  referring  to  the  narra- 
tive in  hand  arc  recorded;  hence  the  portion  given,  as 
here,  fitly  commences  with  and,  the  preceding  part  being 
omitted. 

*"  i.  e.  Where  the  sheep  were  bound  when  they  were 
Hhorn.  Jonathan  and  Ilaslii,  "where  the  .shepherds  used 
to  assemble."     Zunz,  ami  Eng.  ver.,  "shearing-house." 

'  llednk,  "  It  is.  And  if  it  be  so,  give  nie  thy  hand,"  the 
436 


against  my  master,  and  slew  him  ;  but  who 
hath  killed  all  these  ? 

10  Know  now  that  there  shall  not  fall  of 
the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  the  earth,  the 
least  that  the  Lord  hatli  spoken  concernii.g 
the  house  of  Achab;  and  the  Lord  liath  done 
that  which  he  spoke  by  means  of  his  servant 
Elijah. 

11  And  Jehu  smote  all  that  yet  remained  of 
the  house  of  Achab  in  Yizre'el,  and  all  his 
great  men,  and  his  acquaintance,  and  his 
priests,  until  he  had  left  him  none  that  es- 
caped. 

12  And  he  arose  and  departed,  and  came 
to  Samaria;  he  was  just  at  the  binding-house'' 
of  the  shepherds,  on  the  way : 

13  When  Jehu  met  with  the  brothers  of 
Achazjahu  the  king  of  Judah,  and  he  said. 
Who  are  ye?  And  they  said.  The  brothers 
of  Achazyahu  are  we;  and  we  are  come  down 
to  salute  the  children  of  the  king  and  the 
children  of  the  queen. 

14  And  he  said,  Seize  them  alive.  And 
they  seized  them  alive,  and  slaughtered  them 
at  the  pit  of  the  binding-house,  two  and  forty 
men ;  and  he  left  not  one  of  them  remain- 
ing. 

15  Tf  And  he  went  away  thence,  and  met 
Yehonadab  the  son  of  Rechab  coming  to  mPet 
him:  and  he  saluted  him,  and  said  to  him.  Is 
all  right  in  thy  heart,  as  my  heart  is  with  thy 
heart?  And  Yehonadab  answered,  It  is;  it 
is:"  give  me  thy  hand.  And  he  gave  him  his 
hand;  and  he  took  him  up  to  him  into  the 
chariot. 

IG  And  he  said.  Come  with  me,  and  behold 
my  zeal  for  the  Lord.  So  they  made  him  ride 
in  his  chariot. 

17  And   when    he    came   to   Samaria,    he 
smote  all  that  yet  remained  unto  Acliab  in 
Samaria,  till  he  had  exterminated  him,  accord 
ing  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he  had 
spoken  to  Elijah. 

18  *f\   And  Jehu  assembled  all  tlie  people, 


first  B''  being  Ychonadab's  answer,  and  the  second  t5"l  the 
reply  of  Jehu.  Our  version  is  after  Rashi.  If  the  other 
idea  be  the  correct  one,  Jehu  asked  for  the  hand  of  Ye- 
honadab the  influential,  not  merely  for  the  purpose  of  as- 
sisting him  into  the  chariot,  but  that  lie  might  give  him 
an  assurance  that  ho  would  aid  him  in  the  prosecution  of 
his  designs;  for  giving  the  hand  is  considered  as  a  pledge 
of  friendship  and  fidelity,  (ir  a  form  of  entering  into  a 
contract,  aniiing  all  nations, 


2  KINGS  X 

ami  said  unto  them,  Aelial)  liatli  served  Ba'al 
a  little:  Jehu  will  serve  him  much. 

10  And  now  call  unto  me  all  the  prophets 
of  Ba'al,  all  his  worshippers,  and  all  his 
priests:  let  no  one  be  missing;  for  I  have  a 
great  sacrifice  to  make  for  Ba'al ;  whosoever 
will  lie  missing,  shall  not  live.  But  Jehu  did 
it  in  subtilty,  in  order  to  destroy  the  worship 
pers  of  Ba'al. 

20  And  Jehu  said,  Sanctify  a  solemn  as- 
sembly for  Ba'al.     And  they  proclaimed  it. 

21  And  Jehu  sent  throughout  all  Israel : 
and  there  came  all  the  worshippers  of  Ba'al, 
so  that  there  was  not  a  man  remaining  that 
came  not;  and  they  came  into  the  house  of 
Ba'al;  and  the  house  of  Ba'al  was  full  from 
one  end  to  another. 

22  And  he  said  unto  him  that  was  over 
the  wardrobe,"  Bring  forth  vestments  for  all 
the  worshippers  of  Ba'al.  And  he  brought 
forth  for  them  the  vestments. 

23  And  Jehu  went,  wath  Yehonadab  the 
son  of  Rechab,  into  the  house  of  Ba'al,  and 
he  said  unto  the  worshippers  of  Ba'al,  Seai'ch, 
and  look  that  there  be  not  here  with  you  any 
of  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  but  the  worship- 
pei's  of  Ba'al  entirely  alone. 

24  And  they  went  in  to  prepare  sacrifices 
and  burnt-oft'erings;  Ijut  Jehu  had  set  for  him- 
self without  eighty  men,  and  said,  (If  there 
be)  a  man  that  escapeth  from  the  men  whom 
I  deliver  into  vour  hands,  (there  shall  he  given) 
life''  for  his  life. 

25  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  soon  as  they  had 
made  an  end  of  preparing  the  burnt-oflfering, 
that  Jehu  said  to  the  runners  and  to  the  of- 
ficers. Go  in,  smite  them:  let  none  come 
forth.  And  they  smote  them  with  the  edge 
of  the  sword;  and  the  runners  and  the  cap- 
tains cast  them  out,  and  went  as  far  as  the 
city'^  of  the  house  of  Ba'al. 

26  And  they  brought  forth  the  statues 
out  of  the  house  of  Ba'al,  and  burnt  every 
one  of  them. 

27  And  they  broke  down  the  statue  of 
Ba'al,  and  broke  down  the  house  of  Ba'al, 
and  made  it  a  common  sewer  unto  this 
day. 


'  Rashi,  after  Jonathan,  "the  one  over  the  chests  of  the 
garments ;"  i.  e.  the  festive  dress  worn  by  the  worshippers 
of  Ba'al.  Our  version  includes  the  idea  of  both  the  gar- 
ment and  the  place  where  they  were  kept. 

"  Lit.  "his  life;"  i'.  e.  the  guard's  who  is  at  fault. 


XI. 

28  Thus  Jt'lui  exterminated  Ba'al  out  of 
Israel. 

29  Nevertheless  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am  the 
son  of  Neljat,  who  induced  Israel  to  sin,  Jehu 
departed  not  from  in  following  them,  (namely,) 
the  golden  calves  that  were  in  Beth-el,  and 
that  were  in  Dan. 

30  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jehu,  For- 
asmuch as  thou  hast  acted  well  in  doing 
what  is  right  in  my  eyes,  and  hast  done  in 
accordance  with  all  that  was  in  my  heart 
unto  the  house  of  Achab:  children  of  the 
fourth  generation  after  thee  shall  sit  upon 
the  throne  of  Israel. 

31  But  Jehu  took  no  heed  to  walk  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  with  all  his 
heart :  he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of  Jero- 
bo'am, who  induced  Israel  to  sin. 

32  In  those  days  the  Lord  began  to  cut 
Israel  short;''  and  Chazael  smote  them  in  all 
the  boundary  of  Israel ; 

33  From  the  Joi'dan  to  the  rising  of  the 
sun,  all  the  land  of  Gil'ad,  the  Gadites,  and 
the  Reiibenites,  and  the  Menassites,  from 
'Aro'er  which  is  by  the  river  Arnon,  both 
Gil'ad  and  Bashan. 

34  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehu,  and 
all  that  he  did,  and  all  his  mighty  deeds,  be- 
hold, they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

3-j  And  Jehu  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
thev  buried  him  in  Samaria.    And  Jehoiichaz 


his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

And  the  time  that  Jehu  reigned  over 


36 
Israel 
vears. 


in    Samaria    was    twenty    and    eioht 


CHAPTER  XL 

1  Tl  And  when  'Athalyah  the  mother  of 
Achazyahu  saw  that  her  son  was  dead,  she 
arose  and  destroyed  all  the  seed  royal. 

2  But  Yehosheba',  the  daughter  of  king 
Joram,  the  sister  of  Achazyahu,  took  Joash 
the  son  of  Achazyahu,  and  stole  him  away 
from  among  the  king's  sons  that  were  slain, 
him  and  his  nurse  into  the*"  bed-chamber :  and 
they  hid  him  from  'Athalyah,  so  that  he  was 
not  slain. 


'  Perhaps  the  quarter  where  the  priests  lived. 

^  (".  e.  To  cut  of}",  by  means  of  the  enemies,  one  piece 
of  the  land  after  the  other;  but  Rashi,  "to  feel  disgu.«t 
in  Israel." 

•  Where  the  officiating  priests  slept  in  the  temple. 

437 


2  KINGS  XI. 


3  And  he  was  with  her  in  the  liouse  of  the 
Lord  hidden  for  six  years,  while  'Athalyah 
was  reigning  over  the  land. 

4  ^  And  in  the  seventh  year  Yehoyada' 
sent  and  fetched  the  rulers  over  the  hundreds, 
of  tlie  guards"  and  the  runners,  and  brought 
them  to  him  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
made  a  covenant  with  them,  and  made  them 
swear  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  showed 
them  the  king's  son. 

5  And  he  commanded  them,  saying,  This 
is  the  thing  that  ye  shall  do :  A  third  part  of 
you  that  enter  in  on  the  sabbath  shall  even 
be  keeping  watch  in  the  kings  house; 

6  And  a  third  part  shall  be  at  the  gate  of 
Sur;  and  a  third  part  at  the  gate  behind  the 
runners;  so  shall  ye  keep  watch  at  the  house, 
as  a  defence.* 

7  And  two  parts  of  you  all  that  are  re- 
lieved'' on  the  sabbath,  even  they  shall  keep 
watch  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  about  the 
king. 

8  And  ye  shall  encompass  the  king  round 
about,  every  man  with  his  weapons  in  his 
hand;  and  he  that  cometh  within  the  ranges 
shall  be  put  to  death :  and  Ije  ye  with  the 
kin"-  when  he  goeth  out  and  when  he  com- 
eth  in. 

9  And  the  captains  over  the  hundreds 
did  in  accordance  with  all  that  Yehoyada' 
the  priest  had  commanded :  and  they  took 
every  man  his  men  that  came  in  on  the  sab- 
bath, with  those  that  were  to  be  relieved 
on  the  sabbath,  and  came  to  Yehoyada'  the 
priest. 

10  And  the  priest  gave  to  the  captains 
over  the  hundred  the  spears  and  shields  that 
had  belonged  to  king  David,  that  were  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

11  And  the  runners  stood  every  man  with 
his  weapons  in  his  hand,  from  the  right  side 
of  the  house  to  the  left  side  of  the  house,  by 
the  altar  and  within,  round  about  the  king. 

12  And  he  brought  forth  the  king's  son, 
and  put  the  crown  upon  him,  and  (gave  him) 
the  testimony,**  and  they  made  him  king,  and 


"  Jonathan,  N'13J  "the  mighty  men." 

''  /unz  render,'"  nD3  "in  armour."  Others  regard  it  as 
a  proper  name,  Masnarh.  Rashi,  "that  you  become  not 
in  ittentive." 

'■  Lit.  "the  goers  out."  Every  sabbath  anew  company 
each  of  priests,  Levites,  and  Israelites,  came  and  relieved 
those  of  the  preceding  week  in  the  temple. 


anointed  him;  and  they  clapped  their  hands, 
and  said.  Long  live  the  king. 

13  ][  And  when  'Athalyah  heard  the  noise 
of  the  runners"  (and)  of  the  people,  she  came 
to  the  people  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

14  And  she  looked,  and,  behold,  the  king 
stood  upon  a  stand,  according  to  custom,  and 
the  princes  and  the  trumpeters  were  by  the 
king,  and  all  the  people  of  the  land  were 
rejoicing,  and  blowing  with  trumpets:  and 
'Athalyah  then  rent  her  clothes,  and  cried. 
Conspiracy !  conspiracy ! 

15  But  Yehoyada'  the  priest  commanded 
the  captains  of  the  hundreds,  the  commanders 
of  the  army,  and  said  unto  them.  Lead  her 
forth  to  within  the  ranges :  and  him  that  fol- 
loweth  her  put  to  death  with  the  sword.  For 
the  priest  had  said.  She  shall  not  he  slain  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  they  made  way  for  her;'  and  she 
went  by  the  way  of  the  entrance  of  the  horses 
into  the  king's  house :  and  she  was  put  to 
death  there. 

17  ^  And  Yehoyada'  made  a  covenant  be- 
tween the  Lord  and  between  the  king  and 
between  the  people,  that  they  should  be  a 
people  imto  the  Lord;  and  between  the  king 
and  between  the  people. 

18  And  then  came  all  the  people  of  the 
land  into  the  house  of  Ba'al,  and  pulled  it 
down:  his  altars  and  his  images  they  broke 
in  pieces  thoroughly,  and  Mattan  the  priest 
of  Ba'al  they  slew  before  the  altars.  And 
the  priest  appointed  superintendents"^  over 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

19  And  he  took  the  chiefs  over  hundreds, 
and  the  guards,  and  the  runners,  and  all  the 
people  of  the  land,  and  they  brought  down 
the  king  from  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
came  by  the  way  of  the  gate  of  the  runners 
to  the  king's  house :  and  he  sat  on  the  throne 
of  the  kings. 

20  And  all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced, 
and  the  city  was  quiet;  but  'Athalyah  they 
had  slain  with  the  sword  at  the  king's 
house. 


"  After  Rashi;  i.  e.  "the  book   of  the   law."     Others, 
"the  royal  insignia." 

'  Jonathan,  "of  the  people  as  they  jliraped  about." 
'  Jonathan.     Others,  "they  laid  hands  on  her." 
8  Rashi  comments,  "as  usual,  for  'Athalyah  had  abo- 
lished all  these."     Others  render,  "he  restored  the  of- 
ficers." 


2  KINGS  Xli. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


1"  1[  Seven  years  old  was  Jehoash  when 
he  became  king. 

2  In  the  seventh  year  of  Jehu  became 
Jehoash  king;  and  forty  years  did  he  reign 
in  Jerusalem;  and  the  name  of  his  mother 
was  Zibyah  of  Beer-sheba'. 

3  And  Jehoash  did  what  is  right  in  tlie 
eyes  of  the  Lord  all  liis  days,  that  Yehoyada 
the  priest  instructed  him. 

4  Only  the  high-places  were  not  removed: 
the  people  as  yet  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense 
on  the  high-places. 

o  And  Jehoash  said  to  the  priests,  All  the 
money  of  the  dedicated  things  that  may  be 
brought  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  the 
money  of  ever}-  one  that  passeth  the  number- 
ing, the  money  any  man  is  valued  at,  and  all 
the  money  that  cometh  into  any  man's  heart 
to  bring  into  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

6  The  pi'iests  shall  take  to  themselves, 
every  man  from  his  acquaintance;  and  they 
sh.all  repair  the  breaches  of  the  house,  where- 
soever any  breach  may  be  found. 

7  ^  But  it  happened,  that  in  the  three 
and  twentieth  year  of  king  Jehoash  the 
priests  had  not  repaired  the  breaches  of  the 
house. 

8  Then  called  king  Jehoash  for  Yehoyada' 
the  priest,  and  the  (other)  priests,  and  he 
said  unto  them.  Wherefore  do  ye  not  repair 
the  breaches  of  the  house?  and  now  ye  shall 
take  no  more  money  from  your  acquaint- 
ances, but  ye  shall  give  it  up  (at  once)  for  the 
breaches  of  the  house. 

9  And  the  priests  consented  neither  to  take 
any  more  money  from  the  people,  nor  to  re- 
pair the  breaches  of  the  liouse. 

10  But  Yehoyada'  the  priest  took  a  chest, 
and  bored  a  hole  in  its  lid,  and  he  placed  it 
beside  the  altar,  on  tlie  right  side  as  one 
cometh  into  the  house  of  the  Lord:  and  the 
priests  that  kept  watch  at  the  threshold  put 
tlierein  all  the  money,  that  was  brouglit  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

11  And  it  happened,  when  the}^  saw  that 
there  was  much  money  in  the  chest,  that  the 
king's  scribe  and  the  high-priest  came  up,  and 

*  This  is,  in  the  English  version,  verse  21  of  chap.  xi. 
''  According  to  Rashi.     It  might  be  given  with  "stew- 
ards." '  "Appointed  in  tiio  houpr." — Pmr.Trpsox. 


they  put  up  in  bags,  after  having  counted, 
the  money  that  was  found  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

12  And  they  gave  the  money,  after  it  was 
counted,  into  the  hands  of  those  who  over- 
looked'' the  workmen,  that  liad  been  appoint- 
ed" as  overseers  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  :  and 
they  laid  it  out  to  the  carpenters  and  to  the 
Iiuiklers,  that  wrought  on  the  house  of  tlie 
Lord, 

13  And  to  the  masons,  and  the  hewers  of 
stone,  and  for  the  purchase  of  timber  and 
hewn  stones  to  repair  the  breaches  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  .all  that  was  laid 
out  for  the  house  to  repair  it. 

14  Nevertheless  there  were  not  made  for 
the  house  of  the  Lord  bowls  of  silver,  knives, 
basins,  trumpets,  all  kinds  of  vessels  of  gold, 
or  vessels  of  silver,  from  the  money  that  was 
brought  into  the  house  of  the  Lord; 

15  But  they  gave  it  to  those  who  over- 
looked the  workmen,  and  they  repaired  there- 
with the  house  of  tlie  Lord. 

16  And  they  reckoned  not  with  the  men, 
into  whose  hand  they  delivered  the  money  to 
give  it  to  those  who  overlooked  the  workmen ; 
for  they  acted  in  good  faith. 

17  The  money  for  ti'espass-ofFerings*  and 
the  money  for  sin-offerings  was  not  brought 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord  :  it  belonged  to  the 
priests. 

18  ][  At  that  time  Chazael  the  king  of  Syria 
went  up,  and  fought  against  Gath,  and  cap- 
tured it:  and  Chazael  directed  his  face  to  go 
up  against  Jerusalem. 

19  Then  took  Jehoilsh  the  king  of  Judah 
all  the  hallowed  things  that  Jehoshaphat, 
Jehoram,  and  Achazyahu,  his  fathers,  the 
kings  of  Judah,  had  dedicated,  and  his  own 
hallowed  things,  and  all  the  gold  that  was 
found  in  tlie  treasures  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  in  the  king's  house,  and  sent  it  to 
Chazael  the  king  of  Syria:  and  he  withdrew 
from  Jerusalem. 

20  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jojish,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

21  And  his  .servants  arose,  .and  formed  a 


^  i.  e.  The  remainder  of  money  destined  for  the  purchase 
of  these  sacrifices  was  given  to  the  priests  to  buy  tliere- 
with  pnWic  burnt-oiferings.- — Talmud  Temurah. 

43\) 


2  KINGS  Xil.  XIII. 


conspiracy,  and  smote  Joiish  in  Beth-niillo, 
which  (lieth  on  the  road)  that  goeth  down  to 
Silla. 

22  And  Yozach.ar  the  son  of  Shini'ath,  and 
Yehozabad  the  son  of  Shomer,  his  servants, 
smote  him,  and  he  died ;  and  they  buried  him 
with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of  David:  and 
Amazyah  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  In  the  three  and  twentieth  year  of 
Joash  the  son  of  Achazyahu  the  king  of  Judah 
became  Jehoiichaz  tlie  son  of  Jeliu  liing  over 
Israel  in  Samaria  (for)  seventeen  years. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  and  followed  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am 
tlie  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced  Israel  to  sin: 
he  departed  not  therefrom. 

3  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  Israel;  and  he  gave  them  up  into  the 
hand  of  Chazael  the  king  of  Syria,  and  into 
the  hand  of  Ben-hadad  the  sou  of  Chazael,  all 
the  time. 

4  And  Jehoachaz  besought  the  Lord;  and 
the  Lord  hearkened  unto  him;  for  he  saw 
the  oppression  of  Israel,  how  the  king  of 
Syria  oppressed  them. 

5  (And  the  Lord  gave  Israel  a  deliverer, 
so  that  they  came  out  from  under  the  power 
of  the  Syrians:   and  the  children  of  Israel' 
dwelt  in  their  tents,  as  in  times  past. 

6  Nevertheless  they  departed  not  from  the 
sins  of  the  house  of  Jerobo'am,  who  induced 
Israel  to  sin,  therein  the  people  walked :  and 
the  Asherah'  also  remained  standing  in  Sa- 
maria.) 

7  For*"  he  had  left  of  people  to  Jelioilchaz 
none  but  fifty  horsemen,  and  ten  chariots, 
and  ten  thousand  men  on  foot;  for  the  king 
of  Syria  had  destroyed  them,  and  had  made 
them  like  the  dust  at"  threshing. 

8  Now  the  I'est  of  the  acts  of  Jehoachaz, 
and  all  that  he  did,  and  his  mighty  deeds,  be- 
liold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

9  And  Jehoachaz  slept  with  his  fathers; 
and  they  buried  him  in  Samaria :  and  Joiish 
his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

10  T[  In  the  thirty  and  seventh  year  of 

"  Elsewhere  rendered  "grove." 
'■  "This  'for'  refers  to  the  end  of  ver.se  4." — Redak. 
°  Arnheim,  "which  is  trodden  down." 
''  Iled;ik  explains  the  difference  in  tlie  phraseology  to 
440 


Joiish  the  king  of  Judah  became  Jehojish  the 
son  of  Jehoachaz  king  over  Israel  in  Samaria, 
(for)  sixteen  years. 

11  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord;  he  departed  not  from  all  the  sins 
of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced 
Israel  to  sin :  therein  he  walked. 

12  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Joiish,  and 
all  that  he  did,  and  his  mighty  deeds  where- 
with he  fought  against  Amazyah  the  king  of 
Judah,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

13  And  Joiish  slept  with  his  fathers;  and 
Jerobo'am  sat^  upon  his  throne :  and  Joiish 
was  buried  in  Samaria  with  the  kings  of  Is- 
rael. 

14  ^  Now  Elisha'  was  fallen  sick  of  his 
sickness  wliereof  he  had  to  die.  And  Joiish 
the  king  of  Israel  came  down  unto  him,  and 
wept  over  his  face,  and  said,  0  my  father,  my 
fiither,  the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  their  horse- 
men.' 

15  And  Elisha'  said  unto  him,  Fetch  a  baw 
and  arrows.  And  he  fetched  unto  him  a  bow 
and  arrows. 

16  And  he  said  to  the  king  of  Israel,  Place 
thy  hand*^  upon  the  bow.  And  he  placed  his 
hand  (upon  it) :  and  Elisha'  laid  his  hands 
upon  the  king's  hands. 

17  And  he  said.  Open  the  window  east- 
ward. And  he  opened  it.  Then  said  Elisha', 
Shoot.  And  he  shot.  And  he  said.  The  ar- 
row of  victory  from  the  Lord,  and  the  arrow 
of  victory  over  Syria;  and  thou  shalt  smite 
the  Syrians  in  Aphek,  till  they  be  consumed. 

18  And  he  said,  Take  the  arrows.  And 
he  took  them.  And  he  said  unto  the  king 
of  Israel,  Strike  upon  the  ground.  And  he 
struck  three  times,  and  stopped. 

19  And  tlie  man  of  God  was  angry  with 
him,  and  said,  Thou  shouldst  have  struck 
five  or  six  times;  then  wouldst  thou  have 
smitten  the  Syrians  till  tliey  had  been  con- 
sumed :  whereas  now  thou  shalt  smite  the 
Syrians  three  times. 

20  If  And  Elisha'  died,  and  they  buried 
him.  And  the  predatory  bands  of  the  Moiib- 
ites  frequently  invaded  the  land  at  the  com- 
ing in  of  the  year. 


indicate  that  .Joiish  appointed  his   son  co-regent  during 
his  life. 

'  See  above,  ij.  12. 

'  Hell.  "Cause  tiiy  hand  to  ride." 


2  KINGS  XITI.  XIV. 


21  IT  And  it  cniiic  fo  jiass.  as  tlioy  were 
burying'  a  man,  that,  beliold,  they  saw  the 
band;  and  they  oast  down  tlie  man  into  the 
sepulchre  of  p]lisha":  and  as  the  man  came, 
and  touched  the  Ijones  of  Elisha',  he  reyived, 
and  rose  up  on  his  feet. 

22  ^  But  Chazael  the  king  of  Syria  op- 
pressed Israel  all  the  days  of  Jehoachaz. 

23  And  the  Lord  became  gracious  unto 
them,  and  had  mercy  on  them,  and  turned 
his  regard  unto  them,  because  of  his  covenant 
with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  would 
not  destroy  them,  and  he  cast  them  not  oft' 
from  his  ]n"esence  even  until  now.* 

24  And  Chazael  the  king  of  Syria  died: 
and  Ben-hadad  his  son  became  king  in  his 
stead. 

2o  And  Jeholish  the  son  of  Johoiichaz  took 
again  the  cities  out  of  the  power  of  Ben-hadad 
the  son  of  Chazael,  which  he  had  taken  out 
of  the  power  of  Jehoachaz  his  father  in  the 
war.  Three  times  did  Joash  beat  him,  and 
he  recovered  the  cities  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  In  the  second  year  of  Joiisli  the  son  of 
Joilchaz  the  king  of  Israel  became Amazjahu, 
the  son  of  Joash  the  king  of  Judah,king. 

2  Twenty  and  fi\^e  years  was  he  old  when 
he  became  king,  and  twenty  and  nine  yeai'S 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Yeho'addan  of  Jerusalem. 

3  And  he  di<l  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  yet  not  like  David  his  father :  in 
accordance  Avith  all  that  Joiish  his  father  had 
done,  (so)  did  he. 

4  Nevertheless  the  liigli-places  were  not 
removed :  as  yet  the  people  sacrificed  and  burnt 
incense  on  the  high-places. 

5  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  kingdom 
was  firmly  established  in  his  hand,  that  he  slew 
his  servants  who  had  slain  the  king  his  lather. 

G  But  the  children  of  the  murderers  he 
put  not  to  death  :  as  it  is  written  in  the 
book  of  the  law  of  Moses,  that  the  Lord  com- 
manded, saying,  Tlie  fathers  shall  not  be  put 
to  death  for  the  children,  nor  shall  the  chil- 
dren be  put  to  death  for  the  fathers :  but  every 
man  shall  be  put  to  death  for  his  own  sin.'' 


*  {.  e.  The  time  of  writing  this  book. 
'  Deut.  xxiv.  16;  this  proves  that  the  law  of  Moses 
was  known  nt  that  time. 

3  F 


7  lie  it  was  that  smote  of  Edom  in  the 
valley  of  salt  ten  thousand  men,  and  seized 
Sela'°  in  the  war,  and  called  its  name  Yok- 
theel  until  this  day. 

8  ]|  Then  sent  Amazyah  messengers  to 
Jehoash,  the  son  of  Jehoachaz  the  son  of 
Jehu,  the  king  of  Israel,  saying.  Come,  let  us 
look  one  another  in  the  face.'' 

9  And  Jehoash  the  king  of  Israel  sent  to 
Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah,  saying,  The 
thornbush  that  was  in  the  Lebanon  sent  to 
the  cedar  that  was  in  the  Lebanon,  saying. 
Give  thy  daughter  to  my  son  for  wife.  And 
there  passed  along  the  wild  lieasts  that  were 
in  Lebanon,  and  trod  down  the  thornbush. 

10  Thou  hast  indeed  smitten  Edom,  and 
thy  heart  hath  lifted  thee  up :  keep  thy  glory 
and  stay  in  thy  house;  and  why  wilt  thou 
meddle  with  misfortune,  that  thou  mayest 
fixll,  thou,  and  Judah  with  thee? 

11  But  Amazyahu  would  not  hear.  There- 
fore Jehoiish  the  king  of  Israel  went  up ;  and 
he  and  Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah  looked 
one  another  in  the  face  at  Beth-shemesh, 
which  belongeth  to  Judah. 

12  And  Judah  was  defeated  before  Israel; 
and  they  fled  every  man  to  his  tents. 

13  And  Jehoash  the  king  of  Israel  caught 
Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah,  the  son  of  Je- 
hoash, the  son  of  Achazyahu,  at  Betli-She- 
mesh;  and  he  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  made  a 
breach  in  the  wall  of  Jerusalem  from  the  gate 
of  Ephraim  unto  the  corner-gate,  four  hun- 
dred cubits. 

14  And  he  took  all  the  gold  and  the  silver, 
and  all  the  vessels  that  were  found  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  treasures  of  the 
king's  house,  and  the  children  of  the  chiefs 
as  hostages,  and  returned  to  Samaria. 

15  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoash 
which  he  did.  and  his  mighty  deeds,  and  how 
he  fought  with  Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah, 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

16  And  Jehoash  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  in  Samaria  with  the  kings  of 
Israel:  and  Jerobo'am  his  son  became  king  in 
his  stead. 

17  ^  And  Amazyahu  the  son  of  Joash  the 

°  Lit.  "the  Rock,"  i.  e.  the  city  of  Petra,  nitpa,  so  called 
by  the  Greeks,  also  signifying  roc/^-. 
^  i.  e   To  fight. 

^  HI 


2  KINGS  XIV.  XV. 


king  jf  Judali  lived  after  the  deatli  of  Jehoiish, 
the  son  of  Jehoachaz  the  king  of  Israel,  fifteen 
years. 

18  And  the  re.st  of  the  acts  of  Amazyahu, 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah. 

19  Now  they  raised  a  conspiracy  against 
him  in  Jerusalem :  wherefore  he  fled  to 
Lachish;  but  they  sent  after  him  to  Lachish, 
and  slew  liim  there. 

20  And  they  brought  him  on  horses:  and 
he  was  buried  at  Jerusalem  with  his  fathers 
in  the  city  of  David. 

21  And  all  the  people  of  Judah  took 
'Azaryah,"  who  was  sixteen  years  old.  and 
they  made  him  king  instead  of  his  father 
Amazyahu. 

22  He  it  was  that  built''  Elath,  and  brou2rht 
it  l^ack  to  Judah,  after  the  king"  slept  with 
his  lathers. 

23  ^  In  the  fifteenth  year  of  Amazyahu 
the  son  of  Joash  the  king  of  Judah  became 
Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Joiish  the  king  of  Israel 
king  in  Samaria,  (for)  forty  and  one  years. 

24  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord  :  he  departed  not  from  all  the  sins 
of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced 
Israel  to  sin. 

25  He  restored*  the  boundary  of  Israel 
from  the  entrance  of  Chamath  unto  the  sea 
of  the  plain ;  in  accordance  with  the  word  of 
of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  which  he  had 
spoken  by  means  of  his  servant  Jonah  tlie 
son  of  Amitthai,  the  prophet,  who  was  of  Gath- 
chejjher. 

26  For  the  Lord  saw  the  atlliction  of  Israel, 
which  was  very  bitter;  that  the  guarded  was 
no  more,  and  that  the  fortified  was  no  more, 
and  there  was  no  helper  for  Israel. 

27  And  the  Lord  had  not  spoken  that  he 
would  blot  out  the  name  of  Israel  from  under 
the  heavens  ;  but  he  lielped  them  by  means  of 
Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Joiish. 

28  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jerobo'am, 

'  Also  called  '  (Jzziyali  or  '  Uz'iynhu. 
^  Built,  ill  this  verse,  simply  means  restored,  or  enlarged 
and  fortified. 

°  i.  e.  Amazyahu. 
His  father  recovered  the  east-Jordanic  country  from 
the  Syrians;   but  he  the  tract  extending  from  Coelesyria 
and  Damascus  to  the  Dead  Sea. 

"  These  places  belmiged  to  Judah  by  David's  conquest, 
('1  Sam.viii.  11,)  but  had  been  repos>e.ssed  by  the  Syrians. 
'To  reeoiicile  the  ehronology,  some  suppose  an   inter- 
41i 


and  all  that  be  did,  and  his  mighty  deeds,  how 
he  warred,  and  how  he  brought  back  Damascuf: 
and  Chamath,  (which  had  belonged)  to"  Ju- 
dah, to  Israel,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

29  And  Jerobo'am  slept  with  liis  fathers, 
with  the  kings  of  Israel:  and  Zechariah  his 
son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  In  the  twenty  and  seventh  year  of  Je- 
robo'am the  king  of  Israel  became 'Azar\  ah. 
the  son  of  Amazyah^  king  of  Judah,  king. 

2  Sixteen  years  old  was  he  when  he  became 
king,  and  two  and  fifty  years  did  he  reign 
in  Jerusalem.  And  liis  mother's  name  was 
Yecholyahu  of  Jerusalem. 

3  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  Amaz- 
yahu his  father  had  done; 

4  Nevertheless  the  high-places  were  not 
removed:  as  yet  the  people  sacrificed  and  burnt 
incense  on  the  high-places. 

5  And  the  Lord  afllicted  the  king  with 
leprosy,  and  he  was  a  leper  unto  the  day  of 
his  death,  and  he  dwelt  in  the  leper-house.' 
And  Jotham  the  king's  son  was  over  the 
house,  (and)  judged  the  people  of  the  land. 

6  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of 'Azaryahu,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah. 

7  And  'Azaryah  slept  with  his  fathers; 
and  they  buried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the 
city  of  David:  and  Jotham  his  son  became 
king  in  his  stead. 

8  ][  In  the  thirty  and  eighth  3-ear  of  'Azar- 
yahu the  king  of  Judah  became  Zechariah 
the  son  of  Jerobo'am  king  over  Israel  in  Sa- 
maria (for)  six  months. 

9  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  as  his  fiithers  had  done:  he  depart- 
ed not  from  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am  the  son  of 
Nebat,  who  induced  Israel  to  sin. 

10  And  Shallum  the  son  of  Yabesh  con- 

regnum  of  eleven  years ;  others,  that  a  part  of  the  reign 
of  'Azaryah  was  in  his  fother's  lifetime.  (See  above,  verse 
22.) 

•  n'tysn  means,  literally,  "freedom;"  hence  the  house 
of  freedom,  so  called,  no  doubt,  because  its  inmates  were 
relieved  from  all  labour.  Jonathan,  simply,  "  and  he 
dwelt  outside  of  Jerusalem,"  describing  the  situation  of 
the  house  more  than  translating  the  word.  Philipps^iu, 
"in  a  ."ieeluded  house."  Eng.  vcr.  "scver.il  house."  Lit. 
•'  the  house  of  scclu.sion  " 


2  KINGS  XV. 


spired  against  him.  ami  smote  bim  before  the 
jjeople,  and  put  him  to  death,  and  became 
king  in  his  stead. 

11  And  tlie  rest  of  tlie  acts  of  Zechariah, 
beliold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
chronicles  of  tlie  kinas  of  Israel. 

12  This  was  the  word  of  the  Lord  which 
he  spoke  unto  Jehu,  saying,  Sons  of  the  fourth 
generation  shall  sit  after  thee  on  the  throne 
of  Israel.     And  so  it  came  to  pass. 

13  ^[  Sballum  the  son  of  Yabesh  became 
king  in  the  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of 'Uzzi- 
yah  the  king  of  Judah ;  and  he  reigned  for  the 
space  of  one  month  in  Samaria. 

14  Then  went  up  Menachem  the  son  of  Gadi 
from  Thirzah,  and  came  to  Samaria,  and  smote 
Shallura  the  son  of  Yabesh  in  Samaria,  and 
put  him  to  death,  and  became  king  in  his  stead. 

15  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Shallum, 
and  his  conspiracy  which  he  made,  behold, 
they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  chronicles 
of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

16  ^  At  that  time  did  Menachem  smite 
Thiphsach,  and  all  that  was  therein,  and  its 
territory  from'"  Thirzah;  because  they  opened 
not  to  him,  he  smote  it;  and  all  the  pregnant 
women  therein  he  ripped  up. 

17  ^  In  the  nine  and  thirtieth  year  of 
'Azaryah  the  king  of  Judah  became  Mena^ 
chem  the  son  of  Gadi  king  over  Israel,  (for) 
ten  years,  in  Samaria. 

18  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord:  he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of 
Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced  Is- 
rael to  sin,  all  his  days. 

19  (Then)  came  Pul  the  king  of  Assyria 
aaainst  the  land :  and  Menachem  o;ave  Pul  a 
tliousand  talents  of  silver,  that  his  hand'' 
might  be  with  him  to  strengthen  the  kingdom 
in  his  hand. 

20  And  Menachem  exacted"  the  money 
from  all  Israel,  from  all  the  mighty  men  of 
the  army,  to  give  to  the  king  of  Assyria,  fifty 
sliekels  of  silver  from  every  nran  ;  and  the 
king  of  Assyria  then  returned  and  stayed  not 
there  in  the  land. 

21  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Menachem, 

"  Meaning,  "  setting  out  from  Thirzah."  Zuuz,  after 
Ralbag,  "  its  boundaries  toward  Thirzah."  Kodak  thinks 
that  Thiphsach  was  outside  of  Palestine,  (see  1  Kings  v. 
4;)  while  others  again  suppose  it  to  have  been  a  place 
in  Palestine  not  mentioned  elsewhere. 

"  i  e.  To  assist  him  against  any  revolt  of  the  people. 


and  all  that  he  did. 


Deiioiu 


they  are  written 


in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel. 

22  And  Menachem  slept  with  his  fathers; 
and  Pekachyah  his  son  became  king  in  his 
stead. 

23  ^  In  the  fiftieth  year  of  'Azaryah  the 
king  of  Judah  became  Pekachyah  the  son  of 
Menachem  king  over  Israel  in  Samaria,  (for) 
two  years. 

24  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord  :  he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of 
Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced  Is- 
rael to  sin. 

25  And  Pekach  the  son  of  Remalyahu,  an 
ofiicer  of  his,  conspired  against  him,  and  smote 
him  in  Samaria,  in  the  fortress  of  the  king's 
house,  with  the  aid  of  Argob  and  the  Aryeh,** 
and*  with  him  were  fifty  men  of  the  children 
of  the  Gil'adites  :  and  he  put  him  to  death, 
and  became  king  in  his  stead. 

26  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Pekachyah, ' 
and  all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written 
in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Israel. 

27  T[  In  the  fifty-second  year  of  'Azar- 
yah the  king  of  Judah  became  Pekach  the 
son  of  Remalyahu  king  over  Israel  in  Samaria, 
(for)  twenty  years. 

28  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord:  he  departed  not  from  the  sins  of 
Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  induced  Is- 
rael to  sin. 

29  In  the  days  of  Pekach  the  king  of  Is- 
rael came  Tiglath-pilesser  the  king  of  Assyria, 
and  took  'lyon,  ;ind  Abel-beth-ma'achah,  and 
Yanoach,  and  Kedesh,  and  Chazor,  and  Gil- 
'ad,  and  Galilee,  all  the  land  of  Naphtali,  and 
led  them"  away  as  exiles  to  Assyria. 

30  And  Hoshea'  the  son  of  Elah  made  a 
conspiracy  against  Pekach  the  son  of  Remal- 
yahu, and  smote  him,  and  put  him  to  death, 
and  became  king  in  his  stead,  in  the  twentieth 
year  of  Jotham  the  son  of  'Uzziyah. 

31  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Pekach,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

°  Heb.  "caused  to  come  forth." 

^  After  Redak  and  Ralbag,  who  take  Argob  and  Arych 
for  two  brave  men  who  joined  Pekach.  The  Aryeh 
would  denote  that  it  was  a  name  given  him  for  his 
bravery,  as  the  lion-hearted. 

'  i.  e.  The  inhabitants  of  the  towns  and  districts. 

as 


2  KINGS  XV.  XVI. 


?/2,  ^  In  the  second  j-par  of  Pekacli  the 
son  of  Remaljahu  the  king  of  Israel  became 
Jotham,the  son  of  'Uzziyah  the  king  of  Judah, 
king. 

1  oo  Five  and  twenty  years  okl  ^vas  he  when 
he  became  king,  and  sixteen  years  did  he  reign 
in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's  name  was 
Yerusha,  the  danirhter  of  Zadok. 

34  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord:  in  accordance  with  all  that  'Uzzi- 
yahu  his  father  had  done,  (so)  did  he. 

35  Nevertheless,  the  high-places  wei'e  not 
removed :  as  yet  the  people  sacriticed  and  burnt 
incense  on  the  high-places.  He  it  was  that 
built  the  upper  gate  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

36  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jothara,  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

37  ^  In  those  days  began  the  Lord  to  send 
against  Judah  Rezin  the  king  of  Syria,  and 
Pekach  the  son  of  Remalyahu. 

38  And  Jotham  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
David  his  father:  and  Acliaz  his  son  became 
king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  In  the  seventeenth  year  of  Pekach  the 
son  of  Remalyahu,  ))ecame  Achaz,  the  son  of 
Jotham  the  king  of  Judah,  king. 

2  Twenty  years  old  was  Achaz  when  he 
l^ecame  king,  and  sixteen  3'ears  did  he  reign  in 
Jerusalem ;  and  he  did  not  what  is  right  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God,  like  David  his 
father. 

3  But  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings 
of  Israel,  and  even  his  son  he  caused  to  pass 
through  the  fire,  after  the  aliominable  acts  of 
the  nations  whom  the  Lord  had  driven  out 
from  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

4  And  he  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  on 
the  high-places,  and  on  the  hills,  and  under 
every  green  tree. 

5  Then  came  up  Rezin  the  king  of  Syria 
and  Pekach  the  son  of  Remalyahu  the  king  of 
Israel  to  Jerusalem  to  war:  and  they  besieged 
Achaz,  but  were  not  able  to  make  an  attack." 


•  i.  e.  Capture  the  city,  lit.  "to  fifrht." 
'  Tlii.s  is  tlie  first  time  the  word  I'rhuilini,  Jcw.s,  occur.^ 
in  the  ]?ihle. 

°  Tlie  K'-'tih  i.s  Aromim,  i.  e.  Syrians, 
Hi 


G  ^  At  that  time  did  Rezin  the  king  of 
Syria  bring  Elath  back  to  Syria,  and  drove 
the  Jews''  from  Eloth :  and  the  Edoraeans" 
came  to  Elath  and  dwelt  there,  even  until  this 
day. 

7  And  Achaz  then  sent  messengers  to  Tig- 
lath-pi  lesser"*  the  king  of  Assyria,  saying.  Thy 
servant  and  thy  son  am  I:  come  up,  and 
help  me  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Syria, 
and  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Israel,  who 
rise  up  against  me. 

8  And  Achaz  took  the  silver  and  the  gold 
that  were  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
in  the  treasures  of  the  king's  house,  and  sent 
(the  same)  to  the  king  of  Assyria  as  a  bribe. 

9  And  the  king  of  Assyria  hearkened  unto 
him;  and  the  king  of  Assyria  went  np  against 
Damascus,  and  captured  it,  and  led  (the  peo- 
ple of)  it  away  captive  to  Kir,  and  Rezin  did 
he  put  to  death. 

10  And  King  Acliaz  went  to  meet  Tiglath- 
pilesser  the  king  of  Assyria  to  Damascus,' 
and  he  saw  the  altar  that  was  at  Damascus: 
and  king  Achaz  then  sent  to  Uriyali  the 
priest  the  form  of  the  altar,  and  its  pattern, 
after  all  its  workmanship. 

11  And  Uriyah  the  priest  built  the  altar; 
in  accordance  with  all  that  king  Achaz  had 
sent  from  Damascus,  so  did  Uriyah  the  priest 
make  it  against  the  arrival  of  king  Achaz 
from  Damascus. 

12  And  when  the  king  came  from  Damas 
cus,  the  king  saw  the  altar;  and  the  king  ap 
proached  to  the  altar  and  oflbred  thereon. 

13  And   he   burnt   his   burnt-offering   and 
his  meat-offering,  and  poured  out  his  drink- 
olfering,  and  sprinkled  the  blood  of  his  j^eace 
offerings'  upon  the  altar. 

14  And  as  respecteth  the  copper  altar 
which  was  before  the  Lord,  he  moved  it  back 
from  tlie  forefront  of  the  house,  from  between 
the  altar*  and  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  set 
it  on  the  side  of  the  altar  to  the  north. 

15  And  king  Achaz  commanded  Uriyah 
the  priest,  saying.  Upon  the  great  altar  burn 
the  morning  burnt-oftering,  and  the  evening 
meat-offering,  and  the  king's  burnt-ofiering, 
and  his  meat-offering,  with  the  burnt-offering 


^  In  Hebrew,  the  name  is  spelled  here  Plcsser. 
'  The  name  is  spelled  here  Dummcssck  instead  of  A(?;i 
wics.s'e/t". 

'  rieb.  "the  peace-ofiFerings  whicli  were  his." 
«  )'.  r.  The  new  altar. 


2  KINGS  XVI.  XVII. 


of  all  the  people  of  tlie  land,  and  their  meat- 
offei-ing,  and  their  drink-offerings;  and  all  the 
blood  of  the  burnt-offering,  and  all  the  blood 
of  the  sacrifices  shalt  thou  sprinkle  on  it;  and 
the  copper  altar  shall  be  for  nie  to  visit  oc- 
casionally." 

IG  And  Uriyali  the  priest  did  in  accord- 
ance with  all  that  king  Achaz  had  com- 
manded. 

17  And  king  Achaz  cut  off  the  borders  of 
the  bases,  and  removed  the  lavers  from  off 
them ;  and  the  sea  he  took  down  from  off  the 
copper  oxen  that  were  under  it,  and  placed  it 
upon  a  pavement  of  stones. 

18  And  the  covered  passage  for  the  sabbath 
that  they  had  built  on  the  house,  and  the 
outer  king's  entrance,  turned  he  from  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  on  account**  of  the  king  of 
Assyria. 

19  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Achaz  which 
he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah. 

20  And  Achaz  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
was  buried  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
David:  and  Ilezekiah"  his  son  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^  In  the  twelfth  year  of  Achaz  the  king 
of  Judah  became  Hoshea'  the  son  of  Elah 
king  in  Samaria  over  Israel,  (for)  nine  years.'' 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  but  not  like  the  kings  of  Israel  that 
were  before  him. 

o  Against  him  came  up  Shalmanesser  the 
king  of  Assyria ;  and  Hoshea"  became  his  ser- 
vant, and  rendered  him  tribute. 

4  And  the  king  of  Assyria  discovered  a 
conspiracy  on  Hoshea';  for  he  had  sent  mes- 
sengers to  So  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  had 
raised  no  tribute  for  the  king  of  Assyria,  as 
(before)  year  by  year;  and  the  king  of  Assyria 
made  him  prisoner,  and  shut  him  up  in  a 
prison-hou.se. 

5  And  the  king  of  Assyria  came  up  over 


"  Rashi.  Lit.  "to  seek,"  "to  visit,"  "to  inquire." 
Philippsou,  "  but  to  seek  the  brazen  altar  shall  depend 
on  my  will." 

''  As  some  suggest,  Achaz  made  all  the  various  changes, 
the  object  and  manner  of  which  are  not  clearly  understood, 
to  please  the  Assyrians,  to  render  his  worship  like  theirs; 
or  for  the  purpose  of  personal  security  in  the  palace. 

'  Correctly,  Chkki^ahit 


all  the  land,  and  went  up  to  Samaria,  and  be- 
sieged it  three  years. 

6  In  the  ninth  3-ear  of  Hoshea'  did  the  king 
of  Assyria  capture  Samaria,  and  he  led  Israel 
away  as  exiles  into  Assyria,  and  settled  them 
in  Chalach  and  in  Chabor"  by  the  river  of  Go- 
zan,  and  in  the  cities  of  Media. 

7  ][  This  took  place,  because  the  children  of 
Israel  had  sinned  against  the  Lord  their  God, 
who  had  brought  them  up  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt,  from  under  the  hand  of  Pharaoh  the 
king  of  Egypt,  and  had  feared  other  gods, 

8  And  had  walked  in  the  customs  of  the 
nations  whom  the  Lord  had  driven  out  from 
before  the  children  of  Israel,  and  in  those  of 
the  kings  of  Israel,  which  they  had  made. 

9  And  (because)  the  children  of  Israel  had 
secretly  done  things  that  are  not  right  against 
the  Lord  their  God,  and  had  built  them.selves 
high-places  in  all  their  cities,  from  the  tower 
of  the  watchmen  up  to  fortified  cities  ; 

10  And  had  set  themselves  up  statues  and 
groves  on  every  high  hill,  and  under  every 
green  tree ; 

11  And  had  burnt  there  incense  on  all  the 
high-places,  like  the  nations  that  the  Lord 
had  led  away  exiles  before  them ;  and  wrought 
wicked  things  to  provoke  the  Lord  to  anger ; 

12  And  had  served  the  idols,  whereof  the 
Lord  had  said  unto  them,  Ye  shall  not  do 
this  thing. 

13  The  Lord  had  indeed  warned  Israel 
and  Judah,  by  means  of  all  the  prophets,  all 
the  seers,  saying.  Turn  ye  back  from  your 
evil  ways,  and  keep  my  conunandments  (and) 
my  statutes,  in  accordance  with  all  the  law 
which  I  commanded  your  fathers,  and  which 
I  have  sent  to  3'ou  by  means  of"  my  servants 
the  prophets. 

14  But  they  would  not  hear,  and  hardened 
their  neck,  like  the  neck  of  their  fathers, 
who  had  not  believed  in  the  Lord  their  God ; 

15  And  they  despised  his  statutes,  and 
his  covenant  which  he  had  made  with  their 
fathers,  and  his  testimonies^  which  he  had  en- 


^  Some  reconcile  the  chronology,  by  supposing  that 
Hoshea',  after  the  murder  of  Pekach,  was  only  governoi 
under  Tiglath-Pilesser  for  about  ten  years. 

"  Ilerxheimer,  "on  the  Chabor,"  stating  it  to  be  a 
river  in  Assyria  east  of  the  Tigris. 

'  Philippson,"and  his  warning  with  which  he  Ii:id  warn- 
ed then)." 

Hi 


2  KING8  XVII. 


trusted  to  them;  and  they  followed  after 
what  is  vanity,  and  became  vain,  and  fol- 
lowed after  the  nations  that  were  round  about 
them,  concerning  whom  the  Lord  had  charged 
them,  not  to  do  like  them. 

10  And  they  forsook  all  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord  their  God,  and  made  them- 
selves molten  images,  two  calves,  and  made  a 
grove,  and  bowed  down  to  all  the  host  of 
the  heavens,  and  served  Ba'al; 

17  And  they  caused  their  sons  and  their 
daughters  to  pass  through  the  fire,  and  used 
divinations  and  enchantments,  and  sold  them- 
selves to  do  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger. 

IS  Therefore  became  the  Lord  very  angry 
with  Israel,  and  he  removed  them  from  his 
presence :  there  was  none  left  but  the  tribe 
of  Judah  alone. 

19  Also  Judah  kept  not  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord  their  God,  but  walked  in 
the  customs  of  Israel  which  they  had  made. 

20  Therefore  did  the  Lord  reject  all  the 
seed  of  Israel,  and  he  afflicted  them,  and  gave 
them  up  into  the  hand  of  spoilers,  until  that 
he  had  cast  them  out  of  his  presence. 

21  For  Israel  had  torn  themselves  from  the 
house  of  David,  and  they  made  Jerobo'am  the 
son  of  Nebat  king:  and  Jerobo'am  misled 
Israel  from  following  the  Lord,  and  caused 
them  to  commit  a  great  sin; 

22  And  the  children  of  Israel  walked  in 
all  the  sins  of  Jerobo'am  which  he  did ;  they 
departed  not  therefrom. 

23  Until  that  the  Lord  removed  Israel  out 
of  his  presence,  as  he  had  spoken  by  means  of 
all  his  servants  the  prophets;  and  Israel  was 
led  away  as  exiles  out  of  their  own  land  to  As- 
syria even  until  this  day. 

24  ^  And  the  king  of  Assyria  brought 
(men)  from  Babylon,  and  from  Cuthah,  and 
from  'Avva,  and  from  Chamath,  and  from 
Sepharvayim,  and  settled  them  in  the  cities 
of  Samaria  in  the  room  of  the  children  of  Is- 
rael :  and  they  took  possession  of  Samaria,  and 
dwelt  in  its  cities. 

25  And  it  happened  at.  the  beginning  of 
their  dwelling  there,  that  they  feared  not  the 
Lord;  wherefore  the  Lord  sent  among  them 
lions,  which  slew  some  of  them. 


'  This  means,  probably,  the  followers  of  the  priest,  as  no 

Joubt  it  required  more  than  one  to  teach  so  many. 
448 


26  And  they  said  to  the  king  of  Assyria, 
as  foUoweth,  The  nations  that  thou  hast  led 
away,  and  settled  in  the  cities  of  Samaria, 
know  not  the  manner  of  the  God  of  the  land; 
wherefore  he  hatli  sent  among  them  lions, 
and,  behold,  they  are  slaying  them,  since 
they  know  not  the  manner  of  the  God  of  the 
land. 

27  Then  commanded  the  king  of  Assyina, 
saying,  Carry  thither  one  of  the  ^jriests  whom 
ye  led  away  from  there;  and  let  them'  go 
and  dwell  there,  and  let  him  teach  them  the 
manner  of  the  God  of  the  land. 

28  And  there  came  one  of  the  priests  whom 
they  had  led  away  as  exiles  from  Samaria,  and 
dwelt  in  Beth-el;  and  he  taught  them  how 
they  should  fear  the  Lord. 

29  Yet  they  made,  every  nation,  their  own 
gods;  and  they  put  them  in  the  houses  of 
the  high-places  which  the  Samaritans  had 
made,  every  nation  in  their  cities  wherein 
they  dwelt. 

30  And  the  men  of  Babylon  made  Siiccoth- 
benoth,  and  the  men  of  Cuth  made  Neregal. 
and  the  men  of  Chamath  made  Ashima. 

31  And  the  'Avvites  made  Nibchaz  and 
Tharthak,  and  the  Sepharvites  burnt  their 
children  in  fire  to  'Adrammelech  and  'Anam- 
melech,  the  gods  of  Sephar\ayim. 

32  And  they  feared  (also)  the  Lord;  and 
they  made  unto  themselves  of  the  lowest*"  of 
them  priests  of  the  high-places,  and  these  sacri- 
ficed for  them  in  the  houses  of  the  high-places. 

33  The  Lord  did  they  fear,  and  their  own 
gods  did  they  serve,  after  the  manner  of  the 
nations  whence  they  had  been  led  away. 

34  Even  until  this  day  do  they  act  after 
the  former  manners :  they  fear  not  the  Lord, 
neither  do  they  act  after  their  own  customs, 
and  after  their  manner,  nor  after  the  law  and 
after  the  commandment  which  the  Lord  com- 
manded the  children  of  Jacob,  whose  name 
he  styled  Israel; 

35  With  whom  the  Lord  had  made  a  cove- 
nant, and  charged  them,  saying,  Ye  shall  not 
fear  other  gods,  nor  bow  yourselves  down  to 
them,  nor  serve  them,  nor  sacrifice  to  them ; 

36  But  the  Lord,  who  hath  brought  }ou 
up  out  of  the  land  of  Lgypt  with  great  might 
and  with  an  outstretched  arm, him  aloneshall  ye 


■■  Philippson  renders, 
1  Kings  sii.  31. 


'from  their  whole  mass,"  as  in 


2  KINGS  XVII.  XVIII. 


fear,  and    to    him    shall   ye    bow  yourselves 
down,  and  to  him  shall  ye  sacrifice; 

37  And  the  statutes,  and  the  ordinances, 
and  the  law,  and  the  commandment,  which 
he  hath  written  for  you,  shall  ye  observe  to 
do  for  all  time;  and  ye  shall  not  fear  other 
gods. 

38  And  the  covenant  that  I  have  made 
with  you  shall  ye  not  forget;  and  ye  shall 
not  fear  other  gods. 

31)  But  the  Lord  your  God  shall  ye  fear; 
and  he  will  deliver  you  out  of  the  hand  of 
all  your  enemies. 

40  Nevertheless  they  have  not  hearkened, 
but  they  act  after  their  former  manner. 

41  So  were  these  nations,  while  they  feared 
the  Lord,  also  serving  their  graven  images; 
and  both  their  children  and  their  children's 
children  do  until  this  day  as  their  fathers 
have  done." 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  ^[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  third  year 
of  Hosliea'  the  sou  of  Elah  the  king  of  Israel, 
that  Hezekiah,  the  son  of  Acliaz  the  king  of 
Judah, became  Icing. 

2  Twenty  and  live  years  old  was  he  when 
he  became  king,  and  twenty  and  nine  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem ;  and  his  mother's 
name  was  Abi,  the  daughter  of  Zechariah. 

3  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  David 
his  father  had  done. 

4  He  it  was  that  removed  the  high- 
places,  and  broke  the  statues,  and  cut  down 
the  groves,  and  stamped  in  pieces  the  copper 
serpent  that  Moses  had  made ;  for  unto  those 
days  were  the  children  of  Israel  burning  in- 
cense to  it :  and  he  called  it  Nechushtan.'' 

5  In  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  did  he  trust; 
and  after  him  there  was  not  his  like  amons; 
all  the  kings  of  Judah,  nor  among  those  that 
were  before  him. 

6  And  he  adhered  to  the  Lord,  and  turned 
not  away  from  following  him ;  but  he  kept  his 
commandments,  which  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded Moses. 

7  And  the  Lord  was  with  him;  whither- 

*  Ilerxheimer  comments,  "from  the  exile  of  the  ten 
tribes  till  that  of  Babylon,"  when  no  doubt  this  book  was 
written. 

*■  Kashi  and  otliers  suppose  that  IJczckiah  called  it  so, 


soever  he  went  forth  he  prospered:  and  he 
rebelled  against  the  king  of  Assyria,  and 
served  him  not. 

8  He  it  was  that  smote  the  Philistines,  as 
far  as  Gazzah.and  its  territory,  from  the  tower 
of  the  watchmen  up  to  the  ibrtified  city. 

9  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fourth  year 
of  king  Hezekiah,  which  was  the  seventh  year 
of  Iloshea'  the  son  of  Elah  the  king  of  Israel, 
that  Shalmanesser  the  king  of  Assyria  came 
up  against  Samaria,  and  besieged  it. 

10  And  they  captured  it  at  the  end  of 
three  years, — in  the  sixth  year  of  Hezekiah, 
that  is  the  ninth  year  of  Hoshea'  the  king  of 
Israel,  was  Samaria  captured. 

11  And  the  king  of  Assyria  led  away  Is- 
rael as  exiles  unto  Assyria,  and  transported 
them  to  Chalach  and  to  Chabor,  by  the  river 
of  Gozan,  and  to  the  cities  of  Media; 

12  Because  they  had  not  obeyed  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  their  God,  but  had  transgressed 
his  covenant,  all  that  Moses  the  servant  of 
the  Lord  had  commanded;  and  had  not  obey- 
ed, nor  done  accordingly. 

13  ^  And  in  the  Iburteenth  year  of  king 
Hezekiah  did  Sennacheril/  the  king  of  Assyria 
come  up  against  all  the  fortified  cities  of 
Judah,  and  seized  on  them. 

14  And  Hezekiah  the  king  of  Judah  sent 
to  the  king  of  Assyria  to  Lachish,  saying,  I 
have  sinned;  retire  from  me:  what  thou  wilt 
impose  on  me  will  I  bear.  And  the  king  of 
Assyria  exacted  I'rom  Hezekiah  the  king  of 
Judah  three  hundred  talents  of  silver  and 
thirty  talents  of  gold. 

15  And  Hezekiuli  gave  up  all  the  silver 
that  was  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
in  the  treasures  of  the  king's  house. 

16  At  that  time  did  Hezekiah  cut  ofi^  (the 
gold  from)  the  doors  of  the  temple  of  the 
Lord,  and  from  the  door-sills  which  Hezekiah 
the  king  of  Judah  had  overlaid,  and  gave  the 
same  to  the  king  of  Assyria. 

17  ][  And  the  king  of  Assyria  sent  Thar- 
than  and  Ral>sariss  and  Rabshakeh  from 
Lachish  to  king  Hezekiah  with  a  strong  army 
against  Jerusalem.  And  they  went  up  and 
came    to   Jerusalem;    and  when    they   were 


signifying,  "it  is  but  a  piece  of  copper;"  but  Zunz  and 
others  translate,  "and  people  called,"  &e.,  i.  e.  the  nanii/ 
under  which  it  was  worshipped. 
°  Corrcctlvj  Sancherib, 

iil 


2  KINGS  XVIII. 


come  up,  they  came  and  halted  by  the  aque- 
duct of  the  upper  pool,  which  is  on  the  high- 
way of  the  washer's  field." 

18  And  they  called  for  the  king,  when 
there  came  out  to  them  Elyakim  the  son  of 
Chilkiyahu,  who  was  superintendent  over  the 
house,  and  Shebnah  the  scribe,  and  Yotlch 
the  son  of  Assaph  the  recorder. 

19  And  Eabshakeh  said  unto  them,  Say 
ye  now  to  Hezekiah,  Thus  hath  said  the  great 
king,  the  king  of  Assyria,  What  confidence  is 
this  wheiewith  thou  hast  trusted ? 

20  Thou  saidst,  but''  it  was  onl}'  a  word 
uttered  with  the  lips,  (I  have)  counsel  and 
strength  for  the  war.  Now  on  whom  didst 
thou  trust,  that  thou  rebelledst  against  me? 

21  Now,  behold,  thou  triisteds..  :n3e  upon 
yon  cracked  reed-staft',  upon  Egypt,  which,  if  a 
man  lean  on  it,  will  enter  into  his  hand,  and 
pierce  it:  so  is  Pharaoh  the  king  of  Egypt 
unto  all  that  trust  on  him. 

22  But  if  ye  should  say  unto  me.  In  the 
Lord  our  God  have  we  trusted :  is  he  not  the 
one  whose  high-places  and  whose  altars  Heze- 
kiah hath  removed,  when  he  said  to  Judah 
and  to  Jerusalem,  Before  this  altar  shall  ye 
prostrate  yourselves  in  Jerusalem? 

23  And  now,  I  pray  thee,  enter  into  a  con- 
test with  my  master  the  king  of  Assyria,  and  I 
will  give  thee  two  thousand  horses,  if  thou  be 
able  on  thy  part  to  set  riders  upon  them. 

24  How  then  wilt  thou  turn  Isack  the  face 
of  a  single  chieftain  among  the  least  of  my 
master's  servants,  while  thou  hast  put  thy 
trust  on  Egypt  for  chariots  and  for  horsemen? 

25  Now  am  I  come  up  without  the  Lord  ('s 
will)  against  this  place  to  destroy  it?  The 
Lord  hath  said  to  me.  Go  up  against  this  land, 
and  destroy  it. 

26  Then  said  Elyakim  the  son  of  Chilki- 
yahu, and  Shebnah,  and  Yo'ach,  unto  Eabsha- 
keh, Speak,  we  pray  thee,  to  thy  servants  in 
the  Syi'ian  language;  for  we  understand  it: 
and  speak  not  with  us  in  the  Je^vish  language 
before  the  ears  of  the  people  that  are  on  the  wall. 

27  But  Kabshakeh  said  unto  them,  Hath 
my  master  then  sent  ine  to  thy  master,  and 
to  thee,  to  speak  these  words?  is  it  not  rather 


»  Others,  "fuller's  field." 

''  Kiifilii  eimiineiits,  "Tlum  Ijast  .said  till  imw,  Iwill  not 
serve!  the  king  of  Assyria;  but  this  was  mere  boasting 
while  he  came  not  from  his  place  :  but  now  it  requires 
448 


Lo  the  men  who  sit  on  the  wall,  that  they 
may  eat  their  own  excrement,  and  drink  their 
own  urine  with  you? 

28  Then  stood  Rabshakeh  up  and  called 
out  with  a  loud  voice  in  the  Jewish  language, 
and  spoke,  and  said.  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the 
great  king,  the  king  of  Assyria: 

29  Thus  hath  said  the  king,  Let  not  Heze- 
kiah deceive  you ;  for  he  will  not  be  able  to 
deliver  you  out  of  his  hand; 

30  Neither  let  Hezekiah  induce  you  to 
trust  in  the  Lord,  saying,  The  Lord  will  surely 
deliver  us,  and  this  city  will  not  be  given  up 
into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria: 

31  Hearken  not  to  Hezekiah ;  for  thus  hath 
said  the  king  of  Assyria,  Make  a  treaty  of 
peace  with  me,  and  come  out  to  me,  and  eat 
ye  every  man  of  liis  own  vine,  and  every  man 
of  his  tig-tree,  and  drink  ye  every  man  the 
waters  of  his  cistern  ; 

32  Until  I  come  and  take  you  away  to  a 
land  like  your  own  land,  a  land  of  corn  and 
wine,  a  land  of  bread  and  vineyards,  a  land 
of  oil-olive  trees,  and  of  honey,  that  ye  may 
live,  and  not  die;  and  hearken  not  unto  Heze- 
kiah; for''  he  will  mislead  you,  saying.  The 
Lord  will  deliver  us. 

33  Have  the  gods  of  the  nations  delivered 
in  anj'wise  each  his  land  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  king  of  Assyria? 

34  Where  are  the  gods  of  Chamath,  and 
of  Arpad?  where  are  the  gods  of  Sepharvayim, 
Hena',  and  'Ivvah?  have  they''  then  delivered 
Samaria  out  of  my  hand  ? 

35  Who  are  they  among  all  the  gods  of 
the  countries,  that  have  delivered  their  coun- 
try out  of  my  hand,  that  the  Lord  should  de- 
liver Jerusalem  out  of  my  hand  ? 

30  But  the  people  remained  silent,  and 
answered  him  not  a  w^ord;  for  it  was  the 
king's  command,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  answer 
him. 

37  Then  came  Elyakim  the  son  of  Ghilki- 
yah,  who  was  superintendent  over  the  liou.se, 
and  Shelfuah  the  scribe,  and  Yolich  the  son  of 
Assaph  the  recorder,  to  Hezekiah  with  their 
clothes  rent;  and  they  told  unto  him  the  words 
of  Eabshakeh. 


counsel  and  .strength  for  the  war."     Zunz,  "  Weauest  thou, 
that  only  a  wonl  of  the  lijis  is  counsel,"  &c. 

°  Others,  "when  he  wishes  to  persuade,"  &c. 

''  /'.  e.  The  godsof  iSanuiria.    o  is  b'>re  given  with  then. 


2  KINGS  XIX. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  king  Hozekiah 
heard  it,  that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and  covered 
himself  with  sackcloth,  and  went  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

2  And  he  sent  Elyakim,  who  was  superin- 
tendent over  the  house,  and  Shebnah  the 
scribe,  and  the  elders  of  the  priests,  covered 
with  sackcloth,  to  Isaiah"  the  prophet  the  son 
of  Amoz. 

3  And  they  said  unto  him.  Thus  hath  said 
Ilezekiah,  A  day  of  trouble,  and  of  rebuke, 
and  derision  is  this  day ;  for  the  children  are 
come  to  the  birth,  and  there  is  not  strength 
to  bring  forth. 

4  Perhaps  the  Lokd  thy  God  will  hear  all 
the  words  of  Rabshakeh,  whom  the  king  of 
Assyria  his  master  hath  sent  to  blaspheme 
the  living  God ;  and  who  hath  reproached  with 
the  words  which  the  Lokd  thy  God  hath 
heard :  wherefore  lift  up  a  prayer  in  behalf  of 
the  remnant  that  is  still  found  here. 

5  And  the  servants  of  king  Ilezekiah  came 
to  Isaiah. 

6  And  Isaiah  said  unto  them,  Tlius  shall 
ye  say  to  your  master,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Be  not  afraid  because  of  the  words 
which  thou  hast  heai'd,  with  which  the  bo^s 
of  the  king  of  Assyria  have  blasphemed  me. 

7  Behold,  I  will  put  an  (other)  spirit  in 
him,  that  when  he  will  hear  a  rumour,  he 
shall  return  to  his  own  land;  and  I  will  cause 
him  to  fall  by  the  sword  in  his  own  land. 

8  And  Rabshakeh  returned,  and  tbund 
the  king  of  Assyria  warring  against  Libnah ; 
for  he  had  heard  that  he  was  departed  from 
Lachish. 

9  And  he  heard  it  said  of  Thirhakah  the 
king  of  Ethiopia,  Behold,  he  is  come  out  to 
fight  with  thee;  and  he  again  sent  messengers 
unto  Hezekiah,  saving, 

10  Thus  shall  ye  say  to  Hezekiah  the  king 
of  Judah,  as  followeth.  Let  not  thy  God  in 
whom  thou  trustest  deceive  thee,  saying,  Je- 
rusalem shall  not  be  given  up  into  the  hand 
of  the  king  of  Assyria. 

11  Behold,  thou  thyself  hast  heard  what 
the  kings  of  Assyria  have  done  to    all  the 


'  Correctly,  Tesha'yahu. 

""  Philippson,  "he  returned,  but  sent  messengers." 
3  G 


lands,  by  destroying  them  utterly :   and  thou 
alone  shouldst  be  delivered  ? 

12  Have  the  gods  of  the  nations  which  my 
fathers  destroyed  delivered  them;  as  Gozan, 
and  Charau,  and  Rezeph,  and  the  children  of 
'Eden,  who  were  in  Thelassar  ? 

13  Where  is  the  king  of  Cliamath,  and  the 
king  of  Arpad,  and  the  king  of  the  city  of 
Sepharvayin"..  of  Hena',  and  'I\"vah  ? 

14  And  Hezekiah  took  the  letters  out  of 
the  hand  of  the  messengers,  and  read  them : 
and  Hezekiah  went  up  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  spread  them  out  Ix'fore  the  Lord. 

15  ][  And  Hezekiah  prayed  before  the 
Lord,  and  said,  0  Lord  God  of  Israel,  who 
dwellest  between  the  cherubims,  thou  art  the 
(true)  God,  thou  alone,  for  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  earth ;  for  it  is  thou  who  hast  made  the 
heavens  and  the  earth. 

16  Bend  down,  0  Lord,  thy  ear,  and  hear! 
open,  0  Lord,  thy  eyes,  and  see!  and  hear 
the  words  of  Sennacherib,  that"  which  he  hath 
sent  to  blaspheme  the  living  God. 

17  Truly,  Lord,  the  kings  of  Assyria  have 
devastated  the  nations  and  their  land, 

18  And  they  have  placed  their  gods  into 
the  fire ;  for  they  are  no  gods,  Ijut  tlie  work 
of  man's  hands,  wood  and  stone :  and  these 
have  they  destro3-ed. 

19  And  now,  0  Lord  our  God,  save  us.  I 
beseech  thee,  out  of  his  hand,  that  all  the 
kingdoms  of  the  earth  may  know  that  thou 
art  the  Lord  God,  thou  alone.'' 

20  ^  Then  sent  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  to 
Hezekiah,  saying.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  What  thou  hast  prayed  to 
me  concerning  Sennacherib  the  king  of  Assy- 
ria have  I  heard. 

21  This  is  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  over  him:  She  despiseth  thee,  she 
laugheth  thee  to  scorn,  the  virgin  daughter 
of  Zion ;  behind  thee  shaketh  her  head  the 
daughter  of  Jerusalem. 

22  Whom  hast  thou  Ijlaspliemed,  and 
(whom)  hast  thou  scorned?  and  against  whom 
hast  thou  raised  thy  voice,  and  lifted  up  thy 
eyes  on  high?  against  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

23  By  thy  messengers  thou  hast  blasphemed 
the  Lord,  and  hast  said,  With  the  multitude 


°  Others  refer  mSiy  to  the    messenger,   and    trausktt 
who  h:ith  .scut  Liui." 

''  Philippson,  "  that  thnu,  Lord,  art  God  alune." 

449 


2  KINGS  XIX.  XX. 


ol'  iny  chariots  am  I  indeed  come  up  to  the 
height  of  the  mountains,  to  the  sides  of  Leba- 
non, and  I  will  cut  down  its  tall  cedars,  the 
choice  of  its  fir-trees :  and  I  will  enter"  into 
the  lodginus  on  its  summit,  the  forest  of  its 
fruitful  soil. 

24  I  have  dug  and  drunk  strange''  waters, 
and  I  will  dry  up  with  the  sole  of  my  feet 
all  the  streams"  of  besieged  places.'' 

25  Hadst"  thou  not  heard  that  in  distant^ 
ages  I  had  prepared  this  ?  in  the  times  of  an- 
tiquity when  I  formed  it?  now  have  I  brought 
it  along,  and  it  came  to  pass,  to  desolate  into 
ruinous  heaps  fortified  cities. 

26  And  thus  their  inhabitants  were  short 
of  power,  they  were  dismayed  and  confound- 
ed ;  they  were  as  the  herbs  of  the  field,  and 
as  the  green  grass ;  as  the  moss  on  the  house- 
tops, and  as  corn  blasted  before  the  ear  ap- 
peareth. 

27  But  thy  abiding  and  thy  going  out  and 
thy  coming  in  do  I  know,  and  thy  raging 
against  me. 

28  Because  of  thy  raging  against  me  and 
thy  tumult  that  is  come  up  into  my  ears, 
will  I  put  my  hook  in  thy  nose,  and  my 
bridle  between  thy  lips;  and  I  will  cause 
thee  to  turn  back  on  the  way  by  which  thou 
earnest. 

29  And  this  shall  be  unto  thee''  the  sign, 
Ye  shall  eat  this  year  what  groweth  of  itself, 
and  in  the  second  year  what  springeth  up 
after  the  same ;  and  in  the  third  year  sow 
and  reap,  and  plant  vineyards,  and  eat  their 
fruit. 

30  And  the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Judah 
that  is  escaped  shall  yet  again  strike  root 
downward,  and  bear  fruit  upward. 

81  For  out  of  Jerusalem  shall  go  forth  a 
remnant,  and  that  which  escapeth  out  of 
mount  Zion :  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
will  do  this. 

o2  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 


"  Zuiiz  and  Arnheira,  "now  I  penetrate  to  its  utmo.st 
dwelling,  in  its  thick  forest."  liashi  and  other  Rabbins 
take  "the  mountains"  for  the  temple  mount,  "Lebanon" 
for  the  temple,  and  translate  the  last  clause,  "the  fatness 
of  its  land,  and  the  beauty  of  its  glory." 

'•  I  have  conquered  strange  countries,  and  marched 
througii  tiie  driest  places,  in  which  I  have  dug  wells  for 
my  army. 

"  My  infantry  have  been  so  numerous,  that  they  alone 
have   been  sufficient  to  dry  up  all  the   rivers  of  besieged 

m 


concerning  the  king  of  Assyria,  He  shall  not 
come  into  this  city,  and  he  shall  not  shoot 
an  arrow  thereon,  nor  come  before  it  with 
shield,  nor  cast  up  against  it  an  embankment. 

33  On  the  way  by  which  he  came,  by  the 
same  shall  he  return,  and  into  this  city  shall 
he  not  come,  saith  the  Lord. 

34  And  I  will  shield  this  city,  to  save  it, 
for  my  own  sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  David 
my  servant. 

35  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  on  the  same 
night,  that  an  angel  of  the  Lord  went  out 
and  smote  in  the  camp  of  the  Assyrians  one 
hundred  eighty  and  five  thousand  men :  and 
when  people  arose  early  in  the  morning,  Ije- 
hold,  they  were  all  dead  corpses. 

36  And  Sennacherib  the  king  of  Assjria 
then  departed,  and  went  and  returned,  and 
dwelt  at  Nineveh. 

37  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  prostrat- 
ing himself  in  the  house  of  Nisroch  his  god, 
that  Adranunelech  and  Sharezer  his  sons 
smote  him  with  the  sword:  and  they  escaped 
into  the  land  of  Ararat.  And  Essar-chaddon 
his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^[  In  tho.se  days  Hezekiah  fell  sick  untt 
death;  and  there  came  to  him  Isaiah  the  son 
of  Amoz  the  prophet,  and  said  unto  him. 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Give  thy  charge  to 
thy  house ;''  for  thou  shalt  die,  and  not  live." 

2  Then  did  he  turn  his  face  to  the  wall, 
and  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  saying, 

3  I  beseech,  thee,  0  Lord,  remember  now 
that  I  have  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and 
with  an  undivided  heart,  and  have  done  what 
is  good  in  thy  eyes.  And  Hezekiah  wept 
aloud.'' 

4  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  before  Isaiah 
was  gone  out  into  the  middle  court,  that  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  to  him,  saying, 

5  Eeturn,  and  say  to  Hezekiah  the  ruler 


places,  either  by  drinking  them,  or  diverting  their  course 
into  other  channels. 

'' After  Rash i.  Others,  "of  Mazor"  or  "Egypt."  Jona- 
than, "  deep  rivers." 

°  Here  recommence  God's  words  to  Sennacherib. 

'  Rashi,  after  Massorah,  "  Hadst  thou  not  heard  afar  of 
what  I  had  decreed  ?"  *  Hezekiah. 

^  i.  e.  "  JIake  thy  will,"  which  was  the  more  necessary, 
as  he  had  at  that  time  no  children. 

'  Philippson  and  others,  "not  recover," 

''  Heb.  "with  n  great  weeping." 


2  KINGS  XX.  XXI. 


of  my  people,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  David  thj  father,  I  have  heard  thy 
prayer,  I  have  seen  thy  tears;  behold,  I  will 
heal  thee :  on  the  third  day  shalt  thou  go  up 
unto  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

G  And  I  will  add  unto  thy  days  fifteen 
years ;  and  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  As- 
syria will  I  deliver"  thee  and  this  city;  and  I 
will  shield  this  city  for  my  own  sake,  and  for 
the  sake  of  David  my  servant. 

7  And  Isaiah  said.  Fetch  a  lump  of  figs. 
And  they  fetched  and  laid  it  on  the  inflamma- 
tion,'' and  he  recovered. 

8  And  Hezekiah  said  unto  Isaiah,  What 
sign  shall  there  lie  that  the  Lord  will  heal 
me,  and  that  I  shall  go  up  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord  the  third  day  ? 

9  And  Isaiah  said,  This  shall  be  unto  thee 
the  sign  from  the  Lord,  that  the  Lord  will  do 
the  thing  that  he  hath  spoken :  Shall  the  sha- 
dow go  forward  ten  degrees,  or  go  back  ten 
degrees  ? 

10  And  Hezekiah  said.  It  is  a  light  thing 
for  the  shadow  to  go  forward  ten  degrees: 
no;  but  let  the  shadow  return  backward  ten 
degrees. 

11  And  Isaiah  the  prophet  called  unto  the 
Lord;  and  he  caused  the  shadow  to  return, 
by  the  degrees  which  the  (sun)  was  gone 
down  on  the  dial  of  Achaz,  backward,  ten 
degrees. 

12  ^  And  at  that  time  sent  Berodacli-bala- 
dan,  the  son  of  Baladan,  the  king  of  Babylon, 
letters  and  a  present  unto  Hezekiah ;  for  he 
had  heard  that  Hezekiah  had  been  sick. 

13  And  Hezekiah  listened  unto  them,  and 
showed  them  the  whole  of  his  treasure- 
house,"  the  silver,  and  the  gold,  and  the 
spices,  and  the  precious  oil,  and  the  whole  of 
his  armour-house,  and  all  that  was- found  in 
his  treasures :  there  was  nothing  that  Heze- 
kiah showed  them  not,  in  his  house  and  in 
all  his  dominion. 

14  Then  came  Isaiah  the  prophet  unto 
king  Hezekiah,  and  said  unto  him.  What  did 
these  men  say?  and  whence  did  they  come 
unto  thee  ?  And  Hezekiah  said,  From  a  for 
otf  country  are  they  come,  from  Baljylon. 


"  I.  e.  He  shiill  not  return  after  the  event  noted  above, 
xix.  35. 

^  Perhaps  the  bubos  oommon  iu  the  plague,  by  which 
some  suppose  that  the  Assyrian  army  was  so  suddenly  de- 
stroyed, and  which  afterward  or  at  the  same  time  attacked 


15  And  he  said,  What  did  they  see  in  thy 
house?  And  Hezekiah  answei'ed.  All  that  is 
in  my  house  have  they  seen  :  there  was  nothing 
that  I  did  not  show  them  in  my  treasures. 

16  ^  And  Isaiah  said  unto  Hezekiah,  Hear 
the  w^ord  of  the  Lord, 

17  Behold,  days  are  coming,  when  all  that 
is  iu  thy  house,  and  that  wdiich  thy  fathers 
ha\'e  laid  up  in  store  until  this  day,  shall  be; 
carried  to  Babylon:  nothing  shall  be  left,  saith 
the  Lord. 

18  And  of  thy  sons  that  will  issue  from 
thee,  whom  thou  wilt  beget,  shall  they  take ; 
and  they  shall  be  court-servants  in  the  palace 
of  the  king  of  Baljylon. 

19  Then  said  Hezekiah  unto  Isaiah,  Good 
is  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  thou  hast 
spoken.  And  he  said,  Is  it  not  so,  if  there  be 
peace  and  stability'*  in  my  days  ? 

20  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Hezekiah, 
and  all  his  mighty  deeds,  and  how  he  made 
the  pool,  and  the  aqueduct,  and  brought  the 
water  into  the  city,  l>ehold,  they  are  written 
in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

21  And  Hezekiah  .slept  with  his  fathers: 
and  Menasseh  his  son  became  king  in  his 
stead. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ][  Twelve  years  old  was  Menasseh  when 
he  became  king,  and  fifty  and  five  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Chephzi-bah. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  after  the  abominable  acts  of  the  na- 
tions whom  the  Lord  had  dri\'en  out  before 
the  children  of  Israel. 

3  And  he  built  up  again  the  high-places 
which  Hezekiah  his  father  had  destro3'ed;  and 
he  reared  up  altars  for  Ba'al,  and  made  a 
grove,"  as  Achab  the  king  of  Israel  had  done; 
and  he  bowed  down  to  all  the  host  of  heaven, 
and  served  them. 

4  And  he  built  altars  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  of  which  the  Lord  had  said,  In  Jerusa- 
lem will  I  put  my  name. 

5  And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  host  of 

the  king  of  Judah.     The  angel  was  thus  a  natural  agent^ 
not  rare  in  the  East;  the'  the  wonder  was  equally  great. 

°  Rasbi  renders  injj  as  in  Gen.  sxxvii.  '2.5,  with  "spices.'' 

"■  Others,  literally,  "  truth." 

'  Philippson,  "an  Astarte."    Zuu/.,  "an  Aslicrali  " 

•151 


2  KINGS  XXI.  XXII. 


heaven  in  the  two  courts  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

6  And  he  caused  his  sou  to  pass  through 
the  fire,  and  observed  times,  and  used  en- 
chantments, and  dealt  with  flimiliar  spirits 
and  wizards :  he  wrought  much  that  is  evil 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to 
inger. 

7  And  he  set  a  hewn  image  of  the  Asherah 
that  he  had  made  in  the  house,  of  which  the 
Lord  had  said  to  David,  and  to  Solomon  his 
son,  In  this  house,  and  in  Jerusalem,  which  I 
have  chosen  out  of  all  tribes  of  Israel,  will  I 
put  my  name  for  ever: 

8  And  I  will  not  cause  any  more  tlie  foot 
of  Israel  to  move  out  of  the  land  which  I  gave 
their  fathers;  only  if  they  will  observe  to  act 
in  accordance  with  all  that  I  have  command- 
ed them,  and  in  accordance  with  all  the  law 
that  my  servant  Moses  conmianded  them. 

9  But  they  hearkened  not:  and  Menasseh 
seduced  them  to  do  what  is  evil  more  than 
the  nations  whom  the  Lord  had  destroyed  be- 
fore the  children  of  Israel. 

10  ][  And  the  Lord  spoke  by  means  of  his 
servants  the  prophets,  saying, 

11  Forasmuch  as  Menasseh  the  king  of 
Judah  hath  done  these  abominations,  having 
done  wickedly  more  than  all  that  the  Emo- 
rites  had  done,  who  were  before  him,  and 
hath  induced  Judah  also  to  sin  with  his  idols: 

12  T[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  bring  evil  upon 
Jerusalem  and  Judah,  at  which  both  the  ears 
of  every  one  that  hearetli  it  shall  tingle. 

13  And  I  will  stretch  over  Jerusalem  the 
measure-line*  of  Samaria,  and  the  plummet 
of  the  liouse  of  Achalj:  and  I  will  wijie  oft' 
Jerusalem  as  one  wipeth  off  a  dish,  wiping  it, 
and  turning  it  on  its  tace. 

14  And  I  will  forsake  the  renuiant  of  my 
inheritance,  and  give  them  up  into  tlie  hand 
of  their  enemies;  and  they  shall  become  a 
prey  and  a  spoil  to  all  their  enemies ; 

15  Foi'asmuch  as  they  have  done  what  is 
evil  in  my  eyes,  and  have  Ijeen  provoking  me 
to  anger,  from  the  day  that  their  fathers  came 
forth  out  of  Egypt,  even  until  this  day. 

16  And  also  innocent  blood  did  Menasseh 
shed  in  very  great  abundance,  till  he  had  filled 


'  !\Inaniiiii,  tlio  same  measure  of  justice  which  ovcr- 

whi'liii  cl  Siimariu  should  bo  luctoil  out  to  .Jvrusalciii. 
■16'.: 


(therewith)  Jerusalem  from  one  end  to  an- 
other; beside  his  sin  wherewith  he  induced 
Judah  to  sin,  to  do  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord. 

17  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Menasseh, 
and  all  that  he  did,  and  his  sin  that  he  com- 
mitted, behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah. 

18  And  Menasseh  slept  with  his  fathei's, 
and  was  buried  in  the  garden  of  his  own 
house,  in  the  garden  of  'Uzza'' :  and  Amon  his 
son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

19  T[  Twenty  and  two  years  old  was  Amon 
when  he  became  king,  and  two  years  did  he 
reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's  name 
was  Meshullemeth,  the  daughter  of  Charuz 
of  Yotbah. 

20  And- he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  as  his  fixther  Menas.seh  had  clone. 

21  And  he  walked  in  all  the  way  that  his 
father  had  walked  in,  and  served  the  idols 
that  his  father  had  served,  and  bowed  him- 
self down  to  them ; 

22  And  he  forsook  the  Lord  the  God  of 
his  fathers,  and  walked  not  in  the  way  of  the 
Lord. 

23  And  the  servants  of  Amon  conspired 
against  him,  and  put  the  king  to  death  in  his 
own  house. 

24  And  the  people  of  the  land  slew  all 
those  that  had  conspired  against  king  Amon; 
and  the  people  of  the  land  made  Josiah"  his 
son  king  in  his  stead. 

25  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Anion  which 
he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Judah. 

2G  And  they  buried  him  in  his  sepulchre 
in  the  garden  of 'Uzza:  and  Josiah  his  son 
became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  Tf  Eight  years  old  was  Josiah  when  he 
became  king,  and  thirty  and  one  years  did  he 
reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's  name 
was  Yedidah,  the  daughter  of 'Adayah  of  Boz- 
kath. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  and  walked  in  all  the  way  of  David 
his  father,  and  turned  not  aside  to  the  right 
or  to  the  left. 


i.  e.  Not  in  the  sepulchre  of  the  aucieut  king.s 
Correctly,  Yoshi'i/tihu. 


2  Kings  xxii. 


3  *f[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  eighteenth 
year  of  king  Josiali,  that  the  king  sent  Sha- 
phan  the  son  of  Azal_vahn,  the  son  of  Meshul- 
1am,  the  scribe,  to  the  house  of  the  Lord,  say- 

ing, 

4  Go  up  to  Cliilkij-ahn  tlie  high-priest,  that 
he  may  collect"  up  all  the  money  which  is 
brought  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  which 
the  door-keejjers  haA'e  gathered  from  the  peo- 
ple: 

5  And  let  them  deliver  it  into  the  hand  of 
those  who  overlook  the  workmen,  that  have 
been  appointed  as  overseers  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord;  and  let  them  gi^'e  it  to  those  who 
do  the  work  who  are  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
to  repair  the  breaches  of  the  house ; 

6  Unto  the  carpenters,  and  the  builders, 
and  the  masons,  and  to  buv  timber  and  hewn 
stones  to  repair  the  house. 

7  Nevertheless  shall  there  be  no  reckoning 
made  with  them  for  the  money  that  is  deli- 
vered into  their  hand,  because  they  deal  faith- 

8  And  Chilkiyahu  the  high-priest  said  unto 
Shaphau  the  scribe,  A  book  of  the  law  have 
I  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And  Chil- 
kiyah  gave  the  book  to  Shaphan,''  and  he 
read  it. 

9  And  Shaphan  the  scribe  came  to  the 
kincf,  and  brought  the  king  word  again,  and 
said.  Thy  servants  have  taken  out  all  the 
money  that  was  found  in  the  house,  and  have 
delivered  it  into  the  hand  of  those  who  over- 
look the  workmen,  tliat  have  been  appointed 
overseers  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

10  And  Shaphan  the  scribe  also  told  the 
king,  saying,  A  book  hath  Chilkiyahu  tlie 
priest  given  me.  And  Shaphan  read  it  before 
the  king. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
had  heard  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  law, 
that  he  rent  his  clothes. 

12  And  the  king  commanded  Chilkiyah 
the  priest,  and  Achikam  the  son  of  Shaphan. 
and  'Achbor  the  son  of  Michayah,  and  Sha- 
phan the  scribe,  and  Wssahyah  a  servant  of 
the  king's,  saying, 

*  Philippson,  "shall  pay  out." 

'  It  is  possible  enough,  that  during  the  long  reign  of 
Menasseh,  the  books  of  the  law  had  become  scarce,  at 
least  among  the  courtiers  and  priests;  or  it  may  have 
been  the  autograph  of  Moses  which  Chilkiyahu  had  dis- 
ooverel.     It  is  absurd  to  suppose  that  it  was  then  first 


13  Go  ye,  inquire  of  the  Lord  in  my  be- 
half, and  in  behalf  of  the  people,  and  in  be- 
half of  all  Judah,  concerning  the  words  of 
this  book  that  hath  been  found ;  for  great  is 
the  wrath  of  the  Lord  that  hath  been  kin- 
dled against  us,  because  our  fothers  did  not 
hearken  unto  the  words  of  this  book,  to  do 
in  accordance  with  all  that  is  prescribed  con- 
cerning us. 

li  And  Chilkiyahu  the  priest,  and  Achi- 
kam, and  'Achbor,  and  Shaphan,  and  'Assah- 
yah,  went  unto  Chuldah  the  prophetess,  the 
wife  of  Shallum  the  son  of  Tikvah  the  son  of 
Charchass,  the  keeper  of  the  wardrobe  f  (now 
she  dwelt  in  Jerusalem  in  the  suburb;)''  and 
they  spoke  unto  her. 

15  And  she  said  unto  them,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  Say  unto  the 
man  that  hath  .sent  you  to  me, 

16  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
bring  evil  upon  this  place,  and  upon  its  in- 
habitants, all  the  w'ords  of  the  book  which 
the  king  of  Judah  hath  re&d ; 

17  Because  they  have  forsaken  me,  and 
have  burnt  incen.se  unto  other  gods,  in  order 
to  provoke  me  to  anger  with  all  the  works  of 
their  hands:  therefore  is  my  wrath  kindled 
against  this  place,  and  shall  not  he  quenched. 

18  But  with  respect  to  the  king  of  Judah 
who  sendeth  you  to  inquire  of  the  Lord, 
thus  shall  ye  say  to  him.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  Concerning  the  words 
which  thou  hast  heard; 

19  Because  thy  heart  was  tender,  and  thou 
hast  humbled  thyself  before  the  Lord,  when 
thou  heardest  what  I  had  spoken  against 
this  place,  and  against  its  inhabitants,  that 
they  should  become  an  astonishment  and  a 
curse,  and  hast  rent  thy  clothes,  and  wept 
before  me:  I  also  have  heard  it,  saith  the 
Lord. 

20  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  gather  thee 
unto  thy  lathers,  and  thou  shalt  be  gathered 
unto  thy  graves  in  peace ;  and  th}-  eyes  shall 
not  look  on  all  the  evil  which  I  am  bringing 
over  this  place.  And  they  brouglit  the  king 
word  again. 


composed ;  as  the  whole  history  of  Israel  proves  that  its 
con/eiils  were  at  least  traditionally  known. 

'  Heb.  "garments." 

■^  Rashi,  "outside  the  first  wall,  and  between  it  and  the 
second."  Jonathan,  "college."  Zuuz,  "in  the  second 
quarter  of  the  city." 

453 


2  ICINGS  XXTIl 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  And  the  king  sent,  and  they  gathered 
unto  him  all  the  elders  of  Judah  and  Jeru- 
salem. 

2  And  the  king  went  up  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  and  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  all 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  with  him,  and 
the  priests,  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  peo- 
ple, from  the  small  to  the  great:  and  he  read 
before  their  ears  all  the  words  of  the  book  of 
the  covenant  which  had  been  found  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

3  And  the  king  stood  upon  the  stand,  and 
he  made  a  covenant  before  the  Lord,  to  walk 
after  the  Lord,  and  to  keep  his  command- 
ments, and  his  testimonies  and  his  statutes 
with  all  (their)  heart  and  all  (their)  soul,  to 
maintain  the  words  of  this  covenant  that  are 
written  in  this  book.  And  all  the  people 
entered  into  the  covenant. 

4  And  the  king  commanded  Chilkiyahu 
the  high-priest,  and  the  priests  of  the  second 
order,  and  the  door-keepers,  to  carry  forth  out 
of  the  temple  of  the  Lord  all  the  vessels  that 
had  been  made  for  Ba'al,  and  for  the  Asheralj, 
and  for  all  the  host  of  heaven :  and  they" 
burnt  them  without  Jerusalem  in  the  fields 
of  Kidron,  and  carried  their  ashes  unto 
Beth-el. 

5  And  he  put  down*"  the  idolatrous  priests, 
whom  the  kings  of  Judah  had  appointed  that 
they  might  burn  incense  on  the  high-places 
in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  the  places  round 
about  Jerusalem;  those  also  that  burnt  in- 
cense unto  Ba'al,  to  the  sun,  and  to  the  moon, 
and  to  the  planets,"  and  to  all  the  host  of 
heaven. 

6  And  he  brought  out  the  Asherah  from 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  without  Jerusalem, 
inito  the  brook  Kidron,  and  burnt  it  at  the 
brook  Kidron,  and  ground  it  small  to  powder, 
and  cast  its  powder  upon  the  graves  of  the 
cliildren  of  the  people. 

7  And  he  pulled  down  the  houses  of  the 
sodomites,''   that  were  by"  the  house  of  the 


'  Heb.  "he,"  i.  c.  any  one  that  did  the  act  spoken  of; 
the  indefinite  "they"  in  English,  "man"  in  German, 
and  "on"  in  French. 

"  Ileb.  "caused  to  cease." 

'■  Others,  "the  constelhitions  of  the  zodiac." 

''  .\s  elsewhere,idolatry  had  caused  demoralization. 

'  'Axuw.  and  others,  "in." 
464 


Lord,  where  the  women  wove  hangings  foi 
the  Asherah. 

8  And  he  brought  all  the  priests  out  of  the 
cities  of  Judah,  and  defiled  the  high-places 
where  the  priests  had  burnt  incense,  from 
Geba'  to  Beer-sheba',  and  he  pulled  down  the 
high-places  of  the  gates  that  were  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  gate  of  Joshua  the  governor  of 
the  city,  which  were  on  a  man's  left  at  the 
gate  of  the  city. 

9  Nevertheless  the  priests  of  the  high-places 
came  not  up  to  the  altar  of  the  Lord  in  Jeru- 
salem ;  but  they  ate  unleavened  bread  in  the 
midst  of  their  brethren. 

10  And  he  defiled  the  Thoplieth,  which 
was  in  the  valley  Ben-hinnom,  so  that  no 
man  should  cause  his  son  or  his  daughter  to 
pass  through  the  fire  to  Molech. 

11  And  he  put  down  the  horses  that  the 
kings  of  Judah  had  dedicated  to  the  sun,  from 
the  entrance  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,^  by 
the  chamber  of  Nethan-melech  the  chamber- 
lain, who  was  over  the  suburbs;  and  the  cha- 
riots of  the  sun  he  burnt  with  fire. 

12  And  the  altars  that  were  on  the  roof 
of  the  upper-chamber  of  Achaz,  which  the 
kings  of  Judah  had  made,  and  the  altars 
which  Menasseh  had  made  in  the  two  courts 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  did  the  king  pull 
down,  and  tore  them  away  from  there,  and 
cast  their  dust  into  the  brook  Kidron. 

13  And  the  high-places  that  were  before 
Jerusalem,  which  were  to  the  right  of  the 
mount  of  destruction,^  which  Solomon  the 
king  of  Israel  had  built  for  'Ashtoreth  the 
abomination  of  the  Zidonians,  and  for  Ke- 
mosh  the  abomination  of  the  Moiibites,  and 
for  Milcom  the  abomination  of  the  children 
of  'Ammon,  did  the  king  defile. 

14  And  he  broke  in  pieces  the  standing 
images,  and  cut  down  the  Asherah-groves, 
and  filled  their  places  with  the  bones  of  men. 

15  So  also  the  altar  that  was  at  Beth-el, 
the  high-place  which  Jerobo'am  the  son  of 
Nebat,  who  induced  Israel  to  sin,  had  made, 
— also  that  altar  and  the  high-place  did  he 


'  Zunz  and  Arnheim,  "And  he  prevented  the  horse.? 
which  the  kings  of  Judah  had  dedicated  to  the  sun,  from 
coming  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  (and  put  them)  into 
the  cell  of  Nethan-melech,"  &c. 

*  i.  e.  The  Mount  of  Olives;  so  called  here  in  disgrace 
for  the  idols  worshipped  there.  (See  note  to  2  Sam 
xi.  21.) 


2  KINGS  Xxm. 


pull  down;  and  he  burnt  the  high-place, 
ground  it  small  to  powder,  and  burnt  then 
the  Apherah. 

16  And  Josiah  turned  about,  and  beheld 
the  graves  that  were  there  in  the  mount,  and 
he  sent,  and  took  the  bones  out  of  the  sepul- 
chres, and  burnt  them  upon  the  altar,  and 
polluted  it,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
which  the  man  of  God  proclaimed,  who  had 
J.  roelaimed  these  events. 

17  Then  said  he,  What  kind  of  monument 
IS  that  which  I  see?  And  the  men  of  the 
cit}-  said  to  him,  It  is  the  grave  of  the  man 
of  God,  who  came  from  Judah,  and  proclaim- 
ed these  things  which  thou  liast  done  against 
the  altar  of  Beth-el. 

IS  And  he  said,  Let  him  rest:  no  man 
shall  disturb  his  bones.  So  they  saved  his 
))oues,  with  the  bones  of  the  prophet  that 
came  out  of  Samaria. 

19  And  also  all  the  hou.ses  of  the  high- 
places  that  were  in  the  cities  of  Samaria, 
which  the  kings  of  Israel  had  made  as  provo- 
cations to  anger,"  did  Josiah  remove,  and  did 
to  them  in  accordance  with  all  the  acts  that 
he  had  done  in  Beth-el. 

20  And  he  slaughtered  all  the  priests  of 
the  high-places  that  were  there  upon  the 
altars,  and  burnt  men's  bones  upon  them, 
and  returned  (then)  to  Jerusalem. 

21  And  the  king  commanded  all  the  peo- 
ple, saying,  Keep''  the  passover  unto  the  Lord 
your  God,  as  it  is  written  in  this  book  of  the 
covenant. 

22  For  there  had  not  been  liolden  such  a 
passover  from  the  days  of  the  judges  that 
judged  Israel;  nor  in  all  the  days  of  the 
kings  of  Israel,  and  of  the  kings  of  Judah; 

23  But  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jo- 
siah was  this  passover  holden  to  the  Lord  in 
Jerusalem. 

24  And  also  the  men  of  familiar  spirits, 
and  the  wizards,  and  the  teraphim,  and  the 
idols,  and  all  the  abominations  tb.at  were  to 
be  seen  in  the  land  of  Judah  and  in  Jerusa- 
lem, did  Josiah  clear  away;  in  order  that  he 
might  accomplish  the  words  of  the  law  which 

*  i.  e.  Of  the  Lord. 

^  Zuuz,  "Prepare  the  passover-sacrifices;"  and  so  also 
in  verse  22. 

°  It  seems  that  Josiah  went  out  to  intercept  the  march 
o(  Nechoh,  and  that  the  armies  met  at  Megiddo  (or  Me- 
giddon>  where  Josiah  lost  his  life  in  the  battle  which  en- 


were  written  in  the  book  that  ChilkivMhii  the 
priest  had  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

25  And  like  unto  him  there  was  no  king 
before  him,  that  returned  to  the  Lord  with 
all  his  heart,  and  with  all  his  soul,  and  with 
all  his  might,  according  to  all  the  law  of 
Mo.ses;  and  after  him  there  arose  none  like 
him. 

26  Notwithstanding  this  the  Lord  turned 
not  from  the  fierceness  of  his  great  anger, 
since  his  anger  was  kindled  against  Judah, 
because  of  all  the  provokings  wherewith  Me- 
nasseh  had  provoked  him  to  anger. 

27  And  the  Lord  said,  Also  Judah  will  I 
remove  out  of  my  sight,  as  I  have  removed 
Israel,  and  will  cast  ofi'this  city  which  I  have 
chosen,  even  Jerusaleiti,  and  the  house  of 
which  I  said,  My  name  shall  be  there. 

28  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Josiah.  and 
all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Ju- 
dah. 

29  In  his  days  went  up  Pharaoh-nechoh 
the  king  of  Egypt  against  the  king  of  As.syria 
to  the  river  Euphrates :  and  king  Josiah  went 
against  him;  and  he  slew  him  at  Megiddo, 
when  he  saw  him." 

30  And  his  servants  caiTied  him  dying  in 
a  chariot  from  Megiddo,  and  brought  him  to 
Jerusalem,  and  buried  him  in  his  own  sepul- 
chre. And  the  people  of  the  land  took  Je- 
hoachaz  the  son  of  Josiah,  and  anointed'*  him, 
and  made  him  king  in  his  fiither's  stead. 

31  ^f  Twenty  and  three  years  old  was  Je- 
hoachaz  when  he  became  king;  and  three 
months  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mother's  name  was  Chamutal,  the  daughter 
of  Jeremiah"  of  Libnah. 

32  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  all  just  as  his  fathers  had  done. 

33  And  Pharaoh-nechoh  put  him  in  fetters 
at  Riblah  in  the  land  of  Chamath,  that  he 
should  not  reign  in  Jerusalem,  and  imposed 
a  fine  on  the  land  of  a  hundred  talents  of  sil- 
ver, and  a  talent  of  gold. 

34  And  Pharaoh-nechoh  made  Elyakim 
the  son  of  Josiah  king  in  the  room  of  Josiah 


sued.    "Seeing  each  other  face  to  face"  means  "to  meet 
in  battle."     (See  above,  xiv.  8.) 

^  It  is  noticed  that  he  was  younger  than  Elyakim 
wherefore  he  was  anointed,  which  was  only  done  at  a  dis 
puted  succession,  as  with  Solomon  and  Joiish. 

'  Properly,  Yirmeyahu. 

43.5 


2  KINGS  XXITI.  XXIV. 


his  father,  and  changed  his  name  to  Jehoya- 
kim,  and  took  JehoJichaz  away :  and  he  came 
to  Egypt,  and  died  there. 

35  And  Jehoyakim  gave  the  silver  and 
the  gokl  to  Pharaoh ;  but  he  taxed"  the  kind 
to  give  the  money  by  the  order  of  Pharaoh : 
from  every  one  according  to  his  estimation 
did  he  exact  the  silver  and  gold  from  the 
people  of  the  land,  to  give  it  unto  Pharaoh- 
nechoh. 

36  ^  Twenty  and  five  3'ears  old  was  Je- 
hoyakim when  he  became  king;  and  eleven 
years  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mothers  name  was  Zeljudah,  the  daughter  of 
Peda^ah  of  Rumah. 

37  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  all  just  as  his  fothers  had  done. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  In  his  days  came  up  Nebuchadnezzar 
the  king  of  Baljylon,  and  Jehoyakim  became 
his  servant  for  three*'  years:  and  then  he 
turned'  and  rebelled  against  him. 

2  And  the  Lord  sent  against  him  preda- 
tory bands  of  the  Chaldeans,*  and  predatory 
bands  of  the  Syrians,  and  predatory  bands  of 
the  Moiibites,  and  predatory  bands  of  the 
children  of  "Amnion,  and  sent  them  against 
Judah  to  destroy  it,  according  to  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  which  he  had  spoken  by  means  of 
his  servants  the  prophets. 

3  But  only  at  the  order  of  the  Lord  came 
this  upon  Judah,  to  remove  the  same  out  of 
his  sight,  ibr  the  sins  of  Menasseh,  in  accord- 
ance with  all  that  he  had  done; 

4  And  also  for  the  innocent  blood  that  he 
had  shed;  for  he  had  filled  Jerusalem  with  in- 
nocent blood ;  wherefore  the  Lord  would  not 
pardon. 

5  Now  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoyakim, 
and  all  that  he  did,  behold,  they  are  written 
in  the  book  of  the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of 
Judah. 

6  And  Jehoyakim  slept  with  his  fathers : 
and  Jehoyachin  his  son  became  king  in  his 
stead. 

7  And  the  king  of  Egypt  came  no  more 


"  Lit.  "estimated,"  /'.  e.  how  ranch  each  was  to  give. 
'  From   the  fourth  year  of  this  king  commences  the 
Babylonian  exile  of  seventy  years. 

'  Zunz,  and  others,  "ho  again  rebelled,"  &c. 
"  Heb.  "Cas.odiin." 
■1-30 


again  out  of  his  land ;  for  the  king  of  Babylon 
had  taken  from  the  brook  of  Egypt  unto  thf 
river  Euphrates  all  that  had  pertained  to  the 
king  of  Egypt. 

8  TJ  Eighteen  years  old  was  JehoyacLin 
when  he  became  king,  and  three  months  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Nechushta,  the  daughter  of  Ehia- 
than  of  Jerusalem. 

9  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  all  just  as  that  his  father  had  done. 

10  At  that  time  the  servants  of  Nebuch^id- 
nezzar  the  king  of  Babylon  came  up  against 
Jerusalem,  and  the  city  was  put  in  a  state  of 
siege. 

11  And  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon came  against  the  city,  while  his  servants 
were  besieging  it. 

12  And  Jehoyachin  the  king  of  Judah 
went  out  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  he,  and  his 
mother,  and  his  servants,  and  his  princes,  and 
his  court-officers:  and  the  king  of  Babylon 
took  him  (captive)  in  the  eighth  year  of  his 
reign. 

13  And  he  carried  out  thence  all  the  trea- 
sures of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  trea- 
sures of  the  king's  house,  and  cut"  in  pieces 
a.ll  the  vessels  of  gold  which  Solomon  the  king 
of  Israel  had  made  in  the  temple  of  the  Lord, 
as  the  Lord  had  spoken. 

14  And  he  led  away  as  exiles  all  Jerusalem, 
and  all  the  princes,  and  all  the  mighty  men 
of  valour,  ten  thousand  exiles,  and  all  the 
ci\aftsnien'  and  locksmiths :  there  was  none 
left,  save  the  poorest  sort  of  the  people  of  the 
land. 

15  And  he  led  away  Jehoyachin  as  exile 
to  Babylon ;  and  the  king's  mother,  and  the 
king's  wives,  and  his  court-officers,  and  the 
mighty  men  of  the  land,  he  led  into  exile 
from  Jerusalem  to  Babylon. 

16  And  all  the  men  of  might,  seven  thou- 
sand (in  number),  and  the  craftsmen  and  the 
locksmiths  a  thousand  (in  number),  all  strong 
men,  apt  for  war;  and  the  king  of  Babylon 
brought  them  into  exile  to  Babylon. 

17  And  the  king  of  Babylon  made  Mattan- 


'  Philippson,  "cut  loose,"  i.  e.  "removed  them  from 
their  fastenings."  Herxheimer,  "  cut  oif  the  surface,"  and 
refers  to  above,  xviii.  6. 

'Others,  "smiths."  The  removal  of  the  oraftsnict 
was  a  state  policy  to  render  the  others  dependi  iit. 


^  KINGS  XXIV.  XXV. 


yali  his  uncle  kint;'  in  liis  stead,  ami  changed 
his  name  to  Zedekiah." 

iS  ^  Twenty  and  one  years  old  was  Zede- 
kiali  when  he  became  king,  and  eleven  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  '"hamutal.  the  daughter  of  Jere- 
miali  of  Libuidi. 

19  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  all  jnst  as  Jehojakim  had  done. 

'20  For  through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it 
occurred  in  Jerusalem  and  Judali,  until  he 
had  cast  them  out  from  his  presence,  that* 
Zedekiah  rebelled  against  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  jDass  in  the  ninth  year 
of  his  reign,  in  the  tenth  month,  on  the  tenth 
of  the  month,  that  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king 
of  Bab3"lon  came,  he,  and  all  his  host,  against 
Jerusalem,  and  encamped  against  it;  and 
they  built  a  mound"  all  round  about  it. 

2  And  the  city  was  put  in  a  state  of  siege 
luitil  the  eleventh  year  of  ki)ig  Zedekiah. 

3  And  on  the  nintli  of  the  montli,''  when 
the  famine  prevailed  in  the  city,  and  there 
was  no  bread  for  the  people  of  the  land  : 

4  The  city  was  broken  into,  and  all  the 
men  of  war  (tied)  in  the  night  by  the  way  of 
the  gate  between  the  two  walls,  which  w^as 
by  the  king's  garden;  (while  the  Chaldeans 
were  all  round  about  the  city;)  and  the  peo- 
ple went  the  way  toward  the  plain. 

0  And  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  pursued 
after  the  king,  and  overtook  him  in  the  plains 
of  Jericho :  and  all  his  arm}'  were  scattered 
from  around  him. 

6  And  they  seized  the  king,  and  brought 
him  up  to  the  king  of  Bal)ylon  to  Kiblah;  and 
they  called  him  to  account." 

7  And  they  slaughtered  the  sons  t)f  Zede- 
kiah before  his  eyes,  and  he  blinded  the  eyes 
of  Zedekiah,  and  bound  him  with  fetters  of 
brass,  and  carried  him  to  Baliylon. 

5  ^[  And  in  the  tifth  month,  on  the  seventh 
day  of  the  month,  which  was  the  nineteenth 
year  of  king  Nebuchadnezzar  the  kini;'  of 
Babylon,  came  Nebusaradan,  the  chief  of  the 


'  Properly,  Z'ulkSyahu. 

°  Herxheinier — "presence;  and  .so  Zedekiah,"  &c. 
'  Others,  "  wooden  towers." 
''  Jer.  lii.  6,  supplies  "fourth." 
.•?H 


guard,  a  servant  of  tlie  king  of  Bal)ylon,  unto 
Jerusalem : 

9  And  he  burnt  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  king's  house;  also,  all  the  houses  of 
Jerusalem,  and  every  great  man's  house  burnt 
he  with  fire. 

10  And  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  round  about 
did  all  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  that  were 
with  the  captain  of  the  guard  tear  down. 

11  And  the  rest  of  the  people  that  were 
left  in  the  city,  and  the  deserters  that  had 
run  over  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  with  the 
remnant  of  the  multitude,  did  Nebusaradan 
the  captain  of  the  guard  lead  away  into 
exile ; 

12  But  from  the  poorest  of  the  land  the 
captain  of  the  guard  left  some  to  be  vine- 
dressers and  husbandmen. 

13  And  the  pillars  of  copper  that  were  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  bases,  and  the 
copper  sea  that  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
did  tlie  Chaldeans  break  up,  and  they  carried 
the  copper  thereof  to  Babylon. 

14  And  the  pots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
knives,  and  the  spoons,  and  all  the  vessels  of 
copper  wherewith  the}'  ministered,  took  they 
away. 

15  And  the  censers,  and  the  bowls,  the 
gold  of  the  golden  things,  and  the  silver  of 
the  silver  things,  took  the  captain  of  the 
guard  away. 

16  The  two  pillars,  the  one  sea,  and  the 
bases  which  Solomon  had  made  for  the  house 
of  the  Lord:  the  copper  of  all  these  vessels 
was  too  much  to  l)e  weighed. 

17  Eighteen  cubits  was  the  height  of  the 
one  pillar,  and  the  capital  upon  it  was  cop- 
per; and  the  height  of  the  capital  was  three 
cubits;  and  the  wreathed  work,  and  the  pome- 
granates upon  the  capitals  round  about,  were 
all  of  copper :  and  the  same  had  the  second 
pillar  together  with  the  wreathed  work. 

18  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  Sera- 
yah  the  chief-priest,  and  Zephanyahu  the 
second  priest,  and  the  three  door-keepers; 

19  And  out  of  the  city  he  took  one  court- 
officer  that  was  api)ointed  over  the  men  of 
war,  and  five  men  of  those  that  could  come 


°  After  Rashi.  Lit.  "  they  spoke  with  him  judgment." 
Some  render,  "pronounced  sentence  on  him."  Our  vc- 
sion  implies  that  he  was  called  to  task  for  his  rebellio>i 
The  sentence  is  shown  in  the  sequel. 

467 


2  KINGS  XXV. 


into  the  king's  jn'osence,  who  were  found  in 
the  city,  and  the  scribe  of  the  chief  of  the 
army,  who  ordered  to  the  army  the  people  of 
the  land,  and  sixty  men  of  the  people  of  the 
and  that  were  found  in  the  city : 

20  And  Nebusaradan  the  captain  of  the 
ofuard  took  these,  and  conducted  them  to  the 
king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah; 

21  And  the  king  at  Babylon  smote  them, 
and  put  them  to  death  at  Riblali  in  the  land 
of  Chamath.  So  did  Judali  wander  away 
into  exile  out  of  their  land. 

22  And  as  for  the  people  that  were  left  in 
the  land  of  Judaii,  whom  Nebuchadnezzar 
the  king  of  Babylon  had  left,  he  appointed 
over  them  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikam, 
the  son  of  Shaphpn. 

23  *i]  And  when  all  the  captains  of  the 
armies,  they  and  their  men,  heard  that  the 
king  of  Babylon  had  appointed  Gedalyahu, 
they  came  to  Gedalyahu  to  Mizpah ;  even  Ish- 
ma'el  the  son  of  Nethanyah,  and  Jochanan  the 
son  of  KareJich,  and  Serayah  the  son  of  Tan- 
chumeth  the  Netophathite,  and  Jaazanyahu 
the  son  of  a  Ma'achathite,  they  and  their  men. 

24  And  Gedalyahu  swore  to  them,  and 
to  their  men,  and  said  unto  them.  Be  not 
afraid  of  the  servants  of  the  Chaldeans :  re- 
main in  the  land,  and  serve  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon; and  it  will  be  well  with  you. 

*  Evil-merodach   was  a  vicious   prince,  and   was   slain 
after  a  reign  of  two  years  by  his  brothor-in-lawNoriglissar. 


25  ^  But  it  happened  in  the  seventh 
month,  that  there  came  Ishma'el  the  son  of 
Nethanyah,  the  son  of  Elishama',  of  the  seed 
royal,  and  ten  men  with  him,  and  the}'  smote 
Gedalyahu,  so  that  he  died,  also  the  Jews 
and  the  Chaldeans  that  were  with  him  at 
Mizpah. 

26  And  then  arose  all  the  people,  from 
small  to  great,  and  the  captains  of  tlie  armies, 
and  went  to  Egypt;  for  they  were  afraid  of 
the  Chaldeans. 

27  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  seven 
and  thirtieth  year  of  the  captivity  of  Tehoya- 
chin  the  king  of  Judah,  in  the  twelfth  month, 
on  the  seven  and  twentieth  (day)  of  the  month, 
that  Evil-merodach''  the  king  of  Babylon  in 
the  year  tliat  he  became  king  did  lift  up  the 
head  of  Jehoyachin  the  king  of  Judah  out  of 
the  prison ; 

28  And  he  spoke  kindly  to  him,  and  set 
his  chair  above  the  chair  of  the  kings  that 
were  with  him  in  Babylon; 

29  And  changed  his  prison-garments :  and 
he  ate  bread  continually  before  him  all  the 
days  of  his  life. 

30  And  his  allowance  was  a  continual  al- 
lowance given  him  by  the  king,  the  necessary 
ration  for  the  day  on  its  day,  all  the  days  of 
his  life. 


Jehoyachim,  or  as  he  is  called  Jechonyah,  was  probabW 
yet  alive  when  the  Book  of  Kings  was  written. 


458 


n'2)n:2)  d^n^^:  nnn 


THE    HOLY    SCRIPTURES: 

PART  SECOND.— DIVISION  II. 

CONTAINI^^G    THE    LATER    PROPHETS. 

ISAIAH,    n'i'C"  JEREMIAH,    n^oi' 

EZEKIEL,    Sxprn'  HOSEA,    ^rC'IH 

JOEL,  ':^N*v  AMOS,  Dio;^ 

OBADIAH,    nn^V  JONAH,    HJV 

MicAH,  nyr2  nahum,  oinj 

JABAKKUK,    pip^n  ZEPHANIAH,    H'JDV 

HAGGAI,   'jn  zechariah,  jin^^ 

MALACHI,    'DnSo 


THE  BOOK  OF  ISAIAH, 


nTtJ'*  "ifiD- 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  vision  of  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz, 
which  he  saw  concerning  Judah  and  Jerusa- 
lem in  the  days  of 'Uzziyaliu,  Jotham,  Achaz, 
and  Hezekiah,  the  kings  of  Judali. 

2  Hear,  O  ye  heavens,  and  give  ear,  0 
earth ;  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken :  Children 
have  I  nourished  and  brought  up,  but  they 
have  rebelled  against  me. 

3  The  ox  knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass 
his  master's  crib:  Israel  doth  not  know,  my 
people  doth  not  consider. 

4  Wo!  sinful  nation,  people  laden  with 
iniquity,  seed  of  evildoers,  children  that  are 
corrupt:  the3'  have  forsaken  the  Lord,  they 
have  incensed"  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  they 
are  departed  backward. 

5  Why*"  will  ye  be  stricken  yet  more? 
(that)  ye  increase  the  revolt?  every  head  is 
sick,  and  every  heart  is  foint. 

6  From  the  sole  of  the  foot  even  unto  the 
head  there  is  no  soundness  in  it;  but  wounds, 
and  bruises,  and  putrefying  sores :  the}'  have 
not  been  closed,''  nor  bound  up,  nor  mollified 
with  oil. 

7  Your  country  is  desolate,  your  cities  are 
burnt  with  fire ;  your  soil — in  your  presence, 
strangers  devour  it,  and  it  is  desolate,  as 
overthrown  by  strangers. 

8  And  left  is  the  daughter  of  Zion  as  a  hut 
in  a  vineyard,  as  a  lodge  in  a  cucumber-field, 
as  a  besieged'^  city. 

9  Unless  the  Lord  of  hosts  had  left  unto 
us  a  remnant  ever  so  small,  like  Sodom" 
should  we  have  been,  unto  Gomorrah  should 
we  have  been  compared. 

10  Tl  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  rulers 
of  Sodom :  give  ear  unto  the  law  of  our  God, 
ye  people  of  Gomorrah. 

11  For  what  serveth  me  the  multitude  of 

'  Sachs,  "rejected."     Philippson,  "despised." 
''  Others,  "where,"  as  all  the  body  is  already  sore. 
°  Rar-bi,  "They  have  not  been  -sprinkled  with  powder." 
Othc-.s,  "icjueeied  out," 


your  sacrifices?  saith  the  Lord:  I  am  sated 
with  the  bumt-oflerings  of  rams,  and  the  fat 
of  fatted  beasts;  and  the  blood  of  bullocks, 
and  of  sheep,  and  of  he-goats,  I  do  not  desire. 

12  When  ye  come  to  appear  in  my  pre- 
sence— who  hath  required  this  at  your  hand, 
to  tread  down  my  courts? 

13  Continue  no  more  to  bring  an  oblation 
of  deceit;  incense*^  of  abomination  is  it  unto 
me:  new  moon  and  sabbath,  the  calling  of 
assemblies — I  cannot  bear  misdeed  with  fes- 
tive gathering. 

14  Your  new  moons  and  your  appointed 
feasts  my  soul  hateth;  they  are  become  a 
burden  unto  me;   I  am  weary  to  bear  them. 

15  And  when  ye  spread  forth  your  hands, 
I  will  withdraw  my  eyes  from  you;  yea, 
when  ye  make  ever  so  many  prayers,  I  will 
not  hear:  your  hands  are  full  of  blood. 

16  Wash  yourselves,  make  3'ourselves  clean ; 
put  away  the  evil  of  }^our  deeds  from  before 
my  eyes;  cease  to  do  evil; 

17  Learn  to  do  well;  seek  for  jutitice,  re- 
lieve the  opprefiscd,  do  justice  to  the  fether- 
less,  plead  for  the  widow."^ 

18  ^  Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  toge- 
ther, saith  the  Lord:  though  your  sins  should 
be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  become  white  as  the 
snow;  though  they  should  be  red  like  crim- 
son, they  shall  become  like  wool. 

19  Li  ye  be  willing  and  obey,  the  best  of 
the  land  shall  ye  eat; 

20  But  if  ye  refuse  and  rebel,  by  the  sword 
shall  ye  be  devoured;  fci  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

21  ^  How  is  she  become  a  harlot,  the 
faithful  town!  she,  that  was  full  of  justice; 
righteousness  lodged  therein;  but  now  inur- 
derers. 

22  Thy  silver  is  become  dross,  thy  wine  is 
drugged  with  Avater; 

''  Philippson,  "as  a  city  just  released  from  siege." 
'  Correctly,  Sedom,  ' Amorah. 
'  Rashi.     Others,  "incense  is  an  aboniinntinn." 
^  Only  righteousness  can  appear  bciorj  Oo'l 

451 


ISAIAH  J.  II. 


23  Thy  princes  are  rel^els,  and  companions 
of  thieves ;  every  one  loveth  bribes,  e  nd  run- 
neth after  rewards ;  to  the  fatherless  they  will 
not  do  justice,  and  the  cause  of  the  widow 
doth  not  come  unto  them. 

24  ]|  Therefore  saith  the  Lord,  the  Eternal 
of  hosts,  the  mighty  One  of  Israel,  Ah,  I  will 
take  satisfaction  on  mv  adversaries,  and  be 
avenged  on  my  enemies. 

25  And  I  will  turn  my  hand  against  thee, 
and  purge  away  as  with  lye"  thy  dross,  and 
remove  all  tin-  tin :'' 

26  And  I  will  restore  thy  judges  as  at  the 
first,  and  thy  counsellors  as  at  the  beginning; 
after  that  shalt  thou  be  called,  The  city  of 
righteousness,  the  town  that  is  faithful. 

27  Zion  shall  be  redeemed  through  justice, 
and  her  converts  through  righteousness. 

28  But  destruction  shall  come  over  trans- 
gressors and  sinners  together,  and  those  that 
forsake  the  Lord  shall  perish. 

29  For  people  shall  be  ashamed  because 
of  the  terebinths''  which  ye  had  desired,  and 
ye  shall  be  put  to  the  blush  because  of  the 
gardens  that  ye  had  chosen. 

30  For  ye  shall  be  as  a  terebinth  the  leaves 
of  which  wither,  and  as  a  garden  that  hath 
no  water. 

31  And  the  mighty  oppressor"*  shall  be- 
come as  tow,  and  his  workman  as  a  spark; 
and  they  shall  both  burn  together,  with  none 
to  quench. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  The  word  that  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz 
foresaw  concerning  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

2  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last" 
days,  that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house 
shall  be  firmly  established  on  the  top  of  the 
moui  tains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the 
hills;  and  unto  it  shall  flow  all  the  nations. 

o  And  many  people  shall  go  and  say,  Come 

"  Tbo  flux  put  into  metal  to  remove  the  impurities. 

"  Otbers,  "lead." 

°  Terebinths,  T)r  other  spreading  trees,  were  used  to 
place  images  under  their  shade;  and  so  in  the  gardens  the 
domestic  idols  were  set  up.     (See  also  chap.  Ixvi.  17.) 

*  Rashi.  Jonathan,  "And  the  strength  of  the  wicked 
shall  become  as  tow,  and  the  work  of  their  hand  as  a 
spark."  Heinemann  comments,  "  the  idol — and  its  wor- 
shipper." 

"  Lit.  "  the  latter  end  of  days."  Sachs 
Ilciaamann,  "  the  latest."  Jonathan,  ' 
i'bilippson,  "  in  the  cour.se  of  tiuie." 


"late  times." 
the   end   of." 


ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the 
Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob;  that 
he  may  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  may 
walk  in  his  paths;  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go 
forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  ou« 
of  Jerusalem. 

4  And  he  will  judge  among  the  nations, 
and  decide*^  for  many  people ;  and  they  shall 
beat  their  swords  into  plough-shares,  and 
their  spears  into  pruning-kuives:  nation  shall 
not  lift  up  sword  against  nation,  and  they 
shall  not  learn  any  more  war. 

5  ][  0  house  of  Jacob,  come  ye,  and  let  us 
walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord. 

6  For"^  thou  hast  abandoned  thy  people, 
the  house  of  Jacob,  because  they  are  full  of 
(witchcraft)  more  than  the  east,  and  are 
soothsayers  like  the  Philistines,  and  with 
the  children  of  strangers  they  unite*"  them- 
selves. 

7  And  full  became  their  land  of  silver'  and 
gold,  and  there  is  no  end  to  their  treasures; 
and  full  became  their  land  of  horses,  and 
there  is  no  end  to  their  chariots ; 

8  And  full  became  their  land  of  idols;  to 
the  work  of  their  own  hands  they  bow  them- 
selves, to  what  their  own  fingers  have  made. 

9  And  so  is  bent  down  the  son  of  earth, 
and  humbled  the  man;  and  thou  wilt  not  for- 
give them. 

10  Enter  into  the  rock,  and  hide  thee  in 
the  dust,  because  of  the  dread  of  the  Lord, 
and  because  of  the  glory  of  his  majesty. 

11  The  looks  of  human  pride  shall  be 
humbled,  and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall 
be  bent  down:  and  exalted  shall  be  the  Lord 
alone  on  that  day. 

12  \  For  there  is  a  day  (of  judgment)  unto 
the  Lord  of  hosts  over  every  proud  and  lofty 
one;  and  over  every  exalted  one,  that  he  be 
brought  low ; 

13  And  over  all  the  cedars  of  the  Lebanon, 

'  This  is  the  natural  parallel  to  "judge."  Others, 
"shall  rebuke,"  "reprove."  Aben  Ezra,  "And  he,  the 
judge,  the  king  Messiah,  shall  judge,"  kc. 

^  The  prophet  now  addresses  God. — K.i.sHl. 

"  Sachs,  "they  are  full  of  the  children,"  &c.  Redak, 
and  Aben  Ezra,  "they  abound  (are  content)  with  the  laws 
(the  mental  children)  of  the  stranger."  So  also  Jonathan, 
"  they  walk  in  the  customs  of  the  nations."  Rashi,  how- 
ever, refers  it  to  intermarriage,  and  renders,  "  they  are 
busied  with  the  children  of  a  strange  marriage." 

'  The  prophet  first  traces  the  demoralizing  efl'ects  of 
wealth  and  then  the  reverses,  as  the  divine  veugeauce. 


ISAIAH  II.  III. 


the  high  and  exalted,  and  over  all  the  oaks 
of  Bashan ; 

14  And  over  all  the  high  mountains,  and 
over  all  the  exalted  hills ; 

15  And  over  every  high  tower,  and  over 
every  fortified  wall; 

IG  And  over  all  the  ships  of  Tharshish; 
and  over  all  desirable  palaces.' 

17  And  the  pride  of  man  shall  be  bent 
dow.^5  and  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall  be 
hiunbled:  and  exalted  shall  be  the  Lord 
alcae  on  that  day. 

18  And  the  idols  will  he  utterly  alx)lish. 

19  And  men  shall  enter  into  the  caverns 
of  rocks-,  and  into  the  rifts  of  the  earth,  be- 
cause of  the  dread  of  the  Lord,  and  because 
or  the  glory  of  his  majestj",  when  he  ariseth 
to  terrify  the  earth. 

20  On  that  day  shall  a  man  cast  away  his 
idols  of  silver,  and  his  idols  of  gold,  which 
have  been  made  for  him  to  worship,  to  the 
moles  and  to  the  bats; 

21  To  enter  into  the  clefts  of  the  rocks, 
and  into  the  hollows  of  the  cliffs,  because  of 
the  dread  of  the  Lord,  and  because  of  the 
glory  of  his  majesty,  when  he  ariseth  to 
terrify  the  earth. 

22  Withdraw  yourselves  (then)  from  man, 
whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils;  because,  for 
what  is  he  to  be  esteemed?'' 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^f  For,  behold,  the  Lord,  the  Eternal  of 
hosts,  doth  remove  from  Jerusalem  and  from 
Judah  stay  and  staff,"  every  stay  of  bread, 
and  every  stay  of  water. 

2  The  hero,  and  the  man  of  war,  the 
i  udge,  and  the  prophet,  and  the  prudent,**  and 
the  ancient, 

3  The  captain  of  fifty,  and  the  honourable 
man,  and  the  counsellor,  and  the  skilful  arti- 
il'c&Y,'  and  the  eloquent  orator. 

4  And  I  will  set  up  boys  as  their  princes, 
and  children  shall  rule  over  them. 

■  Kashi,  "Palaces  with  costlj'  floors."  Redak,  "pic- 
tures."    Sachs,  "what  delighteth  the  eye." 

"■  i.  e.  What  is  his  value  in  comparison  with  God  ? 

°  Abarbanel  renders,  "stay  and  st;'5,"  with  "every 
prop;"   I.  e.  the  great,  who  are  farther  described. 

^  Rashi,  "  the  king."     Sachs,  "  diviner." 

"  Sachs,  "Wizard  and  conjurer." 

'Jonathan.  Others,  "a  physician,"  taking  -j^n  literally, 
as  on  !  who  binds  up  a  wound  — /.  e.  The  public  uistresi^ 
nhall  be  so  great  that  each  one  shall  be  afraid  to  rule. 


5  And  so  shall  the  people  press  man  against 
man,  and  one  against  the  other:  the  boy 
shall  demean  liimself  proudly  against  the 
ancient,  and  the  base  against  the  honourable. 

C  When  a  man  will  seize  hold  on  his  bro- 
ther in  the  house  of  his  fother,  (saying.)  Thou 
hast  a  garment,  thou  shalt  be  our  ruler,  and 
let  this  ruin  be  under  thy  hand: 

7  He  will  swear  on  that  day,  saying,  I 
will  not  be  a  chief;'  and  in  my  house  is 
neither  bread  nor  clothing ;  you  shall  not  a^)- 
point  me  a  rvder  of  the  peojile. 

8  For  Jerusalem  is  sunk  to  decay,  and 
Judah  is  fallen;  because  their  tongue  and 
their  doings  are  against  the  Lord,  to  incense 
the  eyes  of  his  glory. 

9  The  boldness'^  of  their  face  testifieth 
against  them;  and  like  Sodom  they  tell 
openly  their  sin,  they  conceal  it  not.  Wo 
unto  their  soul!  for  they  have  prepared  evil 
unto  themselves. 

10  Say  ye  to  the  righteous,  that  he  hath 
done  well;*"  for  the  fruit  of  their*  doings  shall 
they  eat. 

11  Wo  unto  the  wicked  who  doeth  evil;"* 
for  the  recompense  of  his  hands  shall  be  be- 
stowed on  him. 

12  My  people!  their  oppres.sors  are  children, 
and  women  rule  over  them.  0  my  people  ! 
thy  leaders  cause  thee  to  err,  ajid  the  direc- 
tion' of  thy  paths  they  corrupt. 

13  ^  The  Lord  is  stepj^ed  forth  to  plead, 
and  standeth  up  to  judge  the  people. 

14  The  Lord  will  enter  into  judgment 
with  the  ancients  of  his  people,  and  their 
princes;  but  ye — ye  have  eaten  up  the  vine- 
yard; the  plunder  of  the  poor  is  in  your 
houses. 

15  What  mean  ye  that  ye  crush  my  people, 
and  grind  down  the  faces  of  the  poor?  saitli 
the  Lord  the  Eternal  of  hosts. 

16  ^  And  the  Lord  said.  Forasmuch  as  the 
daughters  of  Zion  are  proud,  and  walk  with 
stretched  forth  necks  and  casting  about  their 

^  Rashi.  Sachs,  after  Aben  Ezra,  "  the  appearance," 
or  "traits." 

■^  Rashi.  Sachs,  after  Jonathan,  "Praise  the  righteous, 
for  it  goeth  well  with  him." 

'  The  plural  after  the  singular,  or  "all  who  are  righteous." 

''  Rashi,  who  takes  ;'i  as  the  adjective  of  ;'tyi.  Other.s, 
"it  shall  be  ill  with  him." 

'  After  Sachs;  it  means  that  they  who  ought  to  lead 
rightly,  cause  the  people  to  swerve  from  the  proper  path 
into  a  wrong  directiou. 

463 


ISAIAH  in.  IV.  V. 


ejes,  walking  and  mincing  as  they  go,  and 
making  a  tinkling  with  their  feet : 

17  Therefore  will  the  Lord  smite  with  le- 
prosy the  crown  of  the  head  of  the  daughters 
of  Zion,  and  the  Lord  will  lay  open  their 
nakedness. 

18  ][  On  that  day  will  the  Lord  take  away 
the  beauty  of  their  tinkling  shoe-buckles,  and 
the  hair-nets,  and  the  crescent-shaped  orna- 
ments, 

19  The  drops,  and  the  bracelets,  and  the 
mufflers, 

20  The  bonnets,  and  the  foot-chains,  and 
the  head-bands,"  and  the  tablets,  and  the  ear- 
rings, 

21  The  finger- rings,  and  nose-jewels, 

22  The  changeable  suits  of  apparel,  and  the 
mantles,  and  the  shawls,  and  tlie  pockets, 

23  The  mirrors,  and  the  chemisettes,''  and 
the  turbans,  and  the  long  vails. 

24  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  instead 
of  sweet  smell  there  shall  be  corruption  ;  and 
instead  of  a  girdle  a  rope;  and  instead  of 
curled  hair  baldness;  and  instead  of  a  wide 
garment  a  girding  of  sackcloth;  a  mark  of 
burning  instead  of  beauty. 

25  Thy  men  shall  fall  by  the  sword,  and 
thy  miglity  ones  in  the  wtir. 

26  And  then  shall  her  gates  lament  and 
mourn ;  and  stript  of  all  shall  she  sit  upon  the 
ground. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  seven  women  shall  take  hold  of  one 
man  on  that  day,  saying.  We  will  eat  our  own 
bread,  and  wear  our  own  appai'el :  only  let  us 
be  called  by  thy  name,  take  but  away  our  re- 
jiroach.'' 

2  ^f  On  that  day  shall  the  sprout  of  the 
Lord  be  for  ornament  and  for  honour,  and  the 
fruit  of  the  land  for  excellence  and  for  glory 
for  the  escaped  of  Israel. 

3  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  Avlioever 
is  left  in  Zion,  and  he  that  remaineth  in  Je- 


*  Zunz  and  others,  "belts,  smelling-boxes,  and  amulets." 

*  y\0  here,  is  evidently  not  '-fine  linen,"  but  a  garment 
made  of  it.  We  have  followed  Sachs  and  others,  who  ren- 
der it  with  Ilcmdclirn,  the  nearest  term  to  which  is  the 
one  we  have  chosen.  On  the  whole,  there  is  much  uncer- 
tainty what  precise  ornaments  and  dresses  are  described 
hen;;  but  no  doubt  that  luxury  had  attained  a  high  pjint 
iu  Isaiah's  time. 


rusalem,  shall  be  called  holy,  every  one  thai 
is  written  down  unto  life  in  Jerusalem: 

4  When  the  Lord  shall  ha^  e  washed  away 
the  filth  of  the  daughters  of  Zion,  and  shall 
have  scoured  away  the  blood-guiltiness  of  Je- 
rusalem from  her  midst,  by  the  spirit  of  judg- 
ment, and  l)y  the  spirit  of  destruction.'* 

5  And  then  will  the  Lord  create  upon 
every  dwelling  of  mount  Zion,  and  upon  lier 
places  of  assembly,  a  cloud  and  smoke  by 
day,  and  the  brightness  of  a  flaming  fire  by 
night;  for  over  all  the  gloiy  shall  be  a  cover- 
ing." 

6  And  a  tabernacle  shall  it  Ijo  for  a  sliade 
in  the  daytime  from  the  heat,  and  for  a  refuge, 
and  for  a  covert  from  tempest  and  from  rain. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^[  I  will  sing  now  for  my  beloved,  the 
song  of  my  dear  one  touching  his  vineyard. 
A  vineyard  had  my  beloved  on  a  i-ich  hill-top; 

2  And  he  fenced  it  in,  and  cleared  it  of 
stones,  and  planted  it  with  the  choicest  vines, 
and  built  a  tower  in  its  midst,  and  also  u 
winepress  he  hewed  out  therein :  and  lie 
hoped  that  it  should  bring  forth  grajDes,  anc^ 
it  brought  forth  worthless  fruit.' 

3  And  now,  0  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem, 
and  men  of  Judah,  judge,  I  pray  you,  be- 
tween me  and  my  vineyard. 

4  What  more  was  to  be  done  to  my  vine- 
yard, that  I  had  not  done  in  it?  whj'  then 
did  I  hope  that  it  should  bring  forth  grapes, 
while  it  brought  forth  worthless  fruit? 

5  And  now  I  will  let  you  know  also  what 
I  Avill  do  to  my  vineyard :  I  will  take  away 
its  hedge,  and  it  shall  be  eaten  off;^  I  will 
break  down  its  wall,  and  it  shall  be  trodden 
down ; 

C  And  I  will  lay  it  (juite  waste;  it  shall 
not  be  pruned,  nor  hoed  around;  and  it  shall 
be  overgrown  with  briers  and  thorns;  and 
the  clouds  will  I  command  that  they  send 
down  no  rain  upon  it. 


^  Lit.  "Removal,"  or  "sweeping  out,"  i.e.  of  wickedne.ss. 

°  Philippson,  "  that  it  (the  cloud)  may  bo  a  cover  of  all 
the  glory,"  and  refers  to  Exod.  xl.  34,  35 ;  but  Rashi 
comments,  "  for  over  all  the  glory  promised  to  them,  shall 
be  the  protection  which  my  majesty  shall  cover  them 
with." 

'  Rashi,  "  L(1ihIji-ii</i)  ,  'wild  grapes,'"  appearing  like 


1 1  grapes. 
'  They  demand  him   in  marriage,  celibacy  being  a  dis-  'I      «  /.  e.  Cattle  shall  comr  in  and  liud  on  its  branehes;  the 
i,'i6.  ll  same  meaning  is  to  be  applied  tn  above,  iii.  14. 


ISAIAH  V. 


7  Vov  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  is 
the  house  of  Israel,  and  the  men  of  Judah  are 
the  plant  of  his  delight:  and  he  hoped  for 
justice,  but  behold  injustice;  for  equity,  but 
liehold  iniquity." 

8  ^  Wo  unto  those  that  cause  house  to 
join  on  liouse,  bring  field  near*"  to  field,  till 
there  is  no  more  room,  so  that  ye  may  be  left 
alone  as  the  inhabitants  in  the  midst  of  the 
land ! 

9  In  my  ears  (spoke)  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
Truly  many  houses  shall  )jecome  desolate, 
yea,  great  and  beautiful  ones  without  an  in- 
habitant. 

10  Yea,  ten  acres  of  vineyard  shall  yield 
(but)  one  bath,  and  a  chomer-seed"  shall  yield 
(but)  an  ephah. 

11  ^  Wo  unto  those  that  rise  up  early  in 
the  morning,  that  they  may  run  after  strong 
drink;  that  continue  until  late  in  the  twi- 
light, till  wine  inflame  them! 

12  And  there  are  harp  and  psaltery,  tam- 
bourine and  flute,  and  wine  at  their  drinkina:- 
feasts ;  but  the  deeds  of  the  Lord  they  regard 
not,  and  the  works  of  his  hands  they  behold 
not. 

13  Therefore  are  my  people  led  into  exile, 
for  want  of  knowledge  :"*  and  their  honour- 
able men  suffer  of  famine,  and  their  multi- 
tude are  panting  with  thirst. 

14  Therefore  hath  the  deep'  enlarged  her 
desire,  and  opened  her  mouth  without  mea- 
sure: and  there  descend  (Jerusalem's)' glory, 
and  her  multitude,  and  her  noise,  and  who- 
ever rejoiced  therein. 

15  And  bent  down  shall  be  the  son  of 
earth,  and  humbled  shall  be  the  man,  and 
the  eyes  of  the  lofty  shall  be  humbled ; 

16  And  tlie  Lord  of  hosts  shall  be  exalted 
in  judgment,  and  the  holy  God  shall  be  sanc- 
tified by  (displaying  his)  righteousness. 

17  Then  shall  the  sheep  feed  according  to 


°  Lit.  "outcry,"  i.  e.  against  the  false  decrees  of  the ! 
judges.     It  has  been  endeavored  to  retain   the  play  on 
the  words  in  the  original,  oaB^n  against  n-JiyrD,  and  npnv 
against  rypyiS. 

''  i.  e.  By  taking  away  by  force  the  intermediate  pro- 
perty. 

°  A  rlwmrr  is  ten  rphahs  or  ten  haf/i>'. 

^  r\;;T  ''730  is  rendered  by  Sachs  "unawares;"  /.  <•.  be- 
fore they  are  aware  or  knowing  of  the  evil.  We  have 
followed  Rashi  and  Jonathan,  who  also  give  a;'"!  'no  with 
■•  dying  of  faniiiic" 

h^HV/  is  rendered  /n/l  in  tliu  English  version  :  but  the 
31 


I  their  wont,  and  the  ruins  of  the  fat  ones  shall 
sojourners  eat. 

18  ][  Wo  unto  those  that  draw  iniquity 
with  the  cords  of  falsehood,  and  as  with  a 
wagon-rope,  sinfulness ; 

19  That  say,  Let  liini  make  speed,  let  him 
hasten  his  work,  that  we  niay  see  it:  and  let 
draw  nigh  and  come  the  counsel  of  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel,  that  we  may  know  it! 

2(J  ^1  Wo  unto  those  that  say  of  tlu'  (■\  il  it 
is  good,  and  of  the  good  it  is  evil;  tliat  put 
darkness  for  liglit,  and  light  for  darkness; 
that  put  bitter  for  sweet,  and  sweet  for  bit- 
ter! 

21  ^[  Wo  unto  those  that  are  wise  in  their 
own  eyes,  and  intelligent  in  their  own  es- 
teem !^ 

22  ][  Wo  unto  those  that  are  heroes  to 
drink  wine,  and  men  of  might  to  mingle 
strong  drink; 

23  Who  justify  the  wicked  in  lieu  of  a 
bribe,  and  who  deprive  the  righteous  of  their 

j  right! 

2-1  ^  Therefore  as  the  tongue  of  the  fire 
devoureth  the  stubble,  and  dry  hay  sinketh 
before  the  flame :  so  shall  their  root  be  as  rot- 
ten tilings,  and  their  blossom  shall  fly  up  as 
the  dust ;  because  they  have  despised  the  law 
of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  the  word  of  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel  they  have  rejected. 

25  For  this  cause  is  kindled  the  anger  of 
the  Lord  against  his  jieople,  and  he  stretcheth" 
forth  his  hand  against  them,  and  he  smiteth 
them ;  and  the  mountains  tremble,  and  their 
carcasses  lie  like  sweepings'  in  the  midst  of 
the  streets:  with  all  this  his  anger  is  not 
turned  away,  but  still  is  his  hand  stretched 
out. 

26  And  he  will  lift  up  an  ensign  to  tlie 
nations  from  afar,  and  will  call'  for  one  t)f 
them  from  the  end  of  the  earth;  and,  behold, 
with  speed,  swiftly,  it  cometh; 

general  idea  is  the  place  where  the  dead  go  to,  '■  the  grave," 
•'the  deep."  "the  nether  world." 

'  After  Rashi, 

s  Heb.  "and  in  the  presence  of  their  face." 

^  In  the  Hebrew  the  past  tense  is  used,  because  to  the 
prophet's  eyes  the  present  is  already  past. 

'  After  Rashi.  But  Aben  Ezra  takes  the  3  of  nniD3 
belonging  to  the  root,  and  renders,  "shall  be  cast  away." 
Redak,  ■out  in  pieces." 

'  Lit.  "whistle."  or  "pipe."  Rashi,  •'■  Siffler,  which  is 
also  a  sign  for  gathering,  like  the  lifting  up  nf  tlic  lian- 
uer." 

4iJ-J 


ISAIAH  V.  VI.  VII. 


27  There  is  none  weary  nor  stumbling 
among  its  men ;  it  slumbereth  not,  it  sleepeth 
not;  not  loosened  is  the  girdle  of  its  loins, 
not  broken  is  the  latchet  of  its  shoes; 

28  Whose  arrows  are  sharpened,  and  all 
whose  bows  are  bent;  its  horses  hoofs  are  hard 
like  the  flint,  and  its  wheels  like  the  whirl- 
wind; 

29  It  hath  a  roar  like  the  lioness,  it  roareth 
like  the  young  lions:  yea,  it  growleth,  and 
layeth  hold  of  the  prey,  and  carrieth  it  safely 
off.  with  none  to  deliver. 

SO  And  it  will  rage  against  them  on  that 
day  like  with  the  raging  of  the  sea:  and  if  one 
look  unto  the  earth,  behold,  there  is  dai'kness, 
oppression,"  and  the  light  is  darkened  through 
the  darkness  of  its  clouds. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  In  the  year  of  king  'Uzziyahu's  death 
I  saw  the  Lord  sitting  upon  a  high  and  ex- 
alted throne,  and  his  train  filled  the  temple. 

2  Seraphim  were  standing  around  him, 
each  one  had  six  wings;  with  two  he  covered 
his  fiice,  and  with  two  he  covered  his  feet, 
and  with  two  did  he  fly. 

3  And  one  called  unto  the  other,  and  said. 
Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  of  hosts;  the 
whole  earth  is  full  of  his  glory. 

4  And  the  posts  of  the  threshold  shook  at 
the  voice  of  those  that  called  aloud,  and  the 
house  was  filled  with  smoke. 

5  And  I  said.  Wo  is  me!  for  I  am  lost;  be- 
cause a  man  of  unclean  lips  am  I,  and  in  the 
midst  of  a  people  of  unclean  lips  do  I  dwell; 
for  the  King,  the  Lord  of  hosts  have  my  eyes 
seen. 

6  Then  flew  unto  me  one  of  the  seraphim, 
and  in  his  hand  was  a  live  coal,"  with  the 
tongs  had  he  taken  it  from  off  the  altar : 

7  And  he  touched  therewith  upon  my 
moutli,  and  said,  Lo,  this  hath  touched  thy 
lips;  and  thy  iniquity  is  departed,  and  thy 
sin  is  forgiven. 

8  And  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  say- 


'  ('.  e.  The  inimical  nation,  against  Israel. 

''  Sachs,  "darkness  of  distress,"  otherwise  this  verse  is 
rendered  after  him.  Some  translate,  "moon  and  sun  are 
rendered  dark  through  its  clouds;"  making  tv  the  moon, 
or  small  luminary. 

°  Sachs,  "a  glowing  stone." 

''  Philippson,  "  You  sh.ill  hear,  but  not  understand,"  &c. 

'  After  Rash i.  Other.s,  "  Make  obdurate,"  &c. ;  mean- 
ing, the  perverseness  of  the  people  is  so  great  that  the 
400 


ing.  Whom  shall  I  send,  and  who  will  go  for 
us?     And  I  said.  Here  am  I:  send  me. 

9  And  he  said.  Go.  and  say  unto  this  peo- 
ple. Hear''  indeed,  but  understand  not;  and 
see  indeed,  but  know  not. 

10  Obdurate"  will  remain  the  heart  of  this 
people,  and  their  ears  will  be  heavyj  and  their 
eyes  will  be  shut:  so  that  they  will  not  see 
with  their  eyes,  nor  hear  with  their  ears,  nor 
their  hearts  be  understanding,  so  that  they 
be  converted,  and  healing  be  granted  them. 

11  And  I  said,  How  long,  0  Lord?  And 
he  said,  Until  that  cities  be  left  waste  without 
an  inlial)itant,  and  houses  without  man,  and 
the  soil  be  made  desolate  as  a  wilderness, 

12  And  the  Lord  will  have  removed  far 
away  the  men,  and  the  depopulation  be  great 
in  the  midst  of  the  land. 

13  And  should  a  tenth  part  thereof  yet  re- 
main, it  will  again  be  swept  away:  (yet)  like 
the  terebinth  and  the  oak,  which,  when  they 
cast  their  leaves,  retain  their  stems,  so  re- 
maineth  the  holy  seed,  its'  stem. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  of 
Aehaz  the  son  of  Jotham,  the  son  of  'Uzzi- 
yahu,  the  king  of  Judah,  that  Rezin  the  king 
of  Syria,  and  Pekach  the  son  of  Remalyahu, 
the  king  of  Israel,  went  up  toward  Jerusalem 
to  war  against  it;  but  were  not  able  to  make 
an  attack  upon  it. 

2  And  it  was  told  unto  the  house'^  of  David, 
saying,  Syria  is  encamped  with  Ephraim ; 
and  his  heart  trembled,  with  the  heart  of  his 
people,  as  the  trees  of  the  forest  are  shaken 
before  the  wind. 

3  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Isaiah,  Go  forth 
now  to  meet  Achaz,  thou  with  Shear-yashub 
thy  son,  to  the  end  of  the  aqueduct  of  the  up- 
per pool,  on  the  highway  of  the  washer's"  field; 

4  jiVnd  thou  shalt  say  unto  him.  Take 
heed,  and  be  quiet;  fear  not,  and  let  thy 
heart  not  become  ftiint  because  of  these  two 
stumps  of  smoking  firebrands,  before  the  fierce 


prophetic  mission  will  only  display  the  stronger  their  un- 
worthiness.     (See  Exod.  iii.  Ht;   Deut.  xxix.  3.) 

'  Israel's.  The  deciduous  tree  easts  its  leaves  iu  the 
autumn;  still  it  dies  not;  with  return  of  the  spring  a  new 
foliage  appears;  so,  though  destruction  comes  after  de- 
struction over  the  godless,  the  holy  seed,  the  truly  pious, 
are  the  stem,  the  trunk  of  Israel's  tree,  sending  out  new 
branches  and  new  leaves  I'or  ever. 


The  kinii 


Othe 


•  fuller's  field." 


ISAIAH  YII.  VIII. 


anger  of  Rezin  with  Syria,  and  of  the  son  of 
Remalyahu. 

5  Forasmuch  as  Syria,  (with)  Ephraini  and 
the  son  of  Remalyahu,  have  taken  evil  coun- 
sel against  thee,  saying, 

6  Let  us  go  up  against  Judah,  and  hesiege'' 
it,  and  let  us  make  a  breach  therein  for  us, 
and  set  up  as  king  in  the  midst  of  it  the  son 
of  Tabeal : 

7  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  It 
shall  not  succeed,  and  it  shall  not  come  to  pass. 

8  For  the  head  of  Syria  is  Damascus,  and 
the  head  of  Damascus  is  Rezin :  and  within 
sixty  and  five''  years  shall  Ephraim  be  broken, 
to  be  no  more  a  people. 

9  And  the  head  of  Ephraim  is  Samaria, 
and  the  head  of  Samaria  is  Remalyahu's  son. 
If  ye  will  not  believe,  surely  ye  shall  not 
have  permanence. 

10  ][  And  the  Lord  continued  to  speak 
unto  Achaz,  saying, 

11  Ask  tliee  a  sign  from  the  Lord  thy  God; 
ask  it  in  the  depth,  or  high  up  above. 

12  But  Achaz  said,  I  will  not  ask,  and  I 
will  not  tempt  the  Lord. 

lo  And  he  said.  Hear  ye  now,  0  house  of 
David !  Is  it  too  little  for  you  to  weary  men, 
that  ye  will  weary  also  my  God  ? 

14  Therefore  will  the  Lord  biniself  give 
you  a  sign:  behold,  this  young'  woman  shall 
conceive,  and  bear  a  son,  and  she*^  shall  call 
his  name  'Immanu-el,  (God  with  us.) 

15  Cream'  and  honey  shall  he  eat,  so  soon 
as  he  knoweth  to  refuse  the  evil,  and  to  choose 
tlio  good. 

16  For  before  yet  the  child  shall  know  to 
refuse  the  evil,  and  to  choose  the  good,  shall 
be  forsaken  the  land,  of  the  kings  of  which 
thou  feelest  dread. 

17  The  Lord  will  bring  over  thee,  and  over 
thy  people,  and  over  thy  flither's  house,  days 
that  have  not  come,  from  the  day  that  Ephraim 
withdrew  from  Judah, — the  king  of  Assyria. 


'  Philippson, ''inclose."     8aohs,  "trouble." 

*■  Rashi   refers  this  to  the   prophecy   of  'Amos   from 

which  the  period  is  to  be  dated  to  which  Isaiah  now  refers; 

and  to  this  he  properly  appends  a  sign,  Achaz  having  no 

doubt  shown  that  he  believed  Isaiah  as  little  as  the  older 

prophet  'Amos. 

°  noS;?  does  not  necessarily  signify  vinjin,  but  a  young 

marriageable  woman  in  general.     (See  also  Prov.xxx.  21.) 

*  Others,  "and  thou  shalt  call,"  addressing  the  young- 
woman  herself. 

•  liashi,  who  comments,  ••  Now  all  is  desolate  by  the 


18  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  tluit 
day,  that  the  Lord  will  call''  for  the  lly  tliat 
is  in  the  uttermost  end  of  the  streams  of  Egypt, 
and  for  the  bee  that  is  in  the  land  of  Assyria. 

19  And  they  shall  come,  and  shall  encamp, 
all  of  them,  in  tlie  desolate  valleys,  and  in 
the  clefts  of  the  rocks,  and  upon  all  thorn- 
hedges,  and  upon  all  bushes. 

20  On  the  same  day  will  the  Lord  shave 
with  the  razor  that  is  hired,  from  among  those 
on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  with  the  king 
of  Assyria,*^  the  head,  and  the  hair  of  the 
feet:  and  also  the  beard  shall  it  entirely 
remove. 

21  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  a  man  shall  nourish  (but)  one  young 
cow,*"  and  two  sheep; 

22  And  it  shall  happen,  that  lor  the  abun- 
dance of  milk  which  the}'  shall  give  he  shall 
eat  cream;  for  cream  and  honey  shall  eat 
every  one  that  is  left  in  the  midst  of  the  land. 

23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  every  place,  where  there  are  (now)  a  thou- 
sand vines  worth  a  thousand  silver  shekels, 
shall  be, — ^^■'ea,  this  shall  be  (given  up)  to 
briers  and  thorns. 

24  With  arrows  and  with  bows  shall  men 
enter  thither;  because  all  the  land  shall  be- 
come (covereil  with)  briers  and  thorns. 

25  And  all  mountains  that  are  worked 
with  the  mattock,  there'  shall  not  come  thither 
the  fear  of  briers  and  thorns:  and  they  snail 
serve  for  the  pasture  of  oxen,  and  for  the 
treading  of  sheep. 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

1  ^  And  tlie  Lord  said  unto  me.  Take 
thyself  a  large  table,'  and  write  on  it  with 
distinct  letters,'  Lemaher-shalal-chash-bas."" 

2  And  I  was  to  summon  for  myself  trust- 
worthy witnesses,  Uriyah  the  priest,  and 
Zecharyahu  the  son  of  Yeberech}ahu. 

3  And  I  came  near  unto  the  prophetess; 

war;  but  this  shall  cease  speedily  and  there  be  plenty 
for  all." 

'  Lit.  "  whistle."     (See  above,  v.  26.) 

^  The  Assyrian  is  the  razor  which  is  to  do  God's  bidding. 

^  Kashi,  "after  the  desolation,  and  on  the  little  that  is 
left  will  I  send  my  blessing." 

'  Philippson,  "thou  shalt  not  enter  there  for  fear  of 
briers  and  thistles." 

'.Jonathan.     Rashi,  "roll.". 

'  Jonathan;  lit.  "the  pen,"  "or  style  of  a  man." 

"  L  e.  Speedy  booty,  sudden  spoil. 

Mil 


ISAIAH  VIII. 


aud  «he  conceived,  and  bore  a  sou.  Then 
said  the  Lord  to  me,  Call  his  name  Maher- 
shalal-chash-bas. 

4  For  before  yet  the  boy  shall  know  to 
call,  My  father,  and  my  mother,  the  wealth 
of  Damascus  and  the  spoil  of  Samaria  shall 
be  carried  away  before  the  king  of  Assyria. 

5  ]|  And  the  Lord  continued  to  speak 
unto  me  again,  saying, 

6  Forasmuch  as  this  people  despiseth  the 
waters  of  Shiloach  that  flow  softl}',  and  rejoice 
in  Reziu  and  Remal_yahu's  son: 

7  Yea  therefore  behold,  the  Lord  bringeth 
up  over  them  the  strong  aud  many  waters  of 
the  river, — the  king  of  Assyria,  and  all  his 
glory;  aud  he  shall  come  up  over  all  his 
channels,  and  step  over  all  his  banks ; 

8  And  he  shall  penetrate  into  Judah,  over- 
sow and  flood  over,  even  to  the  neck  shall  he 
reach ;  and  his  outstretched  wings  shall  fill 
the  breadth  of  thy  land,  0  'Immanu-el." 

9  ]|  Associate''  yourselves,  0  ye  people,  yet 
shall  ye  be  broken  in  pieces;  and  give  ear, 
all  ye  of  the  far  portions  of  the  earth :  gird' 
yourselves,  yet  shall  ye  be  broken  in  pieces; 
gird  yourselves,  yet  shall  ye  be  broken  in 
pieces. 

10  Take  counsel  together,  yet  shall  it  come 
to  naught;  speak  the  word,  and  it  shall  not 
stand  firm;  for  with  us  is  God. 

11  II  For  thus  said  the  Lord  to  me  with 
the  strength  of  prophecy,  aud  warned  me  not 
to  -valk  in  the  Avay  of  this  people,  saying, 

12  Call''  ye  not  a  conspiracy  all  that  this 
people  may  call  a  conspiracy,  and  what  it 
feareth  shall  ye  not  fear,  and  be  not  terrified 
(thereat). 

1 3  The  Lord  of  hosts,  him  shall  ye  sanctif^y ; 

"  'Immanu-el  was  tbe  child  that  was  to  show  the  early 
fulfilment  >f  the  prophecy  in  chap.  vii. ;  hence  his  name 
stands  for  the  land  of  Judah,  which,  notwithstanding  the 
danger  predicted,  should  still  be  delivered  ;  as  was  done 
when  Sennacherib's  army  fell  before  Jerusalem. 

"  Rashi  and  Jonathan.  Zunz,  "rage,  nations,  and  fear." 
Akin  Vi'iTs,  "]5c  ye  broken  and  crushed." 

'  With  armour. 

''  Lit.  "  Say  not  a  conspiracy  of  all,"  &c.  Tbe  conspiracy 
i-f  probably  the  confederacy  of  the  enemies  of  Judah  ;  and 
tio  prophet  sfluni2isV.cs  himfclf  and  others  not  to  be  dis- 
m.'^.j'ed  at  the  apparent  danger 

'  Ra'ihi,  "bind  and  seal  the  warning  and  the  teaching 
>f  tho  l;;w  on  the  heart  of 'iiy  disciples  who  fear  the  Loun," 
properly  called,  "  the  disciples  of  tlie  Lord." 

'  Lit.  "chirp,"  like  a  bird.  Kngiisb  version,  "peep," 
iu  the  Jiiune  sense. 

'This  16  the  ansHci  wiiich   is  to   bi    givcu  ;   leudered 

m 


aud  let  him  be  your  fear,  and  let  him  be  your 
terror. 

14  And  he  will  be  for  a  sanctuary;  but 
also  for  a  stone  of  stumbling  and  for  a  rock 
to  fall  over  unto  both  the  houses  of  Israel,  for 
a  gin  and  for  a  snare  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Jerusalem. 

15  And  many  shall  stumble  over  them,  and 
fall,  and  be  broken,  and  snared,  and  be  caught. 

16  T[  Bind"  up  the  testimony,  seal  up  the 
law  among  my  disciples. 

17  And  I  will  wait  for  the  Lord,  that 
hideth  his  face  from  the  house  of  Jacob,  aud 
I  will  hope  for  him. 

18  Behold,  I  and  the  children  whom  the 
Lord  hath  given  me  are  for  signs  and  for 
tokens  in  Israel,  from  the  Lord  of  hosts  who 
dwelleth  on  mount  Ziou. 

19  Aud  when  they  shall  say  unto  you, 
"  Inquire  of  those  that  have  familiar  spirits, 
and  of  the  wizards,  that  whisper,''  aud  that 
mutter :"  should"  not  a  people  inquire  of  their 
God?  (should  we  then)  in  behalf  of  the  liv- 
ing (inquire)  of  the  dead? 

20  (Hold)  to  the  law  and  to  the  testimony: 
if  they  are  not  to  speak  according  to  this 
word.''  in  which  there  is  no  light. 

21  And  the  (people)  shall  pa.ss  tln-ough 
(the  laud),  hard  oppressed  and  hungry:  and 
it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  when  they  shall  be 
hungry,  they  will  become  enraged,  and  curse 
their  king  and  their  god,  and  turn  to^\•ard  on 
high  (for  aid).' 

22  And  they  will  look  unto  the  earth; 
and  behold  there  are  trouble  aud  darknf^^s, 
dimness  of  oppression,  and  they  shall  be  scat- 
tered into  obscurity. 

23  For  no  fatigue''  (befalleth)  liim  that  op- 
after  Rashi.  But  Jonathan,  "this  is  the  custom  of  the 
nations  who  worship  error,  they  inquire  of  their  idols,  of 
the  dead  for  the  living." 

''  Rashi  renders,  "  You  will  see  that  they  will  say  in  ac- 
cordance with  this  word,  that  their  fiilse  gods  have  no 
power  to  grant  prayer;"  t.aking  tnty  "  to  seek  by  eutreaty." 
I'hilippson,  "  (Back)  to  the  law  and  testimony,  if  tbe  peo- 
jile  to  whom  uo  morning  dawneth  speak  not  after  this 
word;"  meaning,  that  no  light  shall  be  given  to  those 
who  turn  not  back  to  the  law.  '  Jonathan. 

''  This  verse  is  given  after  Rashi  aud  Jonathan  ;  though 
the  latter  renders  the  last  part,  "and  the  remainder  shall 
a  mighty  king  lead  captive,  because  they  remembered  not 
God's  power  at  the  (Red)  Sea,  and  the  miracles  at  the 
Jordan  near  the  cities  of  the  nations."  rh  refer.-;  to  the 
land.  S'Sj  Rashi  applies  to  all  Palestine,  "the  laud  to 
which  the  nations  draw  in  masses."  This  verse  is  the 
1st  (if  ehaj).  i.\.  in  the  English  version. 


ISAIATI  VTTr.  IX. 


presseth  it;  in  the  first  time  he  made  light 
of  the  land  of  Zcl)ulun,  and  the  land  of  Naph- 
tali,  and  at  the  last  he  will  deal  hard,  with 
the  way  by  the  sea,  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Jordan,  (up  to)  the  Galilee  of  the  nations. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  The  people  that  walk  in  darkness  have 
seen  a  great  light:  they  that  dwell  in  the 
land  of  the  shadow  of  death — a  light  shineth 
brightly  over  them. 

2  Thou  hast  multiplied  the  nation,  made 
great  their  joj*:  they  rejoice  before  thee  as 
with  the  joy  in  harvest,  as  men  are  glad  when 
they  divide  the  spoil. 

3  For  the  yoke  of  their  burden,  and  the 
staff  on  their  shoulder,  the  rod  of  their  op- 
pressor, hast  thou  broken,  as  on  the  day  of 
Midian. 

4  For"  all  the  weapons  of  the  fighter  in 
tlie  battle's  tumult,  and  the  garment  rolled 
in  blood,  shall  be  burnt,  become  food  for  fire. 

5  For  a  child  is  born  unto  us,  a  son  hath 
been  given  unto  us,  and  the  government  is 
placed  on  his  shoulders;  and  his  name  is 
called.  Wonderful,  counsellor  of  the  mighty 
God,  of  the  everlasting  Father,  the  prince  of 
peace," 

6  For  (promoting)  the  increase  of  the  go- 
vernment, and  for  peace  without  end,  upon 
the  throne  of  David  and  upon  his  kingdom, 
to  establish  it  and  to  support  it  through  jus- 
tice and  righteousness,  from  henceforth  and 
unto  eternity:  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
will  do  this. 

7  ][  A  word  hath  the  Lord  sent  against 
Jacob,  and  it  hath  alighted  upon  Israel. 

8  And  experience  it  shall  all  the  people 
together,  Ephraim  and  the  iidiabitants  of 
Samaria;  because  they  say,  in  the  pride  and 
haughtiness  of  heart, 

9  "The  bricks  are  follen  down,  but  with 
hewn  stones  will  we  re-build :  the  svcamores' 


"  After  Heinemann,  Sachs,  Pliilippson.  Hoehstadter, 
''  all  rattling  armour." 

""  Heineniaun ;  Rashi  renders,  '•  and  theWonderful,  coun- 
sellor, mighty  God,  the  everlasting  Father,  hath  called  his 
name  The  prince  of  peace."  Aben  Ezra,  however,  after 
whom  Philippson,  applies  all  the  words  as  epithets  of  the 
prince,  (Hezekiah,)  and  translates,  "and  people  call  him, 
W^onder,  counsellor,  mighty  one  of  God,  perpetual  father, 
p.ince  of  peace."  The  only  difficulty  in  the  verse  is  the 
word  Sn  which  may  as  well  be  rendered  with  Aben  Ezra 
'powerful,"  as  God.  a>  this  word   is  found  in  the  same 


are  cut  down.  Imt  with  cedars  will  we  replace 
them." 

10  Therefore  will  the  Loku  strengthen  the 
adversaries  of  Rezin  above  him,  and  will  stir 
up'*  his  enemies ; 

11  The  Syrians  in  front,  and  the  Philistines 
behind;  and  they  shall  devour  Israel  with  a 
full  mouth.  For  all  this  his  anger  is  not 
turned  away,  but  his  hand  still  remaineth 
stretched  out. 

12  And  the  people  return  not  unto  him 
that  smiteth  them,  and  the  Lord  of  hosts  do 
they  not  seek. 

13  ][  And  tlie  Lord  cutteth  off  from  Israel 
head  and  tail,  palm-branch  and  rush,  on  one 
day. 

14  The  ancient  and  honoura))le  is  the 
head;  and  tlie  prophet  that  teaclieth  lies  is 
the  tail. 

15  And  the  guides  of  this  people  are  those 
that  guide  to  error;  and  those  that  are  led 
of  them  ai'e  misled.' 

16  Therefore  will  the  Lord  have  no  joy  in 
their  young  men,  and  on  their  fatherless  and 
widows  will  he  have  no  mercy ;  for  every  one 
is  a  hypocrite  and  an  evil-doer,  and  every 
month  speaketh  scandalous  words.  For  all 
this  his  anger  is  not  turned  away,  but  his 
hand  still  remaineth  stretched  out. 

17  For  wickedness  burnetii  like  the  fire; 
it  shall  devour  the  briers  and  thorns;  and  it 
shall  kindle  (a  flame)  in  the  thickets  of  the 
forest,  and  they  shall  be  shrouded'  by  the 
wreaths  of  smoke. 

18  ]|  Through  the  fury  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts  is  the  land  scorched,*  and  the  people 
have  become  as  food  for  the  fire;  no  man  will 
spare  his  brother. 

19  And  he  snatcheth  on  the  right  hand, 
and  is  (yet)  hungry ;  and  he  eateth  on  the 
left  hand,  and  are  not  (yet)  satisfied;  they 
shall  eat  every  man  the  flesh  of  his  own 
arm : 


sense  in  E.xod.  xv.  11, 15.  Only  the  importance  attached 
to  this  verse  by  controversialists  has  induced  us  to  spe:ik 
so  much  of  it,  as  it  evidently  alludes  to  a  child  born 
already,  jnj  '-hath  been."  not  |nr  "shall  be  given." 

"  Sachs,  "mulberries."     Othens,  "wild  fig  trees." 

"  "Arm."— Sachs. 

'  "And  their  misled  ones  are  ruined." — PhilippsoN. 

'  "  They  shall  be  shrouded  and  shut  out  by  the  strength 
of  the  smoke  of  the  conflagration." — Repak. 

'  Rashi,  "the  smoke  is  thrown  over  the  earth  "      He- 
dak,  "the  laud  is  darkened." 

■4t;9 


ISAIAH  IX.  X. 


20  Menasseli  (against)"  Ephraim;  and 
Ephraim  (against)  Menasseh;  and  they  to- 
gether against  Judah.  For  all  this  his  anger 
is  not  turned  away,  but  his  hand  still  remain- 
eth  stretched  out. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  Wo  unto  those  that  decree  decrees  of 
unrighteousness,  and  the  writers"  who  write 
down  wrongful  things; 

2  To  turn  aside  from  judgment  the  needy, 
and  to  rob  the  just  due  of  the  poor  of  my  peo- 
ple, that  widows  may  be  their  prey,  and  (that) 
they  may  plunder  the  fatherless ! 

3  And  what  will  ye  do  on  the  day  of  the 
visitation,  and  at  the  desolation  which  will 
come  from  afar?  to  whom  will  ye  flee  for 
help?  and  where  will  ye  leave  your  glory? 

4  Without  me'  they  shall  kneel  down  un- 
der the  prisoners,  and  under  the  slain  shall 
they  fall.  For  all  this  his  anger  is  not 
turned  away,  but  his  hand  still  remaineth 
stretched  out. 

5  T[  Wo  over  Asshur,  the  rod  of  my  an- 
ger; and  a  staff  is  in  their  hand  my  indigna- 
tion. 

6  Against  a  hypocritical  nation  will  I  send 
him,  and  against  the  people  of  my  fury 
will  I  give  him  a  charge,  to  take  the  spoil, 
and  to  carry  off  the  prey,  and  to  render  them 
trodden  down  like  the  mire  of  the  streets. 

7  But  he  deemeth  it  not  so,  and  his  heart 
doth  not  think  so;  but  to  destroy  is  in  his 
heart,  and  to  cut  oft'  nations  not  a  few. 

8  For  he  saith,  "Are  not  my  princes  alto- 
gether kings? 

9  Is  not  Calno  like  Karkemish?  is  not  Cha- 
math  like  Arpad?  is  not  Samaria  like  Da^ 
mascus? 

10  As  my  hand  hath  reached  the  king- 
doms of  the  idols,  whose  graven  images  ex- 
ceeded in  number  those  of  Jerusalem  and  of 
Samaria : 

11  Shall  I  not,  as  I  have  done  unto  Sar 

•  After  Aben  Ezra.  But  Rashi,  "  Menasseh  joineth 
Ephraim,"  &c. 

''  Sachs.  But  Rashi,  "  and  sign  wrongful  writings," 
D'3n3n  as  "  the  written  transactions.  He  also  renders, 
"  Wo  to  those  who  indict  false  obligations." 

Redak.     Rashi,  after  Jonathan,  "  where  they  have 

not  kneeled  there  shall  thoy  be  prisoners ;"  ('.  e.  beyond 

I'lilestine,  taking  rinn  as  "on  the  spot."      Sachs,  "he 

who  hath  never  kneeled   (shall  do  it)  among  prisoners," 

470 


maria  and  her  idols,  do  so  unto  Jerusalem 
and  unto  her  idols  ?" 

12  Tl  Wherefore  shall  it  come  to  pass,  that 
when  the  Lord  hath  completed  all  his  work 
on  mount  Zion  and  in  Jerusalem,  I  will  punish 
the  fruit  of  the  haughtiness  of  the  king  of 
Asshur,  and  the  vain-glory  of  his  proud 
looks. 

13  For  he  hath  said,  "By  the  strength  of 
my  hand  have  I  done  it,  and  by  my  wisdom, 
for  I  have  intelligence;  and  I  have  removed 
the  boundaries  of  nations,  and  their  laid-up 
treasures  have  I  plundered,  and  brought  down 
low  those  that  were  powerfully  seated.'' 

14  And  my  hand  hath  reached,  as  a  bird's 
nest,  the  wealth  of  the  people:  and  as  one 
gathereth  up  eggs  that  are  forsaken,  have  I 
myself  gathered  up  all  the  earth;  and  there 
was  not  one  that  moved  the  wing,  or  opened 
tlie  mouth,  or  chirped." 

15  Shall  the  axe  boast  itself  over  hhn  that 
heweth  therewith?  or  shall  the  saw  magnify 
itself  against  him  that  swingeth  it?  as  if  the 
rod  should  swing  about  those  that  lift  it  up, 
or  as  if  the  staff  should  lift  up  him  who  is  no 
wood." 

16^  Therefore  will  the  Lord,  the  Eternal  of 
hosts,  send  forth  among  his  fat  ones  leanness; 
and  under  his  glory  shall  be  kindled  a  burn- 
ing like  the  burning  of  a  fire. 

17  And  the  light  of  Israel  shall  become  a 
fire,  and  his  Holy  One  a  flame;  and  it  shall 
burn  and  devour  his  thorns  and  his  briers  on 
one  day. 

18  And  the  glory  of  his  forest,  and  of  his 
fruitful  field,  both  soul  and  body,  will  he  de- 
stroy: and  he  shall  be  as  (a  tree)  eaten  to 
powder  by  the  worms.' 

19  And  the  rest  of  the  trees  of  his  forest 
shall  be  few  in  number,  so  that  a  boy  may 
write  them  down. 

20  ][  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  the  remnant  of  Israel,  and  such  as 
are  escaped  of  the  house  of  Jacob,  shall  not 


&c.  Our  version  is,  "  where  God  does  not  aid,  all  human 
strength  is  vain." 

■*  Jonathan,  "that  dwell  in  strong  cities."  1"3SO  is 
thus  used  adverbially.  Philippson,  and  English  version, 
"as  a  valiant  man."     Rashi,  "many  inhabitants." 

'  Rashi. 

'Rashi,  taking  ddU  to  mean  'gnaw-worm."  Sachs, 
"as  the  fading  away  of  a  sick  man,"  from  OOD  "to  melt 
away." 


tSAtAH  X.  Xt 


farther  lean  for  support  again  upon  liiiu  that 
sniitelh  them;  hut  they  shall  lean  for  support 
upon  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  in  truth. 

21  The  remnant  shall  return,  the  remnant 
of  Jacoh,  unto  the  mighty  (lod. 

22  For  though  thy  people  Israel  should  be 
as  the  sand  of  the  sea,  (yet)  a  remnant  (only) 
of  them  shall  return :  destruction  is  decreed, 
it  overtloweth  with  righteousness. 

23  For  it  is  completed  and  decreed:  the 
Lord,  the  Eternal  of  hosts  will  do  it  in  the 
midst  of  all  the  land. 

24  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the 
Eternal  of  hosts,  Be  not  afraid,  0  my  people 
tliJit  dwellest  in  Zion,  of  Asshur,  who  will 
smite  thee  with  the  rod,  and  lift  up  his  staflf 
against  thee,  after  the  maimer  of  Egypt. 

25  ^  For  yet  but  a  very  little  Avhile  more, 
and  the  indignation  shall  cease,  and  my  anger 
shall  be  for  their  destruction." 

26  And  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  hft  up  a 
scourge  over  him  like  (at)  thesmitingof  Midian 
at  the  rock  of  'Oreb :  and  as  his  staff  was  lifted 
over  the  sea,  so  will  he  carry  him  off  after 
the  manner  of  Egypt. 

27  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  that  day, 
that  his  burden  shall  be  removed  from  off 
thy  shoulder,  and  his  yoke  from  off  thy  neck, 
and  the  yoke  shall  be  broken  because  of  the 
fatness. 

28  He  cometh  to  'Ayath,"  he  passeth  on 
to  Migron;  at  Michmash  he  lajeth  up  his 
baggage ; 

29  They  go  through  the  pass;  they  take  up 
tlieir  lodging  at  Geba';  Ramah  trembleth; 
Gib'ah  of  Saul  fleeth. 

30  Let  thy  voice  resound,  0  daughter  of 
Gallim ;  listen  Laj'shah ;  0  poor  'Anathoth ! 

31  Madmenah  is  in  motion;  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Gebim  are  assembled  to  flee. 

32  As  yet  to-day  will  he  remain  at  Nob: 
then  will  he  swing  his  hand  against  the  mount 
of  the  daughter  of  Zion,  the  hill  of  Jeru- 
salem. 


'  Jonathan,  "  over  the  nations  that  do  wicked  deeds  to 
destroy  them."  Rashi,  "and  my  anger  will  stop,  because 
of  their  (Assyrians')  blasphemy." 

''  Metaphorical,  as  though  by  the  increase  of  fat  around 
the  neck  the  bars  of  the  yoke  would  crack  asunder. 

'  This  is  a  prophetical  description  of  the  march  of  Sen- 
nacherib's army  approaching  Jerusalem  in  order  to  invest 
it,  and  of  the  terror  and  confusion  spreading  and  increas- 
ing through  the  several  places  as  he  advanced  ;  expressed 
with  great  brevity,  but  finely  diversified. 


33  ^1  Beliold,  the  Lord,  the  Eternal  of 
hosts,  will  lop  off  the  fruitful  bough  with 
terrific  might:  and  those  of  towering  growth 
shall  be  hewn  down,  and  the  high  shall  be 
laid  low. 

34  And  he  will  cut  down  the  thickets  of 
the  forests  with  iron,  and  the  Lebanon  shall 
fall  by  (means  of)  a  mighty  one. 

CHAPTER   XI. 

1  Tl  And  there  shall  come  forth  a  shoot 
out  of  the  stem  of  Jes.'^e,  and  a  sprout  shall 
spring  out  of  his  roots. 

2  And  there  shall  rest  upon  him  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord,  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  under- 
standing, the  spirit  of  counsel  and  might,  the 
spirit  of  knowledge  and  of  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  ; 

3  And  he  shall  be  animated''  by  the  fear 
of  the  Lord;  and  not  after  the  sight  of  his 
eyes  shall  he  judge,  and  not  after  the  hearing 
of  his  ears  shall  he  decide; 

4  But  he  shall  judge  with  righteousness 
the  poor,  and  decide  with  equity  for  the  suf- 
fering ones  of  the  earth;'  and  he  shall  smite 
the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and 
with  the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  he  slay  the 
wicked. 

5  And  righteousness'  shall  be  tlie  girdle  of 
his  loins,  and  faithfulness  the  girdle  of  his 
hips. 

6  And  the  wolf  shall  then  dwell  with  the 
sheep,  and  the  leopard  shall  lie  down  with 
the  kid ;  and  the  calf  and  the  young  lion  and 
the  fatling  (shall  be)  together,  and  a  little  bo\- 
shall  lead  them. 

7  And  the  cow  and  the  she-bear  shall  feed, 
together  shall  their  young  ones  lie  down :  and 
the  lion  shall  like  the  ox  eat  straw. 

8  And  the  sucking  child  shall  play  on  the 
hole  of  the  asp,  and  on  the  basilisk's  den 
shall  the  weaned  child  stretch  out  his  hand. 

9  They  shall  not  do  hurt  nor  destroy  on 
all  my  holy  mountain;  for  the  earth^  shall  be 

^  Rashi.  Redak,  "He  shall  understand  quickly,"  from 
nn  "the  smell."  Philippson,  "A  pleasant  odour  is  to 
him  the  fear,"  &c. 

•  Others,  "the  land." 

'  Jonathan,  "  And  the  righteous  shall  be  all  around 
him,  and  those  who  act  faithfully  shall  come  near 
him." 

'  The  effect  of  the  spread  of  the  knowledge  of  truth 
shall  be  to  remove  all  contention,  discord  and  strife, — 
universal  peace — universal  knowledge. 

471 


ISAIAH  XI.  XII.  XIII. 


full  of  the   knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea.* 

10  |[  And  it  shall  happen  on  that  day,  that 
(he  of)  the  root  of  Jesse,  who  shall  stand  as 
an  ensign  of  the  people,  to  him  shall  nations 
(come  to)  inquire:  and  his  resting-place*" shall 
be  glorious." 

11  ^f  And  it  shall  happen  on  th<j.t  day,  that 
the  Lord  will  put  forth  his  hand  again  the 
second  time  to  acquire  the  remnant  of  his 
people,  which  shall  remain,  from  Asshur  -.nd 
from  Egypt,  and  from  Pathros,  and  from 
(,'ush,  and  from  'Elani,  and  from  Shin'ar,  and 
from  Chamatb,  and  from  the  islands  of  the 
sea. 

12  And  he  will  lift  up  an  ensign  unto  the 
nations,  and  will  assemble  the  outcasts  of 
Israel;  and  the  dispersed  of  Judah  will  he 
collect  together  from  the  four  corners  of  the 
earth. 

13  A.nd  then  shall  depart  the  envy  of 
Ephraim,  and  the  adversaries'*  of  Judah  shall 
be  cut  off:  Ephraim  shall  not  envy  Judah, 
and  Judah  shall  not  assail  Ephraim. 

14  But  they  shall  fly  upon  the  shoulders 
of  the  Philistines  toward  the  west;  together 
shall  they  spoil  the  children  of  the  east :  upon 
Edom  and  Moab  shall  they  lay  their  hands; 
and  the  children  of  'Amnion  shall  obey 
them. 

15  And  the  Lord  will  utterly  destroy  the 
tongue  of  the  Egyptian  sea  ;  and  lie  will  swing 
his  hand  over  tlie  river  with  his  mighty'-' 
wind,  and  will  smite  it  into  seven  streams, 
and  render  it  passable  with  shoes. 

16  And  there  shall  be  a  high-way  for  the 
remnant  of  his  people,  which  shall  remain 
from  Asshur,  like  as  it  was  to  Israel  on  the 
day  that  they  came  up  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  And  thou  shalt  say  on  that  day,  "  I  will 
thank  thee,  0  Lord,  that  thou  wast  angry 


*  '('.  f.  The  bed  of  the  sea;  and  so  Sachs,  "  the  depth  of 
the  sea." 

''  Jonathan. 

°  Lit.  "glory,"  and  is  so  rendered  by  Sachs  and  others. 
Ilouhstadter,  "  and  rest  sliall  be  glorious  to  him." 

"  Kedak  and  other.s,  "  the  enemies  of  Ephraim  among 
Judah;"  ('.  e.  neither  party  shall  desire  war. 

"  Sachs,  after  Sa'adyah, "  with  the  glowing  of  his  anger;" 
D'p  from  an  Arabic  root,  signifying  "ihe  glowing." 
•)7-J 


with  me :  thy  anger  (now)  is  turned  away, 
a.nd  thou  comfortest  me. 

2  Behold,  God  is  my  salvation  :  I  will  trust 
and  not  he  afraid;  for  my  strength  and  song 
is  Yah  the  Eternal;  and  he  is  become  m}' 
salvation." 

3.  And  ye  shall  draw  water  with  gladness 
out  of  the  spring-s  of  salvation. 

4  And  ye  shall  say  on  that  day,  "Give 
thanks  unto  the  I-ord,  call  on  his  name, 
mike  known  his  deeds  among  the  people, 
keep  it  in  remembrance  that  exalted  is  his 
name. 

5  Sing  unto  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  wrought 
a  stupendous  thing:  knovai  is  this  on  all  the 
earth." 

6  Call  aloud  and  shout,  >  babi tress  of 
Zion;  for  great  is  in  the  niiu^t  o"  tbee  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Tf  The  doom*^  of  Babylon,  whicli  Isaiah 
the  son  of  Amoz  foresaw. 

2  Upon  a  liigh^  mountain  lift  ye  up  a  ban- 
ner, raise  high  ^our  voice  unto  them,  Avave  the 
hand,  that  they  may  enter  into  the  gates  of  the 
princes. 

3  I  have  chai'ged  my  prepared  ones,  I  have 
also  called  my  heroes  for  my  anger,  those  that 
rejoice  in  my  highness.'' 

4  There  is  a  noise  of  tumult  on  the  moun- 
tains, like  that  of  a  numerous  people;  a  noise 
of  shouting  of  kingdoms  of  nations  assembled : 
the  Lord  of  hosts  mustereth  a  host  of  battle.' 

5  They  are  coming  from  a  far-off  country, 
from  the  end  of  the  heavens,  (here  is)  the 
Lord,  with  the  weapons  of  his  indignation,  to 
destroy  all  the  land. 

6  Wail  ye;  for  nigh  is  the  day  of  the 
Lord  ;  like  wasting  from  the  Almighty  shall 
it  come. 

7  Therefore  all  hands  shall  become  weak, 
and  every  mortal's  heart  shall  melt; 

8  And  they  shall  be  afirighted,  pangs  and 


'  Rashi,  who  comments,  "  the  load  of  punishment." 
Lit.  "burden,"  or  that  prophecy  which  announces  what 
is  heavy,  or  direful, — or  simply  doom. 

*  Rashi  and  Jonathan,  "against  the  secure  mountains;" 
but  Babylon  was  in  a  plain;  it  is  evidently  merely  a  cal!. 
for  all  the  enemies  to  assemble. 

''  Aben  Ezra,  "  to  display  my  strength." 

'  A  beautiful  description  of  a  gradual  gathering  of  a 
large  army  at  a  distance  from  the  speaker. 


a. 

D 

m 


ISAIAH  XIII.  XIV. 


pains  shall  seize  on   them;   they  shall  havej 
throes  as  a  woman  that  travaileth;   one  at 
the  other  shall  they  look  amazed;  red  like 
Hames  shall  their  faces  glow".  | 

9  Behold,  the  day  of  the  Lokd  cometh.' 
direful/'  (laden)  with  wrath  and  the  fierceness, 
of  anger,  to  render  the  earth  desolate:  and 
its  sinners  will  he  destroy  out  of  it. 

10  For  the  stars  of  the  heavens  and  their 
constellations  shall  not  give  forth  their  light: 
the  sun  shall  be  darkened  in  his  going  forth, 
and  the  moon  shall  not  shed  abroad  her  light. 

11  And  I  will  visit  on  the  world"  its  evil, 
and  on  the  wicked  their  iniquity;  and  I  will 
stop  the  arrogance  of  the  presumptuous,  and 
the  haughtiness  of  the  tyrants  will  I  humble. 

12  I  will  make  the  mortal  more  precious'' 
than  fine  gold;  and  man,  more  than  the  va- 
lued metfil  of  Ophir. 

13  Therefore  will  I  shake  the  heavens,  and 
the  earth  shall  start  quaking  out  of  her  place, 
at  the  wn-ath  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  on  the 
day  of  his  fierce  anger. 

14  And  the  people  shall  be  as  the  chased 
roe,  and  as  flocks  wiiich  no  one  gathereth  up; 
every  man  to  his  own  people  shall  they  turn,  i 
and  every  man  into  his  own  land  shall  they ' 
flee.         ■  j 

15  Every  one  that  is  foiuid  shall  be  thrust 
through;  and  every  one  that  is  joined  unto 
thenf  shall  fill  by  the  sword. 

16  And  their  babes  shall  be  dashed  to 
pieces  before  their  ej-es :  spoiled  shall  be  their 
houses,  and  their  wives  ravished.  I 

17  Behold,  I  will  stir  up  against  them  the 
Medes;  who  will  not  regard  silver,  and  who 
will  not  delight  in  gold.  I 

18  And  their  bows  will  dash  young  men  to 
pieces ;  and  on  the  fruit  of  the  womb  will 
they  have  no  mercy;  on  children  their  eye 
will  not  look  with  pity. 

10  And  (thus)  shall  Babylon,  the  glory  of! 
kingdoms,  the  proud'  ornament  of  the  Chal-  i 
deans,  become   like   the  overthrow   through 
God  of  Sodom  aud  Gomorrah. 


*  Lit.  "the  faces  of  flames  (are)  their  faces." 

*■  Heb.  "cruel,"  as  though  the  day  itself  were  inex- 
orable.    Others  render,  '"earth,"  '-land,"  i.  e.  Babylon. 

"  Rashi  and  Eedak  refer  this  to  Babylon. 

^  i.  r.  Scarcer,  so  many  shall  die. 

'  So  Jonathan  and  Rashi.  Sachs,  "who  hideth  him- 
Belf"  riiilippson  comments,  "who  joins  the  enemy." 
Heinemann.  "who  is  caught." 

'  Lit.  "the  ornament  of  the  pride,"  or  "arrogance." 
,-;  K 


20  It  shall  not  1)o  inhabited  for  ever,  and 
it  shall  not  be  dwelt  in  from  generation  to 
generation ;  nor  shall  the  Arabian  pitch  there 
his  tent;  and  shepherds  shall  not  let  their 
flocks  rest  there ; 

21  But  there  shall  rest  the  wild  beasts  of 
the  desert;  and  their  houses  shall  be  fidl  of 
owls;  and  ostriches  shall  dwell  there,  and 
evil  spirits  shall  dance  there. 

22  And  jackals*  shall  howl  in  her  palaces," 
and  monsters  in  the  temples  of  pleasure;  and 
near  to  come  is  her  time,  and  her  days  shall 
not  be  extended. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  For  the  Lord  will  have  mercy  on  Jacob, 
and  will  again  make  choice  of  Israel,  and 
replace  them  in  their  own  land:  and  the 
strangers  shall  be  joined  unto  them,  and 
they  shall  attach  themselves  to  the  house  of 
Jacob. 

2  And  nations  shall  take  them,  and  bring 
them  to  their  own  place;  but  the  house  of 
Israel  shall  obtain  possession  of  them  in  the 
land  of  the  Lord  for  men-servants  and  for 
maid-servants;  and  they  shall  take  captive 
their  captors,  and  they  shall  rule  over  their 
oppressors.' 

3  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  the  day 
when  the  Lord  will  give  thee  rest  from  thy 
trouble,  and  from  thy  vexation,  and  from  the 
hard  bondage  wherein  thou  wast  made  to 
serve, 

4  That  thou  wilt  take  up  this  parable 
against  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  say.  How 
hath  ceased  the  oppressor!  ceased  the  exac- 
tress"  of  gold! 

5  Broken  hath  the  Lord  the  staff  of  the 
wicked,  the  sceptre'  of  rulers; 

G  He  who  smote  people  in  wrath,  blows 
without  intermission,  he  that  ruled  in  anger 
nations,  persecuting  without  restramt. 

7  At  rest,  quiet  is  all  the  earth;  men 
break  forth  into  loud  song. 

8  Also,  the  fir-trees  rejoice  at  thee,  the 


"  The  names  of  the  animals  introduced  in  these  verges 
have  been  translated  according  to  various  authorities ;  but 
they  are  still  very  uncertain. 

"■  Jonathan.  Aben  Ezra,  "  her  widowed,  i. '-.  deserted 
houses."  '  Or  "taskmasters." 

''  Redak.  Rashi,  "  the  proud  imposer  of  a  heavy  bur- 
den." Philippson,  simply  "oppressor."  Sachs,  after 
Rashi,  "tormentress." 

Others,  "  rod." 

473 


ISAIAH  XIV. 


cedars  of  Lebanon,  "  Since  tliou  wast  laid  low, 
no  feller  is  come  np  against  us." 

9  The  nether  world  from  below  is  in  mo- 
tion concerning  thee  to  meet  thee  at  thy  com- 
ing: it  stirreth  up  the  departed  for  thee,  all 
the  chief  ones  of  the  earth;  it  hath  caused  to 
rise  up  from  their  thrones  all  the  kings  of 
nations. 

10  They  all  will  commence  and  say  unto 
thee,  ''Thou — thou  also  art  become  weak 
like  us;  similar  unto  us  art  thou  become!" 

11  Into  the  nether  world  is  brought  down 
thy  pride,  the  clatter  of  thy  psalteries:  be- 
neath thee  is  spread  the  worm,  and  thy  cover 
is  the  moth. 

12  How  art  thou  follen  from  heaven,  0 
morning-star,  son  of  the  dawn!  how  art  thou 
hewn  down  to  the  o'l'ound,  crusher"  of  na- 
tions ! 

13  And  thou — thou  hadst  said  in  thy 
heart,  "  Into  heaven  will  I  ascend,  above  the 
stars  of  God  will  I  exalt  my  throne;  and  I 
will  sit  also  upon  the  mount  of  the  assembly, 
in  the  farthest''  end  of  the  north; 

14  I  will  ascend  above  the  heights  of  the 
clouds;   I  will  be  equal  to  the  Most  High." 

15  But  into  the  nether  world  shalt  thou 
be  brought  down,  into  the  lowest  depth. 

16  They  that  see  thee  will  gaze  at  thee, 
will  regard  thee  well,  (saying.)  "Is  this  the 
man  that  caused  the  earth  to  tremble,  that 
made  kingdoms  quake? 

17  That  rendered  the  world  as  a  wilder- 
ness, and  pulled  down  its  cities :  never  opened" 
the  prison-house  of  his  prisoners?" 

18  All  the  kings  of  nations,  all  of  them, 
lie  in  glory,  every  one  in  his  own  (eternal) 
house." 

19  But  thou — thou  art  cast  out  of  thy 
grave  like  a  discarded  offshoot,  as  a  garment 
of  those  that  are  slain,  pierced  by  the  sword, 
that  go  down  to  the  stones"  of  the  pit,  as  a 
carcass  trodden  under  foot. 

20  Thou  shalt  not  be  united  with  them  in 
burial ;  because  thy  land  hast  thou  destroyed. 


grandson, 


thy  people  hast  thou  slain:  to  eternity  shall 
not  be  called  the  seed  of  evil-doers. 

21  Prepare  for  his  children  the  slaughter, 
for  the  iniquity  of  their  fatliers:  that  they 
may  not  rise,  and  possess  the  land,  and  fill  the 

'face  of  the  world  with  enemies  (of  mankind). 

22  And  I  will  rise  up  against  them,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts;  and  I  will  cut  oft'  from 
Babylon  name,  and  remnant,  and  son,  and 

saith  the  Lord. 
I  will  also  make  it  a  possession  for  the 
ij hedgehog,'  and  pools  of  water:    and  I  will 
'sweep  it  with  the  besom  of  destruction,  saith 
i  the  LoKD  of  hosts. 

24  ^  Sworn  hath  the  Lord  of  hosts,  saying. 
Surely  as  I  have  purposed,  so  doth  it  come  to 
pass;  and  as  I  have  resolved,  so  shall  it  occur*: 

25  To  break  Asshur  in  my  own  land,  and 
upon  my  mountains  will  I  tread  him  under 
foot;  then  shall  his  joke  be  removed  from  oft' 
them,  and  his  burden  shall  be  removed  from 
off  their  shoulders. 

26  This  is  the  resolve  that  is  resolved  over 
all  the  earth :  and  this  is  the  hand  that  is 
stretched  out  over  all  the  nations. 

27  For  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  resolved, 
and  who  shall  frustrate  it?  and  it  is  his  hand 
which  is  stretched  out,  and  who  shall  turn 
it  back? 

28  ^  In  the  year  that  king  Achaz  died 
was  this  prophecy  (given). 

29  Rejoice  not,  thou  entire  Palestine,  be- 
cause the  rod  of  him  that  smote  thee  is 
broken ;  for  out  of  the  serpent's  root  shall 
come  forth  an  adder,  and  its  fruit  shall  be  a 
flying  dragon. 

30  And  the  first-born  of  t  he  poor  shall  feed, 
and  the  needy  shall  rest  in  safety:  and  I  will 
kill  with  famine  thy  root,  and  men  shall  slay 
thy  remnant. 

31  Wail,  0  gate;  cry  out,  0  city;  thou 
art  dissolved,  0  thou  entire  Palestine;  for 
from  the  north  a  smoke  is  coming,  and 
there  is  no  one  solitary  among  those  of  his 
that  are  bidden  to  come. 


'Lit.   "weakenor  of  the   nations.     Jonathan,  "who 
didst  slay  among  nations." 

''  D'riDT  means  thn  farthest  point  of  a  thinj; ;  for  in- 
stance, the  back  wall  of  a  house.     Probably  here  is  meant 
a  mountain  in  the  far  north,  which  the  Babylonians  fancied 
to  be  the  seat  or  assembliuf;  plaee  of  their  gods.     The  ■ 
Greeks  had  Olympus;  the  Indians,  Meru;  the  Persians,  I 
Albordj.      Rashi  and  others  refer  it  to  Mount  Zion.  ' 

■  474 


"  Or,  "did  not  let  his  prisoners  loose  homeward." 

^  Jonathan,  i.  e.  the  grave. 

"  i.  e.  The  bottom.  Philippson,  "who  are  sunk  under 
the  stones,"  &c.  The  legend  is,  that  Nebnchadnezzer 
was  dragged  out  of  his  grave;  but  it  may  be  metaphori- 
cal to  express  the  utter  desolation  of  Babylon,  as  its  rOyal 
sepulchre  even  was  not  spared. 

'  Rashi.     Others,  "  the  bittern/'  a  bird. 


ISAIAH  XTV.  XV.  XVI. 


S2  And  what  will  each  one  of  the  messen- 
gers of  the  nation  answer?  That  the  Lord 
hath  fonnded  Zion,  and  that  therein  shall 
find  protection  the  poor  of  his  people. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ][  The  doom  of  Moab.  Truly  in  a  night 
is  'Ar  of  Moab  plundered,  it  is  laid  waste; 
truly  in  a  night  is  Kir  of  Moab  plundered, 
it  is  laid  waste. 

2  It  goeth  up  to  the  (idol-) house,  and  Di- 
bon  (goeth)  up  to  the  high-places  to  weep,  on° 
Nebo  and  on  Medeba  shall  Moiib  w^ail :  on  all 
its  heads  there  is  baldness,  and  every  beard 
is  hewn  off. 

3  In  its  streets  they  are  girded  with  sack- 
cloth, on  its  roofs,  and  in  its  public  places 
every  one  shall  wail,  groan"*  with  weeping. 

4  And  loud  crieth  Cheshbon  with  El'aleh ; 
as  far  as  Yahaz  is  heard  their  voice :  therefore 
the  armed  men  of  Moiib  shall  howl;  its  soul 
is  grieved  for  itself." 

5  My  heart  will  cry  for  Moiib,  w^hose  fugi- 
tives are  as  far  as  Zo'ar,  (and)  the  third'*  'Eg- 
larth ;  for  the  ascent  of  Luchith — with  weep- 
ing is  it  ascended;  for  on  tlie  way  to  Choro- 
nayim  they  let  resound  the  cry  of  defeat  (in 
battle). 

6  For  the  waters  of  Nimrim  shall  be  deso- 
late ;  for  dry  is  the  grass,  gone  are  the  herbs, 
and  green  things  are  no  more. 

7  Therefore  the  rest  of  their  acquisitions" 
and  what  they  possess  shall  they  carry  away 
over  the  brook  of  the  willows. 

8  For  the  cry  hath  encompassed  the  bound- 
ary of  Moab;  up  to  Eglayim  (is  heard)  its 
wail,  and  at  Beer-elim  (is  heard)  its  w^ail. 

9  For  the  waters  of  Dimon  are  filled  with 
blood;  for  I  will  bring  over  Dinion  armed 
bands;'  over  the  escaped  of  Moab  (cometh)  a 
lion,  and  over  the  remnant  of  the  land. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Send  ye  the  lambs  of  the  ruler*  of  the 
land  from  Sela',  through  the  wilderness,  unto 
the  mount  of  the  daughter  of  Zion. 


'  Sachs,  "for." 

*•  Rashi.     Sachs,  "melt  in  weeping." 

°  Jonathan,  "and  they  cry  out  for  their  soul." 

*  i.  e.  A  town  so  called:  others,  "like  a  three  years'  old 

heifer." 

'Jonathan;  but  Aben   Ezra,  "the  wealth  they  have 

acquired." 


2  For  it  shall  be,  that,  as  a  fugitive  bird, 
as  a  chased"  nest,  so  shall  be  the  daughters  of 
Moiib  at  the  fords  of  Arnon. 

3  Bring  counsel,  execute  justice;  render 
like  the  night  thy  shadow  in  the  midst  of  the 
noonday;  conceal  the  outcasts;  betray  not 
the  fugitive. 

4  Letmyoutcasts  sojourn w'ith  thee,  Moiib;' 
be  thou  a  covert  to  them  from  the  face  of  the 
waster:  till"  ceaseth  the  extortion,  past  be  the 
wasting,  and  vanished  be  the  oppressor  out 
of  the  land. 

5  ^  And  there  shall  be  founded  through 
kindness  a  throne;  and  there  shall  sit  upon  it 
in  truthfulness  in  the  tent  of  David  a  judge 
who  seeketh  justice,  and  is  quick  in  right- 
eousness. 

6  We  have  heard  of  the  pride  of  Moiib; 
(that)  he  is  very  proud:  of  his  haughtiness, 
and  his  pride,  and  his  wrath,  his  groundless 
lies. 

7  Therefore  shall  Moab  wail  for  Moab, 
every  one  shall  wail;  for  the  strong  walls 
of  Kir-charesseth  shall  ye  lament,  deeply 
stricken. 

8  For  the  fields  of  Cheshbon  are  withered, 
the  \ane  of  Sibmah — the  lords  of  nations  have 
beaten  down  its  branches,  they  did  reach  as 
far  as  Ya'zer,  into  the  wnlderness  did  they 
wander:  its  tendrils  were  stretched  forth,  they 
passed  over  the  sea. 

9  Therefore  will  I  weep,  when  weeping  for 
Ya'zer,  for  the  vine  of  Sibmah :  I  will  moisten 
thee  richly  with  my  tears,  0  Cheshbon,  and 
El'aleh ;  for  over  (the  gathering  of)  thy  sum- 
mer fruits  and  over  thy  harvest  the  battle-cry 
is  fallen. 

10  And  (thus)  are  taken  away  joy  and  glad- 
ness out  of  the  fruitful  field ;  and  in  the  vine- 
yards shall  be  no  singing,  shall  be  no  joy- 
ful shout :  in  the  presses  shall  the  treader  not 
tread  out  wine;  I  have  stopped  the  harvest- 
call.' 

11  Therefore  my  bowels  shall  groan  for 
Moiib  like  a  harp,  and  my  inward  parts  for 
Kir-charess. 


'Jonathan.     Others,  "additional  evils." 
^  /.  e.  of  Moiib.     See  2  Kings  iii.  4. 
'■  i.  e.  As  the  young  chased  out  of  their  nest. 
'  Jonathan,  "the  outcast  of  Moab." 
'  Others,  "  because." 

'  In  verse  9,  n-n  represents  the  battle-cry ;  here,  the  call 
of  the  reapers  and  vintners  at  their  labour. 

•475 


12  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  it  shall 
be  seen  that  Moilb  is  weavy  on  the  high-places; 
and  he  will  come  to  his  sanctuary  to  pray; 
but  he  shall  not  accomplish  (aught). 

13  This  is  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  concerning  Moiib  in  former  times. 

14  But  now  hath  the  Lord  spoken,  saying, 
Within  throe  years,  as  the  years  of  a  hired 
labourer,  shall  the  glory  of  Moiib  be  rendered 
mean  with  all  this  (his)  great  multitude ;  and 
the  reuniant  shall  be  very  small  and  incon- 
siderable. 

CILVPTER  XVn. 

1  1[  The  doom  of  Damascus.  Behold,  Da- 
rn a.scus  is  deprived  of  being  a  city,  and  it 
shall  become  decaying  ruins. 

2  Forsaken  are  the  cities  of  'Aro'er:  they 
shall  be  (given  up)  to  flocks,  which  shall  lie 
down,  and  none  shall  make  them  afraid. 

0  And  there  shall  cease  the  fortress  from 
Ephraim,  and  the  kingdom  from  Damascus, 
and  the  remnant  of  Syria:  like  the  glory  of 
the  children  of  Israel  shall  they  be,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

4  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  the  glory  of  Jacob  shall  vanish,  and  the 
fatness  of  his  iiesh  shall  become  lean. 

5  And  it  shall  be  as  when  the  harvestman 
gathereth  the  standing-corn,  and  reapeth  the 
ears  with  his  arm;  and  it  shall  be  as  when 
one  gleaneth  ears  in  the  valley  of  Rephaim. 

6  And  there  shall  be  left  on  it  gleaning- 
fruit,  as  one  shaketh  an  olive-tree,  two  or 
three  berries  on  the  top  of  the  uppermost 
bough,  four  or  five  on  the  outmost  branches 
of  a  fruitful  tree,  saith  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel. 

7  On  that  day  shall  a  man  turn  his  regard 
up  to  his  Maker,  and  his  eyes  shall  look  to- 
ward the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

8  And  he  shall  not  turn  his  regard  to  the 
altars,  the  woi-k  of  his  hands;  and  he  sliall  not 
look  at  what  his  fingers  have  made,  both  the 
groves  and  the  sun-images. 

9  1[  On  that  day  shall  his  strong  cities  be 
as  a  forsaken  ruin  in  a  forest,'  and  on  a 
mountain-peak,  which  they  left  because  of 


*  After  Rashi,  except  that  we  have  followed  Philippson 
in  giving  TOS  (iisii.ally  rendered,  "tree-top,")  with  moun- 
tain-peak," a.s  giving  a  better  sense,    llashi  refers  "  they" 
to  the  ancient  Canaanites  who  fled  before  Israel. 
476 


ISAIAH  XVT.  XVII.  XVIIT. 

[the  chiMivn   of  Israel:    and    the  land    shall 


be  desolate. 

10  Because  thou  hast  forgotten  the  God  of 
thy  salvation,  and  the  rock  of  thy  strength 
thou  hast  not  remembered  ;  therefore  wouldst 
thou  plant  luxuriant  plantings,  and  wouldst 
set  out  the  shoots  of  the  stranger  therein. 

11  (Already)  on  the  day  that  thou  plant- 
edst  thou  causedst  to  grow,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing thou  madest  thy  seed  to  blossom;  but 
now  fleeth  the  harvest  on  the  day  of  disease*" 
and  of  incurable  pain. 

12  *i]  Wo  to  the  raging  of  many  people, 
who  rage  like  the  raging  of  the  seas;  and  to 
the  noise  of  nations,  that  make  a  noise  like 
the  roar  of  mighty  waters ! 

13  The  nations  will  make  a  noise  like  the 
roaring  of  many  waters;  but  He  will  rebuke 
it,  and  it  shall  flee  afar  off,  and  shall  be  chased 
as  the  chaff  of  the  mountains  before  the  wind, 
and  as  thistle-down  before  the  tempest. 

14  Atevcningtide,  behold,  there  is  trouble; 
before  yet  it  is  morning  it  is  no  more.  This 
is  the  portion  of  our  spoilers,  and  the  lot  of 
those  that  plunder  us. 

CHAPTER  XVIIL 

1  ][  Wo  to  the  land  Avith  spreading"  wings, 
which  is  beyond  the  rivers  of  Cush, 

2  That  sendeth  on  the  sea  ambassadors, 
and  in  vessels  of  bulrushes'^  messengers  over 
the  face  of  the  waters.  Go,  ye  swift  messengers, 
to  a  nation  pulled  and  torn,  to  a  people  terri- 
ble from  their  beginning  and  onward;  a  na- 
tion meted  out  and  trodden  down,  whose  land 
the  rivers  have  spoiled  ! 

3  All  ye  inhabitants  of  the  world,  and 
dwellers  on  the  earth,  when  the  ensign  is 
lifted  up  on  the  mountains,  see  ye;  and  when 
the  cornet  is  blown,  hear  ye. 

4  ^  For  so  hath  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  I 
\\i\\  take  my  rest,  and  I  will  look  down  on 
my  dwelling-place  like  a  clear  heat  upon 
herbs,  and  like  a  cloud  of  dew  in  the  heat  of 
harvest. 

5  For  before  the  harvest,  when  the  blossom 
is  past,  and  the  flower  becometh  a  ripening 
grape,  will  he  both  cut  off  the  tendrils  with 


^  Aben  Ezra;  but  Sachs,  literally,  "possession." 
°  Jonathan,  applying  it  to  the  sails  of  ships,  spread  out 
like  wings  of  birds.     Others,  "  buzzing." 
■^  8ee  note  to  Exod.  ii.  3. 


ISAIAH  XVIIl.  XIX. 


pruiiiiig-kui\  fs,  and  tlie  sprig.s  will  he  remove 
and  cut  down. 

6  They  .shall  be  left  together  unto  the 
])irds  of*prey  of  the  mountahiH,  and  to  the 
beasts  of  the  earth :  and  the  birds  of  prey 
shall  summer  upon  them,  and  all  the  beasts 
of  the  earth  sliall  winter  upon  them. 

7  ^  At  that  time  shall  be  brought  as  a 
present  unto  the  Lord  of  hosts  a  people 
pulled  and  torn,  and'  a  people  terrible  from 
their  beginning  and  onward;  a  nation  meted 
out  and  trodden  under  foot,  whose  land  the 
ri\-ers  have  spoiled,  to  the  place  of  the  name 
of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  mount  Zion. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  If  The  doom  of  Egypt.  Behold,  the 
Lord  rideth  upon  a  swift"  cloud,  and  is  coming 
to  Egypt :  and  the  idols  of  Egypt  shall  be 
moved  because  of  his  presence,  and  the  heart 
of  Egypt  shall  melt  in  its  inward  parts. 

2  •  And  I  will  stir  up  Egyptians  against  Egyp- 
tians :  and  they  shall  fightevery  one  against  his 
brother,  and  every  one  against  his  fellow;  city 
against  city,  kingdom  against  kingdom. 

3  And  the  spirit  of  Egypt  shall  be  emptied 
out"  in  its  inward  parts,  and  its  counsel  will 
I  frustrate;  and  they  will  inquire  of  the  idols. 
and  of  the  charmers,''  and  of  those  that  have 
fomiliar  s]iirits,  and  of  the  wizards. 

•i  And  1  will  surrender  the  Egyptians  into 
the  hand  of  a  cruel  lord ;  and  a  rigorous  king 
shall  rule  over  them,  saith  the  Lord,  the 
Eternal  of  hosts. 

5  And  the  waters  shall  fail  from  the  sea, 
and  the  river  shall  be  wasted  and  dried  up. 

6  And  the  rivers  shall  become  foul;°  and 
shallow  and  dried  up  shall  become  the  deep 
streams :'  reeds  and  flags  shall  wither. 

7  The  well-rooted  plants  by  the  stream, 
by  the  mouth  of  the  stream,  and  every  thing 


°  In  Hebrew  there  is  a  o  "  from,"  which  has  been  loft  un- 
translated by  Jonathan  and  others,  and  we  have  done  so 
likewise.  Perhaps  we  mifrht  render  it,  "what  is  left  of," 
meaning  thus.  "  the  remnant  of  Israel."  "A  nation  meted 
out,"  over  whom  many  sufferings — measures  of  punish- 
ment— have  passed.  This  verse  is  rendered  by  Sachs  and 
others,  "In  that  time  will  be  offered  a  present  to  the 
Lord  of  hosts  (from)  the  tall-grown  and  fat-shining  peo- 
ple, and  from  the  people  terrible  from  then  and  onward, 
the  sinewy  and  treading-down  nation,  whose  land  is  in- 
tersected by  streams;  to,"  &c.  The  same  construction  is 
followed  in  verse  2,  and  refers  to  the  people  of  Cush, 
who  are  thus  tall,  fat,  &c.;  but  this  sense  is  not  given 


sown  by  the  stream,  shall  dry  up,  be  scattered 
(by  the  wind,)  and  be  no  more. 

8  The  fishermen  also  shall  lament,  and  all 
they  that  cast  an  angle  into  the  stream  shall 
mourn;  and  they  that  spread  nets  upon  the 
face  of  the  waters  sliall  languish. 

9  And  ashamed  shall  be  they  that  work  in 
fine  flax,  and  they  that  weave  white  cloth. ^ 

10  And  its  foundations  shall  be  beaten  down, 
all  that  build  sluices  shall  be  grieved  in  soid. 

1 1  Surely  fools  are  the  princes  of  Zo'an,  the 
wise  of  the  coimsellors  of  Pharaoh  (impart) 
silly  counsel:  how  can  ye  say  unto  Pharaoh, 
I  am  a  son  of  the  wise,  a  son  of  the  ancient 
kings? 

12  Where  are  they,  these,  thy  wise  men?  that 
they  may  tell  thee  now,  that  they  know  what 
the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  resolved  on  over  Egypt. 

13  The  princes  of  Zo'an  are  become  fools, 
deceived  are  the  princes  of  Noph ;  and  Egypt 
is  led  astray  by  the  cliiefs  of  its  tribes. 

14  The  Lord  hath  poured  out  in  the  midst 
thereof  a  spirit  of  perverseness :  and  they  have 
led  Egypt  astray  in  all  its  work,  as  a  drunk- 
ai'd  reeleth  astray  in  his  vomit. 

15  And  there  shall  not  be  for  Egypt  (suc- 
cessful) work,  which  the  head  or  tail,  palm- 
branch  or  rush,  ma\"  do. 

16  ^  On  that  day  shall  Egypt  be  like  the 
women:  and  it  shall  tremble  and  be  in  dread 
becau,se  of  the  wa\ing  of  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  which  he  waveth  over  it. 

17  And  the  land  of  Judah  shall  become 
unto  Egypt  a  terror,  every  one  that  maketh 
mention  thereof  shall  be  in  dread,  because  of 
the  counsel  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  which  he 
hath  resolved  against  it. 

18  •[[  On  that  day  shall  be  five  cities  in  the 
land  of  Egypt  s])eaking  the  language  of  Ca^ 
naan,  and  swearing  by  the  Lord  of  hosts; 
"The  city  of  destruction""  shall  one  be  called. 


to  it  by  our  ancient  commentators,  who  refer  these  verses 
to  the  persecuted  Israelites.     (See  chap.  Ixvi.  20.) 

"  Others,  literally,  "light." 

°  i.  ('.  It  shall  be  deprived  of  its  wisdom. 

■"  Sachs  and  others,  "ventriloquists." 

'  Sachs,  after  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra,  "men  shall  aban- 
don," &c. 

'Jonathan.     Others,  "streams  of  Mazor, 


'  net." 


Egypt." 
Sachs, 


^  Aben  Ezra.     Ra.shi  renders  this  with 
"coloured,  and  white  linen." 

■■  Philippson,  "city  of  light,"  referring  to  Menachoth, 
fol.  110  a.  .Iiinathan.  "the  city  of  the  sun,"  (Heliopolis,) 
which  shall  be  destroyed, 

477 


ISAIAH  XIX.  XX.  XXI. 


19  ]|  On  that  day  shall  there  be  an  altar  i| 
to  the  Lord  in  the  midst  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  j[ 
and  a  pillar  at  its  border  to  the  Lord.  : 

20  And  it  shall  be  for  a  sign  and  for  a  testi- 
mony unto  the  Lord  of  hosts  in  the  land  of 
Egypt;  for  they  sliall  cry  unto  the  Lord  be- 
cause of  the  oppressors,  and  he  will  send  them  jl 
a  helper,  and  a  chief,  and  he  shall  deliver!' 
them. 

21  And  the  Lord  will  be  made  known  to 
the  Egyptians,  and  the  Egyptians  shall  knowj 
the  Lord  on  that  day,  and  will  do  service 
(with)  sacrifice  and  oblation ;  yea,  they  will 
make  vows  unto  the  Lord  and  perform 
(them) . 

22  And  the  Lord  will  thus  strike  Egypt, 
striking  and  healing  it:  and  they  will  return 
unt«  the  LoKD,  and  he  will  be  entreated  of 
them,  and  heal  them. 

23  ^  On  that  day  there  shall  lie  a  highway 
out  of  Egypt  to  Assliur.  and  Asshur  shall 
come  into  Egypt,  and  the  Egyptians  into 
Asshur,  and  the  Egyptians  shall  serve  Avith 
Asshur  (the  Lord).' 

24  ]j  On  that  day  shall  Israel  be  the  third 
with  Egypt  and  with  Asshur,  a  blessing  in 
the  midst  of  the  earth, 

25  Whom    the   Lokd  of  hosts  will  have' 
blessed,  saying,  Blessed  be  my  people  Egypt, 
and  Asshur  the  work  of  my  hands,  and  my 
heritage  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  In  the  year  that  Tharthan  came  unto ! 
Aslidod,  when  Sargon  the  king  of  Assyria, 
sent  him,  and  fought  against  Ashdod,  and| 
captured  it; 

2  At  the  same  time  spoke  the  Lord  by 
means  of  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz.  saying.  Go 
and  loosen  the  sackcloth  from  oft'  thy  loins, 
and  thy  shoe  shalt  thou  pull  off"  fi'om  tliy  foot. 
And  he  did  so,  walking  naked  and  l)arefoot. 

3  ^  And  the  Lokd  said.  Just  as  my  ser- 
vant Isaiah  hath  walked  naked  and  barefoot 
three  years  as  a  sign  and  token  for  Egypt 
and  for  Cush : 

4  So  shall  the  king  of  Assyria  lead  away 
the  prisoners  of  Egypt,   and  tlie  exiles  of 


Cush,  young  and  old,  naked  and  barefoot, 
even  with  uncovered  buttocks,  to  the  disgrace 
of  Egypt. 

5  And  they"  shall  be  terrified,  and.ashamed 
of  Cush  their  trust,  and  of  Egypt  their  vaunt. 

C  And  the  inhabitant  of  this  isle  shall  say 
on  that  day.  Behold,  such  is  our  trust,Avhither 
we  fled  for  help  to  be  delivered  from  the  king 
of  Assyria:  and  how  shall  we  then  escajje? 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  Tl  The  doom  of  the  desert"  by  the  sea. 
As  tempests  in  the  south  blow  with  fury:  so 
doth  it  come  from  the  desert,  from  a  terrible 
land. 

2  A  hard  vision  hath  been  told  unto  me; 
the  traitor  dealeth  treacherously,  and  the 
spoiler  spoileth.     "  Go  up,  0 'Elam;  besiege, 

0  Media  ;"  all  sighing  have  I  caused  to  cease. 

3  Therefore  are  my  loins  filled  witli  pain : 
pangs  have  seized  me,  like  the  pangs  of  a 
woman  that  travaileth:  I  am  too  much 
cramped  to  hear;  I  am  too  much  dismayed 
to  see. 

4  My  heart  wandereth  astra}'.  dread  af- 
frighteth  me:  tlie  evening  of  my  jjleasure 
hath  he  turned  unto  me  into  terror. 

5  Prepare  the  table,  put  on  the  candle- 
sticks,'' eat,  drink:  arise,  ye  princes,  and 
anoint  the  shield. 

6  Tl  For  thus  hatli  said  unto  me  the  Lord,  Go, 
set  the  watchman,  what  he  seeth  let  him  tell. 

7  And  he  will  see  chariots,  horsemen  in 
coui)les,  riders  on  asses,  riders  on  camels  ;  and 
he  shall  listen  diligently  with  nuich  heed : 

8  And  he  calleth  (like)'  a  lion.  Upon  the 
iwatchtower,  O  Lord,  do  I  stand  continually 

1  in  the  daytime,  and  on  my  ward  am  I  set 
all  the  nights. 

9  And,  behold,  here  cometh  a  chariot  with 
I  men,  horsemen  in  couples,  and  he  commenc- 

eth  and  saith.  Fallen,  fiillen  is  Balnlon;  and 
all  the  graven  images  of  her  gods  hath  he 
shivered  unto  the  ground. 

10  0  my  down-troddon'  (people,)  and  the 
son  of  my  thresliing-floor  :  that  which  I  have 
heard  from  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, have  I  told  unto  you. 


"  Redak.     Jonathan,  "  Rsrypt  shall  serve  .Asshur." 

'■  The  Israelites. — Ahen  Ezri.\. 

'  !.  e.  Babylon,      liedak  renders  D'  "  we.st." 


°  Aben  Ezra;   i.  e.  loLully. 

'  Lit.    "  my  threshini^."     llaslii   refers    it   to    Israel, 
which  has  been  threshed  (oppressed)  for  its  improvement, 


''  llashi.     .\hen  Ezra,  "  i^rini;  iu  the  music."     Jona-Las  a  man  threshes  and  winnows  corn  to  fit  it  for  use;  after 
tiian,  "Set  the  watchman."     Others,  •' Jjay  the  covers."      which  properly  follows,  "the  son  of  the  thveshing-floor." 

4?«  ; 


ISAIAH  XXI.  XXII. 


11  Tl  The  doom  of  Duniali.  Unto  me  one 
calleth  out  of  Se'ir,  Watchman,  Avhat  of  the 
night?"     Watchman,  what  of  the  night? 

12  The  watchman  said.  The  morning  com- 
eth,""  and  also  the  night:  if  je  will  desire,  de- 
sire ye;  return,  come  again. 

13  T[  The  doom  upon  Arabia.  In  the 
forest  in  Arabia  shall  }e  lodge,  0 yo  caravans 
of  Dedanim. 

14  Toward  him  that  is  thirsty  they  bring 
water;  the  inhabitants  of  the  land  of  Thema 
meet  with  suitable^  bread  the  fugitive. 

1-3  Because  from  the  swords  are  they  fled, 
from  the  drawn  sword,  and  from  the  bent 
bow,  and  from  the  pressure  of  war. 

16  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  unto 
me.  Within  yet  one  year,  like  the  years  of  a 
hired  labourer,  shall  all  the  glory  of  Kedar 
be  at  an  end : 

17  And  the  residue  of  the  number  of  bows 
of  the  mighty  men  of  the  children  of  Kedar 
shall  be  small ;  for  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
hath  spoken  it. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  ^  The  doom  of  the  valley  of  vision." 
What  aileth  thee  now,  that  thou  art  wholly 
gone  up  to  the  roofs? 

2  O  noiseful,  tumultuous  ci ty.  joyous  town ! 
thy  slain  ones  are  not  slain  with  the  sword, 
and  not  those  that  die  in  battle. 

3  All  thy  rulers  are  fled  together,  they  are 
made  prisoners  by  the  bowmen:  all  that  are 
found  in  thee  are  made  prisoners  together, 
who  have  run  away  from  afar. 

4  Therefore  said  I,  Look  away  from  me ;  I 
will  weep  bitterly ;  be  not  urgent  to  comfort 
me,  because  of  the  wasting  of  the  daughter 
of  my  people. 

5  For  a  day  of  confusion,  and  of  treading 
down,  and  of  perplexity  hath  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal of  hosts  in  the  valley  of  vision;  walls  are 
broken,  and  cryins;  is  heard  aoainst  the  moun- 
tain. 

6  And  'Elam  beareth  the  quiver,  (cometh) 
with  men  in  chariots  and  horsemen,  and  Kir 
uncovereth  the  shield. 

7  And  it  is  so,  that  thy  choicest  valleys  are 


girding  with  sack- 


'  Rashi,  "What  will  become  of  this  nicrht,  this  dark- 
ness?"    Sachs,  ''How  much  is  elapsed  of  the  night?" 

''  Rashi,  "There  is  a  morning  (reward)  for  the  right- 
eous, and  a  night  for  the  wicked  ;  if  you  wish  your  desire 
of  the  redemption  fulfilled,  repent,  come  back  to  God." 


full  of  chariots,  and  tlie  horsemen  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  the  gate. 

8  And  he  laid  open  the  covering  of  Judah ; 
and  thou  didst  look  on  that  day  toward  the 
armour  of  the  house  of  the  forest. 

9  And  the  breaches  of  the  city  of  David 
have  ye  seen,  that  they  are  many:  and  ye 
gathered  together  the  waters  of  the  lower 
pool. 

10  And  the  houses  of  Jerusalem  have  ye 
numbered,  and  ye  have  pulled do\vn  the  houses 
to  fortify  the  wall. 

11  And  a  tank  have  ye  made  between  the 
two  walls  for  the  water  of  the  old  jdooI;  but 
ye  have  not  looked  toward  the  Maker  thereof, 
and  him  that  fashioned  it  in  distant  times 
have  ye  not  regarded. 

12  And  the  Lord  Eternal  of  hosts  called 
on  that  day  for  weeping,  and  for  mournirig, 
and  for  baldness,  and  for 
cloth, 

1 3  And  behold  (there  are)  gladness  and  joy, 
slaying  of  oxen,  and  killing  of  sheep,  eating- 
flesh,  and  drinking  wine:  "Let  us  eat  and 
drink;  for  to-morrow  we  must  die." 

14  And  it  was  revealed  in  my  ears  by  the 
Lord  of  hosts :  Surely  this  iniquity  shall  not 

I  be  forgiven  unto  you  until  ye  die,  said  the 
!  Lord  the  Eternal  of  hosts. 

15  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal  of 
hosts,  Go,  get  thee  unto  this  treasurer,  even 
unto  Shebna,  who  is  (superintendent)  over 
the  house: 

16  What  hast  thou  here?  and  whom  hast 
thou  here,  that  thou  hast  hewn  out  for  thy- 
self here  a  sepulchre,  (the  man)  that  hath 
hewn  out  on  high  his  sepulchre,  that  hol- 
lowetli  out  in  the  rock  a  habitation  for  him- 
self? 

17  Behold,  the  Lord  will  thrust  thee  about 
with  a  mighty  throw,  0  man!  and  will  lay 
flist  hold  of  thee; 

18  He  will  roll  thee  up  as  a  bundle,  and 
(toss  thee)  like  a  ball  into  a  country  of  ample 
space :  there  shalt  thou  die,  and  there  shall 
(remain)  the  chariots  of  thy  glory,  thou  dis- 
grace of  the  house  of  thy  lord. 

19  And  I  will  cast  thee  out  from  thy  sta- 


The  watchman  here  is,  according  to  the  same  authority, 
typical  of  God.  "  Lit.  "  his  bread." 

^  Rashi,  Jerusalem,  "  the  valley  on  which  many  prophe- 
cies have  been  spoken."  Abcn  Kzra,  "the  plac-e  of  pro- 
phecy."  ^_^ 


ISAIAH  XXII.  XXIII. 


tion,  and  from  thy  post  shall  he  pull  thee 
down. 

20  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  I  will  call  my  servant,  for  Elyakim  the 
son  of  Chilkiyahu. 

21  ^  And  I  will  clothe  him  with  thy  robe, 
and  thy  girdle  will  I  fasten  around  him,  and 
thy  government  will  I  place  into  his  hand : 
and  he  shall  be  as  a  father  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Jerusalem,  and  to  the  house  of  Judah. 

22  And  I  will  lay  the  key"  of  the  house  of 
David  upon  his  shoulder;  so  that  he  shall 
open,  and  none  shall  shut;  and  he  shall  shut, 
and  none  shall  open. 

23  And  I  will  lasten  him  as  a  tent-nail  in 
a  sure  place;  and  he  shall  be  for  a  chair  of 
honour  to  his  father's  house. 

24  And  they  shall  hang  upon  him  all  the 
glory  of  his  father's  house,  the  shoots  and 
offshoots,  all  the  small  vessels,  from  the  ves- 
sels of  basins,  even  to  all  the  vessels  of  fla- 
gons. 

25  On  that  day,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
shall  be  removed  the  nail  that  is  fastened  in 
the  sure  place,  and  be  cut  down,  and  fall; 
and  the  burden  that  is  upon  it  shall  be  cut 
off;  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  T[  The  doom  of  Tyre.  Wail,  ye  ships 
of  Tharshish;  for  it  is  laid  waste,  without 
house,  without  entrance:  from  the  land  of 
Kittim  hath  it  l^een  revealed  to  them. 

2  Be  silent,' ye  inhabitants  of  the  coast- 
land  :"  the  merchants  of  Zidon,  that  pass  over 
the  sea,  (formerly)  filled  thee. 

3  And  on  mighty  waters  (came)  the  seed 
of  Shichor,"  the  harvest  of  the  stream,  as  her 
revenue;  and  she  became  the  mart  of  na- 
tions. 

4  Be  ashamed,  0  thou  Zidon ;  for  spoken 
hath  the  sea,  the  stronghold  of  the  sea,  say- 
ing, I  travailed  not,  nor  brought  forth  chil- 


'  Jonathan,  "  the  keys  of  the  temple  and  the  rule  of 
the  house  of  David." 

'  z.  e.  Phoenicia;    literally,    "island;"    but    here    the 
whole  adjacent  coast  is  evidently  included. 

°  /.  <:.  The  Nile,  the  stream  of  Egypt. 

■^  Rashi.     Sachs,  "  When  the  report  (cometh)  to  Egypt, 
shall  they  tremble  at,"  &c. 

"  lleinemann. 

'  Lit.  "uirdle,"   metajihuric   fur    "strength,"    "endu- 
rance." 

48U 


dren,  neither  did  I  nourish  up  3'oung  men, 
nor  bring  up  virgins. 

5  As  at  the  report  concerning  Egypt,  so 
shall  they  tremble  at  the  report  of  Tyre." 

6  Pass  ye  over  to  Tharshish;  wail,  ye  in- 
habitants of  the  coast-land. 

7  Is  this  your  fate,"  ye  of  the  joyous  (city)? 
she  whose  antiquity  is  of  ancient  days — her 
own  feet  shall  carry  her,  afar  of!"  to  sojourn. 

8  Who  hath  resolved  this  against  Tyre, 
the  crowning  city,  whose  merchants  are 
princes,  whose  traders  are  the  honourable  of 
the  earth? 

9  The  Lord  of  hosts  hath  resolved  it,  to 
dishonour  the  ])ride  of  all  ornament,  to  make 
of  light  esteem  all  the  honourable  of  the  earth. 

10  T[  Pass  through  thy  land  as  a  stream, 
0  daughter  of  Tharshish :  there  is  no  more 
strength.' 

11  He  hath  stretched  out  his  hand  over 
the  sea,  he  hath  shaken  kingdoms;  the  Lord 
hath  given  a  command  against  Canaan,^ 
to  subvert  its  strongholds. 

12  And  he  said.  Thou  shalt  no  longer"  i-e- 
joice  any  more,  0  thou  oppressed  virgin, 
daughter  of  Zidon:  arise,  j^ass  over  to  the 
Kittim;  also  there  shalt  thou  have  no  rest. 

13  Behold  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans — this 
people  which  was  not,  Asshur  founded  it  for 
the  dwellers  in  the  wilderness — they  have  set 
up  their  watchtowers,  have  overthrown  its 
palaces,  have  rendered  it  a  heap  of  ruins. 

14  Wail,  ye  ships  of  Tharshish;  for  your 
stronghold  is  laid  waste. 

15  T[  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  Tyre  shall  be  forgotten  seventy 
years,  like  the  days  of  one  king:'  at  the  end 
of  seventy  years  shall  it  happen  to  Tyre  as  in 
the  song  of  the  harlot." 

16  '"Take  the  harp,  go  round  about  the 
city,  thou  forgotten  harlot;  make  sweet  music, . 
sing  many  songs,  in  order  that  thou  mayest 
be  remembered." 


"=  The  coasts  of  Palestine,  ancient  Canaan,  (Num.  siii. 
29.)  including  Phoenicia. 

''  /.  e.  Not  for  ever,  but  a  long  time. 

'  lledak,  "the  life  of  a  man,  which  is  seventy  years." 
Aben  Ezra,  "the  duration  of  one  dynasty  of  kings." 

'  Intercourse  with  foreigners  is  a  figurative  incest  in 
the  eye  of  the  prophet,  as  the  Israelites  lived  secluded  in 
their  own  land.  So  also  the  hire  spoken  of  means  the 
profits  cif  commerce,  whicli  therefore  can  be  holy,  which 
the  actual  wages  ol'  sin  cainiut  be.     (l)eut.  x.xiii.  IS.j 


ISAIAH  XXlll.  XXIV. 


17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  after  the  end 
of  seventy  years,  that  the  Lord  will  visit 
Tyre,  and  she  shall  return  to  her  hire,  and 
shall  have  commerce"  with  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  world  upon  the  iace  of  the  earth. 

18  And  her  gain  and  her  hire  shall  be  holy 
to  the  Lord:  it  shall  not  be  treasured  nor 
laid  up;  but  for  those  that  dwell  before  the 
Lord  shall  her  gain  be,  to  eat  to  fulness,  and 
for  magnificent  clothing. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. . 

1  ^  Behold,  the  Lord  maketh  empty  the 
land,  and  layeth  it  waste,  and  marreth  its 
surtace,  and  scattereth  abroad  its  inhabitants. 

2  And  it  shall  be  the  same  with  the  peo- 
ple as  Avith  the  priest;  with  the  servant  as 
with  his  master;  with  the  bondwoman  as 
with  her  mistress;  with  the  buyer  as  with 
the  seller;  with  the  lender  as  with  the  bor- 
rower; with  the  debtor  as  with  his  creditor. 

3  Empty,  emptied  out  shall  be  the  land, 
and  spoiled,  utterly  spoiled;  for  the  Lord 
hath  spoken  this  word. 

4  The  land  mourneth,  withereth  away,  the 
world  languisheth,  withereth  away,  the  high 
ones  of  the  people  of  the  land  do  languish. 

5  For  thedand  was  defiled  under  its  inhabit- 
ants ;  Ijecause  they  had  transgressed  the  laws, 
neglected  the  statutes,  broken  the  everlasting 
covenant. 

6  Therefore  hath  the  curse  devoured  the 
land,  and  they  that  dwell  therein  sutler  for 
their  guilt;  therefore  are  the  inhabitants  of 
the  land  dried  up,  and  but  few  men  are  left. 

7  The  new  wine  mourneth,  the  vine  lan- 
guisheth, all  the  merry-hearted  sigh. 

8  At  rest  is  the  mirth  of  the  tambourines ; 
(eased  hath  the  tumult  of  the  joyful;  at  rest 
is  the  mirth  of  the  harp. 

9  Amidst  singing  shall  they  no  (more) 
drink  wine ;  bitter  shall  be  the  strong  drink 
to  those  that  drink  it. 


"  In  a  bad  sense. 

"*  Philippsun,  after  Gesenius,  takes  d'IN^  as  derived 
tVom  11X,  "light,"  or  "the  place  where  the  light  comes," 
/.  e.  the  east,  in  opposition  from  D"n  "  the  west,"  given 
here  from  the  sea. 

°  Lit.  "languishment,"  or  "famishing ;"  hence,  Sachs, 
"  I  am  famishing ;" — but  it  is  only  an  expression  of  anguish ; 
hence  our  version.  Jonathan  derives  this  word  from  n 
"secret,"  and  paraphrases,  "there  hath  been  revealed  to 
me  the  secret  of  the  reward  of  the  righteous,  and  the 
secret  of  the  punishment  nf  the  wicked." 

u    1j 


10  Broken  down  is  the  city  of  desolation; 
shut  up  is  evei'y  house  that  none  can  enter. 

11  A  (painful)  cry  for  wine  is  in  the  streets; 
darkened  is  all  joy;  banished  is  the  mirth  of 
the  land. 

12  There  is  left  destruction  in  the  city,  and 
in  ruins  is  beaten  the  gate. 

13  For  thus  shall  it  be  in  the  midst  of  the 
land  among  the  nations,  as  (at)  the  shaking 
of  an  olive-tree,  as  (at)  the  gleaning  of  grapes 
when  the  vintage  is  done. 

14  These  shall  lift  up  their  voice,  they  shall 
sing;  because  of  the  majesty  of  the  Lord,  they 
shout  aloud  from  the  sea. 

15  Therefore  in  the  valleys'"  honour  ye  the 
Lord;  in  the  isles  of  the  sea,  the  name  of  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel. 

IG  ^  From  the  edge  of  the  eartli  have  we 
heard  songs,  "Glory  to  the  righteous."  But 
I  said,  "  EviP  is  mine,  evil  is  mine,  wo  is  me  !"* 
the  treacherous  have  dealt  treacherously ;  yea, 
the  treacherous  have  dealt  very  treacher- 
ously." 

17  Fear,  and  the  pit,  and  the  snare  are 
upon  thee,  0  inhabitant  of  the  land. 

18  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  he  who 
fleeth  from  the  call  of  the  fear  shall  fall  into 
the  pit;  and  he  that  cometh  up  out  of  the 
midst  of  the  pit  shall  be  caught  in  the  snare; 
for  the  windows  from  on  high  are  opened, 
and  there  quaked  the  foundations  of  the 
earth. 

19  Crushed  entirely  is  tlie  eartli,  split  in 
pieces  is  thu  earth,  shaken  to  its  centre  is 
the  earth. 

20  The  earth  reeleth  to  and  fro  like  a 
drunkard,  and  vibrateth  like  a  watch-hut ;° 
and  heavily  lieth  upon  it  its  transgression; 
and  it  shall  tail,  and  not  rise  again. 

21  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  the  Lord  will  visit  punishment  on  the 
host  of  heaven*^  in  heaven,  and  on  the  kings 
of  the  eartli  upon  the  earth. 


^  In  view  of  the  great  evil  inflicted  on  Israel,  the  prophet- 
expresses  his  grief;  liecause  treason  on  treason  has  been 
perpetrated  against  the  helpless.  Others  render  njn  witk 
"robber,"  and  so  the  verbs  derived  from  it;  but  the  sense 
is  all  the  same. 

'  Kashi;  ;'.  e.  the  hut  put  on  the  tup  of  a  tree  to  watch 
the  field.  Philippson,  after  Jonathan,  "a  swinging  mat." 
(See  also  cb.  i.  8.) 

'  DHD  "what  is  high,"  i.e.  the  superior  world,  the 
heavens;  here  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  which  were  the 
nbiects  of  the  heathen  worship. 

^  481 


ISAIAH  XXIV.  XXV.  XXVI. 


22  And  they  shall  be  gathered  in  heajjs,  as 
prisoners,  in  the  prison,  and  shall  be  shut  up 
in  the  dungeon,  and  thus  after  many  days 
shall  they  be  punished. 

23  And  the  moon  shall  be  put  to  the 
Ijlush,  and  the  sun  be  made  ashamed;  for 
the  Lord  of  hosts  will  reign  on  mount  Zion, 
and  in  Jerusalem,  and  before  his  ancients  in 
glory." 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1^0  Lord,  my  God  art  thou ;  I  will  exalt 
thee,  I  will  praise  thy  name;  for  thou  hast 
done  wonderful  things,  resolves  of  distaiit 
times  (are  become)  faithful  confirmation.'' 

2  For  thou  hast  made  of  a  city  a  stone- 
heap;  of  a  fortified  town  a  falling  ruin;  the 
palace  of  barbarians  ceaseth  out  of  the  city, 
to  eternity  shall  it  not  be  rebuilt. 

3  Therefore  shall  a  strong  people  honour 
thee ;  the  town  of  the  tyrannical  nations 
shall  fear  thee. 

4  For  thou  hast  become  a  stronghold  to 
the  poor,  a  stronghold  to  the  needy  when  he 
is  distressed;  a  protection  from  the  tempest, 
a  shadow  from  the  heat;  for  the  (wrathful) 
breath  of  the  tyrants  is  like  the  tempest 
against  a  wall. 

5  Like  heat  in  a  dry  land,  wilt  thou 
subdue  the  tumult  of  the  bar])arians;  as 
the  heat  (is  lessened)  by  the  shadow  of  the 
cloud,  so  will  he  subdue  the  song  of  the  ty- 
rants." 

6  And  the  Lord  ol'  hosts  will  make  unto 
all  the  nations  on  this  mountain  a  feast  of 
fat  things,  a  feast  of  wines  on  the  lees,  of  fat 
things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines  on  the  lees 
well  refined. 

7  And  he  will  destroy  on  this  mountain 
the  face  of  the  covering  which  covereth  all 
the  people,  and  the  vail  that  is  spread  over 
all  the  nations. 

8  He  will  destroy  death  to  eternity;  and 
the  Lord  Eternal  will  wipe  away  the  tear 
Irom  oft'  all  faces ;  and  the  shame  of  his  peo- 
ple will  he  remove  from  off  all  the  earth;  for 
the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

'  Or,  "  before  his  ancients  there  shall  be  glory." 

''  llaslii,  after  Jonathan;  i.  e.  God's  ancient  decrees  are 

conlirmed  and  made  truth  by  fulfilment. 

°  llashi  makes  Toi  as  derived  from  a  root  signifying  to 

"cut  away;"   lionee,  "the  fall  of  tlio  tyrants  sliriil  cnuse 

(others  J  to  sing." 
48i 


9  "ly  And  men  will  say  on  that  day,  Lo, 
this  is  our  God,  for  whom  we  have  waited  that 
he  would  help  us;  this  is  the  Lord  for  whom 
we  have  waited,  we  will  be  glad  and  we  will 
rejoice  in  iiis  salvation. 

10  For  the  hand  of  the  Lord  will  rest  on 
this  mountain,  arid  Moab  shall  be  trodden 
down  on  his  own  place,  even  as  straw  is 
trodden  down  upon  the  dunghill. 

11  And  he  will  spread  forth  his  hands  in 
the  midst  thereof,  as  the  swimmer  spreadeth 
them  forth  to  swim  :  and  he  will  Iji-ing  down 
his  pride  together  with  the  joints  of  his  hands. 

12  And  the  fortress  of  the  stronghold  of 
thy"*  walls  he  bringeth  down,  layeth  low, 
casteth  it  to  the  ground,  even  to  the  dust. 

CHAPTER  XXVL 

1  ^  On  that  day  shall  this  song  be  sung 
in  the  land  of  JudaL:  A  strong  city  have  we; 
his  aid  will  he  grant  (us)  as  v.-alls  and  defence." 

2  Open  ye  the  gates,  that  there  may  enter 
in  the  righteous  nation  which  guardeth  the 
truth. 

3  The  confiding  mind  wilt  thou  keep  in 
perfect^  peace;  because  he  trusteth  in  thee. 

4  Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  unto  eternity ;  for 
in  Yah  the  Lord  is  everlasting  protection.'^ 

5  For  he  bendeth  down  the  dwellers  of  the 
height;  the  lofty  fortress — he  layeth  it  low; 
he  layeth  it  low,  along  the  ground;  he  casteth 
it  down  to  the  dust. 

6  The  foot  shall  tread  it  down,  the  feet  of 
the  poor,  the  steps  of  the  needy. 

7  The  path  of  the  just  is  straight:  thou, 
most  upright,  dost  ever  level  the  road  of  the 
just. 

8  Yea,  on  the  path  of  thy  judgments,  0 
Lord,  have  we  waited  for  thee;  for  thy  name, 
and  for  the  remembrance  of  thee,  was  the 
lomring  of  our  soul. 

9  In  my  soul  have  I  longed  for  thee  in  the 
night;  yea,  with  my  spirit  within  me  will  I 
seek  for  thee;  for  when  thy  judgments  are 
(sent)  on  the  earth,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world  learn  righteousness. 

10  If  favour  be  shown  to  the  wicked,  he 


*  Moab. 

'  *.  e.  The  outer  wall,  between  which  and  the  larger 
one  a  ditch  was  made. — After  Redak.  Sachs.  "  He  (God) 
granteth  victory,  walls,  and  defence," 

'  Hcb.  "peace,  peace," 

^  lleb.  "rock." 


ISAIAH  XXVI.  XXVII 


will  not  learn  righteousness;  in  the  land  of 
uprightness  will  he  deal  unjustly,  and  will 
not  regard  the  majesty  of  the  Lord. 

11  •[[  Lord,  thy  hand  was  raised  high,  but 
they  would  not  see :  oh  that  they  might  see, 
and  be  ashamed,  (thy)  zeal  for  the  people; 
yea,  the  fire  which  shall  devour  them — tliy 
enemies. 

12  ^  Lord,  thou  wilt  ordain  peace  for  us; 
for  also  all  our  works  hast  thou  accomplished 
for  us. 

13^0  Lord  our  God,  lords  have  had  do- 
minion over  us  beside  thee;  (but)  of  thee" 
only  would  we  make  mention, — of  thy  name. 

14  (They  are)  dead,  they  will  not  live 
(again) ;  (they  are)  departed,  they  will  not 
rise  (again) ;  therefore  hast  thou  visited  and 
destroyed  them,  and  made  to  perish  every 
memorial  of  them. 

15  Thou  hast  done  more  for  the  nation, 
0  Lord,  thou  hast  done  more  for  the  nation ; 
thou  hast  glorified  thyself:  thou  hast  enlarged 
all  the  ends  of  the  earth.'' 

16  T[  Lord,  in  trouble  have  they  sought 
thee,  they  poured  out  earnest  prayers  when 
thy  chastening  was  upon  them. 

17  Like  as  a  pregnant  woman,  that  is  near 
giving  birth,  is  in  pain,  (and)  crieth  out  in 
her  pangs :  so  have  we  been  in  thy  presence, 
0  Lord. 

18  We  have  been  pregnant,  we  have  been 
in  pain,  (but  it  w^as)  as  though  we  brought 
forth  wind;  we  have  not  wrought  any  deliver- 
ance in  the  land;  and  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world  have  not  fallen. 

19  Thy  dead  shall  live,  my  dead  bodies'" 
shall  arise.  Awake  and  sing  ye,  that  dwell 
in  the  dust;  for  a  dew  on  herbs*  is  thy  dew, 
and  the  earth  shall  cast  out  the  departed." 


'  p  is  translated  by  Eashi  simply  as  "thee"  Jona- 
than, "on  thy  word  do  we  trust."  Sachs,  "'by  thee  only 
do  we  swear,  (by)  the  name."  Philippson,  "thee  alone, 
thy  name  do  we  adgre." 

"  Heinemann,  after  Rashi.  It  means  that  God  has 
done  great  things  for  Israel,  more  than  any  other  people, 
through  which  he  is  glorified ;  and  removed  away  the 
oppressors  from  their  land. 

°  Jonathan.  But  Redak  supplies  "  with  ;"  thus,  "  with 
my  own  dead  body  shall  they  arise." 

''  Rashi,  "a  dew  of  light."  Heinemann,  freely,  "a 
dew  of  life,"  i  e.  such  as  revives  the  dying  plants. 

"  Jonathan,  "and  the  wicked  thou  wilt  cast  down  to 
the  earth." 

'Others,  "extended,"  "far-stretching."  This  descrip- 
tion is  no  doubt  intended  for  Egypt  and  .\ssyri:i,  I'aslii 
adds  "  E<loni," 


20  ^  Go,  my  people,  enter  thou  into  thy 
chambers,  and  shut  thy  door  behind  thee: 
hide  thyself  but  for  a  little  moment,  until  the 
indignation  be  passed  away. 

21  For,  behold,  the  Lord  cometh  out  of 
his  place  to  visit  the  iniquity  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  earth  on  them :  and  the  earth 
shall  disclose  her  blood,  and  shall  no  more  be 
a  cover  over  her  slain. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ][  On  that  day  will  the  Lord  punish  with 
his  heavy  and  great  and  strong  sword  levia- 
than the  fljing'  serpent,  and  leviathan  the 
crooked  servant;  and  he  will  slay  the  croco- 
dile that  is  in  the  sea. 

2  ^  On  that  day  sing  ye  a  song  of  th.e 
vineyard  of  excellent  wine. 

3  "I  the  Lord  do  keep  it;  every  moment 
will  I  water  it:  that  no  one  shall  hurt  it. 
night  and  day  will  I  keep  it. 

4  Wrath  have  I  not:  who  would  set  the 
briers  and  thorns  against  me  in  battle?  I 
would  pass^  through  them,  and  I  would  burn 
them  altogether. 

5  If  he""  but  take  hold  of  my  strength, 
make  peace  with  me ;  make  peace  with  me." 

6  In  the  future  shall  Jacob  yet  take  root ; 
Israel  shall  bud  and  blossom,  and  shall  fill 
the  face  of  the  world  with  fruit. 

7  T[  Hath  he  smitten  him,  as  he  smote  the 
one  that  smote  him?  or  was  he  slain  with  the 
same  slaughter  as  those  of  him  that  were 
slain  ?' 

8  In  measure,^  by  driving  him  forth,  thou 
strivest  with  him  :  he  removed  him  with  his 
violent  storm  on  the  day  of  the  east  wind. 

9  Therefore  by  this  (only)  shall  the  ini- 
quity of  Jacob  be  atoned ;  and  this  shall  be 

5  Sachs,  "  Should  I  meet  with  them,  I  would,"  &c. 
The  meaning  is,  that  the  peaceable  keeper  of  the  vine- 
yard (God)  will  destroy  all  the  enemies  (the  thorns)  who 
might  come  to  injure  what  he  so  carefully  watches  over. 

"Heinemann;  and  it  then  means,  "AH  this  shall  be 
if  Israel  but  confides  in  God,  and  makes  peace  with  him 
through  righteous  deeds."  Philippson,  "  Unle.ss  the 
enemy  come  to  the  vineyard,  not  as  enemies,  but  to  seek 
protection  there,  making  their  peace  with  God  the  keeper." 

'  Meaning,  Israel,  though  punished,  was  not  treated  by 
God  like  their  oppressors;  these  were  exterminated — look 
at  Egypt,  Assyria,  Babylon,  and  others — while  they  them- 
selves have  always  remained.  "  Him"  refers  back  to  the 
enemy,  "the  smiter,"  whenever  "he"  designates  "Jacob." 

'  Sachs,  "  through  agitation."  The  meaning  of  the  verse 
is,  that  God  ])iii]ishod  Israel  in  moderation,  and  Jrocf  them 
otilv  out  of  Palcr,tine  aud  did  not  consume  them. 

483 


ISAIAH  XXVII.  XXVIII. 


all  tlie  fruit  of  th-e  taking  away  of  his  sin ; 
when  he  maketh  all  the  stones  of  the  altar  as 
limestones  that  are  beaten  in  pieces,"  when 
ihere  shall  not  arise  again  any  groves  and 
sun-images. 

10  For  (by  this)  the  fortified"  city  shall  be 
desolate,  the  haljitation  be  forsaken,  and  left 
like  a  wilderness ;  there  shall  the  calf  feed, 
and  there  shall  it  lie  down,  and  consume  its 
branches. 

11  When  its  b(nighs  are  withered,  they 
shall  be  broken  off;  women  will  come  and  set 
them  on  fire ;  for  it  is  not  a  people  of  under- 
standing ;  therefore  he  that  made  it  will  not 
have  mercy  on  it,  and  he  that  formed  it  Avill 
show  it  no  favour. 

12  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  the  Lord  will  beat  off  (the  fruit) 
from  the  channel  of  the  River"  up  to  the 
brook  of  Egypt ;  but  ye — ye  shall  be  gathered 
up  one  by  one,  0  ye  children  of  Israel. 

13  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  the  great  cornet  shall  be  blown,  and 
then  shall  come  those  who  are  lost  in  the  land 
of  Asshur,  and  those  who  are  outcasts  in  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  they  shall  prostrate  them- 
selves before  the  Lord  on  the  holy  mount  at 
Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  Wo  to  the  crown  of  pride,  of  the 
drunkards  of  Ephraim,  and  to  the  fading 
flower  of  his  glorious  ornament,  which  is  on 
the  eminence  of  the  fat  valley  of  those  who 
are  struck  down  by  wine  ! 

2  Behold,  (it  conieth)  mighty  and  strong 
from  the  Lord,  as  a  tempest  of  hail,  a  storm 
of  destruction ;  as  a  tempest  of  mighty  over- 
flowing waters,  will  he  cast  it  down  to  the 
earth  with  force. 

3  Under  feet  shall  be  trodden  the  crown 
of  jjride  of  the  drunkards  of  Ephraim  : 

4  And  the  fading  flower  of  his  glorious  or- 
nament, which  is  on  the  eminence'  of  the  fat 


"  When  all  the  altars  of  idols  are  destroyed,  and  thus 
the  worship  of  false  gods  can  uo  more  exist  among  Is- 
rael. 

''  Kashi.    Others,  ''  For  the  fortified  city  is  desolate,"  &c. 

■■  From  the  Euphrates  to  the  Arish. 

'  The  3Iount  of  Samaria,  which  overlooks  the  fruitful 
valley  beneath. 

"  Others,  "in  the  forepart  of  summer." 
Lit    "report,''  or  "what  is  heard,"  !.  c  from  God. 

'  llashi    commeutH,  that    the    people  would  not  hear, 
484 


valley,  shall  be  as  its  early  ripe  fruit  Ijefore* 
the  summer;  which  one, when  he  just  seeth 
it,  while  it  is  scarcely  in  his  hand,  hastily  de- 
voureth. 

5  T[  On  that  day  will  the  Lord  of  hosts  be 
for  a  crown  of  glory,  and  for  a  diadem  of 
beauty,  unto  the  residue  of  his  people, 

6  And  for  a  .s^iirit  of  judgment  to  him  that 
sitteth  in  judgment,  and  for  strength  to  those 
that  drive  back  the  battle  to  the  gate  (of  the 
enemy) . 

7  But  these  also  are  now  stumbling  through 
wine,  and  reeling  through  strong  drink  :  priest 
and  prophet  are  stumbling  through  strong 
drink,  they  are  overpowered  with  wine,  they 
reel  through  strong  drink ;  they  stumble  in 
(divine)  vision,  they  are  unsteady  in  giving 
judgment. 

8  For  all  tables  are  full  of  vomit  of  filthi- 
ness,  there  is  no  jjlace  (clean). 

9  T[  Whom  shall  he  teach  knowledge  ?  and 
whom  shall  he  give  to  understand  doctrine  f 
those  that  are  weaned  from  the  milk,  those 
that  are  taken  from  the  breasts. 

10  For  precept''  must  be  upon  precept,  pre- 
cept upon  precept;  line  upon  line,  line  upon 
line ;  here  a  little,  and  there  a  little. 

11  For  (as)*"  with  stammering  lip.s  and  a 
foreign  tongue  will  he  speak  to  this  people ; 

12  When  he  said  unto  them,  This  is  the 
rest,  cau.se  ye  the  weary  to  rest;  and  this  is 
the  refreshing;  but  they  would  not  hear. 

13  Therefore  shall  be  unto  them  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  precept  upon  precept,  precept 
upon  precept;  line  upon  line,  line  upon  line; 
here  a  little,  and  there  a  little ;  in  order  that 
they  may  go,  and  stumljle  backward,  and  be 
broken,  and  snared,  and  caught. 

14  \  Therefore  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
ye  scornful  men,  who  rule  this  people  that  is 
in  Jerusalem. 

15  Because  ye  have  said,  "We  have  en- 
tered into  a  covenant  witli  death,  and  with 
the  nether  world  have  we  made  an   agree- 

and  to  every  precept  the  prophet  offered  them  in  Grod's 
name,  they  said  that  they  had  one  from  an  idol.  It  ougiit 
to  be  rendered  then,  "  For  there  is  jirecept  against  precept, " 
&c.  The  word  of  God  should  bring  rest;  but  as  the 
drunkards  of  Ephraim  derided  it,  they  did  sufl'er  through 
their  enemies  the  evil  threatened  again.st  them. 

''  Kashi,  "  they  regard  every  prophet  as  though  he  stam- 
mered, and  eould  not  be  understood."  But  Sachs,  "God 
will  speak  to  them  through  nations  of  stammering  lips," 
i.  e.  who  speak  the  language  of  the  laud  imperfectly. 


tSATAH  XXVIII.  XXTX. 


ment;  the  overflowing  scourge,  uheii  it  pas.s- 
eth  bj,  shall  not  come  at  us;  for  we  have 
made  lies  our  refuge,  and  under  falsehood 
have  we  sought  a  hiding-place." 

16  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  tlie  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  have  laid  in  Zion  as  a 
foundation  a  stone,  a  tried  stone,  a  costly 
corner-stone,  well  founded :  he  that  believeth 
will  not  make  haste." 

17  And  Twill  make  of  justice  a  measuring 
line,  and  of  righteousness  a  plummet:  and 
the  hail  shall  sweep  off  the  refuge  of  lies,  and 
the  hiding-place  against  the  waters  shall  these 
flood  away. 

18  And  your  covenant  with  death  shall  be 
{innulled,  and  your  agreement  with  the  nether 
world  shall  not  have  permanence;  the  over- 
flowing scourge,  when  it  passeth  by — then 
shall  ye  be  trodden  down  by  it. 

19  As  often  as  it  passeth  by  shall  it  take 
you;  for  morning  by  morning  shall  it  pass 
by,  by  day  and  by  night;  and  the  mere  un- 
derstanding of  the  report  shall  cause  terror.*" 

20  For  the  bed  shall  be  too  short  for  (a : 
man)  to  stretch  himself  out  (on  it):  and  the 
covering  too  narrow  to  wrap  himself  in. 

21  For  as  on  mount  Perazim"  will  the  Lord 
rise  up,  as  in  the  valley  of  Gib'on  will  he  be 
wroth,  that  he  may  do  his  work,  his  singular 
work;  and  to  accomplish  his  labour,  his 
strange  labour. 

22  And  now  be  ye  no  longer  scornful,  lest 
your  bonds  be  made  strong;  for  as  completed 
and  fully  decreed  have  I  heard  it  from  the 
Lord  Eternal  of  hosts  over  all  the  earth. 

23  ^  Give  ye  ear,  and  hear  my  voice; 
listen,  and  hear  my  speech. 

24  Doth  the  ploughman  plough  all  the* 
time  to  sow?  doth  he  open  and  harrow  his 
ground  (continually)  ? 

25  Is  it  not  so?  that, when  he  hath  made 


'  Aben  Ezra,  "  For  this  prophecy  will  be  accomplished 
only  after  many  days." 

•■  /.  e.  So  constant  shall  be  the  infliction  of  the  scourge, 
that  the  report  that  it  may  be  apprehended  shall  terrify 
all  who  hear  of  it.  Sachs,  "and  the  report  shall  teach 
nothing  but  terror." 

"  Perazim,Gib'on  known  for  the  victory  of  Joshua  where 
David  prevailed  over  the  Philistines.     (2  Sam.  v.  17-25.) 

"  Jonathan.     Sachs,  lit.  "all  the  day." 

'  Kashi,  "on  the  boundary  (outer  edge)  of  the  field." 
Philippson  says,  that  nvp  here  given  fennel,  is  black  car- 
raway,  Niyella  saliva;  \nj  mmin,  is  the  Cuminum 
ci/minum,   not   the  usual    Canim  ntri-i.     The    millet  is 


level  its  surface  he  scattereth  fennel,  and 
streweth  about  cumin,  and  planteth  the 
wheat  in  rows,  and  barley  on  its  assigned 
(place),  and  millet  on  its  proper  spot?" 

26  For  his  God  hath  instructed  him  right- 
ly, taught  him  (so  to  do).' 

27  Truly  not  with  a  threshing  instrument 
is  fennel  threshed,  and  a  wagon-wheel  is  not 
turned  about  upon  cumin;  but  fennel  is 
beaten  out  with  a  staff,  and  cumin  with  a 
stick. 

28  Bread-corn  is  crushed ;  but  not  for  ever 
doth  (man)  keep  threshing  it;  and  thougli  he 
drive  over  it  the  wheel  of  his  wagon  and  his 
horses,  he  will  not  (thereby)  crush  it.^ 

29  This  also  cometh  forth  from  the  Lord 
of  hosts;  wonderful  is  he  in  counsel,  and  excel- 
lent in  (his)  wise  deeds. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  T[  Wo  to  Ariel,'' to  Ariel,  the  town  where 
David  dwelt!  add  ye  year  to  year;  let  the 
festivals  come  round  in  order;' 

2  Yet  will  I  distress  Ariel,  and  there  shall 
be  groaning  and  wailing :  and  it  shall  be  unto 
me  like  Ariel.'' 

3  And  I  will  encamp  against  thee  round 
about,  and  will  lay  siege  against  thee  with 
hostile  posts,'  and  I  will  raise  up  intrench- 
ments  against  thee. 

4  And  brought  down  low,  shalt  thou  speak 
(as  though)  out  of  the  earth,  and  out  of 
the  dust  shall  come  forth  thy  speech;  and 
like  one  of  a  iamiliar  spirit  out  of  the  eartli 
shall  be  thy  voice,  and  out  of  the  dust  shalt 
thou  whisper  forth  thy  speech. 

5  And  like  the  small  dust  shall  be  the 
multitude  of  thy  barbarian  enemies,  and  like 
the  passing  chaff  the  multitude  of  tyrants ; 
and  (this)  shall  be  at  unawares,  suddenly. 

6  From  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  the  visita- 


the    Tn'fiijum  sjultu  of  Linnseus,  not  "rye,"   as  in  the 
English  version. 

'  Joseph  Kimchi,  "  And  hath  he  so  tilled  it  as  it  is  pro- 
per, his  God  will  send  the  rain."  Kashi,  "Even  to  the 
one  whom  God  tcachcth  (he  will  not  for  ever  send  his  pro- 
phets) but  chastise  him  with  judgment."  We  have  fol- 
lowed Aben  Ezra  and  Redak. 

6  Rashi. 

"  The  altar. 

'  Jonathan,  "the  festivals  shall  cease." 

'  The  city  shall  be  filled  with  the  slain  of  men,  as  the 
altar  was  surrounded  with  the  slain  cattle. — R.tSHi. 

'  Rashi,  "trenches." 

486 


ISAIAH  XXIX.  XXX. 


tion  come  with  thunder,  and  with  earthquake, 
and  great  noise,  with  storm  and  tempest,  and 
the  devouring  flame  of  fire. 

7  And  as  a  dream  of  a  night-vision  shall 
be  the  multitude  of  all  the  nations  that  go  to 
war  against  Ariel,  even  all  that  fight  against 
her  and.raise  towers  against  her,  and  that  dis- 
tress her. 

8  And  jt  shall  even  be  as  when  a  hungry 
man  dreameth,  that,  behold,  he  eateth;  but 
he  awaketh,  and  his  soul  is  empt}^;  or  as 
when  a  thirsty  man  di'eameth,  that,  behold, 
he  drinketh;  but  he  awaketh,  and,  behold, 
he  is  faint,  and  his  soul  yet  longeth :  so  shall 
it  be  with  the  multitude  of  all  the  nations, 
that  go  to  war  against  mount  Zion. 

9  ^  Stay  but  still  and  wonder;  turn  your 
eyes  away,  and  be  blinded :  they  are  drunken, 
but  not  with  wine ;  they  stagger,  but  not  with 
strong  drink. 

10  For  the  Lord  hath  poured  out  over  you 
the  spirit  of  deep  sleep,  and  hath  closed  your 
eyes:  (over)  the  prophets,  and  your  chiefs, 
the  seers,  hath  he  cast  a  vail. 

11  And  the  vision  of  every  thing  is  become 
unto  you  as  the  words  of  a  Ijook  that  is  seal- 
ed, which  men  deliver  to  one  that  can  read," 
saying,  Read  this,  I  pray  thee;  and  he  saith, 
I  cannot;  for  it  is  sealed: 

12  And  the  book  is  then  delivered  to  one 
that  cannot  read,  saying.  Read  this,  1  pray 
thee ;  and  he  saith,  1  cannot  read. 

13  ][  And  the  Lord  said,  Forasmuch  as 
this  people  draw  near*"  with  their  mouth,  and 
with  their  lips  do  honour  me,  but  have  re- 
moved their  heart  far  from  me,  and  their 
fear  toward  me  is  but  the  acquired  precept  of 
men: 

14  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  do  yet  farther 
a  marvellous  work  with  this  people,  doing 
wonder  on  wonder;  so  that  the  wisdom  of 
their  wise  men  shall  be  lost,  and  the  under- 
standing of  their  prudent  men  shall  be  hid- 
den. 

15  ^  Wo  unto  those  that  seek  to  hide 
deeply  their  counsel  from  the  Lord,  so  that 
tlieir  works  may  be  in  the  dark,  and  they 
say,  Who  seeth  us?  and  who  knoweth  us? 

16  Oh  your  perverseness !  shall  the  potter 

*  Lit.  "that  knoweth  a  book." 
^  Jonathan,  "because  this  people  hath  vaunted." 
°  Rashi,  after  Jonathan;  but  Sachs,  "Who  into  desola- 
tion mislead  the  righteous." 

486 


be  esteemed  as  the  clay?  that  the  work  shall 
say  of  its  maker,  He  hath  not  made  me?  or 
shall  the  thing  framed  say  of  its  framer,  He 
had  no  understanding? 

17  Lo!  but  yet  a  very  little  while  more, 
and  Lebanon  shall  be  turned  into  a  fruitful 
field,  and  the  fruitful  field  shall  be  esteemed 
as  a  forest! 

18  And  on  that  day  shall  the  deaf  hear 
the  words  of  the  book,  and  out  of  obscurity, 
and  out  of  darkness,  shall  the  eyes  of  the 
blind  see. 

19  And  the  sufferers  shall  have  abundant 
joy  in  the  Lord,  and  the  needy  among  men 
shall  be  glad  in  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

20  For  the  tyrant  is  no  more,  and  con- 
sumed is  the  scorner,  and  cut  off  are  all  that 
watch  for  injustice; 

21  That  cause  mankind  to  sin  by  (their) 
word ;  and  lay  a  snare  for  him  that  reproveth 
(them)  in  the  gate ;  and  pervert  through 
fraud  the  cause  of  the  just." 

22  Tl  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  un  • 
to  the  house  of  Jacob,  he  who  hath  redeemed 
Abraham,  Not  now  shall  Jacob  be  ashamed, 
and  not  now  shall  his  face  be  made  pale. 

23  For  when  he  seeth  his  children,  the 
work  of  my  hands  in  the  midst  of  him,  how 
they  sanctify  my  name:  then  will  they  sanc- 
tify the  Holy  One  of  Jacob,  and  the  God  of 
Israel  will  they  reverence. 

24  They  also  that  were  erring  in  spirit 
shall  acquire  understanding,  and  they  that 
murmured  shall  obtain  instruction. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ^  Wo  to  the  rebellious  children,  saith  the 
Lord,  that  take  counsel,  but  not  from  me;  and 
that  set  themselves  a  ruler,''  but  not  by  my 
spirit,  in  order  that  they  may  add  sin  to  sin  : 

2  That  travel  to  go  down  into  Eg3'pt.  and 
have  not  asked  my  will;""  to  strengthen  them- 
selves through  the  strength  of  Pharaoh,  and 
to  seek  shelter  in  the  shadow  of  Egypt ! 

3  Therefore  shall  the  strength  of  Pharaoh 
become  your  shame,  and  the  shelter  in  the 
shadow  of  Egypt  your  disgrace. 

4  For  his  princes'  were  at  Zo'an,  and  his 
ambassadors  had  reached  Chanes. 

^  Jonathan.      Septuagint,    "who    make    a   covenant." 
Redak,  "who  make  resolves  without  my  spirit." 
°  Lit.  "my  mouth." 
'  Those  of  the  king  of  I.«racl. 


tSAlAH  XXX. 


6  They  all  are  ashamed  because  of  a  peo- 
ple that  cannot  profit  them,  neither  be  a 
help  nor  gi\e  profit;  but  (bringeth)  shame, 
and  also  a  reproach. 

6  ^  The  doom"  of  the  beasts  of  the  south : 
Through  the  land  of  trouble  and  anguish, 
Avhence  come  the  lioness  and  the  lion,  the 
^'iper  and  fl3'ing  dragons,  they  will  carry  upon 
the  shoulders  of  young  asses  their  riches,  and 
upon  the  humps  of  camels  their  treasures,  to  a 
people  that  cannot  profit. 

7  And  the  Egyptians  will  help  in  vain, 
and  to  no  jjurpose;  therefore  have  I  called 
this.  Boasters  they  are  in  sitting  still. 

8  Now  go,  write  it  belbre  them  on  a  table, 
and  note  it  in  a  book,  that  it  may  be  for  the 
latest  time  to  come,  for  ever,  and  to  eternity; 

9  For  this  is  a  rebellious  people,  lying 
children,  children  that  will  not  hear  the  law 
of  the  Lord : 

10  Who  have  said  to  the  seers.  Ye  shall 
not  see;  and  to  the  prophets,  Keveal  not 
unto  us  true  things,  speak  unto  us  smooth 
things,  reveal  deceits; 

11  Depart  you  out  of  the  way,  turn  aside 
out  of  the  path,  remove  from  before  us  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. 

12  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel,  Because  ye  despise  this  word,  and 
trust  in  oppression  and  perverseness,  and  lean 
thereon  for  aid : 

13  Therefore  shall  this  iniquity  be  to  you 
as  a  threatening  breach,''  swelling  out  in  a 
high-towering  wall,  the  fall"  of  which  will 
come  unawares,  suddenly. 

14  And  he  will  break  it,  as  one  breaketh 
a  potter's  vessel,  dashing  it  in  pieces  without 
sparing""  it;  so  that  there  cannot  be  found 
among  its  fragments  a  sherd  to  rake  fire  from 
a  hearth  and  to  draw  water  from  a  pit. 

15  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  In  repose"  and  rest 
shall  ye  be  helped ;  in  quietness  and  in  confi- 


"  Rashi  connects  this  verse  with  the  above;  thus, 
'■  Heavily  laden  go  their  beasts  to  the  south,  through,"  &c. 

''  Philippson,  "wide  extending  rent." 

'  Lit.  "breaking." 

■^  Lit.  "he  will  not  spare." 

'  Rashi.  Others,  "returning;"  b'ut  the  verse  evidently 
means  that  God  said  they  should  not  go  to  Egypt,  but 
await  in  quiet  and  hope  his  omnipotent  aid. 

'Rashi  renders,  "he  will  tarry — he  will  remove  him- 
self," &c.,  "for  he  will  first  exercise  justice  on  sinners." 

'  After  Sachs  and  Philippson.     Rashi,  however,  "bread 


deuce  shall  be  your  strength ;   and  ye  would 
not. 

IG  And  ye  said,  "No;  for  upon  horses  will 
we  flee;"  tlierefore  shall  ye  flee:  and,  "Upon 
swift  l)easts  will  we  ride;"  therefore  shall 
your  pursuers  be  swift. 

17  One  thousand  (shall  flee)  at  the  threat- 
ening of  one;  at  the  threatening  of  five  shall 
ye  (all)  flee :  till  _ye  be  left  as  a  pole  upon  a 
mountain-top,  and  as  an  ensign  on  a  hill. 

18  And  therefore  will  the  Lord  wait,'^to  be 
gracious  unto  you,  and  therefore  will  he  exalt 
himself,  to  have  mercy  upon  you;  for  a  God 
of  justice  is  the  Lord:  happy  are  all  those 
that  wait  for  him. 

19  ^  For  0  people  of  Zion  that  shall  dwell 
at  Jerusalem !  thou  shalt  indeed  not  weep : 
he  will  be  surely  gracious  unto  thee  at  the 
voice  of  thy  cry;  so  soon  as  he  heareth  it,  he 
answereth  thee. 

20  And  the  Lord  will  give  you  bread  (in)' 
adversity,  and  water  (in)  oppression  ;  and  thy 
teachers  shall  not  have  to  hide  themselves  in 
a  corner  any  more,  but  thy  eyes  shall  see  thy 
teachers : 

21  And  thy  ears  shall  hear  the  word  be- 
hind thee,''  saying,  "This  is  the  way,  walk  ye 
in  it,"  when  ye  turn  to  the  right  hand,  and 
when  ye  turn  to  the  left. 

22  And  ye  will  regard  as  unclean  the 
covering  of  thy  graven  idols  of  silver,  ami 
the  ornament  of  thy  molten  images  of  gold : 
thou  wilt  cast  them  away  as  a  filthy  thing; 
"Get  thee  hence,"  wilt  thou  say  unto  them. 

23  Then  will  he  give  the  rain  for  thy  seed, 
that  thou  raayest  sow  in  the  ground;  and 
bread — the  produce  of  the  ground — this  shall 
be  fat  and  nutritious:  thy  cattle  shall  feed 
on  that  day  in  extensive  pastures.' 

24  The  oxen  likewise  and  the  voung  asses 
that  till  the  ground  shall  eat  salted""  proven- 
der, which  hath  been  winnowed  with  the 
shovel  and  with  the  fan. 


of  adversity,  and  water  of  oppression;"  t.  e.  every  thing 
in  moderation,  in  opposition  to  the  luxury  then  existing, 
which  led  to  such  forgelfulness  of  God.  Jonathan,  "the 
property  of  the  enemy,  and  the  spoil  of  the  oppressor." 

^  The  prophets  are  represented  as  shepherds  walking 
behind  the  flock. — This  verse  is  the  opposite  of  the  rejec- 
tion of  the  word,  above,  verses  10,  11. 

'  Jonathan,  "till  they  be  fat  cattle." 

'  Aben  Ezra.  Salt  is  a  useful  article  for  cattle.  Rashi, 
"mixed  with  corn."  Redak,  "purified,"  "clean,"  from 
an  Arabic  root. 

487 


ISAIAH  XXX.  XXXI.  XXXII. 


25  And  there  shall  be  upon  every  high 
mountam,  and  upon  every  prominent  hill, 
rivulets,  streams  of  waters  on  the  day  of  the 
great  slaughter,  when  towers  fall. 

26  And  the  light  of  the  moon  shall  be  as 
the  light  of  the  sun,  and  the  light  of  the  sun 
shall  be  sevenfold,  as  the  light  of  the  seven 
days,  on  the  day  that  the  Lord  bindeth  up 
the  jjroken  (limbs)  of  his  people,  and  healeth 
the  bruise  of  their  wound. 

27  ][  Behold,  the  name  of  the  Lord  cometh 
from  afar,  burning  is  his  anger,  and  heavy 
the  smoke;"  his  lips  are  full  of  indignation, 
and  his  tongue  is  like  a  devouring  fire; 

28  And  his  breath,  like  an  overflowing 
stream,  shall  reach  to  the  midst  of  the  neck, 
to  toss  the  nations  with  the  van  of  falsehood : 
and  (to  place)  a  deceiving  bridle  on  the  jaws 
of  the  people. 

29  (Then)  shall  ye  have  a  song,  as  in  the 
night  when  a  festival''  is  ushered  in,  and  joy 
of  heai't,  as  when  one  goeth  with  the  tlute 
to  come  unto  the  mountain  of  the  Lord,  to 
the  Eock  of  Israel. 

30  And  the  Lord  will  cause  his  majestic 
voice  to  be  heard,  and  will  show  the  stretch- 
ing down  of  his  arm,  in  the  indignation  of 
(his)  anger,  and  in  the  flame  of  a  devouring 
fire,  in  flood,  and  tempest,  and  stones  of  hail. 

31  For  because  of  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  terrified  Asshur,  that  smote  (you) 
with  the  rod. 

32  And  at  every  passage  of  the  appointed"" 
staff  which  the  Lord  will  let  fall  on  him,  thei'e 
shall  be  (music)  on  tambourine  and  harp;  and 
in  the  tumult''  of  battles  will  he  fight  with 
them. 

33  For  already  of  old  is  Topheth"  made 
ready;  also  this  is  prepared  for  the  king — 
deep  and  wide ;  its  pile  hath  fire  and  wood  in 
plenty,  the  breath  of  tlie  Lord,  like  a  stream 
of  sulphur,  will  kindle  it  into  a  flame. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  Tl  Wo  to  those  that  go  down  to  Egypt 
for  help;  and  depend  for  support  on  horses, 

'  Judges  XX.  40.     Rashi,  "burden." 

"■  Lit.  "when  a  feast  is  sanctified." 

°  The  punishment  decreed;  it  means,  as  often  as  the 
bhiw  falls  on  the  Assyrians,  the  Israelites  shall  be  merry 
at  their  deliverance. 

''  nsijn,  after  Aben  Ezra,  "the  waving  of  the  hand  to 
play."     But  it  means  here  the  swinging  of  armour  and 
the  shaking  of  swords,  or  the  tumult  of  the  fight. 
488 


and  trust  on  chariots,  because  they  are  many; 
and  on  horsemen,  because  they  are  very 
strong;  but  Avho  turn  not  unto  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel,  and  seek  not  the  Lord  ! 

2  Yet  he  also  is  wise,  and  bringeth  evil, 
and  taketh  not  back  his  words;  and  riseth 
up  against  the  house  of  evil-doers,  and  against 
the  help  of  those  that  work  injustice. 

3  But  the  Egyptians  are  men,  and  not 
God;  and  their  horses  are  flesh,  and  not 
spirit;  and  the  Lord  will  stretch  out  his  hand, 
and  there  sliall  stumble  the  helper,  and  he 
that  is  helped  shall  fall  down,  and  they  all 
shall  perish  together. 

4  )]  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  unto  me, 
Just  as  the  lion  or  the  young  lion  growleth 
over  his  prey,  against  whom  is  called  forth 
the  company  of  shepherds,  of  whose  voice  he 
is  not  afraid,  and  is  not  depressed  because  of 
their  multitude:  thus  will  the  Lord  come 
down,  to  fight  on  mount  Zion  and  on  its  hill. 

5  As  fluttering  birds,  so  will  the  Lord  of 
hosts  shield  Jerusalem ;  shielding  and  deliver- 
ing; sparing*^  and  preserving. 

6  Turn  ye  unto  him  from  whom  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  have  deeply  revolted. 

7  For  on  that  day  shall  every  man  despise 
his  idols  of  silver,  and  his  idols  of  gold,  which 
your  own  hands  have  made  unto  you  for  a 
sin. 

8  Then  shall  Asshur  fall  by  the  sword  of 
one  who  is  not  a  man;  and  the  sword  of  one 
who  is  not  a  son  of  earth  shall  devour  him; 
and  he  shall  flee  him  from  the  sword,  and 
his  joung  men  shall  become  tributary'. 

y  And  his  stronghold  shall  pass  away  for 
fear,  and  his  princes  shall  be  terrified  because 
of  the  ensign,  saith  the  Lord,  who  hath  a  fire 
in  Zion,  and  a  furnace  in  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  XXXn. 

1  ^  Behold,  a  king  shall  reign  in  right- 
eousness, and  princes  shall  rule  in  justice. 

2  And  every  one"  shall  be  as  a  hiding- 
place  from  the  wind,  and  a  covert  from  the 
tempest;  as  rivulets  of  water  in  a  dry  place, 

°  Topheth,  the  place  outside  of  JerusaJem  where  Mo- 
lech  was  served,  and  where  the  offal  was  burnt.  The 
image  will  thus  be  readily  understood. 

'  Lit.  "  passing  over,"  /.  r.  not  striking  them  when  others 
are  stricken.  Redak  thinks  that  "fluttering  birds"  refers 
to  Jerusalem;  others,  "as  birds  flutter  over  their  young." 

*  Rashi,  "  The  man  who  is  mighty  in  the  fear  of  God 
(Hezekiah)  shall  be  to  Israel,"  &c. 


ISAIAII  XXXII.  XXXIII. 


as  the  shadow  of  a  large  rock  in  a  hinguishing 
land." 

3  And  the  eyes  of  those  that  see  shall  not 
he  blinded  again,  and  the  ears  of  those  that 
hoar  shall  hearken. 

4  The  heart  also  of  the  rash  shall  be  at- 
tentive in  order  to  know,  and  the  tongue  of 
the  stammerers  shall  be  ready  to  speak 
plainly. 

5  The  worthless  person  shall  be  no  more 
called  liberal,  and  the  avaricious''  man  shall 
not  be  said  to  be  bountiful. 

6  For  the  worthless  person  ever  speaketh 
villany,  and  his  heart  will  work  injustice,  to 
practise  hypocrisy,  and  to  speak  error  against 
the  Lord,  to  leave  empty  the  soul  of  the  hun- 
gry, and  the  drink  of  the  thirsty  will  he  take 
away. 

7  The  instruments  also  of  the  avaricious 
man  are  evil :  he  deviseth  wicked  resolves  to 
destroy  the  poor  with  words  of  falsehood,  even 
when  the  needy  speaketh  what  is  right. 

8  But  the  liberal  deviseth  liberal  things; 
and  he  ever  persisteth  by  liberal  things. 

9  ^  Ye  careless  women  rise  up,  hear  my 
voice ;  ye  daughters  that  are  secure,  give  ear 
unto  my  speech. 

10  After  days  and  years  shall  ye  shudder, 
ye  women  that  are  secure;  for  ended  is  the 
vintage,  the  fruit  gathering  shall  nowise  come. 

11  Tremble,  ye  careless  women;  shudder, 
ye  that  are  secure,  strip  off  your  garments 
and  make  yourselves  bare,  and  gird  (sack- 
cloth) upon  the  loins. 

12  (They  shall  strike)  on  the  breast,  la- 
menting, for  the  pleasant  fields,  for  the  fruit- 
ful vine. 

13  Upon  the  soil  of  my  people  thorns  and 
briers  shall  come  up ;  yea,  upon  all  the  houses 
of  joy  of  the  gladsome  town. 

14  Because  the  palace  is  abandoned,  the 
tumult  of  the  city  is  forsaken ;  the  hill  and 
watch-tower  are  become  dens  for  a  long  time," 
a  joyous  haunt  for  wild  asses,  a  pasture  for 
flocks. 


°  i.  e.  Where  the  traveller  languishes  for  water. 

'  Sa'adyah.  Gesenius,"deceitf'ur'or"  cunning."  Rashi, 
"deceiver." 

"  Philippson,  after  Jonathan.      Others,  lit.  "for  ever." 

■^  After  Sachs  and  Philippson ;  after  Aben  Ezra  in  part, 

rendering  TI3  as  Tii3;  but  Jonathan,   literally,   "hail," 

thus,  "  and  the  hail  shall  come  down  and  slay  the  camps 

of  the  nations    so  that  perish  and  be  at  an  end  their 

3  M 


15  Until  a  spirit  be  poured  upon  us  from 
on  high,  and  the  wilderness  be  changed  into 
a  fruitful  field,  and  the  fruitful  field  be  ac- 
counted as  a  forest. 

16  Then  shall  justice  dwell  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  righteousness  abide  in  the  fruitful 
field. 

17  And  the  work  of  righteousness  shall  be 
peace;  and  the  effect  of  righteousness  quiet- 
ness and  security  for  ever. 

18  And  then  shall  my  people  abide  in 
peaceful  dwellings,  and  secure  abodes,  and  in 
undisturbed  resting-places. 

19  And  it  shall  spread  itself  out  in  the  de- 
clivity of  the  forest;  and  far  down  in  the 
lowlands  shall  the  city  descend.'' 

20  Happy  are  ye  that  sow  beside  all  waters, 
freely  sending  forth  the  feet  of  the  ox  and 
the  ass. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  ][  Wo  to  thee  that  wastest,  while  thou 
wast  not  wasted;  and  traitor,  while  men 
dealt  not  treacherously  with  thee !  when  thou 
shalt  have  made  an  end  of  wasting,  thou  shalt 
be  wasted;  and  when  thou  shalt  have  finished 
to  deal  treacherously,  men  shall  deal  treacher- 
ously with  thee. 

2  ][  0  Lord,  be  gracious  unto  us ;  we  have 
waited  for  thee  :  be  thou  their  support"  every 
morning,  also  our  salvation  in  the  time  of 
trouble. 

3  At  the  noise  of  (thy)  thunder''  people  fled; 
when  thou  liftedst  thyself  up  nations  were 
scattei'ed. 

4  And  your  spoil  shall  be  gathered  as  the 
cricket  gathei'eth:^  as  locusts  run  about,  so 
shall  people  hasten  after  it. 

5  The  Lord  is  exalted;  for  he  dwelleth  on 
high:  he  hath  filled  Zion  with  justice  and 
righteousness. 

6  And  the  stability  of  thy  times  and  the 
strength  of  thy  happiness  shall  be  wisdom 
and  knowledge;  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  his** 
treasure. 


dwellings."     Rashi, — "upon  the  wicked,  who  are  now 
built  up  and  full  of  cities  as  a  forest  of  trees." 

"Lit.  "arm."    Rashi  comments  on  "  their,"  "those  who 
were  subjected  to  the  waster,"  spoken  of  in  verse  1. 

'  Lit.  "  tumult." 

'  Rashi,  "each  of  which  gathered  its  food  in  summer." 
Others,  "as  the  cricket  (others,  caterpillar)  is  gathered." 

^  t.  e.  Of  the  man  who  possesses  it. 

489 


ISAIAH  XXXIII.  XXXTV. 


7  ^  Behold,  their  valiant  ones  cry  with- 
out :  the  ambassadors  of  peace  weep  bitterly. 

8  The  highwaj^s  lie  waste,  ceased  hath  the 
wayfaring  traveller:  he"  hath  broken  the  cove- 
nant, he  despiseth  cities,  he  regardeth  not 
man. 

9  It  mourneth,  it  languislieth — the  land: 
Lebanon  is  ashamed,  it  is  withered  away; 
Sharon  is  become  like  a  wilderness;  and  be- 
reft of  their  fruits  are  Bashan  and  Carmel. 

10  Now  will  I  arise,  saith  the  Lord;  now 
will  I  raise  myself;  now  will  I  lift  myself  up. 

11  Ye  shall  be  pregnant  with  hay,  (and)  ye 
shall  bring  forth  stubble:  your  breath  is  a 
fire,  which  shall  devour  you. 

12  And  the  people  shall  be  burnt  as  lime  :*' 
as  cut-off  thorns  shall  they  blaze  up  in  tire. 

13  Tl  Hear,  ye  distant  ones,  what  I  have 
done;  and  acknowledge  ye  that  are  near  my 
might. 

14  In  Zion  sinners  are  in  dread;  trembling 
hath  seized  on  hypocrites.  "  Who"  among  us 
shall  abide  with  the  devouring  fire?  who 
among  us  shall  abide  with  everlasting  burn- 
mgs ; 

15  He  that  walketh  in  righteousness,  and 
speaketh  uprightly;  he  that  despiseth  the 
gain  of  oppressions,  that  shaketh  his  hands 
against  taking  hold  of  bribes,  that  stoppeth 
his  ears  asainst  hearing  of  blood,  and  sliut- 
teth  his  eyes  against  looking  on  evil ; 

16  He  shall  dwell  on  high;  rocky  strong- 
liolds  shall  be  his  refuge:  his  bread  shall  be 
given  him;  his  water  shall  be  sure. 

17  The  king  in  his  beauty  shall  thy  eyes 
behold  :  they  shall  see  a  far-off  land. 

18  Thy  heart  shall  meditate  (on  past)  ter- 
ror. "  Where  is  who  wrote  down  T"*  where  is 
he  that  weighed?  where  is  he  that  counted 
the  towers?" 

19  The  barbarous  people  shalt  thou  not  see 
any  more,  the  people  of  a  speech  too  obscure 
to  be  understood,  of  a  stammering  tongue, 
without  meaning. 

20  Look  on  Zion,  the  town  of  our  solemn 
assemblies;  thy  eyes  shall  see  Jerusalem  as  an 


*  r.  c.  The  enemy. 

*  Lit.  "as  the  burnings  of  lirae." 

'  Rashi,  "  Who  shall  stand  for  us  to  ward  off,"  &c. 

''  Redak,  "  who  wmte   down    the    taxes,  and  he  also, 
who  weighed  the  tribute,  and  eounted  and  wrote  down 
the  number  of  towers;"  all  are  now  gone;  a  thing  only 
of  dreadful  memory. 
400 


undisturbed  residence,  a  tent  that  shall  not  be 
struck  for  removal;  not  one  of  the  stakes  of 
which  shall  ever  be  moved,  and  all  the  cords 
of  which  shall  never  be  torn  loose. 

21  But  there  will  the  Lokd  (show  himself) 
mighty  unto  us,  (in)  a  place  of  rivers  and 
streams  of  ample  l)readth ;  wherein  no  oared 
galley  shall  go,  and  a  gallant  ship  shall  not 
pass  thereby. 

22  For  the  Lord  is  our  judge,  the  Lord  is 
our  lawgiver,  the  Lord  is  our  king;  he  will 
save  us. 

23  Loose  hang  thy  tacklings;  they  cannot 
well  uphold  strongly  their  mast,  they  cannot 
spread  the  sail.  Then  are  divided  booty  and 
spoil  in  abundance,  (even)  the  lame  take  the 
booty. 

24  And  no  inhabitant  shall  say,  I  am  sick  : 
the  people  that  dwell  therein  shall  be  one 
whose  iniquity  is  forgiven. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  Come  near,  ye  nations,  to  hear;  and 
ye  people,  hearken :  let  the  earth  hear,  and  all 
that  filleth  it;  the  world,  and  all  things  that 
spring  forth  of  it. 

2  For  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  is  (en- 
kindled) over  all  the  nations,  and  his  fury 
over  all  tlieir  army :  he  hath  devoted  them, 
he  hath  given  them  up  to  the  slaughter. 

3  And  their  slain  also  shall  be  cast  out, 
and  as  regardeth  their  carcasses  their  stench 
shall  ascend  upward,  and  the  mountains  shall 
be  melted  through  their  blood. 

4  And  all  the  host  of  heaven  shall  be  dis- 
solved, and  the  heavens  shall  be  rolled  to- 
gether like  a  book :  and  all  their  host  shall 
wither,  as  the  leaf  withereth  from  the  vine, 
and  as  withering  fruit  from  the  fig-tree. 

5  For  my  sword  is  sated"  in  heaven :  be- 
hold, it  shall  come  down  upon  Edom,  and 
upon  the  people  I  have  devoted  to  punish- 
ment.' 

6  The  sword  of  the  Lord  is  full  of  blood, 
it  is  enriched*  with  fot,  with  the  blood  of 
lambs  and  goats,*"  with  the  fat  of  the  kidneys 

°  I.  e.  With  slaughter.  Sachs  and  others,  "  drunk,"  /.  e. 
with  blood. 

'  Aben  Ezra,  lit.  "judgment."  Rashi,  "the  people 
with  which  I  war." 

*  In  the  sense  of  being  fat. 

'■  Rashi  "chiefs  and  rulers." — The  overcoming  of  the 
guilty  is  represented  as  a  bloody  victory  over  enemies. 


ISAIAH  XXXIV.  XXXV. 


of  rams ;  for  the  Lord  liath  a  sacrifice  in  Boz- 
rab,  and  a  great  slaughter  in  the  land  of 
Edom. 

7  And  wild  oxen"  shall  sink  down  with 
them,  and  steers  with  bullocks;  and  their 
land  shall  be  sated  with  blood,  and  their  dust 
enriched  with  fat. 

8  For  it  is  the  day  of  vengeance  unto  the 
Lord,  and  the  year  of  recompense  for  the  con- 
troversy'' of  Zion. 

9  And  its  brooks  shall  be  changed  into 
jntch,  and  its  dust  into  sulphur,  and  its  land 
shall  become  burning  pitch. 

10  Night  and  day  shall  it  not  be  quenched; 
for  ever  shall  ascend  the  smoke  thereof:  from 
generation  to  generation  shall  it  lie  waste;  no 
one  shall  for  ever  and  ever  pass  through  it. 

11  But  pelican  and  hedgehog  shall  take 
possession  of  it;  night>owl  also  and  raven 
shall  dwell  in  it:  and  he  shall  stretch  out  over 
it  the  line  of  destruction,  and  the  weights"  of 
desolation. 

12  Their  nobles — no  one  is  there  they 
could  call  (to)  the  kingdom,  and  all  its  princes 
shall  be  no  more. 

13  And  thoi'ns  shall  spring  up  in  its  pa- 
laces, nettles  and  brambles  in  its  fortresses : 
and  it  shall  be  a  habitation  of  monsters,  and 
a  court  for  ostriches. 

14  And  the  martens'^  shall  meet  with  the 
jackals,  and  one  goat  shall  call  to  his  fellow; 
only  the  screech-owl  shall  rest  there,  and  find 
for  herself  a  place  of  repose. 

15  There  shall  nestle  the  arrow-snake,° 
and  lay  eggs,  and  hatch,  and  gather  its  young 
under  its  shadow  .^  only  vultures  shall  assem- 
ble there,  every  one  with  her  mate. 

16  Inquire  out  of  the  book  of  the  Lord, 
and  read :  not  one  of  these  shall  be  absent, 
not  one  shall  miss  her  mate ;  for  my  mouth 
it  is  that  hath  ordained  it,  and  its  breath"  it 
is  that  hath  gathei'ed  them. 

17  And  he  hath  cast  the  lot  for  them,  and 
his  hand  hath  divided  it  out  unto  them  by 
the  measuring  line :  for  ever  shall  they  pos- 

'  Sachs  leaves  reem  untranslated.  Philippson,  "  buflfa- 
loes." 

''  Sachs,  "  to  contend  for  Zion." 

°  Ilashi.  Sachs,  simply  "plummet;"  elsewhere  rhvati; 
lit.  "  stones,"  used  for  "  weights."    (Levi.  six.  36,  &:c.) 

*  Rashi,  rendered  .^iv.  21,  "beasts  of  the  desert." 

•  Philippson;  stating  it  be  the  Anguisjaculus  of  Linn. 
a  small,  but  very  poisonous  serpent,  in  Africa  and  Arabia. 


sess  it,  from  generation  to  generation  shall 
they  dwell  therein. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  1[  The  wilderness  and  the  dry  land  shall 
be  glad  thereat ;''  and  the  desert  shall  rejoice, 
and  blossom  as  the  lily.' 

2  It  shall  blossom  abundantly,  and  rejoice, 
yea,  with  joy  and  singing;  the  glory  of  the 
Lebanon  shall  be  given  unto  it,  the  elegance 
of  Carmel  and  Sharon :  they  indeed  shall  see 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and  the  excellency  of 
our  God. 

3  ^  Strengthen  ye  Aveak  hands,  and  stum- 
bling knees  make  ye  firm. 

4  Say  to  the  timid  of  heart.  Be  strong,  fear 
not:  behold,  your  God,  (with)  vengeance  will 
he  come,  with  God's  recompense ;  it  is  he  who 
will  come  and  save  you. 

5  Then  shall  the  eyes  of  the  blind  be 
opened,  and  the  ears  of  the  deaf  shall  be  un- 
stopped. 

6  Then  shall  the  lame  leap  as  a  hart,  and 
the  tongue. of  the  dumb  shall  sing;  for  in  the 
wilderness  shall  waters  break  out,  and  brooks 
in  the  desert. 

7  And  the  sandy  waste'^  shall  be  changed 
into  a  pool,  and  the  thirsty  land  into  springs 
of  water :  in  the  habitation  of  monsters,  where 
each  one  used  to  lie,  shall  be  a  court  for  reeds 
and  rushes. 

8  And  there  shall  be  a  highway  and  a 
way,  and  The  holy  way,  shall  it  be  called ;  no 
unclean  one  shall  pass  over  it;  but  it  shall  be 
(only)  theirs;  the  wayfaring  man,  and  those 
unacquainted'  (therewith),  shall  not  go 
astray. 

9  No  lion  shall  be  there,  and  no  ravenous 
beast  shall  go  up  thereon, — shall  not  be  found 
there;  but  there  shall  walk  the  redeemed: 

10  And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  re- 
turn, and  come  to  Zion  with  song,  with  ever- 
lasting joy  upon  their  head;  gladness  and  joy 
shall  they  obtain,  and  sorrow  and  sighing 
shall  flee  away. 


'  i.  e.  Protection.  '  Ilashi. 

''  Aben  Ezra  deems  the  D  of  Diiyty  superfluous,  and 
simply  renders  "  shall  be  glad,"  and  so  Sachs,  &c. 

'  Philippson,  "  narcissus."  Eng.  version,  after  Redak, 
" rose." 

^  Philippson,  "  the  mirage  shall  become  an  actual 
lake." 

'  Jonathan:  otherwise  D'ViX  is  rendered  with  "  fools." 

491 


ISAIAH  XXXVI.  XXXVII. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  ^1  And"  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fourteenth 
year  of  king  Hezekiah,  that  Sennacherib  the 
king  of  Ass^'ria  came  uj)  against  all  the  forti- 
fied cities  of  Judali,  and  seized  on  them. 

2  And  the  I^^ing  of  Assyria  sent  Rabsliakeli 
from  Lacliisli  to  Jerusalem  to  king  Hezekiah 
with  a  strong  army.  And  he  halted  by  the 
aqueduct  of  the  upper  pool  on  the  highway 
of  the  washer's  field. 

3  Then  came  forth  unto  him  Elyakim,  the 
son  of  Cliilkiyahu,  who  was  superintendent 
over  the  house,  and  Shebna  the  scribe,  and 
Yoiich  the  son  of  Assaph,  the  recorder. 

4  And  Rabshakeh  said  unto  them, — Say 
ye  now  to  Hezekiah,  Thus  hath  said  the 
great  king,  the  king  of  Assyria,  What  confi- 
dence is  this  wherewith  thou  hast  trusted  ? 

5  I  have  said,*"  but  it  was  only  a  Avord 
uttered  with  the  lips,  (I  have)  counsel  and 
strength  for  the  war.  Now,  on  whom  didst 
thou  trust,  that  thou  rebelledst  against  me  ? 

6  Behold,  tliou  trustedst  on  yon  cracked 
reed-stafl',  on  Egypt;  wliicii,  if  a  man  lean 
on  it,  will  enter  into  his  hand,  and  pierce  it : 
so  is  Pharaoh  the  king  of  Egypt  to  all  that 
trust  on  him. 

7  But  if  thou  shouldst  say  to  me.  In  the 
Lord  our  God  have  we  trusted :  is  he  not  the 
one  whose  high-places  and  whose  altars  Heze- 
kiah hath  removed,  when  he  said  to  Judali 
and  to  Jerusalem,  Before  this  altar  shall  ye 
prostrate  yourselves? 

8  And  now  I  pray  thee,  enter  into  a  con- 
test with  my  master  the  king  of  Assyria,  and 
I  will  give  thee  two  thousand  horses,  if  thou 
be  able  on  thy  part  to  set  riders  upon  them. 

9  How  then  wilt  thou  turn  back  the  fixce 
of  a  single  chieftain  of  the  least  of  my  mas- 
ter's servants,  while  thou  hast  put  thy  trust 
on  Egypt  for  chariots  and  for  horsemen  ? 

10  And  now  am  I  come  up  without  the 
Lord('s  will)  against  this  land  to  destroy  it? 
The  Lord  hath  said  unto  me,  Go  up  against 
this  land,  and  destroy  it. 

11  Then  said  Elyakim  and  Shebna  and 
Yoiich  unto  Rabshakeh,  Speak,  we  pray  thee, 
unto  thy  servants  in  the   Syrian   language; 


•  For  explanatory  notes  to  this,  and  chapters  xxxvii.  to 
xxxix.,  see  2  Kings  xviii.  to  xx. 

*'  The  words  of  Hezekiah  quoted  by  Rabshakeh. 

492  '  ^ 


for  we  understand  it :  and  speak  not  to  us  In 
the  Jewish  language,  before  the  ears  of  the 
people  that  are  on  the  wall. 

12  But  Rabshakeh  said.  Hath  my  master 
then  sent  me  to  thy  master  and  to  thee  to  speak 
these  words?  is  it  not  rather  to  the  men  who  sit 
upon  the  wall,  that  they  may  eat  their  own  ex- 
crements, and  drink  their  own  urine  with  you? 

13  Then  stood  Rabshakeh  up,  and  called 
out  with  a  loud  voice  in  the  Jewish  lantiuaoe, 
and  said,  Hear  ye  the  words  of  the  great  khig, 
the  king  of  Assyria. 

14  TIius  hath  said  the  king.  Let  not  Heze- 
kiah deceive  you ;  for  he  will  not  be  able  to 
deliver  you ; 

15  Neither  let  Hezekiah  induce  you  to 
trust  in  the  Lord,  saying,  The  Lord  will 
surely  deliver  us ;  this  city  shall  not  be  given 
up  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria. 

16  Hearken  not  to  Hezekiah;  for  thus  hath 
said  the  king  of  Assyria,  Make  a  treaty  of 
pence  witli  me,  and  come  out  to  me;  and  eat  ye 
every  one  of  his  vine,  and  every  one  of  his 
fig-tree,  and  drink  ye  every  one  the  waters 
of  his  cistern ; 

17  Until  I  come  and  take  you  away  to  a 
land  like  your  own  land,  a  land  of  corn  and 
wine,  a  land  of  bread  and  vineyards. 

18  So  that  Hezekiah  may  not  mislead  you, 
saying.  The  Lord  will  deliver  us.  Have  the 
gods  of  the  nations  delivered  each  his  land 
out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria? 

19  Where  are  the  gods  of  Chamath  and 
Arpad?  where  are  the  gods  of  Sepharvayim? 
and  have  they  then  delivered  Samaria  out  of 
my  hand? 

20  Who  are  they  among  all  the  gods  of 
these  countries,  that  have  delivered  their 
countiy  out  of  my  hand,  that  the  Lord  should 
deliver  Jerusalem  out  of  my  hand? 

21  But  they  remained  silent,  and  answered 
him  not  a  word ;  for  it  was  the  king's  com- 
mand, saying.  Ye  shall  not  answer  him. 

22  Then  came  Elyakim  the  son  of  Chilki- 
yahu,  that  was  superintendent  over  the  house, 
and  Shebna  the  scribe,  and  Yoacli  the  son  of 
Assaph,  the  I'ecorder,  to  Hezekiah  with  their 
clothes  rent;  and  they  told  him  the  words 
of  Rabshakeh. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIL 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  king  Heze- 
kiah heard  it,  that  he  rent  his  clothes,  and 


ISAIAH  XXXVII. 


co\ert'd  himself  with  suckcluth,  uud  went  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

'1  And  he  sent  Elyakim,  who  was  superin- 
tendent over  the  house,  and  Shebna  the 
scribe,  and  the  elders  of  the  priests,  covered 
witli  sackcloth,  to  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz,  the 
prophet. 

3  And  the}-  said  unto  him,  Thus  hath  said 
Hezekiah,  A  day  of  trouble,  and  of  rebuke, 
and  of  derision  is  this  day ;  for  the  children 
are  come  to  the  birth,  and  there  is  not 
streiiizth  to  bring  forth. 

4  Perhaps  the  Lord  thy  God  will  hear  the 
words  of  Rabshakeh,  whom  the  king  of  As- 
syria his  master  hath  sent  to  blaspheme  the 
living  God,  and  who  hath  reproached  with  the 
words  which  the  Lord  thy  God  hath  heard: 
wherefore  lift  up  a  prayer  for  the  remnant 
that  is  still  Ibund  here. 

5  And  the  servants  of  king  Hezekiah  came 
to  Isaiah. 

6  And  Isaiah  said  unto  them,  Thus  shall 
ye  say  unto  your  master,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Be  not  afraid  Ijecause  of  the  words 
which  thou  hast  heard,  with  which  the  boys 
of  the  king  of  Assyria  have  blasphemed 
me. 

7  Behold,  I  will  put  an  (other)  sjiirit  in  him, 
and  when  he  will  hear  a  rumour,  he  shall 
return  to  liis  own  land ;  and  I  will  cause  him 
to  fall  by  the  sword  in  bis  own  land. 

8  And  Rabshakeh  returned,  and  found 
the  king  of  Assyria  warring  against  Libnah; 
for  he  had  heard  that  he  was  departed  from 
Lachish. 

9  And  he  heard  it  said  of  Thirhakah  the 
king  of  Ethiopia,  He  is  come  out  to  fight  with 
thee.  And  when  he  had  heard  it,  he  sent 
messengers  to  Hezekiah,  saying, 

10  Thus  shall  ye  say  to  Hezekiah  the  king 
of  Judah,  as  followeth.  Let  not  thy  God,  in 
whom  thou  trustest,  deceive  thee,  saying, 
Jerusalem  shall  not  be  given  up  into  the 
hand  of  the  king  of  Assyria. 

11  Behold,  thou  thyself  hast  heard  what 
the  kings  of  Assyria  have  done  to  all  the 
lands  by  destroying  them  utterly:  and  thou 
alone  shouldst  be  delivered? 

12  Have  the  gods  of  the  nations  which  my 
lathers  destroyed  delivered  them,  as  Gozan, 
and  (Jharan,  and  Rezeph,  and  the  children  of 
'Eden,  who  were  in  Thelassar? 

13  Where  is  the  kinu-  of  Chamath.  and  the 


king  of  Arpad,  and  the  king  of  the  city  of 
Sepharvayim,  of  Hena',  and  'Ivvah? 

14  And  Hezekiah  took  the  letter  out  of 
the  hand  of  the  messengers,  and  read  it :  and 
Hezekiah  went  up  unto  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  spread  it  out  before  the  Lord. 

15  And  Hezekiah  prayed  unto  the  Lord, 
saying, 

10  0  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
dwellest  between  the  cherubim,  thou  art  the 
(true)  God,  thou  alone,  for  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  earth;  (for)  it  is  thou  who  hast  made 
the  heavens  and  earth. 

17  Bend  down,  0  Lord,  thy  ear,  and  hear; 
open,  0  Lord,  thy  eye,  and  see :  and  hear  all 
the  words  of  Sennacherib,  which  he  hath  sent 
to  Ijlaspheme  the  living  God. 

18  Ti'uly,  Lord,  the  kings  of  Ass_yria  have 
devastated  all  the  nations,"  and  their  land ; 

19  And  they  have  placed  their  gods  into 
the  fire;  for  they  are  no  gods,  but  the  work 
of  man's  hands,  wood  and  stone;  and  these 
have  they  destroyed. 

20  And  now,  0  Lord  our  God,  save  us  out 
of  his  hand,  that  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
earth  may  know  that  thou  art  the  Lord,  thou 
alone. 

21  Then  sent  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  unto 
Hezekiah,  saying.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  Whereas  thou  hast  prayed 
to  me  concerning  Sennacherib  the  king  of 
Assyria : 

22  This  is  the  word  that  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  over  him:  She  despiseth  thee,  she 
laugheth  thee  to  scorn,  the  virgin  daughter 
of  Zion;  behind  she  shaketh  her  head,  the 
daughter  of  Jerusalem. 

23  Whom  hast  thou  blasphemed,  and 
(whom)  hast  thou  scorned?  and  against  whom 
hast  thou  raised  thy  voice,  and  lifted  up  thy 
eyes  on  high?  against  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

24  Through  thy  servants  hast  thou  blas- 
phemed the  Lord,  and  hast  said,  With  the 
multitude  of  my  chariots  am  I  indeed  come 
up  to  the  height  of  the  mountains,  to  the 
sides  of  Lebanon ;  and  I  will  cut  down  its  tall 
cedars,the  choice  of  its  fir-trees:  and  I  will 
enter  into  the  height  of  its  summit,  the  forest 
of  its  fruitful  soil. 

25  I  have  dug,  and  drunk  water;   and  I 


'  Heb.    "countries;"  but  in    the   parallel   passage,  2 
Kings  sis.  17,  we  read  D'U  "nations,"  as  here  given. 

in 


ISAIAH  XXXVII.  XXXVIII. 


will  dry  up  with  the  sole  of  my  feet  all  the 
streams  of  besieged  places. 

26  Hadst  thou  not  heard,  that  in  distant 
ages  I  had  prepared  this?  in  the  times  of 
antiquity  when  I  formed  it?  now  have  I 
brought  it  along,  and  it  came  to  pass  to  de- 
solate into  ruinous  heaps  fortified  cities. 

27  And  thus  their  inhabitants  were  of 
short  power,  they  were  discouraged  and  con- 
founded :  they  were  as  the  herbs  of  the  field, 
and  as  the  green  grass;  as  the  moss  on  the 
housetops,  and  as  corn  blasted  before  the  ear 
appeareth. 

28  But  thy  abiding,  and  thy  going  out,  and 
thy  coming  in  do  I  know,  and  thy  raging 
against  me. 

29  Because  of  thy  raging  against  me,  and 
thy  tumult,  that  is  come  up  into  my  ears, 
will  I  put  my  hook  in  thy  nose,  and  my  bridle 
between  thy  lips,  and  I  will  cause  thee  to 
turn  back  on  the  way  by  which  thou  camest. 

30  And  this  shall  be  unto  thee  the  sign, 
Ye  shall  eat  this  year  what  groweth  of  itself; 
and  in  the  second  year  what  springeth  after 
the  same;  and  in  the  third  year  sow,  and 
reap,  and  plant  vinej^ards,  and  eat  their  fruit. 

31  And  the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Judah 
that  is  escaped  shall  3'Ot  strike  root  down- 
ward, and  bear  fruit  uj^ward. 

32  For  out  of  Jerusalem  shall  go  forth  a 
remnant,  and  that  which  escapeth  out  of 
Mount  Zion:  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
will  do  this. 

33  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
concerning  the  king  of  Assyria,  He  shall  not 
come  into  this  city,  and  he  shall  not  shoot  an 
ari'ow  thereon,  nor  come  before  it  with  shields, 
nor  cast  uji  an  embankment  against  it. 

34  On  the  way  by  which  he  came,  by  the 
same  shall  he  return,  and  into  this  city  shall 
he  not  come,  saith  the  Lord. 

35  And  I  will  shield  this  city  to  save  it 
for  my  own  sake,  and  for  the  sake  of  David 
my  servant. 

36  ^  Then  went  out  an  angel  of  the  Lord, 
and  smote  in  the  camp  of  the  Assyrians  one 
hundred  and  eighty  and  five  thousand  men ; 
and  when  people  arose  early  in  the  morning, 
behold,  they  were  all  dead  corpses. 

37  And  Sennacherib  the  king  of  Assyria 

*  lledak.     Rashi  and  'Eramah,  "in  the  suffering,"  or 
"desolation  of  my  days."  Others,  "I  said  on  my  days  of 
suffering,  I  shall,"  &c. 
494 


departed,  and  went  and  returned,  and  dwelt 
at  Nineveh. 

38  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  prostrat- 
ing himself  in  the  house  of  Nisroch  his  god, 
that  Adrammelech  and  Sharezer  his  sons 
smote  him  with  the  sword;  and  they  escaped 
into  the  land  of  Ararat.  And  Essar-chaddon 
his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  ^  In  those  days  Hezekiah  fell  sick  unto 
death ;  and  there  came  unto  him  Isaiah  the 
son  of  Amoz,  the  prophet,  and  said  unto  him. 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Give  thy  charge  to 
thy  house;  for  thou  shalt  die,  and  not  live. 

2  Then  did  Hezekiah  turn  his  face  to  the 
wall,  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord. 

3  And  he  said,  0  Lord,  I  beseech  thee 
remember  now  that  I  have  walked  before 
thee  in  truth,  and  with  an  undivided  heart, 
and  have  done  what  is  good  in  thy  eyes. 
And  Hezekiah  wept  aloud. 

4  T[  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  to 
Isaiah,  saying, 

5  Go,  and  say  to  Hezekiah,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  the  God  of  David  thy  father,  I 
have  heard  thy  prayer,  I  ha\'e  seen  thy  tears : 
behold,  I  will  add  unto  thj*  dciys  fifteen  years. 

6  And  out  of  the  hand  of  the  king  of  As- 
syria will  I  deliver  thee  and  this  city;  and  I 
will  shield  this  city. 

7  And  this  shall  be  unto  thee  the  sign 
from  the  Lord,  tliat  the  Lord  will  do  this 
thing  which  he  hath  spoken  : 

8  Behold,  I  will  cause  the  shadow  of 
the  degrees,  which  is  gone  down  on  the  dial 
of  Achaz  by  the  sun,  to  return  backward  ten 
degrees.  So  the  sun  returned  ten  degrees, 
by  the  degrees  which  he  was  gone  down. 

9  ^  The  writing  of  Hezekiah  the  king  of 
Judah,  when  he  had  been  sick,  and  ^vas  re- 
covered of  his  sickness  : 

10  I  had  said,  In  the  midst'  of  my  days, 
must  I  enter  the  gates  of  the  nether  world ; 
I  am  deprived  of  the  residue  of  iny  years. 

11  I  had  said,  I  shall  not  see  the  Lord, 
the  Lord,  in  the  land  of  the  living:  I  shall 
not  behold  man  any  more  among  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  regions  of  death.'' 

12  My  dwelling"  is  broken  down,  and  is  re- 


"  Rashi. 

•  Redak  and    Aben   E^ra.     Oilier-^ 
broken  off."     Lit.  "  irencration." 


■  my    lit'etinio    is 


ISAIAH  XXXVIII.  XXXIX.  XL. 


moved  from  me  as  a,  shepherd's  tent :  I  have 
cut  off,  like  a  weaver,  my  life;  with  pining 
sickness  will  he  snatch  me  away:"  from  day 
until  night  wilt  thou  make  an  end  of  me. 

13  I  waited  (with  patience)  till  morning, 
(whether)''  as  a  lion,  so  would  he  break  all 
my  bones:  from  day  until  night  wilt  thou 
make  an  end  of  me. 

14  Like  a  swallow  or  a  crane,  so  did  I 
chirp;  I. did  moan  like  a  dove;  my  eyes  were 
lifted  up  on  high :  0  Lord,  I  am  oppressed ; 
grant  me  ease. 

15  What  shall  I  speak?  he  hath  pro- 
mised it  unto  me,  and  he  hath  also  accom- 
plished it;  I  will  make  pilgrimages  (to  God's 
house)  all  my  years  because  of  the  bitterness 
of  my  soul. 

16  0  Lord,  by  these  (things  men)  will  live, 
and  in  all  these  (things)  is  the  life  of  my 
spirit:  so  A'ilt  thou  give  me  health,  and  cause 
me  to  live. 

17  Behold,  for  peace  I  had  great  Ijitterne.ss; 
but  thou  hast,  in  loving  my  soul,  delivered  it 
from  the  pit  of  corruption;  for  thou  hast  cast 
behind  thy  back  all  my  sins. 

18  For  the  nether  world  will  not  thank 
thee,  death  will  not  praise  thee :  they  that  go 
down  into  the  pit  will  not  hope  for  thy  truth. 

19  The  living,  the  living  alone  sliall  thank 
thee,  like  me  this  day :  the  father  to  the  chil- 
dren shall  make  known  thy  truth. 

20  The  Lord  is  there  to  help  me  ;  therefore 
will  we  play  my  hymns  all  the  days  of  our 
life  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

21  And  Isaiah  had  said,  Let  them  take  a 
lump  of  figs,  and  lay  it  for  a  plaster  upon  the 
intiammation,  and  he  shall  recover. 

22  And  Hezekiah  had  said.  What  is  the 
sign  that  I  shall  go  up  to  the  house  of  the 
Lord? 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  At  that  time  sent  Merodach-baladan,  the 
son  of  Baladan,  tlie  king  of  Babjlon,  letters 
and  a  present  to  Hezekiah ;  for  he  luid  heard 
that  he  had  been  sick,  and  was  become  strong 
again. 

2  And  Hezekiah  was  rejoiced  on  their  ac- 

"  Sachs,  elegantly  but  freely,  "  My  life  is  cut  ofiF  unto 
me,  as  though  the  weaver  were  to  tear  il  off  from  the 
thread  (of  tlie  web)."  Life  is  a  web,  the  days  the  single 
tliroads,  which  are  severed  by  the  luind  of  death. 


count,  and  showed  them  his  treasure-iiouse, 
the  silver,  and  the  gold,  and  the  spices,  and 
the  precious  oil,  and  the  whole  of  liis  tirmour- 
house,  and  all  that  was  found  in  his  trea- 
sures: there  was  nothing  that  Hezekiah 
showed  them  not,  in  his  house,  and  in  all  his 
dominion. 

3  Then  came  Isaiah  the  prophet  unto  king 
Hezekiah,  and  said  unto  him,  What  did  these 
men  say?  and  whence  did  they  come  unto 
thee?  And  Hezekiah  said,  From  a  far-off 
country  are  they  come  unto  me,  from  Ba- 
bylon. 

4  And  he  said.  What  did  they  see  in  thy 
house?  And  Hezekiah  said,  All  that  is  in 
my  house  have  the}'  seen :  there  is  nothing 
that  I  did  not  show  them  in  my  treasures. 

5  And  Isaiah  said  to  Hezekiah,  Hear  the 
word  of  the  Lord  of  hosts, 

G  Behold,  days  are  coming  when  all  that 
is  in  thy  house,  and  that  which  thy  fathers 
have  laid  up  in  store  until  this  day,  shall  be 
carried  to  Babylon:  nothing  shall  be  left,, 
saith  the  Lord. 

7  And  of  thy  sons  that  will  issue  from 
thee,  whom  thou  wilt  beget,  shall  they  take ; 
and  they  shall  l>e  court-servants  in  the  palace 
of  the  king  of  Babylon. 

8  Then  said  Hezekiah  to  Isaiah,  Good  is 
the  word  of  the  Lord  which  thou  hast  spoken. 
He  said  moreover,  For  there  shall  be  peace 
and  stability  in  my  days. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  T[  Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye  my  j^eople,  saith 
your  God. 

2  Speak  ye  (comfort)  to  the  heart  of  Jeru- 
salem, and  call  out  unto  her,  that  her"  time 
of  sorrow  is  accomplished,  that  her  iniquity  is 
atoned  for;  for  she  hath  received  from  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  double  for  all  her  sins. 

3  ][  A  voice  calleth  out,  In  the  wilderness 
make  ye  clear  the  way  of  the  Lord,  make 
straight  in  the  desert  a  highway  for  our  God. 

4  Every  valley  shall  be  raised,  and  every 
mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made  low;  and 
the  crooked  shall  be  made  a  straight  path, 
and  the  rough  places  a  plain : 


''  Rashi,  "  I  made  myself  strong  like  a  lion,  hoping  for 
the  morning;  yet  the  more  would  he  break,"  &c. 

°  Philippson,  "its  servitude."     Heinemann,  "her  war- 
fare."    Sachs,  "her  time  of  servitude." 

Wo 


ISAIAH  XL. 


5  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  re- 
vealed; and  all  flesh  shall  see  it  together;  for 
the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

6  ^  A  voice  salth,  Proclaim;  and  he  saith, 
What  shall  I  proclaim?  All  flesh  is  grass, 
and  all  its  goodliness  is  as  the  flower  of  the 
field: 

7'  The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth ; 
because  the  breath  of  the  Lord  hath  Ijlown 
upon  it;  surely  the  people  is  grass. 

8  The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth; 
but  the  word  of  our  God  will  stand  firm  for 
ever. 

9  ^  Upon  a  high  mountain  get  thee  up, 
thou  that  bringest  good  tidings  to  Zion;  lift 
up  with  strength  thy  voice,  thou  who  bringest 
good  tidings  to  Jerusalem ;  lift  it  up,  be  not 
afraid;  say  unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  Behold, 
(here  is)  your  God ! 

10  Behold,  the  Lord  Eternal  will  come 
with  might,"  and  his  arm  ruleth  for  him :  be- 
hold, his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  recom- 
pense'' before  him. 

11  Like  a  shepherd  will  he  feed  his  flock: 
with  his  arm  will  he  gather  the  lambs,  and 
in  his  bosom  will  he  carry  them,  will  he  lead 
gently  those  that  suckle  their  young. 

12  ^  Who  hath  measured  in  the  hollow 
of  his  hand"  the  waters,  and  meted  out  the 
heavens  with  the  span,  and  comprised  in  a 
measure''  the  dust  of  the  earth,  and  weighed 
in  the  scale-beam  the  mountains,  and  the  hills 
in  balances? 

13  Who  hath  meted  out"  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord?  and  (who  was)  his  counsellor  that  he 
could  have  given  him  information? 

14  With  whom  took  he  counsel,  that  he 
gave  him  understanding,  and  taught  him  the 
path  of  justice,  and  taught  him  knowledge, 
and  caused  him  to  know  the  way  of  under- 
standing? 

15  Behold,  nations  are  as  a  drop  out  of  a 
bucket,  and  as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance 


"  Hcincmaiin,  "as  the  mighty  one." 

''  Rashi.  Jonathan,  "bcliold,  the  reward  of  those  who 
have  done  his  wm-il  is  with  him ;  for  all  their  deeds  are 
known  before  him." 

°  Rashi,  "with  Lis  steps." 

■"  K/^hw,  literally,  "a  third;"  hence  Rashi,  "a  third  de- 
sort,  a  third  habitable  hand,  a  third  seas  and  rivers." 

■^  Ruslii,  after  the  Massorali,  "Who  has  iiioti^d  out  the 
spirit!'  the  Loiir." 

'  Jonathan.     Kedak,  "behuld,  islands  he  liftrlh  uji  like 
line  dust." 
490 


are  they  accounted:  behold,  isles  are  like  the 
flyino;  dust.*^ 

16  And  Lebanon  is  not  sufficient  fur  l)urn- 
ing,  and  its  beasts  do  not  suffice  for  burnt- 
offering. 

17  ^  All  the  nations  are  as  naught  before 
him;  less  than  nothing,  and  vanity"  are  they 
accounted  to  him. 

18  To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God?  or 
what  likeness  will  ye  compare  unto  him? 

19  The  graven  image — this  the  artificer 
hath  cast,  and  the  goldsmith  hath  o^'erspread 
it  with  gold,  and  fabricated  (on  it)  silver 
chains. 

20  He  that  is  skilled  in  the  choice''  clioos- 
eth  a  wood  that  will  not  rot;  he  seeketh  unto 
himself  a  skilful  workman  to  prepare  a  graven 
image,  that  shall  not  be  moved. 

21  Know  ye  not?  hear  ye  not?  hath  it  not 
been  told  you  from  the  beginning?  have  ye 
not  paid  attention  to  the  foundations  of  the 
earth  ? 

22  (It  is  he)  that  dwelleth  above  the  circle 
of  the    earth,   while  its  inhabitants   are    as 

i  grasshoppers ;  that  stretched  out  the  heavens 
as  a  curtain,  and  spreadeth  them  out  as  a  tent 
to  dwell  in; 

23  That  bringeth  princes  to  naught;  ren- 
dering the  judges  of  the  earth  as  vanity. 

24  Yea,  they  were  not  yet  planted;  yea, 
they  were  not  yet  sown ;  yea,  their  stem  had 
not  yet  taken  root  in  the  earth :  .when  he  but 
breathed  upon  them,  and  they  withered,  and 
the  storm-wind  carrieth  them  away  as  stub- 
ble. 

25  To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  me,  that  I 
should  he  equal  to?  saith  the  Holy  One. 

26  Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  see  who 
hath  created  these?  he  that  bringeth  out 
their  host  by  number;  that  calleth  them  all 
by  name;  from  him,  who  is  great  in  might, 
and  strong  in  power,  not  one  escapeth.' 

27  T[  Why  wilt    say  thou,  O  Jacob,  and 

^  Sachs  and  others,  "nonentities;"  properly,  "the  form- 
less, chaotic  state;"  but  it  is  impossible  to  find  a  simple 
English  word  nearer  than  "vanity." 

''  Rashi,  and  it  is  then  a  continuation  of  the  description 
of  how  idols  are  made.  Others,  "who  is  poorer  in  his 
gifts ;"  i.  e.  who  cannot  have  an  idol  cast,  but  one  carved 
of  wood. 

^  Lit.  "is  missed:"  it  means  that,  numerous  as  arc  the 
stars,  they  all  are  always  there  to  Jo  God's  bidding.  The 
jirophct  contrasts  the  iilols  with  (rod  ;  those  are  the  works 
I  of  human  hands,  while  lb'  i>  (lie  iiKikci'  of  all. 


1' H  tC     UKCItSUjX     <_)1^'     SOLOXIOX 


ISAIAH  XL.  XLI. 


speak,  0  Israel,  My  way  is  hidden  from  the 
Lord,  and  my  cause  hath  passed  from  the 
cognizance  of  my  God? 

28  Dost  thou  not  know?  hast  tliou  not 
heard?  The  God  of  everhisting  is  the  Lord,  is 
the  Ci'eator  of  the  ends  of  the  earth ;  he  will 
not  be  faint,  and  he  will  not  be  weary;  un- 
searchable is  his  understanding. 

29  He  givetli  to  the  faint  strengtli;  and  to 
the  powerless  he  imparteth  much  might. 

30  Though  youths  should  grow  faint  and 
be  weary,  and  young  men  siiould  utterly 
stumble: 

31  Yet  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall 
acquire  new  strength,  they  shall"  mount  up 
with  wings  as  eagles;  they  shall  run  and  not 
be  weary,  they  shall  walk,  and  not  become 
faint. 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

1  Tl  Keep  silence''  before  me,  0  islands; 
and  let  nations  acquire  new  strength:  let 
them  approach,  then  let  them  speak,  together 
let  us  come  near  to  judgment. 

2  Who  waked  up  from  the  east  the  man 
whom  righteousness"  met  in  his  steps?  he 
giveth  up  nations  before  him,  and  maketh 
him  rule  over  kings;  that  his  sword  may  ren- 
der them  as  the  dust,  as  driven  stubble,  his 
bow. 

3  He  j)ursueth  them,  passeth  along  in 
safety,  by  a  path  which*^  his  feet  have  not 
gone  over  before. 

4  Who  hath  wrought  and  done  it?  he  who 
called  the  generations  from  the  beginning;  I 
the  Lord,  (who  am)  the  first,  and  with  the 
latest  I  am  the  same. 

5  The  isles  saw  it,  and  are  afraid ;  the  ends 
of  the  earth  tremble;  they  draw  near,  and 
come. 

G  They  help  one  another;  and  each  one 
saith  to  his  brother,  Be  strong! 

7  So  the  smith  encouraged"  the  melter,  he 
that  smootheth  with  the  hammer  him  that 
striketh  on  the  anvil ;  saying  of  the  solder,  It 
is  good;  and  he  fastened  it  with  nails,  that  it 
should  not  be  moved. 

'  Others,  "acquire  wings." 

'■  Rashi,  "To  hear  my  words." 

'  Sachs,  "victory,"  so  called  because  the  victor  has  the 
power  to  declare  himself  in  the  right. 

*■  Lit.  "a  path  (on  whirli)  with  his  feet  he  was  used  to 
corae," 

3N 


8  ][  But  thou,  Israel,  art  my  servant,  Jacob 
whom  I  have  chosen,  the  seed  of  Abraham 
my  friend; 

9  Thou,  whom  I  have  taken  hold  of  from 
the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  called  thee  from 
the  midst  of  its  chiefs,*^  and  said  unto  thee, 
Thou  art  my  servant,  I  have  chosen  thee, 
and  not  cast  thee  away. 

10  Fear  thou  not,  for  I  am  with  thee;  be 
not  dismayed,  for  I  am  thy  God;  I  strengtiien 
thee,  yea,  I  help  thee,  yea,  I  uphold  thee 
with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness.*^ 

11  Behold,  ashamed  and  confounded  shall 
be  all  that  were  incensed  against  thee;  they 
shall  be  as  naught  and  perish — the  men  that 
strive  with  thee. 

12  Thou  wilt  seek  them,  and  shalt  not 
find  them,  the  men  that  contend  with  thee : 
they  shall  be  as  naught  and  as  nothing,  the 
men  that  make  war  against  thee. 

13  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  lay  hold  of  thy 
right  hand;  (I  am  he)  who  saith  unto  thee. 
Fear  not,  I  help  thee! 

14:  Tf  Fear  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,  \e  few 
menof  Israel:  I  myself  help  thee,saitb  the  Lord, 
and  thy  redeemer  is  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

15  Behold,  I  have  rendered  thee  a  thresh- 
ing instrument,  sharp,  new,  having  many 
teeth:  thou  shalt  thresh  mountains,  and  beat 
them  small,  and  shalt  render  the  hills  as 
chaff. 

16  Thou  shalt  scatter  them,  and  the  wind 
shall  carry  them  away,  and  the  storm  shall 
disperse  them;  but  thou  shalt  rejoice  in  the 
Lord,  in  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  shalt  thou 
glorify  thyself. 

17  ^1  The  poor  and  the  needy  seek  water, 
and  there  is  none  ;  their  tongue  is  dried  up 
with  thirst:  I  the  Lord  will  answer  them,  I 
the  God  of  Israel  will  not  forsake  them. 

18  I  will  open  on  naked  mountain-peaks 
rivers,  and  in  the  midst  of  valleys  fountains : 
I  will  change  the  wilderness  into  a  pool  of 
water,  and  the  dry  land  into  springs  of 
water. 

19  1  will  place  in  the  wilderness''  the  cedar, 
the  acacia,  and  the  myrtle,  and  the  oil-tree ; 

"  In  the  expectation  of  a  battle  the  heathens  make  their 
idols,  hoping  aid  from  them,  not  yet  recognising  the  power 
of  God. 

'  Sachs,  "edges;"  thus,  "called  thee  fi-oni  it  edges." 

^  Sachs,  "victorious  right  hand." 

''  (jrod  will  ultimiitely  liring  good  nut  nf  evil. 

497 


ISAIAH  XLI.  XLII. 


I  will  set  ill  the  desert  the  fir-tree,"  the  pine 
and  the  box-tree  together ; 

20  In  order  that  they  may  see,  and  know 
and  take  (it  to  hetxrt),  and  comprehend  to- 
gether, that  the  hand  of  the  Lokd  hath  done 
this,  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  hath  cre- 
ated it. 

21  ][  Produce  3'our  cause,''  saith  the  Lord: 
bring  forward  your  strong  reasons,  saith  the 
King  of  Jacob. 

22  Let  them  bring  them  forward  and  tell 
us  what  shall  happen :  the  former  things — 
what  are  they  ? — tell  us.  that  we  may  take  it 
to  heart,  and  know  the  result  of  them  ;  or  let 
us  hear  the  things  that  are  to  come. 

23  Tell  the  events  that  are  to  liappen 
hereafter,  that  we  may  know  that  ye  are 
gods :  yea,  do  good,  or  do  evil,  that  we  may 
be  astonished,  and  see  it  together. 

24  Behold,  ye  are  less  than  nothing,  and 
your  work  less  than  a  breath :  (he  that  is)  an 
abomination  (alone)  chooseth  you. 

25  ^  I  have  waked  up  one  from  the  north, 
and  he  cometh ;  from  the  rising  of  the  sun 
one  who  will  call  on  my  name :  and  he  shall 
(over-)  come  princes  as  mortar,  and  as  the  pot- 
ter treadeth  down  the  clay. 

26  Who  hath  told  it  from  tlie  Ijeginning, 
that  we  may  know  it?  and  aforetimes,  that 
we  may  say,  "It  is  right?"  but  indeed  there 
is  none  that  telleth,  indeed  there  is  none  that 
letteth  us  hear,  indeed  there  is  none  that  hear- 
eth  your  words. 

27  The  iirst^  (was  I  to  say)  to  Zion,  Be- 
hold, there  they  are;  and  to  Jerusalem  will  I 
H'ive  one  that  brintieth  arood  tidinos. 

28  And  I  ever  look,  and  there  is  no  man; 
and  among  these  there  is  no  counsellor,  that, 
were  I  to  ask  them,  they  could  answer  a 
word. 

29  Behold,  they  all  are  naught ;  their  works 
are  nothing:  wind  and  vanity  are  their  mol- 
ten images. 


"  Philippsoii,  "cypress,  plantain,  (^PlalmiKs  imUca,)  and 
box." 

^  Address  to  the  idols. 

°  Jonathan,  "The  words  of  consolation  which  the  pro- 
jihets  foretold  from  the  beginning,  behold,  have  come  to 
pass,  and  to,"  &c.  Kashi,  "He  (Cyrus)  shall  be  the 
first  for  Zion;  and,"  &c. 

''  Rashi,  "Jacob  my  servant,  Israel  my  elect."  Jona- 
than, "tli(^  Mcssiaii." 

*  !33iyn  not  alone  means  the yH(^/mc»/ which  the  judge 
498 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

1  ][  Behold  my  servant,''  whom  I  will  up 
hold ;  my  elect,  in  whom  my  soul  delightcth : 
I  have  put  my  spirit  upon  him,  that  he  may 
bring  forth  justice"  to  the  nations. 

2  He  sliall  not  cry,  nor  call  out  aloud,  nor 
cause  his  voice  to  be  heard  in  the  street. 

3  A  cracked  reed  will  he  not  break,  and 
a  dimly  burning  wick*^  will  he  not  quench : 
unto  truth  shall  he  bring  forth  justice. 

4  He  shall  not  become  fatigued  and  not  be 
faint,  till  he  liave  established  justice  on  the 
earth;  and  (till)  the  isles  shall  wait  for  his 
law. 

5  ^  Thus  hath  said  God  the  Lord,  he 
that  created  the  heavens,  and  stretched  them 
out;  he  that  spread  forth  the  earth,  and  the 
things  which  come  out  of  it;  he  that  giveth 
breath  unto  the  people  upon  it,  and  spirit  to 
those  that  walk  thereon : 

6  I  the  Lord  have  called  thee  in^  righteous- 
ness, and  will  lay  hold  on  thy  hand,  and  will 
keep  thee,  and  appoint  thee  for  a  covenant'' 
of  the  people,  for  a  light  of  the  nations; 

7  To  open  blind  eyes,  to  bring  out  from 
the  dungeon  the  prisoner,  and  out  of  the 
prison-house  those  that  dwell  in  darkness. 

8  I  am  the  Everlasting  One,  that  is  my 
name;  and  my  glory  will  I  not  give  to  any 
other,  nor  my  praise  to  graven  images. 

9  The  former'  things,  behold,  are  come  to 
pass;  and  new  things  do  I  announce;  before 
they  spring  forth  I  let  you  hear  of  them. 

10  ^  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song,  his 
praise  from  the  end  of  the  earth ;  ye  tliat  go 
down  to  the  sea,  and  all  that  fiUeth  it;  the 
isles,  and  their  inhabitants. 

11  Let  resound  with  song  the  wilderness 
and  its  cities,  the  villages  which  Kedar  in- 
habiteth :  let  the  inhabitants  of  the  rocks 
sing,  let  them  shout  forth  from  the  top  of  the 
mountains. 


gives,  but  aXio  justice  itself,  and  the  laws  on  which  it  is 
founded,  the  ri(jht..  God's  servant  is  to  make  the  laws  of 
justice  known,  and  execute  them  truly,  that  no  one  shall 
suffer  injury,  even  the  weakest,  tyiiificd  by  a  cracked  reed 
and  a  glimmering  wick. 

'  Lit.  "flax." 

'■  Sachs,  "for  happiness." 

''  Aben  Ezra,  "to  keep  up  the  cdvcnaut  with  llu-  peo- 
ple."    Philippson,  "a  union  of  mankind." 

'  Philippson,  after  Rashi,  "the  early  annoiuiced  events." 


ISAIAH  XLII.  XLIIT. 


12  Let  theui  give  glory  unto  the  Lord,  and 
in  the  ishmds  declare  his  praise. 

13  The  Lord — as  a  mighty  one  will  he  go 
forth,  like  a  man  of  war  will  he  arouse  his 
vengeance :"  he  will  shout,  yea,  raise  the  war- 
cry;  against  his  enemies  will  he  show  his 
strength. 

14  ][  I  have  a  long  time''  held  my  peace; 
I  have  been  still,  and  refrained  myself:  (now) 
like  a  travailing  woman  will  I  cry;  I  will  de- 
stroy and  devour  (all)  together. 

15  I  will  lay  waste  mountains  and  hills, 
and  all  their  herbs  will  I  dry  up;  and  I  will 
change  the  rivers  into  islands,  and  pools  will 
I  dry  up. 

10  And  I  will  cause  the  blind  to  walk  on 
a  way  that  they  have  not  known  ;  on  paths 
that  they  have  not  known  will  I  lead  them  : 
I  will  change  darkness  before  them  into  light, 
and  crooked  places  into  plains.  These  are 
the  things  which  I  will  do,  and  not  leave 
them  (unfultilled). 

17  They  shall  be  turned  back,  they  shall 
be  greatly  ashamed,  that  trust  in  graven 
images,  that  sa^■  to  molten  idols,  Ye  are  our 
gods. 

IS  ][  Ye  deaf,  hear;  and  ye  blind,  look 
up,  that  ye  may  see. 

19  Who  is  blind,  but  my  servant?  or  deaf, 
as  my  messenger  whom  I  send?  who  is  blind 
as  he  that  is  perfect,''  and  blind  as  the  servant 
of  the  Lord  ? 

20  Thou  seest  many  things,  but  observest 
not;  the  ears  are  open,  l^ut  he  heareth  not. 

21  The  Lord  willed  (to  do  this)  for  the 
sake  of  his  righteousness;  (therefore)  he  mag- 
nifieth  the  law,  and  maketh  it  honourable. 

22  But  it  is  a  people  robbed  and  spoiled; 
they  are  all  of  them  ensnared  in  holes,  and 
in  prison-houses  are  they  hidden :  tlie}^  are 
become  for  a  prey,  and  none  delivei'eth ;  for  a 
spoil,  and  none  saith.  Restore. 

23  Who  among  you  will  give  ear  to  this? 
will  heai'ken  and  listen,  for  tlie  time  to  come? 

24  Who  gave  up  Jacob  for  a  spoil,  and  Is- 
rael to  plunderers?  was  it  not  the  Lord?  he 
it  is  against  whom  we  have  sinned;  for  they 
would  not  walk  in  his  ways,  neither  did  they 
hearken  unto  his  law. 


'Sachs,  "zeal." 

"■  Rashi.     Philippson,  literally,  "from  the  beginning." 

'  Rashi,  "  who  hath  been  punished  for  hi.s  sins."     Phi- 


25  Therelbre  hath  he  poured  out  over  him 
the  fury  of  his  anger,  and  the  strength  of  bat- 
tle: and  it  blazed  all  round  about  him,'*  yet 
he  regarded  it  not;  and  it  burnt  on  him,  yet 
he  laid  it  not  to  heart. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

1  ^  But  now  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  that 
created  thee,  0  Jacob,  and  he  that  formed 
thee,  0  Israel,  Fear  not ;  for  I  have  redeemed 
thee,  I  have  called  thee  by  thy  name;  mine 
art  thou. 

2  Whenever  thou  passest  through  the  wa- 
ters, I  am  with  thee;  and  through  the  rivers, 
— they  shall  not  overflow  thee:  whenever 
thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not 
be  scorched;  neither  shall  the  flame  burn  on 
thee. 

3  For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel,  thy  Saviour;  I  have  given 
Egypt  for  thy  ransom,  Cush  and  Seba  in  place 
of  thee. 

4  Since  thou  art  precious  in  my  eyes,  art 
honoura1>le,  and  I  indeed  do  love  thee  :"^  there- 
fore will  I  give  men  in  place  of  thee,  and  na- 
tions instead  of  thy  soul. 

5  Fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee;  from  the 
east  will  I  bring  th}'  seed,  and  from  the  west 
will  I  gather  thee. 

6  I  will  say  to  the  north,  Give  up ;  and  to 
the  soutli.  Withhold  not:  bring  my  sons  from 
afar,  and  my  daughters  from  the  ends  of  the 
earth ; 

7  Every  one  that  is  called  by  my  name, 
and  whom  I  have  created  for  my  glory ;  whom 
I  have  formed ;  yea,  whom  I  have  made. 

8  Bring  forward  the  blind  people  that  have 
eyes,  and  the  deaf  that  have  ears. 

9  Let  all  the  nations  be  gathered  together, 
and  let  the  people  be  assembled :  who  among 
them  can  announce  this?  and  cause  us  to 
hear  former  things?  let  them  bring  forth 
their  witnesses,  that  they  may  be  justified: 
or"  let  them  hear,  and  say.  It  is  truth. 

10  Ye  are  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord, 
and  my  servant  whom  I  have  chosen :  in  order 
that  ye  may  know  and  believe  me,  and  under- 
stand, that  I  am  he;  before  me  there  was  no 
god  formed,  and  after  me  there  will  be  none. 


lippson,  "the   purchased,"  ('.  c.  the   servant,  further  de- 
scribed. ''  Israel. 

°  Aben  Ezra,  "  so  that  they  (the  witnesses)  may  hear,"  &c. 

499 


ISAIAH  XLIII.  XLIV. 


1 1  I,  I  am  the  Lord  ;  and  beside  me  there 
is  no  saviour. 

12  1  myself  have  announced  it,  and  I  have 
saved,  and  I  have  let  it  be  heard,  and  there 
was  no  strange  (god)  among  you :  and"  ye 
ai-e  my  witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I  am 
God. 

13  Yea,  from  the  (tirst)  day  am  I  he;  and 
there  is  none  that  can  deliver  out  of  my 
hand :  if  I  will  work,  is  thei-e  one  that  can 
hinder  it? 

14  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  your  Re- 
deemer, the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  For  your 
sake  did  I  send  to  Babylon,  and  in  swift  ves- 
sels'' brought  I  them  all  down,  and  the  Chal- 
deans, in  the  ships  of  their  joyful  song. 

15  I  am  the  Lord,  your  Holy  One,  the 
Creator  of  Israel,  your  King. 

16  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  who  maketh 
a  way  in  the  sea,  and  a  path  in  the  mighty 
\vaters ; 

17  Who  bringeth  forth  chariot  and  horse, 
army  and  power :  together  shall  they  lie  down, 
they  shall  not  rise  up  again ;  they  are  extinct, 
like  a  wick  are  they  quenched. 

18  Remember  not  the  former  things,  and 
ancient  events  regard  no  more. 

19  Behold,  I  will  do  a  new  thing;  now 
shall  it  spring  forth ;  will  ye  not  acknowledge 
it?  I  will  even  make  in  the  wilderness  a  way, 
and  in  the  desert  rivers. 

20  The  beasts  tif  the  field  shall  honour  me, 
the  monsters  and  the  ostriches;  because  I 
give  waters  in  the  wilderness,  rivers  in  the 
desert,  to  give  drink  to  my  people,  my 
elect; 

21  This  people  which  I  have  formed  for 
myself;  my  praise  shall  they  relate. 

22  But  on  me  hast  thou  not  called,  0 
Jacob;  for  thou  art  become  weary  of  me,  0 
Israel. 

23  Thou  hast  not  brought  unto  me  the 
lamb  of  thy  burnt-offerings;  and  with  thy 
sacrifices  hast  thou  not  honoured  me:  I  have 
not  troubled  thee  with  meat-oiferings,  nor 
wearied  thee  with  frankincense. 

24  Thou    hast    not   bought    for    me   with 


"  Eng.  ver.,  "therefore  ye,"  &c.  "that  I  am,"  &e. 

*"  Rashi,  "For your  sake  will  I  send  the  kings  of  Media 
to  Babylon,  and  bring  down  in  ships  and  boats  the  Chal- 
deans into  captivity  to  Media,  and  the  Chaldeans  will  I 
bring  down  in  ships  in  which  they  used  to  sing,"  /.  e. 
in    plcMsure   trips.     Abon  Ezra,  "and  broke   off  all   the 

m 


money  sweet  cane,  and  with  the  fat  of  thy 
sacrifices  hast  thou  not  satisfied  me  ;  but  thou 
hast  troubled  me  with  thy  sins,  thou  hast 
wearied  me  with  thy  iniquities. 

25  I,  it  is  I  that  blot  out  thy  transgressions 
for  my  own  sake,  and  thy  sins  I  will  not  re- 
member. 

26  Put  me  in  remembrance;  let  us  plead 
together:  relate  thou,  in  order  that  thou 
mayest  be  justified. 

27  Thy'first  father  did  sin,  and  they  that 
plead  for  thee  transgressed  against  me. 

28  Therefore  do  I  profane  the  holy  princes, 
and  I  give  up  Jacob  to  the  curse,"  and  Israel 
to  reproaches. 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 

1  T[  Yet  now  hear,  0  Jacob  my  servant ; 
and  Israel,  whom  I  have  chosen : 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  thy  Maker, 
and  he  that  formed  thee  from  the  womb,  who 
will  help  thee,  Fear  not,  0  my  servant 
Jacob;  and  thou  Jeshurun,  whom  I  have 
chosen. 

3  For  (as)  I  pour  water  upon  the  thirsty 
(land),  and  rain-droppings  upon  the  dry 
ground :  (so)  will  I  pour  my  spirit  over  thy 
seed,  and  my  blessing  over  thy  offspring. 

4  And  they  shall  spring  up  (as)  among 
grass,  like  willows  by  the  water-courses. 

5  This  one  will  say,  I  Ijelong  to  the  Lord; 
and  the  other  will  call  himself  by  the  name 
of  Jacob;  and  the  other  will  inscribe  himself 
with  his  hand  unto  the  Lord,  and  surname 
himself  by  the  name  of  Israel. 

6  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  king  of 
Israel,  and  his  Redeemer,  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
I  am  the  first,  and  I  am  the  last;  and  Ijeside 
me  there  is  no  god. 

7  And  who.  like  me,  will  announce,  and 
will  tell  it,  and  set  it  in  order  for  me,  since  I 
appointed  the  people  of  ancient  times  ?  and 
the  future  things,  and  those  which  are  to 
happen, — let  them  foretell  unto  them. 

8  Have  no  dread,  and  do  not  despond; 
have  I  not  long  since  informed  thee,  and  have 
told  it?  and  ye  are  my  witnesses:  Is'^  there  a 

bars,  and  cast  down  the  Chaldeans  who  shouteil  in  ships." 
Others,  D'n'i3  as  "fugitives;"  thus,  "and  I  will  carry 
them  down  all  as  fugitives,  and  the  Chaldeans,"  &c. 
°  Philippson,  "  b.anishment."  Kodak,  "to  slaughter." 
^  This  is  what  G-od  aniiouneed,  and  tu  which  Israel  is 
the  witness. 


ISAIAH  XLIV. 


god  beside  me?  jea,  there  is  iiu  loclv,  wliuui  1 
know"  not. 

9  The  maimers  of  graven''  images  are  all  of 
them  vanity;  and  their  costly  idols  cannot 
profit;  and  they  are  their  own  witnesses,  that 
the3'  see  not,  and  know  not,  in  order  that 
they"  may  be  ashamed. 

10  Who  hath  ibrmed  a  god,  or  cast  an 
image  that  profiteth  nothing? 

11  Behold,  all  his  associates'"  shall  be 
ashamed,  for  the  workmen  themselves  are  but 
men:  let  them  all  be  gathered  together,  let 
them  stand  up,  they  shall  he  terrified,  they 
shall  be  ashamed  together. 

12  The"  iron-smith  (maketh)  an  axe  and 
worketh  it  in  the  coals,  and  with  hannnershe 
fashioneth  it,  and  worketh  it  with  his  power- 
ful arm  ;  he  also,  when  he  is  hungry,  loseth 
his  strength:  when  he  drinketh  no  water, 
he  becometh  faint. 

13  The  worker  in  wood  stretcheth  out  the 
rule;  he  marketh  it  out  with  chalk  ■/  he  fitteth 
it  with  planes,^  and  he  marketh  it  out  with 
the  compass,  and  maketh  it  after  the  figure  of 
a  man,  alter  the  beauty  of  a  child  of  earth, 
that  it  may  dwell  in  a  house.'' 

14  He  felleth  for  himself  cedars,  and  taketh 
cypress  and  oak,  and  he  chooseth  for  himself 
the  strongest  among  the  trees  of  the  tbrest; 
he  planteth  an  ash,  and  the  rain  causeth  it  to 
grow. 

15  Then  doth  it  serve  a  man  for  burning; 
and  he  taketh  thereof,  and  warmeth  himself; 
he  also  heateth  therewith,  and  baketh  bread ; 
he  also  worketh  out  a  god,  and  boweth  him- 
self; he  maketh  of  it  an  image,  and  kneeleth 
down  thereto. 

16  The  half  thereof  hath  he  burnt  in  fire; 
with  the  half  thereof  will  he  eat  fiesh ;  he  will 
roast  food,  and  be  satisfied ;  he  will  also  warm 
himself,  and  say.  Aha,  I  am  warm,  I  have 
felt  the  fire: 

17  And  the  residue  thereof  hath  he  made 

'  i.  e.  That  all  are  vanity.  Philippson,  "  yea,  there  is  no 
rock,  I  know  none." 

■^  Arnbeim,  too  boldly,  "The  idol  images  are  all  vanity 
with  their  costly  ornaments." 

°  "  Those  that  serve  them." — E.\shi. 

''  (.  e.  Those  who  assist  in  making  the  idol. 

°  Philippson,  "  This  one  striketh  on  the  iron  with  a 
beatle,  and  worketh,  &c., — he  also  is  hungry,  till  he  is 
powerless,  he  drinketh  no  water,  that  he  becometh  faint;" 
and  says  that  many  heathens  fasted  when  they  made  their 
idols. 


into  a  god.  his  graven  image;  he  kneeleth 
down  unto  it,  and  boweth  himself,  and  pray- 
eth  unto  it,  and  saith.  Deliver  me;  for  my 
god  art  thou. 

18  They  know  not,  tliey  understand  nut; 
for  their  eyes  are  daubed  over,  that  they 
cannot  see;  their  hearts,  that  they  cannot 
understand. 

19  And  he  layeth  it  not  to  heart,  and  hath 
no  knowledge,  no  understanding,  to  say,  The 
half  thereof  have  I  burnt  in  fire;  and  I  have 
also  baked  upon  its  coals  bread;  I  (now)  will 
roast  flesh,  and  eat  it:  and  shall  I  make  of  its 
residue  an  abomination,  before  a  block'  of 
wood  shall  I  kneel? 

20  He  pursueth''  ashes ;  a  deceived  heart 
hath  turned  him  aside;  and  he  cannot  deliver 
his  soul,  and  will  not  say.  Is  there  not  a  lie 
in  my  right  hand? 

21  ^  Remember  these  things,  0  Jacob; 
and  Israel,  for  thou  art  my  .servant :  I  have 
formed  thee  to  be  my  servant,  thou  (art 
this);  0  Israel,  thou  shalt  not  be  forgotten  by 
me. 

22  I  liave  blotted  out,  as  a  vapour,'  thy 
transgressions,  and,  as  a  cloud,  thy  sins: 
return  unto  me;  for  I  have  redeemed  thee. 

23  Sing,  0  ye  heavens;  for  the  Lokd  hatli 
done  it;  shout,  ye  lowest  depths  of  the  earth; 
break  forth  into  singing,  ye  mountains,  0 
forest,  and  every  tree  therein ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  redeemed  Jacob,  and  on  Israel  will  he 
glorify  himself 

24  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer, 
and  he  that  formed  thee  from  the  womb,  I 
am  the  Lord  that  hath  made  all  things;  tliat 
hath  stretched  forth  the  heavens  b^^  m3  self 
alone;  that  hath  spread  abroad  the  earth  from 
my  own  self;" 

25  That  frustrate  the  tokens  of  the  liars, 
and  confuseth  diviners;  that  turneth  the  wise 
backward,  and  maketh  their  knowledge  fool- 
ish; 


'  i.  e.  Any  material  to  mark  off  the  figure.  Ra.shi, 
"  planes." 

*  Jonathan,  "  graving-tools." 

'■  ('.  e.  Temple. — Heinema.nn. 

'  Rashi,  "to  rotting  wood."  Jonathan  and  Rcdnk,  "a 
branch  of  a  tree." 

'  ?'.  e.  He  cherisheth  (leads  upon  pasture)  vanity. 

'  Aben  Ezra,  "which  passeth  away  with  sunrise." 

"Jonathan,  "by  my  strength."  Philippson,  "without 
another,"  after  the  Xelib.  But  the  A'trt  has  in  fact  the 
same  signification,  "all  is  from  God." 

501 


ISAIAH  XLIV.  XLV. 


26  That  fulfilleth  the  word  of  his  servant, 
and  perforraeth  the  counsel  of  his  messengers; 
that  saith  of  Jerusalem,  It  shall  be  inhabited; 
and  of  the  cities  of  Judah,  They  shall  be 
built,  and  their  ruins  will  I  raise  up. 

27  That  saith  to  the  deep,  Be  dry,  and  thy 
rivers  will  I  dry  up; 

28  That  saith  of  Cyrus,''  (He  is)  my  shep- 
herd, and  all  my  pleasure  shall  he  perform : 
even  saying  of  Jerusalem,  It  shall  he  built; 
and  the  temple's  foundation  shall  be  laid. 

CHAPTER  XLV. 

1  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  to  his  anoints 
ed,  to  Cyrus,  whom  I  have  taken  hold  of  by  his 
right  hand,  to  subdue  nations  before  him,  even 
the  loins  of  kings  will  I  ungird,  to  open  be- 
fore him  (city-) doors,''  and  gates  that  they 
shall  not  be  shut; 

2  I  myself  will  go  before  thee,  and  proud 
eminences  will  I  level :  doors  of  brass  will  I 
break  in  pieces,  and  bolts  of  iron  will  I  cut 
asunder. 

3  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the  treasiu'es 
of  darkness,  and  riches  hidden  in  secret  places; 
in  order  that  thou  mayest  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord,  who  call  thee  by  thy  name, — the 
God  of  Israel ; 

4  For  the  sake  of  my  servant  Jacob,  and  Is- 
rael my  elect;  and  I  have  called  thee  by  thy 
name:  I  have  designated"  thee,  though  thou 
hast  not  known  me. 

5  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  else, 
beside  me  there  is  no  god;  I  assisted'^  thee, 
though  thou  hast  not  known  me. 

G  In  order  that  they  may  know  from  the 
rising  of  the  sun,  and  from  its  setting,  that 
there  is  nothing  without  me.  I  am  the  Lord, 
and  there  is  no  one  else ; 

7  Forming  the  light,  and  creating  dark- 
ness; making  peace,  and  creating  evil :  I  the 
Lord  do  all  these  things. 

8  ][  Drop  down,  ye  lieavens,  from  above, 
and  let  the  skies  distil  blessing;  let  the  earth 
open  and  let  them  (all)  be  fruitful  of  prosper- 


*  Properly,  Koresli. 

'°  P]ng.  version,  "  two-leaved  gates ;"  referring  to  the 
particular  gates  of  Babylon;  but  the  word  crb^  simply 
applies  to  all  city-doors,  as  they  are  composed  of  two 
pieces  or  leaves. 

°  i.e.  By  the  various  titles  applied  to  him,  others  than 
his  proper  name. 


ity,  and  let  righteousness  spring  up  likewise: 
I  the  Lord  have  created  it. 

9  ^  Wo  unto  him  that  contendeth  with 
the  one  who  formed  \\m\ — a"  potsherd  among 
the  potsherds  of  the  earth.  Shall  the  clay 
say  to  him  that  fashioneth  it.  What  makest 
thou?  or*^  thy  Avork,  He  hath  no  hands? 

10  Tl  Wo  unto  him  that  saith  unto  (his) 
father.  What  begettest  thou  ?  or  to  the  woman, 
What  bringest  thou  forth  ? 

11  ]|  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel,  and  he  who  hath  formed  hira. 
About  events  to  come  will  you  ask  me  ?  con- 
cerning my  sons,  and  concerning  the  work  of 
my  hands  will  ye  command  me  ? 

12  (When)  I  myself  have  made  the  earth, 
and  created  man  upon  it;  (when)  I,  even  my 
hands,  have  stretched  out  the  heavens,  and  I 
have  ordained  all  their  host. 

13  1  myself  have  waked  him  up  in  right- 
eousness, and  all  his  ways  Avill  I  make 
straight:  he  shall  build  my  city,  and  my  exiles 
shall  he  dismiss  free,  not  for  purchase-money 
nor  for  presents,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

14  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  The  labour 
of  Egypt,  and  the  merchandi.se  of  Ethiopia, 
and  of  the  Sabeans,  men  of  high  stature,  shall 
pass  over  unto  thee,  and  thine  shall  they  be: 
behind  thee  shall  they  walk;  in  chains  shall 
they  pass  along,  and  unto  thee  shall  they 
bow,  unto  thee  shall  they  pray,  (saying) 
Yea,  only  among  thee  is  God ;  and  there  is  no 
one  else  beside  God. 

15  Verily"  thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  thy 
self,  0  God  of  Israel,  the  Saviour. 

16  They  are  a.shamed,  and  also  confounded, 
all  of  them :  together  shall  they  go  to  confu- 
sion that  are  makers  of  idols. 

17  (But)  Israel  shall  be  helped  by  the 
Lord  with  an  everlasting  salvation  :  ye  shall 
not  be  ashamed  and  not  be  confounded  unto 
all  eternity. 

18  ^[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the 
creator  of  the  heavens;  he,  the  God  that 
formed  the  earth  and  made  it ;  he  that  hath 


^  Lit.  "I  will  gird,"  i.  e.  with  armour. 

*  Or,  "as  one  potsherd  (would  contend)  with  the  pot- 
sherds of  the  earth." 

'  i.  e.  The  thing  made  says  that  the  workman  has  no 
hands  to  work,  lledak,  "  and  thy  work  hath  no  strength ;" 
"hand,"  metaphorical  for  strength,  "endurance." 

8  Rashi  regards  this  as  the  continuation  of  v.  15. 


TSAIAH  XLV.  XLVI.  XLVIT. 


estiil»lislie(1  it, — not  for  naught  did  he  create 
it,  to  1)0  inliabited  did  he  form  it:  I  am  the 
Lord;  and  tliere  is  no  one  else. 

19  Not  on  a  secret  spot  have  I  spoken,  in 
a  dark  phice  of  the  earth  ;"  I  said  not  unto 
the  seed  of  Jacol>,  Seek  ye  me  for  naught; 
(liut)  I  the  Lord  speak  rigliteousness,  I  decLare 
tilings  that  are  right. 

20  Assemble  yourselves  and  come;  draw 
near  together,  ye  escaped  fugitives  of  the  na- 
tions! They  have  no  knowledge  that  carry 
the  wood  of  their  graven  image,  and  pray 
unto  a  god  that  cannot  save. 

21  Tell  ye,  and  bring  them  near;  yea,  let 
them  take  counsel  together:  Who  hath  an- 
nounced this  in  ancient  times?  told  it  fi'om 
the  beginning?  is  it*"  not  I  the  Lord?  and 
there  is  no  other  god  without  me,  a  just 
god  and  a  saviour;  there  is  none  beside  me. 

22  Turn  unto  me,  so  that  ye  may  be  helped, 
all  ye  ends  of  the  earth ;  for  I  am  God,  and 
there  is  no  one  else. 

23  By  myself  have  I  sworn,  righteousness 
is  gone  out  of  my  mouth,  a  word  (which) 
shall  not  return,  That  unto  me  every  knee 
shall  bend,  every  tongue  shall  swear. 

24  Only  in  the  Lord," — shall  men  say  of 
me, — there  are  righteousness  and  strength. 
Unto  him  shall  come  and  be  ashamed  all 
that  are  incensed  against  him. 

25  In  the  Lord  shall  be  justified,  and 
shall  glory  themselves  all  the  seed  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 

1  Bel  is  bowed  down,  Nebo  sinketh,  their 
idols  are  (delivered)  unto  the  beasts,  and  unto 
the  cattle;  those  which  were  once  carried  by 
you  are  now  laden  u^:**  a  burden  to  the  weary 
beasts. 

2  They  are  sunk,  they  are  bowed  down 
together;  they  could  not  deliver  the  burden, 
but  they  themselves  are  gone  into  captivity. 

3  ^i  Hearken  unto  me,  0  house  of  Jacob, 
and  all  the  remnant  of  the  house  of  Israel, 
who  are  borne"  (by  me)  from  their  birth,  who 
are  carried  from  the  womb; 

'  Sacbs,  "in  a  place  of  a  dark  country." 

''  After  Jonathan.  But  the  punctuation  would  require 
us  to  render  it  thus:  "  Behold,  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there 
is  no  other  god  without  me,"  &c. 

'  After  Redak,  and  is  then  what  God  says  of  himself. 
Aben  Ezra,  "  Only  from  the  Lord  who  hath  said  it  me, 
are  the  righteousness  and  strength  "     Ras^hi  takes  it  as 


4  And  even  unto  old  age'^  I  am  the  same; 
and  even  unto  the  time  of  hoary  hairs  will  1 
bear:  I  have  done  it,  and  I  will  carry  (you); 
even  I  will  bear,  and  deliver  you. 

5  ^  To  whom  will  ye  liken  and  assimilate 
me,  and  compare  me,  that  we  may  be  like  ? 

6  (There  are  those)  that  lavish  gold  out  of 
the  bag,  and  weigh  silver  in  tlie  balance ; 
that  hire  a  melter,  that  he  may  make  of  it  a 
god;  they  (then)  bend  the  knee,  yea,  they 
bow  themselves  down ; 

7  They  carry  him,  upon  the  shoulder  they 
bear  him,  and  set  up  him  in  his  spot,  and  he 
remaineth  standing,  from  his  place  he  doth 
not  move :  yea,  though  one  should  cry  unto 
him,  he  cannot  answer,  out  of  his  trouble  he 
cannot  help  him. 

8  T[  Eemember  this,  and  take  courage: 
take  it  again  to  heart,  0  ye  transgressors. 

9  Remember  the  former  things  of  olden 
times ;  for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  no  one  else ; 
I  am  God,  and  there  is  nothing  like  me; 

10  Declarino;  from  the  beoinnino;  the  end, 
and  from  the  earliest  days  the  things  that 
have  not  yet  been  done,  saying,  My  counsel 
shall  stand  firm,  and  all  my  pleasure  will  I 
do; 

11  Calling  from  the  east  the  eagle,  from 
a  far-ofi'  country  the  man  of  my  counsel; 
yea,  I  have  spoken  it,  I  will  also  bring  it 
to  pass ;  I  have  purposed  it,  I  will  also  exe- 
cute it. 

12  Tl  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  stout  of  heart, 
that  are  far  from  righteousness : 

13  1  have  brought  near  my  righteousness  ; 
it  shall  not  be  flir  oft',  and  my  salvation  shall 
not  tarry:  and  I  will  grant  unto  Zion  salva- 
tion, unto  Israel  my  glory. 

CHAPTER  XLVII. 

1  Come  down,  and  sit  in  the  dust,  0  virgin 
daughter  of  Babylon ;  sit  on  the  ground,  there 
is  no  throne,  0  daughter  of  the  Chaldeans;  for 
men  shall  nevermore  call  thee.  Tender  and 
delicate. 

2  Take  the  mill,  and  grind  meal :  uncover 

the  speech  of  Israel :  "Only  in  the  Lord  have  I  been  pro- 
mised righteousness,"  &c.  Sachs,  "Only  with  the  Lord, 
so  said  he  to  me,  (the  prophet,)  is,"  &c. 

^  I.  e.  To  be  carried  away. 

'  Lit.  "  laden,"  figurative,  as  though  God  had  loaded 
himself  with  Israel  to  carry  them  away  in  safety. 

'  /.  c.  Of  Israel. 

503 


iSAlAH  XLVII.  XLVIir. 


thy  locks,  lift  up  the  train,  uncover  the 
thigh,  pass  over  the  rivers. 

3  Tiiy  naliedness  shall  he  uncovered,  yea, 
thy  shame  shall  be  seen  :  I  will  take  ven- 
geance, and  I  will  not  regard  any  man. 

4  ^  Our  redeemer — the  Lord  of  hosts  is 
his  name,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

5  Sit  thou  silent,  and  enter  into  darkness, 

0  daughter  of  the  Chaldeans;  for  men  shall 
never  more  coll  thee,  The  mistress  of  king- 
doms. 

6  I  was  wroth  over  my  people,  I  defiled 
my  inheritance,  and  gave  them  into  thy  hand : 
(yet)  thou  didst  grant  them  no  mercy ;  upon 
the  aged  hast  thou  laid  very  heavily  thy  yoke. 

7  And  thou  saidst,  For  ever  shall  I  be  mis- 
tress; until  that  thou  didst  not  lay  these 
things  to  thy  heart,  thou  didst  not  call  to 
mind  the  result  thereof. 

8  |[  And  now  hear  this,  luxurious  one, 
that  dwellest  in  security,  that  sayest  in  thy 
heart,  I  am,  and  there  is  nothing  else  beside 
me;  I  shall  not  sit  as  a  widow,  neither  shall 

1  know  the  loss  of  children : 

9  Yet  both  these  things  shall  come  to  thee 
in  a  moment  in  one  day,  the  loss  of  children, 
and  widowhood ;  in  their  full  measure  shall 
they  come  upon  thee,  despite  of  the  multitude 
of  thy  sorceries,  despite  of  the  very  great 
abundance  of  thy  enchantments. 

10  And  thou  didst  trust"  in  thy  wicked- 
ness: thou  saidst,  No  one  seeth  me.  Thy 
wisdom  and  thy  knowledge, — these  were  the}' 
that  seduced  thee;  and  thou  saidst  in  thy 
heart,  I  am,  and  there  is  nothing  else  beside 
me. 

11  And  there  shall  come  upon  thee  an 
evil,  which  thou  shalt  not  know  how  to  re- 
move it  by  2:)rayer;''  and  there  shall  fall 
upon  thee  mischief,  which  thou  shalt  not  be 
able  to  atone  for;  and  there  shall  come  upon 
thee  suddenly  desolation,  wliich  thou  shalt 
not  know. 

12  Stand  now  with  thy  enchantments,  and 
with  the  multitude  of  thy  sorceries,  wherein 
thou  hast  laljoured  from  tliy  youth;  perad- 
venture  thou  mayest  be  able  to  iirofit,  perad- 
venture  thou  mayest  withstand. 

13  Thou  art  wearied  with  the  multitude 


*  Sachs  and  others,  "  Thou  deemedst  thyself  secure,"  &c. 
''Jonathan    and  Rashi.      Redak,    "the   dawning    of 
which,"  &c. 

"  i.  e.  Family;  literally,  "waters." 
504 


of  thy  counsels.  Do  let  now  those  that  divide 
off  the  heavens,  that  look  at  the  stars,  that 
announce  (coming)  events  at  new  moons, 
stand  up,  and  save  thee  from  the  things  that 
are  to  come  over  thee. 

14  Behold,  they  are  become  as  stubble; 
the  fire  burnetii  them;  they  shall  not  deliver 
themselves  from  the  power  of  the  flame :  not 
a  coal  shall  be  left  to  warm  at,  no  blaze  to 
sit  before  it. 

15  Thus  are  they  become  unto  thee  with 
whom  thou  hast  laboured;  those  that  had 
commerce  with  thee  from  thy  youth,  wander 
away  every  one  on  his  road :  there  is  no  one 
to  save  thee. 

CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

1  ^  Hear  ye  this,  0  house  of  Jacob,  who 
are  called  by  the  name  of  Israel,  and  are 
come  forth  out  of  the  sirring"  of  Judah,  who 
swear  by  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  malce 
mention  of  the  God  of  Israel, — not  in  truth, 
nor  in  righteousness. 

2  For  of  the  holy  city  they  call  themselves, 
and  upon  the  God  of  Israel  they  stay  them- 
selves,— The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name. 

3  ^  The  former  things  have  I  declared 
from  the  beginning;  and  out  of  my  ntouth 
went  they  forth,  and  I  announced  them :  sud- 
denly did  I  accomplish  them,  and  they  came 
to  pass; 

4  Because  I  knew  that  thou  art  obstinate, 
that  like  an  iron  sinew  is  thy  neck,  .and  thy 
brow  of  copper ; 

5  And  I  declared  it  to  thee  from  the  begin- 
ning; before  yet  it  came  to  pass  did  I  let  thee 
hear  it:  lest  thou  shouldst  say,  My  idol  hath 
done  these  things,  and  my  graven  image,  and 
my  molten  image,  have  ordained  them. 

6  Thou  hast  heard  it;  see  it  all  now;  and 
you — will  you  not  declare  it?  I  caused  thee 
to  hear  new  things,  from  this  time,  even  hid- 
den things  which  thou  hadst  not  known. 

7  Now  are  they  created,  and  not  from  the 
beginning;  and*  before  the  day  (that  I  an- 
nounced them)  thou  lieardest  them  not;  lest 
thou  shouldest  say,  Behold,  I  knew  them. 

8  But  neither  hadst  thou  heard  it;  nor  didst 
thou  know;  nor  had  in  ancient  times  thy  ear 

^  Rcdak.  Rashi,  "and  before  the  day  that  it  occurred 
I  caused  thco  to  hear  them,  and  thou  hcardest  not  till 
to-day."  The  prophet,  however,  means  to  show  that  God 
announces  and  accomplishes  his  will. 


iSAlAlI  XLVIII    XT.IX. 


been  opened;  for  I  knew  that  tliou  wouklst 
deal  very  treaclieroui>ly,  and  a  transgressor 
wast  thou  called  from  thy  birth. 

9  For  the  sake  of  my  name  will  I  defer 
my  anger,  and  because  of  my  praise  will  I  re- 
strain it  toward  thee,  so  that  I  may  not  cut 
thee  off. 

10  Behold.  I  have  refined  thee,  though  not 
into"  silver:  I  have  approved  thee  in  the 
crucible  of  aftliction. 

11  For  my  own  sake,  for  my  own  sake, 
will  I  do  it:  for  how  would(my  name) be  dis- 
lionoured?  and  my  glory  will  T  not  give  unto 
an  other. 

12  ^  Hearken  unto  me,  0  Jacob,  and  Is- 
rael, my  called  one;  I  am  he;  I  am  tlie  first, 
I  also  am  the  last. 

13  My  hand  also  hath  laid  the  foundation 
of  the  earth,  and  my  right  hand  hath  spanned 
out  the  heavens:  I  call  unto  them,  they  stand 
forward""  together. 

14  Assemble  yourselves,  all  of  you,  and 
hear:  Who  among  them  hath  told  these 
things?  He  whom  the  Lord  loveth,  will  do 
his  pleasure  on  Babylon,  and  (display)  his 
arm  (on)  the  Chaldeans. 

15  I,  even  I,  have  spoken  it,  I  have  also 
called  him:  I  have  brought  him,  and  he  shall 
be  prosperous  on  his  way. 

IG  Come  ye  near  unto  me,  hear  ye  this; 
never  from  the  beginning  have  I  spoken  in 
secret;  from  the  time  that  it  occurred,  was  I 
there.  And  now''  the  Lord  Eternal  hath  sent 
me,  and  his  Spirit.'' 

17  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  thy  Ke- 
deemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God  who  teach  thee  for  thy  profit, 
who  lead  thee  by  the  way  thou  shouldest  go. 

18  Oh  that  thou  hadst  but  listened  to  my 
connnandments!  then  would  have  l)een  as  a 
river  thy  peace,  and  thy  prosperity  as  the 
waves  of  the  sea : 

19  And  then  would  have  been  as  the  sand 
thy  seed,  and  the  offspring  of  thy  body  like 

*  Sachs,  after  Geseniiis;  and  means,  that  as  yet  the 
punishment  had  not  produced  a  people  pure  as  fine  silver, 
llashi  and  Aben  Ezra  would  translate,  "but  not  in  the 
silver  crucible,"  i.  e.  to  remove  all  the  dross,  or  the 
wicked. 

''  After  Aben  Ezra;  /.  e.  they  stand  ready  to  do  God's 
bidding  as  his  servants. 

"  The  prophet's  own  words;  meaning,  all  the  Lord  now 
announces  through  him  as  coming,  is  as  certain  as  those 
things  which  have  occurred  already — the  present  mes- 
30 


the  iielijjles"  of  the  sea-slioi'e;  yet  .shall  his 
name*^  not  be  cut  ofl"  nor  destroyed  from  be- 
fore me. 

20  ^  Go  forth  out  of  Bab3lon,  flee  away 
from  the  Chalde;ins.  with  the  voice  of  singing 
declare,  announce  this,  carry  it  forth  as  far 
as  the  end  of  the  earth;  say.  The  Lord  hath 
redeemed  his  servant  Jacob. 

21  And  thev  thirsted  not  when  he  led 
them  through  the  deserts;  waters  out  of  the 
rock  he  let  drop  down  for  them :  and  he 
cleaved  the  rock,  and  the  waters  gushed  out. 

22  There  is  no  peace,  saith  the  Lord,  unto 
the  wicked. 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 

1  ^  Hearken,  0  isles,  unto  me;  and  listen, 
ye  people,  from  afar:  The  Lord  hath  called 
me-  fi'om  my  birth ;  from  my  mother's  womb 
hath  he  made  mention  of  my  name. 

2  And  he  hath  rendered  my  mouth  like  a 
sharp  sword;  in  the  shadow  of  his  hand  hath 
he  hidden  me:  and  he  hath  rendered  me  as  a 
25olished  arrow;  in  his  quiver  hatli  he  con- 
cealed me; 

3  And  said  unto  me.  My  servant  art  thou, 

0  Israel,  thou  on  whom  I  will  be  glorified. 

4  But  I  had  indeed  said,  For  no  purpose 
have  I  laboured,  for  naught  and  vanity  have 

1  spent  my  strength;  yet  surely  my  cause  is 
with  the  Lord,  and  the  recompense  of  my 
work  with  my  God. 

5  Tl  And  now  hath  said  the  Lord  that 
foi'med  me  from  the  womb  to  be  his  servant, 
to  bring  Jacob  again  to  him,  that  Israel  may 
be  gathered  unto  liim,  that  I  should  be  ho- 
noured in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  while  my  God 
was  my  strength, — 

6  And  he  said.  It  is  too  light  a  thing  that 
thou  shouldst  be  my  servant  to  raise  up  the 
tribes  of  Jacob,  and  to  bring  back  the  pre- 
served of  Israel !  but  I  will  (also)  appoint 
thee  for  a  light  to  the  nations,  that  my  salva- 
tion may  reach  as  far  as  the  end  of  the  earth. 

sage  of  the  humbling  of  Babylon  and  the  return  of  the 
Israelites  being  certain  to  come.  (Compare  with  Num. 
xvi,  .30.) 

"  FTeincmann,  "with  his  spirit,"  !.  c.  laid  upon  him  his 
holy  inspiration. 

"  Jonathan.  Rashi,  "  the  is.sue  of  the  sea,"  i.  e.  the 
fishes. 

'  That  of  the  seed  of  Jacob. 

*  Some  apply  this  address  to  Isaiah,  but  Philippson  to 
the  people  of  Israel. 

505 


ISAIAH  XLTX.  t. 


7  T[  Tims  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  Ee- 
deemer  of  Israel,  his  Holy  One,  to  him  who 
is  despised"  by  men,  to  him  who  is  abhorred 
by  nations,  to  the  servant  of  rulers,  Kings 
shall  see  it  and  rise  up,  princes,  and  they 
shall  j^rostrate  themselves,  for  the  sake  of  the 
Lord  who  is  faitliful,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel, 
who  hath  made  choice  of  thee. 

8  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  In  the  time 
of  favour  liave  I  answered  thee,  and  on  the 
day  of  salvation  have  I  helped  thee;  and  I 
will  preserve  thee,  and  I  will  appoint  thee  as 
a  people  of  my  covenant''  to  raise  up  the  land, 
to  divide  out  desolate  heritages ; 

9  When  I  say"  to  the  pi'isoners,  Go  forth; 
to  those  that  are  in  darkness,  Show  youi'- 
selves.  On  the  roads  shall  tliey  feed,  and  on 
all  mountain-peaks  shall  be  their  pasture. 

10  They  shall  not  be  hungry  nor  thirsty, 
and  neither  heat'  nor  sun  shall  smite  them ; 
for  he  that  hath  mercy  on  them  will  lead 
them,  and  by  springs  of  water  will  he  guide 
them. 

11  And  I  will  change  all  my  mountains  in- 
to a  road,  and  my  highways  shall  be  lifted  up. 

12  Behold,  these  shall  come  from  afar;  and, 
lo,  these  from  the  north  and  from  the  west; 
and  these  from  the  land  of  Sinim. 

13  Sing,  0  heavens ;  and  be  joyful,  0  earth; 
and  break  forth,  0  mountains,  into  song;  for 
the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  upon 
his  oppres.sed"  will  he  have  mercy. 

14  T[  Yet  Zion  said,  The  Eternal  hath  for- 
salcen  me,  and  the  Lord  hath  forgotten  me. 

15  Can  a  woman*^  forget  her  sucking  child, 
not  to  have  mercy  on  the  son  of  her  body  ? 
yea,  should  these  even  forget,  yet  would  I  not 
forget  thee. 

16  Behold,  upon  the  palms  of  my  hands 
have  I  engraved  thee;  thy  walls  are  continu- 
ally before  me. 

17  Thy  children  come  in  haste;  thy  de- 
stroyers and  they  tliat  laid  thee  waste  shall  go 
away  from  thee. 

18  Lift  up  thy  eyes  round  about,  and  see; 
they  all  are  assembled  together,  they  come  to 
thee  :  as  I  live,  saitli  the  Lord,  thou  shalt 
surely  clothe  thyself  with  them  all,  as  with 


'  Lit.  "despised  in   soul."     Jonathan,    "despised   be- 
tween the  naticin.s." 

''  Rashi.     Lit.  "  for  a  covenant  of  the  people." 

■■  Rashi. 

'  Philippsnn,  '' mirage." 


an  ornament,  and  bind   them   on   thee,  as  a 
bride. 

19  For  thy  ruins  and  thy  desolate  places, 
and  thy  wasted  land, — ^yea,  now  shall  it  be 
too  narrow  for  thee  by  reason  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, and  thy  destroyers  shall  be  far  away. 

20  Yet  again  will  say  before  thy  ears  the 
children  of  whom  thou  wast  deprived,  The 
place  is  too  narrow  for  me;  make  room  for 
me  that  I  may  dwell. 

21  And  thou  wilt  say  in  thy  heart.  Who 
hath  I)orn  me  these,  seeing  I  was  bereft  of 
my  children,  and  was  solitary,  an  exile,  and 
outcast?  and  who  hath  brought  up  these?  Be- 
hold, I  was  left  entirely  alone;  the.se,  where 
have  they  been  ? 

22  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Behold,  I  will  lift  up  to  the  nations  my  hand, 
and  to  the  people  will  I  raise  up  high  my 
standard;  and  they  shall  bring  thy  sons  in 
(their)  arms,*^  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  car- 
ried upon  shoulders. 

23  And  kings  shall  be  thy  nursing-fathers, 
and  their  princesses  thy  nursing-mothers ; 
with  the  fiice  toward  the  earth  shall  they  bow 
down  to  thee,  and  the  dust  of  thy  feet  shall 
they  lick  up :  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord,  who  will  not  sutler  those  who  hope 
in  me  to  be  made  ashamed. 

24  iy  Shall  the  prey  be  taken  from  the 
mighty,  or  shall  the  captive  of  the  victor  es- 
cape ? 

25  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Also  the 
captive  of  the  mighty  shall  be  taken  away, 
and  the  prey  of  the  powerful  shall  escape; 
and  with  those  who  contend  against  thee 
will  I  contend,  and  thy  children  will  I  indeed 
save. 

26  And  I  will  feed  thy  oppressors  with 
their  own  flesh ;  and  as  with  new  wine  shall 
they  be  made  drunken  with  their  own  blood: 
and  all  flesh  shall  know  that  I  the  Eternal 
am  thy  Saviour,  and  thy  Redeemer  the 
Mighty  One  of  Jacob. 

CHAPTER  L. 

1  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Where  is 
your  mother's  bill  of  divorcement,  wherewith"* 

'  Sachs,  "his  poor." 

'  The  singular  stands  for  the  class,  "all  woman;"  hence 
the  plural  in  the  next  sentence. 

*  Jonathan,  yyn^  "in  covered  wagons." 

''  .\  rnheim,  after  Jonathan.    Others,  "  whom  I  have,"  &o 


tSAlAil  L.  LT. 


t  have  sent  lier  away?  or  who  of  my  creditors 
is  it  to  whom  I  have  sold  you?  behold,  for 
your  iniquities  were  ye  sold,  and  for  your 
transgressions  was  your  mother  sent  away. 

2  Why  did  I  come  and  no  man  was  there, 
did  I  call,  with  none  to  answer?  hath  my  hand 
become  too  short  for  redeeming?  or  is  there 
no  power  in  me  to  deliver?  behold,  through 
my  threatening  I  can  dry  up  the  sea,  I  can 
change  the  rivers  into  a  wilderness:  their  fish 
stink  for  want  of  water,  and  die  for  thirst. 

3  I  can  clothe  the  heavens  with  blackness, 
and  I  can  make  sackcloth  their  garment. 

4  ][  The  Lord  Eternal  hath  given  me  a 
tongue  for  teaching,"  that  I  should  know  how 
to  strengthen  the  weary  with  the  word:  he 
wakeneth  morning  by  morning,  he  wakeneth 
my  ear  to  listen  like  those  who  are  well 
taught. 

T)  The  Lord  Eternal  hath  opened  me  mj^ear, 
and  I  resisted  not:  I  turned  not  backward. 

C)  My  back  I  gave  up  to  the  smitors,  and 
my  cheeks  to  those  that  plucked  off  the  hair: 
my  ftxce  I  hid  not  from  abuse  and  spitting. 

7  But  the  Lord  Eternal  ever  helpeth  me; 
therefore  was  I  not  confounded;  therefore 
have  I  rendered  my  face  like  a  flint,  and  I 
knew  that  I  should  not  be  made  ashamed. 

8  He  that  justifieth  me  is  near;  who  will 
contend  with  me?  let  us  stand  forward  toge- 
ther: who  hath  a  dispute''  with  me?  let  him 
come  near  to  me. 

9  Behold,  the  Lord  Eternal  will  help  me; 
who  is  the  man  that  will  condemn  me  ?  lo, 
they  all  shall  wear  out  as  a  garment:  the 
moth  shall  eat  them  up. 

10  *\\  Who  is  among  you  that  feareth  the 
Lord,  that  harkeneth  to  the  voice  of  his  ser- 
vant? though  he  have  walked  in  darkness, 
and  had  no  light :  let  him  trust  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  and  lean  for  support  upon  his  God. 

11  Behold,  all  ye  that  kindle  fire,  that 
urge"  on  the  brands :  walk  by  the  blaze  of  your 
fire,  and  by  the  brands  ye  have  kindled;  from 
my  hand  hath  this  been  bestowed  on  you;  in 
pain  shall  ye  lie  down. 

"  Rashi ;  but  Redak,  "  a  tongue  of  tbe  practised,"  i.  e. 
those  who  have  been  weil  trained.  Pbilippson,  "disci- 
ples;" and  so  at  the  end,  "to  understand  like  disciples." 

''  Lit.  "  tbe  master  of  my  cause." 

"  Lit.  "gird,"  i.  e.  "arm,"  or  "  urge,"  in  this  connec- 
tion. 

^  Pbilippson,  "how  I  called  bim,  the  one." 


CHAPTER  LL 


1  ][  Hearken  to  me,  ye  tliat  pursue  rights 
eousness,  that  seek  the  Lord:  look  unto  the 
rock  whence  ye  were  hewn,  and  to  the  hole 
of  the  pit  whence  ye  were  dug  up. 

2  Look  unto  Abraham  your  father,  and 
unto  Sarah  that  bore  you;  lljr''  he  was  one 
when  I  called  him,  and  I  blessed  him,  and  I 
increased  him. 

3  Yea,  the  Lord  hath"  comforted  Zion ;  he 
hath  comforted  all  her  ruins;  and  he  hath 
made  her  wilderness  like  Eden,  and  her  desert 
like  the  garden  of  the  Lord:  gladness  and  joy 
shall  be  found  therein,  thanksgiving,  and  the 
voice  of  song. 

4  ^  Listen  unto  me,  my  people ;  and  0  my 
nation,  give  ear  unto  me;  for  a  law  shall  pro- 
ceed from  me,  and  my  justice  will  I  establish 
as  a  light  of  the  people. 

5  My  righteousness  is  near ;  my  salvation 
goeth  forth,  and  my  arms  shall  judge  the 
people  :  on  me  the  isles  shall  wait,  and  for 
my  arm  shall  they  hope. 

6  Lift  up  3'our  eyes  to  the  heavens,  and 
look  upon  the  earth  beneath ;  for  the  heavens 
shall  vanish  away  like  smoke,  and  tlie  earth 
shall  wear  out  like  a  garment,  and  they  that 
dwell  thereon  shall  die  in  like  manner;  but 
my  salvation  shall  exist  for  ever,  and  my 
righteousness  sliall  not  be  delayed.*^ 

7  ]f  Hearken  unto  me,  ye  that  know  right- 
eousness, 0  people  in  whose  heart  my  law  is: 
ye  must  not  fear  the  reproach  of  men,  and  of 
their  revilings  shall  ye  not  be  in  dread. 

8  For  like  agarment  shall  the  moth  eat  them 
up,  and  like  wool  shall  the  worm  eat  them ;  but 
my  righteousness  shall  exist  for  ever,  and  my 
salvation  from  generation  to  generation. 

9  ][  Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength,  0 
arm  of  the  Lord:  awake,  as  in  the  ancient 
days,  in  the  generations  of  olden  times.  Art 
thou  not  it  that  struck  down  Rahab,^  that 
pierced  the  crocodile? 

10  Art  thou  not  it  that  dried  up  the  sea, 
the  waters  of  the  great  deep;  that  rendered 

°  The  propbetic  past,  representing  tbe  future  as  already 
come. 

'Jonathan.     Redak,  "broken." 

'  Allegorical  term  for  "Egypt."  Tbe  crocodile,  as  ren- 
dered by  Pbilippson,  or  "dragon,"  by  others,  denotes 
Pharaob,  who  is  frequently  so  called  by  the  prophets. 
Tbe  word  ;'jn  is  difficult  to  translate  with  an  equivalent  in 

o07 


IS  AT  All  LI.  til. 


tlie  depths  of  the  sea  a  road  for  the  redeemed  ' 
to  pass  through? 

11  And  (so)  shall  the  ransomed  of  the 
Lord  return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  song, 
with  everlasting  joy  upon  their  head;  glad- 
ness and  joy  shall  they  obtain,  while  sorrow 
and  sighing  shall  have  tied  away. 

12  ^  I,  I  am  he  that  comforteth  you :  who 
art  thou^  that  thou  shouldst  be  afraid  of  a 
mortal  that  must  die,  and  of  a  son  of  man 
who  will  wither  as  the  grass? 

13  And  thou  forgettest  the  Lord,  thy 
Maker,  who  hath  spread  out  the  heavens,  and 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth;  and  thou 
dreadest  continually,  all  the  day,  because  of 
the  fury  of  the  oppressor,  whenever  he  aimeth 
to  destroy :  and  where  is  (now)  the  fury  of 
the  oppressor? 

14  The  exile  will  be  speedily  set  free;  and 
he  shall  not  die  in  the  dungeon,  and  his 
bread  shall  not  fail. 

15  For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  stir- 
reth"  up  the  sea  that  its  waves  roar:  the  Lord 
of  hosts  is  his  name. 

IG  And  I  have  placed  my  words  in  thy 
mouth,  and  with  the  shadow  of  my  hand 
have  I  covered  thee:  to  plant''  the  heavens, 
and  to  lay  the  foundations  of  the  earth,  and 
to  say  to  Zion,  Thou  art  my  people. 

17  Tl  Rouse  up,  rouse  up.  arise,  0  Jerusa- 
lem, thou  who  hast  drunk  from  the  hand  of 
the  Lord  the  cup  of  his  fury:  the  deep'  cup  of 
confusion  hast  thou  drunk,  hast  thou  drained. 

IS  There  is  none  to  lead  her,  from  all 
tlie  children  whom  she  hath  born;  and  there 
is  none  that  taketh  her  liy  the  hand,  from 
all  the  children  whom  she  hath  brought  up. 

19  Two  things  are  these  which  have  befall- 
en thee:  who  will  have  compassion  for  thee? 
desolation  and  destruction,  and  famine  and 
the  sword — with  whom  shall  I  comfort  thee? 

20  Thy  children  have  fainted,  they  lie  at 
the  entrance  of  all  streets,  as  a  wild  bull 
caught  in  a  net,  (they  are  those)  who  are  full 

otber  languages.  In  Gen.  i.  21,  it  evidently  means  simply 
"the  large  marine  anim<als;"  in  Exod.  vii.  10,  it  is 
equally  clear  that  it  ilenntes  "serpent;"  the  general  term 
"monster,"  something  large,  frightful,  and  unusual,  would 
best  express  it;  and  the  context  must  then  determine 
what  sort  of  a  creature  is  likely  the  subject  of  the  dis- 
course. 

"  Jonathan,   "  who  assuagefh  the  sea  when   its  waves 
roar."   The  ditBculty  is  in  the  word  yil,  to  which  opposite 
meanings  arc  attached. 
WJ8 


of  the  fury  of  the  Lord,  the  threatening  of  thy 
God. 

21  Therefore  hear  now  this,  0  thou  afflict- 
ed, and  drunken,  but  not  with  wine. 

22  ^  Thus  hath  said  thy  Lord,  the  Eter- 
nal, and  thy  God,  who  will  ever  plead  for 
his  jjeople.  Behold,  I  have  taken  out  of  thy 
hand  the  cup  of  confusion,  the  deep  cup  of 
my  fury:  thou  shalt  never  more  drink  it 
again. 

23  And  I  will  place  it  in  the  hand  of  those 
who  have  tortured  thee,  that  have  said  to  thy 
soul.  Bend  thee  down,  that  we  may  pass  over; 
and  thou  madest  like  the  earth  thy  back,  and 
like  the  street  for  those  that  passed  over. 

CHAPTER  LIL 

1  ^  Awake,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,'' 
0  Zion;  put  on  thy  beautiful  garments,  0 
Jerusalem,  thou  holy  city;  for  no  more  shall 
enter  into  thee  henceforth  the  uncircumcised 
and  the  unclean. 

2  Shake  thyself  free  from  the  dust,  arise," 
sit  down,  0  Jerusalem:  loosen  thyself  from 
the  bands  of  thy  neck,  0  captive,  daughter 
of  Zion. 

3  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For 
naught  were  you  sold,  and  without  silver 
shall  ye  be  redeemed. 

4  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Into  Egypt  went  my  people  down  aforetimes, 
to  sojourn  there,  and  Asshur  hath  oppressed 
it  without  cause. 

5  And  now  what  have  I  here,  saitli  the 
Lord,  since  my  people  hath  been  taken  away 
for  nauglit?  its  rulers  vaunt  aloud,  saith  the 
Lord,  and  continually,  all  the  day,  is  my 
name  blasphemed. 

6  Therefore  shall  my  people  know  my 
name,  therefore — on  that  day,  that  I  am  he 
that  speaketli  it:  here  am  I. 

7  ^  How  beautiful  are  upon  the  mountains 
the  feet  of  the  messenger  of  good  tidings,  that 
publisheth  peace,  that  announceth  tidings  of 

^  The  commentators  say  that  this  refers  to  the  preserva- 
tion of  Israel,  as  important  as  the  creation,  and  the  gather- 
ing of  the  captives. 

"Jonathan.  But  Rashi,  "the  dregs  of  the  cup."  r\;'3p 
is  given  by  Sachs  with  "arched  cup." 

"^  Sachs,  "(decoration  of)  victory." 

•^  Sachs,  "sit  erect;"  but  the  verse  simply  says  that 
the  captives  who  formerly  lay  bound  in  the  dust  shall 
spring  up  from  the  earth  and  sit  on  a  .seat  of  ease,  like 
other  freemen. 


ISAIAH  LII.  LIII. 


hiippiness,  that  publisheth  salvation,  that 
saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reignoth. 

8  Tlie  voice  of  thy  watchmen, — they  raise 
their  voice,  together  shall  they  shout;  for  eye 
to  eye  shall  they  see,  when  the  Lord  return- 
eth  unto  Zion. 

0  Break  forth  (in  song),  shout  together,  ye 
ruins  of  Jerusalem.;  for  the  Lord  hath  com- 
forted his  people,  he  hath  redeemed  Jerusa- 
lem. 

10  The  Lord  hath  made  bare  his  holy  arm 
befoi'e  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations ;  and  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  shall  see  the  salvation  of 
our  God. 

11  ][  Depart  ye,  depart  ye,  go  out  from 
there,  touch  no  unclean  thing;  go  ye  out 
from  the  midst  of  it;  cleanse  yourselves,  ye 
bearers  of  the  vessels  of  the  Lord. 

12  For  not  in  haste  shall  ye  go  out,  and  not 
in  tlight  shall  ye  go;  for  before  you  goeth  the 
Lord,  and  your  rereward  is  the  God  of  Israel. 

13  ^  Behold,  my  servant"  shall  be  pros- 
perous, he  shall  be  exalted  and  extolled,  and 
be  placed  very  high. 

*  Rashi,  explains  "my  servant,"  "  Behold,  at  the  end  of 
days  will  my  servant  Jacob,  the  righteous  among  him,  he 
prosperous."  Dr.  Piiilippson  heads  this  section,  "the 
sufferings  of  Israel  conduce  to  the  happiness  of  the  na- 
tions;" and  after  reviewing  the  preceding  prophecies,  he 
says,  "But  if  the  prophet  contrasts  in  chap.  xlix.  7,  in 
general  terms,  the  despised  state  of  Israel  with  their  future 
greatness,  he  takes  a  deeper  view  of  the  subject  in  the 
speech  now  before  us,  (to  the  end  of  liii.,)  as  he  declares 
t/iK  pr(Si')il  dfyradalion  of  hrael  to  he  NECESS.\RY /<;;•  tJie 
aa:omjtUshminl  of  their  mission  ;  bixausr  the  exaltation  of 
this  ilejiressedy  llie  ijlorious  iipi'isiriij  of  this  despiseJ  people 
uu'll  prove  so  elearhj,  so  snrprisiiii/i^  to  the  other  nations 
the  siivin(j power  of  the  sole  God,  vlioin  the  Israelites  adore, 
that  th( u  will  hceome  eonverted  to  this  onli/  One.  The 
prophet  goes,  therefore,  a  step  fJirther,  in  declaring  the 
sufferings  of  Israel,  in  general  terms,  as  borne  by  Israel 
merely  as  the  means  of  happiness  for  the  nations,  in  order 
to  bring  these  out  of  their  sinful  idolatry  to  the  pure  ac- 
knowledgment of  God.  They  are  become  the  martyrs  of 
the  acknowledgment  of  the  O.ne,  and  by  their  exaltation 
the  nations  will  be  directed  with  the  strensth  of  convic- 
tion to  the  sole  and  only  God.  This  view  of  the  prophet 
is  truly  sublime;  he  stands  here  on  the  summit  of  the 
whole  history  of  the  world,  since  he  thus  recognises  and 
pursues  the  universal  tendency  of  all  the  histm-y  of  the 
families  of  man.  The  doubts,  therefore,  which  Jewish 
commentators  (Redak  and  Abarbanel)  have  raised  here, 
that  this  procedure  would  bo  opposed  to  the  justice  of 
God,  which  must  allow  every  one  to  bear  the  punishment 
of  what  he  himself  has  committed,  can  only  be  applied  to 
individuals,  while  the  prophet  had  in  view  the  whole  de- 
velopment of  mankind.  The  prophet  now  expresses  this 
idea  in  the  following  manner : — .\t  fir.-^t  he  speaks  of  the 
future  greatness  of  Israel  (Hi.  13),  which  shall  be  as  great 


14  Just  as  numy  were  astonished  at  thee, 
so  greatly  was  his  countenance  marred  more 
than  any  (other)  man's,  and  his  form  more 
than  (that  of)  the  sons  of  men, — 

15  Thus  will  he  cause  many  nations  to 
jump''  up  in  (astonishment) ;  at  him  will 
kings  shut  their  mouth;  for  what  had  not 
been  told  unto  them  shall  they  see,  and 
what  they  had  never  heard  shall  they 
understand. 

CHAPTER  LIII. 

1  Who  would  have  believed  our"  report? 
and  the  arm  of  the  Lord — over  whom  hath  it 
been  revealed? 

2  Yea,  he  grew  up  like  a  small  shoot  be- 
fore him,  and  as  a  root  out  of  a  dry  land  :  he 
had  no  form  nor  comeliness,  so  that  we  should 
look  at  him;  and  no  countenance,  so  that  we 
should  desire  him. 

3  He**  was  despised  and  shunned  l)y  men ; 
a  man  of  pains,  and  accpiainted  with  disease; 
and  as  one''  who  hid  his  face  from  us  was  he 
despised,  and  we  esteemed  him  not. 

as  the  Israelites  are  at  present  depressed  (14).  At  this 
the  nations  and  kings  will  be  astonished  to  the  utmost 
(15),  and  they  will  call  to  mind  the  entire  state  of  de- 
gradation under  which  the  Israelites  have  suffered,  when 
seeing  that  it  is  preei-sely  this  people  which  have  been  re- 
deemed and  raised  so  high  by  the  sole  God  (liii.  1—3). 
But  they  will  thence  acknowledge  that  Israel  had  to 
bear  this  hard  fate  solely  for  their  (the  nations')  redemp- 
tion out  of  their  sinful  state  (4-6),  so  that  Israel,  through 
the  patience  which  they  exhibit  notwithstanding  all  their 
sufferings,  since  they  never  departed  from  the  only  God, 
shall  be  placed  on  a  yet  higher  eminence  (7-9).  There- 
fore will  Israel  be  the  more  greatly  exalted  and  rendered 
happy  by  God,  and  the  will  of  the  Most  High  will  be  ac- 
complished through  them  (10-12)."  This  view  is  gene- 
rally shared  by  the  best  commentators,  and  is  perfectly 
reconcilable  to  the  whole  context  and  the  separate  expres- 
sions employed. 

'' Jonathan,  "scatter."  Rashi  follows  the  same  view. 
Redak,  "he  will  cause  to  speak."  Heinemann,  "will  set 
in  motion."  Sachs,  "astonish."  We  have  followed  Phi- 
lippson,  who  explains  it  to  mean  the  .sudden  effect  of  un- 
expected news.  This  is  farther  exemplified  by  the  first 
verse  of  the  next  chapter. 

°  Rashi,  "So  will  the  nations  say  one  to  the  other. 
Had  we  heard  from  the  mouth  of  others  what  we  see  our- 
selves, it  would  have  been  incredible;  and  on  whom  was 
such  a  power  and  majesty  of  the  Lord  revealed  till  now?" 
But  Philippson,  "it  appears  incredible  that  God  should 
do  so  much  for  so  small  a  people." 

''  Rashi,  "This  is  the  method  of  the  prophet,  to  speak 
of  all  Israel  as  one  man,  as  above,  'Fear  not,  my  servant 
Jacob,'  (xliv.  2,  and  ibid.  21)." 

'  Rashi,  "  On  account  of  their  great  .shame  and  lowness 
they  were  as  those  who  hide  their  faees  from  us  with  the 


ISAIAH  LIII.  LIV. 


4  But  only  our'  diseases  did  he  bear  him- 
self, and  our  pains  he  carried:  while  we  in- 
deed esteemed  him  stricken,  smitten  of  God, 
and  afflicted. 

5  Yet  he  was  wounded  for''  our  transgres- 
sions, he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities :  the 
chastisement  for  our  peace  was  upon  him; 
and  through  his  bruises  was  healing  granted 
to  us. 

6  We  all  like  sheep'"  went  astray;  every 
one  to  his  own  way  did  we  turn;  and  the 
Lord  let  befalP  him  the  guilt  of  us  all. 

7  He  was  oppressed,  and  he  was  also 
taunted,"  yet  he  opened  not  his  mouth;  like 
the  lamb  which  is  led  to  the  slaughter,  and 
like  a  ewe  before  her  shearer's  is  dumb;  and 
he  opened  not  his  mouth. 

8  Through  oppression  and  through  judicial 
punishment  was  he  taken  away;'  but  his 
genei'ation — who  could  tell,  that  he  was  cut 
away  out  of  the  land  of  life,  (that)  for  the 
transgressions  of  my  people  the  plague^  was 
laid  on  him? 

9  And  he  let  his  grave''  be  made  with  the 
wicked,  and  with  the  (godless)'  rich  at  his 
death ;  although  he  had  done  no  violence,  and 
there  was  no  deceit  in  his  mouth. 

10  But  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  crush  him 

ntmust  care,  that  we  should  uot  see  them,  like  a  leprous 
man,  who  hides  his  face  and  is  afraid  to  look  about." 
Philippson  agrees  with  this,  and  refers  to  the  laws  of  the 
leper,  (Lev.  xiii.  15,)  who,  with  torn  garments  and  long 
hair,  wrapt  up  to  his  chin,  called  out,  "  Unclean,  unclean," 
and  had  to  live  secluded  without  the  city.  Who  knows 
uot  of  the  Ghetto — the  Jewish  gaberdine — the  execration 
of  Mahomedans  and  Nazarenes? 

'  Rashi,  "  Bat  now  we  see  that  it  was  not  for  his  low- 
ness  that  evil  befell  him;  but  he  was  afflicted  with  pains 
that  all  the  nations  might  find  atonement  through  the 
pains  of  Israel;  while  wo  (the  Gentiles)  thought  him 
hated  of  God." 

''  Others,  "through  means  of" 

"  Philippson,  "like  sheep  without  a  shepherd;  but  now 
Israel  has  brought  law  and  justice." 

''  Rashi,  "  And  the  Lord  forgave  for  his  prayer  the 
iniquity  of  us  all."  Ho  alsn  Jonathan,  "And  it  was  the 
will  of  God  to  forgive  the  guilt  of  us  all  for  his  sake." 
;"J3n  in  the  sense  of  prayer;  so  also  in  verse  12.  Others 
take  it  in  the  sense  of  mceling,  thus,  "he  let  him  be  met 
by  the  guilt  of  us  all." 

°  Rashi.  But  Sachs,  "ho  was  resigned."  n:;?:  in  the 
sense  of  hnml/iutivn.     (Exod.  x.  .3). 

'  Rashi  and  Redak  render,  "He  shall  be  taken  out  of 
;hc  ca]itivity  and  the  painful  judgments  inflicted  on  him," 
kc.  mh  Rashi  explains  "  to  the  righteous  among  them ;" 
but  the  prophets  often  u.se  the  singular  and  plural  to- 
gether, if  the  subject  be  comjiosi'd  of  niany  individuals. 
010 


through  disease :  when  (now)  his  soul  hath 
brought  the  trespass-offering,''  then  shall  he 
see  (his)  seed,  live  many  days,  and  the  plea- 
sure of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  his  hand. 

11  (Freed)'  from  the  trouble  of  his  soul 
shall  he  see  (the  good)  and  be  satisfied : 
through  his  knowledge  shall  my  righteous 
servant  bring  the  many  to  righteousness, 
while  he  will  bear  their  iniquities. 

12  Therefore  will  I  divide  him  (a  portion) 
with  the  many,  and  with  the  strong  shall  he 
divide  the  spoil;  because  he  poured  out  his 
soul  unto  death,  and  with  transgressors  was 
he  numbered :  while  he  bore  the  sin  of  many, 
and  for  the  transgressors  he  let  (evil)""  befall 
him. 

CHAPTER  LIV. 

1  ^  Sing,  0  barren  one,  thou  that  hast  not 
born ;  break  forth  into  song,  and  rejoice  aloud, 
thou  that  hast  not  travailed;  for  more  are  the 
children  of  the  desolate  than  the  children  of 
the  married  Avife,  saith  the  Lord. 

2  Enlarge  the  space  of  thy  tent,  and  Jet 
them  stretch  forth  the  curtains  of  thy  habita- 
tions,— spare  not :  lengthen  thy  cord.s,  and 
strengthen  thy  stakes  ;° 

3  For  to  the  right  and  to  the  left  shalt 

^  Sachs,  "the  punishment  which  (was  due)  to  them," 
('.  f.  the  Gentile  nation,  here  called  "my  people." 

*■  Rashi,  "He  delivered  himself  to  be  buried  in  any 
manner  the  wicked  of  the  nations  might  decree."  (It  must 
be  borne  in  mind,  how  unich  the  Israelites  valued  the 
rite  of  burial.  Geu.xxiii.  11 ;  xlvii.  .30,&c.)  "  At  the  op- 
tion of  the  wicked  he  was  willing  thus  to  be  buried,  and 
not  deny  the  living  God ;  and  at  the  option  of  the  ruler 
(the  rich)  he  delivered  himself  up  to  all  sorts  of  deaths, 
which  were  decreed  against  him,  because  he  would  do  no 
wrong — not  even  to  speak  the  word  to  adopt  the  worship 
of  idols." 

'  After  Philippson,  to  make  up  the  contrast  between 
D^ywi  and  T^i/y. 

•^  Atonement;  and  means,  that  when  the  trials  have 
been  duly  borne  as  the  means  of  the  world's  regeneration, 
then  shall  the  (ippurciil  evil  be  converted  into  real.  good. 

'  Rashi  renders  the  beginning  of  this  verse,  "  He  hath 
lived,  seen  pleasure,  and  was  satisfied  from  the  labour  of 
his  hands,"  i.  c.  not  by  violence,  "and  now  he  judgeth  with 
righteousness,"  &c. 

°  Others,  "he  made  intercession  for,"  &c.  Rashi  adds, 
"  through  his"  pains,  by  which  happiness  came  into  the 
world."  This  is  daily  verified  by  the  experience  of  man- 
kind. 

°  Figurative — the  tent  and  its  appurtenances  must  be 
enlarged,  or  the  place  of  Israel's  habitation,  to  make 
room  for  the  numerous  progenv,  spoken  of  also  in  ciiap. 
liii.  10. 


ISAIAH  LIV.  LV. 


thou  ypread  forth;  and  thy  seed  shall  drive 
out  nations,  and  desolate  cities  shall  they  re- 
people. 

4  Fear  not.  for  thou  shalt  not  be  made 
ashamed;  and  be  not  confounded,  for  thou 
shalt  not  be  put  to  the  blush;  for  the  shame 
of  thy  youth  shalt  thou  forget,  and  the  re- 
proach of  thy  widowhood  shalt  thou  not  re- 
member any  more. 

5  For  thy  husband  is  thy  Maker,  the  Lord 
of  hosts  is  his  name;  and  thy  Eedeemer  is  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel,  "The*  God  of  all   the  i 
earth."  shall  he  be  called. 

6  For  as  a  woman  forsaken  and  grieved  in 
spirit  did  the  Lord  call  thee  back,  and  as  a 
Avife  of  3'outh,  that  was  rejected,  saith  thj^ 
God. 

7  But  for  a  brief  moment''  have  I  forsaken 
thee;  but  with  great  mercies  will  I  again  re- 
ceive" thee. 

8  In  a  little''  wrath  did  I  hide  my  face  for 
a  moment  from  thee ;  but  with  everlasting 
kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee,  saith  th}' 
Eedeemer  the  Lord. 

9  ^  For  as  the  waters  of  Noah  is  this  unto 
me;  as  I  have  sworn  that  the  waters  of  Noiih 
should  no  more  pass  over  the  earth  :  so  have 
I  sworn  that  I  would  not  be  wroth  with  tliee, 
nor  rebuke  thee. 

10  For  the  mountains  may  depart,  and  the 
hills  may  be  remo\ed ;  but  my  kindness  shall 
not  depart  from  thee,  neither  shall  the  cove- 
nant of  my  peace  be  removed,  saith  he  that 
hath  mercy  on  thee,  the  Lord. 

11  •[  0  thou  afflicted,  tossed  by  the  tempest, 
and  not  comforted,  behold,  I  will  lay  th}' 
stones  with  fair  colours,"  and  lay  th}'  founda- 
tions with  sapphires. 

12  And  I  will  make  of  rubies  th}'  battle- 
ments, and  thy  gates  into  carbuncle-stones, 
and  all  thy  borders  into  precious  stones. 

13  And  all  thy  children  shall  be  disciples 
of  the  Lord;  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of 
thy  children. 

14  In  righteousness  shalt  thou  be  esta- 
blished:   keep  far  from  oppression,  for  thou 


'  Others,  "  inherit." 

*  Others,  "in  brief  exciteiueut." 

°  Lit.  "gather  up." 

''  Jonathan.     Others,  "  in  the  violence  of  wrath." 

°  Sachs  and  others,  "  potter's  ore,"  or  "  galena."  The 
floors  of  the  Egyptians  were  laid  in  beautiful  colours,  as 
was  done  also  among  other  nations. 


shalt  not  fear;   and  from  terror,  for  it  shall 
not  come  near  unto  thee. 

15  Behold,  they  that  assemble  together, 
are  nothing  without  me:  whosoever  assem- 
bleth  together  against  thee  shall  fall  under 
thy  230wer.*^ 

16  Behold,  I  have  created  the  snn'th  that 
bloweth  the  coals  in  the  fire,  and  that  Ijring- 
eth  forth  an  instrument  for  his  work ;  and  I 
have  also  created  the  waster  to  destroy. 

17  No  weapon  that  is  formed  against  thee 
shall  prosper;  and  every  tongue  that  will 
rise  against  thee  in  judgment  thou  shalt  con- 
demn. This  is  the  heritage  of  the  servants 
of  the  Lord,  and  their  due  reward^  from  me, 
saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  LV. 

1  T[  Ho,  every  one  of  ye  that  thirsteth, 
come  ye  to  the  water,''  and  he  too  that  hatlt 
no  money :  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come, 
buy  without  money  and  without  price  wine 
and  milk. 

2  Wherefore  will  ye  spend  money  for  what  is 
not  bread?  and  your  labour  for  what  sati.sfieth 
not  ?  hearken  then  unto  me,  and  eat  what  is 
good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  it.self  in  fiitness. 

3  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me, 
hear,  and  your  soul  shall  live;  and  I  will 
make  with  you  an  everlasting  covenant,  the 
promised  mercies  of  David,  which  are  sure. 

4  Behold,  for  a  lawgiver'  unto  the  people 
have  I  appointed  him,  a  prince  and  com- 
mander to  the  people. 

5  Behold,  a  nation  thou  knowest  not  shalt 
thou  call,  and  a  nation  that  knew  thee  not 
shall  run  unto  thee ;  for  the  sake  of  the  Lord 
thy  God,  and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  for 
he  hath  gloriiied  thee. 

6  *\\  Seek  ye  the  Lord,  while''  he  may  be 
found,  call  ye  on  him,  while  he  is  near. 

7  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the 
man  of  unrighteousness  his  thoughts;  and  let 
him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will  have 
mercy  upon  him,  and  unto  our  God,  for  he 
will  abundantly  pardon.' 


'  Rcdak.     Others,  "  shall  surrender  to  thee." 
s  Jonathan.     Lit.  "righteousness." 
'  "  The  law."— Ra,shi. 

'  Sachs,  after  Rashi.     Lit.  "  witness,"   in  the  sense  of 
the  one  who  has  the  right  to  "warn." 
'  Sachs,  "because  he  may,"  &c. 
'  Sachs,  "for  he  is  rich  iu  forgiveness." 

511 


ISAIAH  LV.  LVI. 


8  For  not  my  thoughts  are  your  thoughts, 
and  not  your  ways  are  my  ways,  saith  the 
Lord. 

9  For  as  high  as  the  heavens  are  above 
the  earth,  so  high"  are  iny  ways  above 
your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  above  your 
thoughts. 

10  For  as  the  rain  and  the  snow  come 
down  from  heaven,  and  return  not  thither, 
but  water  the  earth,  and  render  it  fruitful, 
and  cause  it  to  bring  forth  jjhants;  and  give 
seed  to  the  sower  and  bread  to  him  that 
eateth : 

11  So  shall  ever  be  my  word  which  goetli 
forth  from  my  mouth,  it  shall  not  return  unto 
me  without  etiect;*"  but  it  accomplisheth  what 
I  desire,  and  it  prospereth  in  that  whereto  I 
have  sent  it. 

12  For  in  joy  shall  ye  go  out,  and  in  peace 
shall  ye  be  brought  home :  the  mountains  and 
the  hills  shall  break  forth  before  you  into 
song,  and  all  the  trees  of  the  field  shall  clap 
their  hands. 

13  Instead  of  the  thorn  shall  come  up  the 
fir-tree,  and  instead  of  the  nettle"  shall  come 
up  the  myrtle;  and  it  shall  be  unto  the  Lord 
for  a  name,  for  a  sign  of  everlasting  that  shall 
not  be  cut  off. 

CHAPTER  LVI. 

1  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Keep  ye 
justice,  and  do  equity;  for  near  is  my  salva- 
tion to  come,  and  my  righteousness  to  be  re- 
vealed. 

2  Happy  is  the  mortal  that  ever  doth  this, 
and  the  son  of  man  that  ever  layeth  hold  on 
it;  that  keepeth  the  sabliath  by  not  violating 
it,  and  keepeth  his  hand  from  doing  any 
evil. 

3  And  let  not  say  the  son  of  the  stranger, 
that  joineth  himself  unto  the  Lord,  saying. 
Surely  the  Lord  will  exclude  me  from  his 


'  Man  must  not  measure  his  forgiveness  by  that  of  the 
Lord;   for  our  God   is  infinite  in  goodness  as  he  is  im- 
measurably greater  than  man  in  wisdom;  hence  we  should 
never  despair  of  mercy  though  our  sins  be  many, 
•i  Lit.  "  empty." 

°  Philippsou,  "  heather ;"  others,  "brier." 
^  Jonathan  and  Abeu  Ezra.     Sachs,  "  a  monument." 
*  Philippson  comments,  that  the  prophet  calls  on  the 
wild  beasts  to  assail  tlu!  flock,  /.  e.  the  house  of  Israel, 
since  their  shepherds,  rulers,  ciders,  priests,  and  false  pro- 
phets (lid  not  watch  them.     He  conceives  the  wild  beasts 
addressed    to    be    idniatry  anil   vice;    and   hi'nee  hu   de- 
&12  . 


people :  nor  let  the  eunuch  say,  Behold,  I  am 
a  dry  tree. 

4  Tj  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  concern- 
ing the  eunuchs  that  keep  my  sabbaths,  and 
make  choice  of  what  pleaseth  me,  and  take 
hold  of  my  covenant, 

5  I  will  indeed  give  unto  them  in  my 
house  and  within  my  walls  a  jjlace''  and  a 
nante,  better  than  sons  and  daughters :  an 
everlasting  name  will  I  give  them,  that  shall 
not  be  cut  ofl'. 

6  ^[  Also  the  sons  of  the  stranger,  that 
join  themselves  unto  the  Lord,  to  serve  him, 
and  to  love  the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  be  unto 
him  as  servants,  every  one  that  keepeth  the 
sabbath  by  not  violating  it,  and  those  who 
take  hold  of  my  covenant : 

7  Even  these  will  I  liring  to  my  holy 
mountain,  and  make  them  joyful  in  my  house 
of  prayer;  their  burnt>offerings  and  their  sor 
crifices  shall  l^e  accepted  upon  my  altar;  for 
my  house  shall  be  called  a  house  of  prayer 
for  all  the  nations. 

8  Thus  saith  the  Lord  Eternal  who  gather- 
eth  the  outcasts  of  Israel,  I  will  yet  gather 
(others)  to  him,  beside  his  own  gathered  (out- 


9  All  ye  beasts  of  the  field,  come  to  de- 
vour, (yea,)  all  ye  beasts  in  the  forest." 

10  ^  His*^  watchmen  are  all  of  them  blind, 
they  know  nothing;  they  all  are  dumb  dogs, 
they  cannot  bark;  dreamers,'^  Ij^^^o  down, 
loving  to  slumber. 

11  But  the  dogs  are  of  a  greedy  disposition, 
they  know  not  how  to  be  satisfied;  and  those 
are  shepherds  that  know  how  to  understand : 
they  all  turn  to  their  own  way,  every  one  after 
his  gain,  from  all  quarters.'' 

12  Come  ye,'  I  will  fetch  wine,  and  let  us 
swallow  aljundantly  of  strong  drink  ;  and  like 
this  day  shall  it  be  to-morrow,  excellent  and 
in  very  great  abundance. 

nounces  the  idolaters  in  the  succeeding  speech.  Rashi, 
however,  "All  ye  nations,  come  near  unto  me,  and  devour 
all  the  beasts  in  the  forest,  the  mighty  ones  of  the  na- 
tions who  have  recused  to  become  proselytes;"  and  con- 
nects this  with  the  verse  above.  Aben  lilzra  deems  it  a 
call  on  the  wicked  nf  the  Gentiles  to  slay  the  wicked  of 
Israel,  like  tiie  wild  beasts  that  slay  each  other. 

'  Israel's. 

*  Others,  "sleepers,"  or  "those  who  talk  miusensc  iu 
sleep." 

"■  Rashi.      Aben  Ezra,  "from  his  own  quarter." 

'   "8o  do  thev  say  one  to  the  nllnT." — Ka^MI. 


ISAIAH  LVII. 


CHAPTER  LVII. 

1  The  righteous  perisheth,  and  no  man 
layeth  it  to  heart:  and  pious  men  are  taken 
away,  without  one  considering  that  before 
the  evil"  the  righteous  is  taken  away. 

2  He  shall  come  (to  his  lathers)  in  peace: 
they  shall  repose  in  their  resting-place,  every 
one  that  walketh  in  his  uprightness. 

3  ^  But  3'e  draw  near  hither,  .sons  of  the 
sorceress,  the  seed  of  the  adulterer  and  the 
harlot. 

4  Over''  whom  will  you  make  yourselves 
merry?  concerning  whom  will  3-ou  open  wide 
your  mouth,  stretch  out  your  tongue?  are  ye 
not  children  of  transgression,  a  seed  of  false- 
hood, 

5  That  are  intlamed"  after  the  idols  under 
every  green  tree;  that  slaughter  the  children 
in  the  ^■alle3•s  under  the  clefts  of  the  rocks  ? 

(3  Of  the  smooth  stones  of  the  valley  is  thy 
portion ;  they,  they  are  thy  lot :  even  to  them 
hast  thou  poured  out  a  drink-ofiering,  hast 
thou  oftered  a  meat-oflering.  Shall  I  for  these 
things  repent  me  (of  the  evil)  ?'' 

7  Upon  a  high  and  lofty  mountain  hast 
thou  placed  thy  couch :  even  thither  wentest 
thou  up  to  offer  sacrifice. 

8  And  behind  the  doors  and  the  door-posts 
hast  thou  placed  thy  (mark  of)  remembrance; 
for  (departing)  from  me,  thou  hast  laid  open, 
and  art  gone  up, — hast  enlarged  thy  couch, 
and  made  thee  a  covenant  with  some  of  them; 
thou  hast  loved  their  lying  with  thee,  hast 
selected  a  fitting  place. 

9  And  thou  didst  show  thyself  unto  the 
king  with  ointment,  and  thou  didst  multiply 
thy  perfumes,  and  thou  didst  send  out  thy  mes- 
sengers e\'en  into  the  far-off  distance,  and  didst 
debase  thyself  even  down  to  the  nether  world. 


*  "Which  is  to  come  over  the  generation." — R.\SHr. 

'  Rashi,  "  Since  ye  have  departed  from  me,  on  whom 
will  ye  depend  to  enjoy  what  is  good?"  But  the  con- 
nection seems  to  indicate  that  the  prophet  asks  them  why 
they  deride  those  sent  to  reprove  them,  with  the  coarse 
gestures  of  opening  the  mouth,  and  lulling  out  the  tongue. 

'  Jonathan,  ''that  worship  the  enxirs,"  /.  e.  idols.  But 
Rashi,  "that  excite  themselves  to  incest  under  the  tere- 
binths." 

''  Rashi,  Aben  Ezra,  and  others,  and  means,  should 
God,  seeing  the  gross  idolatry,  as  they  even  worshipped 
smooth  stones,  have  cause  to  refrain  from  sending  over 
the  people  the  evil  denounced  bv  the  prophets?  Sachs, 
"  Shall  T  nuiet  ravsclf ?" 

;;  I' 


10  Though  thou  art  wearied  by  the  length 
of  thy  way,  yet  saidst  thou  not,  It  is  useless :" 
thou  hadst  found  enough  for  thy  hand ;  th(>re- 
fore  didst  thou  feel  no  care.*^ 

11  And  of  whom  hadst  thou  dreJid  or  fear, 
that  thou  becamest  fidse,  and  didst  not  re- 
member me,  nor  lay  it  to  th}'  heart?  is  it  not 
so?  I  kept  silence,  and  this  from  earliest 
times,  and  therefore  tliou  fearest  me  not? 

12  I,  I  ever  tell  thee  (what  deeds  would 
be)  th}'  righteousness;  but  thy  works — these 
indeed  will  not  profit  thee. 

13  When  thou  criest.  let  thy  uuisses  of 
idols  deliver  thee;  but  all  of  them  will  the 
wind  carry  away,  a  breath  will  take  them 
off;  but  he  that  putteth  his  trust  in  me  shall 
possess  the  land,  and  shall  inherit  my  holy 
mountain. 

14  And  he"  will  say.  Cast  ye  up,  cast  ye 
up,  clear  out  the  way,  lift  up  every  stundjling 
block  out  of  the  way  of  my  people. 

15  *\\  For  thus  hath  said  the  high  and  lofty 
One,  who  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is 
Holy,  In  the  high  and  holy  place  do  I  dwell, 
yet  also  with  the  contrite  and  humble  of  spirit, 
to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  hundjle,  and  to  re- 
vive the  heart  of  the  contrite. 

16  For  not  to  eternity  will  I  contend, 
neither  will  I  be  for  ever  wroth :  when  the 
spirit  from  before  me  is  overwhelmed,  and 
the  souls  which  I  have  made. 

17  Because  of  the  iniquity  of  his  covetous- 
ness  was  I  wroth,  and  I  smote  him,  hiding 
my  face,  and  was  wroth :  while  he  went  on 
frowardl^'  in  the  Avay  of  his  own  heart. 

18  I  (now)  see  his  ways,  and  I  will  heal 
him;  and  I  will  guide  him,  and  bestow  full 
comforts  on  him  and  on  his  mourners; 

19  Creating''  the  fruit  of  the  lips:  Peace, 
peace  to  him  that  is  afar  off  and  to  him  that 


'  Rashi,  "  I  will  give  up  these  things,  but  attend  to  the 
law  and  commandments."    Eng.  ver.,  "  There  is  no  hope." 

'  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "thou  foundest  thy  hand  strong; 
therefore  wast  thou  not  weakened." 

^  "The  prophet  in  the  name  of  God." — Rashi. 

*■  Rashi,  after  Jonathan,  "  Who  create  a  new  speech  of 
lips,"  and  comments,  "  Against  that  hitherto  affliction 
came  over  him,  and  all  exclaimed  against  him,  ever}'  one 
will  now  call  to  him,  Peace,  peace.  To  the  far  and  to 
the  near — both  shall  be  alike,  both  he  who  has  grown 
old  in  my  law  and  service  from  his  youth,  and  he  who 
has  approached  now  of  late  thereto  to  return  from  his  . 
evil  way;  and  the  Lord  says,  I  will  heal  him  from  Li* 
disease  and  sius." 

618 


ISAIAH  LVII.  LVIII.  LIX. 


is   near,  saith    the    Lord;    and    I  will  heal 
him. 

20  But  the  wicked  are  like  the  troubled 
sea ;  for  it  can  never  be  at  rest,  but  its  waters 
cast  up  mire  and  dirt. 

21  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the 
wicked. 

CHAPTER  LVni. 

1  ][  Cry  with  a  full  throat,  spare  not,  like 
the  cornet  lift  up  thy  voice,  and  declare  unto 
my  people  their  transgression,  and  to  the 
house  of  Jacob  their  sins. 

2  Yet  me  do  they  ever  seek  day  by  day, 
and  to  know  my  ways  do  they  always  desire ; 
as  a  nation  that  hath  done  righteousness,  and 
hath  not  forsaken  the  ordinance  of  their  God : 
continually  do  they  ask  of  me  the  ordinances 
of  justice — do  they  desire  to  draw  nigh  unto 
God. 

3  "  Wherefore  have  we  fiisted,  and  thou 
seest  it  not?  have  we  afflicted  our  soul,  and 
thou  regardest  it  not?"  Behold,  on  the  day 
of  3'our  fasting  ye  follow  your  business,"  and 
all  your  acquired  gains'*  do  ye  exact. 

4  Behold,  for  contention  and  strife  do  ^-e 
fast,  and  to  smite  with  the  fist  of  wickedness: 
ye  fast  not  so  at  this  da}-,  to  cause  your  voice 
to  be  heard  on  high." 

6  Is  such  then  the  fast  which  I  can  choo.se? 
a  day  that  a  man  afUicteth  his  soul?  to  bend 
his  head  as  a  bulrush,  and  to  spread  sackcloth 
and  ashes  for  his  couch?  wilt  thou  call  this 
a  fast,  and  a  daj'  of  acceptability  unto  the 
Lord? 

6  Is  not  this  (rather)  the  fost  that  I  will 
choo.se  ?  to  open  the  snares  of  wickedness,  to 
undo  the  bands  of  the  3'oke,  and  to  let  the 
oppressed  go  free,  and  that  ye  should  break 
asunder  every  yoke? 

7  Is  it  not  to  distribute''  thy  bread  to  the 
hungry,  and  tliat  thou  bring  the  afflicted''  poor 
into  thy  house?  when  thou  seest  the  naked, 
that  thou  clothe  him;  and  that  thou  hide  not 
thyself  from  thy  own  llesh? 

8  Then  shall  break  forth  as  the  morning- 
dawn  thy  light,  and  thy  healing  shall  speedily 


'Jonathan,  ysn  Xi'D  "to  find  one's  desire,"  i.e.  the 
business  whieli  one  has  most  pleasure  in. 

'  Rashi  would  render,  '-yc  exaet  (the  debts)  from  all 
your  aggrieved  debtors." 

"  Jonathan,  "ye  shall  not  fast  fasts  like  this,"  Ac. 

*Lit.  "to  break." 
514 


spring  forth;  and  before  thee  shall  go  thy 
i-ighteousness,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be 
thy  re  reward. 

9  Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  will 
answer;  thou  shalt  cry,  and  he  will  sa^-.  Here 
am  I.  If  thou  remove  from  the  midst  of  thee 
the  yoke,  the  stretching  out  of  the  finger, 
and  speaking  wickedly ; 

10  And  if  thou  pour  out  to  the  hungry 
thy  soul,  and  satisfy  the  afflicted  soul :  then 
shall  shine  forth  in  the  darkness  thy  light, 
and  thy  obscurity  be  as  the  noonday- ; 

11  And  the  Lord  will  guide  thee  conti- 
nually, and  will  satisfy  thy  soul  in  times  of 
famine,  and  will  strengthen  thy  bones;  and 
thou  shalt  be  like  a  well-watered  garden,  and 
like  a  sj^ring  of  water,  the  waters  of  which 
will  never  deceive.*^ 

12  And  they  that  spring  from  thee  shall 
build  up  the  ancient  ruins;  the  foundations 
of  many  generations  shalt  thou  raise  up  again: 
and  thou  shalt  be  called,  The  repairer  of  the 
breaches,  The  restorer  of  paths  to  the  dwell- 
ing-j^lace.^ 

13  If  thou  restrain  thy  foot  for  the  sake 
of  the  sabbath,  not  doing  thy  business  on  my 
holy  day ;  and  if  thou  call  the  sabbath  a  de- 
light, the  holy  day  of  the  Lord,  honourable ; 
and  honour  it  by  not  doing  thy  usual  pur- 
suits,*"  by  not  following  thy  own  business,  and 
spea,king  (vain)  words: 

14  Then  shalt  thou  find  delight  in  the 
Lord;  and  I  will  cause  thee  to  tread  upon 
the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and  I  will  cause 
thee  to  enjoy  the  inheritance  of  Jacob  thy 
father;  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

CHAPTER  LIX. 

1  ^  Behold,  the  Lord's  hand  is  not  too 
short  to  save ;  neither  his  ear  too  heavy'  for 
hearing ; 

2  But  your  iniquities  have  ever  made  a 
separation  between  you  and  your  God,  and 
your  sins  have  caused  him  to  hide  his  face 
from  you,  so  that  he  would  not  hear. 

3  For  your  hands  are  defiled  with  blood, 

'Kodak.  Jonathan,  "wandering."  Rashi,  "com- 
plaining." 

'  i.  c.  Fail,  or  be  not  there  when  the  caravans  come  to 
it;  as  is  often  the  case  when  they  pass  through  the  desert. 

*  /.  f.  Leading  to  the  newly  filled  dwelling. 


Lit.  "ways.' 


(,  c. 


Peaf." 


ISAIAH  LIX.  LX. 


and  your  fingers  with  iniquity :  your  lips  have 
spoken  fiilsehood,  your  tongue  uttereth  de- 
ception. 

4  No  one  admonisheth"  with  righteousness, 
and  no  one  executeth  justice  in  truth;  men 
trust  in  naught,  and  speak  lies;  they  have 
conceived  mischief,  and  bring  forth  wicked- 
ness. 

5  Basilisk's  eggs  do  they  hatch,  and  spi- 
der's webs  do  they  weave:  he  that  eateth  of 
their  eggs  must  die,  and  if  one  be  crushed,  a 
viper  will  break  forth. 

G  Their  webs  cannot  serve  for  garments, 
and  they  cannot  clothe  themselves  with  their 
works  :  their  works  are  works  of  wickedness, 
and  the  deed  of  violence  is  in  their  hands. 

7  Their  feet  run  to  what  is  evil,  and  they 
make  haste  to  shed  innocent  blood:  their 
thoughts  are  thoughts  of  wickedness ;  wasting 
and  destruction  are  on  their  highways. 

8  The  way  of  peace  they  know  not;  and 
there  is  no  justice  on  their  tracks :  their  paths 
they  have  made  unto  themselves  crooked; 
whosoever  walketh  therein  knoweth  not  peace. 

9  Therefore  is  justice  far  from  us,  nor  will 
happiness  overtake  us :  we  ever  hope  for  light, 
but  behold  there  is  darkness;  for  brightness, 
but  in  obscurity  must  we  walk. 

10  We  grope  like  the  blind  on  the  wall, 
and  as  if  we  had  no  eyes  do  we  grope:  we 
stumble  at  noonday  as  in  the  twilight ;  we 
are  in  complete  darkness  like  the  dead. 

11  We  growl  all  of  us  like  bears,  and  like 
doves  do  we  moan  sorely ;  we  ever  hope  for 
justice,  but  there  is  none;  for  aid,  but  it  is  far 
from  us. 

12  For  our  transgressions  are  numerous  in 
thy  presence,  and  our  sins  testify  against  us; 
lor  of  our  transgressions  are  we  aware;  and 
our  iniquities — we  know  them; 

13  We  transgressed  and  denied  the  Lord, 
and  departed  away  from  our  God;  we  spoke 
oppression  and  revolt,  conceived  and  brought 
forth  in  our  heart  words  of  falsehood. 

li  And  justice  is  forced  to  turn  backward, 
and  righteousness  standeth  afar  oif ;  for  truth 


'  Eedak.  Jonathan,  "praycth;"  PLilippsou,  "assevo- 
rateth." 

"'  Philippson,  "  Then  was  truth  betrayed,  and  he  that 
departed  from  evil  was  plundered." 

"  Sachs,  "  when  there  comoth  like  a  stream  the  enemy." 

''  nODJ  after  Redak,  from  DIJ  "  to  fly,"  hence  "  urged  to 


stumbled  in  the  street,  and  equity  is  not  able 
to  enter. 

15  And  thus  is  the  truth  missing;'*  and  he 
that  departeth  from  evil  is  regarded  as  foolish : 
and  the  Lord  saw  it,  and  it  was  displeasing  in 
his  eyes  that  there  was  no  justice. 

16  And  he  saw  that  there  was  no  man, 
and  wondered  that  there  was  no  intercessor ; 
therefore  his  arm  brought  him  aid,  and  his 
righteousness, — yea,  this  sustained  him. 

17  And  he  put  on  righteousness  as  a  coat 
of  mail,  and  (placed)  the  helmet  of  salvation 
upon  his  head ;  and  he  put  on  the  garments 
of  vengeance  as  raiment,  and  wraf)23ed  himself 
with  zeal  as  with  a  cloak. 

18  According  to  the  demerits,  so  will  he 
rejiay  (all),  fury  to  his  adversaries,  recom- 
pense to  his  enemies;  to  the  islands  will  he 
repay  what  they  have  merited. 

19  And  they  shall  fear  from  the  west  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  rising  of 
the  sun  his  glory ;  for  there  shall  come  distress" 
like  the  stream  which  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
urgeth''  forward. 

20  But  unto  Zion  shall  come  the  redeemer, 
and  unto  those  who  return'"  from  transgression 
in  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord. 

21  And  as  for  me,  this  is  my  covenant  with 
them,  saith  the  Lord,  My  spirit  that  is  upon 
thee,  and  my  words*^  which  1  have  put  in  thy 
mouth,  shall  not  depart  out  of  thy  mouth,  nor 
out  of  the  mouth  of  thy  children,^  nor  out 
of  the  mouth  of  thy  children's  children, 
saith  the  Lord,  from  henceforth  and  unto  all 
eternity. 

CHAPTER  LX. 

1  ][  Arise,  give  light,  for  thy  liglit  is  come; 
and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  is  shining  forth 
over  thee. 

2  For  behold,  the  darkness  shall  cover  the 
earth,  and  a  gross  darkness  the  people;  but 
over  thee  will  shine  forth  the  Lord,  and  his 
glory  will  be  seen  over  thee. 

3  And  nations  shall  walk  by  thy  light,  and 
kings  by  the  brightness  of  thy  shining. 

speed  on."  Rashi,  "The  spirit  of  the  Lord  showeth 
wonders  therein;"  or  "eateth  it  up  as  the  worms  eateth 
a  tree." 

"  i.  e.  That  repent,  or  become  converted. 

'  The  law  of  God. 

s  Lit.  "seeds" 

516 


ISAIAH  LX.  LXl. 


4  Lilt  up  thy  eyes  round  about  and  see, 
they  all  are  assembled,  they  come  to  thee, 
thy  sons  are  coming  from  afar,  and  thy  daugh- 
ters are  brouoht  alon"'  in  arms. 

5  Then  wilt  thou  see  and  be  filled  with 
light,^  and  thy  heart  will  dread  and  be  en- 
larged; because  unto  thee  shall  lie  turned  the 
aljundance  of  the  sea,  the  riches  of  nations 
shall  come  unto  thee. 

6  The  multitude  of  camels  shall  cover 
thee,  the  dromedaries  of  Midian  and  'Ephah  ; 
they  all  from  Sheba  shall  come:  gold  and 
frankincense  shall  they  carry,  and  tlie  praises 
of  tlie  Lord  shall  they  amiounce. 

7  All  the  flocks  of  Kedar  shall  be  assem- 
bled unto  thee,  the  rams  of  Nebayoth  shall 
minister  unto  thee:  the}-  shall  come  for  a 
favourable  acceptance  (unto  me)  upon  my 
altar,  and  the  house  of  my  glory  will  I  glorify. 

8  Who  are  these  that  fly  like  a  cloud,  and 
like  the  doves,  to  their  windows  ? 

9  Yea,  unto  me  (the  inhabitants  of)  the 
isles  shall  hasten,^  and  the  ships  of  Tharshish 
at  first,  to  bring  thy  sons  from  afar,  their  sil- 
ver and  their  gold  with  them,  unto  the  name 
of  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  to  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel;  because  lie  hath  glorified  thee. 

10  And  the  sons  of  the  stranger  shall  build 
up  thy  walls,  and  their  kings  shall  minister 
unto  thee ;  for  in  my  wrath  did  I  smite  thee, 
but  in  my  favour  have  I  had  mercy  on  thee. 

11  And  thy  gates  shall  stand  open  con- 
tinually, day  and  night  shall  they  not  be 
closed,  to  bring  unto  thee  the  wealth  of  na- 
tions, and  their  kings  led  (captive). 

12  For  the  nation  and  the  kingdom  that 
Avill  not  serve  thee  shall  perish ;  and  the  na- 
tions shall  be  utterly  destroyed. 

lo  The  glory  of  Leljanon  shall  come  unto 
thee,  the  fir,  the  cjpress,  and  the  box  toge- 
ther, to  adorn  the  place  of  my  sanctuary,  and 
the  (resting)  place  of  my  feet  will  I  glorify. 

14  And  then  shall  come  unto  thee  bent 
down  the  sons  of  those  who  afflicted  thee,  and 
there  shall  bow  themselves  down  at  the  soles 
ol'  thy  feet  all  thy  n'vilers;  and  they  shall 
call  thee,  The  city  of  the  Lord,  Zion  of  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. 

"  .Iciialliaii.  Others,  "tlicii  shalt  tlimi  fear  and  re- 
joice;" /  '-.  the  siiddeii  j(iy  will  nut  iierniit  the  realiza- 
tion III'  all  that  iia|i|iriis. 

''  Others,  "wait,"  ii|-  "  lioiie," 
riKi 


15  Instead  that  thou  wast  forsaken  and 
hated,  without  one  to  pass  through  (thee), 
will  I  render  thee  an  excellency  of  everlasting, 
a  joy  of  all  generations." 

16  And  thou  shalt  suck  the  milk  of  ntitioiis, 
and  the  breast  of  kings  shalt  thou  suck ;  and 
thou  shalt  know  that  I  the  Lord  tun  thy 
Saviour,  and  thy  Eedeenier,  the  Mighty  One 
of  Jacob. 

17  Instead  of  the  copper  will  I  bring  gold, 
and  instead  of  the  iron  will  I  bring  silver,  and 
instead  of  wood  copper,  and  instead  of  the 
stones  iron ;  and  I  will  set  joeace  as  thy 
authorities,  and  righteousness  as  th}-  task- 
masters. 

18  There  shall  not  be  heard  anymore  vio- 
lence in  thy  land,  wasting  and  destruction 
within  thy  boundaries ;  but  thou  shalt  c;i!l. 
vSalvation,  thy  walls,  and  thy  gates,  Praise. 

19  The  sun  shall  not  be  unto  thee  any 
more  for  a  light  by  day,  and  for  brightness 
shall  the  moon  not  give  light  unto  thee;  but 
the  Lord  will  be  unto  thee  for  a  light  of  ever- 
lasting, and  thy  God  as  thy  glory. 

20  Thy  sun  shall  not  go  down  any  more, 
and  thy  moon  shall  not  be  withdrawn;  for 
the  Lord  will  lie  unto  thee  for  a  light  of  ever- 
lasting, and  ended  shall  be  the  days  of  thy 
mourning. 

21  And  thy  jjeople — they  all  will  be 
righteous,  for  ever  shall  they  possess  the  land, 
the  sprout  of  my  planting,  the  work  of  my 
hands,  that  I  may  glorify-  my.self 

22  The  little  one  shall  become  a  thousand, 
and  the  small,  a  mighty  nation :  I  the  Lord 
will  hasten  it  in  its  time. 

CHAPTER  LXI. 

1  ^  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Paternal  is  upon 
me;  because  the  Lord  hath  anointed  me  to 
announce  good  tidings  unto  the  meek:  he 
hath  sent  me  to  Ijind  up  the  broken-hearted, 
to  prochum  to  captives  Libert\-,  and  to  pri- 
soners Release;'' 

2  To  proclaim  a  year  of  favour  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  dtiy  of  vengeance  of  our  (!od, 
to  comfort  all  mourners  f 

3  To  grant  unto  the  mourners  of  Zion, — 


'  Lit.  "generation  and  generation." 
''  Aben  Ezra.     Joseph  Kiniehi,  "  opening  tlie  jirison." 
Others,  "bond.s." 

■■  (Jod's  justice  is  the  safety  of  the  rigliteon.s. 


ISAIAH  LXI.  LXIt. 


to  give  unto  them  ornament  in  the  place  of 
ashes,  oil  of  gladness  in  the  phu-e  of  mourn- 
ing, garments  of  praise  in  the  place  of  a 
grieved  spirit;  that  they  may  be  called.  Oaks 
of  righteousness,  the  planting  ol'  the  Lord, 
that  he  may  be  glorified. 

4  And  they  shall  build  up  the  ancient 
ruins,  desolate  places  of  tbrmer  times  shall 
they  raise  up,  and  they  shall  renew  ruined 
cities,  the  desolate  places  of  many  generations. 

5  And  strangers  shall  stand  and  feed  your 
flocks,  and  the  sons  of  the  alien  shall  be  your 
ploughmen  and  your  vintners. 

6  But  ye — ye  shall  be  called.  Priests  of  tlie 
Lord;  Ministers  of  our  God,  shall  be  said 
unto  you :  the  wealth  of  nations  shall  ye  con- 
sume, and  in  their  glory  shall  ye  be  placed  as 
possessors." 

7  In  the  place^  of  your  twoibld  shame, 
— and  the  confusion  of  Avhich  they  loudly 
complained  as  their  portion :  therefore  iirtheir 
land  shall  they  possess  a  twofold  (portion) ; 
everlasting  joy  shall  be  granted  unto  them. 

8  For  I  the  Lord  love  justice,  I  hate  rot> 
bery  with  burnt-offering:'  therefore  will  I 
give  them  the  recompense,  of  their  work  in 
truth,  and  an  everlasting  covenant  will  I 
make  with  them. 

9  And  among  the  nations  shall  tlieir  seed 
l)i'  known,  and  tlieir  oflspring  in  the  midst  of 
the  people:  all  that  see  them  shall  acknow- 
ledge tliem,  that  they  are  the  seed  whom  the 
Lord  hath  blessed. 

lU  Tl  I  will  be  greatly  glad  in  the  Lord, 
my  soul  shall  be  joyful  in  my  God;  for  he 
hatli  clothed  me  with  the  garments  of  salviV 
tion,  with  the  mantle  of  righteousness  hath 
lie  enveloped  me;  as  a  bridegroom  decketh 
himself  with  elegant  attire,""  and  as  a  bride 
adorneth  herself  with  her  bridal  array. 

11  For,  as  the  earth  bringeth  forth  her 
growth,  and  as  a  garden  causeth  what  is  sown 
therein  to  spring  forth :  thus  will  the  Lord 
Eternal  cause  righteousness  and  praise  to 
spring  forth  in  the  presence  of  all  the  na- 
tions. 


"  Eashi,  from  lin,  "to  exchange."  Jonathan,  "ye 
shall  enjoy  yourselves."     Others,  ''boast." 

''  Rashi.  But  Redak,  "  Instead  of  your  shame  ye  shall 
have  twofold  (reward),  and  instead  of  confusion,  they 
shall  rejoice  in  their  portion." 

'  Rashi.  Jonathan  makes  '  Olah  synonymous  with 
'Avhili,  wickedness,  "i-obhing  with  wickedness." 


CHAPTER  LXII. 

1  For  the  sake  of  Zion  will  I  not  be  silent, 
and  for  the  sake  of  Jerusalem  will  I  not  lie 
quiet;  until  its  righteousness''  go  forth  as  tli(> 
brightness  (of  light),  and  its  salvation  as  a 
burning  torch. 

2  And  nations  shall  see  thy  righteousness, 
and  all  kings  thy  glory;  and  men  shall  call 
thee  by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  shall  pronounce. 

3  And  thou  shalt  be  a  crown  of  ornament 
in  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  a  rojal  diadem 
in  the  hand  of  tli3'  God. 

4  Thou*^  shalt  not  be  termed  any  more 
"Forsaken,"  and  thy  land  shall  not  be  termed 
any  more  "Desolate;"  for  thou  shalt  be  called 
"My  delight  in  her"  [Chephzi-bah],  and  thy 
land  "Espou.^ed"  [Be'ulah];  lor  the  Lord  will 
have  delight  in  thee,  and  thy  land  shall  be 
espoused. 

5  For  as  a  j'oung  man  espouseth  a  virgin, 
so  shall  tliy  sons  espouse  thee;  and  as  the 
bridegroom  is  glad  over  the  bride,  so  will  be 
glad  over  thee  thy  God. 

G  Over  thy  walls,  O  Jerusalem,  have  I  ap- 
pointed watchmen,  all  the  day  and  all  the 
night,  continually,  shall  they  not  be  silent: 
ye  that  make  mention  of  the  Lord,  take  ag 
no  rest. 

7  And  give  him  no  rest,  until  he  have 
established,  and  until  he  have  set  up  Jerusjir 
leni  as  a  praise  on  the  earth. 

8  Sworn  hath  the  Lord  bv  his  right  hand, 
and  by  the  arm  of  his  strength,  I  will  not  give 
thy  corn  any  more  as  food  for  thy  enemies, 
and  the  sons  of  the  stranger  shall  not  drink 
thy  young  wine  for  which  tliou  hast  laboured; 

9  But  they  who  gather  it  shall  eat  it,  and 
praise  the  Lord;  and  tli,ey  Avho  bring  it  to- 
gether .shall  drink  it  in  the  courts  of  my  sanc- 
tuai'y. 

10  T[  Pass,  pass  through  the  gates,  make 
clear  the  way  of  the  people,  cast  up,  cast  up 
the  highway,  remove  away  the  stones,  lift  up 
a  banner  ovei"^  the  nations. 

^  Philippson,  "sanctifieth  the  head  ornament;"  render- 
ing jnj'  as  "sanctifying."  Rashi  would  give  it,  "clotheth 
himself  with  the  ornamental  garments  of  the  high-priest." 

°  Others,  "happiness,"  ;'.  <■.  the  result  of  rightecmsnesa. 

'  Sachs.  Lit.  "  Then  shall  not  be  said  of  thee  any 
more,"  &c. 

e  Others,  •■f.r." 

617 


iSAIAH  LXII.  LXIII. 


11  Behold,  the  Lord  hath  caused  to  be 
heard  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth,  "  Say  ye  to 
the  daughter  of  Zion,  Behold,  thy  salvation 
cometh;  behold  his  reward  is  with  him,  and 
his  recompense  before  him."  . 

12  And  they  shall  call  them,  The  holy 
people,  The  I'edeemed  of  the  Lord;  and  thou 
shaft  be  called,  Souglit  for,  [Derusha,]  The 
city  never  forsaken. 

CHAPTER  LXIII. 

1  T[  Who  is  this  that  cometh  from  Edom, 
dyed  red  in  his  garments  from  Bozrah?  this 
— glorious  in  his  apparel,  moving  along  in  the 
greatness  of  his  strength?  "I  who  speak  in 
righteousness,  mighty  to  save." 

2  Why  is  redness  on  thy  apparel,  and 
(why  are)  thy  garments  as  of  one  that  tread- 
eth  the  wine-press? 

3  "I  have  trodden  the  vat  alone,  and  of 
the  nations  there  was  no  man  with  me;  and 
I  trod  them  down  in  my  anger,  and  I  tram- 
pled on  them  in  ray  fury;  and  their  blood 
was  sprinkled  on  my  garments,  and  all  my 
raiments  have  I  stained. 

4  For  the  day  of  vengeance  was  in  my 
heart,  and  the  year  of  my  redeemed  was 
come. 

5  And  I  looked,  and  there  was  no  one  to 
help,  and  I  was  astonished,  and  there  was 
no  one  to  support;  and  then  my  own  arm  aided 
me,  and  my  fury — this  it  was  that  upheld 
me. 

6  And  I  stamped  down  nations  in  my  an- 
ger, and  I  made  them  drunken  with  my  fury, 
and  brought  down  to  the  earth  their  victori- 
ous strength."" 

7  The  kindnesses  of  the  Lord  will  I  men- 
tion, the  praises  of  the  Lord,  in  accordance 
with  all  that  the  Lord  hath  bestowed  on  us, 
.and  the  abundant  goodness  toward  the  house 
of  Israel,  which  he  hath  bestowed  on  them 
according  to  his  mercies,  and  the  abundance 
of  his  kindnesses. 

8  And  he  said,  Surely  they  are  my  people, 
children  that  will  not  lie;  and  he  became  to 
them  a  Saviour. 

•  Ra«hi.  Abou  Ezra,  "blood."  Sachs,  "and  I  let 
flow  to  the  earth  their  vital  fluid."     (See  above,  v.  3.) 

'  Rashi,  who  conmicnts,  "The  prophet  complains,  and 
says  in  the  language  of  entreaty,  This  day  doth  his  peo- 
ple remember  in  exile  the  ancient  days,  those  of  Moses." 
Sa'adyah  agrees  also  with  this. 

!:;8 


9  In  all   their   affliction   he  was   afflicted,  ■ 
and  the  angel  of  his  presence  saved  them ;  in 
his  love  and  in  his  pity  he  redeemed  them ; 
and  he  bore  them,  and  he  carried  them  all 
the  days  of  old. 

10  But  they  rebelled,  and  grieved  his  holy 
Spirit;  and  he  changed  himself  to  become 
their  enemy,  and  he  himself  fought  against 
them. 

11  Then  remembered  his  people''  the  an- 
cient days  of  Moses,  Where  is  he  that  brought 
them  up  out  of  the  sea  with  the  shepherd  of 
his  tluck?  wliere  is  he  that  put  within  him 
his  holy  Spirit? 

12  That  displayed"  by  the  right  liand  of 
Moses  his  glorious  arm;  that  divided  the 
water  before  them,  to  make  unto  himself  an 
everlasting  name? 

13  That  led  them  through  the  deeps,  as 
a  horse  through  the  wilderness,  that  they 
should  not  stumble? 

14  As  a  beast  goeth  down  into  the  valley, 
so  did  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  bring  them  to 
rest;  thus  didst  thou  guide  thy  people,  to 
make  unto  thyself  a  glorious  name. 

15  Look  down. from  heaven,  and  behold, 
from  the  habitation  of  thy  holiness  and  of  thy 
glory :  where  are  thy  zeal  and  thy  mights, 
the  yearning  of  thy  bowels  and  of  thy  mercy 
which  are  now  restrained  from  me  ? 

16  For  thou  art  our  father;  for  Abraham 
knoweth  nothing  of  us,  and  Israel  recogniseth 
us  not :  thou,  0  Lord,  art  our  father,  our  Re- 
deemer from  everlasting  is  thy  name. 

17  Why  hast  thou  let  us  go  astray,0  Lord, 
from  thy  ways,  suflered  our  heart  to  be  hard- 
ened against  thy  fear?  Return  for  the  sake 
of  thy  servants,  the  tribes  of  thy  heritage. 

18  But  a  brief  space  were  thy  holy  people 
in  possession,  when  our  adversaries  trod  down 
thy  sanctuary. 

19  We  are  become  as  though  we  are  those 
over  whom  thou  hast  never  ruled,  over  whom 
thy  name  hath  not  been  called.  Oh'^  that 
thou  mightest  rend  the  heavens,  come  down: 
at  thy  presence  would  mountains  (then)  melt 
away." 

"  Lit.  "led."  After  Rashi,  "God  let  walk  by  Moses 
the  arm  of  his  strength  at  all  times  that  he  needed  the 
help  of  the  Holy  One." 

''  This  part  of  the  verse  is  verse  1,  chap.  Ixiv.  of  the 
English  version. 

'  Philippson  and  Sachs,  "  tremble."  (See  Judges  v.  5.) 


ISAIAH  LXIV.  LXV. 


CHAPTER  LXIV. 


1  ^  As^  fire  is  kindled  on  brushwood,  as 
water  is  made  to  bubble  up  by  fire — to  make 
thy  name  known  to  thy  advei'saries,  that  at 
thy  presence  nations  might  treml)le  ! 

2  (As)  when  thou  didst  fearful  deeds 
which  we  had  not  looked  for,  thou  earnest 
down,  (while)  at  thy  presence  mountains 
melted  away ; 

3  Yea !  what  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world  men  had  not  heard,  not  perceived  by 
their  hearing;  no  eye  (also)  had  seen  a  god 
beside  thee,  who  could  do  (the  like)  for  the 
one  that  waiteth  for  him. 

4  Thou  acceptest  him  that  rejoiceth  and 
worketh  righteousness,  those  that  remember 
thee  in  thy  ways:  behold,  thou  wast  wroth, 
for  we  had  sinned  on  them  continuall}' ;  and 
can  we  thus  be  saved?'' 

5  And  we  are  become  like  an  unclean  inan 
all  of  us,  and  like  a  soiled  garment,  all  our 
righteousnesses;  and  we  wither  like  a  leaf  all 
of  us;  and  our  iniquities,  like  the  wind,  will 
bear  us  away. 

6  And  there  is  none  that  calleth  upon  thy 
name,  that  stirreth  himself  up  to  lay  hold  of 
thee ;  for  thou  hast  hidden  thy  face  from  us, 
and  hast  let  us  melt  away,  through  the  force"" 
of  our  iniquities. 

7  But  now,  0  Lord,  our  tather  art  thou ; 
we  are  the  clay,  and  thou  our  fashioner;  and 
the  work  of  thy  hand  are  we  all. 

8  Be  not  wroth,  0  Lord,  so  very  greatly, 
and  do  not  for  ever  remember  (our)  ini([uity : 
behold,  look,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  people  are 
we  all. 

9  Thy  holy  cities  are  become  a  wilderness, 


'  In  the  original  this  chapter  is  the  continuation  of  the 
section  commencing  at  Ixiii.  7,  and  is  therefore  connect- 
ed with  the  last  verse;  thus,  "before  thee  would  moun- 
tains melt  away;  as  fire  is  kindled  on  brushwood,"  &c. 
Rashi  takes  □"oon  in  the  sense  of  a  substance  that  is  melt- 
ed. Redak,  "  as  the  strong  fire  that  is  intended  to  melt 
metals  blazeth  up."  Rabbi  Jonah  apml  Kirachi,  "dry 
straw." 

^  Rashi  renders  this  diiEcult  verse  so  :  "  Thou  didst  re- 
move those  who  were  joyful  to  do  righteousness,  and  in- 
voked thee  in  their  prayer  after  the  attributes  of  thy 
mercy ;  behold,  when  thou  wast  angry  with  us  for  all  the 
sins  which  we  ever  committed,  we  were  saved  through 
their  prayer :  (5)  Wherefore  now  we  are  become,"  &c. 
Heinemann,  "  Wert  thou  to  meet  the  joyful  and  him  that 
Joth  right,  they  would  remember  thee  in   thy  attributes 


Zion  is  become  a  wilderness,  JerusaK'ni,;i  de- 
solate place. 

10  Our  holy  and  our  beautiful  house  where 
our  fiithers  praised  thee,  is  burnt  up  with 
fire;  and  all  oiu-  costly  things  are  become 
ruins. 

11  Wilt  thou  for  these  things  refrain  thy- 
self, 0  Lord?  wilt  thou  be  silent,  and  aiilict 
us  so  very  greatly  ? 

CHAPTER  LXV. 

1^1  allowed  mj'self  to  be  sought  by  those 
that  asked  not ;  I  let  myself  be  found  by  those 
that  sought  me  not:  I  said.  Here  am  I,  here 
am  I,  unto  a  nation  that  called  itself  not'  by 
my  name. 

2  I  spread  out  my  hands  all  the  time  unto 
a  rebellious  people,  that  walk  in  the  way 
which  is  not  good,  after  their  own  thoughts; 

3  (To)  the  people  that  provoke  me  to 
anger  to  my  face  continually;  that  sacrifice 
in  gardens"  and  burn  incense  upon  (altars  of) 
brick, 

4  That  sit  about  among  the  graves,  and 
lodge  in  the  vaults,^  that  eat  the  flesh  of  the 
swine,  and  (have)  broth  of  abominations''  (in) 
their  vessels; 

5  That  say,  Stand  by  thyself,  come  not 
near  to  me;  for  I  am  holier  than  thou.  These 
are  a  smoke  in  my  nose,  a  fire  that  burnetii 
all  the  time. 

6  Behold,  it  is  written  before  me ;  I  will 
not  keep  silence,  till  I  have  recompensed, 
yea,  recompensed  into  their  bosom, — 

7  Your  iniquities  and  the  iniquities  of  your 
fathers  together,  saith  the  Lord,  who  have 
burnt  incen.se  upon  the  mountains,  and  upon 
the  hills  have  blasphemed  me :  and  I  will 


— we  would  have  been  helpled  ;  but  as  thou  wast  angry, 
we  did  sin  through  them  perpetually."  Sachs,  "  Wert 
thou  to  meet  one  who  joyfully  doth  what  is  right,  who 
think  of  thee  in  thy  ways — behold,  wert  thou  even  angry 
because  we  had  sinned — we  should  be  helped  through 
them  for  ever."  Our  version  is  aftur  Philippson,  who  re- 
fers Dn3  "  on  them"  to  "  thy  ways,"  meaning  "for  we  had 
sinned  on  God's  ways,"  i.  c  not  heeding  his  commands. 

"  Jonathan,  "  and  thou  hast  delivered  us  into  the  power 
of  our  iniquities." 

^  Rashi,  "  that  desired  not  to  be  called  by  my  name;" 
('.  e.  Israel. 

"  [.  e.  To  idols,  as  no  sacrifice  out  of  the  temple  could 
be  lawfully  brought  to  God 

'  Eng.  ver.   "monuments."      Philippson,    "caverns." 

«  Philippson,  "unclean  animals." 

519 


Isaiah  lxv.  lxvi. 


measure   out   their   woi'k   at   first   into   their 
bosom. 

8  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  As  the  new 
wine  is  found  in  the  cluster  of  grapes,  and  one 
saith,  Destroy  it  not,  for  a  blessing  is  in  it :  so 
will  I  do  for  the  sake  of  my  servants,  that  I 
Avill  not  destroy  the  whole; 

9  And  I  let  come  forth  out  of  Jacob  a  seed, 
and  out  of  Judah  an  inheritor  of  my  moun- 
tains; and  my  elect  shall  inherit  it,  and  my 
servants  shall  dwell  there. 

10  And  Sharon  sliall  become  a  fold  of 
flocks,  and  the  valley  of  'Aclior  a  resting-place 
for  herds,  for  my  people  that  have  sought  me. 

11  But  ye  who  forsake  the  Lord,  who  for- 
get m}'  holy  mountain,  that  set  out  a  table  for 
the  god  of  Fortune,"  and  that  fill  for  Destiny 
the  drink-offering : — 

12  Yea,  I  will  destine  you  to  the  sword, 
and  all  of  you  shall  kneel  down  to  the 
slaughter;  because  when  I  called,  ye  did  not 
answer;  when  I  spoke,  ye  did  not  hear;  but 
ye  did  what  is  evil  in  my  eyes,  and  that 
wherein  I  had  no  delight  did  ye  choose. 

13  T[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  my  servants  shall  eat,  but  ye 
shall  be  hungry ;  behold,  my  servants  shall 
drink,  but  ye  shall  be  thirsty ;  behold,  my  serv- 
ants shall  rejoice,butye  shall  be  made  ashamed ; 

14  Behold,  my  servants  shall  sing  for  joy 
of  heart,  but  ye  shall  cry  out  from  pain  of 
heart,  and  from  a  broken  spirit  shall  ye  howl; 

15  And  ye  shall  leave  behind  your  name 
for  an  oath  unto  my  elect  ones,  when  the  Lord 
Eternal  will  slay  thee ;  but  his  servants  will 
he  call  by  another  name. 

16  Whoever  there  be  that  blesseth  himself 
on  the  earth  shall  bless  himself  by  the  true 
God;  and  that  sweareth  on  the  earth  shall 
swear  by  the  true  God ;  because  the  former 
troubles  are  forgotten,  and  because  they  are 
hidden  from  my  eyes. 

17  For,  behold,  I  will  create  new  heavens 
and  a  new  earth ;  and  the  former  shall  not  be 
remembered,  nor  come  into  mind ;'' 

18  But  be  ye  glad  and  rejoice  unto  all 
eternity  in  what  I  create ;  for,  behold,  I  will 

'  nj  "Fortune,"  a  deity  worshipped  by  the  ancients. 
(See  Gen.  xxxii.)  So  also  'jo  "  Destiny,"  "Fate."  Eng. 
version,  "troop,"  "number."  Rashi,  "according  to  the 
number  of  the  idol-priests  you  fill  basins  with  wine," 
taking  'jo  as  "  number." 

''  Hcb.  "  upon  the  heart." 


create  Jerusalem  for  rejoicing,  and  her  people 
for  gladness. 

19  And  I  will  rejoice  over  Jerusalem,  and 
be  glad  in  my  people :  and  there  shall  not  be 
heard  in  her  any  more  the  voice  of  weeping, 
nor  the  voice  of  complaint." 

20  There  shall  no  more  come*  thence  an 
infant  of  few  days,  nor  an  old  man  that  shall 
not  have  the  full  lengih  of  his  days ;  for  as  a 
lad  shall  one  die  a  hundred  years  old ;  and  as 
a  sinner  shall  be  accursed  he  who  (dieth)  at  a 
hundred  years  old. 

21  And  they  shall  build  houses,  and  inha- 
bit them ;  and  they  shall  plant  vineyards,  and 
eat  their  fruit. 

22  They  shall  not  build,  and  another  in- 
habit; they  shall  not  plant,  and  another  eat; 
for  as  the  days'  of  a  tree  are  the  days  of  my 
people,  and  the  work  of  their  hands  shall  my 
elect  wear  out. 

23  The}'  shall  not  toil  in  vain,  nor  bring 
forth  unto  an  early  death  f  for  the  seed  of  the 
blessed  of  the  Lord  are  they,  and  their  off- 
spring with  them. 

24  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  before 
yet  they  call  will  I  answer;  and  while  they 
are  still  speaking  will  I  hear. 

25  The  wolf  and  the  lamb  shall  feed  to- 
gether, and  the  lion  shall  like  the  bullock  eat 
straw:  and  the  serpent — dust  shall  be  his 
food.  They  shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all 
my  holy  mountain,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  LXVI. 

1  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  The  heaven 
is  my  throne,  and  the  earth  is  my  foot-stool: 
where  is  there  a  house  that  ye  can  build  unto 
me?  and  where  is  the  place  of  my  rest? 

2  For  all  these  things  hath  my  hand  made, 
that  all  these  things  came  into  being,  saith 
the  Lord;  but  upon  such  a  one  will  I  look, 
upon  the  poor,  and  him  who  is  of  a  contrite 
spirit,  and  who  trembleth  at  my  word. 

3  He  that  slaughtereth  the  oXj'-'slajeth  a 
man;  he  that  sacrificeth  a  lamb,  breaketh  the 
neck  of  a  dog;  he  that  offereth  a  meat-offer- 
ing, (oflereth)  swine's  blood ;  he  that  burnetii 


•  crymg.  ' 
'be." 


°  Lit. 
"Lit. 

°  i.  e.  "Age,"  duration  of  life. 
'  Jonathan.     Others,  "  terror,"  "  trouble." 
*  See  chap.  i. ;  the  prophet  reproves  those  who  sacrifice 
outwardly  without  the  contrite  .spirit  of  ver.se  2. 


ISAIAH  LXVt. 


incense,  blessetli  an  idol:  yen,  they  have 
made  choice  of  their  own  ways,  and  in  their 
ahoininations  doth  their  soul  delight. 

4  So  will  I  also  make  choice  of  their  mis- 
fortune,'' and  what  they  dread  will  I  bring 
upon  them;  because  I  called,  and  none  did 
answer;  I  spoke,  and  they  did  not  hear;  and 
they  did  what  is  evil  in  my  eyes,  and  that  in 
which  I  delighted  not  did  they  choose. 

5  ^1  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  that 
tremble  at  his  word:  Your  brethren  that 
hated  you.  that  cast  you  out  for  the  sake  of 
my  name,''  said,  "Let  tlie  Lord  be  gloriiied;" 
but  he  will  appear  to  your  joy,  and  they  shall 
be  made  ashamed. 

6  (There  is)  a  voice  of  tumult  from  the 
city,  a  voice  from  the  temple,  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  who  reudereth  recomj^ense  to  his  ene- 
mies. 

7  Before  she  had  travailed  she  brought 
forth ;  before  yet  her  pain  was  come,  she  was 
delivered  of  a  man-child. 

8  Who  hath  heard  the  like?  who  hath 
seen  such  things?  shall  a  land  be  made  to 
travail  in  one  day?  or  shall  a  nation  be 
born  at  once?  that  Zion  hath  travailed,  also 
brought  forth  her  children  ? 

9  Shall  I  bring  to  the  birth,  and  not  cause 
to  bring  forth?  saith  the  Lord;  or  shall  I 
who  cause  to  bring  forth,  now  prevent  it? 
saith  thy  God. 

10  ^[  Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusalem,  and  be 
delighted  over  her,  all  ye  that  love  her;  be 
higlih'  glad  with  Iier,  all  ye  that  mourn  for  her. 

11  In  order  that  ye  may  suck,  ami  te 
satisfied  with  the  breast  of  her  consolations; 
in  order  that  ye  may  sip,  and  find  pleasure 
from  the  abundance  of  her  glory. 

12  Tl  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold, 
I  will  extend  to  her  peace  like  a  river,  and  like 
a  rapid  stream  the  glory  of  nations,  that  ye 
may  suck:  upon  the  arm  shall  ye  be  borne, 
and  upon  knees  shall  ye  be  dandled. 

•  Jonathnn.     Others,  "delusions,"  "child's  play." 

"  According  to  the  Massorah,  "for  my  sake"  belongs 
to  the  next  sentence,  thus:  — -"that  cast  you  out  said, 
For  my  sake  (t,  e.  that  of  each  speaker)  let  the  LoilD  be 
glorified."  Sachs  and  others,  "Let  the  Lord  be  glorified, 
that  we  may  look  on  your  joy — but  they  shall  be  put  to 
shame." 

"  Where  the  idols  were  placed. 

''  Aben  Ezra.  But  Rashi,  "one  company  after  the 
other."  Sachs,  "  behind  one  female,"  perhaps  referring 
to  a  "a  priestess,"  and  some  peculiar  ceremony  not  now 
3Q 


13  As  one  whom  his  mother  comforteth, 
so  Avill  I  comfort  you;  and  in  Jerusalem  shall 
ye  be  comforted. 

14  And  ye  shall  see  this,  and  your  heart 
shall  be  glad,  and  your  bones  shall  flourish 
like  the  grass;  and  then  will  be  known  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  on  his  servants,  and  he 
will  be  indignant  toward  his  enemies. 

15  For,  behold,  the  Lord  will  come  with 
fire,  and  his  chariots  will  be  like  the  storm- 
wind,  to  send  forth  his  anger  with  furv,  and 
his  threatening  with  flames  of  fire. 

16  For  by  fire  will  the  Lord  judge,  and  by 
his  sword  against  all  flesh :  and  many  shall 
be  tlie  slain  of  the  Lord. 

17  They  that  sanctify  themselves,  and 
purify  themselves  for  the  gardens,"  behind 
one  tree''  in  tlie  midst,  they  who  eat  the  flesh 
of  the  swine,  and  the  abomination,  and  the 
mouse,  together  shall  they  perish,  saitli  the 
Lord. 

18  And  I,  because  of  their  works  and  their 
thoughts,  will  let  it  come  to  pass  to  gather  all 
the  nations  and  tongues;  and  they  shall  come, 
and  shall  see  my  glory. 

19  And  I  will  display  a  sign  on  them,  and 
I  will  send  from  them  those  that  escape  unto 
the  nations,  Tharshish,  Pul,  and  Lud,  that 
draw  the  bow,  Thubal,  and  Javan,  the  isles 
afar  off,  that  have  not  heard  my  fame,  and 
have  not  seen  my  glory;  and  they  shall  pro- 
claim my  glory  among  the  nations. 

20  And  they  shall  bring  all  your  brethren 
out  of  all  nations  as  an  ofiering"  unto  the 
Lord,  upon  hoi'ses,  and  in  chariots,  and  in 
litters,  and  upon  mules,  and  upon  dromeda- 
ries,' to  my  holy  mountain  Jerusalem,  saitli 
the  Lord,  as  the  children  of  Israel  bring  the 
offering  in  a  clean  vessel  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

21  And  of  them*^  also  will  I  take  for  priests 
and  for  Levites,  saith  the  Lord. 

22  For  as  the  new  heavens  and  the  new 

known.  Philippson,  "  behind  one  in  the  court,"  yn  or 
"the  interior;"  and  explains,  that  before  they  entered  the 
idol-gardens,  one  commenced  and  the  others  followed  to 
make  the  purification  in  the  court. 

"  See  chap.  xvii.  7. 

'  Eng.  ver.  "swift  beasts." 

*"From  the  nations  that  bring,  and  the  Israelites 
that  are  brought,  will  I  take  those  again  wlio  are  priests 
and  Levites,  but  are  now  mingled  up  with  ihe  nations 
through  compulsion,  and  they  shall  serve  before  me." — 
R.\SHI. 

021 


JEREMIAH  i. 


earth,  which  I  will  make,  shall  have  pei'ma- 
nence"  before  me,  saith  the  Lord,  so  shall 
exist  permanently  your  seed  and  your  name. 

23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  from 
one  new  moon  to  the  other  new  moon,  and 
from  one  sabbath  to  tlie  other  sabbath,  shall 
all  flesh  come  to  prostrate  themselves  be- 
fore me,  saith  the  Lord. 

24  And  they  shall  go  forth,  and  look  uj^on 


the  carcasses  of  the  men  that  ha^-e  transgTess- 
ed  against  me ;  for  their  worm  shall  not  die, 
nor  shall  their  fire  be  quenched;  and  they 
shall  be  an  abhorrence  unto  all  flesh. 

23  [And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  from 
one  new  moon  to  the  other  new  moon,  and 
from  one  sabbath  to  the  other  sabbath,  shall 
all  Hesh  come  to  prostrate  themselves  before 
me,  saith  the  Lord.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  JEREMIAH, 


n'OT  -IGD. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  words  of  Jeremiah''  the  son  of 
Chilkiyahu,  one  of  the  priests  that  were  in 
'Anathoth  in  the  land  of  Benjamin; 

2  To  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
in  the  days  of  Josiah  the  son  of  Anion  the 
king  of  Judah,  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  his 
reign, 

8  And  who  continued  (prophet)  in  the 
days  of  Jehoyakim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king 
of  Judah,  until  the  end  of  the  eleventh  year 
of  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of 
Judah,  uutil  tlie  carrying  away  into  exile  of 
Jerusalem  in  the  fifth  month." 

4  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

5  Before  yet  I  had  formed  thee  in  thy  mo- 
ther's body  I  knew  thee ;  and  before  thou  wast 
yet  come  forth  out  of  the  womb  I  sanctified 
thee :  a  prophet  unto  the  nations  did  I  ordain 
thee. 

6  And  I  said,  Ah,  Lord  Eternal!  behold, 
I  know  not  how  to  speak ;  for  I  am  (but)  a  lad. 

7  And   the  Lord  said   unto  me,  Say  not, 

'  Jonathan. 

'  Properly,  Yirmci/ahu. 

°  Tliis  ik'finition  of  his  prophetic  activity  applies  pro- 
perly to  the  first  thirty-nine  chapters,  which  carry  us  to 
the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  ;  but  as  there  were  no  kings 
afterward,  there  was  no  means  of  designating  his  later  ac- 
tivity with  reference  to  them.  The  end  of  this  verse  also 
specifies  the  date  of  the  end  of  Zedekiah's  reign,  not  that 
if  Jeremiah's  prophecies. — After  Phii.ippson. 

^  Zunz,  "whithersoever." 
622 


T  am  (but)  a  lad;  but  to  whomsoever*  I  may 
send  thee  shalt  thou  go,  and  whatsoever  I 
may  command  thee  shalt  thou  speak. 

8  Be  not  afraid  because  of  them ;  for  I  am 
with  thee  to  deliver  thee,  saith  the  Lord. 

9  And  the  Lord  stretched  forth  his  hand, 
and  touched  (me)  therewith  on  my  mouth; 
and  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Behold,  I  have 
put  my  words  in  thy  mouth. 

10  See,  I  have  appointed  thee  this  day 
over  the  nations  and  over  the  kingdoms,  to 
root  out,  and  to  pull  down,  and  to  destroy, 
and  to  throw  down:  to  build  up,  and  to 
plant. 

11  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying.  What  seest  thou,  Jeremiah?  And 
I  said,  A  staff  of  an  almond-tree  do  I  see. 

12  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Thou  hast 
well  seen;  for  I  am  watching"  over  my  word 
to  perform  it. 

13  ^[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me  the  second  time,  saying,  What  seest  thou? 
And  I  said,  A  seething  pot  do  I  see ;  and  the 
front*^  thereof  is  turned  from  the  north. 

14  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  Out  of  the 

°  There  is  in  the  Hebrew  a  play  on  the  word  ipty 
shah/red,  "almond,"  identical  in  its  root  with  shahlcail, 
"to  hasten,"  "to  watch  intently;"  wherefore  the  almond 
was  a  proper  type  of  the  speedy  fulfilment  of  the  pro- 
phecy. The  almond-tree  is  represented  as  blossoming  and 
producing  very  early. 

'  Rashi  renders,  et  ses  ondes,  "and  its  bubbling  is 
(urged)  from  the  north  side."  But  literally,  the  part 
froin  which  the  contents  are  poured  out,  the  front,  is 
!  turned  toward  Palestine  from  the  north. 


JEREMIAH  I.  ir. 


north  sliiill  the  Q\l\  break'*  Ibrtli  over  all   the 
inhabitants  of  the  land, 

15  For,  lo.  I  will  call  unto  all  the  families 
of  the  kingiloni.s  of  the  north,  saith  the  Lord; 
and  they  shall  come,  and  they  shall  set  every 
one  his  tlirone  at  the  entrance  of  the  gates  of 
Jerusalem,  and  upon  all  its  walls  round  about, 
and  upon  (those  of)  all  the  cities  of  Judah. 

16  And  I  will  call  them  to  account''  touch- 
ing all  their  wickedness,  in  that  they  have 
forsaken  me,  and  have  burnt  incense  unto 
other  gods,  ami  have  bowed  down  unto  the 
works  of  their  own  hands. 

17  But  do  thou  gird  up  thy  loins,  and 
arise,  and  speak  unto  them  all  that  I  may 
command  thee;  be  not  discouraged  because 
of  them,  lest  I  humble  thee  befoi'e  them. 

18  But  I.  behold,  I  have  made  of  thee  this 
day  a  fortified  city,  and  an  iron  pillar,  and 
brazen  walls  over  the  whole  land,  against  the 
kings  of  Judah,  against  its  princes,  against  its 
priests,  and  against  the  people  of  the  land. 

19  And  (although)  they  fight  against  thee, 
they  shall  not  prevail  against  thee;  for  with 
thee  am  I,  saith  the  Lord,  to  deliver  thee. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
me,  saying, 

2  Go  and  call  out  before  the  ears  of  Jeru- 
salem, saying,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  I 
remember"  unto  thee,  the  kindness  of  thy 
youth,  the  love  of  thy  espousals,  thy  going 
after  me  in  the  wilderness,  through  a  land 
that  is  not  sown. 

3  A  holy  thing  is  Israel  unto  the  Lord, 
the  first  of  his  fruits:  all  that  devour  him 
shall  incur  guilt;  evil  shall  come  over  them, 
saith  the  Lord. 

4  ^  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord,  0 
house  of  Jacob,  and  all  ye  families  of  the 
house  of  Israel. 

5  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  What  fault  did 
your  fathers  find  in  me,  that  they  went  away 
far  from  me,  and  walked  after  vanity,  and 
became  vain? 

6  That  they  said  not,  Where  is  the  Lord 
that  brought  us  up  out  of  the  land,  of  Egypt, 


'  Lit.  "shall  be  opened. " 

'  Rasbi.  Pbilippson,  literally,  "  And  I  will  pronounce 
my  judgments  over  tbem." 

"Pbilippson,  "I  remembered,"  ''waSj"  "devoured," 
"incurred,"  "came." 


that  led  us  through  the  wilderness,  through 
a  land  of  deserts  and  of  wildness,''  through  a 
land  of  drought,  and  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
through  a  land  through  which  no  one  had 
passed,  and  where  no  man  had  dwelt  ? 

7  And  I  brought  you  into  the  land  of 
fruitful  fields,  to  eat  its  fruit  and  its  goodly" 
products;  but  ye  came  and  ye  made  unclean 
my  land,  and  my  heritage  ye  rendered  an 
abomination. 

8  The  priests  said  not.  Where  is  the  Lord  ? 
and  they  that  handle^  the  law  knew  me  not; 
and  the  shepherds  transgressed  against  me, 
and  the  prophets  prophesied  in  the  name  of 
Ba'al,  and  after  things  that  cannot  profit  did 
they  walk. 

9  Therefore  will  I  contend  yet  farther  with 
you,  saith  the  Lord,  and  with  your  children's 
children  will  I  contend. 

10  For  pass  over  to  the  isles  of  the  Chit- 
tites,  and  see;  and  unto  Kedar  send,  and  con- 
sider well :  and  see  if  any  thing  like  this  hath 
happened. 

11  Hath  a  nation  exchanged  its  gods, 
which  are  yet  no  gods?  and  (still)  my  people 
hath  exchanged  its  glory  for  that  which  can 
not  profit. 

12  Be  astonished,  0  ye  heavens,  at  this, 
and  let  ^our  hair  stand  at  an  end,  be  ye 
greatly  terrified,'^  saith  the  Lord. 

13  For  two  evils  have  my  people  commits 
ted:  me  have  they  forsaken,  the  source  of 
living  waters,  to  hew  out  for  themselves  cis- 
terns, broken  cisterns,  that  cannot  hold  water. 

14  Is  Israel  a  servant?  or  one  born  (to 
servitude)  in  the  house  ?  why  hath  he  been 
given  up  to  plunder? 

15  (That)  over  him  young  lions  roared, 
let  their  voice  resound,  and  changed  his  land 
into  a  waste,  that  his  cities  are  burnt,  left 
without  an  inhabitant? 

16  Even  the  children  of  Noph  and  Thach- 
panches  have  crushed  the  crown  of  thy  head. 

17  Hast  thou  not  procured  this  unto  thy- 
self, through  thy  forsaking  the  Lord  thy  God, 
while  he  was  leading  thee  on  the  (right)  way  ? 

18  And  now  what''  hast  thou  to  do  on  tlic 
way  of  Egypt,  to  drink  the  waters  of  Shichor  ? 

^Jonathan.     Piasbi,  "pit-foils." 
'  Zunz,  "  blessing." 

'  Jonathan,  "the  teachers  of,"  kc.  Rashi,  "  the  judges." 
8  Rashi,  "  be  as  though  you  were  ruiued." 
^  Zunz,  "  what  hast  thou  obtained  from  the  way,"  &c. 

523 


JEREMIAH  II. 


and  what  hast   thou   to   do   on   the  wa}-  of 
Asshur.  to  drink  the  waters  of  the  river  ? 

19  Thy  own  wickedness  shall  chastise 
thee,  and  thy  backslidin.crs  shall  correct  thee; 
and  thou  siialt  know  and  see  that  evil  and 
bitter  was  thy  forsaking  the  Lord  thy  God, 
while  the  dread  of  mo  was  not  upon  thee, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal  of  hosts. 

20  Because  from  yore  did  I  break  thy  yoke, 
did  I  burst  asunder  thy  bands;  and  thou 
saidst,  I  will  not  transgress:  nevertheless 
upon  every  high  hill  and  under  every  green 
tree  thou  makest  thy  bed,"  as  harlot. 

21  Yet  I  had  planted  thee  as  a  branch  of 
a  noble  vine,  wholly  of  the  proper  seed ;  but 
how  art  thou  changed  unto  me  into  a  degene- 
rate plant  of  an  ignoble  vine? 

22  For  though  thou  wash  thyself  with 
natron,''  and  take  for  thyself  much  soap  :  yet 
would  the  stain  of  thy  iniquity  remain  before 
me,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

23  How  canst  thou  say,  I  am  not  become 
unclean,  after  the  Be'alim  have  I  not  gone  ? 
see  thy  way  in  the  valley,  know  what  thou 
hast  done  :  (like)  a  swift  dromedary  bound 
fast"  to  her  ways ; 

24  (Like)  a  wild  ass  used  to  the  wilder- 
ness, that  at  her  pleasure  snufteth  up  the 
wind;  her  lust — who  can  turn  this  away?  all 
they  that  seek  her  will  not  weary  themselves; 
in  her  month  will  they  tind  her. 

25  "Prevent'^  thy  foot  from  being  unshod, 
and  thy  tliroat  from  being  thirsty  ;"  but  thou 
saidst,  It  is  useless ;"  no,  for  I  have  loved 
strangers,  and  after  them  will  I  go. 

26  As  the  thief  is  ashamed  when  he  is 
found,  so  have  the  house  of  Israel  been  made 
ashamed,  they,  their  kings,  their  princes,  and 
their  priests,  and  their  prophets, 

'  Easlii ;  but  Redak,  "  thou  wanJerest  about." 

'  The  natron  of  Egypt,  which  is  found  in  several  lake? 
in  the  south-western  part  of  the  Delta  of  the  Nile,  and 
elsewhere  ;  but  not  the  7iUre  of  commerce. 

°  i.  e.  Constantly  pursuing  the  same  path.  The  prophet 
reproves  Israel  for  their  prononess  to  idolatry,  their  disre- 
gard of  God's  word,  and  their  shameless  desire  to  imitate 
the  customs  of  the  Gentiles. 

''  Lit.  "  Withhold  thy  foot  from  barefootednesa,  and  thy 
throat  from  thirst."  Jonathan,  "  Withdraw  thy  foot  from 
a  union  with  the  nations,  and  thy  mouth  from  the  wor- 
shipping of  their  errors." 

•  i.  e.  The  prophetic  advice  is  useless. 

'  Jonathan.     Kashi,   "  Wo  are   severed  (from  thee);" 
iledak,  ''We.  have  dominion,  wo  will  not,"  &o.     Mena- 
ciiem,  "  We  are  come  down,"  ('.  r.  from  our  greatness. 
j2i 


27  Who  say  to  the  wood.  Thou  art  my 
father ;  and  to  the  stone,  Thou  hast  brought 
us  forth;  for  they  have  turned  their  back 
unto  me,  and  not  theii-face;  but  in  the  time 
of  their  misfortune  will  they  say.  Arise,  and 
save  us. 

28  But  where  are  then  thy  gods  that  thou 
hast  made  for  thyself?  let  them  arise,  if  they 
can  save  thee  in  the  time  of  thy  misfortune ; 
for  equal  to  the  number  of  thy  cities  were  thy 
"ods,  0  Judah. 

29  ^  Wherefore  will  ye  contend  with  me? 
all  of  you  have  transgressed  against  me,  saith 
the  Lord. 

.30  To  no  purpose  have  I  smitten  youi 
children  ;  correction  they  accepted  not :  your 
sword  hath  devoured  3'our  prophets,  like  a 
destroying  lion. 

31  0  (present)  generation,  regard  ye  the 
word  of  the  Lord.  Have  I  been  a  wilderness 
unto  Israel  ?  a  land  of  deep  darkness  ?  where- 
fore say  my  people,  We  wander  about  ■,^  we 
cannot  come  any  more  unto  thee  ? 

32  Can  a  virgin  forget  her  ornament,  or  a 
Ijride  her  decorations?^  yet  my  people  have 
forgotten  me  days  without  number. 

33  Why  ornamentest  thou  thy  way  to  seek 
for  love  ?  trul}'  even  to  the  worst  ha,st  thou 
used  thyself  as  thy  ways.*" 

34  Also  on  th}'  skirts  is  found  the  blood  of 
the  souls  of  the  innocent  needy  ones:  not 
while  breaking  in  (thy  house)  didst  thou  find 
them ;  but  for  all  these  things.' 

35  Yet  thou  sayest.  Yea,  I  am  inno- 
cent, surely  his  anger  is  already  turned  away 
from  me.  Behold,  I  will  hold  judgment 
with  thee,  because  thou  sayest,  I  have  not 
sinned. 

36  Why    makest   thou    thyself    so   very 

"  Michlol  Yophi,  "necklaces  and  other  jewels  which 
arc  bound  or  clasped  on."     Philipp.son,  "girdle." 

''  llashi.  Philippson,  "  Why  allegest  thou  thy  way  to 
be  good  to  acquire  love?"  (meaning  that  the  Israelites  .said 
they  had  not  sinned,  and  hence  deserved  divine  favour;) 
"  truly,  even  on  bad  acts  hast  thou  accustomed  thy  ways." 
Zunz,  "Truly,  even  the  worst  hast  thou  taught  to  know 
thy  ways."  So  also  Jonathan  and  Redak,  taking  the 
feminine  niinn  as  signifying  nations. 

'  After  R:ishi,  who  explains  the  last  words,  "because 
they  had  reproved  thee."  It  is  only  necessary  to  call  to 
mind  the  murder  of  Zochariah  and  the  ill-usage  of  the 
|)rophet  himself.  The  death  of  a  thief  slain  while  breaking 
into  a  house  was  not  punishable.  (See  Exod.  xxii.  1.) 
Rut  Redak  connects  this  with  the  following,  thus,  "  Yet 
fir  all  these  things — thou  hast  said,"  &c. 


JEREMIAH  II.  III. 


low"  to  change  thy  way  ?  also  because  of 
Egypt  shalt  thou  be  made  ashamed,  as  thou 
wast  put  to  shame  Ijecause  of  Assyria. 

37  Also  from  this  one''  shalt  thou  go  forth, 
with  thy  hands  (clasped)  over  thy  head ;  for 
the  Lord  hath  rejected  those  on  whom  thou 
trustest  and  thou  shalt  not  prosper  with  theui. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  One  could  say/  Behold,  if  a  man  send 
away  his  wife,  and  she  go  from  him,  and  be- 
come another  man's,  can  he  return  unto  her 
again  ?  would  not  that  land  be  greatly  pol- 
luted? and  thou  hast  played  the  harlot  with 
many  companions,  and  wilt  yet  return  to  me, 
saith  the  Lord. 

2  Lift  up  thy  eyes  unto  the  mountain-tojDS, 
and  see  where  tliou  hast  not  been  lain  with. 
On  public  roads  hast  thou  sat  for  them,  as 
the  Arab  in  the  wilderness;  and  thou  hast 
polluted  the  land  wath  thy  incests  and  with 
th}'  wickedness. 

3  And  (though)  the  early  showers  were 
withholden,  and  the  latter  rain  came  not :  yet 
hadst  thou  a  forehead  of  an  incestuous  wife, 
thou  refusedst  to  feel  shame. 

4  Wilt  thou  not^  from  this  time  call  out 
unto  me.  My  fatlier,  the  guide  of  my  }'outh 
art  thou  ? 

5  Will  he  bear  grudge  for  ever  ?  will  he 
keep  it  to  eternity?  Behold,  thou  hast  spoken 
(this),  and  yet  hast  done  the  things  that  are 
evil  as  much  as  thou  w^ast  able. 

6  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me  in  the 
days  of  Josiah  the  king,  Hast  thou  seen  what 
backsliding  Israel  hath  done?  slie  is  gone 
upon  every  high  mountain  and  under  every 
green  tree,  and  hath  played  the  harlot  there. 

7  And  I  thought  that  after  she  had  done 
all  these  things,  slie  would  return  unto  me. 
But  she  returned  not.  And  this  saw  her 
treacherous  sister  Judali. 

8  And  I  saw,  that,  although  because  ) jack- 
sliding  Israel  had  committed  adulter^'  I  had 
sent  her  away,  and  given  her  bill  of  divorce 


"  Rashi  and  Jouathau.  Kedak,  wbo  is  followed  by 
Zunz,  Eng.  version,  and  others,  "  Why  gaddest  thou 
about." — "  Egypt  and  Assyria" — the  early  kings  relied  for 
help  on  Assyria,  the  later  ones  on  Egypt,  and  both  were 
the  cause  of  evil  to  Israel  and  Judah. 

^  i.  e.  Egypt  or  the  nations  in  general;  but  Redak, 
"from  this  place,"   i.e.  Palestine  or  Jeru.salem. 

'  See  Pent.  xxiv.  4. 


unto  her,  still  treacherous  Judah  her  sister 
feared  not,  but  went  and  played  herself  the 
harlot  also. 

9  And  it  came  to  pass  through  her  giddy  in- 
cest, that  she  defiled  the  land,  and  committ<?d 
adultery  witli  stone  and  with  wood. 

10  And  yet  with  all  this  her  treacherous 
sister  Judah  hath  not  returned  unto  me  with 
all  her  heart,  liut  with  falsehood,  saith  the 
Lord. 

11^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  The  back- 
sliding Israel  hath  justified  herself  tln-ough" 
the  treacherous  Judah. 

12  Go  and  proclaim  these  words  toward 
the  north,  and  sa}'.  Return,  thou  backsliding 
Israel,  saith  the  Loku:  I  will  not  cause  my 
anger  to  fall  upon  you ;  ll)r  I  am  fidl  of  kind- 
ness, saith  the  Lord,  I  will  not  bear  grudge 
lor  ever. 

13  Only  acknowledge  thy  iniquity,  that 
against  the  Lord  thy  God  thou  hast  rebelled, 
and  hast  scattered  thy  ways  to  the  strangers 
under  every  green  tree,  and  that  unto  my 
voice  ye  have  not  hearkened,  saith  the  Lord. 

14  Rettu-n,  0  Ijacksliding  children,  saith 
the  Lord;  for  I  am  become  3'our  husband  ;'^ 
and  I  will  take  \()U  one  of  a  citv,  and  two  of 
a  family,  and  bring  3011  to  Zion  : 

15  And  I  will  give  you  shepherds  after 
my  own  heart,  and  they  shall  feed  3'ou  with 
knowledge  and  intelligence. 

16  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  ye 
multii)ly  and  increase  in  the  land,  in  those 
days,  saith  the  Lord,  that  men  shall  not  say 
any  more,  '"The  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord;"  nor  shall  it  come  any  more  to  mind; 
nor  shall  they  remember  it ;  nor  shall  they 
mention  it;  nor  shall  any  thing  Ije  done*'  any 
more  (with  it). 

17  At  that  time  shall  they  call  Jerusalem, 
The  throne  of  the  Lord  ;  and  all  the  nations 
shall  be  gathered  unto  it,  to  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  to  Jerusalem:  and  tliey  shall  not  walk 
any  more  after  the  stubbornness  of  their  evil 
heart. 


^  Rashi,  who  regards  this  verse  as  a  wish  expressed  by 
God  that  Israel  might  repent.  But  Zunz,  "  Is  it  not  SC; 
from  that  time  thou  calledst  me,  jMy  father,"  &c. 

■^  Others,  "  more  than." 

'  Redak,  "though  I  had  rejected  you;"  as  if  it  were 
-rhj.'!  "Family"  of  nations,  i.e.  a  people. 

«  Zunz,  literally,  "  nor  shall  Cany  such)  be  made  again;" 
alluding  to  the  absence  of  the  ark  in  the  second  temple. 


JEREMIAH  111.  IV. 


18  T[  111  those  days  shall  the  house  of  Ju- 
dali  walk  with  the  house  of  Israel,  and  they 
shall  come  together  out  of  the  land  of  the 
north  unto  the  land  that  I  have  given  for  an 
inheritance  unto  your  fathers. 

19  But  I  had  thought,  How  shall  I  esta- 
Ijlish"  thee  among  the  (other)  sons  (of  man), 
and  give  thee  a  desirable  land,  a  heritage  of 
glory  of  the  hosts''  of  nations?  and  I  thought, 
My  father  thou  wouldst  call  me,  and  that 
from  me  thou  wouldst  call  turn  awa3^ 

20  But  truly  as  a  wife  treacherously  de- 
parteth  from  her  husband,  so  have  ye  dealt 
treacherously  Avith  me,  0  house  of  Israel, 
saith  the  Lord. 

21  A  voice  is  now  heard  upon  the  moun- 
tain-tops, .the  supplicatory  weeping  of  the 
children  of  Israel;  for  they  have  perverted 
their  way,  they  have  forgotten  the  Lord  their 
God.  ^ 

22  Return,  ye  backsliding  children,  I  will 
heal  your  blackslidings.  "Behold,  we  come 
unto  thee;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  our  God. 

23  Truly  deceptive  was  (what  we  hoped 
for)  from  the  hills,  and  the  multitude  on  the 
mountains;"  truly  in  the  Lord  our  God  is  the 
salvation  of  Israel. 

24  And  shame  hath  devoured  the  acquisi- 
tion of  our  fathers  from  our  youth,  their 
tlocks  and  their  herds,  their  sons  and  their 
daughters. 

25  We  lie  down  in  our  shame,  and  our 
confusion  covereth  us;  for  against  the  Lord 
our  God  have  wc  sinned,  we  and  our  fathers, 
from  our  youth  even  until  this  day;  and  we 
have  not  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
our  God." 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  If  thou  wilt  return,  0  Israel,  saith  the 
Lord,  unto  me  must  thou  return ;  and  if  thou 
wilt  put  away  thy  abominations  out  of  my 
sight,  then  shalt  thou  not  wander  about  (any 
more) . 

2  And  if  thou  wilt  swear.  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  in  truth,  in  justice,  and  in  righteous- 


"  Zunz  gives,  "How  sli;ill  I  endow  thee  with  children." 
*"  Zunz,  after  Jonathan,  "which  is  an  ornament  amonc 

the  ornaments  of  nations.' 

°  lleJak.    ]3ut  Philippson,  "  Deceptive  is  what  (comoth) 

IViim  the  hills,  but  noise  what  conieth  from  the  mountains." 

Hills  and  mountains  denote  the  places  where  idols  were 

worshipped. 


bless  themselves  in 
they  glorify  them- 


ness:  tlieii  shall  nations 
him,''  and  in  him  shall 
selves. 

3  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  to  the 
men  of  Judali  and  to  Jerusalem,  Plough  up 
your  fallow  ground,  that  ye  may  not  sow 
among  thorns. 

4  Circumci.se  yourselves  to  the  Lord,  and 
remove  the  obduracy  of  your  heart,  0  ye 
men  of  Judah  and  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  : 
lest  my  fury  come  forth  like  fire,  and  burn  so 
that  none  can  quench  it,  because  of  the  evil 
of  your  doings. 

5  Tell  ye  in  Judah,  and  publish  in  Jeru- 
salem, and  say,  Blow  ye  the  cornet  in  the 
land :  call  out,  gather  together,"  and  say,  As- 
semble yourselves,  and  let  us  go  into  the  for- 
tified cities. 

6  Set  up  the  standard  toward  Zion;  save 
yourselves  by  flight,  stay  not;  for  evil  do  I 
bring  from  the  north,  and  a  great  destruction. 

7  The  lion  is  come  up  from  his  thicket, 
and  the  destroyer  of  nations  hath  commenced 
his  inarch,  he  is  gone  forth  from  his  place,  to 
make  thy  land  desolate;  and  thy  cities  shall 
be  laid  waste,  left  without  an  inhabitant. 

8  For  this  gird  yourselves  with  sackcloths, 
lament  and  wail;  for  the  fierce  anger  of  the 
Lord  is  not  turned  away  from  us. 

9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  the  heart  of  the  king 
and  the  heart  of  the  princes  shall  fail;  and 
the  priests  shall  be  astonished,  and  the  pro- 
phets shall  wonder. 

10  Then  said  I,  Ah,  Lord  Eternal!  surely 
thou  hast  greatly  deceived  this  people  and 
Jerusalem,  saying,  Ye  shall  have  peace; 
whereas  the  sword  reacheth  unto  the  soul. 

11  At  that  time  shall  be  announced  to  this 
people  and  to  Jerusalem  a  dry  wind  from  the 
inonntain-peaks  in  the  wilderness,  (coming) 
on  the  road  to  the  daughter  of  my  people; 
not  to  winnow,  nor  to  cleanse  (the  corn),^ 

12  A  strong^  wind  from  these  places  shall 
come  unto  me :  now  also  will  I  myself  pro- 
nounce judgment  against  thein. 

^  i.  e.  Israel,  the  nation  represented  as  one  individual. 

"  Philippson  and  others,  "called  out  aloud." 

'  After  Rashi;  meaning,  the  enemy  shall  come  as  the 
dry  ilesert  wind  sweeps  over  the  land,  too  strong  for  mere 
winnowing  and  cleansing  the  corn. 

"  Itaslii  "A  wind  full  of  these  (^punishments)  shall 
come." 


JEREMIAH  IV.  V. 


13  Behold,  like  clouds  shall  he  come  up, 
and  like  a  whirlwind  shall  be  his  chariots: 
swifter  than  eagles  are  his  horses.  "  Wo  unto 
us!  for  we  are  wasted." 

14  Wash  from  wrong  doing  thy  heart,  0 
Jerusalem,  in  order  that  thou  mayest  be 
saved.  How  long  wilt  thou  let  lodge  within 
thee  the  thoughts  of  thy  wickedness  ? 

15  For  a  voice  declare th  from  Dan,  and 
publisheth  unhappiness  from  the  mountain  of 
Ej)hraim. 

10  Make  ye  mention  of  it  to  the  nations; 
behold,  let  it  be  heard  against  Jerusalem,  that 
beleaguerers  come  from  a  far-ofi'  country,  and 
send  forth  their  voice  against  the  cities  of 
Judah. 

17  As  keepers  of  a  field  are  they  against 
her  round  about;  because  against  me  hath 
she  been  rebellious,  saith  the  Lord. 

18  Thy  way  and  thy  doings  have  procured 
these  things  unto  thee:  this  is  thy  wicked- 
ness, which  is  so  bitter,  which  so  reacheth 
unto  thy  heart. 

19  |[  My  bowels,  my  bowels!  I  am  shaken, 
at  the  very  chambers  of  my  heart ;  my  heart 
beateth  tumultuously  in  me;  I  cannot  remain 
silent;  because  the  sound  of  the  cornet  hast 
thou  heard,  0  my  soul,  the  alarm  of  war. 

20  Ruin  upon  ruin  is  called  out;  for  the 
whole  land  is  wasted :  suddenly  are  my  tents 
\vasted,  and  in  a  moment,  my  curtains. 

21  Haw  long  shall  I  see  the  standard,  hear 
the  sound  of  the  cornet? 

22  ][  "Because  my  people  is  foolish,  me 
have  they  not  known;  sottish  children  are 
they,  and  they  have  not  any  understanding: 
wise  are  they  to  do  evil,  but  how  to  do  good 
they  do  not  know." 

23  I  look  at  the  earth,  and,  lo,  it  is  with- 
out form  and  void;  and  toward  the  heavens, 
and  their  light  is  gone. 

24  I  look  at  the  mountains,  and,  lo,  they 
tremble,  and  all  the  hills  are  moved. 

25  I  look,  and,  lo,  there  is  no  man,  and  all 
the  birds  of  the  heavens  are  lied. 

26  I  look,  and,  lo,  the  fruitful  country  is  a 
wilderness,  and  all  its  cities  are  laid  waste 
at  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  because  of  the 

■fierceness  of  his  anger. 


"  Zunz  and  others,  "purple."     Others,  "crimson." 
'' After  Zunz;   but  literally,  " fatigued ;"  but  when   a 
person  is  exhausted  in  a  contest  he  must  succumb  to  the 
assailants.     Bedak,  "I  am  weary  tu  bear  the  great  grief 


27  *i\  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Deso- 
late shall  be  the  whole  laud;  yet  a  full  end 
will  I  not  make. 

28  ^]  For  this  shall  mourn  the  eai'th,  and 
black  shall  be  the  heavens  above;  because  I 
have  spoken  it,  I  have  purposed  it,  and  I  will 
not  repent,  and  I  will  not  turn  back  from  it. 

29  ][  From  the  noise  of  horsemen  and 
those  that  shoot  with  the  bow  fleeth  tlie 
whole  city;  they  go  into  thickets,  and  climb 
up  upon  the  rocks :  every  city  is  forsaken, 
and  not  a  man  dwelleth  therein. 

30  And  thou,  0  wasted  one,  what  wilt 
thou  do?  Though  thou  clothe  thyself  with 
scarlet,"  though  thou  adorn  thyself  with  orna- 
ments of  gold,  though  thou  encircle  with 
paint  thy  eyes :  in  vain  shalt  thou  make  thy- 
self beautiful ;  the  adulterers  will  despise  thee, 
thy  life  will  they  seek. 

31  For  a  voice  as  of  a  woman  in  travail 
have  I  heard,  the  anguish  as  of  one  that 
bringeth  forth  her  first  child,  the  voice  of  the 
daughter  of  Zion,  that  groaneth,  that  spread- 
eth  out  her  hands,  (sa^ying,)  "Wo  is  me  now! 
for  my  soul  succumlx'th''  to  the  murderers." 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ][  Roam  about  through  the  streets  of 
Jerusalem,  and  see  now,  and  notice,  and 
search  in  its  broad  places,  if  ye  can  find  one 
man,  if  there  be  one  that  executeth  justice, 
that  searcheth  for  truth:  and  I  will  pardon  it. 

2  And  though  they  say,  "As  the  Lord  liv- 
eth !"  surely  they  only  swear  to  a  falsehood. 

3  0  Lord,  are  not  thy  e^-es  (directed)  to 
the  truth?  thou  didst  strike  them,  but  they 
felt  it  not;  thou  didst  make  an  end"  of  them, 
(3'et)  they  refused  to  accept  correction  :  they 
made  their  faces  harder  than  a  rock,  they 
refused  to  return. 

4  Yet  I  myself  thought,  Oh  these  are  Init 
poor;  they  are  foolish;  for  they  know  not  the 
way  of  the  Lord,  the  ordinance  of  their  God. 

5  I  had  Ijetter  go  unto  the  great  men,  and 
let  me  speak  with  them;  for  these  surely 
know  the  way  of  the  Lord,  the  ordinance  of 
their  God;  but  these  altogether  have  broken 
the  yoke,"*  burst  the  l«mds. 

6  Therefoi'e  slayeth  them  the  lion  out  of 


which  overwhelmeth  me  because  of  the  multitude  of  mur- 
derers." 

°  Eedak,  "  thou  broughtest  them  near  to  destruction." 
''  The  yoke  uf  God,  i.  e,  obedience  to  his  will. 

6^7 


JEREMIAH  V. 


the  forest,  the  wolf  of  the  deserts  wasteth 
them,  the  leopard  lieth  in  wait  against  their 
cities:  every  one  that  cometh  out  thence  shall 
be  torn  in  pieces;  because  many  ai'e  their 
transgressions,  very  numerous  are  their  back- 
slidings. 

7  How  shall  I  fur  this  pardon  thee?  thy 
children  have  forsaken  me,  and  sworn  by 
those  that  are  not  gods :  when  I  had  fed  them 
to  the  full,  they  then  committed  adultery, 
and  assembled  themselves  by  troops  in  the 
harlot's  house. 

8  As  robust  horses  they  rose  by  times"  in 
the  morning:  every  one  neighed  after  the 
wife  of  his  neighboui'. 

9  Shall  I  not  for  these  things  inflict  punish- 
ment ?  saith  the  Lord  :  and  shall  on  a  nation 
such  as  this  my  souP  not  be  avenged  ? 

10  ^  Scale  ye  her  walls,"  and  destroy; 
but  make  not  a  full  end:  remove  her  young 
shoots;**  for  they  are  not  the  Lord's. 

11  For  the  house  of  Israel  and  the  house 
of  Judah  have  dealt  very  treacherously 
against  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

12  They  have  denied  the  Lord,  and  said, 
"He  existeth  not;  nor  will  evil  come  over  us; 
and  the  sword  and  fomine  shall  we  not  see. 

13  And  the  prophets  shall  become  wind, 
and  the  word''  is  not  in  them:"  thus*^  shall  it 
be  done  unto  them. 

14  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
the  God  of  hosts.  Because  ye  speak  this  word, 
behold,  I  will  make  my  words  in  thy  mouth 
to  be  a  fire,  and  this  people  wood,  and  it  shall 
devour  them. 

15  Lo,  I  will  brnig  over  you  a  nation  from 
afar,  0  house  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord:  it  is  a 
mighty  nation,  it  is  a  most  ancient  nation,  a 
nation  whose  language  thou  wit  not  know, 
and  thou  wilt  not  understand  what  they 
speak. 

16  Their  cpiiver  is  as  an  open  sepulchre: 
they  are  all  mighty  men. 

17  And  they  shall  consume  thy  harvest, 
and  thy  bread;  they  shall  consume  thy  sons 

'  Rashi  and  Redak.  Others  derive  CDt^O  from  ntyn 
"Arabian,"  or  "of  Me-shecb."  "Ruliust"  is  rendered  by 
others  "woll-fcd." 

■•  Philippson,  simply,  "shall  I  not  avenge  myself." 

"  Rashi,  "Go  into  her  plains,"  ku. 

•^  Rendered  elsewhere,  "tendrils."  Jonathan,  "pa- 
laces."    Redak,  "battlements." 

"  Zunz,  "for  he  (God)  speaketh  not  through  them." 
J'hilippson,  "there  is  not  in  them  he  that  speaketh." 


!  and  thy  daughters;  they  shall  consume  thy 
flocks  and  thy  herds;  they  shall  consume  thy 
vines  and  thy  fig-trees;  they  shall  depopulate^ 
thy  fortified  cities,  those  wherein  thou  trust- 
edst,  with  the  sword. 

18  Nevertheless  even  in  those  days,  saith 
the  Lord,  will  I  not  make  a  full  end  of  you. 

19  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  ye  will 
say,  For  what  reason  hath  the  Lord  our  God 
done  all  these  things  unto  us?  that  thou  shalt 
say  unto  them,  In  the  same  manner  as  ye 
have  forsaken  me,  and  served  strange  gods  in 
your  land,  so  shall  ye  serve  strangers  in  a 
land  that  is  not  yours. 

20  ^f  Announce  this  in  the  house  of  Jacob, 
and  publish  it  in  Judah.  savin"'. 

21  Do  now  hear  this,  0  sottish  people,  who 
have  no  heart;  who  have  eyes,  and  see  not; 
who  have  ears,  and  hear  not; 

22  Will  ye  not  fear  me?  saith  the  Lord; 
will  ye  not  ti'emble  at  my  presence,  who  have 
placed  the  sand  as  a  bound  for  the  sea  by  an 
everlasting  law,''  which  it  can  never  pass  over? 
and  though  the  waves  thereof  be  upheaved, 
yet  can  they  not  prevail;  though  they  roar, 
yet  can  they  not  pass  over  it. 

23  But  this  people  hath  a  stubborn  and  a 
rebellious  heart:  they  have  departed  (from 
the  right)  and  have  gone  their  way. 

24  And  they  have  not  said  in  their  heart, 
Let  us  now  fear  the  Lord  our  God,  that 
giveth  rain,  the  early  and  the  latter  rain,  in 
its  season :  the  appointed  weeks'  of  the  har- 
vest doth  he  ever  preserve  for  us. 

25  Your  iniquities  have  turned  away  these 
things,  and  your  sins  have  withhulden  what 
is  good  from  you. 

26  For  there  are  found  among  my  people 
wicked  men :  they  lie  in  wait,  as  he  that  lay- 
eth''  snares;  they  set  a  trap,  they  catch  men. 

27  As  a  coop  is  full  of  birds,  so  are  their 
houses  full  of  deceit:  therefore  are  they  be- 
come great,  and  grown  rich. 

28  They  are  grown  fat,'  they  are  stout; 
yea,  they  surpass  even  the  deeds  of  the  wick- 

'  /.  c  What  has  been  denounced. 

8  Zunz,  literally,  "impoverish,"  ('.  c.  of  men. 

"^  Zunz  and  others,  freely,  "as  an  everlasting  barrier." 

'  Jlichhil  Yophi,  "the  oaths  concerning  the  laws  of 
harvest  will  he  ever  keep  for  us."     (See  Gen.  viii.  '2'2.) 

''  Redak.  Rashi,  "as  the  steel  trap  biteth,"  /.  r.  seizes 
with  violence  the  leg  of  an  animal  and  wounds  it 

'  Parallel  of  Dout.  sxxii.  15.  Rashi,  "They  surpass," 
with  "they  even  commit,"    Zunz,  "they  overflow  with." 


for  tlie   Coristruotion   of  the  Tertiple. 


JEREMIAH  V.  VI. 


ed:  they  pronounce  no  (ju^t)  sentence,  the 
sentence  of  the  fatherless,  that  they  might" 
prosper;  and  the  cause  of  tlie  needy  do  they 
not  judge. 

29  Shall  I  not  lor  these  things  intlict 
punishment?  saith  the  Lord:  or  shall  on  a 
nation  such  as  this  mv  soul  not  be  avenged? 

30  ^  An  astonishing  and  horrible  thing  is 
committed  in  the  land; 

31  The  prophets  prophesy  falsely,  and  the 
priests  bear  rule  by  their  means;  and  my 
people  love  to  have  it  so;  but  wliat  will  ye 
do  in  the  end  thereof? 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Assemble,  0  ye  children  of  Benjamin,  to 
flee  out  of  the  midst  of  Jerusalem,  and  in 
Tekoii'  blow  the  cornet,  and  on  Beth-hakke- 
rem  set  up  a  fire  signal;  for  evil  is  seen 
(coming)  out  of  the  nortli,  and  great  havoc. 

2  The  comely  and  the  delicate,  the  daugh- 
ter of  Zion  do  I  destroy. 

3  Unto  her  shall  come  shepherds  with 
their  flocks;  they  shall  pitch  their  tents 
against  her  round  about;  thev  shall  feed  oft' 
everjf  one  his  own  place. 

4  Prepai'e  ye  war  against  her !  "  Arise, 
and  let  us  go  up  at  noon.  Wo  unto  us!  for 
the  day  waneth,  for  the  shadows  of  the  even- 
ing are  stretched  out. 

5  Arise,  and  let  us  go  up  by  night,  and  let 
us  destroy  lier  palaces." 

(J  ^[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lokd  of  hosts, 
Cut  ye  down  trees,  and  cast  up  a  mound 
against  Jerusalem :  this  is  the  city  whose 
time  of  punishment  is  come;  she  is  full  of  op- 
pression in  her  midst. 

7  As  a  well  sendeth  forth  its  waters,  so 
doth  she  cause  her  wickedness  to  spring  forth : 
violence  and  robbery  are  heard  in  her ;  in  my 
presence  there  are  continually  disease  and 
wounds.'' 

8  Be  thou  instructed,"  0  Jerusalem,  that 
my  soul  tear  itself  not  away  from  thee;  that 


*  Kashi.  Others,  "yet  are  they  (the  wiekod)  prosper- 
ous." 

"'  Philippson,  "wounds  and  blows,"  wliieh  tiie  wicked 
infliot  on  the  innocent. 

■=  Zunz,  "Improve  thyself." 

■*  /.  c.  The  vintner  moves  his  hand  backward  and  forward 
till  he  has  filled  his  baskets;  so  shall  be  done  to  Israel, 
destroying  multitudes  on  multitudes. 

'  "It  is  easy  for  the  false  prophets  to  utter  with  their 
3R 


I  render  thee  not  desolate,  a  land  which  is 
not  inhabited. 

9  ^  Thus  hatli  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
They  shall  thorougldy  glean  like  a  vine  the 
remnant  of  Israel :  carry  back  th}'  hand  as  a 
grape-gatherer  frequently  to  the  baskets.'' 

10  To  whom  shall  I  speak,  and  give  warn- 
ing, that  they  may  hear?  behold,  their  ear  is 
uncircumcised,  and  they  cannot  be  attentive : 
behold,  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  become  unto 
them  a  reproach;  they  have  no  delight  in  it. 

11  And  I  am  fidl  of  the  fury  of  the  Lord; 
I  am  weary  with  sustaining  it:  (I  must)  pour 
it  out  over  the  child  in  the  street,  and  over 
the  assembly  of  young  men  together;  for  even 
the  husband  with  the  wife  shall  be  seized,  the 
aged  with  him  that  is  full  of  days. 

12  And  their  houses  shall  be  transferred 
unto  others,  fields  and  wives  together;  for  I 
will  stretch  out  my  hand  over  the  inhabitants 
of  tlie  land,  saith  the  Lord. 

13  For  from  their  least  even  unto  their 
greatest,  every  one  is  given  to  covetousness ; 
and  from  the  prophet  even  unto  the  j^riest 
every  one  practiseth  falsehood. 

14  And  they  heal  the  breach  of  the  daugh- 
ter of  my  people  very  lightly,"  saying.  Peace, 
peace :  when  there  is  no  peace. 

1-3  They  should  have  been  ashamed,  be- 
cause they  had  conniiitted  an  abomination ; 
but  they  neither  felt  the  least  shame,  nor 
did  they  know  how  to  l)lush:  therefore  shall 
they  fall  among  those  that  fall ;  at  the  time 
that  I  punish  their  sin  shall  they  stumble, 
saith  the  Lord. 

16  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Place  your- 
selves on  the  ways,  and  see,  and  ask  after  the 
ancient  paths,  where  is  tlie  way  which  is 
good,  that  ye  may  walk  thereon,  and  find  rest 
for  your  soul.  But  they  said.  We  will  not 
walk  (thereon). 

17  Then  did  I  set  watchmen'  over  you,  (say- 
ing,) Listen  to  the  sound  of  the  cornet.  But 
they  said,  We  will  not  listen. 

mouth  and  say,  Ye  shall  have  peace,  and  to  heal  by 
their  speaking  the  breach  which  is  coming  over  them." — 
Rashi.  This  false  security,  however,  was  the  reverse  of 
a  cure,  as  it  hastened  the  downfall  which  might  otherwise 
have  been  averted. 

'  Watchmen  denote  the  prophets  wiio  are  to  warn  the 
people  of  coming  danger,  just  as  sentinels  are  placed  by 
an  army  to  guard  against  surprise.  The  danger  to  Israel 
is  sin,  its  consequence — destruction. 

alia 


jp:remiaii  vi.  vii. 


18  Therefore  hear,  ye  nation!?,  and  know, 
O  assembl}',  what  (guilt)"  is  among  them. 

19  Hear,  0  earth  !  behold,  I  will  bring  evil 
upon  this  people,  the  fruit  of  their  thoughts ; 
because  unto  my  words  have  they  not  been 
attentive,  and  as  regardeth  my  law, — that 
have  they  despised. 

20  To  what  purpose  serveth  me  the  frank- 
incense which  Cometh  from  Slieba,  and  the 
sweet  cane  from  a  far-off  country  ?  your  burnt- 
oflerings  are  not  acceptable,  and  your  sacri- 
fices are  not  agreeable  unto  me. 

21  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Be- 
hold, I  will  place  before  this  people  stumbling- 
blocks,  and  thereon  shall  stumble  the  fathers 
and  the  sons  together,  the  neighbour  and  his 
friend,  and  they  shall  perish. 

22  ]|  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  a 
people  is  coming  from  the  north  country,  and 
a  great  nation  shall  wake  up  from  the  ftxrthest 
ends  of  the  earth. 

2-3  Bow  and  spear  shall  they  firmly  grasp; 
cruel  are  they,  and  will  have  no  mercy ;  their 
voice  roareth  like  the  sea ;  and  upon  horses 
do  they  ride;  set  in  array  as  one  man  for  the 
war,  against  thee,  0  daughter  of  Zion. 

24  We  have  heard  the  fiime  of  him — our 
hands  grow  feeble :  anguish  hath  taken  hold 
of  us,  pain,  as  of  a  woman  in  giving  birth. 

25  Go  not  forth  into  the  field,  on  the  road 
must  ye  not  walk;  for  .(there  is)  the  sword  of 
the  enemy,  terror  on  every  side. 

26  0  daughter  of  my  people,  gird  thyself 
with  sackcloth,  and  roll  thyself  in  the  ashes: 
a  mourning  as  for  an  only  son  prepare  unto 
thee,  a  most  bitter  lamentation  ;  for  suddenly 
will  the  destroyer  come  over  us. 

27  I  have  set  thee  for  a  tower''  and  a  fort- 
ress among  my  people,  that  thou  mayest 
know  and  probe  their  way. 

28  They  all  are  grievous  revolters,  going 
about  as  talebearers,  copper  and  iron  :  they 
all  are  corrupt. 

"  Jonathan.  Obernick,  "  what  shall  be  done  ou  them." 
''  So  Ra.shi;  but  the  moderns  conceive  tnu  to  be  "an 
assayer ;"  lyno  not  a  "  fortres.s,"  but  "  metallic  ore," — say 
here,  "gold,"  or  "silver."  Hence  Zunz,  "I  have  ap- 
pointed thee  an  assayer  among  ray  people — the  ore — that 
lliou  mayest  know  and  pmbc  their  way,"  &c.  The  prophet 
is  to  decide  on  their  worthiness  by  seeing  whether  they 
lolliiw  his  advice  or  not.  Hence  they  are  condemned,  in 
V.  27,  for  being  rebellious  against  (Jod  and  false  to  man, 
as  ignoble  metals — ^eopper  and  iron. 

"  in:  rendered   liere   "  Imrnt,"  is  foiiud   in  Job  xxxix. 
OliO 


29  Tlie  liellows  are  burnt,"  by  the  fire  the 
lead''  is  consumed:  in  vain  the  melter  refineth; 
for  the  wicked  are  not  separated  away. 

.30  Refuse  silver  men  call  them;  because 
the  Lord  hath  rejected  them. 

CHAPTER  VIL 

1  ^  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from 
the  Lord,  saj'ing, 

2  Place  thyself  in  the  gate  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  and  proclaim  there  this  word,  and 
say,  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  all  ye  of  Ju- 
dah,  that  enter  in  hy  these  gates  to  bow  down 
before  the  Lord. 

3  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Amend  your  ways  and  your 
deeds,  and  I  will  permit  you  to  dwell  in  this 
place. 

4  (But)  do  not  rely  on  the  words  of  false- 
hood, saying,  The  temple  of  the  Lord,  The 
temple  of  the  Lord,  The  temple  of  the  Lord, 
(as)  they  (say)." 

5  For  if  ye  thoroughly  amend  your  way  s 
and  your  deeds;  if  ye  thoroughly  execute  jus- 
tice between  a  man  and  his  neighbour ; 

6  If  ye  oppress  not  the  stranger,  the  father- 
less, and  the  widow,  and  shed  not  innocent 
blood  in  this  place,  and  walk  not  after  other 
gods  to  your  own  hurt : 

7  Then  will  I  permit  you  to  dwell  in  this 
place,  in  the  land  that  I  have  given  to  your 
fathers,  from  eternity  to  eternity. 

8  Behold,  ye  rely  on  the  words  of  false- 
hood, that  cannot  profit. 

9  How  ?  will  ye  steal,  murder,  and  commit 
adultery,  and  swear  falsely,  and  burn  incense 
unto  Baal,  and  walk  after  other  gods  of 
which  ye  have  had  no  knowledge ; 

10  And  (then)  come  and  stand  before  my 
presence  in  this  house,  which  is  called^  by  my 
name,  and  say,  "  We  are  delivered ;"  in  order 
to  do  all  these  abominations  ? 

11  Is  then  this  house,  which  is  called  by 

20,  where  it  means  "  the  snorting"  of  the  hor.se ;  hence, 
Philippson,  "  the  bellows  puff." 

''  "  The  lead"  here  spoken  of  was  mixed  with  the  sil- 
ver, as  mercury  is  now,  to  separate  it  in  a  pure  state ; 
hence  the  metaphor  will  be  readilj'  understood  :  the  labour 
of  purification  will  be  in  vain,  as  the  dross  (the  wicked) 
will  not  be  thereby  separated  from  the  pure  metal  (the 
good). 

"  Kodak,  after  whom  Zun/  ;  but  (_)bernick  takes  non 
for  run  "  is  here,"  "  the  temple  is  here." 

'  lleb.  "whercupiiu  my  name  is  called," 


JEllEMlAll  VII. 


my  iiaiiie,  become  a  den  of  robbers  in  j^onr 
eyes?  (But)  I  also,  behold,  I  have  seen  it, 
saith  the  Lord. 

12  For  go  ye  now  unto  my  place  which 
was  in  Shiloh,  where  I  caused  my  name  to 
dwell  at  the  first,"  and  .see  what  I  did  unto 
it  because  of  the  wickedness  of  my  people 
Israel. 

13  And  now,  whereas  ye  have  done  all 
these  acts,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I  spoke  unto 
you,  causing  (the  prophets)  to  rise  up  early 
and  speaking,  while  ye  would  not  hear ;  and 
I  called  you,  but  ye  would  not  answer : 

14  Therefore  will  I  do  unto  this  house, 
which  is  called  by  my  name,  whereon  ye  rely, 
and  unto  the  place  which  I  have  given  to 
you  and  to  vour  fathers,  as  I  have  done  to 
Shiloh. 

15  And  I  will  cast  you  out  of  my  presence, 
as  I  have  cast  out  all  your  brethren,  all  the 
seed  of  Ephraim. 

16  ^  But  thou — pray  not  thou  in  behalf 
of  this  people,  nor  lift  up  in  their  behalf 
entreaty''  or  prayer,  nor  make  intercession" 
to  me ;  for  I  will  not  hear  thee. 

17  Dost  thou  not  see  what  thev  are  doing 
in  the  cities  of  Judah  and  in  the  streets  of 
Jerusalem  ? 

18  The  children  gather  wood,  and  the 
fathers  kindle  the  fire,  and  the  women  knead 
dough,  to  make  cakes  for  the  queen  of  heaven, 
and  they  pour  out  drink-oflerings  unto  other 
gods,  in  order  to  provoke  me  to  anger. 

19  Do  they  provoke  me  to  anger?  saith 
the  Lord,  (and)  not  themselves,  to  the  shame 
of  their  own  faces  ? 

20  Tf  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold  m\  anger  and  my  fui-y  shall 
be  poured  out  upon  this  place,  over  man,  and 
over  beast,  and  over  the  trees  of  the  field,  and 
over  the  fruit  of  the  ground;  and  it  shall 
burn,  and  it  shall  not  be  quenched. 

21  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Add  your  burnt-ort'eriiigs  unto 
your  peace-sacrifices,  and  eat  the  Hesh  thereof. 

22  For  I  spoke  not  Avith  your  lathers,  and 
I  commanded  them  not  on  the  day  of  my 


"  Before  the  temple  of  Jerusalem  was  built.  Rashi 
refers  the  prophet's  allusion  to  the  events  in  the  time  of 
'Eli. 

''  Philippson.     Redak,  "cry." 

'  Zunz,  "urge  me  imt;"  i,  <■,  "  ask  nut  urgently." 


bringing  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,''  con- 
cerning burnt-ofl'eiing  or  sacrifice; 

23  But  this  thing  did  I  command  them, 
saying.  Hearken  to  my  voice,  and  I  will  be 
unto  you  for  a  God,  and  ye  shall  be  unto  me 
for  a  people;  and  walk  ye  altogether"  on  the 
way  which  I  may  conniiand  you,  in  order 
that  it  may  be  well  unto  you. 

24  Yet  they  hearkened  not,  and  inclined 
not  their  ear;  but  they  walked  in  the  coun- 
sels, in  the  stubbornness  of  their  evil  heart; 
and  they  went  backward,  and  not  forward: 

25  Since  the  day  that  your  fathers  came 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  until  this  day; 
and  I  sent  unto  you  all  my  servants  the  pro- 
phets, sending  them  daily  in  the  morning 
early;  ^ 

20  Yet  they  hearkened  not  unto  me,  and 
inclined  not  their  ear;  but  they  hardened 
their  neck;  they  did  vrorse  than  their  fathers. 

27  And  if  thou  speak  unto  tliem  all  these 
words,  and  they  will  not  hearken  to  thee  ; 
and  if  thou  call  unto  them,  and  they  will  not 
answer  thee : 

28  Then  shalt  thou  say  unto  them,  This  is 
the  nation  that  hearken  not  to  the  voice  of 
the  Lord  their  God,  and  accept  not  correc- 
tion; lost  is  the  truth,  and  is  obliterated 
from  their  mouth. 

29  T]  Cut  ofi'  thy  flowing  hair,  and  cast  it 
away,  and  take  up  on  mountain-tops  a  lament- 
ation ;  for  rejected  hath  the  Lord  and  forsaken 
the  generation  of  his  wrath. 

30  For  the  children  of  Judah  have  done 
what  is  evil  in  my  eyes,  saith  the  Lord:  they 
have  set  up  their  abominations  in  the  house 
which  is  called  by  my  name,  to  pollute  it. 

31  And  they  have  built  the  high-places  of 
Thophet,  which  is  in  the  \'alley  of  Ben-hin- 
nom,  to  burn  their  sons  and  their  daughters 
in  the  fire ;  which  I  had  not  commanded,  and 
which  never  came  into  my  mind.' 

32  ^  Therefore,  behold  days  are  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  it  shall  not  be  called  any 
more  Thophet,  or  The  Aalley  of  Ben-hinnom, 
but  The  valley  of  slaughter:  and  they  shall 
bury  in  Thophet,  for  want  of  room. 

''  "  The  first  condition  was  only,  '  If  you  will  hearken  to 
my  voice  and  keep  my  covenant,  then  shall  you  be  to  mc 
a  peculiar  treasure.'     (Exod.  xix.  5.)" — Rashi. 

°  Lit.  "  on  all  the  way." 

'  Lit.  "heart," 

&31 


JEREMIAH  VII.  VIII. 


33  And  the  carcas.ses  of  this  people  shall 
become  food  unto  the  fowls  of  tlie  heavens, 
and  unto  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  with  none 
to  chase  them  away. 

34  And  I  will  cause  to  cease  from  the 
cities  of  Judah,  and  from  the  streets  of  Jeru- 
salem, the  voice  of  gladness,  and  the  voice  of 
jov,  the  voice  of  tlie  bridegroom,  and  the 
voice  of  the  bride;  for  a  desert  shall  the  land 
become. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  At  that  time,  saith  the  Lord,  shall  they 
bring  out  the  bones  of  the  kings  of  Judah, 
and  the  bones  of  his  princes,  and  the  Iwnes 
of  the  priests,  and  the  bones  of  the  prophets, 
and  the  bones  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem, 
out  of  their  graves. 

2  And  they  shall  spread  them  out  before 
the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and  all  the  host  of 
heaven,  which  they  liave  loved,  and  which 
they  have  served,  and  after  which  they  have 
walked,  and  which  they  have  sought,  and  to 
which  they  have  prostrated  tliemselves :  they 
shall  not  be  gathered  up,  and  they  shall  not 
be  buried ;  dung  upon  the  face  of  the  ground 
shall  they  become. 

3  And'  death  shall  Ije  preferable  to  life,  for 
all  the  residue  of  those  that  are  left  of  this 
evil  family,  who  are  left  in  all  the  places 
whither  I  shall  have  driven  them,  saith  the 
LoKD  of  hosts. 

4  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them.  Thus 
liath  said  the  Lord,  Shall  they  fall,  and  not 
arise  ?  will  he  turn  away,"  and  not  return  ? 

5  Why  then  remaineth  this  people,  Jeru- 
salem, rebellious  by  a  perpetual  back.sliding  ? 
tliey  hold  fast  on  tleceit,  they  refuse  to  return. 

G  I  listened  and  heard,  but  they  would  not 
speak  aright;  no  man  repented  him  of  his 
wickedness,  saying.  What  have  I  done  ?  every 
one  turned  again  to  his  course,  as  the  impetu- 
ous horse  in  the  battle. 

7  Yea,  tlie  stork""  in  tln'  heavens  knoweth 
lier  appointed  times ;  and  the  turtle,  and  the 
swallow,  and  the  crane  observe  the  time  of 
their  coming  home;  l)ut  my  people  know  not 
tlie  ordinance  of  the  Lord. 


'  Rashi,  "will  ho  (Gud)  not  turu  from  the  evil  decree 
if  he  (the  people)  return?" 

''  The  iiiijrrafdry  birds  always  return  at  rertaiu  seasons. 

"  Kodak  ;  but  Philippson,  "Vainly  laboured  the  vain 
Blvle  of  the  writers."  Kashi,  "  It  is  forfalseiiood  to  make 
632 


8  How  can  ye  say,  We  are  wise,  and  the 
law  of  the  Lord  is  with  us?  Truly,  behold  in 
vain  wrought"  the  pen,  in  vain  the  writers. 

9  The  wise  men  are  ashamed,  they  are 
discouraged  and  caught :  lo,  the  word  of  the 
Lord  have  they  rejected  ;  and  wdiat  wisdom 
have  they  (now) ? 

10  Therefore  will  I  give  their  wives  unto 
others,  their  fields  to  conquerors;'^  for  from 
the  least  even  unto  the  greatest,  every  one  is 
seeking  his  own  gain  :  from  the  prophet  even 
unto  the  priest  every  one  practiseth  false- 
hood. 

11  And  they  heal  the  breach  of  the  daugh- 
ter of  my  people  very  lightly,  saying,  Peace, 
peace :  when  there  is  no  peace. 

12  They  should  have  been  ashamed,  be- 
cause they  had  committed  abomination;  but 
they  neither  felt  the  least  shame,  nor  did 
tliey  know  how  to  blush:  therefore  shall  they 
fall  among  those  that  fall;  at  the  time  of  their 
punishment  shall  they  stumble,  saith  the 
Lord. 

13  1[  I  will  surely  make  an  end  of  them, 
saith  the  Lord  :  (there  shall  be  left)  no  grapes 
on  the  vine,  and  no  figs  on  the  fig-tree,  and 
the  leaf  shall  wither;  and  the  things  that 
I  have  gi\'en  them  shall  pass  away  from 
them.'' 

14  "  Why  do  we  sit  still?  assemble  your- 
selves, and  let  us  enter  into  the  fortilicd 
cities,  and  let  us  be  silent  there;  for  the  Lord 
our  God  hath  put  us  to  silence,  and  given  us 
poison-water  to  drink ;  because  we  have  sin- 
ned against  the  Lord. 

15  We  hoped  for  peace,  but  no  ha]i[)iiiess 
is  here  ;  for  a  time  of  cure,  and  behold  here  is 
terror." 

16  From  Dan  was  heard  the  snorting  of 
his  horses;  at  the  sound  of  the  neighing  of 
his  war-steeds  trenil)letli  the  a\  hole  land  :  and 
they  are  come,  and  devour  the  land,  and  all 
that  filleth  it;  the  city,  and  those  that  dwell 
therein. 

17  For,  behold,  I  will  send  out  against 
you  serpents,  basilisks,  for  which  there  is  no 
charm,  and  they  sliall  bite  you,  saith  the 
Lord. 

the  false  pen  of  the  writers  (of  your  prophets)  who  deeeivc 

"*  Lit.  "  heirs;"  here,  "  those  that  are  heirs  by  force. 
"  Redak.      Jonathan,  "  because  I  gave  them  laws  from 
Sinai  whi<'h  ihoy  transgressed." 


JEREMIAH  VIII.  IX. 


18  1[  When"  I  would  cheer  myself  up 
against  sorrow,  my  heart  within  me  is  pained. 

19  Behold  (I  hear)  the  voice  of  the  com- 
plaint of  the  daughter  of  my  people  (coming) 
out  of  a  f\\r-ofF  land  :  "  Is  the  L(  )Ri)  not  in  Zion  ? 
is  her  king  no  more  in  her?"  "  Wliv  have  they 
provoked  me  to  anger  Avitli  their  graven 
images,  and  with  the  vanities  of  the  stranger?" 

20  '•  The  harvest  is  past,  the  summer  is 
ended,  and  we  are  not  yet  helped." 

21  Because  of  the  breach  of  the  daughter 
of  my  people  am  I  liroken :  I  am  grieved ;  as- 
tonishment hath  taken  fast  hold  on  me. 

22  Is  there  no  (more)  l>alm  in  Gil'ad?  or 
is  no  physician  there  ?  why  then  is  there  not 
placed  a  plaster  (on  the  wound  of)  the  daugh- 
ter of  my  ]3eople  ?^' 

23"  ^[  Oh  that  one  would  make  my  head 
water,  and  my  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears,  that 
1  might  weep  day  and  night  for  the  slain  of 
the  daughters  of  my  people  ! 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Oh  that  one  w^ould  place  me  in  the  wil- 
dernes.s  in  a  lodging-place  of  wayfaring  men, 
that  I  might  leave  my  peojile,  and  go  from 
them!  for  all  of  tliem  are  adulterers,  a  band 
of  traitors. 

2  And  they  bend  their  tongues,  their  bow 
of  falsehood,  and  not  for  the  truth  are  they 
valiant  in  the  land;  for  from  evil  to  evil  do 
the_y  proceed,  and  me  they  know  not,  saith 
the  Lord. 

3  ^  Take  ye  heed  every  one  of  his  neigh- 
bour, and  on  any  brother  place  ye  no  reliance ; 
for  every  brother  will  sui'ely  supplant,  and 
every  neighbour  will  go  about  as  a  tale- 
bearer. 

4  And  they  will  deceive  every  one  his 
neighl)our,  and  the  truth  will  they  not  speak : 
they  have  taught  their  tongue  to  speak  false- 
hood, they  weary  themselves  to  commit  ini- 

q"i_ty- 

5  Thy  habitation  is  in  the  midst  of  deceit: 
through  deceit  they  refuse  to  know  me,  saith 
the  Lord. 


"  Tlie  words  of  the  prophet,  who  deplores  the  sorrow 
of  his  people  :  he  finds  no  relief,  no  cheerfulness,  because 
the  first  evils  are  past,  as  more  are  coming.  So  Rashi. 
But  others,  "  Though  he  should  saj-,  the  punishment  was 
deserved,  still  their  complaint  pains  his  heart." 

"  Rashi.  Zunz,  "  why  then  doth  the  cure  of  the 
daughter  of  my  people  not  succeed  ?" 


6  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  Behold,  I  will  melt  them,  and  probe 
them ;  tor  how  (else)  shall  I  do  because  of 
the  daughter  of  my  people? 

7  A  murderous'  arrow  is  their  tongue; 
(every  one)  speaketh  deceit :  with  his  mouth 
speaketh  he  peaceably  to  his  neighbour,  but  in 
his  heart"  he  layeth  wait'  for  him. 

8  Shall  I  not  for  these  things  intlict  pu- 
nishment on  them?  saith  the  Lord:  or  shall 
not  on  a  nation  such  as  this  my  soul  be 
avenged  ? 

9  ^  For*^  the  mountains  will  I  take  up  a 
weeping  and  wailing,  and  lor  the  ha!)itations'' 
of  the  wilderness  a  lamentation ;  because  they 
are  burnt  up,  so  that  no  man  can  pass  througli 
them;  and  they  hear  not  the  voice  of  the  catr 
tie:  both  the  fowls  of  the  heavens  and  the 
beasts  are  Hed ;  they  are  gone  away. 

10  And  I  will  change  Jerusalem  into  heaps 
of  ruins,  a  dwelling  for  monsters ;  and  the 
cities  of  Judah  will  I  make  desolate,  without 
an  inhabitant. 

11  ^f  Who  is  the  wise  man,  that  may 
undei'stand  this  ?  and  who  is  he  to  whom  the 
month  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken,  that  he  may' 
declare  it:  lor  what  is  the  land  destroyed, 
burnt  up  like  the  wilderness,  without  one 
that  passeth  through  ? 

12  1[  And  the  Lord  said,  Becau.se  they 
forsook  my  law  -which  I  had  set  before  them, 
and  hearkened  not  to  my  voice,  and  walked 
not  therein ; 

13  But  have  walked  after  the  stubbornness 
of  their  own  heart,  and  after  the  Be'alim, 
which  their  iiithers  had  taught  them. 

14  ^  Therefore  thus  liatli  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  (lod  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  feed 
them — this  people,  with  wormwood,  and  give 
them  poison-water  to  drink. 

15  And  I  will  scatter  them  among  the  na- 
tions, whom  neither  they  nor  their  lathers 
have  known:  and  I  will  send  out  after  them 
the  sword,  till  I  have  consumed  them. 

16  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
Consider  it  well,  and  call  for  the  mourning 


'  In  the  English  version  this  is  ver.se  1  of  chap.  ix. 
■^  Or,  according  to  others,  "an  arrow  shot  forth." 
'  Lit.  "  within  him,"  or  "  in  his  midst." 
'  I.  e.  He  contrives  plans  to  injure  him. 
'Rashi.     Others,  "  upon." 

^  Others,  "  pastures;"  but  the  huts  of  the  shepherds  on 
the  desert  presuppose  pasture-land. 


JEREMIAH  IX.  X. 


women,''  that  they  may  come;  and  send  for 
the  women  skilled  in  lament,*"  that  they  may 
come ; 

17  And  let  them  make  haste,  and  take  ujj 
for  us  a  lamentation,  that  our  eyes  may  run 
down  with  tears,  and  our  eyelids  drop  down 
water. 

18  For  a  voice  of  wailing  is  heard  out  of 
Zion,  How  are  we  wasted!  we  are  greatly 
ashamed;  because  we  have  forsaken  the  land, 
because  they  have  cast  down"  our  dwellings. 

19  For  hear,  0  ^^e  women,  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  and  let  your  ear  perceive  the  word  of 
his  mouth,  and  teach  your  daughters  wailing, 
and  every  one  her  neighbour  lamentation. 

20  For  death  is  come  up  through  our  win- 
dows, is  entered  into  our  palaces ;  to  cut  off 
the  children  from  the  street,  the  yovmg  men 
from  the  o]3en  places. 

21  Speak,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Yea,  the 
carcasses  of  men  shall  lie  as  dung  upon  the 
open  field,  and  as  the  sheaves  (left)  after 
the  harvestman,  with  none  to  gather  them. 

22  *i\  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Let  not 
the  wise  glorify  himself  in  his  wisdom,  neither 
let  the  mighty  man  glorify  himself  in  his 
might,  let  not  the  rich  glorify  himself  in  his 
riches ; 

23  But  let  him  that  glorifieth  himself  glory 
in  this,  that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth 
me,  that  I  am  the  Lord  who  exercise  kind- 
ness, justice,  and  righteousness,  on  the  earth; 
for''  in  these  things  I  delight,  saith  the  Lord. 

24  T[  Behold,  days  ai'e  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  that  I  will  send  punishment  on  all  the 
circumcised  who  are  (yet)  uncircumcised;" 

25  On  Egypt,  and  on  Judah,  and  on  Edom, 
and  on  the  children  of 'Amnion,  and  on  Moiib, 
and  all  who  have  the  locks  of  their  hair  cut 
off  round'  that  dwell  in  the  wilderness;  for 
all  these  nations  are  uncircuincised,  and  all 
the  house  of  Israel  are  uncircumcised  in  the 
heart. 

•  Those  whose  office  it  was  to  sing  mournful  dirges, 
and  make  public  lamentations  at  funerals.  This  was  a 
custom  among  the  (Jrccks  and  llomans,  as  well  as  the 
Hclirews. 

•■  After  Redak.  Lit.  "wise  women,"  it.  with  refer- 
ence to  the  business  of  making  lamentations. 

°  Or,  as  some  render,  "our  dwellings  have  cast  (us) 
out;"  and  refer  to  Lev.  xviii.  25,  &c. 

"  Zunz,  "that." 

'  Ra.shi,  "on  every  circumcised  who  is  uncircumcised 
even  as  regards  the  heart."     The  prophet  thus  first  de- 


CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  Hear  ye  the  word  which   the  Lord 
hath  spoken  concerning  you,  0  house  of  Is 
rael : 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Do  not  habi- 
tuate yourselves  on  the  way  of  the  nations, 
and  at  the  signs  of  the  heavens  be  ye  not 
dismayed ;  although  the  nations  should  be 
dismayed  at  them. 

3  For  the  statutes  of  these  people  concern 
what  is  vanity;  for  it  is  but  a  tree  which  a 
man  hath  cut  out  of  a  forest,  the  work  of  the 
hands  of  the  workman,  with  the  axe. 

4  With  silver  and  Avith  gold  do  they  orna- 
ment it;  with  nails  and  with  hammers  do 
they  fasten  it,  that  it  move  not  from  its  place. 

5  As  a  wrought-out  palm-like"  column  are 
they,  and  cannot  speak;  they  must  needs  ]je 
borne,  because  they  cannot  step  along.  Be 
not  afraid  of  them ;  for  they  cannot  do  any 
harm,  so  also  to  do  any  good  is  not  in 
them. 

6  ^  Forasmuch  as  there  is  none  like  unto 
thee,  0  Lord:  thou  (alone)  art  great,  and 
great  is  thy  name  in  might. 

7  Who  would  not  fear  thee,  0  King  of  the 
nations  ?  for  to  thee  doth  it  apjjertain ;  because 
among  all  the  wise  men  of  the  nations,  and 
in  all  their  kingdoms,  (they  say)  there  is  none 
like  unto  thee. 

8  But  at  once''  shall  they  be  shown  to  be 
brutish  and  foolish:  it  is  a  doctrine  of  va- 
nities, it  concerneth  but  wood. 

9  The  beaten  out  silver  is  brought  from 
Tharshish,  and  gold  from  Uphaz,  the  work 
of  the  workman,  and  of  the  hands  of  the  gold- 
smith:' blue  and  purple  is  their  clothing;  the 
work  of  skilful  men  are  they  all. 

10  But  the  Lord  God  is  the  truth,  he  is 
the  living  God,  and  the  everlasting  king:  at 
his  wrath  the  earth  shall  quake,  and  nations 
cannot  endure  his  indignation. 


nounces  the  Israelites,  who,  having  the  law  of  God,  still 
are  obdurate  and  sinful. 

'  Descriptive  of  the  Arabs,  who  so  wear  their  hair;  but 
Rashi,  "who  dwell  separate  in  a  corner,"  L  «.  the  Arabian 
peninsula. 

8  Philippson.  Rashi,  "till  they  be  as  high  as  a  palm." 
Li  the  East  the  columns  frequently  represent  palm-trees. 

^  Rashi,  "through  one  thing,"  "they  shall  be  corrected 
for  their  wooden  idol."  Philippson  renders  nriN^l  "in 
their  union." 

'  Lit.  "  melter,"  because  he  works  by  melting  his  metals 


JEREMIAH  X.  XI. 


11  ^  Thus"  shall  ye  say  unto  them,  The 
gods  that  have  not  made  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  sliall  perish  aw.ay  from  the  earth,  and 
I'roni  under  these  heavens. 

12  ][  He**  made  the  earth  by  his  power,  he 
estabhshed  the  world  by  his  wisdom,  and  by  his 
understanding  he  stretched  out  the  heavens. 

lo  At°  the  sound  when  he  giveth  a  multi- 
tude of  waters  in  the  heavens,  and  causetli 
clouds  to  ascend  from  the  ends  of  the  earth ; 
when  he  maketh  lightnings  with  rain,  and 
bi'ingeth  forth  the  wind  out  of  his  treasures : 

1-1  Then  standeth  every  man  as  brutish 
without  knowledge;  ashamed  is  every  gold- 
smith because  of  the  graven  image;  for  talse- 
hood  is  his  molten  work,  and  there  is  no 
breath  therein. 

15  They  are  vanity,  the  work  of  deception; 
in  the  time  of  their  punishment  shall  they 
vanish. 

16  Not  like  these  is  the  portion  of  Jacob; 
for  he  is  the  former  of  all  things;  and  Israel 
is  the  tribe  of  his  inheritance :  The  Lord  of 
hosts  is  his  name. 

17  ][  Gather  up  thy  wares  from  the  ground, 

0  inhabitress  of  the  beleagured  city. 

18  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold, 

1  will  cast  forth  as  with  a  sling- the  inhaljit- 
antjs  of  the  land  at  this  time,  and  I  will  en- 
close them,  in  order  that  they''  may  find  them. 

19  ^  Wo  is  me  for  my  breach!  my  wound 
is  painful;  but  I  thought,  This  is  but  pain, 
and  1  shall  be  able  to  bear  it. 

20  (But  now)  my  tent  is  laid  waste,  and 
all  my  cords  are  torn  asunder;  my  children 
ai'e  gone  away  from  me,  and  they  are  not 
(here);  there  is  no  one  to  stretch  forth  my 
tent  any  more,  and  to  set  up  my  curtains. 

21  For  the  shepherds  were  brutish,  and 
the  Lord  had  they  not  sought;  therefore  have 
they  not  prospered,  and  all  their  flocks  are 
scattered. 

22  Behold,  the  noise  of  the  report  is  come, 
and  a  great  commotion  out  of  the  north 
count r}-,  to  render  the  cities  of  Judah  deso- 
late, a  dwelling  for  monsters. 

23  I  know,  0  Lord,  that  the  way  of  man 

'  This  verse  (x.  11)  is  in  the  Chaldean  language,  aud 
is,  according  to  Jonathan,  a  part  of  a  letter  sent  by  Jere- 
miah to  the  exiles  of  Babylon,  giving  them  the  words  they 
should  use  to  reply  to  the  heathens,  when  asked  to  wor- 
ship their  idols. 

^  In  continuation  of  verse  10. 


is  not  in  his  own  power:  it  is  not  ni   man 
that  passeth  away  to  direct  his  own  steps. 

24  Correct  me,  0  Lord,  but  with  justice; 
not  in  thy  anger,  lest  thou  bi-ing  me  to  no- 
thing. 

25  Pour  out  thy  fury  over  the  nations  that 
know  thee  not,  and  over  the  families  that 
have  not  called  on  thy  name;  for  they  have 
eaten  up  Jacob,  and  devoured  him,  and  con- 
sumed him,  and  have  made  his  dwelling  deso- 
late. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  ^  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from 
the  Lord,  saying, 

2  Hear  ye  the  words  of  this  covenant,  and- 
speak  unto  the  men  of  Judali,  and  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Jerusalem ; 

3  And  say  thou  unto  them,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  Cursed  be  the 
man  thathearkeneth  not  to  the  words  of  this 
covenant, 

4  Which  I  commanded  your  fathers  on  the 
day  that  I  brought  them  forth  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  out  of  the  iron  fin-nace,°  saying. 
Hearken  to  my  voice,  and  do  the  same,  in  ac- 
cordance with  all  which  I  may  command 
you ;  and  so  shall  ye  be  to  me  for  a  people, 
and  I  will  be  to  you  for  a  God; 

5  In  order  that  I  may  fulfil  the  oath  which 
I  have  sworn  unto  your  fathers,  to  give  unto 
them  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  as 
it  is  this  day.  And  I  answered,  and  said,  So 
be  it,'  0  Lord. 

6  ^  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  Proclaim 
all  these  words  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in 
the  streets  of  Jerusalem,  saying.  Hear  ye  the 
words  of  this  covenant,  and  do  them. 

7  For  I  earnestly  warned  your  fathers  on 
the  day  that  I  brought  them  up  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt  even  until  this  day,  sending 
out  early  and  warning,  saying.  Hearken  to  my 
voice ; 

8  Yet  they  hearkened  not,  and  inclined  not 
their  ear,  but  walked  every  one  in  the  stub- 
bornness^ of  their  evil  heart:  thereibre  did  I 
bring  over  them  all  the  words  of  this  cove- 

°  Philippson,  after  Rashi;  making  verse  14  the  sequel 
of  13.     tipn  is  given  by  Zunz  with  "rushing  noise." 

''  (■.  e.  The  enemies;  but  Rashi,  "I  will  distress  tliera 
that  they  may  find  (the  reward  of  their  deeds)." 

"  lO  rendered  "crucible"  iu  Isaiah  xlviii.  10. 

'  Heb.  amen.  ^  Eng.  ver.  "imagination." 

0-35 


JEREMIAH  XL  XII. 


nant,  which  I  commanded  them  to  do;  but 
which  they  did  not. 

9  ^  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  A  con- 
spiracy hath  been  found  among  the  men  of 
Judah,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusa^ 
lem. 

10  They  are  returned"  again  to  the  iniqui- 
ties of  their  earher  forefathers,  who  had  re- 
fused to  hearken  to  my  words;  and  they  them- 
selves are  (also)  gone  after  other  gods  to 
serve  them :  the  house  of  Israel  and  the  house 
of  Judah  have  broken  my  covenant  which  I 
made  with  tlieir  fathers. 

11  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Behold.  I  will  bring  an  evil  upon  them,  from 
which  they  shall  not  be  able  to  rid  them- 
selves ;''  and  they  will  cry  unto  me,  but  I  will 
not  hearken  unto  them. 

12  Then  let  the  cities  of  Judah  and  the  in- 
liabitants  of  Jerusalem  go,  and  cry  unto  the 
gods  imto  whom  they  ofter  incense;  but  they 
shall  not  save  them  in  the  least  in  the  time 
of  their  distress. 

13  For  equal  to  the  number  of  thy  cities 
were  thy  gods,  0  Judah;  and  equal  to  the 
number  of  the  streets  of  Jerusalem  have  ye 
set  up  altars  to  the  disgraceful  idol,  altars,  to 
burn  incen.se  unto  Ba'al. 

14  1[  But  thou — thou  must  not  pray  in 
behalf  of  this  people,  neither  lift  up  in  their 
behalf  entreaty  or  prayer;  for  I  will  not  hear 
at  the  time  that  they  call  unto  me,  because 
of  their  distress. 

15  ^  What  hath  my  beloved  to  do  in  my 
house,  while  she  executeth  the  evil  counsel 

.of  so  many  (sinners)?  Yea,  the  holy  flesh 
passeth  away  from  thee;  for  even  with  tliy 
wickedness,  tliou  rejoicest  still.'' 

IG  An  ever-green  olive-tree,  beautiful  in 
fruit  and  form,  did  the  Lord  call  thy  name : 
with  the  noise  of  a  great  tumult  hath  he 


*  A  great  reformation  had  taken  place  in  the  reign  of 
Josiah ;  but,  under  the  reign  of  his  son  and  successors, 
they  turned  back  again  to  idolatry,  and  became  worse 
than  ever. 

■>  Heb.  "go  forth  out  of." 

"  This  very  difficult  verse  has  been  given  after  Kashi ; 
who  takes  the  lulovcd  to  be  "  Israel,"  who  are  also  spoken 
of  as  sh:  and  thati,  (in  the  feminine,)  a  change  of  person 
not  unusual  with  the  pmphets.  Philippson  understands 
by  the  beloved  the  "prciphet,"  who  was  ordered  not  to 
pray  for  the  people,  and  is  told  he  has  no  business  in 
God's  house  after  the  people  have  so  defiled  it.  Rashi 
takes  "the  holy  flesh"  to  mean  circumcision,  which  it  is 
5.30 


kindled   (ire   around  it,  and   they  break   off 
its  branches. 

17  And  the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  planted 
thee,  hath  decreed  evil  against  thee;  on  ac- 
count of  the  wickedness  of  the  house  of  Israel 
and  of  the  house  of  Judah,  which  they  have 
done  against  themselves,  to  provoke  me  to 
anger  in  offering  incense  unto  Ba'al. 

18  ^  And  the  Lord  hath  given  me  know- 
ledge of  it,  and  I  know  it :  then  didst  thou  let 
me  see  their  doings. 

19  But  I  was  like  a  sheep''  or  an  ox  that 
is  brought  to  the  slaughter;  and  I  knew  not 
that  they  had  devised  devices  against  me, 
"  Let"  us  destroy  the  tree  with  its  fruit,  and  let 
us  cut  liim  off  from  the  land  of  the  living,  that 
his  name  may  not  be  remembered  any  more." 

20  ^f  But',  O  Lord  of  hosts,  tliat  judgest 
righteously,  that  triest  the  reins  and  the 
heart,  let  me  see  thy  vengeance  on  them ;  lor 
unto  thee  have  I  intrusted*^  my  cause. 

21  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
concerning  the  men  of  'Anathoth,  that  seek 
thy  life,  saying,  "  Thou  shalt  not  prophesy  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  that  thou  mayest  not 
die  by  our  hand :"' 

22  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  Behold,  I  will  inflict  punishment  on 
them :  the  young  men  shall  die  by  the  sword ; 
their  sons  and  their  daughters  shall  die  by 
the  famine; 

23  And  no  remnant  shall  remain  of  them  ; 
for  I  will  bring  evil  upon  the  men  of  'Ana- 
thoth, in  the  year  of  their  punishment. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  (Too)  righteous  art  thou,  0  Lord,  that  I 
could  plead  with  thee ;  yet  must  I  speak  of 
(the  principles  of)  justice  with  thee  :  Where- 
fore is  the  way  of  the  wicked  happy?  do  all 
those  pros^Der  that  deal  treacherously  ? 


alleged  they  had  neglected.  Redak  applies  it  to  the  sacri- 
fices, and  it  then  means,  "  the  sacrifices  pass  away  u.se- 
lessly,"  because  while  sinning  the  Israelites  rejoiced. 
Others  take  Ityn  to  mean  "man,"  hence  B'np  "isyj  "the 
holy  men"  who  had  ceased  to  exist.  Philippson  so  trans- 
lates: "What  hath  my  beloved  in  my  house,  where  so 
many  perform  scandalous  deeds  '!  The  holj-  flesh  pas.seth 
by  before  thee;  for  at  thy  wickedness,  there  thou  rejoicest 
still." 

^  Zuuz,  "  harmless  lamb."  Jonathan,  "a  chosen  lamb." 
Our  version,  "sheep  or  ox,"  is  after  Rashi  and  Redak. 

"  These  are  the  words  of  the  resolve  against  Jeremiah. 

'  Lit.  "laid  open." 


JEREMIAH  XII.  Xllt. 


'2  Tliou  hast  planted  tlu'iu;  the}'  have  also 
taken  root;  they  grow;  they  also  bring  forth 
fruit:  thou  art  near  in  their  mouth,  and  far 
from  their  mind." 

3  But  thou,  0  Lord,  knowest  me;  thou 
seest  me.  and  prohest  my  heart  toward  thee: 
set  them  apart  like  slieep  for  the  slaughter, 
and  destine  them  for  the  day  of  slaying. 

4  ^  How  long  shall  the  land  mourn,  and 
the  herb  of  all  the  field  wither?  Because  of  the 
wickedness  of  those  that  dwell  therein  are 
wholly  removed  the  beasts  and  the  birds ;  be- 
cause the}'  said,  lie  will  not  see  our  last  end. 

5  If  thou  hast  run  with  the  footmen,  and 
they  have  wearied  thee,  how  then  canst  thou 
contend  with  the  horses?  and  if  in  the  land  of 
peace,  (whei-ein)  thou  trustedst,  (they  wearied 
thee,)''  how  then  wilt  thou  do  in  the  swelUng 
of  the  Jordan  ? 

6  For  even  thy  brethren,  and  the  house  of 
thy  father, — even  they  have  dealt  treacher- 
ously with  thee ;  yea,  even  they  have  called 
forth  a  crowd  of  men"  after  thee :  believe  them 
not,  though  they  speak  kindly  unto  thee. 

7^1  have  forsaken  my  house,  I  have 
abandoned  my  heritage;  I  have  given  up  the 
most  dearly  beloved  of  my  soul  into  the  hand 
of  her  enemies. 

8  My  heritage  is  become  unto  me  as  a  lion 
in  the  forest;  it  sent  forth  its  voice  against 
me :  therefore  do  I  hate  it. 

9  Is  my  heritage  become  unto  me  as  a  bird 
of  prey  stained  with  blood  ?■*  so  that  the  birds 
of  i^rey  are  all  around  it?  Come  ye,  assemble 
all  the  beasts  of  the  field,  bring  them  hither 
to  devour. 

10  Many  shepherds  have  destroyed  my 
vineyard,  they  have  trodden  under  foot  my 
field,  they  have  rendered  my  pleasant  field  a 
desolate  wilderness. 

11  Tliey  have  made  it  a  desert,  and  being 
desolate  it  mourneth  before  me:  the  whole 
land  is  made  desolate,  because  no  man  laid  it 
to  heart. 

12  Over  all  the  mountain-peaks  in  the 
wilderness  did  the  destroyers  come;  for  the 
sword  of  the  Lord  devoureth  from  the  one 

*  Zuuz.     Lit.  "  reins." 

""  After  Rashi;  but  others,  "and  in  a  land  of  peace 
thou  seekest  security,  what  then  wilt  thou  do  against  the 
pride  of  the  Jordan '!"  which  last  phrase  Rashi,  after  Jona- 
than, explains  to  be  the  wild  animals,  lions  and  tigers,  that 
are  found  there,  figurative  for  the  chiefs  of  Judah. 
33 


end  of  the  land  even  to  the  other  end  of  the 
land:  there  is  no  jseace  to  any  flesh. 

13  Tl  They  have  sown  wheat,  but  they 
reap  thorns;  they  have  put  themselves  to 
pain,  (but)  have  no  profit :  be  therefore 
ashamed  of  your  products,  because  of  the 
fierce  anger  of  the  Lord. 

14  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  against  all 
my  bad  neighl)(jurs,  that  toucli"  the  inherit- 
ance which  I  have  caused  my  people  Israel 
to  inherit.  Behold,  I  will  pluck  them  out  of 
their  land,  and  the  house  of  Judah  will  I  pluck 
out  from  the  midst  of  tliem. 

15  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  after  I 
have  plucked  them  out,  I  will  again*^  have 
mercy  on  them,  and  will  restore  them,  every 
man  to  his  heritage,  and  every  man  to  his 
land. 

16  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will 
truly  learn  the  ways  of  my  people,  to  swear 
by  ray  name.  As  the  Lord  liveth ;  as  they 
had  taught  my  people  to  swear  by  Ba'al : 
that  they  shall  then  be  built  up  in  the  midst 
of  my  people. 

17  But  if  they  will  not  hearken,  then  will 
I  pluck  out  that  nation,  plucking  out  and  ex- 
terminating (them),  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  Thus  said  the  Lord  unto  me.  Go  and 
buy  thee  a  linen  girdle,  and  put  it  around 
thy  loins,  and  lay  it  not  in  water. 

2  So  I  bought  the  girdle,  according  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  and  put  it  around  my  loins. 

3  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me  the  second  time,  saying, 

4  Take  the  girdle  that  thou  hast  bought, 
which  is  around  thy  loins;  and  arise,  go  to 
the  Euphrates,  and  hide  it  there  in  a  cleft  of 
the  rock. 

5  So  I  went,  and  hid  it  by  the  Euphrates, 
as  the  Lord  had  commanded  me. 

6  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of 
many  days,  that  the  Lord  said  unto  me, 
Arise,  go  to  the  Euphrates,  and  take  from 
there  the  girdle,  which  I  commanded  thee 
to  hide  there. 


°  Rashi.    Others,  "  with  a  full  voice,"  -i.  e.  loudly. 

*  Others  take  |'UX  not  as  Rashi,  stained  or  painted  with 
blood,  but  as  signifying  the  hyajna,  "  the  striped"  or 
"painted  beast." 

°  i.  e.  "  Lay  violent  hands  on,"  &e. 

'  Lit.  "I  will  return  and  have  mercy." 

537 


JEREMIAH  XIII.  XI V. 


7  And  I  went  to  the  Euphrates,  and  dug, 
and  took  the  girdle  from  the  pLace  where  I 
had  hidden  it:  and,  behold,  the  girdle  was 
spoiled,  it  was  useful  for  nothing. 

8  ][  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
me,  saying, 

9  Thus   hath    said   the    Lord,  After  this ' 
manner  will   I  destroy  the  pride  of  Judah, 
and  the  pride  of  Jerusalem,  which  is  great.      ! 

10  And  this  bad  people,  who  refuse  to 
hearken  to  my  words,  who  walk  in  the  stub- 
bornness of  their  heart,  and  have  followed 
other  gods,  to  serve  them,  and  to  bow  down 
to  them,  shall  even  be  as  this  girdle  which  is ! 
useful  for  nothing. 

11  For  as  the  girdle  cleaveth  to  the  loins; 
of  a  man,  so  had  I  caused  to  cleave  unto  me 
all  the  house  of  Israel  and  all  the  house  of 
Judali,  saith  the  Lord, — to  become  unto  me  a 
people,  and  (to  be)  for  a  name,  and  for  praise, 
and  for  honour;  but  they  W'Ould  not  hear. 

12  Therefore  shalt  thou  sa}'  unto  them 
this  word,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel.  Every  bottle  shall  be  filled  with  wine : 
and  when  they  will  say  unto  thee.  Do  w^e  not 
know  full  well  that  every  bottle  shall  be  filled 
with  wine? 

13  ^  Then  shalt  thou  say  unto  them.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  fill  all  the 
inhaljitants  of  this  land,  even  the  kings  that 
sit  after  David  upon  his  throne,  and  the 
priests,  and  the  prophets,  and  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Jerusalem,  with  drunkenness. 

14  And  I  will  dash  them  one  against  the 
other,  even  the  fathers  and  the  sons  together, 
saith  the  Lord:  I  will  not  pity,  nor  spare, 
nor  have  mercy,  so  as  not  to  destroy  them. 

15  Hear  ye,  and  bend  your  ear:  be  not 
proud;  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken. 

16  Give  unto  the  Lord  your  God  glory,  be- 
fore he  cause  darkness,  and  before  your  feet 
strike  upon  the  mountains  of  twilight,  and 
(where),  while  ye  look  for  light,  he  turn  it 
into  the  shadow  of  death,  and  change  it  into 
gross  darkness. 


'  Rashi,  who  refers  it  to  Jehoyaehiii.  Philippson  trans- 
lates it  in  the  same  way,  but  supposes  that  Josiah  and  his 
niiither  are  meant.     Others,  "queen." 

'' Kashi,  "without  resistance,"  "po.aceahly."  Jona- 
than, "in  recompense  of  its  sins."  The  difficulty  is  in 
the  wiird  D'OlSiy,  which  can  be  rendered  as  an  adverb, 
"cnmpletcly,"  or  as  derived  from  Dl'7B'  s/ta/om,  "peace," 
or  DlSiy  sliiZ/um,  "recompense." 
538 


17  But  if  .ye  will  not  hear  it,  mj'  soul  shall 
weep  in  secret  places  because  of  (your)  pride; 
and  my  eye  shall  weep  sorely,  and  run  down 
with  tears,  because  the  flock  of  the  Lord  is 
driven  away  captive. 

18  ^  Say  unto  the  king  and  to  the  queen- 
mother,"  Sit  down  very  lowly;  for  sunk  down 
are  your  head-attires,  the  crown  of  your  orna- 
ment. 

19  The  cities  of  the  south  are  shut  up,  and 
there  is  no  one  to  open  them :  Judah  is  car- 
ried away  into  exile  altogether,  it  is  carried 
into  exile  completely .'' 

20  ][  Lift  up  your  eyes,  and  see  those  that 
are  coming  from  the  north :  where  is  the  flock 
that  was  given  thee,  thy  splendid  flock  ? 

21  What  wilt  thou  say  when  he 'will  pu- 
nish thee?  since  thou  hast  accustomed'  them 
to  be  over  thee  captains,  and  chiefs?  shall  not 
pangs  seize  upon  thee,  as  on  a  woman  in  tra- 
vail? 

22  And  if  thou  wilt  say  in  thy  heart. 
Wherefore  come  these  things  upon  me?  For 
the  greatness  of  thy  iniquity  are  thy  skirts 
laid  open,  thy  heels  are  made  bare  violently. 

2.3  Can  the  Ethiopian  change  his  skin,  or 
the  leopard  his  spots?  (then)  may  ye  also  do 
good,  that  are  accustomed  to  do  evil. 

24  Therefore  will  I  scatter  them  as  the 
stubble  that  passeth  away  before  the  wind  of 
the  wilderness. 

2-5  This  is  thy  lot,  the  portion  of  thy  mea- 
sures from  me,  saith  the  Lord;  because  thou 
hast  forii'otten  me,  and  trusted  in  falsehood. 

26  Therefore  do  I  also  strip  up  thy  skirts 
over  thy  face,  that  thy  shame  may  be  seen. 

27  Thy  adulteries  and  thy  loud  shoutings,* 
the  lewdness  of  thy  incest,  thy  abominations 
on  the  hills  in  the  fields  have  I  seen.  Wo 
unto  thee,  0  Jerusalem!  thou  wilt  not  be 
made  clean  after  ever  so  long  a  time. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to 
Jeremiah  concerning  the  drought. 


°  The  prophet  refers  to  the  frequent  calls  for  foreign 
aid,  by  which  the  enemies  had  been  taught  to  regard  them- 
selves as  protectors  and  chiefs  of  Judah ;  wherefore  the  Ls- 
raelites  had  no  cause  to  complain  of  the  ultimate  fatal 
result  of  their  wicked  policy. 

'*  Lit.  "neighings"  (of  horses,)  i.  c.  the  vacant  shout 
of  sinful  persons  in  their  pretended  forgetfulness  of 
duty. 


JEREMIAH  XIV. 


2  Juilali  iiiourneth,  and  her  gates  lan- 
guish; they  lie  grieved  on  the  ground;  and 
the  distrejised  cry  of  Jeriisaloni  ascendeth  up- 
ward. 

3  And  their  nobles  have  sent  out  their  sul> 
ordinates  for  water:  they  come  to  the  ])its. 
they  find  no  water;  they  return  with  their 
vessels  empty;  they  ai'e  ashamed  and  con- 
founded, and  cover"  their  head. 

4  Because  of  the  ground  which  is  cracked 
open,''  since  there  hath  been  no  rain  in  the 
land,  ai'e  the  ploughmen  ashamed,  they  cover 
their  head. 

5  Yea,  the  hind  also  bringeth  forth  her 
young  in  the  field,  and  forsaketh  (them),  be- 
cause there  is  no  grass. 

6  And  the  wild  asses  stand  on  the  moun- 
tain-tops, they  snuff  up  the  wind  like  serpents : 
their  eyes  fail,  because  there  are  no  herbs. 

7  If  our  iniquities  testify  against  us,  0 
Lord,  do  thou  act  for  the  sake  of  thy  name; 
for  our  backslidings  are  many;  against  thee 
have  we  sinned. 

8  0  thou  hope  of  Israel,  his  saviour  in  time 
of  trouble,  why  shouldst  thou  be  as  a  stranger 
in  the  land,  and  as  a  wayfarer  that  turneth 
aside  to  lodge  for  a  night? 

9  Why  shouldst  thou  be  as  a  man  that  is 
surprised,"^  as  a  mighty  man  that  cannot  save? 
yet  thou  art  in  the  midst  of  us,  0  Lord,  and 
we  are  called  by  thy  name:  abandon  us 
not. 

10  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  unto  this 
people,  Thus  have  they  loved  to  wander 
about,  their  feet  have  they  not  restrained: 
therefore  the  Lord  doth  not  receive  them  in 
favour;  now  will  he  remember  their  iniquity, 
and  w-ill  punish  their  sins. 

11  ^1  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me.  Pray 
not  in  behalf  of  this  people  for  their  good. 

12  When  they  fast,  I  will  not  hear  their 
entreaty;  and  when  they  oft'ei'  burnt-offering 
and  nieatroffering,  I  will  not  receive  them  in 
fiivour;  l)ut  by  the  sword,  and  by  the  famine, 
and  Ijy  the  pestilence,  will  I  make  an  end  of 
them. 

13  Then  said  I,  Ah,  Lord  Eternal!  behold, 
the  prophets  say  unto  them.  Ye  shall  not  see 
the  sword,  neither  shall  ye  have  famine;  but 

*  As  a  sign  of  grief. 

'■  Redak,  "burst  open  from  the  drought."  Ene.  ver. 
"  chapt."The  prophet  speaks  of  the  desolation  caused  by  the 
wan  t  of  rain,  which  caused  the  earth  to  crack  from  drought. 


a  permanent  peace  will  I  give  you   in   tliis 
place. 

14  Tf  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me.  False- 
hood do  the  prophets  prophesy  ui  my  name ; 
I  have  not  sent  them,  neither  have  I  com- 
manded them,  neither  have  I  spoken  unto 
them:  a  vision  of  falsehood,  and  divination, 
and  idolatrous  folly,''  and  the  deceit  of  their 
heart  do  they  pi^ophesy  unto  you. 

15  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
concerning  the  prophets  that  prophesy  in  my 
name,  when  I  have  not  sent  them,  while  they 
say,  Sword  and  famine  shall  not  come  in  this 
land :  By  the  sword  and  by  the  famine  shall 
these  prophets  come  to  their  end. 

I  16  And  the  people  to  whom  they  prophesy 
shall  lie  cast  down  in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem 
by  means  of  the  famine  and  the  sword ;  and 
they  shall  have  none  to  Ijury  them,  them, 
their  wives,  and  their  sons,  and  their  daugh- 
ters; for  I  will  pour  out  their  wickedness  over 
them. 

17  But  thou  shalt  say  unto  them  this  word, 
My  eyes  shall  run  down  with  tears  night  and 
day,  and  they  shall  not  cease;  for  with  a 
great  breach  is  the  virgin-daughter  of  my 
people  broken,  with  a  very  painful  blow. 

j  18  If  I  go  forth  into  the  field,  behold,  there 
are  the  slain  with  the  sword!  and  if  I  enter 
into  the  city,  behold,  there  are  those  that  are 
sick  with  famine !  for  both  the  prophet  and 
the  priest  travel  round*"  into  a  land  that  they 
know  not. 

19  ^  Hast  thou  entirely  rejected  Judah? 
or  hath  thy  soul  loathing  on  Zion  ?  why 
hast  thou  smitten  us,  so  that  there  is  no 
healing  for  us  ?  we  hoped  for  peace,  and 
there  is  no  good;  and  for  the  time  of  heal- 
ing, and  behold,  there  is  terror ! 

20  We  know,  0  Lord,  our  wickedness,  the 
iniquity  of  our  flithers;  for  we  have  sinned 
against  thee. 

21  Do  not  cast  us  off,  for  the  sake  of  thy 
name,  do  not  disgrace  the  throne  of  thy 
glory:  remember,  break  not  thy  covenant 
with  us. 

22  Are  there  any  among  the  vanities  of 
the  nations  those  that  bestow  rain  ?  or  can 
the  heavens   give  forth  showers?     Behold, 

"  Rashi,  "wearied." 
^  Redak,  "vanity." 

"  /.  e.  Go  into  exile;  but  Rashi,  "to  seek  for  assist- 
ance." 

639 


JEREMIAH  XIV.  XV. 


thou  art  this,"  0  Lord  our  God,  and  we  will 
hope  in  thee;  for  thou  hast  done  all  these 
things. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  Tl  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  If  Moses 
and  Samuel  were  to  stand  before  me,  my 
favour''  would  (still)  not  be  toward  this  peo- 
ple: send  them  away  out  of  my  sight,  that 
they  may  go  forth. 

2  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  should 
say  unto  thee.  Whither  shall  we  go  forth? 
that  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Such  as  are  destined  to  death, 
to  death;  and  such  as  ai'e  destined  to  tlie 
sword,  to  the  sword ;  and  such  as  are  destined 
to  famine,  to  fomine;  and  such  as  are  destined 
to  captivity,  to  captivity. 

3  And  I  will  appoint  over  them  four  spe- 
cies," saith  the  Lord  :  The  sword  to  slay,  and 
the  dogs  to  drag  away,  and  the  fowls  of  the 
heaven,  and  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  to  devour 
and  to  destroy. 

4  And  I  will  cause  them  to  become  a  hor- 
ror'' unto  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  on 
account  of  Menasseh  the  son  of  Ilezekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  because  of  what  he  did  in  Je- 
rusalem. 

5  For  who  will  have  pity  upon  thee,  0  Je- 
rusalem? or  who  will  condole"  with  thee?  or 
who  will  go  aside  to  ask  after  thy  welfare? 

6  Thou  hast  indeed  forsaken  me,  saith  the 
Lord,  thou  art  gone  backward;  therefore  do 
I  stretch  out  my  hand  against  thee,  and  de- 
stroy thee:   I  am  weary  with  repenting.' 

7  And  I  winnow  them  with  a  fan  in  the 
gates  of  the  land:  I  make  childless,  I  anni- 
hilate my  people,  (since)  from  their  ways  they 
have  not  turned  away. 

8  Their  widows  are  more  numerous  before 
me  than  the  sand  of  the  seas :  I  bring  unto 
them,  over  the  mothers  of  the  young  men,  a 


'  Rcdak,  "Art  thou  not  he  that  givest  rain? — there- 
fore will  we,"  &c.  "  Rashi.     Lit.  "soul." 
°  Heb.  "families,"  /.  e.  four  means  of  punishment. 
''  Philipp.son,  "And  I  give  them  up  to  ill  usage,"  kc 
'  Rashi,  "lament  for."      Zunz,  "show  sympathy." 
'  Philipp'Oii,  "iif  fcirgiving."   Zunz,  "of  having merey." 
'  Raslii  andJosejih  Kimclii.      Rablii  Jonah,  "tumult." 
Jonathan   renders  DX  "cnmpaiiy."       Others,   "upon   the 
a.sseniblago  of  young  men;"  but  Rashi  renders  it  "mo- 
ther-city," /.  e.  Jerusalem. 

"  Rashi,  "entreat,"  and  exjdains  it  in  two  ways;  first, 
hat  the  Israelites  (who  are  represented  as  the  personal 
640 


waster  at  noonday ;  I  cause  to  fall  upon  her 
suddenly  the  enemy^  with  (liis)  terrors. 

9  She  that  had  born  seven  children  fadeth 
away ;  she  breatheth  out  her  soul,  her  sun  is 
set  while  it  is  yet  day;  she  is  made  ashamed 
and  put  to  the  blush: — and  their  residue  will 
I  give  UY>  to  the  sword  before  their  enemies, 
saith  the  Lord. 

10  ^[  Wo  is  me,  my  mother,  that  tliou  hast 
born  me,  a  man  of  contention  and  a  roan  of 
strife  to  the  whole  land!  I  have  not  lent, 
nor  have  men  lent  to  me :  (yet)  every  one  of 
them  curseth  me. 

11  The  Lord  said,  Truly  I  will  release 
thee  for  (thy)  good;  truly  I  will  cause  the 
enemy  to  meet''  thee  in  the  time  of  distress 
and  in  the  time  of  affliction. 

12  Can  iron  break  in  pieces'  the  northern 
iron  and  copper? 

13  Thy''  wealth  and  thy  treasures  will  I 
give  up  as  spoil  without  price,  and  this  for  all 
thy  sins,  even  in  all  thy  borders. 

14  And  I  will  cause  them'  to  pass  over 
with  thy  enemies  into  a  land  which  thou 
knowest  not;  for  a  fire  is  kindled  in  my  an- 
ger, over  you  shall  it  burn. 

15  T[  Thou  well  knowest  it,  0  Lord!  re- 
member me,  and  think  of  me,  and  avenge  me 
on  my  persecutors ;  not  according  to  thy  long- 
suffering  act  thou  for  me:  know,  that  for  thy 
sake  I  have  borne  sliame. 

16  When  thy  words  were  made  manifest 
to  me,  then  I  greedily  received  them ;'°  and 
thy  word  became  unto  me  the  gladness  ana 
joy  of  my  heart ;  for  thy  name  is  called 
upon  me,  0  Lord  God  of  hosts. 

17  1  sat  not  in  the  assembly  of  the  mirth- 
ful, and  was  rejoiced;  because  of  thy  inspira- 
tion I  sat  solitary;  for  thou  hadst  filled  me 
with  indignation. 

18  Why  is  my  pain  perpetual,  and  my 
wound  incurable?    it  refuseth  to  be  healed: 


enemies  of  the  prophet)  shall  ask  him  to  pray  for  them 
in  their  distress,  or  that  Nebuzaraddan  should  request 
him  to  do  as  he  pleased.   (See  Jer.  xl.  4.) 

'  Can  ordinary  iron,  though  hard  and  strong  in  itself, 
break  that  which  is  of  a  much  stronger  kind,  and  well 
tempered?  But  Philippaon,  "Can  men  break  in  pieces 
inm,  iron  of  the  north,  and  brass?"  Eng.  ver.  has  for 
"brass,"  ".steel." 

''  i.  e.  Spoken  to  Israel. 

'  Redak,  "I  will  cause  thee  to  pass  over  to  thy  ene- 
mies." 

"■  Lit.  "Thy  words  were  found,  and  I  ate  thorn." 


JEREMIAH   XV.  XVI. 


it  is"  truly  become   unto  me  as  a  deceptive 
spring,  as  waters  that  are  not  reliable. 

19  Tl  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
If  thou  return,  and  I  bring  thee  back  again, 
then  shalt  thou  stand  ()efore  me;  and  if  thou 
bring  Ibrth  the  precious  from  the  vile,  thou 
shalt  be  as  ui}- mouth:  these  shall  return  unto 
thee;  but  thou  shalt  not  return  unto  them.'' 

20  And  I  will  make  thee  unto  this  people 
as  a  fortified  brazen  wall;  and  they  will 
fight  against  thee,  but  they  shall  not  prevail 
against  thee;  for  I  am  with  thee  to  save  thee 
and  to  deliver  thee,  saith  the  Lord. 

21  And  I  will  deliver  thee  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  wicked,  and  I  will  redeem  thee  out  of 
the  grasp  of  the  tyrants. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ]f  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Thou  shalt  not  take  thyself  a  wife, 
neither  shalt  thou  have  sons  or  daughters  in 
this  place. 

3  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  concern- 
ing the  sons  and  concerning  the  daughters 
that  are  born  in  this  place,  and  concerning 
their  mothers  that  bear  them,  and  concerning 
their  fathers  that  beget  them  in  this  land : 

4  A  death  through  diseases  of  famine"  shall 
they  die;  they  shall  not  be  lamented  for;  nor 
shall  they  be  buried;  for  dung  upon  the 
fixce  of  the  earth  shall  they  be:  and  by  the 
sword  and  by  famine  shall  they  come  to  their 
end;  and  their  carcasses  shall  be  for  food 
unto  the  fowls  of  heaven,  and  unto  the  beasts 
of  the  earth. 

•5  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Enter 
not  into  the  house  of  mouiuiing,  neither  go  to 
lament  nor  to  condole  with  them ;  for  I  have 
taken  a^vay  my  peace  from  this  people,  saith 
the  Lord,  yea,  kindness  and  mercy. 

6  And  both  the  great  and  the  small  shall 
die  in  this  land, — they  shall  not  be  buried,  and 
men  shall  not  lament  for  them,  nor  cut  them- 
selves, nor  make  themselves  laald  for  them;'' 


"  Itaslii  and  others  refer  riTin  to  God,  and  render, 
"thnu  art  become."  We  have  followed  Zunz,  who  makes 
"the  wound"  the  nominative  of  the  verb  in  the  third 
person  feminine  singular. 

■"  Jonathan,  "If  thou  wilt  cause  the  wicked  to  return 
to  be  righteous,  thou  wilt  fulfil  the  will  of  my  word; 
they  shall  come  to  thy  prophecy,  but  thou  shalt  not  turn 
to  go  astray  after  them." 

'  Jonathan.     Uthens,  simply  "diseases." 


7  Nor  shall  they  break  bread  ibr  them  at 
their  mouiniing,  to  comfort  them  for  the  dead; 
nor  shall  they  give  them  to  drink  the  cup  of 
consolation  for  their  iiither  and  for  their 
mother. 

8  And  into  the  house  of  feasting  shalt  thou 
not  enter,  to  sit  with  them,  to  eat  and  to  drink. 

9  T[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  cause  to 
cease  out  of  this  place  before  your  eyes,  and 
in  3our  days,  the  voice  of  gladness,  and  the 
voice  of  jo}',  the  voice  of  the  bridegroom,  and 
the  voice  of  the  bride. 

10  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  thou 
shalt  tell  this  people  nil  tliese  words,  and 
they  should  say  unto  thee,  Wherefore  hath 
the  Lord  spoken  against  us  all  this  great 
evil?  and  what  is  our  iniquity?  and  what  is 
our  sin  that  we  have  committed  against  the 
Lord  our  God? 

11  That  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Be- 
cause your  fothers  forsook  me,  saith  the  Lord, 
and  walked  after  other  gods,  and  served 
them,  and  bowed  down  unto  them,  and  me 
they  forsook,  and  m}'  law  they  kept  not ; 

12  And  ye  act  worse  than  your  fathers; 
for,  behold,  ye  walk  ever}'  one  after  the  stul> 
bornness  of  his  evil  heart,  so  as  not  to  hearken 
unto  me; 

13  Therefore  will  I  hurl  you  out  of  this 
land  into  the  land  of  which  }e  had  no  know- 
ledge, neither  ye  nor  your  fathers ;  and  3'e 
will  serve  there  other"  gods  by  day  and  by 
night;  so  that  I  will  not  grant  you  any  flxvour.'' 

14  ^  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,*-'  when  it  shall  not  be  said 
any  more,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath 
brought  up  the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt ; 

15  But,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath 
brought  up  the  children  of  Israel  from  the 
land  of  the  north,  and  from  all  the  countries 
whither  he  had  driven  them :  and  I  will 
cause  them  to  return  unto  their  land  which  I 
have  given  unto  their  fathers. 

■^  See  Deut.  xiv.  1. 

°  Jonathan,  "And  ye  shall  serve  there  the  nations  who 
worship  errors;"  and  so  is  this  expression  to  be  explained 
wherever  it  occurs  in  the  Bible. 

'  Zunz,  "respite,"  or  "intermission  from  toil." 

^  Notwithstanding  the  terrible  iniquity  of  Israel,  and 
its  frightful  consequences,  God  will  not  break  his  cove- 
nant with  them,  but  redeem  and  restore  them  again  to  hia 
favour. 

541 


JEKEMIAH  XVI.  XVII. 


16  ^  Behold,  I  will  send  for  many  fisher- 
men, saith  the  Lord,  and  they  shall  fish 
them  ;  and  after  that  will  I  send  for  many 
hunters,  and  thej^  shall  hunt  them  from  every 
mountain,  and  from  every  hill,  and  out  of  the 
clefts  of  the  rocks. 

17  For  my  eyes  are  directed  upon  all  their 
ways,  they  are  not  hidden  from  my  fiice,  nor 
is  their  iniquity  concealed  from  my  eyes. 

18  And  (thus)  will  I  pay  them  at  the  first 
their  twofold  iniquity  and  their  sin ;  because 
they  have  defiled  my  land,  filling  my  heritage 
with  the  carcasses  of  their  detestable  and 
abominable  idols. 

19  ^  0  Lord,  my  strength,  and  my  fort- 
ress, and  my  refuge  on  the  day  of  trouble, 
unto  thee  shall  nations  come  from  the  ends 
of  the  earth,  and  say.  Nothing  but  falsehood 
had  our  fathers  inherited,  vanity,  wherein 
there  is  no  profit. 

20  How  ?  can  a  man  make  unto  himself 
gods,  which  are  yet  no  gods  ?"• 

21  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  cause  them  to 
know,  at  this  time  will  I  cause  them  to  know, 
my  hand  and  my  might :  and  they  shall  know 
that  my  name  is  The  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ^[  The  sin  of  Judah  is  written  down 
with  a  pen  of  iron,  with  the  point  of  a  dia- 
mond :  it  is  engraved  upon  the  table  of  their 
heart,  and  on  the  horns  of  your  altars. 

2  Like''  their  remembrance  of  their  chil- 
dren, so  are  (to  them)  their  altars  and  their 
groves  by  (every)  green  tree  upon  the  high 
hills. 

3  0  my  mountain"  in  the  field,  thy  sub- 
stance, all  thy  treasures  will  I  give  up  for 
spoil,  thy  high-places  (reared)  with  sin, 
tliroughout  all  thy  borders. 

4  And  thou''  shalt  be  cast  out,  yea  through 
tliy  own  guilt,  Irom  thy  heritage  which  I 
have  given  thee;  and  1  will  cause  thee  to 
serve   thy  enemies    in    a   land   which   thou 


*  Zunz,  "and  are  tlieraselves  no  gods."  Philipjwon, 
"these  arc  no  gods." 

"■  Rashi;  but.  Jonathan  in  conucction  with  verse  1,  "be- 
(-•Musc  their  chiklrcni  remember  their  altars,"  &c. 

°  "Jerusalem,  that  is  situated  ou  a  table  land." — liASill. 
l>ut  Rcdak,  "Thou  nKumtain-dwcller,"  meaning  "they 
who  worshipped  idols  mi  the  moinitains ;"  ho  also  gives, 
"  for  the  sin  of  thy  high-plaees  in  all  thy  borders." 

''  llashi,  "And  thou  wilt  let  rest  thy  land  against  thy 
64'J 


knowest  not;  for  a  fire  have  ye  kindled  in 
my  anger,  for  ever  shall  it  burn. 

5  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Cursed  is 
the  man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  placeth  on 
fiesh  his  dependence,"  while  from  the  Lord 
his  heart  departeth. 

6  And  he  shall  be  like  a  lonely  tree  in  the 
desert,  which  feeleth  not  when  the  good 
cometh ;  but  abideth  in  the  parched  places  in 
the  wildei-ness,  in  a  salty  land  which  cannot 
be  inhabited. 

7  ][  Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the 
Lord,  and  the  Lord  will  be  his  trust. 

8  And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree  that  is  planted 
by  the  waters,  and  by  a  stream  spreadeth  out 
its  roots,  which  feeleth  not  when  heat  cometh, 
but  its  leaf  remaineth  green  ;  and  in  a  year  of 
drought  it  is  inidisturbed  l)y  care,  and  ceaseth 
not  from  yielding  fruit. 

9  Deceitful  is  tlie  heart  above  all  things, 
and  sick:  who  can  know  it? 

10  I  the  Lord  search  the  heart,  probe  the 
reins:  yea,  to  give  unto  every  man  according 
to  his  ways,  according  to  tlie  fruit  of  liis 
deeds. 

11  ^  As  a  cuckoo'  that  sitteth  on  eggs 
which  he  hath  not  laid,  so  is  he  that  getteth 
riches,  and  not  by  right:  in  the  midst  of  his 
days  shall  he  leave  them,  and  at  his  end  shall 
be  called  wicked. 

12  A  throne*-'  of  glory,  exalted  from  the 
beginning,  is  the  place  of  our  sanctuary  ! 

lo  Hope  of  Israel,  0  Lord,  all  that  forsake 
thee  shall  be  made  ashamed,  and  the  back- 
sliders among  me  shall  be  written  down  on 
the  earth;''  because  they  have  forsaken  the 
fountain  of  living  waters,  the  Lord. 

14  If  Heal  me,  0  Lord,  and  1  shall  be 
liealed:  save  me,  and  I  shall  be  saved;  for  my 
praise  art  thou. 

10  Behold,  they  say  unto  me.  Where  is 
the  word  of  the  Lord?  let  it  come  now. 

10  As  for  me,  I  have  not  hastened  to  be  a 
shepherd'  to  follow  thee ;  and  the  woful  day 


will,  and  of  thee  will  I  take  vengeance  because  of  the 
land,"  &c.     (See  Lev.  xxv.  "2,  xxvi.  3,  4,  &c.) 

'  Lit.  "raaketh  flesh  his  arm." 

'  Others,  "iKirtridge." 

''  llashi  regards  this  as  an  address  to  God,  thus,  "O 
throne,"  &c. 

''  ]lashi  expounds,  "for  tlii^  grave."     Tliili]ips(iii,  '•  in 


the  sand;"  /.  ''.  given  up  to  ol 

'  lledak.      Rashi,  "I  did    urge   thee   to   1, 


run 


JEREMIAH  XVII.  XVIII. 


have  I  not  longed  for;  thou  knowest  it:  what 
came  out  of  my  lips  was  known  before  thee. 

17  Be  not  a  terror  unto  me:  thou  art  my 
protection  on  the  clay  of  e\'il. 

18  Let  those  be  made  ashamed  that  perse- 
cute me,  but  let  not  me  be  made  ashamed; 
let  tlieni  be  dismayed,  but  let  me  not  be 
dismayed :  bring  upon  them  the  day  of  evil, 
and  strike"*  them  with  a  double  lireach. 

10  *i\  Thus  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  Go  and 
stand  in  the  gate  of  the  children  of  the  peo- 
ple, whereby  the  kings  of  Judah  usually 
enter,  and  by  which  they  usually  go  out,  and 
in  all  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  ; 

20  And  say  unto  them,  Hear  ye  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  ye  kings  of  Judah,  and  all  Judah, 
and  all  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  that  enter 
in  by  these  gates : 

21  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Take  heed 
for  your  souls,  and  bear  no  burden  on  the 
sabbath-day,  nor  bring  it  in  through  the 
gates  of  Jerusalem ; 

22  Nor  shall  you  carry  forth  a  burden  out 
of  your  houses  on  the  sabljath-day,  and  no 
manner  of  work  shall  ye  do,  but  hallow  ye 
the  sabbath-day,  as  I  have  commanded  your 
fathers; 

23  But  they  hearkened  not,  and  inclined 
not  their  ear ;  and  they  made  their  neck  stift^ 
so  as  not  to  hearken,  and  not  to  receive  in- 
struction. 

24  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  ye  will 
diligently  hearken  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord, 
so  as  to  bring  in  no  burden  through  the  gates 
of  this  city  on  the  sabbath-day,  and  to  hallow 
the  sabbath-day,  so  as  to  do  no  work  thereon  : 

25  Then  shall  there  enter  through  the 
gates  of  this  city  kings  and  princes  sitting 
upon  the  throne  of  David,  riding  in  chariots 
and  on  horses,  they,  and  their  princes,  the 
men  of  Judah,  and  the  inhal)itants  of  Jerusiv 
lem;  and  this  city  shall  be  inhabited  for  ever. 

26  And  there  shall  come  from  the  cities  of 
Judah,  and  from  the  environs  of  Jerusalem, 


nisliinent,  because,  as  a  good  shepherd,  I  foHowed  thee  to 
ask  mercy  for  them;"- — -to  the  eud  of  the  verse  he  gives, 
"was  before  thee  to  turn  away  thy  wrath  from  them." 
.Touathaii,  ''  I  did  not  delay  with  thy  word  to  prophesy  to 
them  to  bring  them  to  thy  fear."  Zunz  gives,  yiriN  n;'T3 
"because  I  am  devoted  to  thee." 

»  Lit.  "  break." 

''  Rashi,  "form"  or  "seat"  used  by  thi-  putters  in  the 
East,  which   is  described   by  Ttabbi   Jonah  an<l  others  as 


and  from  the  land  of  Benjamin,  and  from  the 
lowlands,  and  from  the  mountain,  and  from 
the  south,  those  that  bring  burnt-oflerings, 
and  sacrifices,  and  meat-on'erings,  and  Iraidv- 
incense,  and  those  that  Ijring  thanksgiving- 
oflerings,  imto  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

27  But  if  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me  to 
hallow  the  sabbath-day,  and  not  to  Ix'ar  a 
Ijurden,  and  to  enter  in  at  the  gates  of  Jerusa- 
lem on  the  sabbath-day:  then  will  I  kindle  a 
fire  in  its  gates,  and  it  shall  devour  the  palaces 
of  Jerusalem,  and  it  shall  not  be  quenched. 

CHAPTER  XVIIL 

1  *i]  The  word  which  came  to  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord,  saying, 

2  Arise,  and  go  down  to  the  potter's  house, 
and  there  will  I  let  thee  hear  my  words. 

3  Then  went  I  down  to  the  potter's  house, 
and,  behold,  he  was  doing  work  on  the 
wheels.'' 

4  And  the  vessel  that  he  was  making  be- 
came spoiled  as  (happeneth)  with  the  clay  iu 
the  hand  of  the  potter;  and  he  made  again 
thereof  another  vessel,  as  it  seemed  good  in 
the  eyes  of  tlie  potter  to  make  it. 

5  ^f  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  to 
me,  saying, 

(J  shall  I  not  be  able  to  do  unto  you  as 
this  potter,  0  house  of  Israel  ?  saith  the  Lord. 
Behold,  as  the  clay  is  in  the  potter's  hand,  so 
are  ye  in  my  hand,  0  house  of  Israel. 

7  ^  At  one  instant  I  speak  concerning 
a  nation,  and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  root 
out,  and  to  pidi  down,  and  to  destroy  it; 

8  But  should  that  nation,  against  whom  I 
have  spoken,  return  from  their  wrong-doing: 
then  will  I  bethink  me  of  the  evil  that  I 
had  thouglit  to  do  unto  them. 

9  T[  And  at  one  instant  I  speak  concerning 
a  nation,  and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  build 
and  to  plant  it : 

10  But  should  it  do  what  is  evil  in  my 
eyes,  so  as  not  to  hearken  to  my  voice  :  then 


consisting  of  a  pair  of  circuUir  stones  placed  upon  one 
another  like  mill-stones;  of  which  the  lower  was  immov- 
able, while  the  upper  turned  on  a  spindle,  or  axis,  and 
had  its  rotatory  motion  communicated  to  it  by  the  foot 
of  the  potter  sitting  at  his  work,  as  we  may  learn  from 
Ecclesiasticus  xxxviii.  '29,  30.  On  the  top  of  this  upper 
stone,  which  was  flat,  the  clay  was  placed,  which  the 
potter,  having  given  the  stone  the  due  velocity,  shaped 
with  his  hands. 

543 


JEREMIAH  XVIII.  XIX. 


will  I  bethink  me  of  the  good,  wherewith 
I  had  thought  to  benefit  the  same. 

11  And  now  do  say  to  the  men  of  Judah, 
and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  as  follow- 
eth,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lokd,  Behold,  I  form 
against  you  evil,  and  devise  against  you  a 
device :  do  but  return  now  every  one  from  his 
evil  way,  and  amend  }our  ways  and  your 
deeds. 

12  And  they  said,  It  is  useless;  for  after 
our  own  thoughts  will  we  walk,  and  we  will 
every  one  do  after  the  stubbornness  of  his 
evil  heart. 

13  T[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Only  ask  among  the  nations,  Who  hath  heard 
the  like  things  ?  a  very  horrible  act  hath  the 
virgin  of  Israel  committed. 

14  Doth  the  snow  of  Lebanon  ever  quit 
the  rock  of  the  field  ?  or  do  the  far-coming, 
cold,  flowing  waters  ever  fail  ?" 

15  That  my  people  have  forgotten  me, 
that  they  have  burnt  incense  to  false  gods, 
and  are  made  to  stumble  on  their  ways,  the 
ancient  beaten  tracks,  to  walk  in  paths,  on  a 
road  which  is  not  levelled  ? 

16  To  make  their  land  desolate,  a  perpetual 
derision  ■}  every  one  that  passeth  thereby 
shall  be  astonished,  and  shake"  his  head. 

17  Like  an  east  wind  will  I  scatter  them 
before  the  enemy  ;  with  the  back,  and  not  the 
face,  will  I  regard  them"  on  the  day  of  their 
calamity. 

18  T[  And  they  said,  Come,  and  let  us  con- 
trive devices  against  Jeremiah;  for"  the  law 
will  not  be  lost  from  the  priest,  nor  counsel 
from  the  wise,  nor  the  word  from  the  prophet. 
Come,  and  let  us  smite  him  with  the  tongue," 
and  let  us  not  listen  to  any  of  his  words. 

19  Listen  to  me,  0  Lord,  and  hearken  to 
the  voice  of  those  that  contend  with  me. 


'  Philippson,  nearly  after  Jonathan,  with  but  few  verbal 
changes;  "  the  ruck  in  the  field,"  a  proverbial  expression 
for  the   rocks  of  Lebanon.     Rashi  and  Redak,  "  Will  a  [ 
thirsty  man  leave  the  water  that  runneth  from  a  rock  in  the  i 
lields,  which  eometh  from  the  pure  snow  of  Lebanon?  or  i 
will  he  leave  the  living,  cold,  flowing  water  which  hath 
been  untasted  hitherto  by  all  men';"'      Zunz,  ''punyieif,\ 
oool  water,"  after  Mciiaehem.     According  to  our  ver.sion,  ! 
it  is  an  appeal  to  inanimate  nature,  which  never  disobeys 
Grod;  as  Isa.  i.  8,  speaks  of  animals. 

''  Lit.  "hissing;"  i.  e.  in  derision. 

°  Lit.  "shake  with." 

*  Rashi  explains,  "When  they  turn   tlic   back  and   nut 
the  face  before  the  cneniv  will  1  see  Ijut  not  lulii  tiiem." 
644  ^  ' 


20  Shall  evil  be  recompensed  instead  of 
good,  that  they  have  dug  a  pit  for  my  life? 
Remember  my  standing  before  thee  to  speak 
good  concerning  them,  to  cause  thy  wrath  to 
turn  away  from  them. 

21  |[  Therefore  give  up  their  children  to 
the  famine,  and  let  their  life  ebb'  out  by 
means  of  the  sword;  and  let  their  wives  be 
bereaved  of  their  children,  and  widows ;  and 
let  their  men  be  slain  by  death ;  their  young 
men  smitten  by  the  sword  in  the  battle. 

22  Let  a  cry  be  heard  from  their  houses, 
when  thou  bringest  a  troop  over  them  sudden- 
ly; for  they  have  dug  a  pit  to  catch  me,  and 
laid  concealed  snares  for  my  feet. 

23  Yet  thou,  Lord,  knowest  well  all  their 
counsel  against  me  to  (procure  my)  death : 
forgive  not  their  iniquity,  and  let  their  sin 
not  be  blotted  out  from  before  thee;  Ijut  let 
them  be  brought  to  stumbling  before  thee ;  in 
the  time  of  thy  anger  deal  thus  with  them. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ^  Thus  said  the  Lord,  Go  and  hwy  a  bottle 
from  a  maker  of  earthenware,  and  (take)  some 
of  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  of  the  elders 
of  the  priests; 

2  And  go  forth  unto  the  valley  of  the  sou 
of  Hiiniom,  which  is  by  the  entry  of  the  gate 
Charsith,^  and  proclaim  there  the  words  that 
I  will  speak  unto  thee. 

3  And  say.  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
0  kings  of  Judah,  and  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem, Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  bring  evil  over 
this  place,  so  that  the  ears  of  every  one  that 
heareth  it  shall  tingle. 

4  For  the  reason  that  they  have  forsaken 
me,  and  have  defiled*"  this  place,  and  have 
burnt  incense  in   it  unto  other  gods,  which 


'  Redak  explains,  "What  do  we  lose  by  slaying  him  ? 
forthere  are  other  priests,  wise  men,  and  prophets,  who  know 
the  law,  counsel,  and  prophesy."  "^^'ith  the  tongue"  is 
explained  by  Jonathan  to  mean,  "  to  give  false  testimony 
against  hiui." 

'  Redak  and  Rashi  both  reader  Dljn  as  "caused  them 
to  flow;"  I.  e.  as  regards  the  blood.  Zunz,  "hurl  them 
into  the  power  of  the  sword."  Philippson,  "surrender 
them." 

"  Jonathan  translates  thus,  "  dung-gate  ;"  and  Rashi 
adds,  "where  they  u.sed  to  cast  the  broken  earthen  vessels." 
Others,  "  sun-gate." 

'Jonathan;  lit.  "estranged;"  and  Rashi,  "they  have 
made  it  a  strani.'er  before  mo." 


JEREMIAH  XIX.  XX. 


they  had  not  known,  either  they  or  their 
fathers,  or  the  kings  of  Judah,  and  have  filled 
this  place  with  the  blood  of  innocents; 

5  And  the}-  have  bnilt  the  high-places  of 
Ba'al,  to  burn  their  sons  with  fire  as  burnt- 
offerings  unto  Ba'al,  which  I  had  not  com- 
manded, nor  spoken,  and  which  had  not  come 
into  my  mind : 

G  ^  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  this  place  shall  no  more 
be  called  The  Thopheth,  nor  The  valley  of  the 
son  of  Hinnom,  but.  The  valley  of  slaughter. 

7  And  I  will  make  void  the  counsel  of  Ju- 
dah and  Jerusalem  in  this  place ;  and  I  will 
cause  them  to  fiill  by  the  sword  Ijefore  their 
enemies,  and  by  the  hand  of  those  that  seek 
their  life :  and  I  will  give  their  carcasses  as 
food  unto  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  unto 
the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

8  And  I  will  render  this  city  desolate,  and 
an  (object  of)  derision:  every  one  that  passeth 
thereby  shall  be  astonished  and  hiss  because 
of  all  its  plagues. 

9  And  I  will  cause  them  to  eat  the  flesh 
of  their  sons  and  the  flesh  of  their  daughters, 
and  they  shall  eat  every  one  the  flesh  of  his 
associate,  in  the  siege  and  straitness,  where- 
with their  enemies,  and  those  that  seek  their 
life,  shall  distre.ss  them. 

10  Then  shaft  thou  break  the  bottle  before 
the  eyes  of  the  men  that  are  going  with  thee. 

11  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  In  this  manner 
will  I  break  this  people  and  this  city,  as  one 
breaketh  a  potter's  vessel,  that  cannot  be  re- 
stored again;  and  in  Thopheth  shall  they 
bury,  for  want  of  room  to  bury. 

12  Thus  will  I  do  unto  this  place,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  to  its  inhabitants,  and  to  make 
this  city  as  Thopheth :" 

13  And  the  houses  of  Jerusalem,  and  the 
houses  of  the  kings  of  Judah,  which  are  unclean, 
shall  become  as  the  place  of  theTliopheth,  with'' 
all  the  hou.ses  upon  the  roofsof  which  they  have 
burnt  incense  to  all  the  host  of  heaven,  and 
have  poured  out  drink-offerings  to  other  gods. 

14  ^  Then  came  Jeremiah  from  the  Tho- 


'  llashi,  "Full  of  slain  oues,  as  the  Tboplietli  is  where 
they  slay  the  children  unto  Molech." 

'■  Redak,  "because,"  or  "this  is  with  respect  to,''  kc. 

°  riD-jnon,  from  lan,  Iwphach,   "to  overturn,   subvert, 
distort,"  generally  denotes  au  oie/'Mrixf,  (Deut.  xxix.  22, 1  i  wealth 
and  seems  to  signify  here  a  sort  of  stocks,  by  which  the  j      '  The  prophet's  address  to  (j 
3  T 


pheth,  whither  the  Lord  had  sent  him  to  pro- 
phesy ;  and  he  placed  himself  in  the  court  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  and  said  to  all  the 
people, 

15  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Behold.  I  will  bring  upon  this 
city  and  upon  all  its  towns  all  the  evil  that  I 
have  spoken  against  it;  because  they  have 
hardened  their  neck,  so  as  not  to  hear  my 
words. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  But  when  Pashcluir  the  son  of  Innuer 
the  priest,  who  was  chief  superintendent  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  heard  Jeremiah  pro- 
phesying these  A\"ords : 

2  Then  smote  Pashchur  Jeremiah  the  \)Vo- 
phet,  and  put  him  in  the  stocks''  that  were  in 
the  upps'r  gate  of  Benjamin,  which  w;is  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
Pashchur  brought  forth  Jeremiah  out  of  the 
stocks.  And  Jeremiah  said  unto  him,  Not 
Pashchur  [Fulness  of  freedom]  hath  the 
Lord  called  thy  name,  but  Magor-missabib 
[Terror  all  around]. 

4  ][  For  thus  hath  saiil  the  Lord,  Behold, 
I  will  make  thee  a  terror  to  thyself,  and  to 
all  thy  friends;  and  the}-  shall  fall  by  the 
sword  of  their  enemies,  and  thy  eyes  shall 
see  it;  and  all  Judah  will  I  give  into  the 
hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  shall 
lead  them  into  exile  to  Babylon,  ;ind  shall 
smite  them  with  the  sword. 

5  And  I  will  give  up  all  the  wealth'^  of 
this  city,  and  all  its  acquisitions,  and  all  its 
precious  things;  and  all  the  treasures  of  the 
kings  of  Judah  will  I  give  into  the  hand  of 
their  enemies,  who  .shall  plunder  them,  and 
take  them,  and  carry  them  away  to  Babylon. 

6  And  thou,  Pashchur.  and  all  the  inha- 
bitants of  th}  house,  shall  go  into  captivity ; 
and  to  Babylon  shalt  thou  come,  and  there 
thou  shalt  die,  and  there  sliidt  thou  1k'  buried, 
thou,  and  all  thy  friends,  to  whom  thou  hast 
prophesied  with  falsehood. 

7  ][  Thou"  didst  persuade  me,  0  Lord,  and  I 


limbs  were  distorted  into  uneasy  postures.     So  Jonathan, 
Nili!':).     But  Rashi  and  others  understand  it  as  merely 
signifying  a  place  of  confinement,  or  house  of  corrertimi. 
''Rashi;    lit.    "strength,"    which    result.s    often    from 


S46 


JEREMIAH  XX.  XXI. 


was  persuaded ;  thou  laidst  thy  (hand)  strongly 
on  me,  and  didst  prevail :  I  am  laughed  at  all 
the  time,  every  one  mocketh  me. 

8  For  as  often  as  I  speak  must  I  cry  out, 
violence  and  wasting  must  I  proclaim;  because 
the  word  of  the  Lord  is  become  unto  me  a 
disgrace,  and  a  derision,  all  the  time. 

9  And  I  thought,  I  will  not  make  mention 
of  him,  and  I  will  not  speak  any  more  in  his 
name.  But  it"  became  in  my  heart  as  a 
burning  fire  enclosed  within  my  bones,  and  I 
was  weary  with  enduring,  and  I  could  not 
overcome  it. 

10  For  I  heard  the  defiiming  of  many, 
angry  assemblies  on  everj'  side,  "  Tell,  and 
we  will  telP  of  him."  All  the  men  who  ought 
to  seek  my  welfare,  watch  for  my  tall;  say- 
ing, "  Peradventure  he  may  be  enticed,  and 
we  shall  prevail  against  him,  and  we  will 
then  take  our  revenge  on  him." 

11  But  the  Lord  is  with  me  as  a  mighty 
powerful  one ;  therefore  my  persecutors  will 
stiuuble,  and  they  will  not  prevail:  they  will 
be  greatly  ashamed,  for  they  will  not  prosper  ; 
(it  is)  an  everlasting  confusion  which  will 
never  be  forgotten. 

12  But,  0  Lord  of  hosts,  that  i)robest  the 
righteous,  seest  the  reins  and  the  heart,  let 
me  see  thy  vengeance  on  them  ;  for  unto  thee 
have  I  laid  open  my  cause. 

13  ^[  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  praise  ye  the 
Lord;  for  he  hath  delivered  the  soul  of  the 
needy  from  the  hand  of  evil-doers.  ^ 

14  ][  Cursed  be  the  day  whereon  I  was 
born:  the  day  on  which  my  mother  bore  me 
sliall  not  be  blessed. 

15  Cursed  be  the  man  who  brought  tidings 
to  my  father,  saying,  A  man-child  is  born 
unto  thee.  How  very  glad  did  he  make 
him ! 

16  And  may  that  same  man  become  like 
the  cities  which  the  Lord  overthrew,  and  l)e- 
thought  himself  not;  and  may  he  hear  a  cry 
of  anguish  in  the  morning,  and  a  tumultuous 
noise  at  noontide ; 

17  ]?ecause  I  was  nut  slain  (as  I  escaped) 
from  the  womb;  or  that  my  mother  might 
have    become    unto   me  my  grave,  and  her 


"  K:islii,  "the  prophecy." 

^  '-We  will  testify  falsely  against  him." — Rashi. 
'  i.  I'.  Tlu'  weapons  of  w:ir,  iip  they  shall  he  useless  out- 
sit-lo   of   the  walls,    against    the    enemies.     Others   refer 
540 


womb  have   been   affected  with  a  perpetual 
pregnancy. 

18  Wherefore  was  this  that  I  came  forth 
out  of  the  woml)  to  see  trouble  and  sorrow, 
that  my  da^s  should  pass  away  in  shame  ? 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  Tl  The  word  which  came  unto  Jereiuiali 
from  the  Lord,  when  king  Zedekiah  sent  unto 
him  Pashchur  the  son  of  Malki^ah,  and  Ze- 
phanyah  the  son  of  Ma'assejah  the  priest, 
saying, 

2  Inquire,  I  pray  thee,  in  our  behalf  of  the 
Lord;  for  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon maketh  war  against  us:  peradventure  the 
Lord  will  deal  with  us  according  to  all  his 
wondrous  deeds,  so  that  he  may  withdraw 
from  us. 

3  ^  Then  said  Jeremiah  unto  them.  Thus 
shall  ye  say  to  Zedekiah : 

4  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel,  Behold,  I  will  turn  back  the  weapons 
of  war  that  are  in  your  hands,  wherewith  ye 
fight  against  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  against 
the  Chaldeans,  who  besiege  you  without  the 
walls,  and  I  will  assemble  them"  into  the 
midst  of  this  city. 

5  And  I  myself  will  fight  against  you  with 
an  outstretclied  hand  and  with  a  strong  arm, 
and  in  anger,  and  in  fury,  and  in  great  wrath. 

6  And  I  will  smite  the  inhabitants  of  this 
city,  both  man  and  beast :  of  a  great  pestilence 
shall  they  die. 

7  And  afterward,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I 
give  up  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Jiidah,  and  his 
servants,  and  the  people,  and  those  that  are 
left  in  this  city  from  the  pestilence,  from  the 
sword,  and  from  the  famine,  into  the  hand  of 
Nebuchadrezzar''  the  king  of  Babylon,  and 
into  the  hand  of  their  enemies,  and  into  the 
hand  of  those  that  seek  their  life :  and  he 
shall  smite  them  with  the  edge  of  the  sword ; 
he  will  not  spare  them,  nor  have  pity,  nor 
have  mercy. 

8  And  unto  this  people  shalt  thou  say. 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  set  before 
you  the  way  of  life,  and  the  way  of  death. 

9  He  that  remaineth  in  this  city  shall  die 

"them"    to   the    Chaldeans,   iniHcafing    that   they   shall 
take  the  city. 

"■  Instead  of  Nehuehadnezzar,  and  i.s  the  reading  of 
twenty-six  places  in  this  hook. 


JEREMlAii  XXI.  XXll. 


by  the  sword,  or  Ijy  the  famine,  or  by  the 
pestilence;  but  he  that  goeth  out,  and  runneth 
away*  to  the  (_'haldeans  that  besiege  you, 
shall  remain  alive,  and  his  lile  shall  be  unto 
him  as  a  booty.'' 

10  For  I  have  set  ray  face  against  this  city 
for  evil,  and  not  for  good,  saith  the  Lord  : 
into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon  shall  it 
be  given  up.  and  he  will  burn  it  with  fire. 

11  And  to  the  house  of  the  king  of  Judah 
(say),  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord  : 

12  0  house  of  David,  thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Exercise"  justice  on  (every)  morning, 
and  deliver  him  that  is  robbed  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  oppi'essor;  lest  my  fury  go  forth  like 
tire,  an<l  burn  so  that  none  can  quench  it,  be- 
cause of  the  evil  of  your  doings. 

13  Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  0  inhar 
bitress  of  the  valley,  (about)  the  rock  of  the 
plain,  saith  the  Lord  ;  who  say.  Who  shall 
descend  down  ao'ainst  us  ?  or  who  shall  enter 
into  our  habitations  ? 

14  But  I  will  inflict  punishment  on  you  ac- 
cording to  the  fruit  of  vour  doings,  saith  the 
Lord  :  and  I  will  kindle  a  fire  in  its  forest, 
and  it  shall  devour  all  its  environs. 

CHAPTER  XXIL 

1  ^  Thus  said  the  Lord,  Go  down  to  the 
house  of  the  king  of  Judah,  and  speak  there 
this  word ; 

2  And  thou  shalt  say.  Hear  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  0  Idng  of  Judah,  that  sittest  upon 
the  throne  of  David,  thou,  and  thy  servants, 
and  thy  people  that  enter  in  by  these  gates : 

3  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Execute  ye 
justice  and  righteousness,  and  deliver  him 
that  is  robbed  out  of  the  hand  of  the  op- 
pressor; and  the  stranger,  the  iatherless,  and 
the  widow  shall  ye  not  oppress,'"  and  do  them 
no  violence,  and  shed  no  innocent  lilood  in 
this  place. 

4  For  if  ye  indeed  will  do  this  thing,  then 
shall  enter  in  through  the  gates  of  this  house 

"Lit.  "falleth." 

'■  Rashi,  "As  a  man  seizeth  on  some  booty  and  goeth  Lis 
way,  so  shall  he  have  his  life  as  a  booty  from  death  from 
among  those  who  are  slain." 

"Lit.  "judge." 

■*  Rashi  explains  Ijn,  rendered  in  Lev.  xxv.  17,  with 
"  overreach,"  as  meaning,  "  vexing  with  words,"  as  ibid, 
xix.  34. 

"  Philippson,  "Thou  who  art  unto  me  a  Oil'ad,  a  sum- 
mit of  Lebanon — that  I  should  have  to  make  thee,"  &c. 


kings  sitting  after  David  upon  his  throne, 
riding  in  chariots  and  on  horses,  he,  and  his 
servants,  and  his  peoi)le. 

5  But  if  ye  will  not  hear  these  words,  then 
do  I  swear  by  myself,  saith  tlie  Lord,  that 
this  house  shall  become  a  ruin. 

6  T[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  concern- 
ing the  house  of  the  king  of  Judah,  A  Gil'ail 
(though)  thou''  art  unto  me,  a  summit  of  the 
Lebanon  :  yet  I  will  surely  change  thee  into 
a  wilderness,  cities  which  are  not  inhabited. 

7  And  I  will  make  ready  against  thee  de- 
stroyers, every  one  with  his  weapons  :  and 
they  shall  cut  down  the  choice  of  thy  cedars, 
and  cast  them  into  the  fire. 

8  And  (when)  many  nations  (then)  pass 
by  this  city,  they  will  say  eveiy  man  to  his 
nei<;liljour.  Wherefore  hath  the  Lord  done  the 
like  unto  this  great  city  ? 

9  Then  shall  they  sa}^.  Because  they  had 
forsaken  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  their  God. 
and  bowed  down  unto  other  gods,  and  served 
them. 

10  ^  Weep  not  for  the  dead,  and  do  not 
bemoan  him :  weep  sorely  for  him  that  goeth 
away;  fo^he  shall  never  return  any  more,  and 
see  the  land  of  his  birth. 

11  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  respecting 
Shalluin'^  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah, 
who  reigneth  in  the  place  of  Josiah  his  father, 
who  is  gone  forth  out  of  this  place,  He  shall 
never  return  thither  any  more  ; 

12  But  in  the  place  whither  they  have  led 
him  into  exile,  there  shall  he  die;  but  this  land 
shall  he  not  see  any  more. 

13  ^  Wo  unto  him  that  buildeth  his  liouse 
by  unrighteousness,  and  his  chambers  by  in- 
justice; that  maketh  his  neighbour  work 
without  wages,  and  giveth  him  not  the  re- 
ward for  his  labour; 

14  That  saith,  I  will  build  me  a  room}" 
house,  and  ample''  chambers,  and  cutteth  him- 
self out  windows,  and  ceileth  it  with  cedar, 
and  painteth  it  with  colours.' 

'  Sballum  here  mentioned  is  supposed  by  some  to  be 
Jehoachaz,  who  was  carried  after  a  reign  of  three  months 
to  Egypt,  where  he  died  ;  by  others,  Jechonyah,  who  was 
carried  to  Babylon  after  an  equallj'  short  reign ;  and  by 
others  again,  Zedekiah. 

s  Rashi,  simply,  "large;"  lit.  "of  measures." 

''  Redak,  "airj',"  but  the  sense  is  the  same. 

'  Eng.  ver.  "  vermilion ;"  but  the  actual  meaning  is  very 
doubtful.     Rashi  gives,  »S'(''i<y'^  . 

547 


JEREMIAH 

15  Slialt  thou  reign,  because  thou  strivest 
to  excel  with  cedar  buildings?  behold,  thy 
father  ate  and  drank,  but  he  executed  justice 
and  righteousness :  then  was  it  well  with 
him  ! 

16  He  judged  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 
needy;  then  was  it  well :  is  not  this  the  pro- 
per knowledge  of  nie?  saitli  the  Lokd. 

17  But  thy  eyes  and  thy  heart  are  directed 
on  nothing  but  upon  thy  own  gain,  and  upon 
innocent  blood  to  shed  it,  and  upon  oppres- 
sion, and  upon  extortion,  to  practise  them. 

18  ^  Therefore  thus  liath  said  the  Lord 
concerning  Jehoyakini  the  son  of  Josiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  They  shall  not  lament  for 
him,  with,  "Wo,  my  brother!"  and,  "Wo, 
sister!"  they  shall  not  lament  for  him,  with 
"  Wo.  lord !"  and,  "  Wo  to  his  glory  !"  j 

19  With  the  burial  of  an  ass  shall  he  be 
buried,  dragged  about  and  cast  forth  beyond 
the  gates  of  Jerusalem. 

20  ^  Ascend  the  Lebanon,  and  cry  aloud; 
and  let  thy  voice  resound  in  Bashan ;  and  cry 
aloud  from  'Abarim;"  for  crushed  are  all  thy 
lov^ers. 

21  I  spoke  unto  thee  in  tli\-  prosperity  ; 
])ut  thou  saidst,  I  will  not  hear.  This  hath 
been  thy  manner''  from  thy  very  youth,  that 
thou  didst  not  hearken  to  my  voice. 

22  The  wind  shall  scatter  abroad  all  thy 
shepherds,  and  thy  lovers  shall  go  into  capti- 
vity: surely  then  shalt  thou  be  ashamed 
and  confounded  because  of  all  thy  wicked- 
ness. 

23  0  inhabitress  of  Lebanon,  that  makest 
thy  nest  in  the  cedars,  how  full"  of  grace  wilt 
thou  be  when  pangs  come  upon  thee,  the  pain 
as  of  a  woman  in  travail ! 

24  As  I  live,  saith  the  Loiii),  though  Con- 
yahu  the  son  of  Jelioyakim  the  king  of  Judah 
were  a  signet  upon  my  right  hand,  yet  for  a 
surety  would  I  tlience  pluck  thee; 

25  And  I  will  give  thee  into  the  hand  of 
those  that  seek  thy  life,  and  into  the  hand 
of  those  of  whom  thou  art  afraid,  and  into 
the  hand  of  Nebiichadrez/ar  the  king  of  Ba- 
bylon, and  into  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans. 

"  After  Zunz;  the  name  of  the  mountain  east  of  the 
Jordan.     Others,  "passess."     Rcchik,  "on  all  sides." 

'■  Lit.  "way." 

°  Ironical,   ineaninf;   that  when    the   time  of   affliction 
comes,  the  enemy  will  not  n'jranl  the  former  glory;  hence 
I'hilipp.son,  "  How  pitiable!" 
048 


XXH.  XXIII. 

26  And  I  will  hurl  thee  out,  and  thy  mo- 
ther that  hath  born  thee,  into  another  coun- 
try, where  ye  were  not  born;  and  there  shall 
ye  die. 

27  But  to  the  land  whitherward  they  di- 
rect their  soul  to  return,  thither  shall  they 
not  return. 

28  ^  Is  this  man  Conyahu  a  despised 
broken  image?  or  a  vessel  witlKnit  value?'' 
wherefore  are  they  hurled  out,  lie  and  his 
seed,  and  are  cast  forth  into  a  land  which 
they  know  not? 

29  0  land,  land,  land!  hear  the  word  of 
the  LoKi). 

30  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Write  ye 
down  this  man  as  childless,"  as  a  man  that 
shall  not  prosper  in  his  days;  for  no  man  of 
his  seed  shall  succeed  to  sit  upon  the  throne 
of  David,  and  to  rule  any  more  in  Judah. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^  Wo  unto  the  shepherds  that  destroy 
and  scatter  the  flocks  of  my  pasture!  saith 
the  Lord. 

2  Therefore  thus  hatli  said  the  Lord  the 
God  of  Israel  concerning  the  shepherds  that 
feed  my  people.  Ye  have  scattered  my  flocks, 
and  driven  them  away,  and  have  not  taken 
care  of  them :  now,  behold,  I  will  visit 
upon  you  the  evil  of  your  doings,  saith  the 
Loud. 

3  And  I  will  indeed  gather  the  remnant 
of  my  flock  together  out  of  all  the  countries 
whither  I  have  driven  them;  and  I  will  bring 
them  back  again  to  their  folds:  and  they  shall 
be  fruitful  and' inidtiply. 

4  And  I  will  raise  up  over  them  shepherds 
who  shall  feed  them:  and  they  shall  fear  no 
more,  nor  be  dismayed,  and  none  of  them 
shall  be  missing,  saith  the  Lord. 

5  |[  Behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  when  I  will  raise  up  unto  David  a 
righteous  sprout,  and  he  shall  reign  as  king, 
and  prosper,  and  he  shall  execute  justice  and 
righteousness  on  the  earth. 

0  In  his  days  shall  Judah  be  helped,  and 
Israel  shall  dwell  in  safety:  and  this  is  his 

■^  Lit.  "in  which  there  is  no  pleasure." 

"  Childless  only  as  regards  the  suecessimi  to  the  throne; 
for  though  then  but  a  lad,  he  afterward  raised  children  in 
]5abylon,  and  Zerubabel  was  his  grandson;  so  no  son  of 
Je'hoyaehin  ((Jonyahu)  can  ever  be  expected  to  becomh 
ruler  over  Israel. 


JEREMIAH  XXin. 


nauif  whereby  he  ishall  be  called,  The  Lord 

IS   OUR"  RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

7  ^  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,  when  they  shall  no  more  say, 
As  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath  brought  up 
the  children  of  Israel  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt ; 

8  But,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  who  hath 
brought  up  and  who  hath  led  forth  the  seed 
of  the  house  of  Israel  out  of  the  north  coun- 
try, and  out  of  all  countries  whither  I  had 
driven  them:  and  they  shall  dwell  in  their 
own  land. 

9  ^[  To''  the  prophets — Broken  is  my  heart 
within  me;  all  my  bones  shake;  I  am  like  a 
drunken  man,  and  like  a  person  whom  wine 
hath  overcome,  because  of  the  Lord,  and  be- 
cause" of  his  holy  words. 

10  For  of  adulterers  is  the  land  full;  for 
because  of  ftxlse*  swearing  mourneth  the  land, 
dried  up  are  the  pastures  in  the  wilderness; 
because  their  course  was  for  evil,  and  their 
strength  was  for  injustice. 

11  For  both  prophet  and  priest  are  hypo- 
crites: yea,  in  my  ow4a  house  have  I  found 
their  wickedness,  saith  the  Lord. 

12  Therefore  shall  their  way  be  unto  them 
as  slippery  ways  in  the  darkness;  they  shall 
be  pushed  forward,  and  foil  thereon;  for  I 
will  l)ring  upon  them  evil,  the  year  of  their 
punishment,  saith  the  Lord. 

13  ^[  And  on  the  prophets  of  Samaria  have 
I  seen  absurdity:  they  prophesied  by  Ba'al, 
and  misled  my  people  Israel. 

14  ^  But  on  the  prophets  of  Jerusalem 
have  I  seen  a  horrible  thing;  they  commit 
adultery,  and  walk  in  falsehood;  and  they 
strengthen  the  hands  of  evil-doers,  so  that 
not  one  of  these  doth  return  from  his  wicked- 
ness :  they  are  become  unto  me  all  of  them 
as  Sodom,  and  its  inhabitants  as  Gomorrah. 

15  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
of  hosts  concerning  the  prophets.  Behold,  I 
will  feed  them  with  wormwood,  and  make 
them  drink  poison-water;   for  from  the  pro- 

'  Rashi,  "The  Lord  will  justify  us  in  the  days  of  this 
jne."  See  also  the  name  of  Jacob's  altar,  (fTen.  xxsiii. 
20;)  and  that  of  Moses,  (Esod.  xvii.  15,)  &c. 

''  According  to  all  the  modern  translators,  □■N3j'7  ''To 
the  prophets,"  forms  a  sort  of  address  to  the  succeeding 
discourse;  but  Rashi  and  others,  "Because  of  the  (words 
of  the)  prophets  my  heart  is  broken,"  &c. 


phets  of  Jerusalem    is   hypocrisy  gone  forth 
over  all  the  land. 

16  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
Hearken  not  unto  the  words  of  the  prophets 
that  prophesy  unto  you,  they  bring  you  unto 
vanit}-:  a  vision  of  their  own  heart  do  they 
ever  speak,  not  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 

17  They  say  indeed  unto  those  that  in- 
cense" me,  The  Lord  hath  spoken,  Peace 
shall  ye  have:  and  unto  every  one  that 
walketh  in  the  stubboriniess  of  his  own 
heart,  they  said.  There  sliall  come  no  evil 
upon  you. 

18  For  who  hath  stood  in  the  secret  coun- 
sel of  the  Lord,  that  he  could  perceive  and 
hear  his  word?  who  hath  listened  to  his 
word  and  heard  it? 

19  ^  Behold,  the  storm-wind  of  the  Lord 
is  gone  forth  in  fury,  3'ea,'  a  whirling  storm : 
upon  the  head  of  the  wicked  shall  it  fall 
grievousl}'. 

20  The  anger  of  the  Lord  will  not  return, 
until  he  have  executed,  and  until  he  have  ful- 
filled the  purposes  of  his  heart:  in  the  end 
of  days  shall  ye  understand  this  fully. 

21  I  had  not  sent  these  prophets,  yet  they 
ran :  I  had  not  spoken  to  them,  yet  they  pro- 
phesied. 

22  But  if  they  had  stood  in  my  secret 
counsel,  they  should  have  announced  my 
words  to  my  people,  and  have  caused  them 
to  turn  back  from  their  evil  way,  and  from 
the  wrongfulness  of  their  doings. 

23  ^  Am  I  a  God  for  tho.se'^'  near  at  hand, 
saith  the  Lord,  and  not  a  God  for  those  who 
are  afar  off? 

24  If  a  man  should  hide  himself  in  secret 
places  should  I  not  then  see  him?  saith  the 
Lord.  Do  I  not  fill  the  heavens  and  the 
earth?  saith  the  Lord. 

25  I  have  heard  what  the  prophets  have 
said,  that  prophesy  falsely  in  my  niime,  say- 
ing, I  have  dreamt,  I  have  dreamt. 

26  How  long  shall'*  it  be  in  the  heart  of 
the  prophets  that  prophesy  falsehood?    ^ea, 

''  Rashi.     But  others,  "the  curse." 

'  Jonathan  :  /.  c.  by  their  wickedness.  Others,  "  de- 
spise."    Others,  "reject." 

'  Rashi,  "an  abiding  storm;"  one  that  passeth  but 
slowly  away. 

«  Rashi. 
Rashi  explains,  "  How  long  will  they  prophesy  fals 


°  Redak,  "because  the  Lord  is  profaned,"  &e.  by  these  ^j  hood?  do  those  false  prophets  have  in  their  heart  to  ac- 
prophets.  Il  complish  their  tlioughts,  as  they  think  to,"  &c. 

54& 


JEREMIAH  XXIIJ.  XXIV. 


the    prophets    of    the    deceit,   of    their    own  | 
heart, —  i 

27  (IIow  long)  do  they  think  to  cause  my 
people  to  forget  my  name  by  their  dreams 
which  they  relate  every  man  to  his  neigh- 
bour, as  their  fathers  forgot  my  name  for  the 
sake  of  Ba'al  ? 

28  The  prophet  that  hath  had  a  dream,  let 
him  relate  his  dream;  and  he  that  hath  re- 
ceived my  word,  let  him  speak  my  word  of 
trutli."  What  hath  the  straw  to  do  with  the 
corn?''  saith  the  Lord. 

29  Is  not  thus  my  word,  like  the  fire? 
saith  the  Lord,  and  like  a  hannner  that 
shivereth  the  rock? 

30  Therefore,  behold,  I  am  against  the 
prophets,  saith  the  Lord,  that  steal  my  words 
every  one  from  his  neiglibour. 

31  Behold,  I  am  against  the  jjrophets, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  use  their  own  word,"  and 
say,  (The  Lord)  saith. 

32  Behold,  I  am  against  those  that  pro- 
phesy with  false  dreams,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
do  relate  them,  and  mislead  my  people  by 
their  talsehoods,  and  by  their  vain  boasting:'' 
while  I  have  not  sent  them,  nor  commanded 
them;  and  they  cannot  bring  the  least  profit 
to  this  people,  saith  the  Lord. 

33  And  if  this  people,  or  the  prophet,  or  a 
priest,  should  ask  thee,  saying.  What  is  the 
message"  of  the  Lord?  then  shalt  thou  say 
unto  them,  Because*^  of  this  "  What  is  the 
message?"  will  I  even  cast  you  oft',  saith  the 
Lord. 

34  And  as  for  the  prophet,  and  the  priest, 
and  the  people,  that  will  say,  "A  message 
of  the  Lord,"  I  will  even  intlict  punishment 
on  that  man  and  on  his  house. 

35  Thus  shall  ye  say  every  one  to  his 
neighbour,  and  every  one  to  his  brother. 
What  hath  the  Lord  answered?  and,  What 
hath  the  Lord  spoken? 

36  But  "  A  message  of  the  Lord"  shall  ye 
not  mention  any  more;  for  the  message 
Cometh  indeed  to  the  man  of  his  (prophetic) 

'  Jorciniah  here  draws  a  strong  distiTiction  between  a 
dream  of  a  tnie  vision,  and  a  base  invention  of  deceivers; 
tbey  who  speak,  themselves  must  know  what  is  trnc. 

'  What  has  falsehood  in  counnon  with  truth? 

=  Lit.  "take  their  t(mf;ne."  Kashi,  "that  teach  their 
tongue  to  say  their  falsehoods." 

■^  Kashi,  "  Ktourdis!-ant,"  "stunning,"  "astounding 
talk."     Redak,  "trifling." 

5:j(> 


word  f  but  ye  pervert  the  words  of  the  living 
God,  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  our  God. 

37  Thus  shalt  thou  say  to  the  prophet, 
What  hath  the  Lord  answered  thee?  and. 
What  hath  the  Lord  spoken? 

38  But  if  ye  will  say,  "A  message  of  the 
Lord,"  then  thus  saith  the  Lord,  Because  ye 
say  this  word,  "  A  message  of  the  Lord,"  and  I 
have  sent  unto  you,  saying.  Ye  shall  not  say, 


"  A  message  of  the  Lord  :" 


and   had   brought 


39  Therefore,  behold,  I  am  here,  and  I  will 
tear  you  completely  away,  and  I  will  cast  you 
oft",  and  the  city  that  I  have  given  to  you  and 
to  your  fathers,  out  of  my  presence ; 

40  And  I  will  lay  upon  you  an  everlasting 
disgrace,  and  a  perpetual  shame,  which  shall 
not  be  forgotten. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  The  Lord  caused  me  to  see,  and,  be- 
hold, there  were  two  baskets  of  figs  placed 
before  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  after  Ne- 
buchadrezzar the  king  of  Babylon  had  carried 
away  into  exile  Yechonyahu  the  son  of  Ye- 
hoyakim  the  king  of  Judah,  and  the  princes 
of  Judah,  with  the  carpenters  and  the  lock- 
smiths, from  Jerusalem 
them  to  Babylon. 

2  The  one  basket  (had)  very  good  figs,  like 
the  figs  that  are  first  ripe :  and  the  other 
basket  (had)  very  bad  figs,  which  could  not 
be  eaten,  from  being  so  bad. 

3  *i\  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  What 
seest  thou,  Jeremiah  ?  And  I  said.  Figs :  the 
good  figs,  are  very  good ;  and  the  bad  ones, 
tire  very  bad,  which  cainiot  be  eaten,  from 
being  so  bad. 

4  ^1  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

5  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God  of 
Israel,  Like  these  good  figs,  so  will  I  acknow- 
ledge the  exiles  of  Judah,  whom  I  have  sent 
away  from  this  jilace  into  the  land  of  the 
Chaldeans,for  good. 

G  And  I  will  set  my  eye   ujjon    them  tor 


■^  Rendered  in  Isaiah  generally  with  "doom,"  which  it 
properly  means  here  also. 

'After  Philippson.  Zunz,  "then  tell  them  wdiat  the 
message  is,  I  will,"  &c. 

'  The  true  prophet.  We  have  followed  Rashi.  But 
Philippson,  "for  every  man  shall  bear  such  a  word,  be- 
cause ye,"  &c. ;  but  the  sense  of  the  whole  pa.ssage  is  to 
warn  people  against  assuming  the  prophetic  office. 


JEREMIAH  XXIV.  XXV. 


good,  ami  I  \\\\\  cause  them  to  I'etuni  again 
to  this  land;  and  I  will  build  them  up,  and 
not  pull  them  down;  and  I  will  plant  them, 
and  not  pluck  them  up. 

7  And  I  will  give  them  a  lieart  to  know 
me,  that  I  am  the  Lord  :  and  they  shall  be 
unto  me  for  a  people,  and  I  will  be  unto  them 
for  God ;  for  they  will  return  unto  me  with 
all  their  heart. 

8  ][  And  like  the  bad  figs,  which  cannot 
be  eaten,  from  being  so  bad,  surely  thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  So  will  I  render  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  and  his  princes,  and  the  resi- 
due of  Jerusalem,  that  remain  in  this  land, 
and  those  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt ; 

9  And  I  will  make  them  a  horror  because" 
of  (their)  mishaps  unto  all  the  kingdoms  of 
the  earth,  a  disgrace  and  a  pro^■er]J,  a  byword 
and  a  curse,  in  all  the  places  whither  I  will 
drive  them. 

10  And  I  will  send  out  against  them  the 
sword,  the  famine,  and  the  pestilence,  till  they 
be  destroyed  from  off  the  land  that  I  had 
given  unto  them  and  to  their  fiithei's. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  T[  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  con- 
cerning all  the  people  of  Judah,  in  the  fourth 
year  of  Jehoyakim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king 
of  Judah,  which  is  the  first  year  of  Nebuchad- 
rezzar the  king  of  Babylon  ; 

2  Which  Jeremiah  the  prophet  spoke  con- 
cerning all  the  people  of  Judah,  and  to  all 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  saying, 

3  From  the  thirteenth  year  of  Josiah  the 
son  of  Anion  the  king  of  Judah,  e\'en  until 
this  day,  that  is  now  three  and  twenty  years, 
the  word  of  the  Lord  hath  come  unto  me, 
and  I  have  spoken  unto  you,  rising  early  and 
speaking ;  but  ye  have  not  hearkened. 

4  And  the  Lord  hath  sent  unto  you  all  his 
servants  the  prophets,  niaking  (them)  rise 
early  and  sending  (them);  but  ye  have  not 
hearkened,  and  have  not  inclined  your  ear  to 
hear. 

5  They  said,  0  do  turn  away  every  one 
from  liis  evil  way,  and  from  the  wrongfulness 
of  your  doings ;  and  ye  shall  remain  in  the 


•  Ra,shi.     Zunz,  "a  horror,  a  misfortune.'' 

■■  Travellers  remark,   that  in  the  East,  everyivhere  in  , 

the  morning  may  be  heard  the  noise  of  the  mills,  which  ' „...g,, „^  ..g...  „.  >.,^  ,..^.. 

often  awakens  people;  for  they  generally  grind  every  day  '  ing,  there  must  be  an  utter  desolation 


land  that  the  Lord  hatii  gi\('u  uuto  \()u  and 
to  your  fathers,  for  from  eternity  to  eternity; 

6  And  go  not  after  other  gods  to  serve 
them,  and  to  bow  down  to  them,  and  provoke 
me  not  to  anger  with  the  works  of  your 
hands;  and  I  will  not  injure  you. 

7  Yet  have  ye  not  hearkened  unto  me, 
saith  the  Lord:  in  order  that  _\e  might  pro- 
voke me  to  anger  with  the  works  of  your  own 
hands  to  your  own  injury. 

8  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts.  Because  ye  have  not  hearkened  to  my 
words : 

9  Behold,  I  will  send  and  take  all  the 
families  of  the  north,  saith  the  Lord,  and  to 
Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  my  ser- 
vant, and  I  will  l)ring  them  over  this  land,  and 
over  its  inhabitants,  and  over  all  the.se  nations 
round  about,  and  I  will  utterly  destroy  them, 
and  make  tliem  an  astonishment,  and  a  deri- 
sion, and  perpetual  ruins. 

10  And  I  will  banish  from  them  the  voice  of 
gladness,  and  the  Aoiee  of  joy,  the  voice  of  the 
bridegroom,  and  the  voice  of  the  bride,  the 
sound  of  the  mill,''  and  the  light  of  the  lamp. 

11  And  this  whole  land  shall  become  a 
ruin  and  an  (object  of)  astonishment ;  and 
these  nations  shall  serve  the  king  of  Babylon 
seventy  years. 

12  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  when  seventy 
years  are  completed,  that  I  will  visit  on  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  on  that  nation,  saith  the 
Lord,  their  iniquity,  and  on  the  land  of  the 
Chaldeans,  and  will  change  it  into  perpetual 
desolations. 

13  And  I  will  bring  over  that  land  all  my 
words  which  I  have  spoken  concerning  it, 
all  that  is  written  in  this  book,  which  Jere- 
miah hath  prophesied  concerning  all  the 
nations. 

14  For  when  many  nations  and  great  kings 
shall  have  made  them  also  serve:  I  will  then 
recompense  them  according  to  their  deeds,  and 
according  to  the  work  of  their  own  hands. 

15  \  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God 
of  Israel  unto  me.  Take  the  cup  of  the  wine 
of  this  fury  out  of  my  hand,  and  cause  all 
the  nations  to  whom  I  send  thee  to  drink  it. 


just  as  much  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  day's  consump- 
tion. Where,  then,  the  noise  of  the  mill  is  not  heard  in 
the  morning,  nor  the  light  of  the  caudle  .seen  in  the  even- 


551 


JEREMIAH  XXV. 


16  And  they  shall  diink,  and  reel  about, 
and  be  mad,  because  of  the  swoi-d  that  I  Avill 
send  among  them. 

17  And  I  took  the  cup  out  of  the  hand  of 
the  Lord,  and  caused  to  drink  all  the  nations, 
unto  whom  the  Lord  had  sent  me: 

18  Jerusalem,  and  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
its  kings,  and  its  princes,  to  make  them  a 
ruin,  an  astonishment,  a  derision,  and  a  curse  ; 
as  it  is  this  day; 

19  Pharaoh  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  his 
servants,  and  his  princes,  and  all  his  peo- 
ple; 

20  And  all  the  confederated  nations,  and 
all  the  kings  of  the  land  of  'Uz,  and  all  the 
kings  of  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  and  Ash- 
kelon,  and  Gazzah,  and  'Ekron,  and  the  rem- 
nant of  Ashdod ; 

21  Edom,  and  Moiib,  and  the  children  of 
'Amnion ; 

22  And  all  the  kings  of  Tjre,  and  all  the 
Jvings  of  Zidon,  and  the  kings  of  the  isle" 
wliich  is  beyond  the  sea; 

23  Dedan,  and  Thema,  and  Buz,  and  all 
those  that  have  their  hair  cut  round; 

24  And  all  the  kings  of  Arabia,  and  all 
the  kings  of  the  confederated  nations  that 
dwell  in  the  wilderness; 

25  And  all  the  kings  of  Zimri,  and  all  the 
kings  of  'Elam,  and  all  the  kings  of  Media ; 

26  And  all  the  kings  of  the  north,  that  are 
far  and  that  are  near,  one  with  another,''  and 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  which  are 
upon  the  face  of  the  earth ;  and  the  king  of 
Sheshach"  shall  drink  after  them. 

27  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of 
Israel,  Drink  ye,  and  become  drunken, 
and  vomit,  and  fall,  and  rise  no  more,  be- 
cause of  the  sword,  which  I  am  sending 
among  you. 

28  And  it  shall  l)e,  if  they  refuse  to  take 
the  cup  out  of  thy  hand  to  drink,  that  thou 
shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  Ye  must  certainly  drink; 

29  For  lo,  on  the  city  which  is  called  by 
my  name,  I  begin  to  intlict  evil,  and  ye  will 

'  Philippson,  "the  coa.stland  which  in  beyond  the  sea." 
ZuDZ,  "of  the  isle  which  is  by  the  sea." 

''  Zuuz,  "who  are  near  or  far  from  one  another." 

°  Babylon. 

''  Tiic  word  □o'nixisni  Is  of  diffienlt  construction :  wo 
have  followed  Zunz,  who  supplies,  "  I  will  bring  along" — 


remain  utterly  unpunished  ?  Ye  shall  not 
remain  unpunished;  for  a  sword  am  I  calling 
up  over  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

30  But  thou,  do  thou  prophesy  concerning 
them  all  these  words,  and  say  unto  them. 
The  Lord  will  cry  aloud  from  on  high,  and 
from  his  holy  habitation  will  he  send  forth 
his  voice;  he  will  cry  out  very  loudly  over 
his  habitation ;  the  vintner's  call,  as  they  that 
tread  out  the  grapes,  will  he  lift  up  against 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 

31  A  tumultuous  noise  cometh  even  to  the 
ends  of  the  earth;  for  the  Lord  hath  a  contro- 
versy with  the  nations,  he  holdeth  judgment 
over  all  ilesh:  the  wicked, — these  he  giveth 
up  to  the  sword,  saith  the  Lord. 

32  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Be- 
hold, evil  goeth  ibrth  from  nation  to  nation, 
and  a  great  storm-wind  waketh  up  from  the 
farthest  ends  of  the  earth. 

33  And  the  slain  of  the  Lord  shall  be  on 
that  day  from  one  end  of  the  earth  even  unto 
the  other  end  of  the  earth :  they  shall  not  be 
lamented,  nor  gathered  up,  nor  buried;  they 
shall  be  as  dung  upon  the  surface  of  the 
ground. 

34  Wail,  ye  shepherds,  and  cry;  and  roll 
yourselves  about  (in  the  dust),  ye  leaders  of 
the  flocks ;  for  fidl  are  your  days  for  you  to 
be  slaughtered,  and  I  will  scatter*  you ;  and 
ye  shall  fall  like  a  costly  vessel. 

35  And  lost  shall  be  the  place  of  refuge  for 
the  shepherds,  and  the  escape  for  the  leaders 
of  the  flocks  to  escape. 

36  There  is  the  voice  of  the  cry  of  anguish 
of  the  shepherds,  and  the  wailing  of  the  leaders 
of  the  flocks;  for  the  Lord  hath  devastated 
their  pasture. 

37  And  in  silent  desolation  lie  the  pasture- 
lands  of  peace,  because  of  the  fierceness  of  the 
anger  of  the  Lord. 

38  He  hath  forsaken  his  covert,  like  the 
young  lion  ;'"  for  their  land  is  become  desolate, 
because  of  the  fierceness  of  the  wasting 
(sword),  and  because  of  the  fierceness  of  his 


"your  scatterings."  Ilashi  supplies,  "shall  approach  to 
come;"  thus,  "and  your  scatterings  shall  approach  to 
come."  "  Like  a  costly  vessel,"  is  so  explained  by  Ilashi : 
"If  you  will  sa}',  We  are  honourable — there  is  many  a  pre- 
cious crystal  vessel  which  falloth  and  is  broken." 

•  Redak  supplies,  "  who  findeth  no  prey  in  his  den." 


JEREMIAH  XXVI. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


1  '\\  In  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Jeho- 
yakim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah 
came  this  word  from  the  Lord,  saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Place  thyself 
in  the  court  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
speak  against  all  of  the  cities  of  Judah,  who 
come  to  prostrate  themselves  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  all  the  words  that  I  have  com- 
manded thee  to  speak  unto  them :  omit  not  a 
word  (thereof); 

3  Perhaps  it  be  that  they  will  hearken, 
and  return  every  man  from  his  evil  way, 
that  I  may  bethink  me  of  the  evil,  which  I 
purpose  to  do  unto  them,  because  of  the 
wrongfulness  of  their  doings. 

4  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  If  ye  will  not  hearken 
unto  me,  to  walk  in  my  law.  which  1  have 
set  before  you, 

5  To  hearken  unto  the  words  of  my  ser- 
vants the  prophets,  whom  I  send  unto  you, 
yea,  making  them  rise  up  early,  and  sending 
them,  while  ye  have  not  hearkened : 

G  Then  will  I  render  this  house  like  Shi- 
loh,  and  this  city  will  I  render  a  curse  unto 
all  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

7  ^  And  the  priests  and  the  prophets  and 
all  the  people  heard  Jeremiah  speaking  these 
words  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jeremiah  had 
finished  speaking  all  that  the  Lord  had  com- 
manded (him)  to  speak  unto  all  the  people, 
that  the  priests  and  the  jn-opliets  and  all  the 

■people    seized  on    him,    saying.   Thou    shalt 
surely  die. 

9  Why  hast  thou  prophesied  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  saying,  Like  .Shiloh  shall  this 
house  be,  and  this  city  shall  be  ruined,  (left) 
without  an  inhabitant?  And  all  the  people 
assembled  themselves  against  Jeremiah  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

10  But  when  the  princes  of  Judah  heard 
these  things,  they  came  up  from  the  king's 
house  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  sat 
down  at  the  entrance  of  the  new  gate  of  the 
Lord's  house. 

11  Then  said  the  priests  and  the  prophets 
unto  the  princes  and  unto  all  the  people,  as  fol- 
loweth.  This  man  deserveth  the  punishment 
of  death  ;  for  he  hath  prophesied  against  this 
city,  as  ye  have  heard  with  your  own  ears. 

3U 


12  Tlicu  Miitl  .Icrcniiah  unto  all  the  princes 
and  luito  all  the  people,  as  followeth,  The 
Lord  liatli  sent  me  to  prophesy  against  this 
house  and  against  this  citv  all  the  words  that 
ye  have  heard. 

13  But  now  amend  your  ways  and  your 
doings,  and  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
your  God:  and  the  Lord  will  bethink  him  of 
the  evil  that  he  hath  spoken  against  you. 

14  As  for  me,  behold,  I  am  in  your  hand  : 
do  with  me  as  seemeth  good  and  just  in  \our 
eyes. 

1-5  But  know  ye  for  certain,  that  if  ye  put 
me  to  death,  ye  will  surely  place  (the  guilt  of) 
innocent  blood  upon  yourselves,  and  upon 
this  city,  and  upon  its  inhabitants ;  for  in 
truth  hath  the  Lord  sent  me  unto  yon  to 
epeak  in  your  ears  all  these  words. 

16  Then  said  the  princes  and  all  the  peo- 
ple unto  the  priests  and  to  the  prophets,  This 
man  is  not  deserving  the  punishment  of 
death ;  for  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God 
hath  he  spoken  unto  us. 

17  And  then  rose  up  certain  men  of  the 
elders  of  the  land,  and  said  to  all  the  assembly 
of  the  people,  as  followeth, 

18  Michah  the  Morashtliite  prophesied  in 
the  days  of  Hezekiah  the  king  of  Judah,  and 
said  to  all  the  people  of  Judah,  as  followeth. 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Zion  shall 
be  ploughed  up  like  a  field,  and  Jerusalem 
shall  l)ecome  heaps  of  ruins,  and  the  mountain 
of  the  house,  woody  high-places.'* 

19  Did  Hezekiah  the  king  of  Judah  and  all 
Judah  attempt  to  put  him  to  death?  behold, 
he  did  fear  the  Lord,  and  besought  the  Lord, 
and  the  Lord  bethought  him  of  the  evil  which 
he  had  spoken  against  them.  And  shall  we 
bring  a  great  wickedness  on  our  souls  ? 

20  And  there  was  also  a  man  that  prophe- 
sied in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Uriyah  the  son 
of  Shema'yahu  of  Kiryath-ye'arim,  who  pro- 
phesied against  this  city  and  against  this  land 
in  accoi'dance  with  all  the  words  of  Jere- 
miah ; 

21  And  when  king  Jehoyakim,  with  all 
his  mighty  men.  and  all  the  princes,  heard 
his  words,  the  king  sought  to  put  him  to 
death ;  but  when  Uriyahu  heard  it,  he  Avas 
afraid,  and  tied,  and  arriveil  m  Egypt ; 

22  But  king  Jehoyakim  sent  some  men  into 


Lit.  "  high-plai-c'S  of  a  forest." 


553 


JEREMIAH  XXVI.  XXVIl. 


Egypt,  namely,  Elnathan  the  son  of  'Aclibor. 
and  some  men  with  him  into  Egypt : 

23  And  they  fetched  Uriyahu  out  of  Egypt, 
and  brouirht  him  unto  kint!'  Jehoyakim,  who 
slew  him  with  the  sword,  and  cast  his  dead 
body  upon  the  graves  of  the  common  j^eople. 

24  But  the  hand  of  Achikam  the  son  of 
Sliaplian  was  witli  Jeremiah,  so  as  not  to  give 
him  up  into  the  hand  of  the  people  to  put 
him  to  death. 

CHAPTER  XXVIL 

1  ^  In  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Jeho- 
yakim the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah 
came  this  word  unto  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord, 
saying, 

2  Thus  said  the  Lord  to  me,  Make  for 
thyself  bands  and  yoke-bars,  ami  put  them 
around  thy  neck, 

3  And  send  such  to  the  king  of  Edom,  and 
to  the  king  of  Moab,  and  to  the  king  of  the 
children  of  'Amnion,  and  to  the  king  of  Tyre, 
and  to  the  king  of  Zidon,  by  means  of  the 
messengers  who  come  to  Jerusalem  unto  Zede- 
kiah  the  king  of  Judah ; 

4  And  thou  shalt  charge  them  unto  their 
masters,  saying.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Thus  shall  ye  say 
unto  your  masters, 

5  It  is  I  who  have  made  the  earth,  the 
men,  and  the  beasts  that  are  upon  the  fixce 
of  the  earth,  by  my  great  power  and  by  my 
outstretched  arm,  and  I  have  given  it  unto 
the  one  who  seemeth  proper  in  my  eyes. 

6  And  now  it  is  I  who  have  given  all  these 
countries  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar 
the  king  of  Babylon,  my  servant;  and  also 
the  beasts  of  the  field  have  I  given  him  to 
serve  him. 

7  And  all  nations  shall  serve  him,  and 
his  son,  and  his  son's  son,  until  the  time  of 
his  land  is  also  come  in  its  turn :  when  many 
nations  and  great  kings  shall  make  it" 
serve. 

8  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the  na- 
tion and  the  kingdom  which  will  not  serve 
him,  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Babylon, 
and  that  will  not  put  its  neck  in  the  yoke  of 
the  king  of  Babylon, — even  that  nation  will  I 
punish  with  the  sword,  and  with  the  famine, 


'  Babylon,  which  .^hall  in  its  turn  full  before  other  con- 
querors, tlie  Medcs  and  I'ersiaus. 

554 


and  witli  the  pestilence,  saith  the  Lord,  initil 
I  have  made  an  end  of  them  l>y  his  hand. 

9  But  do  ye  not  hearken  to  your  prophets, 
and  to  your  diviners,  and  to  your  dreamers, 
and  to  your  enchanters,  and  to  your  sorcerers, 
who  speak  unto  you,  saying.  Ye  shall  not 
serve  the  king  of  Babylon ; 

10  For  ftilsehood  do  they  j^roi^hesy  unto 
you,  in  order  to  remove  you  far  from  your 
huid;  and  that  I  might  drive  you  out,  and 
that  ye  might  perish. 

11  But  the  nation  that  will  bring  its  neck 
into  the  yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and 
serve  him, — that  one  will  I  then  let  remain 
quietly  in  its  own  laud,  saith  the  Lord  :  and  it 
shall  till  it,  and  dwell  therein. 

12  And  unto  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah 
did  I  speak  in  accordance  with  all  these 
words,  saying.  Bring  your  neck  into  the  yoke 
of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  serve  him  and 
his  people,  that  ye  may  live. 

13  Why  will  ye  die,  thou  and  thy  people, 
by  the  sword,  by  the  famine,  and  by  the  pes- 
tilence, as  the  Lord  hath  spoken  concerning 
the  nation  that  ^vill  not  serve  the  king  of 
Babylon? 

14  And  do  ye  not  hearken  unto  the  words 
of  the  prophets  that  say  unto  3'ou,  as  follow- 
eth,  Ye  shall  not  serve  the  king  of  Babylon ; 
for  a  falsehood  do  they  prophesy  unto  you. 

15  For  I  have  not  sent  them,  saith  the 
Lord,  yet  they  prophesy  in  my  name  falsely : 
in  order  that  I  might  drive  you  out,  and  that 
ye  might  perish,  ye,  and  the  prophets  that 
prophesy  unto  you. 

IG  And  unto  the  jiriests  and  unto  all  this' 
people  did  I  speak,  saying,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord,  Do  not  hearken  to  the  words  of 
yoiu'  prophets  that  prophesy  unto  you,  saying. 
Behold,  the  vessels''  of  the  house  of  the  Lord 
shall  be  brought  again  from  Babylon  now 
speedily;  for  a  falsehood  do  they  prophesy 
unto  you. 

17  Hearken  not  unto  them;  serve  the  king 
of  Babylon,  that  ye  may  live :  wherefore 
should  this  city  become  a  ruin  ? 

18  And  if  they  be  prophets,  and  if  the  word 
of  the  Lord  be  with  them,  let  them  now  make 
intercession  with  the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  the 
vessels  which  are  left  in  the   house  of  the 

''  "  Which  had  been  carried  away  with  Jeohonyah." — 
Ra.siii. 


JEREMIATI  XXVII.  XXVIII. 


Lord,  and  in  the  house  ofllie  king  of  Judah, 
and  at  Jerusalem,  may  not  be  cari'ied"  to 
Babvhm. 

19  ^1  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts 
of  the  pillars,''  and  concerning  the  sea,  and 
concerning  the  bases,  and  concerning  the  resi- 
due of  the  vessels  that  are  left  in  this  city, 

20  Which  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of 
Babylon  did  not  take  awaj',  when  he  carried 
away  into  exile  Jechonyah  the  son  of  Jehoya- 
kim  the  king  of  Judah  from  Jerusalem  to 
Babylon,  with  all  the  nobles  of  Judah  and 
Jerusalem ; 

21  ][  (Yea)  for  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  concerning  the  vessels 
that  are  left  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
the  house  of  the  king  of  Judah  and  in  Jeru- 
salem, 

22  Unto  Babylon  shall  they  be  carried, 
and  there  shall  they  remain  until  the  day 
that  I  think  of  them,  saith  the  Lord,  when  I 
will  bring  them  up,  and  restore  them  to  this 
place. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  same  year, 
in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  in  the  fourth  year,''  in  the  fifth 
month,  that  there  said  unto  me  Chananyah  the 
son  of 'Azzur  the  prophet,  who  w%'is  from  Gib- 
'on,  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  before  the  eyes 
of  the  priests,  and  of  all  the  people,  as  fol- 
io weth, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  saying,  I  have  broken  the  yoke 
of  the  king  of  Babylon ; 

3  Within  yet  two  years'  time  will  I  cause 
to  be  brought  back  unto  this  place  all  the 
vessels  of  the  house  of  tlie  Lord,  which  Nebu- 
chadnezzar the  king  of  Babylon  liath  taken 
away  from  this  place,  and  which  he  hath 
carried  to  Babylon : 

4  And  Jechonyah  the  son  of  Jehoyakim 
the  king  of  Judah,  and  all  the  exiles  of 
Judah  that  are  gone  to  Babylon,  will  I  cause 
to  return  to  this  place,  saith  the  Lord  ;  for 
I  will  break  the  yoke  of  the  king  of  Babylon. 

5  Then  said  Jeremiah  the  prophet  unto 
Chananyah  the  prophet  before  the  eyes  of  the 

•Heb.  "come." 

'  See  1  Kings  vii.  15,  &o.;  2  Kings  xxv.  13,  &c. 

"  This  is  explained  that  Zedekiah  commenced  his  reign 


priests,  and  before  the  eyes  of  all  the  people 
that  stood  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 

G  Yea,  then  said  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 
Amen,  may  the  Lord  do  so :  may  the  Lord 
fulfil  thy  words  which  thou  hast  prophesied, 
to  cause  the  vessels  of  the  Lord's  house,  and 
all  that  have  been  carried  into  exile,  to  be 
brought  back  from  Babylon  unto  this  place. 

7  Nevertheless  hear  thou  now  this  word 
which  I  speak  before  thy  cars,  and  Ijefore  the 
ears  of  all  the  people : 

8  The  prophets  that  have  been  before  me 
and  before  thee  from  olden  times  propliesied 
both  concerning  many  countries,  and  against 
great  kingdoms,  respecting  war,  and  respect- 
ing evil,  and  respecting  pestilence. 

9  The  prophet  who  prophesieth  of  peace, 
when  the  word  of  the  prophet  doth  come  to 
pass,  then  shall  the  pr02)het  be  known,  (as 
the  one)  whom  the  Lord  hath  sent  in  truth. 

10  Then  took  Chananyah  the  prophet  the 
yoke-bar  from  oft"  the  neck  of  Jeremiah  the 
prophet,  and  broke  it. 

11  And  Chananyah  said  before  the  eyes 
of  all  the  people,  as  followeth.  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord,  Even  so  will  I  break  the  yoke  of  Ne- 
buchadnezzar the  king  of  Babylon  within  two 
years'  time  from  the  neck  of  all  the  nations. 
And  Jeremiah  the  prophet  went  his  way. 

12  ^  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Jeremiah,  after  Chananyah  t4ie  prophet 
had  broken  the  yoke-l^ar  from  oft'  the  neck  of 
Jeremiah  the  px'ophet,  saying, 

13  Go  and  say  unto  Chananyah  as  follow- 
eth. Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Yoke-bars  of 
wood  hast  thou  broken ;  but  thou  shalt  make 
in  their  stead  yoke-bars  of  iron. 

14  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  A  yoke  of  iron  have  I 
placed  upon  the  neck  of  all  these  nations, 
that  they  may  serve  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon ;  and  they  shall  work  for  him  : 
and  also  the  beasts  of  the  field  have  I  given  him. 

15  Then  said  Jeremiali  the  prophet  unto 
Chananyah  the  prophet,  Hear  now,  Chanan- 
yah, The  Lord  did  not  send  thee ;  but  thou 
hast  caused  this  people  to  trust  on  a  false- 
hood. 

16  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Be- 


in  the  fourth   year  after  the  release  year,  and  that  the 

temple  was  destroyed  at  the  first  year  after  the  release  j 

i.  e.  the  eleventh  of  Zedekiah. 

i,rjr, 


JEREMIAH  XXVIII.  XX IX. 


hold.  I  will  send  thee  awav  from  off  the  face 
of  the  earth  :  this  year  shalt  thou  die,  because 
thou  hast  spoken  rebellion  against  the  Lord. 
17  So  Chananyah  the  prophet  died  in  that 
same  year,  in  the  seventh  month. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  Tf  And  these  are  the  words  of  the  letter 
that  Jeremiah  the  prophet  sent  from  Jerusa- 
lem unto  the  residue  of  the  elders  of  the  ex- 
iles, and  to  the  priests,  and  to  the  prophets, 
and  to  all  the  people  whom  Nebuchadnezzar 
had  carried  away  into  exile  from  Jerusalem 
to  Babylon ; 

2  (After  king  Jechonyah  and  the  queen- 
mother,  and  the  court-officers,  the  princes 
of  Judah  and  Jerusalem,  and  the  carpen- 
ters, and  the  locksmiths,  wei'e  departed  from 
Jerusalem ;) 

3  By  the  hand  of  El'assah  the  son  of  Sha- 
phan,  and  Gemaryah  the  son  of  Chilkiyah, 
(whom  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  sent  unto 
Babylon  to  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon,) saying, 

4  Tlius  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  unto  all  the  exiles,  whom  I 
have  caused  to  be  carried  into  exile  from  Je- 
rusalem unto  Babylon, 

5  Build  ye  houses,  and  dwell  therein ;  and 
plant  gaiTlens,  and  eat  their  fruit ; 

6  Take  ye  wives,  and  beget  sons  and 
daughters ;  and  take  waves  for  your  sons,  and 
give  your  daughters  to  husbands,  that  they 
may  bear  sons  and  daughters:  that  ye  may 
multiply  there,  and  not  be  diminished. 

7  And  seek  the  welfare"  of  the  city  whither 
I  have  banished  you,  and  pray  in  its  Ix'half 
unto  the  Lord;  for  in  its  welfare  shall  ye  fare 
well. 

8  Tl  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  Let  not  your  prophets,  that 
are  in  the  midst  of  you,  and  your  diviners,  de- 
ceive you,  and  do  not  hearken  to  your  dreams 
which  ye  cause''  to  be  dreamt; 

9  For  with  falsehood  do  they  prophesy 
unto  you  in  my  name:  I  have  not  sent  them, 
saith  the  Lord. 

10  'W  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Because 
only  after   the    accomplishment   of  seventy 


3-ears  for  Babylon,  will  I  visit  you,  and  fulfil 
respecting  you  my  good  word,  in  causing  you 
to  return  to  this  place. 

11  For  I  alone  know  the  thoughts  that  I 
entertain  respecting  you,  saith  the  Lord, 
thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil,  to  give  you 
a  (happy)  future  and  hope. 

12  And  you  will  call  upon  me,  and  ye  will 
g(/  and  will  pray  unto  me,  and  I  will  hearken 
unto  you. 

13  And  ye  will  seek  me,  and  shall  find  me, 
for  ye  will  search  for  me  with  all  your  heart. 

14  And  I  will  be  found  of  you,  saith  the 
Lord  ;  and  I  will  bring  back  your  captivity, 
and  I  will  gather  you  from  all  the  nations, 
and  from  all  the  places  whither  I  have  driven 
you,  saith  the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  cause  you  to  re- 
turn unto  the  place  whence  I  have  ban  islied  you. 

15  Because  ye  have  said.  The  Lord  hath 
raised  us  up  prophets  in  Babylon. 

16  ^  But  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  concern- 
ing the  king  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne  of 
David,  and  concerning  all  the  people  that 
dwell  in  this  city,  your  brethren  that  are  not 
gone  forth  with  you  into  exile ; 

17  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
Behold,  I  will  send  out  against  them  the 
sword,  the  famine,  and  the  pestilence ;  and  I 
will  render  them  like  the  detestable  figs,  that 
cannot  be  eaten,  from  being  so  bad. 

18  And  I  wall  pursue  after  them  with  the 
sword,  with  the  famine,  and  with  the  pes- 
tilence, and  will  make  them  a  horror  unto 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  a  curse,  and 
an  astonishment,  and  a  derision,  and  a  dis- 
grace, among  all  the  nations  whither  I  have 
driven  them  ; 

19  For  the  reason  that  they  have  not 
hearkened  to  my  words,  saith  the  Lord,  since 
I  sent  unto  them  my  servants  the  prophets, 
causing  them  to  rise  up  early  and  sending 
them  ;  but  ye  would  not  hear,  saith  the  Lord. 

20  But  ye — hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
all  ye  exiles  whom  I  have  sent  away  from 
Jerusalem  to  Babylon. 

21  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  concerning  Achab  the  son  of 
Kolayah,  and  of  Zedekiali  tlie  son  of  Ma'asse- 
yah,   who    prophesy  unto  you  in  my  name 


•Lit.   "peace,"    or   the  state   of   well-being    resulting 
Uienee. 

bRcdak;   ?'.  r.  are  the  cause  of  these  being  flreaint  by  |      '  Kashi  supplies,  "  in  my  ways." 


the  false  prophets,  by  listening  to  them.     Zunz,  "  which 
you  clream.' 


JEREMIAH  XXIX.  XXX. 


falsehood,  Behold,  I  will  give  them  up  into 
the  hand  of  Nebuehadrezzar  the  king  of 
Bal)3lon :  and  he  .shall  smite  them  before 
your  eyes. 

22  And  a  curse  shall  be  derived  IVom  them 
for  all  the  exiles  of  Judah  who  are  in  Baby- 
lon, saying,  "  May  the  Lokd  make  thee  like 
Zedekiah  and  like  Achab,  whom  the  king  of 
Babvon  roasted  in  the  fire ;" 

23  Beeause  they  have  done  scandalous 
deeds  in  Israel,  and  have  committed  adultery 
with  the  wives  of  their  neighbours,  and  have 
spoken  in  my  name  falsehood,  which  I  had 
not  commanded  them ;  whereas  I  am  the  one 
that  know,  and  am  the  witness,  saith  the 
Lord. 

24  ^  And  to  Shema'jahu the  Nechelamite 
shalt  thou  say,  as  foUoweth, 

25  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  saying.  Because  thou  hast  sent 
in  thy  name  letters  unto  all  the  people  that 
are  at  Jerusalem,  and  to  Zephanyah  the  son 
of  Ma'asse3-ah  the  pi'iest,  and  to  all  the 
priests,  saying, 

20  The  Lord  hath  appointed  thee  priest  in 
the  place  of  Jehojada'  the  priest,  that  ye 
should  be  superintendents  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  for  ev^ei'y  man  that  is  mad,  and 
that  prophesieth,  that  thou  shouldst  put  him 
in  the  stocks,  and  in  prison :" 

27  And  now,  why  hast  thou  not  rebuked  Je- 
remiah of  'Anathoth,  who  prophesieth  to  you? 

28  For  the  reason  that  he  hath  sent  unto 
us  to  Babylon,  saying.  It  will  last  a  long 
time:  liuild  ye  houses,  and  dwell  therein; 
and  plant  gardens,  and  eat  the  fruit  thereof. 

29  And  Zephanyah  the  priest  read  the 
letter  before  the  ears  of  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 

30  T[  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Jeremiah,  saying, 

31  Send  to  all  the  exiles,  saying.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  concerning  Shema'jah  the 
Nechlamite,  Whereas  Shema'yah  hath  pro- 
phesied unto  you,  while  I  have  not  sent  him, 
and  he  hath  caused  you  to  rely  on  a  falsehood : 

32  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Be- 
hold, I  will  inflict  punishment  on  Shema'yah 
the  Nechlamite,  and  on  his  seed;  he  .shall  not 
have  a  man  to  dwell  in  the  midst  of  this  peo- 


'  Redak,  "  hand-cuffs." 

''  Lit.  "changed  into  paleness.'' 

'  Rasbi.    Others,  "  aeuordin";  ti 


light,"  "  as  is  proper/' 


I  pie;  and  he  shall  nut  behold  the  good  that  I 
am  doing  for  my  people,  saith  the  Lord  ;  be- 
cause he  hath  spoken  revolt  against  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ^[  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from 
the  Lord,  saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel,  saying.  Write  thee  all  the  words  that 
I  have  spoken  unto  thee  in  a  book. 

3  For,  behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  when  I  will  bring  back  again  the  cap- 
tivity of  my  people  Israel  and  Judah,  saith 
the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  cause  them  to  I'eturn  to 
the  land  that  I  have  given  to  their  flithers, 
and  they  shall  possess  it. 

4  ^  And  these  are  the  words  that  the 
Lord  spoke  concerning  Israel  and  concerning 
Judah ; 

5  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  A  voice  of 
terror  have  we  heard,  dread,  and  no  peace. 

6  Ask  ye  now,  and  see  whether  a  male 
doth  give  birth  to  a  child  ?  wherefore  do  I  see 
every  man  with  liis  hands  on  his  loins,  as  a 
woman  in  giving  birth  ?  and  why  are  all  faces 
turned  pale?*" 

7  Alas!  for  that  day  is  great,  there  is  none 
like  it ;  and  a  time  of  distress  it  is  unto  Jacob; 
yet  out  of  it  shall  he  be  saved. 

8  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  I  will  break  his 
yoke  fi'om  oft"  thy  neck,  and  thy  bands  will  I 
burst  asunder;  and  strangers  shall  not  make 
him  serve  any  more; 

9  But  they  shall  serve  the  Lord  their  God, 
and  David  their  king,  whom  I  will  raise  up 
unto  them. 

10  And  thou — do  not  fear,  0  my  servant 
Jacob,  saith  the  Lord;  and  be  not  dismayed, 
0  Israel ;  for,  behold,  I  will  save  thee  from 
afar,  and  thy  seed  fro'm  the  land  of  their  cap- 
tivitj' :  and  Jacob  shall  return,  and  shall  be  at 
rest,  and  be  secure,  with  none  to  terrify  him. 

11  For  with  thee  am  I,  saith  the  Lord,  to 
save  thee  :  though  I  make  a  full  end  of  all 
the  nations  whither  I  have  scattered  thee, 
yet  of  thee  will  I  not  make  a  full  end;  but  I 
will  correct  thee  in  moderation,"  and  will  not 
leave  thee  altogether  unpunished.'^ 


''  Rashi,  "but  I  will  not  destroy  thee  totally;"  mean- 
ing the  punishment  shall  be  a  correction;  but  not  a  de- 
struction of  Israel, 

557 


JEREMIAH  XXX.  XXXI. 


12  *i]  Foi  thus  hutli  said  the  Lord,  Incura- 
ble is  thy  bruise,  and  painful,  thy  wound. 

13  There  is  no  one  to  plead  tliy  cause,  to 
bind  up  (thy  wound):  useful"  remedies  there 
are  none  for  thee. 

14  All  thy  lovers  have  forgotten  thee;  thee 
they  seek  not ;  for  with  the  blow  of  an  enemy 
have  I  smitten  thee,  Avith  cruel  chastisement, 
for  the  multitude  of  thy  iniquity,  because  thy 
sins  were  so  numerous. 

15  Why  wilt  thou  cry  out  because  of  thy 
breach?  for  thy  pain  which  is  incurable?  be- 
cause of  the  multitude  of  thy  iniquity,  because 
thy  sins  were  so  numerous,  have  I  done  these 
things  unto  thee. 

IG  Nevertheless  all  they  that  devour  thee 
shall  be  devoured;  and  all  thy  adversaries,  all 
of  thorn,  shall  go  into  captivity;  and  they 
that  plunder  thee  shall  be  (given  up)  to  plun- 
der, and  all  that  prey  upon  thee  will  I  give 
u])  for  a  prey. 

17  For  I  will  place  a  healing  plaster  on 
thy  bruise,''  and  of  thy  wounds  will  I  cure 
thee,  saith  the  Lord;  because  they  called 
thee  "an  Outcast,"  "This  is  Zion,  whom  no 
one  seeketh  after." 

18  *\\  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I 
will  bring  back  again  the  captivity  of  the 
tents  of  Jacob,  and  on  his  dwelling-places 
Avill  I  have  mercy;  and  the  city  shall  be 
relniilt  upon  her  own  heap  of  ruins,  and  the 
palace  shall  be  inhabited  after  its  (ancient) 
manner. 

19  And  there  shall  proceed  out  of  them 
thanksgiving,  and  the  voice  of  those  that 
make  merry:  and  I  will  multiply  them,  and 
they  shall  not  be  diminished;  I  will  also 
make  them  numerous,"  and  they  shall  not  be 
made  few  in  number. 

20  And  their  children  shall  be  as  afore- 
times,  and  their  congregation  shall  be  fii'mly 
established  before  me,  and  I  will  punish  all 
that  oppress  them. 

21  And  their  leader  shall  l)e  of  themselves, 
mid  their  ruler  shall  [)i-oceed  from  the  midst 
of  them;  and  I  will  cause  him  to  draw  near, 


"  Philippson,  "a  remedy  to  cicatrizo,"  /.  e.  the  wound. 

'' See  above,  viii.  22.     Rashi,  siiii]ily,  "healing;"   "I 
will  bring  up  healing  for  thee." 

°  llashi.     Others,  "I  will  give  them  honour  and  tiii'y 
siiall  not  bo  of  little  iuiportancc." 

'' Kaslii.  (Secxxiii.  19.)    Philippson,  "raging."    Zunz, 
"gatheriuir." 
DOB 


and  he  shall  approach  unto  me ;  for  who  is 
this  that  will  venture  of  his  own  heart  to  ap- 
proach unto  me?  saith  the  Lord. 

22  And  ye  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  people, 
and  I  will  be  unto  you  for  a  God. 

2.3  ^  Behold,  the  storm-wind  of  the  Lord 
goeth  forth  with  fury,  an  aljiding'^  storm-wind : 
upon  the  head  of  the  wiclved  shall  it  fall. 

24  The  fierceness  of  the  anger  of  the  Lord 
will  not  turn  back,  imtil  he  have  done,  and 
until  he  have  fulfilled  the  purposes  of  his 
heart :  in  the  latter  days  shall  ye  understand 
this. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  Tl  At  the  same  time,  saith  the  Lord, 
will  I  be  the  God  for  all  the  families  of  Is- 
rael, and  they  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  people. 

2  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  The  people 
of  those  that  are  escaped  of  the  sword  foimd 
grace  in  the  wilderness, — even  Israel,  when 
it  went  to  find  rest. 

3  "From  afar  is  the  Lord  appeared  unto 
me,"  (saying,)  Yea,  with  an  everlasting  love 
have  I  loved  thee;  therefore  have  I  guided' 
thee  with  loving-kindness. 

4  Yet  again  will  I  build  thee  up,  and  thou 
shalt  be  built,  0  virgin  of  Israel:  yet  again 
shalt  thou  adorn  thy  timbrels,  and  go  forth 
in  the  dances  of  those  that  make  merry. 

5  Yet  again  shalt  thou  plant  vineyards 
upon  the  mountains  of  Samaria:  the  planters 
shall  plant,  and  shall  redeem  the  fruit.*^ 

6  For  there  cometh  a  day,  that  the  watch- 
ers call  out  upon  the  mountain  of  Ephraim, 
Arise  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  Zion  unto  the 
Lord  our  God. 

7  ]|  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Sing  for 
Jacob  with  joy,  and  shout  at  the  head  of 
the  nations:  publish  ye,  praise  ye,  and  say, 
The  Lord  hath  helpedi^  thy  people,  the  rem- 
nant of  Israel. 

8  Behold,  I  will  bring  them  from  the  north 
country,  and  I  will  gather  them  from  the 
farthest  ends  of  the  earth,  among  tliem  the 
blind  and  the  lame,  the  pregnant  woman  and 


'  Jonathan.  Philippson,  "bore  kindness  for  thee." 
Zunz,  "followed  thee."  Redak,  "drew  toward  thee." 
Others,  "drawn  thee." 

'  t.  e.  The  fruit  of  the  fourth  year  after  planting  (See 
Lev.  .xix.  2:3,  2,5  ;   Deut.  xx.  6.) 

*  Jonathan.  Philippson,  "Thou  hast  holpril."  Zunz. 
"Help,  0  LoRli;"  and  so  I<]nglish  version. 


JEREMIAH  XXXI. 


she  that  travaileth  with  chiW  together:  a 
givat  a.ssenibly  shall  they  return    hither. 

1)  With  weeping  shall  thej-  come,  and  with 
supplications  will  I  bring  them  in :  I  will 
lead  them  1>y  brooks  of  water  in  a  straight 
way,  whereon  they  shall  not  stumble;  for  I 
am  become  a  father  to  Israel,  and  Ephraim  is 
my  first-born. 

ID  Tl  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lokd,  0  ye  na- 
tions, and  tell  it  in  the  isles  afar  off,  and  say, 
He  that  scattereth  Israel  will  gather  him,  and 
keep  him,  as  a  shepherd  his  Hock. 

11  For  the  Lord  hath  ransomed  Jacob, 
and  redeemed  him  out  of  the  hand  of  one 
stronger  than  he. 

12  And  they  shall  come  and  sing  on  the 
height  of  Zion,  and  shall  come  together  as 
a  sti'eam  to  the  goodness"  of  the  Lord,  for 
wheat,  and  for  wine,  and  for  oil,  and  for  the 
young  of  the  flocks  and  of  the  herds,  and 
their  soul  shall  be  as  a  well-watered  garden ; 
and  they  shall  not  farther  experience  grief 
any  more. 

13  Then  shall  the  virgin  rejoice  in  the 
dance,  and  youth  and  old  men  together :  and 
I  will  change  their  mourning  into  gladness. 


17  And  there  is  hope  Ihv  (thee  in)  thy 
future,  saith  the  Lord,  and  thy  children  shall 
return  to  their  own  borders. 

18  I  have  indeed  heard  Ephraim  bemoan- 
ing himself,  "  Thou  hast  cliastised  me,  and  I 
was  chastised,  as  an  untamed  calf;  cause  me 
to  return,  and  I  will  return;  for  thou  art  the 
Lord  m}-  God. 

19  Surely  after  m}'  returning,  I  repent; 
and  .after  I  am  made  conscious  (by  punish- 
ment). I  smite  upon  my  tliigh  :  I  am  ashamed, 
yea,  I  am  confounded,  because  I  bear  the  dis- 
grace of  my  youth." 

20  Is  not  Ephraim  a  dear  son  unto  me? 
or  a  child  that  I  dandle?  for  whenever  I 
speak  of  him,  I  do  earnestly  remember  him 
again :  therefore  are  my  inward  parts'*  moved 
for  him;  I  will  surely  have  mercy  upon  him, 
saith  the  Lord. 

21  ^  Set thyselfupwayniarks.plnce thyself 
pillars;''  direct  thj-  heart  toward  the  high- 
way, the  way  which  thou  didst  go:  return, 
0  virgin  of  Israel,  return  to  these  tliy  cities. 

22  How  long  wilt  thou  roam  about,  0  thou 
backslidins;  daughter?  for  the  Lord  hath 
created  a  new  thins  on  the  earth,  The  wo- 


and    I  will   comfort    them,  and  make  them  ,  man*^  will  go  a])out  (seeking  for)  the  husb  ind. 
rejoice  from  their  sorrow. 

14  And  I  will  satiate  the  soul  of  the  priests 
with  fatness,  and  my  people  shall  be  satisfied 
with  mj'  goodness,  saith  the  Lord. 

15  ]|  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  A  voice  is 
heard  in  Ramah,''  groaning,  weeping,  and 
bitter  lamentation;  Rachel  is  weeping  for 
her  children:  she  refuseth  to  be  comforted  for 
her  children,  because  they  are  not  (here) . 

16  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Refrain 
thy  voice  from  weeping,  and  thy  eyes  from 
tears;  for  there  is  a  reward  for  thy  work," 
saith  the  Lord,  and  they  shall  return  from 
the  land  of  the  enemy. 

"  Zunz,  "blessing."  Jouiithan,  "they  shall  rejoice  at 
the,"  &c. 

''  Cmmnentators,  "on  high." 

'  Redak,  "  For  the  work  of  thy  children  who  have  borne 
captivity  many  years  and  have  not  forgotten  my  name, 
nor  transgressed  my  covenant."  Rachel  symbolic  "for 
the  whole  people." 

''  Miehloi  Yoplii,  "  the  heart,  the  chief  of  the  viscera, 
and  the  seat  of  thought,  of  which  alone  it  can  be  said 
that  it  beats  tumultuously." 

"  Zunz.  Rashi,  "small  date-palms;"  but  more  pro- 
bably, palm-shaped  columns,  set  on  the  road  as  guide- 
posts. 

'  Rashi,  "  How  long  wilt  thou  hide  thyself  from   me, 


23  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  Yet  again  shall  they  say 
this  word  in  the  land  of  Judali  and  in  the 
cities  thereof,  when  I  will  bring  back  again 
their  captivity, — May  the  Lord  bless  thee,  O 
habitation  of  righteousness,  0  holy  mountain. 

21  And  there  shall  dwell  therein  Judah, 
and  in  all  his  cities  together,  husbandmen, 
and  they  that  move  about  with  the  flocks. 

25  For  I  have  satiated  the  weary  soul, 
and  every  grieving  soul  have  I  gratified.^ 

20  For  this  did  I  awake,  and  looked  about; 
and  my  sleep  was  sweet  unto  me.*" 

27  ^[  Behold,  days,  are  coming,  saith  the 

because  thou  art  ashamed  to  return  to  me  because  of  thy 
course?  behold,  a  new  thing  is  created  on  the  earth,  that 
the  female  goeth  about  after  the  man  to  ask  him  to  marry 
her."  Israel  is  represented  as  the  rebellious  wife,  (lod 
as  the  husband ;  and  when  the  time  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  the  Lord's  promises  comes,  the  faithless  spouse 
will  seek  her  readily  forgiving,  but,  as  it  were,  now  absent 
husband.  (See  also  Hosea  ii.  9,  18;  iii.  5.)  Rashi  ex- 
plains the  verse  also  in  this  manner. 

8  Lit.  "filled." 

''  I'hilippsou,  referring  n^V  to  Isaiah  .\xiv.  11,  "va- 
nished is  all  joy,"  translates,  "and  my  sleep  is  vanished 
from  me;"  and  presumes  that  God  is  represented  as 
thoutrh  he  awoke  from  sleep  to  redeem  Israel  whom  Ij^ 

&53 


JEREMIAH  XXXI.  XXXII. 


Lord,  when  I  will  sow  the  house  of  Israel 
and  the  house  of  Judah  with  the  seed  of  man, 
and  with  the  seed  of  cattle. 

28  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  just  as 
I  have  watched  over  them,  to  pluck  up,  and 
to  pull  down,  and  to  overthrow,  and  to  de- 
stroy, and  to  do  harm :  so  will  I  watch  over 
them,  to  build  up,  and  to  plant,  saith  the 
Lord. 

29  In  those  days  shall  they  not  say  any 
more.  The  fathers  have  eaten  sour  grapes, 
and  the  children's  teeth  are  set  on  edge; 

30  But  ever)'  one  shall  die  for  his  own 
iniquity:  every  man  that  eateth  the  sour 
grapes — his  teeth  shall  be  set  on  edge. 

.31  Behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
IjORD,  when  I  will  make  with  the  house  of 
Israel,  and  with  the  house  of  Judah,  a  new 
covenant; 

32  Not  like  the  covenant  that  I  made  with 
their  fathers  on  the  day  that  I  took  hold  of 
them  by  the  hand  to  bring  them  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt;  which  my  covenant  they 
have  broken,  although  I  was  become  their 
husband,"  saith  the  Lord; 

33  But  this  is  the  covenant  that  I  will 
make  with  the  house  of  Israel,  after  those 
days,  saith  the  Lord,  I  place  my  law  in  their 
inward  parts,  and  upon  tlieir  heart  will  I 
write  it;  and  I  will  be  unto  them  for  a  God, 
and  they  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  people. 

34  And  they  shall  not  teach  any  more 
every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  man  his 
brother,  saying,  Know  the  Lord  ;  for  they 
all  shall  know  me,  from  the  least  of  them 
even  unto  their  greatest,  saith  the  Lord;  for 
I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  their  sin  will 
I  not  remember  any  more. 

35  Tf  Thus  liath  said  the  Lord,  who  be- 
stoweth  the  sun  for  a  light  by  day,  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  moon  and  of  the  stars  for  a 
light  by  night,  who  stirreth  up  the  sea 
that  its  waves  roar — The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his 
name: 

30  If  these  ordinances  ever  depart  from 
before  me,  saith  the  Lord,  then  also  shall  the 


seed  of  Israel  cease  from  being  a  nation  before 
me  during  all  time. 

37  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  If  the 
heavens  can  be  measured  above,  and  the 
foundations  of  the  earth  searched  out  beneath : 
then  also  will  I  reject  all  the  seed  of  Israel, 
for  all  that  they  have  done,  saith  the  Lord. 

38  *\\  Behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  when  the  city  shall  be  built  up  to  the 
Lord  from  the  tower  of  Chananel  unto  the 
corner-gate. 

39  And  the  measuring-line  shall  yet  again 
go  forth  opposite  it  over  the  hill  Gareb,  and 
shall  take  a  turn  to  Go'ath. 

40  And  the  whole  valley  of  the  dead 
bodies,  and  of  the  ashes,**  and  all  fields  as  far 
as  the  brook  Kidron,  unto  the  corner  of  the 
horse-gate  toward  the  east,  shall  be  holy  unto 
the  Lord:  it  shall  not  be  plucked  up,  nor 
overthrown  any  more  to  eternity. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1  ^  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  from 
the  Lord  in  the  tenth  year  of  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  which  is  the  eighteenth  year 
of  Nebuchadrezzar. 

2  And  at  that  time  the  king  of  Babylon's 
army  was  besieging  Jerusalem ;  and  Jeremiah 
the  prophet  was  shut  up  in  the  court  of  the 
prison,  which  was  in  the  house  of  the  king  of 
Judah ; 

3  Because  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  had 
shut  him  up,  saying.  Wherefore  art  thou  pro- 
l)hesying,  saying.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Behold.  I  will  give  u[)  this  city  into  the  hand 
of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  shall  capture  it. 

4  And  Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  shall 
not  escape  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans, 
because  he  shall  surel}-  be  given  uj)  into  the 
hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  his  mouth 
shall  speak  to  his  mouth,  and  his  eyes  shall 
behold  his  ejes ; 

5  And  to  Babylon  shall  he  lead  Zedekiah, 
and  there  shall  he  remain  until  I  think  of" 
him,  saith  the  Lord  :  though  ye  fight  with  the 
Chaldeans,  ye  shall  not  prosper. 

''  Rashi,  "  This  prophecy  applies  to  the  coming  future 
in  the  hist  redemption,  for  it  was  not  fulfillefl  during  the 


had   left   so   long   in   captivity,     llashi  and  others,  how- 
ever, as  we  have  given,  "and  my  sleep  was  sweet  unto 

me;"  and  Kedak  eomments,  as  applied  to  the  pro]ihet,  second  temple."  This  proves,  therefore,  that  we  must 
"  I  had  seen  in  the  dream  of  prophecy  this  consolation,  jj  expect  another  redemption,  besides  the  return  fi'oni  Uahy- 
:ind  therefore  was  my  sleep  sweet  unto  me."  |]  Ion,  to  accomplish  the  prophecies. 

''  llashi,  "the   visitation   of  every  man   is  death;"  i.e. 
Zedekiah  shall  remain  in  Babylon  till  he  die. 


'  Jo.seph   Kimchi,  "  wherefore  I  loathed  them."     (See 
note  above,  iii.  14.) 
600 


KIX<r     ^M  >1^<  >XH  ).N, 


JEKExMlAH  XXXII. 


6  ^  And  Jeremiah  said,  The  word  of  the 
Lord  came  unto  me,  saying, 

7  BehoUI,  Chanamel  the  son  ol'  Shalluui 
thy  uncle  is  coming  unto  thee,  saying,  Buy 
for  thyself  my  field  that  is  in  'i\.nathotli ;  for 
unto  thee  helongeth  the  right  of  redemption  to 
buy  it. 

8  And  there  came  to  me  Chanamel  my 
uncle's  son  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
into  the  court  of  the  prison,  and  he  said  unto 
me,  Buy,  I  pray  thee,  my  field,  that  is  in 
'Anathoth,  which  is  in  the  land  of  Benjamin; 
for  to  thee  belongeth  the  right  of  inheritance, 
and  to  thee  Ijelongeth  the  redemption,  buy  it 
for  thyself:  then  did  I  know,  that  it  was  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

9  And  I  bought  the  field  from  Chanamel 
my  uncle's  son,  that  is  in  'Anathoth ;  and  I 
Aveighed  out  unto  him  the  money,  seven 
shekels,  and  ten  pieces  of  silver. 

10  And  I  wrote  it  in  a  deed,"  and  sealed 
it,  and  had  it  certified  by  witnesses,  and 
weighed  the  money  in  balances. 

11  And  I  took  the  deed  of  the  purchase, 
both  that  which  was  sealed,  according  to  the 
law*"  and  custom,  and  that  which  was  open ; 

12  And  I  gave  the  deed  of  the  purchase 
unto  Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyah,  the  son  of 
Macliseyah,  liefore  the  eyes  of  Chanamel  my 
kinsnuin,  and  before  the  eyes  of  the  witnesses 
that  had  signed  the  deed  of  the  purchase,  be- 
fore the  eyes  of  all  the  Jews  that  were  sitting 
in  the  court  of  the  prison. 

13  And  I  charged  Baruch  before  their 
eyes,  saying, 

14  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Take  these  deeds,  this  deed  of 
the  purchase,  both  the  sealed,  and  this  open 
deed,  and  place  them  in  an  earthen  vessel, 
in  order  that  they  may  last  many  days." 

lo  Tl  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  Yet  again  shall  there  be 
bought  houses  and  fields  and  vineyards  in  this 
laud. 

IG  ^r  And  I  prayed  to  the  Lord  after'  I 


*  Lit.  "letter,"  or  "book;"  fiere  the  evidences  of 
sale,  "a  deed." 

'  Zunz,  ''with  the  instruction  and  the  conditions,"  (/. '-. 
of  the  sale,)  which  it  is  alleged  was  not  published,  while  the 
"open,"  the  transfer  deed,  was  for  the  public  inspection. 

"  Zunz,  "years." 

^  Although  the  pr(jphet  strictly  followed  the  injunction 
3  V 


had  delivered  the  deed  of  the  purchase  unto 
Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyah,  saying, 

17  Ah  Lord  Eternal!  behold,  it  is  thou 
that  hast  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth  by 
thy  great  power  and  by  thy  outstretched 
arm  ;  nothing  is  too  wonderful  for  thee; 

18  Thou  exercisest  kindness  unto  the 
thousandth  (generation),  and  recompensest 
the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  unto  the  l)osom  of 
their  children  after  themj^x^iou  art)  the 
Great,  the  Mighty  God.  tIrC  Lord  of  hosts  is 
his  name ; 

19  Great  in  counsel,  and  mighty  in  execu- 
tion ;  (thou)  whose  e}es  are  open  over  all  the 
ways  of  the  sons  of  man,  to  give  unto  every 
one  according  to  his  ways,  and  according  to 
the  fruit  of  his  doings  ; 

20  Who  hast  displayed  signs  and  wonders 
in  the  land  of  Egypt,  up  to  this  day,  and  in 
Isniel,  and  among  other  men ;  and  thou  hast 
made  thyself  a  name,  as  it  is  at  this  day ; 

21  And  thou  didst  bring  forth  thy  people 
Israel  out  of  the  hind  of  Egypt  with  signs, 
and  with  wonders,  smd  with  a  strong  hand, 
and  with  an  outstretched  arm,  and  with 
great  terror;- 

22  And  thou  gavest  them  this  land,  which 
thou  hadst  sworn  to  their  fathers  to  give 
unto  them,  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
honey ; 

2o  And  they  came  in,  and  took  possession 
of  it ;  but  they  hetirkened  not  to  thy  voice, 
and  in  thy  law  they  did  not  walk;  all  that 
thou  hadst  commanded  them  to  do  they  did 
not  do :  and  thou  hast  therefore  caused  all 
this  evil  to  befall  them. 

2-1  Behold  the  mounds"  reach  unto  the  city 
to  capture  it;  and  the  city  is  gi\en  up  into  the 
hand  of  the  Cluddeiins,  who  fiiiht  against  it, 
because  of  the  sword,  and  of  the  famine,  and 
of  the  pestilence :  and  what  thou  hast  spoken 
is  t'ome  to  pass;  and,  behold,  thou  seest  it. 

25  And  yet  thou  hast  said  unto  me,  0 
Lord  Eternal,  Buy  for  thyself  the  field  for 

by  witnesses: 


money,  and  have  it  certified 


of  the  inspiration  to  make  a  regular  purchase  of  the  land, 
to  write  a  deed,  take  witnesses,  and  to  use  even  the  form- 
ality of  making  a  duplicate ;  still  he  himself  felt  over- 
come by  human  weakness  :  hence  the  beautiful  prayer  in 
the  text. 

'  T!ie  works  of  the  besiegers  on  wiiich  the  engines  of 
attack  were  placed, 


JEREMIAH  XXXII.  XXXIII. 


while  the  city  is  given  up  into  the  hand  of 
the  Chaldeans. 

26  •][  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Jeremiah,  saying, 

27  Behold,  I  am  the  Lord,  the  God  of  all 
flesh :  shall  any  thing  be  too  wonderful  for  me? 

28  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Be- 
hold, I  will  give  up  this  city  into  the  hand  of 
the  Chaldeans,  and  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchad- 
rezzar the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  shall  cap- 
ture it: 

29  And  the  Chaldeans,  that  fight  against 
this  city,  shall  come  and  set  tliis  city  on  fire, 
and  burn  it,  with  the  houses  upon  the  roofs 
of  which  they  have  offered  incense  unto  Ba'al, 
and  have  poured  out  drink-offerings  unto  other 
gods,  in  order  to  provoke  me  to  anger; 

30  For  the  children  of  Israel  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Judah  have  been  doing  only  what  is 
evil  in  my  eyes  from  their  youth  ;  for  the 
children  of  Israel  have  Ijeen  only  provoking 
me  to  anger  with  the  work  of  their  hands, 
saith  the  Lord. 

31  For  to  excite  my  anger  and  my  fury 
hath  been  unto  me  this  city  from  the  day 
that  they  built  it,  even  until  this  day;  so  that 
I  will  remove  it  fi'om  before  my  presence; 

32  Because  of  all  the  wickedness  of  the 
children  of  Israel  and  of  the  children  of  Ju- 
dah, which  they  have  done  to  provoke  me  to 
anger,  they,  their  kings,  their  princes,  their 
priests,  and  their  prophets,  and  the  men  of 
Judah,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem; 

33  And  they  turned  unto  me  the  back, 
and  not  the  face:  though  (my  prophets) 
taught  them,  rising  up  early  and  teaching; 
yet  they  hearkened  not  to  receive  instruction. 

34  But  they  placed  their  abominations  in 
the  house,  which  is  called  by  my  name,  to 
defile  it. 

35  And  they  built  the  high-places  of  Ba'al, 
which  are  in  the  valley  of  the  son  of  llin- 
nom,  to  cause  their  sons  and  their  daughters 
to  pass  through  (the  fire)  unto  Molech;  which 
I  had  not  comnuxnded  them,  and  which  had 
not  come  into  my  mind,  to  practise  this  abo- 
mination, in  order  to  mislead  .Tudah  to  sin. 

30  ^1  But  now,  therefore,  thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  concerning  this  city, 
whereof  ye  say,  It  is  given  up  into  the  hand 
of  the  king  of  Babylon  through  the  sword, 
and  tlirnugh  tlie  famine,  and  through  the 
pestilence : 


87  Behold,  I  will  gather  them  out  of  all 
the  countries,  whither  I  have  driven  them 
in  my  anger,  and  in  my  fury,  and  in  great 
wrath;  and  I  will  bring  them  back  again 
unto  this  place,  and  I  will  cause  them  to 
dwell  in  safety; 

38  And  they  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  people, 
and  I  will  be  unto  them  for  a  God ; 

39  And  I  will  give  them  one  heart,  and 
one  manner,  to  fear  me  at  all  times,  that  it 
may  be  well  with  them,  and  with  their  chil- 
dren after  them ; 

40  And  I  will  make  with  them  an  ever- 
lasting covenant,  that  I  will  not  turn  away 
from  them,  to  do  them  good  on  my  part;  and 
my  fear  will  I  place  in  their  heart,  so  that 
they  may  not  depart  from  me. 

41  And  I  will  be  glad  over  them  to  do 
them  good;  aiul  I  will  plant  them  in  this 
land  in  truth,  with  all  my  heart  and  with  all 
my  soul. 

42  ^[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Just  as 
I  have  brought  upon  this  people  all  this  great 
evil,  so  will  I  bring  upon  them  all  the  good 
that  I  speak  concerning  them. 

43  And  tlie  field  shall  yet  be  bought  in 
this  land,  whereof  ye  say.  It  is  desolate  with- 
out man  or  beast,  it  is  given  up  into  the  hand 
of  the  Chaldeans. 

44  Men  shall  buy  fields  for  money,  and 
write  it  in  deeds,  and  seal  it,  and  certify  it 
by  witnesses,  in  the  land  of  Benjamin,  and  in 
the  environs  of  Jerusalem,  and  in  the  cities 
of  Judah,  and  in  the  cities  of  the  mountain, 
and  in  the  cities  of  the  lowlands,  and  in  the 
cities  of  the  south ;  for  I  will  cause  their  cap- 
tivity to  return,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXXm. 

1  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Jeremiah  the  second  time,  while  he  was  yet 
shut  up  in  the  court  of  the  prison,  saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  who  doth  this, 
the  Lord  that  formeth  it,  to  estal)lish  it :  the 
Eternal  is  his  name; 

3  Call  unto  me,  and  I  will  answer  thee, 
and  I  will  tell  thee  great  and  unheard''  of 
things,  which  thou  knowest  not. 

4  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God 

'  Eashi,  "Preserved  in  my  heart  to  do  them;"  or  aa 
rendered  by  Philippscm,  "unheard;"  i.  e.  not  yet  revealed 
hy  God  tuuinrtals.     lledak,  "niiglity  things." 


JEREMIAH  XXXIII. 


of  Israel,  concerning  the  houses  of  this  city, 
and  concerning  the  houses  of  the  kings  of 
Judah,  which  are  thrown  down  by  means  of 
the  mounds,  and  by  means  of  the  sword; 

5  As  they*  come  to  fight  with  the  Chal- 
deans, but  only  to  fill  those  with  the  corpses 
of  the  men  whom  I  slay  in  my  anger  and  in 
my  fury,  and  for  all  whose  wickedness  I  have 
hidden  my  foce  from  this  city : 

G  Behold,  I  will  bring  it  healing  and  cure, 
and  I  will  cure  them,  and  I  will  display  unto 
them  the  abundance''  of  peace  and  truth. 

7  And  I  will  cause  to  return  the  captivity 
of  Judah  and  the  captivity  of  Israel,  and  I 
will  build  them  up,  as  at  the  first. 

8  And  I  will  cleanse  them  from  all  their 
guiltiness,  whereby  they  have  sinned  against 
me;  and  I  will  pardon  all  their  iniquities, 
whereby  they  have  sinned  toward  me,  and 
whereby  they  have  transgressed  against  me. 

9  And  it  shall  be  to  me  for  a  name  of 
gladness,  a  praise  and  an  honour  with  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  who  will  hear  all  the 
good  that  I  am  doing  unto  them:  and  they 
shall  dread  and  tremble  because  of  all  the 
good  and  because  of  all  the  happiness"'  that  I 
prepare  unto  it. 

10  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Yet  again 
shall  there  be  heard  in  this  place,  of  which  ye 
any,  '•  It  is  ruined,  without  man  and  without 
beast,"  [(even)  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in 
the  streets  of  Jerusalem,  that  are  desolate, 
without  man,  and  without  inhabitant,  and 
without  beast,] 

11  The  voice  of  gladness,  and  the  voice  of 
joy,  the  voice  of  the  bridegroom,  and  the 
voice  of  the  bride,  the  voice  of  those  that  say, 
"Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  of  hosts;  for  the 
Lord  is  good ;  because  to  eternity  endureth  his 
kindness:"  of  those  that  brin2:  thanksoivino;- 
oflenng  unto  the  house  of  the  Lord.    For  I  will 


"After  Philippson,  who  refers  the  word  D\S3  "  those 
who  come,"  to  the  Israelites;  meaning,  the  struggle 
should  be  in  vain.  Kodak  considers  the  preceding  verse 
to  indicate  that  the  houses  were  thrown  down  by  the 
citizens  to  make  ramparts  against  the  besiegers,  (Jona- 
than, "to  strengthen  the  walls  against  those  who  slay 
with  the  sword;")  to  which  this  verse  then  follows,  "be- 
cause they  come  to  fight,"  &c.  Others  refer  D\X3  to  the 
instruments  of  siege  and  destruction ;  thus,  "  which  come 
uvV/j  the  Chaldeans  to  fight,  only  to  fill,"  &c. 

''  Zunz,  "the  granting;"  mn;'  from  the  root  ^r\i'  "to 
entreat."     Kashi,  simply,  "the  blessing  of  peace,  mi/uI." 

°  Lit.  "peace." 


cause  to  return  the  captivity  of  the  land,  as 
at  the  first,  saitli  the  Lord. 

12  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
Yet  again  shall  there  be  in  this  place,  which 
is  ruined,  without  man  and  even  without 
beast,  and  in  all  its  cities,  an  habitation  of 
shepherds  who  cause  their  tlocks  to  lie  down. 

13  In  the  cities  of  the  mountain,  in  the 
cities  of  the  lowlands,  and  in  the  cities  of  the 
south,  and  in  the  land  of  Benjamin,  and  in 
the  environs  of  Jerusalem,  and  in  the  cities 
of  Judah,  shall  the  Hocks''  yet  pass  again 
under  the  hands  of  him  that  counteth  them, 
saith  the  Lord. 

14  ^  Behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  when  I  will  fulfil  that  good  word  which 
I  have  spoken  concerning  the  house  of  Israel 
and  respecting  the  house  of  Judah. 

15  In  those  days,  and  at  that  time,  will  I 
cause  to  grow  up  unto  David  the  sprout  of 
righteousness:  and  he  shall  execute  justice 
and  righteousness  in  the  land. 

16  In  those  days  shall  Judah  be  helped, 
and  Jerusalem  shall  dwell  in  safety :  and  this 
is  what  she  shall  be  called,  Tue  Lord  is  our 

RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

17  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the-LoRD,  There 
shall  never  be  wanting"  unto  David  a  man  to 
sit  upon  the  throne  of  the  house  of  Israel ; 

18  And  unto  the  priests  the  Levites  there 
shall  not  be  wanting  a  man  before  me,  to 
offer*^  burnt-ofTerino's.  and  to  burn  meat-offer- 
ings,  and  to  prepare  sacrifices  at  all  times. 

19  ]|  And  the  woi'd  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Jeremiah,  saying, 

20  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  If  ye  can 
break  my  covenant  with  the  day,  and  my 
covenant  with  the  night,  and  so,  that  there 
be  not  day  and  night  in  their  season: 

21  Then  also  shall  my  covenant  be  broken" 
with  David  my  servant,  that  he  should  not 

■^  Rashi  comments,  "The  Israelites  shall  go  out  and 
come  in  under  a  king  who  goeth  at  their  head." 

°  Rashi,  "not  an  everlasting  cutting  oft";  but  if  he  should 
cease  for  a  time,  he  will  at  length  return." 

'  Rashi,  "there  shall  not  be  cut  off  descendants  fit  to 
sacrifice,"  i.e.  "burnt-ofierings,"  &c. 

^  It  is  evident  that,  as  the  prophet  at  the  same  time 
predicted  the  destruction  of  both  kingdom  and  priesthood, 
he  foretold  the  continuity  only  of  descendants  of  David 
and  Aaron,  so  that  there  shall  at  no  time  be  wanting 
those  who  shall  lineally  be  fit  to  act  as  their  successors. 
(See  also  Isaiah  Ixvi.  21,  and  llosea  iii.  4,  5,  which  fully 
confirm  this  construction.)     To  this  day  there  :ire  many 

503 


JEREMIAH  XXXI 11.  XXXIV. 


have  a  son  to  reign  upon  his  throne;  and 
(that)  with  the  Levites  the  priests,  nay  minis- 
ters. 

22  As  the  host  of  heaven  cannot  be  num- 
bered, and  the  sand  of  the  sea  not  be  measured : 
so  will  I  multiply  the  seed  of  David  my  ser- 
vant, and  the  Levites  that  minister  unto  me. 

2.S  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lokd  came  to 
Jeremiah,  saying, 

24  Hast  thou  not  observed  what  this"  peo- 
ple have  sjjoken,  saying,  The  two  fixniilies'' 
which  the  Lord  hath  made  choice  of,  even 
these  hath  he  rejected:  and  they"  (thus) 
have  despised  my  people,  that  they  should 
be  no  more  a  nation  belbre  them. 

25  Tf  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  If  my 
covenant  be  not  with  day  and  night,  if  I 
have  not  appointed  the  ordinances  of  heaven 
and  earth : 

26  Then  also  will  I  reject  the  seed  of  Ja- 
cob, and  Da\'id  my  ser\'ant,  so  as  not  to  take 
any  of  his  seed  to  be  rulers  o\'er  the  seed  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  for  I  will  cause 
their  captivity  to  return,  and  luive  mercy  on 
them. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  The  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord,  when  Nebuchadnezzar  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  all  his  army,  and  all 
the  kingdoms  of  tlie  country  ruled  by  his 
power,  and  all  the  people,  fought  against 
Jerusalem,  and  against  all  its  cities,  saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God'  of 
Israel,  Go  and  speak  to  Zedekiah  the  king  of 
Judah,  and  say  to  him.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord.  Behold,  I  will  give  up  this  city  into  the 
hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  that  lie  nmy 
Ijurn  it  with  lire : 

3  And  thou  thyself  shalt  not  escape  out  of 
his  hand  ;  but  thou  shalt  surely  be  caught, 
and  be  delivered  into  his  hand;  and  thy  eyes 
shall  see  the  eyes  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and 
his  mouth  shall  speak  with  thy  mouth,  and  to 
Babylon  shalt  thou  go. 


who  claim  descent  from  David,  and  everywhere  we  meet 
with  tho?e  whom  common  consent  hallows  as  the  sons  of 
Aaron  and  Levi. 

*  The  (Jhaldoans  and  the  euomii's  of  Israel. 
''  David  and  Aaron. 

*  Rashi  comments  here,  "and  with  these  words  they 
cause  my  people  to  reject  (mcj,  not  to  be  a  nation  unto 
luc,  and  they  teach  them  to  say  tiie  Lord  will  not  turn 

0G4 


4  Yet  hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  0  Zede- 
kiah king  of  Judah,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
respecting  thee.  Thou  shalt  not  die  by  the 
sword : 

5  In  peace  shalt  thou  die  ;  and  as  burnings 
were  made'*  for  thy  fathers,  the  former  kings 
who  were  before  thee,  so  shall  they  make 
burnings  ibr  thee;  and  "Ah  lord"  shiill  they 
lament  for  thee;  for  I  have  spoken  the  word, 
saith  the  Lord. 

6  ^  And  Jeremiah  the  prophet  spoke  unto 
Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  all  these  words 
in  Jerusalem, 

7  When  the  army  of  the  king  of  Babylon 
were  lighting  against  Jerusalem,  and  against 
all  the  cities  of  Judah  that  were  left,  against 
Lachish,  and  against  'Azekah ;  for  these  had 
Ijeen  left  of  the  cities  of  Judah  as  fortified  cities. 

8  *i\  Tlie  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord,  after  king  Zedekiah  had 
nuide  a  covenant  with  all  the  people  who 
were  at  Jerusalem,  to  proclaim  among  them- 
selves freedom ; 

9  That  every  man  should  dismiss  his  man- 
servant, and  every  man  his  maid-servant, 
being  a  Hebrew  man  or  a  Heljrew  wonum, 
free ;  so  that  no  man  among  them  should  ex- 
act labour  of  a  Jew,  his  brother. 

10  And  all  the  princes  had  hearkened, 
with  all  the  people,  who  had  entered  into  the 
covenant,  that  every  one  should  dismiss  his 
man-servant,  and  every  one  his  maid-servant, 
free,  that  no  one  should  exact  labour  of  them 
any  more:  and  they  had  obeyed,  and  dis- 
missed them. 

11  But  they  had  turned  afterward,  and 
they  had  lirought  back  the  men-servants  and 
the  maid-servants  whom  they  had  dismissed 
as  free,  and  had  subjected  them  to  become 
men-servants  and  maid-servants. 

12  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  (then) 
came  to  Jeremiah  from  the  Lord,  saving, 

13  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God  of 
Israel. — I  myself  made  a  covenant  with  your 
fathers  on  the  day  that  1  Ijrought  them  forth 


from  his  auger  again,  and  that  repentance  would  not 
avail  them."  How  truly  has  this  been  fulfilled,  even  to 
this  day !  the  rejection  of  Israel  being  the  constant  theme 
to  make  us  swerve  from  our  God. 

■^  Rashi,  "'Thus  was  their  custom  to  buru  for  tlu'  kings 
their  beds  and  the  things  they  had  had  in  use.''  ]5ut 
from  2  fhron.  xvi.  14  it  appears  that  they  bur?it  spices 
and  aromatic  herbs. 


JEREMIAH  XXXIV.  XXXV. 


out  of  the  laml  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of 
bondmen,  saying, 

14  At  the  end  of  seven  years  shall  ye  dis- 
miss evei'y  man  his  brother  the  Hebrew,  who 
may  have  been  sold  unto  thee;  and  when  he 
hath  served  thee  six  years,  then  shalt  tliou 
dismiss  him  free  from  thee;  but  your  fathers 
hearkened  not  imto  me,  and  inclined  not 
their  ear. 

15  And  ye  had  turned  this  day,  and  done 
what  is  right  in  my  eyes,  to  proclaim  freedom 
every  man  to  his  neighbour;  and  ye  had 
made  a  covenant  before  me  in  the  house  over 
which  my  name  is  called; 

IG  But  ye  have  turned  .again^  and  pro- 
faned mj^  name,  and  ye  have  brought  back 
every  man  his  man-servant,  and  every  man 
his  woman-servant,  whom  ye  had  dismissed 
as  free  at  their  pleasure,  and  have  subjected 
them  to  he  unto  you  for  men-servants  and  for 
Avomen-servants. 

17  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Ye  indeed  have  not  hearkened  unto  me,  to 
proclaim  freedom,  every  one  to  his  brother, 
and  every  one  to  his  neighbour :  behold,  I 
proclaim  a  freedom  over  you.  saith  the  Lord, 
to  the  sword,  to  the  pestilence,  and  to  the 
famine;  and  I  will  make  you  a  horror  unto 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth. 

IS  And  1  will  give  up  the  men  that  have 
transgressed  my  covenant,  avIio  have  not  ful- 
filled the  words  of  the  covenant  which  they 
had  made  before  me,  at  the  calf"  which  they 
cut  in  twain,  and  between  the  parts  whereof 
they  passed, 

19  The  princes  of  Judah,  and  the  princes 
of  Jerusalem,  the  court-servants,  and  the 
priests,  and  all  the  people  of  the  land,  who 
have  passed  between  the  parts  of  the  calf; 

20  (Yea)  I  will  give  them  up  into  the  hand 
of  their  enemies,  and  into  the  hand  of  those 
that  seek  their  life;  and  their  dead  bodies 
shall  become  food  unto  the  fowls  of  the  hea^ 
vens,  and  to  the  beasts  of  the  earth. 


*  Manner  of  making  a  covenant.  (See  Gen.  xv.  10-17.) 
''  Tlie  Rechabites  were  a  family  of  tiie  Kenites,  (1  Chron. 
li.  55,)  and  were  most  jjrobably  the  dcscemlants  of  Jcthro, 
tbe  fatbcr-in-law  of  Closes.  (Compare  Num.  x.  29-32, 
with  Juilg.  i.  16.,  iv.  11.)  Though  they  dwelt  among  the 
Israelites  from  the  first,  they  were  never  incorporated 
with  them,  nor  had  any  inheritance  assigned  them,  but 
were  merely  regarded  as  friends  and  allies.  At  the  time 
of  Jeremiah,  as  we  see  in  verse  1,  they  had  sought  refuge 


1^1  And  Zedekiah  the  king  of  .Judah  and 
his  princes  will  1  give  up  into  the  hand  of 
their  enemies,  and  into  the  hand  of  tho.se  that 
seek  their  life,  and  into  the  hand  of  the  army 
of  the  king  of  Babylon,  that  are  (now)  gone 
away  from  you. 

2"^  Behold,  I  will  command,  speaketli  the 
Lord,  and  I  will  bring  them  back  to  this 
city;  and  they  shall  fight  against  it,  and  cap- 
ture it.  and  Ijurn  it  with  fire:  and  the  cities 
of  Judah  will  I  make  a  desert  without  an  in- 
habitant. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  ^  The  word  which  came  unto  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord  in  the  days  of  Jehoyakim  tiie 
son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah,  saying, 

2  Go  unto  the  house  of  the  Rechaljites,'' 
and  speak  with  them,  and  bring  them  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  into  one  of  the  cham- 
bers, and  offer  them  wine  to  drink. 

3  Then  I  took  Yaiizanyah  the  son  of  Jere- 
miah, the  son  of  Chabazzinj-ah,  and  his 
brethren,  and  all  his  sons,  and  the  whole 
hou.'^e  of  the  Rechabites  ; 

4  And  I  brought  them  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  into  the  chamber  of  the  sons  of 
Chanan,  the  son  of  Yigdalyahu,  the  man  of 
God,''  which  was  alongside  of  the  chamber 
of  the  princes,  which  was  above  the  chandjer 
of  Ma'aseyahu  the  son  of  Shallum,  the  keeper 
of  the  door  :'' 

5  And  I  set  before  the  sons  of  the  house  of 
the  Rechabites  goblets  full  of  wine,  and  cups; 
and  I  said  unto  them.  Drink  wine. 

6  But  tliey  said,  "We  will  not  drink  wine ; 
for  Jonadab  the  son  of  Rechab  our  fiither  hath 
laid  a  charge  on  us,  saying.  Ye  shall  not  drink 
wine,  neither  ye,  nor  your  sons  for  ever; 

7  Nor  shall  ye  build  any  house,  nor  sow 
seed,  nor  plant  a  vineyard,  nor  liave  (any 
such);  but  in  tents  shall  ye  dwell  all  jom- 
days,  in  order  that  ye  may  live  many  days  on 
the  face  of  the  land  where  ye  may  sojourn. 


in  Jerusalem  against  Nebuchadnezzar.  Benjamin  of 
Tudela,  in  his  travels,  assorts,  that  he  found  this  tribe  yet 
existing  in  the  district  of  Thcima,  in  Arabia;  and  Niebuhr, 
that  he  found  the  Beiii-kheiber  on  the  mountain  east  of 
Medina.  Jonadab  here  mentioned  is  supposed  to  be  the 
one  spoken  of  in  the  history  of  Jehu.  (2  Kings  x.  15,  23.) 
"  Jonathan,  "  the  prophet  of  the  Lord." 
■*  Heb.  "threshold."     Rashi,  "treasurer." 

563 


JEREMIAH  XXXV.  XXXVt. 


8  And  we  have  hearkened  unto  the  voice 
of  Jehonadab  the  son  of  Rechab  our  father  in 
all  that  he  hath  charged  us,  not  to  drink  any 
wine  all  our  days,  we,  our  wives,  our  sons, 
and  our  daughters; 

9  And  not  to  build  houses  for  our  dwell- 
ing: and  we  never  had  any  vinej'ard,  or 
field,  or  seed ; 

10  But  we  have  dwelt  in  tents,  and  have 
obeyed,  and  done  in  accordance  with  all  that 
Jonadab  our  father  hath  commanded  us. 

12  But  it  came  to  pass,  when  Nebuchad- 
rezzar the  king  of  Baljylon  came  up  into  the 
land,  that  we  said.  Come,  and  let  us  go  into 
Jerusalem  because  of  the  army  of  the  Chal- 
deans, and  because  of  the  army  of  the  Syrians; 
and  so  we  dwell  at  Jerusalem. 

12  ^  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Jeremiah,  saying, 

13  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  Go  and  say  to  the  men  of 
Judah  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  Will 
ye  not  receive  instruction  to  hearken  to  my 
words  ?  saith  the  Lord. 

14  Fulfilled  are  the  words  of  Jehonadab 
the  son  of  Rechab,  that  he  hath  commanded 
his  sons  not  to  drink  wine :  and  they  have 
not  drunk  any  even  unto  this  day ;  because 
they  have  obeyed  the  commandment  of  their 
father ;  but  I,  I  have  spoken  unto  you,  early 
in  the  day  and  speaking;  but  ye  have  not 
hearkened  unto  me. 

15  And  I  have  sent  unto  you  all  my  ser- 
vants the  prophets,  making  them  rise  up 
early  and  sending  them,  saying.  Do  but  return 
every  man  from  his  evil  way,  and  amend 
your  deeds,  and  go  not  after  other  gods  to 
serve  them :  and  so  shall  ye  remain  in  the 
land  which  I  have  given  to  you  and  to  your 
fathers ;  but  ye  have  not  inclined  your  ear, 
and  have  not  hearkened  unto  me. 

16  Because  the  sons  of  Jehonadab  the  son 
of  Rechab  have  fulfilled  the  commandment  of 
their  father,  which  he  liath  commanded  them; 
but  iis  this  people  have  not  hearkened  unto  me  : 

17  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I 
will  bring  upon  Judah  and  upon  all  the  inha- 
bitants of  Jerusalem  all  the  evil  that  I  have 
spoken  concerning  them ;  because  I  spoke 
unto  them,  but  they  would  not  hear;  and  I 
called  unto  them,  but  they  would  not  answer. 

18  And  unto  the  house  of  the  Rechabites 


said  Jeremiah,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Whereas  ye  have 
hearkened  to  the  charge  of  Jonadab  your 
lather,  and  have  kept  all  his  commandments, 
and  have  done  in  accordance  with  aU  that  he 
hath  commanded  you : 

19  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  af  Israel,  There  shall  not  be 
wanting  unto  Jehonadab  the  son  of  Rechab 
a  man  to  stand  before  me  at  all  times. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fourth 
year  of  Jehoyakim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king 
of  Judah,  that  this  word  came  unto  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord,  saying, 

2  Take  thee  a  roll-book,  and  write  therein 
all  the  words  that  I  have  spoken  unto  thee 
against  Israel,  and  against  Judah,  and  against 
all  tlie  nations,  from  the  day  that  I  sjjoke 
unto  thee,  from  the  days  of  Josiah,  even  until 
this  day. 

3  Peradventure  it  be  that  the  hou.se  of 
Judah  will  hear  all  the  evil  which  I  purpo.se 
to  do  unto  them :  in  order  that  they  may  re- 
turn every  man  from  his  evil  way;  that  I 
may  forgive  their  iniquity  and  their  sin. 

4  |[  Then  did  Jeremiah  call  Baruch  the 
son  of  Neriyah :  and  Baruch  wrote  from  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah  all  the  words  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  had  spoken  unto  him,  upon  a  roll- 
book. 

5  And  Jeremiah  commanded  Baruch,  say- 
ing, I  am  shut  up;'  I  am  not  able  to  enter 
into  the  liou.se  of  the  Lord  : 

6  Therefore  go  thou,  and  read  in  the  roll, 
which  thou  hast  written  from  my  mouth,  the 
words  of  the  Lord  before  the  ears  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  house  of  the  Lord  on  the  fast-day; 
and  also  before  the  ears  of  all  Judah  that 
come  out  of  their  cities  shalt  thou  read 
them. 

7  Perhaps  it  may  be  that  they  will  humbly 
present''  their  supplication  before  the  Lord, 
and  will  return  every  one  from  his  evil  way; 
for  great  are  the  anger  and  the  fury  that  the 
Lord  hath  decreed  against  this  people. 

8  And  Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyah  did  in 
accordance  with  all  that  Jeremiah  the  pro- 


"  Philippson,  "I  am  excluded,"  ('.  e.  by  the  hatred  of 
the  persecuting  prie.sts,  from  entering  the  temple. 
"  Ileb.  "  their  supplication  shall  fall." 


JEREMIAH  XXXVI. 


phet  had  comraandrd  Iiim.  to  read  in  the 
book  the  words  of  the  Lord  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

9  ^f  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fifth  year 
of  Jehoyakini  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of 
Judah,  in  the  ninth  month,  that  they  pro- 
chiimed  a  fast  before  the  Lord  for  all  the  peo- 
ple in  Jerusalem,  and  for  all  the  people  that 
came  from  the  cities  of  Judali  unto  Jerusa- 
lem. 

10  And  Baruch  read  in  the  book  the  words 
of  Jeremiah  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  in  the 
chamber  of  Gemaryahu  the  son  of  Shaphan 
the  scribe,  in  the  upper  court,  at  the  entrance 
of  the  new  gate  of  the  Lord's  house,  before 
the  ears  of  all  the  people. 

11  And  Avhen  Michayhu  the  son  of  Ge- 
maryahu, the  son  of  Shaphan,  had  heard  all 
the  words  of  the  Lord  out  of  the  book : 

12  He  went  down  into  the  king's  house, 
into  the  scribe's  chamber;  and,  lo,  all  the 
princes  were  sitting  there,  even  Elishama'  the 
scribe,  and  Dolayahu  the  son  of  Sheina'yaliu, 
and  Elnathan  the  son  of 'Achljor,  and  Gemar- 
yahu the  son  of  Shaphan,  and  Zedekiah  the 
son  of  Chananyahu,  and  all  the  j^rinces. 

13  And  Michayhu  told  unto  them  all  the 
words  whixjh  he  had  heard,  when  Baruch 
read  in  the  book  before  the  ears  of  the  peo- 
ple. 

14  Thereupon  sent  all  the  princes  Jehudi 
the  son  of  Nethanyahu,  the  son  of  Shelem- 
yahu,  the  son  of  (Jushi,  unto  Baruch,  say- 
ing, The  roll  wherein  thou  hast  read  before 
the  cars  of  the  peoj^le, — this  take  in  thy  hand, 
and  come.  So  Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyahu 
took  the  roll  in  his  hand,  and  came  unto 
them. 

15  And  they  said  unto  him,  Sit  down,  we 
pray  thee,  and  read  it  before  our  ears.  So  Ba- 
ruch read  it  before  their  ears. 

IG  Now  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  heard 
all  the  words,  they  looked  terrified  at  each 
other,  and  they  said  mito  Baruch,  We  will 
surely  tell  the  king  of  all  these  words. 

17   And  they  asked  Baruch,  saying.   Do 


'  No  doubt  but  that  the  princes,  touched  for  the  mo- 
ment by  the  denunciation  which  they  had  heard,  desired 
to  report  the  words  to  the  king,  in  the  hope  of  producing 
an  amendment;  but  they  wished  first  to  be  convinced 
that  Baruch  had  not  misrepresented  the  prophet,  who, 
though  lint  loved,  was  yet  fully  believed  by  the  better  in- 
formed of  the  people.     This  doubt  was  removed  by  the 


tell  us.  How  didst  thou  write  ddwn  all  these 
words  from  his  mouth? 

18  Then  said  Baruch  unto  them,  With  his 
mouth  did  he  utter  clearly  all  these  words 
unto  me,  and  I  wrote  them  in  the  book  with 
ink.'' 

19  T[  Then  said  the  princes  unto  Baruch, 
Go,  hide  thyself,  thou  with  Jeremiah ;  and  let 
no  man  know  where  ye  are. 

20  And  they  went  in  to  the  king  into  the 
court,  but  the  roll  they  had  put  in  safe  keep- 
ing in  the  chamber  of  Elishama'  the  scribe; 
and  they  told  before  the  ears  of  the  king  all 
the  words. 

21  But  the  king  sent  Jehudi  to  fetch  the 
roll;  and  he  took  it  out  of  the  chamber  of 
Elishama'  the  scribe.  And  Jeliudi  read  it 
before  the  ears  of  the  king,  and  before  the 
ears  of  all  the  princes  who  stood  around  the 
king. 

22  Now  the  king  was  sitting  in  the  wmter- 
house  in  the  ninth  month  :'^'  and  a  pan  of 
coals  was  burning  before  him. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jehudi  had 
read  three  or  four  pages,  that  he  cut  it  with 
the  writer's  knife,  and  cast  it  into  the  fire 
that  was  in  the  coal-pan,  until  all  the  roll 
was  consumed  in  the  fire  that  was  in  the 
coal-pan. 

24  Yet  they  were  not  terrified,  nor  did 
they  rend  their  garments,  either  the  king,  or 
any  of  his  servants  that  had  heard  all  these 
words. 

25  And  although  Elnathan  and  Delayahu 
and  Gemaryahu  had  also  made  intercession 
with  the  king  that  he  might  not  l:)urn  the 
roll,  he  would  not  listen  to  them. 

26  And  the  king  commanded  Yerachmeel 
the  son  of  the  king,''  and  Serayahu  the  son 
of  'Azi'iel,  and  Shelemyahu  the  son  of  'Ab- 
deel,  to  seize  on  Baruch  the  scribe  and  Jere- 
miah the  prophet;  but  the  Lord  hid  them. 

27  Tl  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  to 
Jeremiah,  after  the  king  had  bin-nt  tlie  roll, 
and  the  words  which  Baruch  had  written 
down  from  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah,  saying. 


simplicity  of  the  answer,  which  is  in  substance  that  the 
amanuensis  only  wrote  down  the  words  as  they  fell  dis- 
tinctly from  the  inspired  lips  of  the  seer. 

'  The  month  of  Kislev,  as  now  called,  coincident  with 
December,  or  November  and  December. 

'  Others  take  I/ainmelcrh  as  a  proper  name,  as  Jehoya- 
kim  had  at  that  time  no  grown  son. 

567 


JEREMIAH  XXXVI.  XXXVII. 


28  Take  thee  again  another  roll,  and  write 
on  it  all  the  former  words  that  have  been  on 
the  first  roll,  which  Jehoyakim  the  king  of 
Judah  hath  burnt. 

29  And  concerning  Jehoyakim  the'  king 
of  Judah  shalt  thou  say.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Thou  hast  indeed  burnt  tliis  roll,  say- 
ing. Why  hast  thou  written  therein,  saying, 
The  king  of  Babylon  shall  certainly  come 
and  destroy  this  land,  and  shall  cause  to 
cease  therefrom  man  and  beast? 

30  T[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lokd 
concerning  Jehoyakim  the  king  of  Judah,  He 
shall  have  no  one  to  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
David;  and  his  dead  body  shall  be  cast  out 
to  the  heat  in  the  day,  and  to  the  cold  in  the 
night. 

31  And  I  will  visit  on  him  and  on  his  seed 
and  on  hi.s  servants  their  iniquity ;  and  I  will 
bring  over  them,  and  over  the  inhabitants  of 
Jerusalem,  and  against  the  men  of  Judah,  all 
the  evil  that  I  have  spoken  against  them, 
while  they  did  not  hearken. 

32  ][  And  Jeremiah  took  another  roll, 
and  gave  it  to  Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyahu 
the  scribe;  who  wrote  thereon  from  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah  all  the  words  of  the  book 
which  Jehoyakim  the  king  of  Judah  had 
burnt  in  the  fire:  and  there  were  yet  added 
unto  tliem  many  words  like  them. 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

1  Tl  And  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Josiah  reign- 
ed as  king  in  the  place  of  Cony  ah  u  the  son  of 
Jehoyakim.  whom  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon  made  king  in  the  land  of  Judah. 

2  But  neither  he,  nor  his  servants,  nor  the 
people  of  the  land,  did  hearken  unto  the 
words  of  the  Louu,  which  he  had  spoken  by 
means  of  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 

3  And  king  Zedekiah  sent  Jehuchal  the 
son  of  Shelemyah  and  Ze[)hanyahu  the  son 
of  Ma'assoyah  the  priest  unto  Jeremiah  the 
prophet,  saying.  Pray  now  in  our  l)ehalf  unto 
the  Lord  our  God. 

4  Now  Jeremiah  came  and  went  out  among 
the  people;  and  they  put  him  not  into  the 
prison-house. 

5  But   the    army  of  Pharaoh    was   come 


'  Redak;  but  Jonathan  and  Raslii,  "to  divide  hi.s  pro- 
perty;" but  the  sense  is,  prnbably,  that  he  feared  ill-usage, 
and  desired  to  escape  it  by  a  timely  flight 
508 


forth  out  of  Egypt:  and  when  the  Chaldeans 
that  besieged  Jerusalem  heard  the  report  of 
them,  they  withdrew  from  Jerusalem. 

0  Tl  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
Jeremiah  the  prophet,  saying, 

7  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, Thus  shall  ye  sa}'  to  the  king  of  Judah, 
that  hath  sent  you  unto  me  to  inquire  of  me. 
Behold,  Pharaoh's  arm}^  which  is  come  forth 
to  help  you,  returneth  into  its  own  land  to 
Egypt. 

8  But  the  Chaldeans  will  come  again,  and 
fight  against  this  city,  and  capture  it,  and 
burn  it  with  fire. 

9  Tf  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Deceive  not 
yourselves,  saying.  The  Chaldeans  will  cer- 
tainly go  away  from  us ;  for  they  will  not  go 
away. 

10  For  if  even  ye  had  smitten  the  whole 
army  of  the  Chaldeans  that  fight  against  you, 
and  there  remained  among  them  (only  such) 
men  as  are  pierced  through :  j-et  should  they 
rise  up,  every  man  in  his  tent,  and  burn  this 
city  with  fire. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  army 
of  the  Chaldeans  had  withdrawn  from  Jeru- 
salem because  of  the  army  of  Pharaoh, 

12  ^  That  Jeremiah  went  forth  out  of 
Jerusalem  to  go  into  the  land  of  Benjamin,  to 
make  his  escape*  thence  in  the  midst  of  the 
people. 

13  But  as  he  was  in  the  gate  of  Benjamin, 
there  was  there  a  captain  of  the  guardsmen, 
whose  name  was  Yiriyah,  the  son  of  Shelem- 
yah, the  son  of  Chananyah;  and  he  seized 
hold  of  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  saying,  Thou 
runnest  away  to  the  Chaldeans. 

14  But  Jeremiah  said,  It  is  false;  I  am 
not  ruiniing  away  to  the  Chaldeans.  But  he 
listened  not  to  him;  and  Yiriyah  seized  hold 
of  Jeremiah,  and  brought  him  to  the  princes. 

15  Thereujjon  were  the  princes  wroth  with 
Jeremiah,  and  struck  him,  and  put  him  in 
prison  in  the  house  of  Jonathan  the  scribe; 
for  that  had  they  made  into  a  prison-house. 

IG  When  Jeremiah  had  been  placed  in  the 
dungeon,  within  the  traders'  shops,''  where 
Jeremiah  remained  many  days : 

17  King  Zedekiah  sent,  and  had  him  taken 


'  Jonathan  considers  that  in  the  front  of  the  prison  there 
were  traders'  shops  where  goods  were  sold.  Others  re- 
gard nv:n  as  synonymous  with  "the  keep"  of  a  castle,  or 


JEREMIAH  XXXVII.  XXXVIII. 


out,  and  the  king  asked  him  in  his  house  in 
secret,  and  said,  "  Is  there  any  word  from  tlie 
Lord?"  And  Jeremiali  said,  '"There  is:" 
and  he  said,  Into  the  hand  of  tlie  king  of 
Babykm  shalt  thou  be  given  up. 

18  And  Jeremiah  said  unto  king  Zedeliiah, 
What  have  I  sinned  against  thee,  and  against 
tliy  servants,  and  against  tliis  people,  that 
ye  have  put  me  into  the  prison-liouse? 

19  And  where  are  now  your  prophets  who 
have  propliesied  unto  you,  saying,  The  king 
of  Babylon  will  not  come  against  you,  and 
against  this  land? 

20  Yet  now,  do  but  liear,  I  pray  thee,  0 
my  lord  the  king:  let  me  offer  my  humble 
supplication,  I  pray  thee,  before  thee,  that 
thou  wilt  not  make  me  return  to  the  house 
of  Jonathan  the  scribe,  lest  I  die  there. 

21  Then  commanded  king  Zedekiah  that 
they  should  put  Jeremiah  in  ward  in  the 
court  of  the  prison,  and  that  they  should 
give  him  a  loaf  of  bread  for  every  day  out  of 
the  bakers'  street,  until  all  the  bread  was 
spent  out  of  the  city.  Thus  Jeremiah  re- 
mained in  the  court  of  the  prison. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  And  Shephatyah  the  son  of  Matthan, 
and  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Pashchur,  and 
Juchal  the  son  of  Shelemyahu,  and  Pashchur 
the  son  of  Malkiyah,  heard  the  words  that 
Jeremiah  was  speaking  unto  all  the  people, 
saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  He  that  re- 
maineth  in  this  city  shall  die  by  the  sword, 
by  the  famine,  and  by  the  pestilence;  but  he 
that  goeth  forth  to  the  Chaldeans  shall  live; 
and  he  shall  have  his  life  as  a  booty,  and 
shall  live. 

3  *\\  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  This  city 
shall  surely  be  given  up  into  the  hand  of  the 
army  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  shall 
capture  it. 

4  Thereupon  said  the  princes  unto  the 
king,  We  beseech  thee,  let  this  man  be  put  to 
death ;  for  the  cause  that  he  weakeneth  the 
hands  of  the  men  of  war  that  are  yet  left  in 
this  city,  and  the  hands  of  all  the  people,  by- 
speaking  such  words  unto  them;  for  this  man 


another  term  for  prison,  but  only  used  so  as  occasion 
required,  since  there  were  probably  no  regular  prison-build- 
ings in  Palestine. 

3  W 


seeketh  not  the  welfare  of  this  people,  but 
their  hurt. 

5  Then  said  king  Zedekiah,  Behold,  he 
is  in  your  hand;  for  the  king  is  not  able  to 
do  any  thing  against  you. 

G  Then  did  they  take  Jeremiah,  and  cast 
him  into  the  pit  of  Malkiyahu  the  son  of  the 
king,''  that  was  in  the  court  of  the  prison : 
and  they  let  Jeremiah  down  with  cords;  but 
in  the  pit  there  was  no  water,  but  mire;  so 
that  Jeremiah  sunk  into  the  mire. 

7  Now  when  'Ebed-melech  the  Cushi,''  a 
eunuch  who  was  in  the  king's  house,  heard 
that  they  had  placed  Jeremiah  into  the  pit ; 
while  the  king  was  sitting  in  the  gate  of  Ben- 
jamin : 

8  'Ebed-melech  went  forth  out  of  the  king's 
house,  and  spoke  to  the  king,  saying, 

9  My  lord,  0  king,  these  men  have  done 
wrong  in  all  that  they  have  done  to  Jeremiah 
the  prophet,  whom  they  have  cast  into  the 
pit;  and  he  would  have  had  to  die  (as  it  is) 
in  the  place  where  he  was  for  hunger;  for 
there  is  no  more  bread  in  the  city. 

10  The  king  then  commanded  'Ebed-me- 
lech the  Cushi,  saying,  Take  with  thee  from 
here  thirty  men,  and  bring  up  Jeremiah  the 
prophet  out  of  the  pit,  before  he  die. 

11  So  'Ebed-melech  took  the  men  with 
him,  and  went  into  the  house  of  the  king 
under  the  treasury,  and  took  thence  cast-off 
clothes  and  old  rags,  and  let  them  down  into 
the  pit  to  Jeremiah  by  cords. 

12  And  'Elx'd-melech  the  Cushi  said  unto 
Jeremiah,  Put,  I  pray,  these  cast-oft"  clothes 
and  old  rags  under  thy  arm-pits  beneath  the 
cords.     And  Jeremiah  did  so. 

13  So  they  drew  up  Jeremiah  with  cords, 
and  brought  him  up  out  of  the  pit:  and 
Jeremiah  remained  in  the  court  of  the 
prison. 

14  Then  sent  king  Zedekiah,  and  took 
Jeremiah  the  prophet  unto  him  into  the  third 
entry  that  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord;  and 
the  king  said  unto  Jeremiah,  I  will  ask  thee 
something:  conceal  nothing  from  me. 

15  Then  said  Jeremiah  unto  Zedekiah,  If 
I  should  tell  it  unto  thee,  behold,  thou  wilt 
surely  put   me    to    death;    and   if  I  should 


"  Others,  son  of  Hammelah,  as  above,  xxxv.  2G. 
^  Commonly  rendered  Ethiopian.     For  "eunuch,"  Jo- 
nathan has  "a  great  man." 

669 


JEREMIAH  XXXVIII.  XXXIX. 


give  thee  counsel,  tliou  wilt  not  hearken  unto 
me. 

IG  So  king  Zedekiah  swore  unto  Jeremiah 
.secretly,  saying.  As  the  Lord  livetli,  who 
hath  made  for  us  this  soid,  I  will  not  put  thee 
to  death,  nor  will  I  give  thee  up  into  the 
hand  of  these  men  that  seek  thy  life. 

17  ^  Then  said  Jeremiah  unto  Zedekiah, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  If  thou  wilt  indeed  go  forth 
unto  the  princes  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  then 
shall  thy  soul  live,  and  this  city  shall  not  be 
burnt  with  fire;  and  thou  shalt  live,  thou 
with  thy  household; 

18  But  if  thou  wilt  not  go  forth  to  the 
princes  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  then  shall 
this  city  be  given  up  into  the  hand  of  the 
Chaldeans,  and  they  shall  burn  it  with  fire, 
and  thou  thyself  shalt  not  escape  out  of  their 
hand. 

19  Tl  Then  said  king  Zedekiah  unto  Jere- 
miah, I  am  in  dread  of  the  Jews  that  have 
run  away  to  the  Chaldeans,  lest  these  deliver 
me  into  their  hand,  and  they  might  ill-use"  me. 

20  Tl  But  Jeremiah  said,  They  will  not 
give  (thee)  up.  Obey,  I  beseech  thee,  the 
voice  of  the  Lord,  in  that  which  I  speak  unto 
thee;  so  it  shall  be  well  unto  thee,  and  thy 
soul  shall  live. 

21  But  if  thou  refuse  to  go  forth,  this  is 
the  word  that  the  Lord  hath  shown  me : 

22  And  behold,  all  the  women  that  are 
left  in  the  house  of  the  king  of  Judah  shall 
be  led  forth  to  the  princes  of  the  king  of 
Babylon  ;  and  these  women  shall  say,  '•  Tliey 
have  enticed,  and  have  overpersuaded  thee 
— thy  men  that  should  have  sought  thy  wel- 
fare;'' thy  feet  are  (now)  sunk  in  the  mire, 
and  they  have  withdrawn  themselves  back- 
ward." 

23  And  all  thy  wives  and  thy  children 
shall  they  bring  out  to  the  Chaldeans ;  and 
thou  thyself  shalt  not  escape  out  of  their 
hand  ;  for  by  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon 
shalt  thou  be  caught;  and  this  city  wilt  thou 
cause"  to  be  burnt  with  fire. 

24  ^f  Then  said  Zedekiah  unto  Jeremiah, 

'  Kashi,  affronter,  "insult."     Eng.  vcr.  "mock." 

'  Philippson;  but  Ra,«hi,  "the  false   prnphets  that  said 

to  thcc,  Thou  shalt  uot  be  caught."      Jilt.  "  the  men  of 

thy  peace." 

°  llashi,  "thou  wilt  be  us  though  thou  burnest  it  with 
570 


Let  no  man  know  of  these  words,  that  thou 
majest  not  die. 

25  And  if  the  princes  should  hear  that  I 
have  spoken  with  thee,  and  they  come  unto 
thee,  and  say  unto  thee.  Tell  us,  we  pray 
thee,  what  thou  hast  spoken  unto  the  king, 
conceal  it  not  from  us,  and  we  will  not  put 
thee  to  death;  also  what  the  king  hath  spoken 
unto  thee : 

26  Then  shalt  thou  say  unto  them,  I  pre- 
sented my  humble  supphcation  before  the 
king,  that  he  would  not  send  me  back  to  the 
house  of  Jonathan,  to  die  there. 

27  ]j  And  all  the  princes  came  unto  Jere- 
miah, and  asked  him :  and  he  told  them  in 
accordance  with  all  these  words  that  the  king 
had  commanded.  And  they  turned  away 
silent  from  him;  for  the  matter  had  not  been 
made  public.'^ 

28  And  Jeremiah  remained  in  the  court 
of  the  prison  until  the  day  that  Jerusalem 
was  taken. 

^  And®  it  came  to  pass  when  Jerusalem 
was  captured, 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  In  the  ninth  year  of  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  in  the  tenth  month,  that  Ne- 
buchadrezzar the  king  of  Babylon  came  with 
all  his  army  against  Jerusalem,  and  they  be- 
sieged it. 

2  (And)  in  the  eleveath  year  of  Zedekiah, 
in  the  fourth  month,  on  the  ninth  day  of  the 
month,  was  the  city  broken  in. 

3  ^  And  then  came  all  the  princes  of  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  sat  down  in  the  middle 
gate ;  (namely,)  Neregal-sharezer,  Samgar- 
nebu,  Sarsechim,  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs, 
Neregal-sharezer,  the  chief  of  the  magi,  with 
all  the  residue  of  the  princes  of  the  king  of 
Babylon. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass  when  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judali  saw  them,  and  all  the  men  of 
war,  that  they  fled,  and  went  forth  out  of  the 
city  by  night,  by  the  way  of  the  king's  garden, 
by  the  gate  between  the  two  walls :  and  he 
went  out  by  the  way  of  the  plain. 

thy  own  hands,  for  thou  wilt  cause  it."     Lit.  "  thou  wilt 

buru." 

■^  After  Redak.    Lit.  "the  thing  had  uot  been  hoard." 
'  According    to    the    IMassorah,   which    makes    here   a 

srrtion,  chapter  xxxix.  should  commence  with   the  word 

"  And." 


JEREMIAH  XXXIX.  XL. 


5  But  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  pursued 
after  them,  and  they  overtook  Zedekiah  in 
the  pLiins  of  Jericho;  and  they  took  him,  and 
brought  hhu  up  to  Xelnichadnezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon  to  Riblah  in  the  land  of  Chamath : 
and  he  ealled  him  to  account." 

G  And  the  king  of  Babylon  slaughtered 
the  sons  of  Zedekiah  in  Eiblah  before  his 
eyes;  also  all  the  nobles  of  Judah  did  the 
king  of  Babylon  slaughter. 

7  And  the  eyes  of  Zedekiah  did  he  blind ; 
and  ho  bound  him  with  brazen  fetters,  to 
carry  him  to  Babylon. 

8  And  the  house  of  the  king,  and  the 
houses  of  the  people  did  the  Chaldeans  burn 
with  tire,  and  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  did  they 
pull  down. 

9  And  the  rest  of  the  people  that  remained 
in  the  city,  and  those  who  had  run  away  that 
had  run  away  to  him,  with  the  rest  of  the 
people  that  remained,  did  Nebuzaradan  the 
captain  of  the  guard  carry  off  into  exile  to 
to  Babylon. 

10  But  of  the  poorest  of  the  people,  who 
had  nothing,  did  Nebuzaradan  the  captain 
of  the  guard  leave  some  in  the  land  of  Judah, 
and  gave  them  vineyards  and  arable  lields  at 
the  same  time. 

11  And  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Bab}- 
lon  gave  charge  concerning  Jeremiah  through 
means  of  Nebuzaradan  the  captain  of  the 
guard,  sa3ing, 

12  Take  him,  and  direct  thy  eyes  to  him, 
and  do  him  not  the  least  harm ;  but  as  he 
may  speak  unto  thee,  even  so  do  thou  with 
him. 

13  Then  sent  Nebuzaradan  the  captain  of 
the  guard,  and  Nebushazban,  the  chief  of  the 
eunuchs,  and  Neregal-sharezer,  the  chief  of 
the  magi,  and  all  the  chiefs  of  the  king  of 
Babylon, — 

14  Even  they  sent,  and  took  Jeremiah  out 
of  the  court  of  the  prison,  and  they  committed 
him  unto  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikam  the 
son  of  Shaplian,  to  carry  him  home :  and  he 
remained  in  the  midst  of  the  people. 

10  ^  But  unto  Jeremiah  was  come  the 
word  of  the  Lord  while  he  was  shut  up  in 
the  court  of  the  prison,  saving. 


'  Rashi ;  lit.  "he  spoke  with  him  judgments;"  mean- 
ing, he  demanded  an  account  for  the  breach  of  his  oath 
of  fidelity. 


IG  Go  and  say  to  'Ebed-melech  the  Cushi 
as  followeth.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  bring 
my  words  (to  fulfdment)  against  this  city  I'or 
evil,  and  not  for  good ;  and  they  shall  be  ac- 
complished before  thee  on  that  day. 

17  But  I  will  deliver  thee  on  that  day, 
saith  the  Lord;  and  thou  shalt  not  be  given 
up  into  the  hand  of  the  men  of  whom  thou 
hast  dread. 

18  For  I  will  surely  let  thee  escape,  and 
thou  shalt  not  fall  by  the  sword;  but  thy  life 
shall  be  unto  thee  as  a  booty;  because  thou 
hast  put  thy  trust  in  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  Tl  The  word  that  came  unto  Jeremiah 
from  the  Lord,  after  Nebuzaradan  the  captain 
of  the  guard  had  dismissed  him  from  Raniah, 
when  he  had  taken  him  as  he  was  bound  in 
chains  in  the  midst  of  all  the  exiles  of  Jeru- 
salem and  Judah,  who  were  carried  away 
into  exile  unto  Babylon. 

2  Then  took  the  captain  of  the  guard  Jere- 
miah, and  said  unto  him,  The  Lord  thy  God 
had  spoken  this  evil  over  this  place; 

3  Now  the  LoiiD  hath  brought  it  (to  fulfil- 
ment), and  hath  done  according  as  he  had 
spoken;  because  ye  had  sinned  against  the 
Lord,  and  had  not  hearkened  to  his  voice ; 
and  therefore  is  this  thing  come  upon  you. 

4  And  now,  behold,  I  have  freed  thee  this 
day  from  the  chains  which  were  upon  thy 
hand.  If  it  seem  good  in  thy  eyes  to  come 
with  me  to  Babylon,  come,  and  I  will  direct 
my  eye  unto  thee ;  but  if  it  seem  ill  in  thy 
eyes  to  come  with  me  to  Babylon,  forbear : 
behold,  all  the  land  is  before  thee;  whither  it 
seemeth  good  and  proper  in  thy  eyes  to  go, 
thither  go. 

5  And  as  he  did  not  yet  turn  about,  (he 
said,)  Go  then  back  to  Gedalyah  the  son  of 
Achikam  the  son  of  Shaphan,  whom  the  king 
of  Babylon  hath  appointed  governor  over  the 
cities  of  Judah,  and  dwell  with  him  in  the 
midst  of  the  people ;  or  wheresoever  it  seemeth 
proper  in  thy  eyes  to  go,  go.  And  the  cajjtain 
of  the  guard  gave  him  an  allowance  and  a 
present,  and  then  dismissed  him. 

6  So  did  Jeremiah  come  unto  Gedalj'ah 
the  son  of  Achikam  to  Mizpah  ;  and  he  dwelt 
with  him  in  the  midst  of  the  people  that  had 
been  left  in  the  land. 

571 


JEREMIAH  XL.  XLT. 


7  ^  Now  when  all  the  captains  of  the  ar- 
mies who  were  in  the  field,  thej  and  their  men, 
heard  that  the  king  of  Babylon  had  appointed 
Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikani  governor  over 
the  land,  and  that  he  had  intrusted  unto 
him  men,  and  women,  and  children,  and  these 
of  the  poorest  of  the  land,  of  those  that  had 
not  been  carried  away  into  exile  to  Baljylon : 

8  Then  came  they  to  Gedalyah  to  Mizpah, 
even  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethanyahn,  and 
Jochanan  and  Jonathan  the  i-ons  of  Kareiich, 
and  Serayah  the  son  of  Tanchumeth,  and  the 
sons  of  'Ephai  the  Netophathite,  and  Yezan- 
yahu  the  son  of  a  Ma'achathite,  they  and 
their  men. 

9  And  Gedah-ahu  the  son  of  Achikam  the 
son  of  Shaphan  swore  unto  them  and  unto 
their  men,  saying,  Have  no  fear  to  serve  the 
Chaldeans :  remain  in  the  land,  and  serve  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  it  will  be  well  with  you. 

10  As  for  me,  l^ehold,  I  will  dwell  at  Miz- 
pah, to  stand  before"  the  Chaldeans,  -who  will 
come  unto  us;  but  ye,  gather  ye  together 
wine,  and  summer-fruits,  and  oil,  and  put 
them  in  your  vessels,  and  dwell  in  your  cities 
of  which  ye  have  taken  possession. 

11  And  so  likewise  all  the  Jews  that  were 
in  Moab,  and  among  the  children  of  'Ammon, 
and  in  Edom,  and  that  were  in  all  the 
countries,  heard  that  the  king  of  Babylon  had 
left  a  remnant  unto  Judah,  and  that  he  had  j 
appointed  over  them  Gedalyahu  the  son  of 
Achikam  the  son  of  Shaphan ; 

12  And  then  did  all  the  Jews  return  out 
of  all  places  whither  they  had  been  driven, 
and  came  to  the  land  of  Judah,  to  Gedalyahu. 
unto  Mizpah,  and  gathered  together  wine 
and  summer-fruits  in  very  great  abundance. 

13  And  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich,  and 
all  the  captains  of  the  armies  that  wei'e  in 
the  field,  came  to  Gedalyahu  to  Mizpah, 

14  And  they  said  unto  him.  Dost  thou  at  all 
know  that  Ba'alis  the  king  of  the  children  of 
'Ammon  hath  sent  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethan- 
yah  to  deprive  thee  of  life?  But  Gedalyahu 
the  son  of  Achikam  believed  tliem  not. 


*  i.  c.  To  represent  the  people  with  the  Chaldeaii.s;  and 
so  does  Philippson  translate  it. 

''  As  the  death  of  Gedalyah  was  the  cause  of  the  entire 
expulsion  of  the  Jews  from  Palestine,  tlu!  anniversary  of 
this  sad  event  is  kept  as  a  fast-day  throughout  Israel. 

°  It  may  be  observed,  that  the  signs  of  mourning  by 
means  of  incisions  in  the  flesh  were  prohibited.  The  sa- 
572 


15  And  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich  said 
to  Gedalyahu  secretly  in  Mizpah,  as  foUoweth, 
Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee,  and  I  will  slay  Ish- 
mael the  son  of  Nethanyah,  and  no  man  shall 
know  of  it:  wherefore  should  he  deprive  thee 
of  life,  whereby  all  the  Jews  who  are  gather- 
ed unto  thee  would  be  scattered,  and  the  rem- 
nant of  Judah  be  lost? 

16  But  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikam 
said  unto  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich,  Thou 
shalt  not  do  this  thing;  for  thou  speakest  a 
falsehood  concerning  Ishmael. 

CHAPTER  XLL 

1  \  Now  it  came  to  pass  in  the  seventh 
month,  that  Ishmael'  the  son  of  Nethanj'ah 
the  son  of  Elishama',  of  the  royal  seed,  and 
the  chiefs  of  the  king,  even  ten  men  with 
him,  came  unto  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achi- 
kam to  Mizpah;  and  the}-  ate  there  bread  to- 
gether in  Mizpah. 

2  Then  arose  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethan- 
yah, and  the  ten  men  that  were  with  him, 
and  smote  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikam 
the  son  of  Shaphan  with  the  sword,  and  put 
to  death  him,  whom  the  king  of  Babylon  had 
appointed  governor  over  the  land.'' 

3  And  all  the  Jews  that  ^vere  with  him, 
even  with  Gedalyahu,  at  Mizpah,  and  the 
Chaldeans  that  were  found  there,  even  the 
men  of  war,  did  Ishmael  slay. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  second  day 
after  he  had  put  Gedalyahu  to  death,  while 
no  man  knew  of  it, 

5  That  there  came  certain  men  from  She- 
chem,  from  Shiloh,  and  from  Samaria,  eighty 
men  (in  all),  having  their  beards  shaven,  and 
their  clothes  rent,  and  having  cut  themselves, 
with  meat-offerings  and  frankincense  in  their 
hand,   to  biing  the  same  to  the  house  of  the 

LOKD." 

6  And  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethanyah  went 
forth  from  Mizpah  to  meet  them,  going  along 
and  weeping:  and  it  came  to  pass  as  he  met 
them,  that  he  said  unto  them,  Come  to  Gedal- 
yahu the  son  of  Achikam. 


orifices  which  these  men  brought,  Rashi  conceives,  were 
devoted  before  they  had  heard  that  the  temple  was  de- 
stroyed, which  news  only  reached  them  on  their  jnurne}-; 
but  Philippson,  with  more  probability,  supposes  that  an 
altar  had  been  erected  on  the  ruins  of  the  temple,  as  later 
in  Ezra's  time,  (see  Ezraiii.  2,  3,)  since  the  people  always 
ckino;  to  the  ceremonial  observances  of  their  religion. 


JEREMIAH  XLI.  XLII. 


7  And  it  happened,  as  they  entered  into 
the  midst  of  the  city,  that  Islimael  the  son 
of  Nethanyah  slaughtered  them,  (and  cast 
them)  into  the  midst  of  the  cistern,  he,  and 
the  men  that  were  with  him. 

8  But  ten  men  were  found  among  them 
that  said  unto  Ishmael,  >Shiy  us  not;  for  we 
have  some  things  hidden  in  the  field,  (such 
as)  wheat,  and  barley,  and  oil,  and  honey. 
So  he  forbore,  and  slew  them  not  in  the  midst 
of  their  brethren. 

9  And  the  cistern  wherein  Ishmael  cast  all 
the  corpses  of  the  men,  whom  he  had  slain  in 
company"  with  Gedalyahu,  is  the  same  which 
king  Assa  had  made  on  account  of  Ba'sha  the 

of  Israel :  this  did  Ishmael  the  son  of 


Lini 


Nethanyah  fill  with  slain  persons. 

10  Then  did  Ishmael  carry  away  captive 
all  the  residue  of  the  people  that  were  in  Miz- 
pah,  the  king's  daughters,  and  all  the  people 
that  Avere  remaining  in  Mizpah,  whom  Ne- 
buzaradan  the  captain  of  the  guard  had  in- 
trusted to  Gedalyahu  the  son  of  Achikam: 
and  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethanyah  carried 
them  away  captive,  and  went  oft'  to  pass  over 
to  the  children  of  'Amnion. 

11  But  when  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich, 
and  all  the  captains  of  the  armies  that  were 
with  him,  heard  of  all  the  evil  that  Ishmael 
the  son  of  Nethanyah  had  done : 

12  Then  did  they  take  all  the  men,  and 
went  to  fight  with  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethan- 
yah, and  found  him  by  the  great  water(-pool) 
that  is  near  Gili'on. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  the  peo- 
ple who  were  with  Ishmael  saw  Jochanan  the 
.son  of  Kareiich,  and  all  the  captains  of  the 
armies  that  were  with  him,  that  they  were 
rejoiced. 

14  And  all  the  people  that  Ishmael  had 
carried  away  captive  from  Mizpah  tui-ned 
about  and  returned,  and  went  unto  Jochanan 
the  son  of  Kareiich. 

15  But  Ishmael  the  son  of  Nethanyah 
escaped  with  eight  men  from  the  presence  of 
Jochanan,  and  he  went  to  the  children  of 
'Ammon. 

16  Then  took  Jochanan  the  son  of  Ka- 
reiich, and  all  the  captains  of  the  armies  that 


°  T3  is  given  by  Eashi,  "through  fault."  Zunz,  how- 
ever, "in  the  train,"  or,  as  given  here,  "in  company." 
But  literally,  "by  the  hand."" 


were  with  him,  all  the  remnant  of  tlie  people 
whom  he  had  recovered  from  Ishmael  the 
son  of  Nethanyah,  from  Mizpah,  after  he  had 
slain  Gedalyah  the  son  of  Achikam,  the  adult 
males,  the  men  of  war,  and  the  women,  and 
the  children,  and  the  eunuchs,  wliom  he  had 
brought  l)ack  from  Gib'on; 

17  And  they  went,  and  remained  in  Ge- 
ruth-Kimham,"  which  is  by  Beth-lechem,  to 
go  to  enter  into  Egypt, 

18  Because  of  the  Chaldeans;  for  they 
were  afraid  of  them;  because  Ishmael  the 
son  of  Nethanyah  had  slain  Gedalyahu  the 
son  of  Achikam,  whom  the  king  of  Babylon 
had  appointed  governor  over  the  land. 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

1  T[  Then  came  near  all  the  captains  of 
the  armies,  and  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich, 
and  Yezanyah  the  son  of  Hosha'yah,  tind 
all  the  people  from  the  least  even  unto  the 
greatest, 

2  And  said  unto  Jeremiah  the  prophet. 
Let,  we  beseech  thee,  our  humble  supplica- 
tion Ije  accepted  before  thee,  and  pray  in  our 
behalf  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  behalf  of 
all  this  remnant;  (for  we  are  left  but  a  few 
of  many,  as  thy  own  eyes  do  see  us :) 

3  That  the  Lord  thy  God  may  tell  us  the 
way  whereon  we  should  walk,  and  the  thing 
that  we  should  do. 

4  Then  said  Jeremiah  the  prophet  inito 
them,  I  have  heard  you:  behold,  I  will  pray 
unto  the  Lord  your  God  according  to  your 
words;  and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  what- 
soever thing  the  Lord  will  answer  you,  I  will 
tell  unto  you;  I  will  withhold  not  a  word 
from  you. 

5  But  they  said  to  Jeremiah,  May  the 
Lord  be  a  true  and  faithful  witness  against 
us,  if  we  do  not  act  entirely  according  to  till 
the  word  with  which  the  Lord  thy  God  may 
send  thee  to  us : 

6  Whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be 
evil,  we  will  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  to  whom  we  send  thee;  in  order 
tliat  it  may  be  well  with  us,  when  we  heark- 
en to  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

7  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  ten 


*■  Jonathan  supposes  that  this  was  a  residence  and 
estate  which  David  had  settled  on  Kimham,  tlie  son  of 
Barzillai. 

673 


JEREMIAH  XLII.  XLIII. 


clays,  thiit  the  word  of  the  Lord  oaine  unto 
Jeremiah. 

8  Then  called  he  Jochanan  the  son  of  Ka- 
reiich,  and  all  the  captains  of  the  armies  who 
were  with  him,  and  all  the  people  from  the 
least  even  to  the  greatest, 

9  And  he  said  unto  them,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  unto  wdiom  ye 
sent  me  to  present  your  humble  supplication 
before  him : 

10  If  ye  will  indeed  remain  in  this  land, 
then  will  I  Iniild  you  up,  and  I  will  not  pull 
you  down,  and  I  will  plaut  you,  and  not 
pluck  you  n\);  for  I  have  bethought  me  of 
the  evil  that  I  have  done  unto  you. 

11  Be  ye  not  al'raid  because  of  the  king  of 
Baljylon,  of  whom  ye  are  afraid :  have  no 
fear  of  him,  saith  the  Lord;  for  I  am  witli 
you  to  save  you,  and  to  deliver  you  out  of  liis 
hand. 

12  And  I  will  give  unto  you  mercy,  that 
he  may  have  mercy  upon  you,  and  let  you 
return  to  your  own  land. 

13  But  if  ye  say,  We  will  not  remain  in 
this  land,  so  as  not  to  hearken  to  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  your  God, 

14  Saying,  No ;  but  into  the  land  of  Egypt 
will  we  go,  that  we  may  not  see  war,  nor 
hear  the  sound  of  the  cornet,  and  that  we  may 
not  have  hunger  for  bread;  and  thei'e  will  we 
dwell ; 

15  And  now  therefore  hear  the  word  of 
the  Lord,  ye  renniant  of  Judah,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  If  > 
ye  will  indeed  set  your  faces  to  enter  into 
Egypt,  and  go  thither  to  sojourn  there: 

16  Then  shall  the  sword,  of  which  ye  are 
iilVaid,  there  overtake  you  in  the  land  of 
Egypt ;  and  the  famine,  whereof  ye  are  in 
dread,  shall  there  ck^ive  close  unto  you  in 
Egypt;  and  there  shall  ye  die. 

17  So  shall  be  all  the  men  that  have  set 
their  faces  to  go  into  Egypt  to  sojourn  there, 
— thej'  shall  die  b_\-  the  sword,  by  the  famine, 
iiud  by  the  pestilence;  and  they  shall  have 
none  that  remainetli  or  escapeth  from  the 
evil  that  I  am  bringing  over  them. 

18  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
tlie  God  of  Israel.  As  luy  anger  and  my  fury 
were  poured  forth  over  the  inhabitants  of  Je- 

"  Redak;  but  Pliilippsnn,  after  RnsPinniilliT  and  others, 
"You  have  coiiiniittcil  a  d','i-('])tioii  tu  tlic  injury  of  your 
souls,  when  you  sent,"  &c. 
f<74 


rusalem :  so  shall  my  fury  be  poured  forth 
over  you,  when  ye  enter  into  Egypt;  and  ye 
shall  become  an  oath,  and  an  astonishment, 
and  a  curse,  and  a  disgrace;  and  ye  shall 
never  see  this  place  again. 

19  The  Lord  hath  spoken  concerning  you, 

0  ye  remnant  of  Judah,  "Ye  shall  not  go 
into  Egypt:"  ye  must  know  for  certain  that 

1  have  warned  you  this  day. 

20  For  ye  have  dissemljled  in  regard  to 
what  your  intentions'^  are;  for  ye  sent  me 
unto  the  Lord  your  God,  saying,  Pray  in  our 
behalf  imto  the  Lord  our  God:  and  in  ac- 
cordance with  all  that  the  Lord  our  God  may 
say,  so  tell  unto  us,  and  Ave  will  do  it. 

21  And  I  have  told  it  to  you  this  day;  but 
ye  inive  not  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the 
Lord  your  God,  and  this  in  all  with  which 
he  hath  sent  me  untt)  you. 

22  But  now  know  for  certain  that  ye  shall 
die  by  the  sword,  by  the  famine,  and  by  the 
pestilence,  in  the  place  whither  ye  desire  to 
go  to  sojourn  there. 

CHAPTER  XLIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jeremiah 
had  made  an  end  of  speaking  unto  the  whole 
people  all  the  words  of  the  Lord  their  God, 
with  which  the  Lord  their  God  had  sent  him 
to  them,  (namely,)  all  these  words, 

2  ^  That  then  spoke  'Azaryah  the  son  of 
Hosha'yah,  and  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareiich, 
and  all  the  presumptuous''  men,  saying  unto 
Jeremiah,  Thou  speakest  falsely:  the  Lord 
our  God  hath  not  sent  thee  to  say.  Ye  shall 
not  go  into  Egypt  to  sojourn  there; 

3  But  Baruch  the  son  of  Neriyah  setteth 
thee  on  against  us,  in  order  to  deliver  us  into 
the  hand  of  the  Chaldeans,  that  they  may 
put  us  to  death,  or  carry  us  away  as  exiles  to 
Babylon. 

4  So  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareach,  and  all 
the  captains  of  the  armies,  and  all  the  people, 
hearkened  not  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  to  re- 
main in  the  land  of  Judah. 

5  But  Jochanan  the  son  of  Kareach.  and 
all  the  captains  of  the  armies,  took  all  the 
remnant  of  Judah,  that  w^ere  retured  from  all 
the  nations,  whither  they  had  been  driven,  to 
sojourn  in  the  land  of  Judah ; 

'  ?'.  e.  Those  who  knowingly  disobeyed  ;  their  pretended 
defeioneo  to  the  divine  oounuaud  did  but  heighten  their 
guilt,  as  it  proved  their  wilful  disobedieueo. 


JEREMIAH  XLIII.  XLIV. 


C  Tlie  men,  and  the  women,  and  the  chil- 
dren, and  the  king's  danghters,  and  every 
j)erst)n  that  Nebuzaradan  the  captain  of  the 
guard  had  left  with  (icdalyalm  the  son  of 
Aehikam  the  son  of  Shaphan;  and  Jeremiah 
the  prophet,  and  Banicli  the  son  of  Neri- 
vah ; 

7  And  they  entered  into  the  land  of  Egypt; 
for  they  hearkened  not  to  the  voice  of  the 
Lord;  and  they  came  as  far  as  Thach- 
panches. 

8  ][  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
Jeremiah  in  Thachpanches,  saying, 

9  Take  great  stones  in  thy  hand,  and  hide 
them  in  the  mortar*  in  the  brick-kiln  which 
is  at  the  entrance  of  Pharaoh's  house  in 
Thachpanches,  before  the  eyes  of  the  Jewish 
men ; 

10  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Is- 
rael, Behold,  I  will  send  for  and  take  Nebu- 
chadrezzar the  king  of  Babylon,  my  servant, 
and  I  will  set  his  throne  above  these  stones 
that  I  have  hidden;  and  he  shall  spread  liis 
royal  pavilion"^  over  them. 

11  And  he  shall  come  and  smite  the  land 
of  Egypt:  such  as  are  destined  for  death  shall 
be  given  to  death;  and  such  as  are  destined 
for  captivity,  to  captivity;  and  such  as  are 
destined  for  the  sword,  to  the  sword. 

12  And  I  will  kindle  a  fire  in  the  houses 
of  the  gods  of  Egypt,  and  he  shall  burn  them, 
and  carry  them  away  captive:  and  he  shall 
wrap  around"  him  the  land  of  Egypt,  as  a 
shepherd  wrappeth  his  garment  around  him; 
and  he  shall  go  forth  from  there  in  peace. 

13  And  he  shall  break  the  statues  of  Beth- 
shemesh,''  wliich  is  in  the  land  of  Egypt;  and 
the  houses  of  the  gods  of  the  Egyptians  shall 
he  burn  with  fire. 

CHAPTER  XLIV. 

1  T[  The  word  that  came  to  Jeremiah  lor 
all  the  Jews  who  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
who  dwell  at  Migdol,  and  at  Thachpanches, 
and  at  Noph,  and  in  the  country  of  Pathros, 
saying, 


'  Rashi,  "hide  them,  wrapping  them  up  with  clay;" 
but  lledak,  simply,  "mortar." 

'■  Philippson,  "carpet,"  which  he  prefers  to  "pavilion." 

°  Meaning,  he  .shall  take  awiy  all  the  spoil  of  Egypt. 

Rashi,  "he  shall  wrap  around  him  all  the  booty  of  Egypt 

and  go  out,  as  the  shepherd  rolleth  and  wrappeth  up  his 


2  Thus  hatli  said  the  LoKD  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  You  yourselves  have  seen  all 
the  evil  that  I  have  brought  over  Jerusalem, 
and  over  all  the  cities  of  Judali;  and,  beholil, 
they  are  ruins  this  day,  and  no  man  is  dwell- 
ing in  them ; 

3  Because  of  their  wickedness  which  they 
had  committed  to  provoke  me  to  anger,  Ijy 
going  to  l)urn  incense,  to  serve  other  gods, 
whom  they  did  not  know,  either  they,  you, 
or  your  fathers. 

4  And  I  sent  unto  you  all  mj'  servants  the 
prophets,  making  them  I'ise  early  and  send- 
ing them,  saying,  Oh,  do  not  commit  this 
abominable  thing  which  I  hate. 

5  But  they  hearkened  not,  and  inclined 
not  their  ear  to  turn  away  from  their  wicked- 
ness, so  as  not  to  burn  incense  unto  other 
gods. 

6  Whereupon  my  fury  and  my  anger  were 
poured  forth,  and  were  enkindled  in  the  cities 
of  Judah  and  in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem :  and 
the}'  are  become  ruins,  a  desert,  as  at  this 
day. 

7  ][  And  now  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Where- 
fore do  ye  commit  so  great  an  evil  against 
your  souls,  so  as  to  cut  off  unto  you  man 
and  woman,  child  and  suckling,  out  of  the 
midst  of  Judah,  so  as  not  to  leave  you  any 
remainder, 

8  By  provoking  me  unto  wrath  with  the 
works  of  3"our  hands,  in  burning  incense  unto 
other  gods  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  whither  ye 
are  come  to  sojourn  there,  in  order  to  cut 
yourselves  off,  and  in  order  that  ye  might  be- 
come a  curse  and  a  disgrace  among  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth? 

9  Have  ye  forgotten  the  wickedness  of 
your  fathers,  and  the  wickedness  of  the  kings 
of  Judah,  and  the  wickedness  of  their  wives, 
and  vour  own  wickedness,  and  the  wicked- 
ness  of  your  wives,  which  they  had  committed 
in  the  land  of  Judah,  and  in  the  streets  of 
Jerusalem  ? 

10  They  are  not  humbled  even  up  to  this 
day,  and  they  are  not  afraid,  and  the}'  walk 

garment  and  casteth  it  from  his  shoulders  when  he  leadeth 
forth  his  flock  before  him."  Philippson,  "as  the  shep- 
herd wraps  his  cloak  around  him  to  remain  uninjured  by 
the  assaults  of  the  storm." 

^  "The  house  of  the  sun,"  the  town  of  Heliopolis  or 

On. 

675 


JEREMIAH  XLIV. 


not  in  my  law,  nor  in  my  statutes,  that  I 
have  set  before  j'ou  and  before  your  fathers. 

11  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  set 
juy  face  against  you  for  evil,  and  to  cut  ofl"  all 
Judah. 

12  And  I  will  take  the  remnant  of  Judah, 
that  have  set  their  faces  to  go  into  the  land 
of  Egypt  to  sojourn  there,  and  they  shall  all 
come  to  their  end,  and  in  the  land  of  Egypt 
shall  they  fall:  by  the  sword  (and)  by  the 
famine  shall  they  come  to  their  end;  from 
the  least  even  unto  the  greatest,  by  the  sword 
and  by  the  famine  shall  they  die;  and  they 
shall  become  an  oath,  an  astonishment,  and  a 
curse,  and  a  disgrace. 

13  And  I  will  inflict  punishment  on  those 
that  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  as  I  have 
inflicted  punishment  on  Jerusalem,  through 
the  sword,  through  the  famine,  and  through 
the  pestilence: 

14  So  that  there  shall  be  no  one  that 
escapeth  or  remaineth  of  the  remnant  of  Ju- 
dah, who  are  gone  into  the  land  of  Egypt  to 
sojourn  there,  that  they  should  return  into 
the  land  of  Judah,  to  which  they  direct  (the 
desire  of)  their  soul  to  return  thither  to  dwell 
there;  for  they  shall  not  return, but  such  as 
shall  escape." 

15  *|[  Then  did  all  the  men  who  knew 
that  their  wives  were  burning  incense  unto 
other  gods,  and  all  the  women  that  stood  by, 
a  great  multitude,  and  all  the  people  that 
dwelt  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  Pathros,  an- 
swer Jeremiah,  saying, 

16  Respecting  the  word  that  thou  hast 
spoken  unto  us  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  we 
will  not  hearken  unto  tliee. 

17  For  to  a  surety  we  will  do  all  the  word 
that  is  gone  forth  out  of  our  own  mouth,  to 
burn  incense  uuto  the  queen  of  heaven,  and 
to  pour  out  drink-ofierings  unto  her,  as  we 
liave  done,  we,  and  our  fathers,  our  kings, 
Mud  our  2)rinces,  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem:  when  we  had 


°  The  denunciation  of  the  prophet  is  thus  qualified  by 
this  clause;  as  an  entire  body  they  should  never  return: 
only  a  few  that  should  escape  the  general  destruction  were 
to  see  again  the  land  of  Israel.  Philippson  draws  atten- 
tion to  the  contrast  between  the  exiles  in  Babylon,  who, 
from  the  moment  of  their  entrance  there,  returned  to  the 
law,  and  the  fugitives  to  Kgypt,  who  lapsi'd  into  idolatry. 

''  This  verse  is  rendered  after  iiashi.  It  aj)|i('ars  that  tiie 
o70 


plenty  of  food,  and  fared  well,  and  saw  no 
evil. 

18  But  since  the  time  we  have  left  off  to 
burn  incense  to  the  queen  of  heaven,  and  to 
pour  out  drink-offerings  unto  her,  have  we 
had  a  lack  of  every  thing ;  and  we  have  come 
to  our  end  through  the  s^vord  and  through 
the  famine. 

19  And  when  we  burnt  incen.se  to  the 
queen  of  heaven,  and  poured  out  drink-oflfer- 
ings  unto  her, — was  this  without  (the  con- 
sent of")  our  husbands,  that  we  did  make 
cakes  for  her  to  make  her  image,  and  pour 
out  drink-offerings  unto  her  ? 

20  ^  Then  said  Jeremiah  unto  all  the  peo- 
ple, to  the  men,  and  to  the  women,  and  to  all 
the  people  who  had  answered  him  (with  that) 
word,  saying, 

21  Behold,  it  was  the  incense  that  ye  burnt 
in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  in  the  streets  of 
Jerusalem,  ye,  and  your  fiithers,  your  kings, 
and  your  jirinces,  and  the  people  of  the  land, 
which  the  Lord  remembered,  and  which  came 
into  his  mind; 

22  So  that  the  Lord  could  no  longer  endure 
it,  because  of  the  evil  of  your  doings,  because 
of  the  abominations  which  ye  had  committed : 
therefore  is  your  land  become  a  ruin,  and  an 
(object  of)  astonishment,  and  a  curse,  without 
an  inhabitant,  as  at  this  day. 

23  Because  that  ye  had  burnt  incense,  and 
because  ye  had  sinned  against  the  Lord, 
and  had  not  hearkened  to  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  and  had  not  walked  in  his  law,  in  his 
statutes,  and  in  his  testimonies:  therefore 
did  this  evil  befall  3'ou,  as  it  is  this  day. 

24  ][  And  Jeremiah  said  (fixrther)  to  all 
the  people,  and  to  all  the  women.  Hear  the 
word  of  the  Lord,  all  Judah  that  are  in  the 
land  of  Egypt, 

25  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
God  of  Israel,  saying,  Ye  and  your  wives  have 
both  spoken  with  yoiu-  mouth,  and  fulfilled 
with  your  hands,  saying,  We  will  surely  per- 
form our  vows  that  we  have  vowed,  to  burn 


women  took  the  lead  in  resisting  the  admonition  to  ab- 
stain from  idolatry,  and  they  ascribed  worldly  success  to 
the  practices  they  detail.  n^iVnS  from  3!?;;  "an  imago," 
to  make  images  of  the  moon  in  dough,  which  custom  al.>*o 
is  said  to  have  obtained  among  the  Greeks.  (See  also 
above,  vii.  IS.)  Others,  "who  serve  her;"  but  this  is  not 
literal,  as,  if  the  root  be  derived  from  "pain,"  it  should 
be  "give  her  pain." 


JEREMIAH  XLiV.  XLV.  XL VI. 


incense  to  the  queen  of  heaven,  and  to  pour 
out  drink-oflferings  unto  her:  ye  will  fully  ac- 
complish your  vows,  and  fully  perform  your 
vows. 

26  Therefore  hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
all  Judah  that  dwell  in  the  land  of  Egypt, 
Behold,  I  have  sworn  by  my  groat  name, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  my  name  shall  no  more 
be  called  by  the  mouth  of  any  man  of  Judah, 
saying,  "  As  the  Lord  Eternal  livetli,"  in  all 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

27  Behold.  I  will  watch  over  them  for 
evil,  and  not  for  good :  and  all  the  men  of  Ju- 
dah that  are  in  the  land  of  Egypt  shall  come 
to  their  end  through  the  swonl  and  through 
the  famine,  until  the}-  be  destroyed. 

28  Yet  some  that  escape  the  sword  shall 
return  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  into  the  land 
of  Judah^,  but  few  in  number;  and  all  the 
remnant  of  Judah,  that  are  come  into  the 
land  of  Egypt  to  sojourn  there,  shall  know 
\vhose  words  shall  stand  firm,  mine,  or  theirs. 

29  And  this  shall  be  unto  you  the  sign, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  I  will  inflict  punishment 
on  you  in  this  place,  in  order  that  ye  may 
know  that  my  words  shall  surely  stand  firm 
against  vou  for  evil : 

30  ^f'^Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I 
will  give  Pharaoh-chophra'  the  king  of  Egypt 
into  the  hand  of  his  enemies,  and  into  the 
hand  of  those  that  seek  his  life,  as  I  gave 
Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  into  the  hand  of 
Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  his 
enemy,  and  who  had  sought  his  life. 

CHAPTER  XLV. 

1  *j\  The  word  which  Jeremiah  the  prophet 
spoke  unto  Baruch  the  son  of  Nei'iyah,  when 
he  wrote  these  words  in  a  book  out  of  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah,  in  the  fourth  year  of  Je- 
hoyakim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah, 
saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  the  God  of 
Israel,  concerning  thee,  0  Baruch : 

3  Thou  didst  say.  Wo  is  me  now!  for  the 
Lord  hath  added  grief  to  my  jjain;  I  am 
wearied  in  my  sighing,  and  rest  have  I  not 
found ; 

4  Thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  him.  Thus 
hath    the    Lord   said,  Behold,  what  I  have 


'  Rashi,  FoHi'hir,  "to  pnlisli,''  "to  cleanse, 
"furlash." 

3X 


Eng. 


built  will  I  pull  down,  and  what  I  have 
planted  I  will  pluck  up;  and  so  it  is  with  this 
whole  land. 

5  And  wouldst  thou  indeed  seek  great 
things  for  thyself?  seek  them  not ;  for,  behold, 
I  will  bring  evil  upon  all  flesh,  s.'uth  the 
Lord;  but  I  will  give  thy  life  unto  thee  as  a 
booty  in  all  the  places  whither  thou  mayest  go. 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 

1  ^[  The  word  of  the  Lord  which  came  to 
Jeremiah  the  prophet  against  the  nations: 

2  Concerning  Egypt,  against  the  arm\  of 
Pharaoh-necho  the  king  of  Egypt,  which  was 
(posted)  by  the  river  Euphrates  in  Karke- 
mish,  which  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of 
Bab^dou  smote  in  the  fourth  year  of  Jehoya- 
kim  the  son  of  Josiah  the  king  of  Judah. 

3  Make  ye  ready  shield  and  buckler,  and 
draw  near  to  the  battle. 

4  Harness  the  horses,  and  mount,  je  horse- 
men, and  stand  forth  with  helmets :  shar[)en'' 
the  spears,  and  put  on  the  coats  of  mail. 

5  Wherefore  have  I  seen  them  dismajed, 
moving  backward  ?  while  their  mighty  ones  are 
beaten  down,  and  seek  safety  in  flight,  and 
look  not  back?  There  is  terror  round  about, 
saith  the  Lord. 

6  The  swift  cannot  flee  away,  nor  can  the 
mighty  man  escape :  toward  the  north  by  the 
shore  of  the  river  Euphrates  do  they  stumble 
and  fall. 

7  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  like  a  stream, 
whose  waters  are  upheaved  like  the  rivers? 

8  Egypt  cometh  up  like  a  stream,  and  like 
the  rivers  are  the  waters  upheaved ;  and  he 
saith,  I  will  go  up,  I  will  cover  the  land ;  I  will 
destroy  the  city  and  those  that  dwell  therein. 

9  Come  up,  ye  horses;  and  rush  along 
wildly,  ye  chariots;  and  let  the  mighty  men 
come  forth :  Cush''  and  Put,  that  grasp  the 
shield,  and  the  Ludini,  that  grasp  and  bend 
the  bow. 

10  And  this  same  day  is  for  the  Lord,  the 
Eternal  of  hosts,  a  day  of  vengeance,  to  be 
avenged  on  his  adversaries ;  that  the  sword 
may  devour,  and  may  be  satiated  and  made 
drunken  with  their  blood;  for  there  is  a  sacri- 
fice for  the  Lord  the  Eternal  of  hosts  in  the 
north  country  by  the  river  Euphrates. 


''  Eiig.  ver.  "Ethiopians,"  "  Liliyans," 


•  Lydiaus 
577 


JEREMIAH  XLVI.  XLVIl. 


11  Go  up  into  GiFacl,  and  fetch  balm,  0 
virgin,  daughter  of  Egypt:  in  vain  usest  thou 
many  remedies;  there  is  no  recovery  for 
thee. 

12  Nations  have  heard  of  thy  shame, 
and  thy  cry  of  anguish  hath  filled  the  earth ; 
for  the  mighty  man  over  the  mighty  liave  they 
stumbled,  together  are  both  of  them  fallen. 

13  ^[  The  word  which  the  Lord  spoke  to 
Jeremiah  the  prophet,  concerning  tlie  coming 
of  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon,  to 
smite  the  land  of  Egypt. 

14  Announce  ye  in  Egypt,  and  publish  in 
Migdol,  and  pul)lish  in  Noph  and  in  Thach- 
panches:  sa^y  .ye,  Stand  last,  and  pi'epare 
thyself;  for  the  sword  devoureth  round  about 
thee. 

15  Why  are  thy  valiant  men  swept  away? 
not  one  hath  stood,  because  the  Lord  did 
drive  him  off. 

IG  He  caused  many  to  stumble ;  yea,  one 
also  fell  over  the  other ;  and  they  said,  Arise, 
and  let  us  return  to  our  own  people,  and  to 
the  land  of  our  birth,  from  befoi-e  the  wasting 
swoi'd. 

17  They  called  out  there,  Pharaoh  is  king" 
of  Egypt,  it  was  but  vaunting,  he  hath  let 
the  time  appointed  pass  by. 

18  As  I  live,  saith  the  King,  the  Lord  of 
hosts  is  his  name.  Surely  as  Thaboris  among 
the  mountains,  and  as  Carmel  is  Ijy  the  sea, 
so  shall  he''  come. 

19  Appurtenances  of  exile  make  for  thy- 
self, 0  thou  inhabitress,  daughter  of  Egypt; 
tor  Noph  shall  be  made  a  waste  and  be  left 
desolate  without  an  iidiabitant. 

20  T[  0  flxirest  heifer,  Egypt!  the  butcher 
from  the  north  cometh,  he  cometli. 

21  Also  her  hired  troops'"  in  the  midst  of 
her  are  like  fatted  calves ;  for  they  also  are 
turned  round,  are  fled  away  together,  they  do 
not  stand ;  be(-au.se  the  day  of  their  calamity 
is  come  upon  them,  the  time  of  their  pu- 
nishment. 

22  Her  cry  shall  come  like  (the  hissing  of ) 
a  serpent;  for  with  an  army  shall  they  march, 


"  After  Rashi  and  Arnheim;  the  last  explains,  "  Nebu- 
(•li.uliiczzar's  threat  to  invade  Efr.vpt  "■:''■*  mere  vaunting, 
and  I'haraoh  remains  king."  I'liilippsun,  "  Tiioj  called  out 
tliere,"  (at  the  battle,)  "0  Pharaoh  king  of  Kgypt,  (there 
i.s)  destruction.  He  let  pa.ss  by  the  favourable  time;" 
meaning  tliat  the  time  for  attacking  Nebuchadnezzar 
cho.-ien  by  I'iiaraoh  was  unfavourable  t(i  success. 
578 


and  with  axes  do  they  come  against  her,  like 
hewers  of  wood. 

23  They  cut  doAvn  her  forest,  saith  the 
Lord,  though  it  cannot  be  searched  out;  be- 
cause they  are  more  than  the  grasshoppers, 
and  there  is  no  number  to  them. 

24  Ashamed  hath  been  made  the  daughter 
of  Egypt:  she  hath  been  given  up  into  the 
hand  of  the  people  of  the  north. 

25  The  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel, 
hath  said,  Behold,  I  will  send  visitation  on 
Ahmon  of  No,  and  on  Pharaoh,  and  on  Egypt, 
and  on  her  gods,  and  on  her  kings;  even  on 
Pharaoh,  and  on  those  that  trust  on  him; 

2G  And  I  will  give  them  up  into  the  hand 
of  those  that  seek  their  life,  and  into  the 
hand  of  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon, 
and  into  the  hand  of  his  servants :  and  after- 
ward shall  she  Ite  inhabited,  as  in  the  days  of 
old,  saith  the  Lord. 

27  ^  But  thou, — fear  thou  not,  0  my  ser- 
vant Jacol),  and  be  not  dismayed,  0  Israel; 
for,  behold,  I  will  save  thee  from  afar  off,  and 
thy  seed  from  the  land  of  their  captivity:  and 
Jacob  shall  return,  and  he  shall  be  at  rest  and 
at  ease,  with  none  to  make  him  afraid. 

28  Thou, — fear  thou  not,  0  Jacob  my  ser- 
vant, saith  the  Lord;  for  I  am  with  thee: 
and  although  I  make  a  full  end  of  all  the 
nations  whither  I  have  driven  thee,  yet  of 
thee  will  I  not  make  a  full  end;  and  I  will 
correct  thee  in  measure;  yet  wholly  will  I  not 
leave  thee  unpunished.'' 

CHAPTER  XLVII. 

1  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to  Jere- 
miah the  projihet  against  the  Philistines,  be- 
fore the  time  that  Pharaoh  smote  Gazzah. 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  waters 
are  coming  up  out  of  the  north,  and  they 
shall  become  an  overflowing  stream,  and  shall 
overflow  the  land,  and  what  filleth  it;  the 
city,  and  those  that  dwell  therein:  and  the 
men  shall  cry  aloud,  and  every  inhabitant 
of  the  land  shall  wail. 

3  Because  of  the  noise  of  the  stamping  of 

'  The  king  of  Babylon,  meaning,  his  present  tardmcss 
shall  be  followed  by  his  actual  arrival,  when  all  that  is 
threatened  shall  be  done.  But  Jonathan  and  Rashi, 
"  shall  this  thing  come  on  Egypt." 

"  Redak  ;  but  Rashi,  "  chiefs." 

■•Jonathan  and  Rashi,  "I  will  not  whully  destroy 
thee."     (See  also  .\xx.  11.) 


JEREMIAH  XL\11.  XLV'III. 


the  hoofs  of  hif^  stud-horses,"  because  of  the 
rushing  sound  of  his  chariots,  the  rumbling 
of  his  wheels,  fathers  do  not  turn  round  to 
their  children  from  their  feebleness  of  hands; 

4  Because  of  the  day  that  cometh  to  devas- 
tate all  the  Philistines,  to  cut  ofi'  from  T^re 
and  Zidon  every  helper  that  remaineth;  for 
the  Lord  devastateth  the  Philistines,  the 
remnant  of  the  isle  of  Caphthor. 

5  Baldness  is  come  upon  Gazzah;  ruined  is 
Ashkelon  witli  the  remnant  of  their  valley: 
how  long  yet  wilt  thou  cut''  thyself? 

G  Wo!  thou  sword  of  the  Lord,  how  long 
yet  wilt  thou  not  l)e  cpiiet?  withdraw  thyself 
into  thv  scabbard,  take  thee  rest,  and  be 
still. 

7  Yet  how  canst  thou  be  quiet?  When  the 
Lord  hath  given  it  a  charge,  against  Ashke- 
lon, and  against  the  sea-coast^ — thither  hath 
he  destined  it. 

CHAPTER  XLVIIL 

"  1  Against  Moiib,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Wo  unto  Nebo! 
for  it  is  wasted;  made  ashamed,  captured  is 
Kiryathayim ;  made  ashamed  is  Misgal/  and 
dismayed. 

2  There  is  no  more  praise  of  Moilb:  in 
Cheshbou  have  the}'  devised  evil  against  it, 
"  Come,  and  let  us  cut  it  oiF  from  Ijeing  a  na- 
tion." Also  thou  Madmen  shalt  be  ruined; 
after  thee  shall  pursue  the  sword. 

3  There  is  a  voice  of  crying  from  Choro- 
nayim,  destruction  and  a  great  breach. 

4  Broken  down  is  Moilb:  her  little  ones 
send  forth''  a  cry  of  distress. 

5  For  the  ascent  of  Luchith  is  ascended 
with  weeping  and  tears;  for  on  the  descent 
of  Choronayim  the  enemies  have  heard  the 
cry  of  destruction. 

6  Flee,  save  your  life,  and  he  ye  like  the 
solitary  tree''  in  the  wilderness. 

7  For,   because   thou  hast   trusted   in   thy 

•  Eng.  ver.  and  Redak,  "strong  horses."   (.See  viii.  16.) 

''  lu  allusion  to  the  heathen  niocle  of  displaying  tokens 
of  outward  grief.    (Deut.  xiv.  1.) 

"  According  to  llashi,  the  name  of  a  place;  literally, 
"a  strong  height." 

^  Lit    "caused  to  be  heard." 

'  Redak.  (See  xvii.  6.)  But  Jonathan  and  Rashi  have, 
"like  the  tower  of  'Aro'er  in  the  wilderness,  where  there 
are  no  houses,  but  only  tents  around." 

'  Rashi,  who  says,  "whatever  stands  out  from  man  and 
cuttle    is   called   yi,    (literally,    'bud;')    thus,   'lock    of 


works  and  in  thy  treasures,  thou  also  shalt 
be  conquered:  and  Kemosh  shall  go  forth 
into  exile,  (with)  his  priests  and  his  princes 
together. 

8  And  the  waster  shall  come  over  every 
city,  and  no  city  shall  escape:  and  lost  shall 
be  the  Aalley,  and  destroyed  shall  be  the 
plain,  as  the  Lord  hath  said. 

9  Give  wings^  unto  Moilb,  that  she  may 
tlee  and  get  away;  since  her  cities  shall  become 
desolate,  Avithout  any  to  dwell  therein. 

10  Cursed  be  he  that  doth  the  work  of 
the  Lord  negligently,*-'  and  cursed  be  he  that 
withholdeth  his  sword  from  blood. 

11  Moilb  was  ever  at  ease  from  his  3'outh, 
and  he  was  resting  on  his  lees,'"  and  was  not 
emjjtied  from  vessel  to  vessel,  and  had  not 
gone  into  exile:  therefoi'e  had  his  taste  re- 
mained in  him,  and  his  scent  was  not 
changed. 

12  ^  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,  when  I  will  send  unto  him 
tappers,  that  shall  tap  liiin,  and  they  shall 
empty  his  vessels,  and  dash  in  pieces  their 
bottles. 

13  And  Moilb  shall  be  ashamed  of  Ke- 
mo.sh,  as  the  house  of  Israel  were  made 
ashamed  Ijecause  of  Beth-el  their  confidence. 

14  How  can  ye  say,  We  are  mighty  and 
men  of  bravery  for  the  war  ? 

15  Moilb  is  wasted,  and  into  his  cities  hatli 
(the  enemy)  ascended,  and  his  chosen  young 
men  are  gone  down  to  the  slaughter,  saith 
the  King,  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name. 

16  Near  is  the  calamity  of  Moilb  to  come, 
and  his  misfortune  hasteneth  last. 

17  All  ye  that  are  about  him  bemoan  him; 
and  all  ye  tliat  know  his  name:  say.  How  is 
the  strong  staff  broken,  the  beautiful  stick ! 

18  Come  down  from  thy  glory,  and  sit  in 
thirst,'  tlu)u  inhabitress,  daughter  of  Dibon ; 
for  the  waster  of  Moiib  cometh  up  against 
thee,  he  destroyeth  thy  strong-holds. 

hair,'  'wing,'"  &c.  Hence,  perhaps,  y:  is  the  "sparrow- 
hawk." 

^  "  Deceitfully,"  as  the  lazy  man  deceives  in  the 
amount  of  work  expected  from  him.  Rashi  explains 
"the  work  of  the  Lord"  the  destruction  of  Moiib,  for 
this  is  here  given  as  a  divine  mission. 

'  Like  wine  which  is  left  undisturbed  in  the  cask  to 
settle;  the  prophet  carries  out  the  simile  in  the  next 
verse.  D'i'X  are  those  who  draw  oft'  the  wine  from  one 
vessel  into  the  other, — "tappers." 

'  "There  was  a  large  pool  near  this  place."  I'lUi.iri'SON. 

579 


JEREMIAH  XLVIIT. 


19  Stand  by  the  way,  and  look  out,  0  in- 
liabitress  of 'Aro'er:  ask  him  that  fleeth,  and 
her  that  escapeth,  saj-,  What  hath  been 
done  ? 

20  Moab  hath  been  made  asshamed;  for  it 
is  broken  down ;  wail,  and  cry  aloud :  tell  ye 
it  by  the  Arnon,  that  Moiib  is  wasted, 

21  And  punishment  is  come  over  the  land 
of  the  plain,  over  Cholon,  and  over  Yahzah, 
and  over  Mcpha'ath, 

22  And  over  Dibon,  and  over  Nebo,  and 
over  Beth-diblatliayim, 

23  And  over  Kiryathayim,  and  over  Beth- 
gamal,  and  over  Beth-me'on, 

24  And  over  Keriyoth,  and  over  Bozrah, 
and  over  all  the  cities  of  the  land  of  Moab, 
that  are  far  and  that  are  near. 

25  Hewn  away  is  the  horn  of  Moab,  and 
his  arm  is  broken,  saith  tlie  Lord. 

26  Make  him  drunken;  for  he  magnified" 
himself  against  the  Lord:  and  Moiib  shall 
wallow  in  his  vomit,  and  he  also  shall  become 
(an  object)  of  derision. 

27  For  was  not  Israel  a  derision  unto 
thee?  or  was  he  found  among  thieves?  that 
whenever  thou  spokest  of  him,  thou  hadst  to 
shake  (thy  head)  ? 

28  Leave  the  cities,  and  dwell  on  rocks,  0 
ye  that  dwell  in  Moab;  and  be  ye  like  the 
dove  that  maketh  her  nest  in  the  sides  of  the 
mouth  of  rocky  clefts. 

29  We  have  heard  the  pride  of  Moab,  who 
is  so  exceedingly  proud,  his  haughtiness,  and 
his  pride,  and  his  arrogance,  and  the  over- 
bearingness  of  his  heart. 

•'><)  I  well  know,  saith  the  Lord,  his  wrath, 
and  how  causeless  it  is  :  liis  liars  have  done 
what  is  not  right. 

31  Therefore  will  I  wail  lor  Moiib,  and 
for  all  Moiib  will  I  cry  out;  for  the  men  of 
Kir-cheres  shall  people  moan. 

32  With  the  weeping  of  Ya'zer  will  I 
weep  for  thee,  0  vine  of  8ibmah;  thy  tendrils 
(once)  passed  over  the  sea,  they  reached  as  far 
as  to  the  sea  of  Ya'zer:  over  thy  sunnner- 
fruits  and  over  thy  vintage  the  waster  is 
fallen. 

33  And  banished  are  joy  and  gladness  from 
(Jarmel,  and  from  the  land  of  Moiib;  and  I 
have  caused  the  wine  to  cease  from  the  wine- 


"  JiiikiIIkiii,  "fdv  lie  liiitli  iiKidu  himself  great  over  the 
people  of  tlie  IjOKI)." 
080 


presses :  none  shall  tread  the  press  with  the 
vintner's  call;  battle  cry — nor  vintner's  call. 

34  From  the  loud  cry  of  Cheshbon  as  far 
as  El'aleh,  even  unto  Yahaz,  have  they  sent 
forth  their  voice,  from  Zo'ar  even  unto  Clio- 
ronayim,  to  the  third  'Eglath ;  for  the  waters 
also  of  Nimrim  shall  become  desolate. 

35  Moreover  will  I  cause  to  cease  unto 
Moiib,  saith  the  Lord,  him  that  ofiereth  on 
the  high-places,  and  him  that  burnetii  incense 
to  his  gods. 

36  Therefore  shall  my  heart  groan  for 
Moiib  like  flutes,  and  my  heart  shall  groan 
like  flutes  for  the  men  of  Kir-cheres;  for  the 
cause*"  that  the  remnant  of  the  riches  he  had 
gotten  are  lost. 

37  For  every  head  is  bald,  and  every  beard 
is  shorn :  upon  all  the  hands  are  cuttings, 
and  upon  the  loins  is  sackcloth. 

38  Upon  all  tlie  roofs  of  Moiib,  and  in  her 
streets,  there  is  everywhere  lamentation ;  for 
I  have  broken  Moiib  like  a  vessel  which  hath 
no  value,  saith  the  Lord. 

39  Oh.  how  is  it  broken  down!  wail!  how 
hath  Moiib  turned  the  back  with  shame !  and 
Moiib  shall  be  a  derision  and  a  dismay  to  all 
those  around  him. 

40  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold, 
as  the  eagle  shall  he  fly,  and  he  shall  spread 
out  his  wings  over  Moiib. 

41  Captured  are  the  fortresses,  and  the 
strong-holds  are  conquered :  and  the  heart 
of  the  mighty  men  of  Moiib  shall  Ix'  on 
that  day  as  the  heart  of  a  woman  in  lier 
pangs. 

42  And  Moiib  shall  be  destroyed  from  be- 
ing a  people;  because  it  hath  magnified  him- 
self against  the  Lord. 

43  Terror,  and  the  pit,  and  the  snare,  shall 
be  upon  thee,  0  inhabitant  of  Moiib,  saith 
the  Lord. 

44  He  that  fleeth  from  the  terror  shall  fiill 
into  the  pit;  and  he  that  getteth  nji  out  of 
the  pit  shall  be  caught  in  the  snare;  for  I 
will  bring  upon  it,  even  upon  Moiib,  the  j'car 
of  their  visitation,  saith  the  Lord. 

45  Under  the  shadow  of  Cheshbon  stand 
still,  deprived  of  strength,  those  that  flee;  but 
a  fire  cometh  forth  out  of  Cheslibon,  and  a 
flame  from  the  midst  of  Siclion,  and  it  devour- 


'' Beilak;   but   Rashi,    "because   he   hath   done   proud 
things,  therefore  are  they  lost." 


.TEREMIATT  XLVIII.  XLIX. 


ctii  tlio  corner  of  Moab,  and  the  crown  of  the 
head  of  the  children  of  vannting. 

4(1  Wo  nnto  tliee,  0  Mollb!  lost  is  the  peo- 
ple of  Keniosh ;  for  thj  sons  are  taken  cap- 
tives, and  thy  daughters  into  captivity. 

47  Yet  will  I  brin^-  back  a^ain  the  ca])ti- 
vity  of  Moilb  in  the  end  of  days,  saith  the 
Lord.     Thns  far  is  the  punishment  of  Moilb. 

CHAPTER  XLIX. 

1  ^  Against  the  children  of  'Amnion,  Thus 
hath  said  tlie  Lord,  ILith  Israel  no  sons?  or 
hatli  he  no  heir?  why  then  dotli  Malcom 
possess  Gad,  and  why  do  his  people  dwell  in 
his  cities? 

2  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming,  saith 
the  Lord,  when  I  will  cause  an  alarm  of  war 
to  be  heard  in  Rabljah  of  the  children  of  'Am- 
nion; and  it  shall  become  a  desolate  heap, 
and  its  villages  shall  be  burnt  with  fire: 
then  shall  Israel  drive  out  those  that  drove 
them  out,  saith  the  Lord. 

3  Wail,  0  Cheshbon,  for 'Ai  is  wasted;  cry 
aloud,  3^e  daughters  of  Rabbali,  gird  your- 
selves with  sackcloth;  lament,  and  roam 
about  among  the  sheepfolds;  for  Malcom 
shall  go  into  exile,  (with)  his  priest  and  his 
princes  together. 

4  Wherefore  gloriest  thou  in  the  valleys? 
thy  valley  floweth  (with"  blood),  0  backslid- 
ing daughter,  that  trusted  in  her  treasures, 
saying.  Who  can  come  unto  me? 

5  Behold,  I  will  bring  terror  upon  thee, 
saith  the  Lord  the  Eternal  of  hosts,  from  all 
those  that  are  around  thee:  and  ye  shall  be 
driven  out  every  man  in  his  own  way;  and 
none  shall  gather  up  the  fugitive. 

6  And  afterward  will  I  bring  back  again 
the  captivity  of  the  children  of  'Amnion, 
saith  the  Lord. 

7  ^  Concerning  Edom,  thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  Is  there  no  more  wisdom  in 
Theman?  is  counsel  vanished  from  the  pru- 
dent? is  their  wisdom  become  corrupt? 

8  •  They  tlee,  turn  round,  seek  their  abode 
in  deep  places, — the  inhabitants  of  Dedan;  for 
the  calamity  of  Esau  do  I  bring  upon  him, 
the  time  when  I  visit  him  with  punishment. 

"  Redak:  so  also,  iu  a  measure,  Jouatban,  "  thy  streugth 
is  Lroken."     Rashi,  "the  rains  overflow  thy  valley." 

■=  Rashi  refers  this  verse  to  Ii-rael;  but  it  cau  neverthe- 
less be  applied  to  Edom,  and  mean  that  the  destruction 
aball  be  so  great  that  the  captives  and  widows   should 


9  If  grape-gatherers  had  come  (o  lliec, 
would  they  not  have  left  some  gleanings?  if 
thieves  by  night,  they  would  destroy  only  till 
they  had  satisfied  themselves; 

10  But  I  have  made  Esau  bare,  I  have  un- 
covered his  secret  haunts,  so  that  he  will  not 
be  able  to  hide  himself:  his  seed  is  wasted, 
and  his  brethren,  and  his  neighbours,  ami  he 
is  no  more. 

11  Leave  thy  fatherless''  children,  I  will 
have  to  preserve  them  alive:  and  thy  widows 
must  trust  in  me. 

12  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Be- 
hold, they  whose  right  it  was  not  to  drink 
tlie  cup  have  been  compelled  to  drink  it,  and 
art  thou  he  that  shall  altogether  go  unpunish- 
ed? thou  shalt  not  go  unpunished,  but  thou 
shalt  surely  drink  it. 

13  For  by  myself  have  I  sworn,  saith  the 
Lord,  that  ISozrah  shall  become  an  astonish- 
ment, a  disgrace,  a  ruin,  and  a  curse;  and 
all  its  cities  shall  become  perpetual  I'uins. 

14  A  report  have  I  heard  from  the  Lord, 
and  an  ambassador  is  sent  among  the  nations, 
(saying,)  Gather  yourselves  together,  and 
come  against  her,  and  rise  up  to  the  battle. 

15  For,  lo,  I  render  thee  small  among  the 
nations,  despised  among  men. 

IG  Thy  hastiness  hath  deceived  thee,  the 
presumption  of  thy  heart,  0  thou  that  dwell- 
est  in  the  clefts"  of  the  rock,  that  boldest  the 
heiixht  of  the  hill:  though  thou  shouldst 
make  thy  nest  as  high  as  the  eagle,  thence 
would  I  bring  thee  down,  saith  the  Lord. 

17  And  Edom  shall  become  (an  object  of) 
astonishment:  every  one  that  passeth  by  it 
shall  be  astonished,  and  shall  hiss  at  all  its 
wounds. 

18  Like  the  overthrow  of  Sodom  and  Go- 
morrah and  their  neighbours,  saith  the  Lord, 
so  shall  no  man  dwell  there,  nor  shall  a  son 
of  man  sojourn  therein. 

19  Behold,  like  a  lion  will  he  come  up 
from  the  (jvertlow  of  the  Jordan  against  the 
strong  haljitation;  for  I  will  hasten  him,  (and) 
make  him  suddenly  prevail  against  her;  and 
him  who  is  chosen  will  I  array  against  her; 
foi-  who  is  like  me?  and  who  will  challenge'' 

have  no  support  but  fJod,  all  human  aid  having  been  cut 
off. 

°  Jonathan.     Others,  "top  of  the  rock." 

^  Rashi,  "summon  me  to  war."  Redak,  "who  will  fix 
fir  me  time  and  period  for  battle."     Zunz,  "summon." 

681 


JEREMIAH  XLIX.  L. 


inc  to  battle?  and  who  is  that  shepherd  that 
can  stand  before  me? 

20  Therefore  hear  the  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
that  he  hath  resolved  against  Edoni;  and  his 
purposes,  that  he  hath  devised  against  the  in- 
haljitants  of  Tlieman  :  Surely  the  least"  of  the 
docks  shall  di'ag  them  away;  surely  he  will 
devastate  over  them  their  habitation. 

21  At  the  noise  of  their  fall  the  earth 
quaketh:  (there  is)  an  outcry, — at  the  Red 
Sea  their  voice  is  heard. 

22  Behold,  like  the  eagle  shall  he*  come  up 
and  Hy  along,  and  spread  out  his  wings  over 
Bozrah :  and  the  heart  of  the  mighty  men  of 
Edom  shall  be  on  that  day  as  the  heart  of  a 
woman  in  her  pangs. 

23  ^  Concerning  Damascus.  Chamath 
and  Arpad  are  made  ashamed;  for  evil  tid- 
ings have  they  heard,  they  are  fainthearted: 
on  the  sea  there  is  care,  it  is  not  able  to  be 
quiet. 

24  Damascus  is  become  feeble,  she  turneth 
about  to  flee,  and  trembling  hath  taken  hold 
on  her:  pangs  and  throes  have  seized  her,  as 
a  woman  in  travail. 

25  "  How  is  the  city  of  praise  not  forsaken," 
the  town  of  my  joy  !" 

26  Therefore  shall  her  young  men  fall  in 
her  streets,  and  all  the  men  of  war  shall 
perish  on  that  day,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

27  And  I  will  kindle  a  fire  on  the  wall  of 
Damascus,  and  it  shall  consume  the  palaces 
of  Ben-hadad. 

28  ^  Concerning  Kedar,  and  concerning 
the  kingdoms  of  Chazor,  which  Nebuchadrez- 
zar the  king  of  Babylon  smote,  thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Arise  ye,  go  up  to  Kedar,  and 
devastate  tlie  men  of  the  east. 

29  Their  tents  and  their  flocks  shall  they 
take  away;  their  curtains,  and  all  their  ves- 
sels, and  their  camels  shall  they  take  to  them- 
selves: and  they  shall  call  out  over  them. 
Terror  is  on  every  side. 

30  Flee,  fly  away  far  ofl',  seek  your  abode 
in  deep  places,  0  ye  inhabitants  of  Chazor, 
saith  the  Lord;  for  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon  hath  taken  counsel  against  you, 
and  hath  conceived  a  device  against  you. 

31  Arise,  get  you  up  unto  the  nation  that 
is  at  ease,**  that  dwelleth  in  security,  saith 

*  ZuDZ,  "the  boys   attending   the   flocks;"    but   more 
properly,  "the  meanest  of  the  flocks,"  common  people. 
''  The  enemy. 
&»:; 


the  Lord,  Avhich  hath  neither  gates  nor  bars, 
which  dwelleth  idone. 

32  And  their  camels  shall  become  a  booty, 
and  the  multitude  of  their  cattle  a  spoil :  and 
I  will  scatter  unto  all  winds  those  that  have 
the  hair  cut  round ;  and  from  all  sides  will 
I  bring  their  calamity,  saith  the  Lord. 

33  And  Chazor  shall  become  a  dwelling 
for  monsters,  a  desolation  for  ever:  there 
shall  no  man  dwell  there,  nor  shall  a  son  of 
man  sojourn  therein. 

34  T[  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to 
Jeremiah  the  prophet  concerning  'Elam,  in 
the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  Zedekiah  the 
king  of  Judah,  saying, 

35  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Be- 
hold, I  will  break  the  bow  of  'Elam,  the  chief 
of  their  strength. 

30  And  I  will  bring  over  'Elam  the  four 
winds  from  the  four  quarters  of  the  heavens, 
and  I  will  scatter  them  toward  all  these 
winds:  and  there  shall  not  be  any  nation 
whither  shall  not  come  the  outcasts  of  'Elam. 

37  For  I  will  cause  'Elam  to  be  dismayed 
before  their  enemies,  and  before  those  that 
seek  their  life :  and  I  will  bring  over  them 
evil,  the  fierceness  of  my  anger,  saith  the 
Lord;  and  I  will  send  out  after  them  the 
sword,  till  I  have  made  an  end  of  them. 

38  And  I  will  set  up  my  throne  in  'Elam, 
and  I  will  destroy  thence  king  and  princes, 
saith  the  Lord. 

39  But  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  latter 
days,  that  I  will  bring  back  again  the  capti- 
vity of  'Elam,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  L. 

1  ^  The  word  that  the  Lord  spoke  con- 
cerning Babylon,  concerning  the  land  of 
the  Chaldeans,  by  means  of  Jeremiah  the  pro- 
phet. 

2  Ainiounce  ye  among  the  nations,  and 
publish,  and  lift  u\)  a  standard ;  publish,  con- 
ceal not;  say,  Babylon  is  captured,  Bel  is  put 
to  shame,  Merodach  is  broken  in  pieces;  put 
to  shame  are  her  idols;  broken  in  pieces  are 
her  images. 

3  For  there  is  come  up  against  her  a  na- 
tion out  of  the  north,  which  will  change  her 
land  into  a  desert,  so  that  there  shall  not 


°  Rashi,  "how  was  the  city  not  fortified." 
■^  Eng.  ver.  "wealthy  nation,    that   dwelleth  without 
care." 


JEREMIAH  E. 


be  any  one  dwelling  therein :  l)oth  man  and 
beast  are  fled  away,  they  are  departed. 

4  Tn  those  days,  and  at  that  time,  saith 
the  EoKD,  shall  the  children  of  Israel  come, 
they  and  the  children  of  Judah  together,  go- 
ing and  weeping  shall  they  go,  and  the  Eord 
their  f  Jod  shall  they  seek. 

5  After  Zion  shall  they  ask,  with  their  faces  j 
on    the    Avay   thitherward,    (saying.)    Come: 
and  they  will  join  themselves  to  the  Eord  in 
a  perpetual  coA'enant  that  shall  not  be  for- 
gotten . 

6  ^   Lost    sheep   were    my   people ;     their : 
shephei-ds    had    caused  them    to   go    astray, 
they  had  let  them  roam  wildly  on  the  moun- 
tains: from    mountain    to   hill   did   they   go, 
they  forgot  their  resting-place. 

7  All  that  tbund  them  devoured  them ;  and 
their  adversaries  said.  We  offend  not,  because 
they  have  sinned  against  the  Eord,  the  ha- 
bitation of  righteousness,  and  the  hope  of 
their  fathei's,  the  Eord. 

8  Fly  away  out  of  the  midst  of  Babylon, 
and  go  forth  out  of  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans, 
and  be  ye  as  the  he-goats  before  the  flocks." 

9  For,  lo,  I  will  awaken  and  cause  to  come 
up  against  Babylon  an  assemblage  of  great 
nations  from  the  north  country;  and  they 
shall  set  themselves  in  battle-array  against 
her;  from  there  shall  she  be  captured:  their 
arrows  are  as  those  of  a  skilfuP  mighty  one, 
none  of  which  ever  returneth  in  vain. 

10  And  Chaldea  shall  be  given  up  to  spoil: 
all  that  spoil  her  shall  be  satisfied,  saith  the 
Eord. 

11  Though  ye  rejoice,  though  ye  be  glad, 
0  ye  plunderers  of  my  heritage,  though  ye  be 
groA\'n''  i'at  as  the  heifer  at  grass,  and  neigh 
as  stud-horses: 

12  Your  mother  is  made  greatly  ashamed; 
she  that  Jjore  you  is  put  to  the  blush;  l^e- 
hold,  the  end  of  nations  shall  be  wilderness, 
dry  land,  and  desert. 

lo  Because  of  the  wrath  of  the  Eord  shall 
it  not  be  inhabited,  and  it  shall  be  wholly  de- 
solate: every  one  that  passeth   by  Babylon 


'  Eashi,  "The  he-goafs  usually  walk  before  the  goats." 

'  Some  texts  have  3Iash/ci'l,  "who  maketli  childless," 
but  the  most  read  3faski7,  "wise,"  "successful,"  "skil- 
ful," i.  e.  in  the  use  of  warlike  weapons. 

'  Philippson,  "bellow  like  a  grazing  heifer."  Rashi, 
"like  a  heifer  that  threshetb." 

^  Rashi,  "Cast  stones  at  her,"  because  the  word  here  is 


shall   be   astonished,   and   hiss    over    all    her 
wounds. 

14  Put  yourselves  in  battle-array  against 
Ba])ylon  round  about,  all  ye  that  bend  the 
bow,  shoot  at  her,''  spare  not  the  arrows ;  for 
against  the  Eord  hath  she  sinned. 

15  Shout  against  her  round  about;  she 
hath  stretched  out'  her  hand:  fallen  are  her 
foundations,  thrown  down  are  her  walls;  for 
it  is  the  vengeance  of  the  Eord;  take  ven- 
geance upon  her;  as  she  hath  done,  so  do 
unto  her. 

16  Cut  off  the  sower  from  Babylon,  and 
him  that  handleth  the  sickle  in  the  time  of 
harvest;  because  of  the  wasting  sword  shall 
they  turn  al)out  every  one  to  his  people,  and 
every  one  to  his  own  land  shall  they  flee. 

17  ^  A  scattered  lamb  is  Israel;  the  lions 
have  driven  him  away:  first  the  king  of  As- 
syria devoured  him ;  and  this  last  one  broke 
his  bones,  (even)  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of 
Babylon . 

18  Tl  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Eord 
of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Behold,  I  will  in- 
flict punishment  on  the  king  of  Babylon  and 
on  his  land,  as  I  have  punished  the  king  of 
Assyria. 

19  And  I  will  bring  Israel  back  again  to 
his  habitation,  and  he  shall  feed  on  Carmel 
and  Bashan:  and  upon  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim  and  GiFad  shall  his  soul  be  satis- 
fied. 

20  In  those  days,  and  at  that  time,  saith 
the  Eord,  shall  the  iniquity  of  Israel  be 
sought  for,  and  it  shall  not  be  there;  and 
the  sins  of  Judah,  and  they  shall  not  be 
found;  for  I  will  pardon  those  whom  I  will 
leave  remaining. 

21  ^  Against  the  land  of  twofold  rebel- 
lion— even  against  it  go  thou  up,  and  against 
the  iidiabitants  of  the  country  of  punish- 
ment:' lay  in  ruins  and  utterly  destroy  their 
offspring,*''  saith  the  Eord,  and  do  in  accord- 
ance with  all  that  I  have  commanded  thee. 

22  A  sound  of  battle  (is  heard)  in  the 
land,  and  of  great  destruction. 


IT,  from  m',  "to  cast,"  not  n",  from  m%  "to  shoot;" 
but  the  shooting  is  after  all  the  casting  forth  of  the  pro- 
jectile by  other  means  than  the  naked  hand. 

'  As  token  of  submission,  being  con((uored. 

'  Redak ;   but  Jonathan  takes  lips  as  a  proper  name, 
Pekotl,  a  district  of  (jhaldea. 

8  Zunz;   lit.  "those  after  them." 

583 


JEREMIAH  L. 


23  IIow  is  cut  asunder  and  broken  the 
hammer"  of  all  the  earth!  how  is  Babylon 
become  an  astonishment  among  the  nations! 

24  1  have  laid  a  snare  for  thee,  and  thou 
art  also  captured,  0  Babylon,  while  thou 
wast  not  aware :  thou  art  found,  and  also 
caught,  because  thou  hadst  entered  into  a  con- 
test against  the  Lord. 

25  The  Lord  hath  opened  his  treasury, 
and  hath  brought  forth  the  weapons  of  his 
indignation ;  for  it  is  a  work  for  the  Lord,  the 
Eternal  of  hosts,  in  the  land  of  the  Chaldeans. 

26  Come  against  her  from  the  end  of  the 
earth,*"  open  her  garners;  tread  her  down 
as  sheaves  of  corn,  and  destroy  her  utterly : 
let  there  not  be  left  of  her  a  remnant  even. 

27  Destroy  all  her  bullocks;  let  tlieta  go 
down  to  the  slaughter:  wo  unto -them!  for 
their  day  is  come,  the  time  of  their  visita- 
tion. 

28  There  is  the  voice  of  those  that  flee 
and  escape  out  of  the  land  of  Babylon,  to  tell 
in  Zion  the  vengeance  of  the  Lord  our  God, 
the  vengeance  for  his  temple. 

29  Call  together  the  archers  against  Baby- 
lon ;  all  ye  that  Ijend  the  bow,  encamp  against 
her  rouud  about;  let  there  be  no  escape  Ibr  her : 
recompense  her  according  to  her  work;  in 
accordance  with  all  that  she  hath  done,  do 
unto  her;  for  against  the  Lord  hath  she  act- 
ed presumptuously,  against  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel. 

30  Therefore  shall  her  young  men  fall  in 
her  streets,  and  all  her  men  of  war  shall 
perish  on  that  day,  saitli  the  Lord. 

31  ^  Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  0  pre- 
sumptuous" one  !  saith  the  Lord,  the  Eternal 
of  hosts ;  for  thy  day  is  come,  the  time  that 
I  will  visit  thee  (with  punisliment). 

32  And  the  presumptuous  shall  stumble 
and  fall,  with  none  to  raise  him  up:  and  I 
will  kindle  a  lire  in  his  cities,  and  it  shall  de- 
vour all  his  environs. 

33  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
The  children  of  Israel  and  the  children  of 
Judah  are  oppressed  together:  and  all  that 
took  them  captive  hold  them  fast;  they  re- 
fuse to  dismiss  them. 


"  Symbolic  for  "destroyer,"  as  the  hammer  destroys  all 
by  its  force. 

'  Philippson.     llasbi,  "from  the    outmost  end  of  the 
city;"  and  comments,  "that  she  may  not  know,  and  be 
suddenly  taken." 
584 


34  Their  Redeemer  is  strong;  The  Lord 
of  hosts  is  his  name :  he  will  surely  contend 
in  their  cause,  in  order  that  he  may  give  rest 
to  the  land,  and  make  the  inhabitants  of  Ba- 
bylon tremble.* 

35  The  sword  is  upon  the  Chaldeans,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  against  the  inhabitants  of  Ba- 
bylon, and  against  her  princes,  and  against 
her  wise  men. 

36  The  sword  is  against  the  lying  sooth- 
sayers, and  they  shall  be  made  foolish:  the 
sword  is  against  her  mighty  men,  and  they 
shall  be  dismayed. 

37  The  sword  is  against  their  horses,  and 
against  their  chariots,  and  against  all  the  con- 
federates" that  are  in  the  midst  of  her,  and 
they  shall  become  as  women:  the  sword  is 
against  her  treasures,  and  tliey  shall  be  plun- 
dered. 

38  The  drought  is  against  her  waters,  and 
they  shall  be  dried  up;  for  it  is  the  land  of 
graven  images,  and  with  their  horrid  idols  do 
they  play  the  madman. 

39  Therefore  shall  martens  dwell  (there) 
with  jackals,  and  the  ostriches  shall  dwell 
therein:  and  it  shall  be  not  inhabited  any 
more  for  ever;  and  it  shall  not  be  dwelt  in 
from  generation  to  generation. 

40  Like  the  overthrow  b}'  God  of  Sodom 
and  Gomorrah  and  their  neighbours,  saith 
the  IjOrd,  so  shall  no  man  dwell  there,  nor 
shall  any  son  of  man  sojourn  therein. 

4 1  Behold,  a  people  cometh  from  the  north, 
and  a  great  nation,  and  many  kings  shall  be 
awakened  frpm  the  farthest  ends  of  the 
earth. 

42  Bow  and  lance  do  they  firmly  grasp; 
they  are  cruel,  and  show  not  any  mercy; 
their  voice  roareth  like  the  sea,  and  upon 
horses  do  they  ride,  placed  in  array,  like  one 
man,  for  the  battle,  against  thee,  0  daughter 
of  Baljylon. 

43  The  king  of  Babylon  hath  heard  the 
report  of  them,  and  his  hands  are  grown 
feeble:  anguish  hath  taken  fast  hold  of  him, 
pangs  as  of  a  woman  in  travail. 

44  Behold,  like  a  lion  shall  he  come  up 
from  the  overflow  of  the  Jordan   unto  the 


°  Lit.  "presumption." 

■^  The  fall  of  the  oppressor  is  rest  for  the  oppressed. 

"  As  in  XXV.  23.  Others,  "mixed  people;"  but  Rashi 
explains  it  to  mean,  "  those  on  whom  the  Babylonians  de- 
pend;" hence,  "auxiliaries,"  or  "confederates." 


JEREMIAH  L.  LI. 


strong  habitation;  for  I  will  hasten  them 
(and)  make  them  suddenly  prevail  over 
her,  and  him  who  is  chosen  will  I  array 
against  her;  for  who  like  me?  and  who  will 
challenge  me  to  battle?  and  who  is  that  shep- 
herd that  can  stand  before  me? 

45  Therefore  hear  ye  the  counsel  of  the 
Lord,  that  he  hath  resolved  against  Babylon; 
and  his  purposes,  that  he  hath  devised  against 
the  laud  of  the  Chaldeans:  Surely  the  least 
of  the  flock  shall  drag  them  awa}^ ;  surely  he 
will  devastate  over  them  their  habitation. 

46  At  the  noise  of  the  conquest  of  Babylon 
the  earth  quaketh,  and  tlie  outcry  is  heard 
among  the  nations. 

CHAPTER  LI. 

1  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I 
will  awaken  against  Babylon,  and  against 
those  that  dwell  in  the  midst"  of  my  oppo- 
nents, a  destroying  wind ; 

2  And  I  will  send  out  unto  Babj-lon  fan- 
ners, and  they  shall  fan  her.  and  shall  empty 
out  her  land;  for  they  shall  be  against  her 
romid  about  on  the  day  of  trouble. 

3  Let  the  archer  come  against  any  one 
that  bendeth  his  bow,  and  against  him  that 
lifteth  himself  up  in  his  armour:  and  spare 
ye  not  her  young  men ;  destroy  ye  utterly  all 
her  host. 

4  And  the  slain  shall  fall  in  the  land  of 
the  Chaldeans,  and  they  that  are  pierced 
through, in  her  streets. 

5  For  not  widowed  are  Israel  and  Judah 
of  their  God,  of  the  Lord  of  hosts;  for  the 
land  of  those''  was  filled  with  guiltiness 
against  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

6  Flee  ye  out  of  the  midst  of  Babylon,  and 
save  ye  every  man  his  life :  perish  not  for  her 
iniquity;  for  this  is  a  time  of  vengeance  unto 
the  Lord  ;  a  recompense  is  he  paying  out  unto 
her. 

7  A  golden  cup  hath  Babylon  been  in  the 
hand  of  the  Lord,  that  made  drunken  all  the 
earth :  of  her  wine  have  nations  drunk ; 
therefore  are  the  nations  rendered  mad. 

8  Suddenly  is  Babylon  fallen  and  broken : 
wail  ye  for  her;  fetch  balm  for  her  wound, 
perhaps  she  may  be  healed. 


'  Heb.  "heart."  "  The  Chaldeans. 

°  Others,  "sharpen  the  arrows,  seize  on  the  shields." 
*  Rashi,  "en  soi  memc."     Philippsou,  "by  his  life." 
3  Y 


9  "  We  would  have  healed  Babylon,  but 
she  was  not  healed:  forsake  her,  and  let  us 
go  every  one  unto  his  own  country;  for  her 
punishment  reacheth  uuto  the  heavens,  and 
it  is  lifted  up  even  to  the  skies." 

10  The  Lord  hath  brought  forth  our  right- 
eousness :  come,  and  let  us  relate  in  Zion  the 
work  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

11  Make  bright  the  arrows;  fill  the  (pii- 
vers:°  the  Lord  hath  awakened  the  spirit  of 
the  kings  of  Media;  for  against  Babylon  is 
his  intention,  to  destroy  it;  because  it  is  the 
vengeance  of  the  Lord,  the  vengeance  for  his 
temple. 

12  Against  the  walls  of  Babylon  lift  up  the 
standai'd,  strengthen  the  watch,  set  up  the 
watchmen,  make  ready  the  ambushes;  for 
the  Lord  hath  both  intended  and  done  what 
he  had  spoken  against  the  inhabitants  of  Bar 
b}lon. 

13  0  thou  that  dwellest  upon  many  wa- 
ters, great  in  treasures,  thy  end  is  come,  the 
full  measure  of  thy  selfish  robbery. 

14  Sworn  hath  the  Lord  of  hosts  by  him- 
self,''  Surely  I  will  fill  thee  with  men,  as  with 
locusts:  and  they  shall  lift  up  the  battle-cry 
against  thee. 

15  ^  He  made  the  earth  by  his  power,  he 
established  the  world  by  his  wisdom,  and  by 
his  understanding  he  stretched  out  the  hea- 
vens. 

16  At  the  sound  when  he  giveth  a  multi- 
tude of  waters  in  the  heavens,  and  causeth 
clouds  to  ascend  from  the  ends  of  the  earth; 
when  he  maketh  lightnings  with  rain,  and 
briugeth  forth  -the  wind  out  of  his  treasures : 

17  Then  standeth  every  man  as  brutish 
without  knowledge;  ashamed  is  every  gold- 
smith because  of  the  graven  image ;  for  false- 
hood is  his  molten  work,  and  there  is  no 
breath  therein. 

18  They  are  vanity,  the  work  of  decep- 
tion: in  the  time  of  their  punishment  shall 
they  vanish. 

19  Not  like  these  is  the  portion  of  Jacolj; 
for  He  is  the  former  of  all  things,  and  Israel 
is  the  tribe  of  his  inheritance :  The  Lord  of 
hosts  is  his  name. 

20  ^[  Thou  art  a  hammer"  unto  me,  wea- 


'  Eng.  ver.  "battle-axe."  The  prophet  again  addresses 
Babylon,  which  had  been  in  this  day  the  instrument  of 
Gud's  judgment. 

686 


JEREMIAH  LI. 


pons  of  war;  and  I   strike  down   with  thee 
nations,  and  I  destroy  with  thee  kingdoms ; 

21  And  I  strike  down  with  thee  the  horse 
and  his  rider;  and  I  strike  down  with  thee 
the  chariot  and  its  rider ; 

22  And  I  strike  down  with  thee  man  and 
woman  ;  and  I  strike  down  witli  thee  the 
aged  and  the  lad;  and  I  strike  down  with 
thee  the  yonng  man  and  the  virgin  ; 

23  And  I  strike  down  with  thee  the  shep- 
herd and  his  tlock ;  and  I  strike  down  with 
thee  the  hnsbandman  and  his  yoke  of  oxen ; 
and  I  strike  down  with  thee  governers  and 
rulers. 

24  But  (now)  will  I  repay  unto  Bab)  Ion 
and  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  Chaldea  all  their 
evil  that  they  have  done  in  Zion  before  your 
eyes,  saith  the  Lord. 

25  ^[  Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  0  destroy- 
ing mountain,  saith  the  Lokd,  which  destroy- 
est  all  the  earth ;  and  I  will  stretch  out  my 
hand  over  thee,  and  I  will  roll  thee  down 
from  the  rocks,  and  will  render  thee  a  burnt 
mountain. 

26  And  they  shall  not  take  from  thee  a 
stone  for  a  corner,  nor  a  stone  lor  foundations; 
but  everlasting  ruins  shalt  thou  be,  saith  the 
Lord. 

27  Lift  ye  up  a  standard  in  the  land,  blow 
ye  the  cornet  among  the  nations,  make  ready 
against  her  nations,  call  together  against  her 
the  kingdoms  of  Ararat,  Minni,  and  Ashke- 
naz ;  appoint  against  her  a  commander ; 
cause  the  horses  to  come  up  like  the  hairy 
locusts. 

28  Make  ready  against  her  the  nations 
with  the  kings  of  Media,  its  governors,  and 
all  its  rulers,  and  all  the  land  of  their  domi- 
nion. 

29  And  the  earth  quaketh  and  trembleth; 
for  every  one  of  the  purposes  of  the  Lord  is 
fulfilled  against  Babylon,  to  change  the  land  of 
Babylon  into  a  desolate  country  without  an 
inhabitant. 

30  The  mighty  men  of  Babylon  have 
ceased  to  fight,  they  sit  still  in  (their)  strong- 
holds ;  their  might  is  vanished ;  they  are  be- 
come as  women  :  they  have  burnt  her  dwell- 
ing-places ;  her  bars  are  broken. 


'  "The  canes  that  grow  in  the  Euphrates,  which  made 
the  approach  to  the  city  difficult  on  the  river  side." — 
I'uil.U'l'.soN  llubbi  Jonah,  "the  forts,"  from  an  Arabic 
root 

680 


31  One  runner  shall  run  to  meet  another 
runner,  and  one  messenger  to  meet  another 
messenger,  to  tell  unto  the  king  of  Babylon 
that  his  city  is  captured  at  all  ends, 

32  And  that  the  passages  have  been  seized, 
and  that  they  have  burnt  the  reeds"  with  fire, 
and  that  the  men  of  war  are  aflVighted. 

,  33  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  The  daughter  of  Babylon  is 
like  a  threshing-floor,  at  the  time''  they  thresh 
therein ;  but  yet  a  little  while  more,  when 
the  time  of  harvest  shall  come  for  her. 

34  "  Nelnichadrezzar  the  king  of  Babylon 
devoured  me,  he  crushed  me,  he  set  me  down 
as  an  empty  vessel,  he  swallowed  me  up  like 
a  huge  serpent,  he  filled  his  belly  with  my 
delicacies:  he  drove  me  out. 

35  The  violence  done  to  me  and  to  my 
flesh  be  upon  Babylon,"  will  the  inhabitress 
of  Zion  say;  and  "My  blood  be  upon  the  in- 
habitants of  Chaldea,"  will  Jerusalem  say. 

36  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Behold,  I  will  contend  in  thy  cause,  and  exe- 
cute vengeance  for  thee ;  and  I  will  dry  up 
her  sea,  and  cause  her  springs  to  fail. 

37  And  Babylon  shall  become  ruinous 
heaps,  a  dwelling-place  for  monsters,  an  as- 
tonishment, and  a  derision,  without  an  inhar 
bitant. 

38  Together  like  lions  shall  they  roar : 
they  shall  yell  like  the  lions'  whelps. 

39  When  they  are  heated  will  I  prepare 
their  drinking-feasts,  and  I  will  make  them 
drunken,  in  order  that  they  may  be  joyful, 
and  (then)  sleep  a  perpetual  sleep,  and  not 
awake  again,  saith  the  Lord. 

40  I  will  bring  them  down  like  lambs  to 
the  slaughter,  like  wethers  with  he-goats. 

41  How  is  Sheshach  captured!  and  how 
is  conquered  the  praise  of  the  whole  earth ! 
how  is  Babylon  become  an  astonishment 
among  the  nations ! 

42  The  sea  is  come  up  over  Babylon  :  with 
the  multitude  of  its  waves  is  she  covered. 

43  Her  cities  are  become  desolate  places,  a 
dry  land,  and  a  wilderness,  a  land  wherein 
not  any  man  shall  dwell,  and  through  which 
no  son  of  man  shall  pass  along. 

44  And  I  will  inflict  punishment  on  Bel  in 


''  Rashi,  "She  is  now  full  as  the  threshing-tinor  is  at 
threshing  time,  when  it  is  full  of  wheat;  but  yet  a  little 
while  more  shall  elapse  when  she  shall  be  empty  as  the 
floor  is  empty  at  the  commencement  of  harvest." 


JEREMIAH  LI. 


Babylon,  and  I  will  bring  forth  what  he  hath  j 
swallowed  up  out  of  his  mouth  ;  and  nations  I 
shall  not  assemble  together  like  a  stream  unto 
him  any  more  :  yea,  the  wall  of  Babylon  also 
is  fallen. 

45  Go  ye  out  of  the  midst  of  her,  my  peo- 
ple, and  save  ye  every  man  his  life  from  the 
fierceness  of  the  anger  of  the  Lord. 

46  And  so  that  your  heart  may  not  faint," 
and  ye  fear  at  the  i-eport  that  is  heard  in  the 
land  :  when  the  report  cometh  in  one  year, 
and  after  that  in  another  year  cometh  an- 
other report,  and  when  violence  (be  done)  in 
the  land,  (by)  ruler  against  ruler. 

47  Therefore,  behold,  days  are  coming, 
when  I  will  inflict  punishment  on  the  graven 
images  of  Babylon,  and  her  whole  land  shall 
Ije  put  to  shame,  and  all  her  slain  shall  fall 
in  the  midst  of  her. 

48  And  then  shall  the  heaven  and  the 
earth,  and  all  that  is  therein,  sing  because  of 
Babylon ;  for  from  the  north  shall  come 
unto  her  the  destroyers,  saith  the  Lord. 

49  Also  Babylon  is  destined''  to  fall,  0  ye 
slain  ones  of  Israel,  also  at  Babylon  fall  the 
slain  of  all  the  land. 

50  (But)  ye  that  have  escaped  the  sword, 
go  away,  stand  not  still:  remember  afar  off 
the  Lord,  and  let  Jerusalem  rise  up  in  your 
heart. 

51  "  We  had  been  made  ashamed,  because 
we  had  heard  reproach:  confusion  had  cover- 
ed our  faces;  because  strangers  were  come 
into  the  sanctuaries  of  the  Lord's  hou.se." 

52  ^  Therefore,  behold,  days  ai-e  coming, 
saith  the  Lord,  when  I  will  inflict  punish- 
ment on  her  graven  images:  and  through  all 
her  land  shall  groan  the  deadly  wounded. 

53  Though  Babylon  should  mount  up  to 
heaven,  and  though  she  should  fortity  the 
height  of  her  strength :  yet  from  me  should 
destroyers  come  unto  her,  saith  the  Lord. 

54  A  sound  of  a  painful  cry  cometh  from 
Babylon,  and  of  a  great  breach  from  the  land 
of  the  Chaldeans ; 


•  The  Israelites  should  not  dread  leaving  the  doomed 
land  of  Babylon,  though  evil  reports  of  expected  danger 
should  meet  them,  and  though  their  rulers  should  change 
constantly.     (See  Ezra  and  Nehomiali.) 

"  Philippson;  but  Rashi,  "As  in  Babylon  the  slain  of 
Israel  had  to  fall,  so  shall  fall  in  Babylon  the  slain  of  all 
her  land." 

°  Piedak,  "  he  destroyeth  from  out  of  her  the  loud  noise 
of  the  great  multitude  of  people,  which  was  like  the  roar- 


55  Because  the  Lord  wasteth  Babylon, 
and  destroyeth  out  of  her  the  loud  noise; 
but"  their  waves  roar  like  great  waters,  the 
noise  of  their  voice  is  sent  forth  ;* 

56  Because    the  destroyer  is    come    over- 
her,  over  Babylon,  and  her  mighty  men  are 
caught,  every  one  of  their  bows  is  broken; 
for  the  God  of  recompenses,  the  Lord,  will 
surely  requite. 

57  And  I  will  make  drunken  her  princes, 
and  her  wise  men,  her  governors,  and  her 
rulers,  and  her  mighty  men:  and  they  shall 
sleep  a  perpetual  sleep,  and  not  awake  again, 
saith  the  King,  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name. 

58  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
Every  one  of  the  broad  walls  of  Babylon 
shall  be  utterly  overthrown,  and  her  high 
gates  shall  be  burnt  with  fire  :  so  that  nations 
shall  have'  laboured  in  vain,  and  the  people 
for  the  fire,  and  so  shall  they  have  wearied 
themselves. 

59  T[  The  word  which  Jeremiah  the  pro- 
phet commanded  Serayah  the  son  of  Neriyah, 
the  son  of  Machseyah,  when  he  wont  with 
Zedekiah  the  king  of  Judah  unto  Babylon  in 
the  fourth  year  of  his  reign.  And  this  Se- 
rayah was  chief  chamberlain. 

60  And  Jeremiah  wrote  down  all  the  evil 
that  should  come  upon  Babylon  in  one  book, 
namely,  all  these  words  that  are  written  con- 
cerning Babylon. 

61  And  Jeremiah  said  to  Serayah,  As  thou 
comest  to  Babylon,  see  to  it,  that  thou  read 
all  these  words ; 

62  And  thou  shalt  say,  0  Lord,  thou  thy- 
self hast  spoken  concerning  this  j^lace,  to  cut 
it  oft",  so  that  there  shall  not  be  in  it  an  inha- 
bitant, either  man  or  beast;  but  that  it  shall 
become  a  desolate  place  for  ever. 

63  And  it  shall  be,  when  thou  hast  finish- 
ed reading  this  book,  that  thou  shalt  bind  a 
stone  to  it,  and  throw  it  into  the  midst  of 
the  Euphrates; 

64  And  thou  shalt  say,  Thus  shall  Baby- 
lon sink,  and  shall  not  rise  again  from  the 


ing  of  the  waves  of  the  sea,  when  they  give  forth  their 
noise."  Others  understand  "  their  waves"  to  refer  to  the 
waving  masses  of  the  approaching  enemies  of  Babylon. 

''  Rashi.     Lit.  "given." 

"  i.  e.  The  building  of  Babylon  shall  have  been  in  vain, 
as  the  structures  were  to  be  burnt  with  fire;  wherefore 
the  weariness  incurred  in  building  it  will  have  been  quite 
useless.  This  prophecy  has  been  singularly  fulfilled  in 
the  utter  destruction  of  Babylon  and  the  country  around. 

5S7 


JEREMIAH  Li.  Ltl. 


evil  that  I  will  bring  upon  her :  and  her 
people"  shall  be  wearied.  Thus  far  are  the 
words  of  Jeremiah. 

CHAPTER  LH. 

1  T[  One  and  twenty  years  was  Zedekiah 
old  when  he  became  king,  and  eleven  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Chamutal  the  daughter  of  Jeremiah 
of  Libnah. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  j 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  Jehoya^ 
kirn  had  done. 

3  For  through  the  anger  of  the  Lord  it 
came  to  pass  against  Jerusalem  and  Judah, 
till  he  had  cast  them  out  from  his  presence, 
that  Zedekiah  rebelled  against  the  king  of 
Babylon. 

4  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  ninth  year 
of  his  reign,  in  the  tenth  month,  on  the  tenth 
day  of  the  month,  that  l*febucliadrezzar  the 
king  of  Babylon  came,  he  and  all  his  army, 
against  Je'rusalem,  and  they  encamped 
against  it,  and  built  against  it  works  of 
attack  round  about. 

5  So  the  city  was  placed  in  a  state  of  siege 
until  the  eleventh  year  of  king  Zedekiah. 

G  And  in  the  fourth  month,  on  the  ninth 
day  of  the  month,  when  the  famine  was  severe 
in  the  city,  so  that  there  was  no  bread  for  the 
people  of  the  land  : 

7  The  city  was  broken  in,  and  all  the  men 
of  war  fled,  and  went  forth  out  of  the  city  by 
night  by  the  way  of  the  gate  between  the  two 
walls,  which  was  near  the  king's  garden; 
(while  the  Chaldeans  were  round  about  the 
city;)  and  they  went  by  the  way  of  the 
plain. 

8  But  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans  pursued 
after  the  king,  and  they  overtook  Zedekiah 
in  the  plains  of  Jericho:  and  all  his  army 
was  scattered  from  him. 

9  And  they  caught  the  king,  and  they 
Ijrought  him  up  unto  the  king  of  Babylon  to 
Riblah  in  the  land  of  Chamath:  and  he  called 
him  to  account. 

10  And  the  king  of  Babylon  slaughtered 


*  Redak;  i.  e.  they  shall  not  be  able  to  contend  against 
their  opponents. 

"  Lit.  "stood." 

°  The  Rabbins  take  this  to  mean  either  the  synagogues, 
where  prayers  were  offered,  or  the  schools  where  the  law 
was  taught. 
688 


the  sons  of  Zedekiah  before  his  eyes :  and 
also  all  the  princes  of  Judah  did  he  slaughter 
in  Riblah. 

11  And  the  eyes  of  Zedekiah  did  he  blind; 
and  the  king  of  Babylon  l)ound  him  with 
brazen  fetters,  and  carried  him  to  Babylon, 
and  put  him  in  the  ward-house  till  the  day  of 
his  death. 

12  ^  And  in  the  fifth  month,  on  the  tenth 
day  of  the  month,  which  was  the  nineteenth 
year  of  king  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king  of  Ba- 
bylon, came  Nebuzaradan,  the  captain  of  the 
guard,  (who)  served''  the  king  of  Babylon, 
unto  Jerusalem. 

13  And  he  burnt  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  king's  house :  and  all  the  houses  of 
Jerusalem,  and  all  the  houses  of  the  great" 
men,  did  he  burn  with  fire : 

14  And  all  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  round 
about  did  all  the  army  of  the  Chaldeans,  that 
were  with  the  captain  of  the  guard,  pull 
down. 

15  And  certain  of  the  poorest  of  the  people, 
and  the  residue  of  the  people  that  had  been 
left  in  the  city,  and  the  deserters,  that  had 
run  away  to  the  king  of  Babylon,  and  the 
rest  of  the  multitude,  did  Nebuzaradan  the 
captain  of  the  guard  carry  away  into  exile. 

16  But  certain  of  the  poorest  of  the  land 
did  Nebuzaradan  the  captain  of  the  guard 
leave  for  vine-dressers  and  for  husbandmen. 

17  Also  the  pillars  of  copper  that  were  in 
the  house  of  tlie  Lord,  and  the  bases,  and  the 
copper  sea  that  was  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
did  the  Chaldeans  break,  and  they  carried  off 
all  their  copper  to  Babylon. 

18  And  the  pots,  and  the  shovels,  and  the 
knives,  and  the  bowls,  and  the  spoons,  and 
all  the  vessels  of  copper  wherewith  they  used 
to  perform  the  service,  did  they  take  away. 

19  And  the  basins,  and  the  censers,  and 
the  bowls,  and  the  pots,  and  the  candlesticks, 
and  the  spoons,  and  the  purifying-tubes:''  of 
what  was  of  gold  the  gold,"  find  of  what  was 
of  silver  the  silver,  did  the  captain  of  the 
guard  take  away. 

20  The  two  pillars,  the  one  sea,  and  the 

*  L  e.  For  the  table  of  show-bread,  which  were  placed 
between  the  bread  to  let  the  air  have  a  free  passage 
through  them.     (Sec  note  to  Esod.  xxv.  29.) 

°  Zunz.  Philippson,  simply,  "both  those  of  gold  as 
also  those  of  silver."  While  the  copper  vessels  were 
broken  up,  these  were  carried  away  entire. 


JEREMIAH  LII. 


twelve  copper  oxen  that,  served  instead"  of 
the  bases,  which  king  Solomon  had  made  foi* 
the  house  of  the  Lord  :  the  copper  of  all  these 
vessels  could  not  be  weighed.'' 

21  And  as  regardeth  the  pillars,  eighteen 
cubits  was  the  height  of  each  one  pillar ;  and 
a  thread  of  twelve  cubits  would  compass  it ; 
and  its  thickness  was  four  fingers :  it  was 
hollow. 

22  And  a  capital  was  upon  it  of  copper; 
and  the  height  of  the  one  capital  was  five'' 
cubits,  with  network  and  pomegranates  upon 
the  capital  I'ound  about,  all  of  copper.  And 
the  like  was  the  case  with  the  second  pillar 
and  the  pomegranates. 

23  And  the  pomegranates  were  ninety'* 
and  six  on  every  side  :  all  the  pomegranates 
upon  the  network  w^ere  one  hundred  round 
about. 

24  And  the  captain  of  the  guard  took  Se- 
rayah  the  chief  priest,  and  Zephanyah  the 
priest  second  in  rank,"  and  the  three  door- 
keepers ; 

25  And  out  of  the  city  he  took  a  certain 
court-officer,  who  had  the  supervision  of  the 
men  of  war ;  and  seven  men  of  those  that 
had  free  access  to  the  king's  presence/  who 
were  found  in  the  city ;  and  the  scribe  of  the 
chief  of  the  army,  who  ordered  to  the  armj' 
the  people  of  the  land ;  and  sixty  men  of  the 
people  of  the  land,  that  were  found  in  the 
midst  of  the  city ; 

26  And  Nebuzaradan  the  captain  of  the 
guard  took  them,  and  led  them  away  unto  the 
king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah. 


°  I.  c.  Which  oxen  served  for  the  sea  as  so  many  bases 
of  a  simpler  form.  Rashi,  "which  were  near  the  bases," 
?■.  r.  of  the  hxvers.  Zunz,  literally,  "under  the  bases," 
which  cannot  be  well  understood. 

''  Ilyperbolically,  so  much  that  no  one  could  readily 
undertake  the  task. 

"  The  height  is  given  at  iJure  cubits  in  1  Kings  vii.  16, 
which  is  explained,  that  the  capital  consisted  of  two  parts, 


27  And  the  king  of  Babylon  smote  them, 
and  put  them  to  death  in  Riblah  in  the  land 
of  Chamath.  Thus  Judah  was  carried  away 
into  exile  out  of  his  own  country. 

28  This  is  the  people  wdiom  Nebuchadrez- 
zar carried  away  into  exile  :  in  the  seventh 
year,  three  thousand  and  twenty  and  tiiree 
Jews ; 

29  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  Ne])uchadrez- 
zar  from  Jerusalem,  eight  hundred  thirty  and 
two  persons ; 

30  In  the  three  and  twentieth  year  of  Ne- 
buchadrezzar, did  Nebuzaradan  tlie  captain 
of  the  guard  carry  away  into  exile  of  the 
Jews  seven  hundred  forty  and  five  persons; 
all  the  persons  were  four  thousand  and  six 
hundred. 

31  ^[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  seven 
and  thirtieth  year  of  the  exile  of  Jehoyachin 
the  king  of  Judah,  in  the  twelfth  month,  on 
the  five  and  twentieth  day  of  the  month,  that 
Evil-merodach  the  king  of  Babylon  in  the 
(first)  year  of  his  reign  lifted  up  the  head  of 
Jehoyachin  the  king  of  Judah,  and  brought 
him  forth  out  of  the  prison-liouse ; 

32  And  he  spoke  kindly  with  him,  and  set 
his  throne  above  the  throne  of  the  kings  that 
were  with  him  in  Babylon, 

33  And  he  changed  his  prison-garments: 
and  he  ate  bread  before  him  continually  all 
the  days  of  his  life. 

34  And  his  allowance  was  a  continual 
allowance  given  him  by  the  king,  the  neces- 
sary ration  for  the  day  on  its  day,  until  the 
day  of  his  death,  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

the  lower,  plain,  of  three  cubits,  and  the  upper  of  two  cu- 
bits, ornamented. 

^  Rashi  explains  this,  that  but  ninety- sis  could  be 
seen  at  a  view,  the  other  four  being  hidden  by  intervening 
objects. 

"  Philippson,  "the  vice-high-priest,"  or  the  one  who 
officiated  when  the  other  was  disabled. 


'  Lit.  "who  see  the  king's  face." 


589 


THE  BOOK  OF  EZEKIEL,' 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  thirtieth'' 
year,  in  the  fourth  month,  on  the  fifth  day 
of  the  month,  as  I  was  in  the  midst  of  the 
exiles  by  the  river  Kebar,  tliat  the  lieavens 
were  opened,  and  I  saw  divine"  visions. 

2  On  the  fifth  day  of  the  month,  which 
was  the  fifth  year  of  the  exile  of  king  Jeho- 
yachin, 

3  Came  the  wox'd  of  the  Lord  expressly 
unto  Ezekiel  the  son  of  Buzi,  the  priest,  in 
the  laud  of  the  Chaldeans  by  the  river  Ke- 
bar; and  there  came  upon  him  there  the  in- 
spiration'* of  the  Lord. 

4  And  I  saw,  and  behold,  a  storm-wind 
came  out  of  the  north,  a  great  cloud,  and  a 
flaming"  fire,  and  a  brightness  was  on  it  round 
about;  and  out  of  the  midst  of  it  was  like  the 
glitter  of  amber, "^  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire. 

5  And  out  of  the  midst  thereof  (I  saw)  the 
likeness  of  four  living  creatures.  And  this 
was  their  appearance :  They  had  the  likeness 
of  a  man. 

G  And  every  one  had  four  faces,  and  every 
one  of  them  had  four  wings. 

7  And  their  feet  were  straight  feet;  and 
the  sole  of  their  feet  was  like  the  sole  of  a 
calf's"  foot :  and  they  sparkled  like  the 
glitter  of  burnished  copper. 

8  And  hands  of  man  (were  visible)  from 
beneath  their  wings  on  their  four  sides:  and 
their  faces  and  their  wings  (were  alike)  on  all 
these  four. 


"  Correctly,  Yecheskd. 

''  Some  suppose  this  tkirhflh  to  be  the  jear  of  the  jubi- 
lee; others,  the  thirtieth  year  of  the  prophet's  life. 

''  Redak,  "  great  visions,  as  it  is  customary  in  Scripture, 
when  eudeavouring  to  express  the  greatness  of  a  thing, 
til  join  it  to  the  word  God." 

''Jonathan.  Lit.  "hand;"  meaning,  the  resistless 
^trength  of  the  divine  prophecy,  which  overpowered  him. 

'■  Jonathan.  (See  Exod.  ix.  "24.)  Zunz,  "spreading 
aliiiut."     IMiilippson,  "swelling." 

'  The  word  Sdkti  is  of  uncertain  signification.  Zunz, 
"gold  ore."  Others  leave  it  untranslated,  "  Chashmal." 
590 


9  Their  wings  were  joined  one  to  the 
other:  they  turned  not  about  in  their  going; 
they  went  every  one  in  the  direction  of  one 
oftheir  faces.*" 

10  And  the  likeness  of  their  ftices  was  the 
face  of  a  man;  and  the  face  of  a  lion,  on  the 
right  side  for  all  four  of  them;  and  the  face 
of  an  ox  on  the  left  side  for  all  four  of  them; 
and  the  face  of  an  ea^le  for  all  foiu'  of  them. 

O 

11  Thus  were  their  faces:  and  their  wings 
were  spread  out"  upward;  everyone  bad  two 
joined  one  to  another,  and  two  covered  their 
Ijodies. 

12  And  they  went  every  one  in  the  direc- 
tion of  one  of  his  faces :  whither  the  spirit'' 
was  directed  to  go,  they  Avent;  they  turned 
not  about  in  their  going. 

13  As  for  the  likeness  of  the  living  crea- 
tures, their  appearance  was  like  coals  of  fire, 
burning  as  with  the  appearance  of  torches ; 
this  (fire)  it  was  which  passed  along  between 
the  living  creatures :  and  a  brightness  was 
about  the  fire,  and  out  of  the  fire  went  forth 
lightning. 

14  And  the  living  creatures  ran  backward 
and  forward  like  the  appearance  of  a  flash  of 
lightning. 

15  And  I  looked  on  the  living  creatures, 
and,  behold,  there  was  one  wheel'  iqjon  the 
earth  close  by  the  living  creatures,  by  their 
four  front  faces."" 

IG  The  appearance  of  the  wheels  and  their 
work  was  like  the  colour  of  a  chrysolite; 
and  all  four  had  one  likeness:  and  their  aj)- 

*  Jonathan,  "round  foot;"  taking  Sj;'  not  fur  "calf," 
'Egd,  but  "round,"  'A'jol 

^  llaslii.      Lit.  "to  the  side  of  his  face." 

'  Jonathan.  Redak,  "separated  from  the  body  and 
spread  out  above  to  fly." 

"  Rashi,  "the  will." 

'  Rashi,  "At  the  four  faces  of  each  (Jlmij^ali ;  or  the 
Oplian  had  four  face.'*."  Zunz,  "according  to  their  tour 
faces." 

°  Like  Cytiis/iinii/  nhovti,  so  is  Opium  here  left  untrans- 
lated in  several  versions,  as  denoting  an  order  of  angelsj 
in  X.  13  the  Ophan  is  called  also  (johjul. 


EZEKIEL  I.  II. 


peurance   and   their  work  was   as  though  it 
were  a  wheel  in  the  middle  of  a  wheel.* 

17  Toward  their  four  sides  the>^  weut  in 
their  going:  they  turned  not  round  in  their 
"oin"'. 

18  As  for  their  circumferences,  they  were 
so  high  that  they  excited  fear:  and  their 
felloes  were  full  of  eyes  round  about  on  all 
these  four. 

19  And  when  the  living  creatures  went, 
the  wheels  went  near  to  them :  and  when 
the  living  creatures  lifted  themselves  u]) 
from  the  earth,  the  wheels  lifted  themselves 

20  Whithersoever  the  spirit  was  to  go, 
they  went ;  (for)  thither  was  (their)  spirit 
to  go :  and  the  wheels  lifted  themselves  up 
at  the  same^  time  with  them ;  for  the  spirit 
of  the  living  creatures  was  in  the  wheels. 

21  When  those  went,  these  went;  and 
when  those  stood,  these  stood ;  and  when 
those  lifted  themselves  up  from  the  earth, 
the  wheels  lifted  themselves  up  at  the  same 
time  with  them ;  for  the  spirit  of  the  living 
creatures  was  in  the  wheels. 

22  And  the  likeness  of  a  vault"  was  over 
the  head  of  the  living  creatures,  (shining) 
like  the  glitter  of  the  purest  crystal,''  stretch- 
ed forth  over  their  heads  above. 

23  And  under  the  vault  their  wings  were 
straight,  the  one  toward  the  other :  every 
one  had  two,  which  covered  them,  and  every 
one  had  two,  which  covered  them, — (namely.) 
their  bodies. 

24  And  I  heard  the  sound  of  their  wings, 
like  the  sound  of  great  waters,  as  the  voice* 
of  the  Almighty,  when  they  went,  the  sound  of 
(their)  speech,  as  the  noise  of  an  army:  when 
they  stood  still,  they  let  down  their  wings.^ 

25  And  there  was  a  voice  from  the  vault 
that  was  over  their  head :  when  they  stood 
still,  they  let  down  their  wings. 

26  And  above  the  vault  that  was  over 
their  head  was  like  the  appearance  of  a  sap- 
phire-stone, the  likeness  of  a  throne :  and 
upon  the  likeness  of  the  throne  was  a  like- 


'  As  though  two  wheels  intersected  each  other,  so  that 
the  Ophauira  might  move  in  either  direction  without  turn- 
ing as  the  Cherubim  at  first  described,  by  means  of  their 
four  foces.  ''  Zunz. 

°  Zunz.     Lit.  "an  expansion." 

^  Lit.  "fearful  ice;"  and  so  Jonathan  and  Eashi.  But 
Kedak,  "terrific  in  its  whiteness  and  shining." 


ness  as  the  appearance  of  a  man  above  up- 
on it. 

27  And  I  saw  as  if  it  were  the  glitter  of  am- 
ber, as  the  appearance  of  fire  within  it  round 
about,  from  the  appearance  of  his  loins  up- 
ward; and  from  tlie  appearance  of  his  loins 
downward,  I  saw  as  it  were  the  appearance 
of  fire,  and  it  had  brightness  round  about. 

28  Like  tlie  apjjearance  of  the  bow  that  is 
in  the  cloud  on  the  day  of  rain,  so  was  the 
appearance  of  the  brightness  round  about: 
this  was  the  appearance  of  the  likeness  of  the 
glory  of  the  Lokd.  And  when  I  saw  it,  I  fell 
upon  my  face,  and  I  heard  the  voice  of  one 
that  spoke. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^f  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
stand  up  upon  thy  feet,  and  I  will  speak  with 
thee. 

2  And  a  spirit  entered  into  me  as  he  spoke 
unto  me,  and  it  [)hiced  me  upon  my  feet,  and 
I  heard  him  that  spoke  unto  me. 

3  T[  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  I 
send  thee  to  the  children  of  Israel,  to  rebel- 
lious tribes'^  that  have  rebelled  against  me : 
they  and  their  fathers  have  transgressed 
against  me,  even  until  this  very  day. 

4  And  the  children  are  impudent  of  face, 
and  obdurate  of  heart:  I  send  thee  unto 
them;  and  thou  shalt  say  unto  them,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal. 

5  And  they,  whetlier  the}-  will  hear,  or 
whether  they  will  forbear,  (for  they  are  a 
rebellious  family.)  shall  yet  know  that  a  pro- 
phet hath  been  among  them. 

G  And  thou,  son  of  man, — thou  shalt  not 
be  afraid  of  them,  and  of  their  words  thou 
shalt  have  no  fear,  though  they  be  bi'iers 
and  thorns  with  thee,  and  thou  dost  dwell 
among  scorpions :''  of  their  words  be  not 
afraid,  and  at  their  presence  be  not  dis- 
mayed ;  for  they  are  a  rebellious  family. 

7  And  thou  shalt  speak  my  words  unto 
them,  whether  they  will  hear,  or  whether 
they  will  forbear;  for  they  are  rebellious. 


°  Zunz,  "thunder." 

'  /.  e.  Those  which  they  used  when  flying,  the  other 
two  remaining  extended  under  the  vault,  or  canopy,  over 
their  heads. 

s  Rashi. 

*■  Jonathan,  "scorpions"  proper;  Rashi  gives  one  ver- 
sion as  "the  wild  rose-bush,"  v.hich  has  sharp  thorns. 

m 


EZEKIEL  II.  III. 


8  ^[  But  thou,  son  of  man,  liear  what  I 
am  speaking  unto  thee,  Be  not  thou  rebel- 
lious like  this  rebellious  family:  open  thy 
mouth,  and  eatwhat  I  give  unto  thee. 

9  And  then  I  looked,  and  behold,  a  hand 
was  stretched  out  toward  me ;  and,  lo,  a  roll- 
book  was  therein  ; 

10  And  he  spread  it  out  before  me ;  and  it 
was  written  within  and  without :"  and  there 
were  written  therein  lamentations,  and  dirges, 
and  wo. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  eat 
wliat  thou  findest :  cat  this  roll,  and  go,  speak 
unto  the  house  of  Israel. 

2  So  I  opened  my  mouth,  and  he  caused 
me  to  eat  this  roll. 

3  And  he  said  unto  me.  Sou  of  man,  feed 
thy  belly,  and  fill  thy  bowels  with  this  roll 
tliat  I  am  giving  unto  thee.  And  I  ate  it; 
and  it  was  in  my  mouth  like  honey  in  sweet- 
ness. 

4  ^  And  he  said  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  go, 
get  thee  unto  the  house  of  Israel,  and  speak 
with  my  words  unto  them. 

5  For  not  to  a  people  of  an  obscure  speech 
and  of  a  difficult  tongue  art  thou  sent,  but  to 
the  house  of  Israel ; 

6  Not  to  many  people  of  an  obscure  speech 
and  of  a  difficult  tongue,  whose  words  thou 
canst  not  understand.  Surely,  had  I  sent 
thee  to  them,  they  would  truly  have  heark- 
ened unto  thee. 

7  But  the  house  of  Israel  will  not  hearken 
luito  thee ;  for  they  will  not  hearken  unto 
me;  for  all  the  house  of  Israel  have  a  bold 
forehead,  and  a  liard  heart. 

8  Behold,  I  have  made  thy  face  strong 
against  their  face,  and  thy  forehead  strong 
against  their  forehead. 

9  As  an  adamant  harder  than  flint  have  I 
made  tliy  forehead :  thou  shalt  not  fear  them, 
nor  shalt  thou  be  dismayed  at  their  presence, 
though  they  be  a  rebellious  fixmily. 

10  TJ  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
all  my  words  that  I  will  speak  unto  thee  re- 
ceive in  thy  heart,  and  hear  (them)  with  thy 
ears. 

11  And  go,  get  thee  to  those  in  exile,  unto 


"  Contrary  tci  the  state  of  rull.s  iu  general,  wliicli  arc 
written  on  the  inside  only. 
002 


the  children  of  thy  people,  and  speak  unto 
them,  and  say  unto  them,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal:  whether  they  will  hear,  or 
whether  they  will  forbear. 

12  Then  a  spirit  took  me  up,  and  I  heard 
Ijehind  me  a  voice  of  a  great  rushing,''  (say- 
ing,) Blessed  be  the  glory  of  the  Lord  from 
his  i^lace." 

13  (I  heard)  also  the  sound  of  the  wings 
of  the  living  creatures  that  touched  one  an- 
other, and  the  sound  of  the  wheels  at  the 
same  time  with  them,  and  the  sound  of  a 
great  rushing. 

14  So  a  spirit  lifted  me  up,  and  took  me 
away,  and  I  walked  in  bitterness,  in  the  heat 
of  my  spirit,  and  the  inspiration  of  the  Lord 
was  strong  upon  me. 

15  Then  came  I  to  the  exiles  at  Tel-al^ib, 
who  dwelt  by  the  river  Kebar,  and  I  remain- 
ed where  they  dwelt,  and  I  remained  thei'e  in 
a  state  of  confusion  aniong  them  seven  days. 

10  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of 
seven  days, 

^  That  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

17  Son  of  man,  I  have  made  thee  a  watch- 
man unto  the  house  of  Israel :  and  thou  shalt 
hear  the  word  out  of  my  mouth,  and  give 
them  warning  from  me. 

18  When  I  say  unto  the  wicked,  Thou 
shalt  surely  die;  and  thou  dost  not  give  him 
warning,  and  speakest  not  to  warn  the  wicked 
from  his  wicked  way,  to  save  his  life :  the 
same  wicked  man  shall  die  through  his  ini- 
quity; but  his  blood  will  I  require  at  thy 
hand. 

19  But  thou, — if  thou  hast  warned  the 
wicked,  and  he  turn  not  from  his  wickedness, 
nor  from  his  wicked  way:  he  shall  indeed  die 
in  his  iniquity;  but  thou  hast  surely  delivered 
thy  soul. 

20  ][  x\gain.  When  a  righteous  man  do 
turn  from  his  righteousness,  and  do  what  is 
wrong:  then  will  I  lay  a  stumbling-l^lock  be- 
fore him,  (so  that)  he  shall  die;  yet  if  thou 
hast  not  given  him  warning,  he  shall  die  in 
his  sin,  and  his  acts  of  righteousness  which 
he  hath  done  shall  not  be  remembered;  but 
his  blood  will  I  require  from  thy  hand. 

21  But  if  thou  hast  truly  warned  him, — 

''  Znnz,  "earthquake." 

°  i.  c.  Everywhere,  God's  place,  the  universe. 


i>;lij  A.H. 


EZEKIEL  III.  IV. 


the  righteous,  that  the  righteous  should  not 
fiiii,  and  he  doth  not  sin:  he  shall  surely  live, 
Ijecause  he  attended  to  the  warning,  and  thou 
hast  surely  delivered  thy  own  soul. 

22  ^  And  the  inspiration  of  the  Lord  came 
there  over  me;  and  he  said  unto  me,  Arise, 
go  forth  into  the  valley,  and  there  will  I 
sjieak  with  thee. 

23  And  I  arose,  and  went  forth  into  the 
valley;  and,  behold,  there  was  the  glory  of 
the  Lord  standing,  like  that  glory  which  I 
had  seen  by  the  river  Kebar :  and  I  fell  down 
on  my  face. 

24  Then  entered  a  spirit  into  me,  and 
placed  me  upright  on  my  feet,  and  spoke 
with  me,  and  said  unto  me.  Go,  shut  thyself 
up"  within  thy  house. 

25  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  behold,  they 
put  ropes^'  upon  thee,  and  bind  thee  with 
them,  that  thou  canst  not  go  out  among  them : 

20  And  I  will  let  thy  tongue  cleave  to  the 
roof  of  thy  mouth,  that  thou  shalt  be  duml:), 
and  shalt  not  become  to  them  a  man  who  re- 
provetli;  for  they  are  a  rebellious  iamily." 

27  But  when  I  speak  with  thee,  I  will 
open  thy  moutli,  and  thou  shalt  say  unto 
them.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  He 
that  heareth,  let  him  hear;  and  he  that  for- 
l)eareth,  let  him  forbear;  for  they  are  a  rebel- 


lious family. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  ^  But  thou,  0  son  of  num,  take  thyself 
a  tile,  and  lay  it  before  thee,  and  engrave 
upon  it  a  city,  (namely,)  Jerusalem : 

2  And  place  around  it  a  siege,  and  build 
works  of  attack'^  against  it,  and  cast  up  a 
mound  against  it;  and  arrange  around  it  en- 
campments, and  place  against  it  Ijattering 
rams"  round  about. 

3  Moreover  take  thou  unto  thyself  an  iron 
pan,  and  set  it  up  as  a  wall  of  iron  between 


°  Rashi,  "to  show  them  that  they  are  not  worthy  to  bo 
reproved." 

''  Rashi,  "be  confined  to  thy  house  as  though  thou  wert 
bound  with  ropes."  Philippson,  "  the  people  prevent  the 
prophet,  binding  him  as  it  were,  that  he  cannot  go  out  and 
come  among  them  to  preach  to  them.  So  was  Jeremiah 
prevented  from  coming  into  the  temple;  wherefore  he  had 
to  send  Baruch."     (Jer.  xxxvi.  5.) 

°  Lit.  "house." — Now,  as  the  people  will  not  listen,  so 
will  the  Lord  not  permit  his  messenger  to  speak,  till 
such  a  time  that  a  better  effect  can  be  produced. 

''  Rashi  takes  pn  to  be  an  instrument  to  throw  stones 
'  3Z 


thee'  and  the  city :  and  direct  thy  face  against 
it,  that  it  may  be  placed  in  a  state  of  siege, 
and  lay  siege  against  it.  This  shall  be  a  sign 
for  the  house  of  Israel. 

4  ^  And  as  for  thyself,  lie  upon  thy  left 
side,  and  lay  the  iniquity  of  the  hou.se  of  Is- 
rael upon  it:  (after)  the  number  of  the  days 
that  thou  shalt  lie  upon  it  shalt  thou  bear 
their  iniquity. 

5  But  as  tor  myself,  I  lay  upon  thee  the 
years  of  their  iniquity,  after  the  number  of 
the  days,  three  hundred  and  ninety  days :  so 
shalt  thou  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  house  of 
Israel. 

6  And  when  thou  hast  made  an  end  of 
them,  thou  shalt  lie  on  thy  right  side,  the 
second  time,  and  thou  shalt  bear  the  inic^uity 
of  the  house  of  Judah  forty  days :  a  day  each 
for  a  year,  a  day  for  a  year  do  I  lay  it  on 
thee. 

7  And  toward  the  siege  of  Jerusalem  shalt 
thou  direct  thy  face  with  thy  arm  uncovered, 
and  thou  shalt  prophesy  against  it. 

8  And,  behold,  I  will  lay  I'opes  upon  thee, 
that  thou  mayest  not  turn  thyself  from  one 
side  to  the  other,  till  thou  hast  made  an  end 
of  the  days  of  thy  siege. 

9  But  thou  take  unto  thee  wheat,  and  bar- 
ley, and  beans,  and  lentiles,  and  millet,  and 
spelt,  and  put  them  in  one  vessel,  and  make 
thyself  bread  thereof,  (after)  the  number  of 
the  days  that  thou  shalt  lie  upon  thy  side, 
three  hundred  and  ninety  da}'s,  shalt  thou 
eat  it. 

10  And  thy  food  which  thou,  shalt  eat 
shall  be  by  weight,  twenty  shekels  for  every 
day :  from  one  time  to  the  other^  time  shalt 
thou  eat  it. 

11  And  water  shalt  thou  drink  by  mcii- 
sure,  the  sixth  part  of  a  hin :  from  one  time 
to  the  other  time  shalt  thou  drink  (it). 

12  And  in  form  of  a  barley-cake  shalt  thou 


into  the  besieged  city;  Redak,  as  "wooden  towers,"  which 
were  pushed  gradually  against  the  walls  for  attack ;  hence 
we  have  given  it  simply  to  express  both  opinions. 

°  Rashi  explains  D'13  to  bo  "chiefs  of  the  division.s," 
each  of  whom  watches  his  part  of  the  besieged  place. 

'  Rashi  comments,  "like  the  city  wall  which  separates 
between  the  city  and  the  hostile  army."  But  Redak  makes 
it  emblematic  of  the  sins  of  Israel,  which  separated  them 
from  their  God. 

«  Rashi,  "from  day  to  day  shalt  thou  cat  this — drink 
this,"  emblematic  of  a  rigorous  siege,  where  food  and 
drink  are  closely  calculated  before  being  given  out. 

598 


EZEKIEL  IV.  V. 


eat  it,  and  this  slialt  thou  bake  with  balls  of 
human  excrement  before  their  eyes. 

13  T[  And  the  Lord  said,  Even  thus  shall 
the  children  of  Israel  eat  their  liread  unclean 
among  the  nations  whither  I  will  drive  tliem. 

14  Then  said  I,  Ah  Lord  Eternal!  behold, 
my  soul  hath  not  been  defiled;  and  that 
which  dieth  of  itself,  or  is  torn  in  pietes,  have 
I  never  eaten  from  my  youth  up  even  until 
now ;  and  never  is  flesh  of  abomination  come 
into  my  mouth. 

15  i[  Then  said  he  unto  me,  Lo,  I  have 
given  thee  cow's  dung  instead  of  human  ex- 
'orement;  and  thou  shalt  prepare  thy  bread 
tliereupon. 

16  ^  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
behold,  I  will  break  the  staff  of  bread  in  Jeru- 
salem; and  they  shall  eat  bread  by  weight, 
and  with  anxious  care;  and  they  shall  drink 
■water  by  measure,  and  in  confusion ; 

17  In  order  that  they  may  want  bread  and 
water,  and  be  confounded  one  with  the  other, 
and  pine  away  for  their  iniquity. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  thou,  son  of  man,  take  unto  thy- 
self a  sharp  sword,  a  barber's  razor  slialt  thou 
take  for  it'  unto  thyself,  and  cause  it  to  pass 
over  thy  head  and  over  thy  beard:  then  take 
unto  thee  balances  for  weighing,  and  divide 
the  hair. 

2  One  third  part  shalt  thou  burn  with  fire 
in  the  midst  of  the  citj^,  when  the  days  of  the 
siege  are  completed ;  and  thou  shalt  take  an- 
other third  part,  and  smite  (it)  round  about 
it  with  the  sword;  and  the  otlier  thii-d  part 
shalt  thou  scatter  to  the  wind  :  and  I  will 
draw  nut  a  sword  after  the  same. 

3  And  take  thence  a  few  in  number,  and 
tie  them  up  in  the  corners  of  thy  garment. 

4  And  from  these  again  shalt  thou  take 
some,  and  cast  them  into  the  midst  of  the 
fire,  and  burn  them  in  the  fire :  therefrom 
shall  a  fire  go  forth  unto  all  the  house  of  Is- 
rael. 

5  ][    Thus  hath   said  the    Lord  Eternal, 


*  Meaning,  the  sword  shall  be  represented  by  a  razor. 

'' Ilashi,  "she   e.Kohaugcd  my   ordinances    for   greater 
wiekedness  than,"  &c.     (See  2  ('hrou.  xxxii.  2-9.) 

°  Raslii;   but  Menacbem,  "ye  make  more  noise,"  i.  c. 
exceed  thcui  in  deoils  of  ini([uity. 

''  Zun/,,  "I  will  withdraw  my  eye,  that  it  shall  not  look 
pityingly." 
594 


This  is  Jerusalem,  which  I  had  set  it  in  the 
midst  of  the  nations  and  countries  that  are 
round  about  her. 

6  But  she  rebelled''  against  my  ordinances 
more  wickedly  than  the  nations,  and  against 
my  statutes,  more  than  the  countries  that  are 
round  about  her;  for  my  ordinances  they 
have  despised,  and  as  for  my  statutes,  they 
have  not  walked  in  them. 

7  ^[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  ye  have  given"  yourselves 
up  to  evil  more  than  the  nations  that  are 
round  about  you,  have  not  walked  in  my  star 
tutes.  and  have  not  executed  my  ordinances, 
and  not  even  acted  according  to  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  nations  that  are  round  about 
you  : 

8  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I,  also  I  am  against  thee, 
and  I  will  execute  judgments  in  the  midst  of 
thee  before  the  eyes  of  the  nations. 

9  And  I  will  do  in  thee  that  M'hich  I  have 
never  done,  and  the  like  of  which  I  will  never 
do  anymore,  because  of  all  thy  abominations. 

10  ^  Therefore  fathers  shall  devour  trieir 
children  in  the  midst  of  thee,  and  children 
shall  devour  their  fathers:  and  I  will  execute 
judgments  on  thee,  and  I  will  scatter  all  thy 
remnant  unto  all  the  winds. 

11  Therefore,  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Surely,  because  thou  hast  made  un- 
clean my  sanctuary  with  all  thy  detestable 
things,  and  with  all  thy  abominations:  there- 
fore will  I  also  diminish''  (thee);  and  my  eye 
shall  not  show  pity,  and  I  also  will  not  spare. 

12  A  third  part  of  thee  .shall  die  thi-ough 
the  pestilence,  and  come  through  fantine  to 
their  end  in  the  midst  of  thee ;  and  another 
third  part  shall  fall  by  the  sword  round  about 
thee;  and  the  other  third  part  will  1  scatter 
unto  all  the  winds,  and  a  sword  will  I  draw 
out  after  them. 

13  Thus  shall  my  anger  be  accomplished, 
and  I  will  cause  my  fury  to  rest  upon  them, 
and  I  will  satisfy  myself:"  and  they  shall 
know*^  that  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it  in  my 

"  Rashi,  after  JonatLau,  "when  I  have  taken  vengeance 
on  them,  then  shall  my  fury  be  allayed,  and  I  will  be- 
think myself  of  the  affliction  which  I  have  bestowed  on 
them."  But  the  next  verse  will  require  the  translation 
here  given. 

'  The  accomplishment  of  the  evil  will  prove  that  it  was 
the  truth  from  God  which  the  prophet  spoke, 


EZEKIEL  V.  VI. 


zeal,   wIr'II    I   liavt'   let   out    all   iiiy  fury  on 
them. 

14  Yea,  I  will  render  thee  a  ruin,  and  a 
disgrace  among  the  nations  that  are  round 
about  thee,  before  the  eyes  of  every  one  that 
passeth  by. 

15  And  she  shall  be  a  disgrace  and  a  taunt, 
a  warning  and  an  astonishment  unto  the  na- 
tions that  are  round  about  thee,"  when  I 
execute  judgments  on  thee  in  anger  and  in 
fury  and  in  furious  chastisements, — I  the 
Lord  have  spoken  it, — 

IG  When  I  send  out  among  them  the 
dreadful  arrows  of  famine,  which  (ever)  were 
the  cause  of  destruction,  which  I  will  send 
out  to  destroy  you ;  and  1  will  increase  the 
famine  upon  you,  and  will  bi'eak  unto  you 
the  staff  of  bread  : 

17  So  will  I  let  loose  over*"  you  famine 
and  wild  beasts,  and  they  shall  make  thee 
childless;  and  pestilence  and  blood  shall  pass 
through  thee;  and  the  sword  will  I  bring 
over  thee.     I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it. 

CHAPTER  VL 

1  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  against  the 
mountains  of  Israel,  and  prophesy  against 
them, 

3  And  thou  shalt  say,  0  mountains  of  Is- 
rael, hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord  Eternal! 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal  to  the  moun- 
tains, and  to  the  hills,  to  the  brooks,"  and  to 
the  valleys.  Behold,  I,  even  I,  will  bring  over 
you  the  sword,  and  I  will  destroy  your  high- 
places. 

4  And  your  altars  shall  be  made  desolate, 
and  your  sun-images  shall  be  broken :  and  I 
will  cause  your  slain  ones  to  fall  before  your 
idols. 

■5  And  I  will  lay  the  carcasses  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  before  their  idols;  and  I  will 
scatter  your  bones  round  about  your  altars. 

0  In  all  your  dwelling-places  the  cities 
shall  be   laid  in   ruins,  and   the   high-places 

*  Redak,  "so  is  the  custom  of  Scripture  to  speak  of 
the  third  ^nd  to  the  second  person  together. 

^  See  Levit.  xxvi.  6,  25,  20. 

°  Zunz,  "gullies,"  the  vmdyx  of  Palestine,  which  are 
nearly  all  river  beds  in  the  rainy  season,  though  many 
are  dry  in  summer.  Everywhere  they  had  erected  altars 
to  the  idols.  ii 

''  liashi,  ''shall  be  recognised  thi-nugli  liieir  guill."  | 


shall  be  made  desolate;  in  order  that  jour 
altars  may  be  laid  in  ruins  and  made  deso- 
late,* and  your  idols  may  be  broken  and 
annihilated,  and  your  sun-images  may  be 
cut  down,  and  youi-  works  may  be  blotted 
out. 

7  And  the  slain  shall  fall  in  the  midst  of 
30U:  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

8  Yet  will  I  leave  (some);  that  ye  shall 
have  some  that  escape  the  sword  among  the 
nations,  when  ye  shall  be  scattered  in  the 
(various)  countries. 

9  And  those  of  \-ou  that  esca[)e  shall  re- 
member me  among  the  nations  among  whom 
they  shall  have  been  carried  captive,  when  I 
shall  have  broken"  their  licentious  heart, 
which  had  departed  from  me,  even  with  their 
eyes,  which  were  gone  astray  after  their  idols: 
and  the}'  shall  loathe*^  themselves  on  accoiuit 
of  the  evil  deeds  which  they  have  committed 
with  all  their  abominations. 

10  And  iXxiiy  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord:  not  for  naught  have  I  spoken  that  I 
would  do  unto  them  this  evil. 

11  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Strike  thy  hands  together,'^  and  stamp  with 
thy  foot,  and  say,  Alas  for  all  the  dreadfid 
abominations  of  the  house  of  Israel !  who  will 
have  to  fall  by  the  sword,  bj'  the  famine,  and 
by  the  pestilence. 

12  He  that  is  af\ir  off'  shall  die  of  the  pes- 
tilence; and  he  that  is  near  shall  ftill  by  the 
sword;  and  he  that  remaineth  and  is  besieg- 
ed'' shall  die  by  the  famine  :  thus  will  I  let 
out  all  my  fury  on  them. 

13  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord, 
when  their  slain  ones  shall  lie  in  the  midst 
of  their  idols  round  about  their  altars,  on 
every  high  hill,  upon  all  the  tops  of  the 
mountains,  and  under  every  green  tree,  and 
under  every  thick-branched  oak,  —  places 
where  they  presented  sweet  savour  to  all 
their  idols. 

14  And  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand  over 
them,  and  I  will  render  the  land  desolate 
and  waste,  more  than  the  wilderness  toward 

'Jonathan,  liashi,  "who  humbled  myself,  notwith- 
standing their  heart  went  astray  and  departed  from  nie, 
in  sending  to  them  my  prophets  to  ask  them  to  return 
unto  me,  that  I  niiglit  do  them  good,  but  they  would  not." 
Redak,  "I  was  broken  out  of  their  licentious  heart." 

'  liashi;   but  Menaebem,  "(luarrel  with  themselves." 

*  Lit.  "smite  in  thy  hand." 

''  Redak,  "who  is  preserved;"   so  also  Zunz,  "spared." 

595 


EZEKIEL  VI.  VII. 


Diblath,"  in  all  their  habitations :  and  the_y 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  x\nd  thou,  son  of  man,  thus  hath  said 
the  Lord  Eternal  concerning  the  land  of  Is- 
rael, There  is  an  end !  the  end  is  coming  over 
the  four  corners  of  the  land. 

3  Now  Cometh  the  end  over  thee,  and  I 
will  let  loose  my  anger  against  thee,  and  will 
judge  thee  according  to  thy  ways,  and  I  will 
lay  upon  thee  all  thy  abominations. 

4  And  my  eye  shall  not  show  pity  upon 
thee,  and  I  will  not  spare  thee ;  for  thy  own 
ways  will  I  lay  upon  thee,  and  thy  abomina- 
tions shall  come  in  the  midst  of  thee :  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

5  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  An 
evil,  a  peculiar  evil,  behold,  is  coming. 

6  An  end  is  coming,  there  is  coming  the 
end :  it  waketh  up  against  thee ;  l^ehold,  (the 
evil)  Cometh.'' 

7  The  evil  decree"  is  come  against  thee,  0 
thou  inhabitant  of  the  land :  the  time  is  come, 
near  is  the  day  of  tunndt,  and  not  the  joyful 
call''  on  the  mountains. 

8  Now  will  I  in  a  short  time  pour  out  my 
fury  over  thee,  and  I  will  let  out  all  my  anger 
against  thee,  and  I  will  judge  thee  according 
to  thy  waj's,  and  1  will  lay  upon  thee  all  thy 
abominations. 

9  And  my  eye  sliall  not  show  pity,  and  I 
will  not  spare :  according  to  thy  ways  will  I 
lay  (evil)  on  thee;  and  thy  abominations 
shall  come  in  the  midst  of  thee :  and  yc  shall 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that  smiteth. 

10  Behold  the  day,  behold,  it  is  coming; 
the  evil  decree"  is  gone  forth;  the  stafl'  hath 
blossomed,  presumption  hatli  budded; 

11  The  violence'  is  grown  up  into  the  staff 

"  ('.  e.  'Aliiinn-diblathayim,  (Num.  xxxiii.  46;)  but  Re- 
dak,  "lliblah,"  by  change  of  1  for  i. 

''  This  is  simihir  to  the  second  verse;  but  there  is  a 
paronomasia,  or  phiy  upon  the  words  here,  deserving  of 
notice.  tSx  ypn  ypn  vxn  X3  yp,  "the  end  cometh,  come 
is  tlio  end:  it  waketh  for  thee."  vp  is  "an  end,"  V'pn 
is  "ho  waketli." 

'  Redak,  "  the  evil  decree  is  come  against  tliee  like  the 
m<irning."  Rashi,  "the  light  of  the  morning-dawn  and 
glciry  is  already  set."  Jonathan,  "the  kingdom/'  i.  e. 
the  ("haldeans. 

*  Some,  "echo." 

•  Here,  Rashi,  "the  dawn  of  the  evil  day  is  risen." 

596 


of  wickedness:  nothing  is  left  of  them,  and 
nothing  of  their  multitude,  and  nothing  of 
theirs;^  and  there  shall  be  no  lamenting  for 
them. 

12  The  time  is  coming,  the  day  occurreth ; 
let  the  buyer  not  rejoice,  and  let  the  seller 
not  mourn;  for  wrath  is  against  all  her  mul- 
titude. 

13  For  the  seller  shall  not  return  to  that 
which  is  sold,  although  their  soul  were  yet 
alive;  for  the  vision  is  against  all  her 
multitude;  no  one*"  shall  return;  but  the 
soul  of  evei'y  one  is  fastened  to  his  iniquity, 
they  do  not  strengthen  themselves  (to  re- 
pent).' 

14  They  have  blown  the  cornet,  every  one 
maketh  himself  ready;  but  no  one  goeth  to 
the  Imttle;  for  my  wrath  is  against  all  her 
multitude. 

15  The  sword  is  without,  and  the  pesti- 
lence and  the  ftimine  are  within :  he  tlnit  is 
in  the  field  shall  die  by  the  sword;  and  he 
that  is  in  the  cit}-,  him  shall  famine  and  pes- 
tilence devour. 

16  But  they  that  escape  of  them  shall 
escape,  and  they  shall  be  on  the  mountains 
like  the  doves  of  the  valleys,  all  of  which  are 
moaning,  every  one  in  his  iniquity. 

17  All  haiTds  become  feeble,  and  all  knees 
go  into''  water. 

18  And  people  gird  themselves  with  sack- 
cloth, and  shuddering  covereth  them:  and 
upon  all  faces  there  is  shame,  and  upon  all 
their  heads  there  is  baldness. 

19  Their  silver  shall  they  cast  into  the 
streets,  and  their  gold  shall  be  as  though  it 
were  unclean :  their  silver  and  their  gold 
shall  hot  be  able  to  deliver  them  on  the  day 
of  the  wrath  of  the  Lord;  they  shall  not 
satisfy  their  souls,  and  not  fill  their  bowels ; 
because  it  was  the  stumbling-block  for'  their 
iniquity. 

'  The  violence  of  the  enemy  is  grown  into  a  staff  of 
punishment;  but  Rashi,  "the  violence  of  your  hand  is 
risen  up  against  you  as  a  staff  of  wickedness  to  destroy 
you." 

^  Zunz,  "nothing  of  their  wealth,  and  nothing  of  their 
tumult."  Rashi,  "nor  of  their  children,  nor  their  mul- 
titude." 

''  i.  c.  At  the  jubilee,  to  resume  his  sold  jiroperty. 
Others,  "this  (vision)  shall  not  return  unfultilled." 

'  Rashi.  Pliilippsou,  "no  one  can  stand  firmly  in  the 
guilt  of  his  soul." 

''  i.e.  Are  unable  to  stand,  as  water. 

'  (■.  c.  Their  wealth  led  them  to  sin. 


EZEKIEL  VII.  VTII. 


20  And  as  for  the  beauty'"  of  his  ornament, 
whicli  lie  had  institnted  for  (their)  pride: 
even  therein  did  they  make  the  images  of 
their  abominations,  their  detestable  things; 
therefore  have  I  rendeied  it  unelean  for 
them. 

21  And  I  will  give  it  np  into  the  hands  of 
the  strangers  for  a  prey,  and  to  the  wicked 
of  the  earth  for  a  spoil :  and  they  shall  pol- 
lute it. 

22  And  I  will  turn  away  my  face  from 
them,  and  they  shall  pollute  my  place  where 
I  dwelt  in  secret;  and  therein  shall  barbarians 
enter  and  pollute  it. 

23  Make  chains;  for  the  land  is  full  of 
blood-guiltiness,  and  the  city  is  full  of  vio- 
lence. 

24  Therefore  will  I  bring  the  worst  of  na- 
tions, and  they  shall  take  possession  of  their 
houses :  I  will  also  cause  the  pride  of  the 
mighty  to  cease;  and  their  holy  places  shall 
be  polluted. 

25  Destruction  cometh:  and  they  will  seek 
peace,  but  there  shall  be  none. 

26  Mishap  shall  come  upon  mishap,  and 
report  shall  be  spread  upon  report:  and  then 
will  they  seek  a  vision  from  the  prophet;  but 
the  law  shall  be  lost  from  the  priest,  and 
counsel  from  the  ancients. 

27  The  king  shall  mourn,  and  the  prince 
shall  be  clothed  with  distress,  and  the  hands 
of  the  people  of  the  laud  shall  be  powerless :'' 
after  their  way  will  I  do  unto  them,  and  ac- 
cording to  their  own  manners  will  I  judge 
them;  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  sixth  year, 
in  the  sixth  month,  on  the  fifth  day  of  the 
month,  that  I  was  sitting  in  my  house,  and 
the  elders  of  Judah  were  sitting  before  me; 
and  there  fell  upon  me  there  the  inspiration 
of  the  Lord  Eternal. 

2  And  I  saw,  and,  behold,  there  was  a  like- 


"  Rasbi;  referring  this  to  God's  temple,  which  he  had 
made  the  pride  of  Israel,  and  which  should  now  be  cast 
off  as  imclean,  because  they  had  placed  their  abominations 
in  it.  Philippson,  "their  costly  ornaments  they  applied 
for  pride;  made  thereof,"  &c. 

"  Lit.  "troubled."     Zunz,  "be  stiff." 

°  Rashi,  "he  showed  me  as  though  he  were  carrying 
me  and  brincrino;  me  to  Jerusalem." 


uess  similar  to  the  appearance  of  fire;  from 
the  appearance  of  his  loins  downward,  it  was 
fire;  and  from  his  loins  upward,  it  was  similar 
to  the  appearance  of  a  bright  light,  like  the 
glitter  of  amber. 

3  And  he  stretched  forth  the  form  of  a 
hand,  and  took  me  by  the  locks  of  my  head ; 
and  a  spirit  bore  me  between  the  earth  and 
the  heaven,  and  brought  me  in  the  visions" 
of  God  to  Jerusalem,  to  the  door  of  the  inner 
gate**  that  looketh  toward  the  north,  where 
was  the  seat  of  the  image  of  jealousy,  which 
provoketh  to  wrath." 

4  And,  behold,  there  was  the  glory  of  the 
God  of  Israel,  like  the  appearance  which  I 
had  seen  in  the  valley. 

5  And  he  said  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  do 
but  lift  up  thy  eyes  in  the  direction  toward 
the  north.  So  I  lifted  up  my  eyes  in  the 
direction  toward  the  north,  and  behold  north- 
ward at  the  gate  of '^  the  altar  (there  was) 
this  image  of  jealousy  at  the  entrance. 

6  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  seest 
thou  what  they  are  doing?  great  abomina- 
tions are  they  that  the  house  of  Israel  commit 
here,  to  make  me  go  flxr  away  from  my  sanc- 
tuary ;  but  thou  shalt  yet  see  still  other  great 
abominations. 

7  And  he  brought  me  to  the  door  of  the 
court:  and  I  looked,  and  behold  there  was  a 
hole  in  the  wall.* 

8  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  do 
break  (an  opening)'' in  the  wall:  and  I  broke 
(an  opening)  in  the  wall,  and,  behold,  there 
was  a  door. 

9  And  he  said  unto  me.  Go  in,  and  see  the 
wicked  abominations  which  they  are  doing 
here. 

10  So  I  w'cnt  in  and  saw;  and  behold 
there  was  every  form  of  creeping  things,  and 
cattle,  abominations,  and  all  the  idols  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  engraven"  upon  the  wall  all 
round  about. 

11  And  seventy  men  of  the  elders  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  and  Yaiizanyalui  the  son  of 

■^  /.  e.  The  gate  of  the  inner  court. 


'  Jonathan. 

'  /.  e.  The    gate  which   faced   the    altar,  in   the   inner 
court. 

'^  Of  a  secret  chamber  near  it. 

^  Rashi,  "Break  in  the  wall  and  enlarge  the  hole." 

'  Similar  to  the  temples  of  the  Egyptians,  on  the  walls 
of  which  all  the  things  here  described  are  engraved. 

597 


EZEKIEL  VIII.  IX. 


Shaplian  standino;  in  the  midst  of  them,  were 
standing  before  them,  and  every  man  had  liis 
censer  in  his  hand;  and  a  thick  cnrling  cloud 
of  incense  was  ascending  upward. 

12  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Son  of  man, 
hast  thou  seen  what  the  elders  of  the  house 
of  Israel  are  doing  in  the  dark,  every  man 
in  his  image-chambers  ?'  for  they  say,  The 
Lord  seeth  us  not:  the  Lord  hath  forsaken 
the  earth. 

13  And  he  said  unto  me,  Thou  shalt  yet 
again  see  still  other  great  abominations  that 
tliey  are  doing. 

14  And  he  brouglit  me  to  the  entrance  of 
the  gate  of  the  Lord's  house  which  was  on 
the  north  side:  and,  behold,  there  sat  the  wo- 
men weeping  for  Thanmiuz.'' 

15  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Hast  thou  seen 
this,  0  son  of  man?  Thou  shalt  yet  again 
see  still  other  greater  abominations  than 
these. 

16  And  he  brought  me  into  the  inner  court 
of  the  Lord's  house,  and,  behold,  at  the  door 
of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  between  the  porch 
and  the  altar,  were  al^out  five  and  twenty 
men,  with  their  backs  toward  the  temple  of 
the  Lord,  and  their  faces  toward  the  east; 
and  they  were  prostrating  themselves  east- 
ward to  the  sun. 

17  Then  said  he  unto  me,  Hast  thou  seen 
tliis,  0  son  of  man?  Is  it  too  light  a  thing 
for  the  house  of  Judah  to  commit  the  abomi- 
nations which  they  commit  here?  for  they 
have  filled  the  land  with  violence,  and  they 
constantly  repeat  to  provoke  me  to  anger; 
and,  lo,  they  stretch  forth  the  branch  to  their 
nose." 

18  Therefore  I  also  will  deal  in  fury;  my 
eye  shall  not  look  with  pity,  and  I  will  not 
spare :  and  though  they  call  before  my  ears 
with  a  loud  voice,  will  I  still  not  hear  them. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  And  he  called  before  my  ears  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying.  Let  those  come  near  that 

"  llaslii,  "covered  witli  marble  flooring  "  Gottshalk 
Metz,  "concealed  chamber." 

^  A  Phoenician  idol,  who.se  death  was  mourned  for  at, 
the  Humuier  solstice,  during  eiglit  days,  when  his  resurrec- 
tion was  cidebrated  with  the  most  extravagant  joy.  Li- 
terally, The  Thammuz, 


have  charge  to  punish''  the  city,  and  every 
man  with  his  destroying  weapon  in  his  hand. 

2  And,  behold,  six  men  came  from  the 
direction  of  the  upper  gate,  which  is  turned 
toward  the  north,  and  every  man  with  his 
weapon  of  destruction  in  his  hand;  and  one 
man  in  the  midst  of  them  was  clothed  in 
linen,  with  a  writer's  materials"  by  his  side : 
and  they  went  in,  and  placed  themselves  be- 
side the  copper  altar. 

3  And  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Israel  as- 
cended up  from  the  cherub,  whereupon  it  had 
been,  to  the  threshold  of  the  house.  And  he 
called  to  the  man  clothed  in  linen,  Avho 
had  the  writer's  materials  by  his  side. 

4  *\  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Pass 
through  the  midst  of  the  city,  through  the 
midst  of  Jerusalem,  and  inscribe  a  mark  upon 
the  foreheads  of  the  men  who  sigh  and  who 
complain  because  of  all  the  abominations 
which  are  done  in  the  midst  of  it. 

5  And  to  the  others  he  said  before  my 
ears,  Pass  ye  through  the  city  after  him,  and 
smite :  let  your  eye  not  look  with  pity,  and 
do  not  spare ; 

6  The  aged,  youth,  and  virgin,  and  little 
children,  and  women  shall  3e  slay  and  de- 
stroy; but  come  not  near  any  man  upon 
whom  the  mark  is;  and  at  my  sanctuary 
shall  ye  begin.  Then  they  began  with  the 
ancient  men  who  were  before  the  house. 

7  And  he  said  unto  them,  Make  unclean 
the  house,  and  fill  the  courts  with  the  slain : 
go  forth.  And  they  went  forth,  and  they 
smote  in  the  city. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  while  they  were 
smiting  them,  and  I  alone  was  left,  that  I 
fell  upon  my  face,  and  cried  out,  and  said. 
Ah  Lord  Eternal!  wilt  thou  destroy  all  the 
residue  of  Israel  when  thou  pourest  out  thy 
fury  over  Jerusalem  ? 

9  Then  said  he  unto  me.  The  iniquity  of 
the  house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah  is  exceed- 
ingly great,  and  the  land  is  full  of  blood-guilti- 
ness, and  the  city  f'ldl  of  injustice;^  for  they 

composed  of  pomegranate,  tamarisk,  and  date  trees,  in 
the  left  hand.  Redak,  "thoy  apply  the  filthy  odour  (of 
the  incense)  to  their  nose." 

"  Rashi. 

'  Rashi,  after  Jonathan,  "book  of  tablets,"  which  were 
covered  with  wax,  on  which  they  used  to  engrave  with  a 


°  It  is  said  that  the  Persians  held,  while  worshipping  j  style.     Zunz,  "writing  materials."     Redak,  "inkhorn." 
their   spirit  of  good,  a  bundle  of  twigs,  called  Barsora,  i|      '  Rashi,  "perverted  judgment,"  r.  e.  wrongful  deci.sions. 
598 


EZEKIEL  IX.  X. 


have  said,  The  Lord  hath  forsaken  the  land, 
and  the  Lord  seeth  not. 

10  And  as  for  me  al.'^o,  my  eye  shall  not 
look  with  pity,  and  T  will  not  spare;  but  I 
will  bring  their  course  u|)()n  their  own  head. 

11  And,  behold,  the  man  clothed  in  linen, 
who  had  the  writing  materials  by  his  side 
brought  back  word 


sa\nig,  I  have  done  ac- 


cording to  all  that  thou  hast  commanded  me. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Then  I  saw,  and,  behold,  on  the  vault 
that  was  above  the  head  of  the  cherubim, 
there  appeared  over  them  something  like  a 
sapphire  stone,  something  similar  in  appear- 
ance to  the  likeness  of  a  throne. 

2  And  he  said  unto  the  man  clothed  in 
linen,  and  said,  Go  in  between  the  wheels, 
under  the  cherub,  and  fill  thy  hands  with 
coals  of  fire  from  between  the  cherubim,  and 
throw  (them)  over  the  city.  And  he  went 
in  before  my  eyes. 

3  Now  the  cherubim  were  standino;  on  the 
right  side  of  the  house,  when  the  man  went 
in :  and  the  cloud  filled  the  inner  court. 

4  Then  the  glory  of  the  Lord  rose  upward 
from  the  cherub,  towai'd  the  threshold  of  the 
house:  and  the  house  was  filled  with  the 
cloud,  and  the  court  was  full  of  the  bright- 
ness of  the  Lord's  glory. 

5  And  the  sound  of  the  wings  of  the 
cherubim  was  heard  as  far  as  the  outer  court, 
like  the  voice  of  the  Almighty  God  when  he 
speaketh. 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  he  command- 
ed the  man  clothed  in  linen,  saying.  Take 
fire  from  between  the  wheels,  from  between 
the  cherubim,  that  he  went  in,  and  stood  be- 
side the  wheel. 

7  And  the  one  cherub  stretched  forth  his 
hand  from  between  the  cherubim  unto  the 
fire  that  was  between  the  cherubim,  and  lift- 
ed it  up,  and  placed  it  into  the  hands  of  the 
one  clothed  in  linen;  who  took  it,  and 
went  out. 

8  And  there  became  visil)le  on  the  cheru- 
bim the  form  of  a  man's  hand  beneath  their 
wings. 

9  And  I  saw,  and,  behold,  there  were  tour 


"  Rashi  and  Redak  think  this  describes  the  Ophannim; 
ethers,  the  Cherubim  also,  who  are*  thus  represented  as 
full  of  ejes. 


wheels  by  the  (•lu'rul)im,  one  wheel  bv  the 
one  cherub,  and  another  wheel  by  the  otlier 
cherub:  and  the  ajipearance  of  the  wheels 
was  like  the  glitter  of  a  chrysolite  stone. 

10  And  as  for  their  appearances,  the  whole 
four  had  one  likeness,  as  if  a  wheel  were  in 
the  midst  of  another  wheel. 

11  In  their  going,  Ihey  went  toward  their 
four  sides,  they  turned  not  round  in  their 
going;  but  to  the  place  whither  the  head 
was  turned  they  followed  it,  they  turned  not 
round  in  their  tioini!;. 

12  And  their"  whole  body,  and  their  back, 
and  their  hands,  and  their  wings,  as  also  tlie 
wheels,  were  full  of  eyes  round  about,  (even) 
the  wheels  that  belonged  to  all  four  of  them. 

13  As  for  the  wheels,  they  were  called 
GalgaP  before  ray  ears. 

14  And  every  one  had  four  faces :  the  one 
face  was  the  face  of  a  cherub,  and  the  second 
face  was  the  face  of  a  man,  and  the  third 
the  face  of  a  lion,  and  the  fourth  the  face  of 
an  eagle. 

15  And  the  cherubim  lifted  themselves  up. 
This  is  the  living  creature  that  I  saw  by  the 
river  Kebar. 

16  And  when  the  cherubim  went  forward, 
the  wheels  went  close  by  them;  and  when 
the  cherubim  lifted  up  their  wings  to  mount 
up  from  the  earth,  the  wheels  also  did  not 
turn  away  from  beside  them. 

17  When  those  halted,  these  halted;  and 
when  those  lifted  themselves  up,  these  lifted 
themselves  up  with  them ;  for  the  spirit  of  the 
living  creature  was  in  them. 

18  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  went  forth 
from  oft'  the  threshold  of  the  house,  and  lialt- 
ed  over  the  cherubim. 

19  And  the  cherubim  lifted  up  their  wings, 
and  mounted  up  from  the  earth  before  my 
eyes  as  they  went  forth,  and  the  wheels  at 
the  same  time  with  them,  and  halted  at  tile 
entrance  of  the  east  gate  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord:  and  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Israel  was 
over  them  above. 

20  This  is  the  living  creature  that  I  saw 
under  the  God  of  Israel  b}-  the  river  Kebar; 
and  I  understood  that  they  were  cherubim. 

21  Every  one  had  four  faces  apiece,  and 


''  6'u(((/((/ is  synonymous  with  0/>/inH,  meaning,  "wheel;" 
but  the  first  term,  from  '^hi  "to  roll,"  denotes  more  espe- 
ei.illy  the  speed  and  rapidity  of  their  motion. 

5yy 


EZEKIEL  X.  XI. 


every  one  had  four  wings;  and  the  likeness 
of  the  hands  of  a  man  was  under  their  wings. 
22  And  the  likeness  of  their  faces  was  the 
same  as  the  laces  which  I  had  seen  by  the 
river  Kebar,  their  appearances  and  them- 
selves :  the}'  went  every  one  in  the  direction 
of  his  face. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  And  a  spirit  bore  me  up,  and  brought 
me  unto  the  east  gate  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  which  looketh  eastward:  and  behold, 
there  were  at  the  entrance  of  the  gate  five 
and  twenty  men ;  and  I  saw  in  the  midst  of 
them  Yaiizanyah  the  son  of  'Azzur,  and  Pelat- 
yahu  the  son  of  Benayahu,  princes  of  the 
people. 

2  Tl  Then  said  he  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
these  are  the  men  that  devise  wickedness, 
and  give  evil  counsel  in  this  city ; 

3  Who  say,  (The  evil)"  is  not  near;  so  let 
us  build  houses:  this  (city)  is  the  pot,  and 
we  are  the  flesh. 

4  ^-  Therefore  prophesy  against  them,  pro- 
phesy, 0  son  of  man. 

5  And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fell  upon  me, 
and  said  unto  me.  Speak,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord,  Thus  have  ye  said,  0  house  of  Israel; 
and  wliatever  cometli  into  your  mind,  do  I 
know  full  well. 

6  Ye  have  multiplied  those  slain  by  you  in 
this  city,  and  ye  have  filled  its  streets  with 
the  slain. 

7  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, Those  slain  by  you  whom  ye  have  struck 
down*'  in  the  midst  of  it, — they  are  the  flesh, 
and  this  place  is  the  pot;  but  you  are  to  be  re- 
moved" out  of  the  midst  of  it. 

8  The  sword  have  ye  feared:  and  the 
sword  will  I  bring  over  you,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

9  And  I  will  remove  you  out  of  the  midst 
of  it,  and  I  will  give  you  up  into  the  hand 


"  Rashi  and  Eedak.  Zunz,  "Not  in  the  vicinity  ouglit 
we  to  build  liouses."  Pbilippson,  "It  is  not  near  the 
time  to  build  houses  (in  foreign  lands);"  alluding  to  Jer. 
xxix..5,28.  "It  is  the  pot,"  is  so  commented  on  by  Rashi: 
"  As  the  flesh  is  not  removed  from  the  pot  till  it  is  com- 
pletely boiled,  so  shall  wo  not  go  forth  from  it  till  we 
die." 

"  Lit.  "placed." 

«  Lit.  "to  bring  forth." 

*  i.  e.  They  should   not  meet  their  end  in  Jerusalem 
but  beyond  the  limits  of  Palestine. 
(iOO 


of  strangers,  and  will  execute  punishments 
among  you. 

10  By  the  sword  shall  ye  fall;  on  the 
Ijoundary  of  Israel  will  I  judge  you:  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

11  This  place  shall  not  be  unto  you  as  a 
pot,  so  that  you  should  be  as  flesh  in  the  midst 
of  it;  but  on  the  boundary''  of  Israel  will  I 
judge  you. 

12  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord; 
because"  in  my  statutes  have  ye  not  walked, 
and  my  ordinances  have  ye  not  executed;  Ijut 
ye  have  done  after  the  ordinances  of  the 
nations  that  are  round  about  you. 

13  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  I  was  prophesy- 
ing, that  Pelatyahu  the  son  of  Benayah  died. 
Then  fell  I  down  upon  my  face,  and  cried 
with  a  loud  voice,  and  said.  Ah  Lord  Eternal ! 
wilt  thou  make  a  full  end  of  the  remnant  of 
Israel ? 

14  ][  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  me,  saying, 

15  Son  of  man,  thy  brethren,  even  thy 
brethren,  the  men  of  thy  kindred,  and  the 
whole  house  of  Israel  altogether,*'  are  they  unto 
whom  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  have 
said,  Piemain  you  far  from  the  Lord:  unto 
us  is  this  land  given  for  a  possession. 

16  TI  Therefore  say.  Thus  hatli  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Although  I  have  removed 
them  far  away  among  the  nations,  and  al- 
though I  have  scattered  them  among  the 
countries :  yet  will  I  be  to  them  as  a  minor^ 
sanctuary  in  the  countries  whither  they  are 
come. 

17  H  Therefore  say,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  I  will  both  gather  you  from 
the  people,  and  assemble  you  out  of  the  coun- 
tries whither  ye  have  been  scattered,  and  I 
will  give  you  the  land  of  Israel. 

18  And  they  shall  come  thither,  and  they 
shall  remove  all  its  detestable  things,  and  all 
its  abominations  out  of  it. 

'  Zunz,  "  You  who  have  not,"  etc.  G.  Metz,  "in  whose 
statutes,"  &c. 

'  Those  who  had  been  carried  to  Babylon.  They  wore 
regarded  as  inferior  by  those  who  had  been  left  under 
Zedekiah ;  and  they  claimed  to  be  especial  favourites  of 
God,  because  they  yet  held  Palestine :  hence  the  denun- 
ciation ;  since  neither  they  nor  their  king  adhered  to  the 
law  which  God  had  imparted  to  them. 

«  Jonathan,  who  renders,  "synagogues,"  or  "places  of 
assembly."  Philippson,  after  some  moderns,  "  a  sanctuary 
for  a  little  while." 


EZEKIEL  XL  XII. 


19  And  I  will  give  tlieui  one  single  heart, 
and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  yon ;  and 
I  will  remove  the  heart  of  stone  out  of  their 
body,"  and  I  will  give  unto  tliem  a  heart  of 
flesh : 

20  In  order  that  they  may  Avalk  in  my 
statutes,  and  keep  my  ordinances,  and  do 
them ;  and  they  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  peo- 
ple, and  I  will  indeed  be  unto  them  for  a  God. 

21  But  as  for  those  whose  heart  walketh 
after  the  heart  of  their  detestable  things  and 
their  abominations,  their  way  do  I  bring  upon 
their  own  head,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

22  Then  did  the  cherubim  lift  up  their 
wings,  and  the  wheels  at  the  same  time  with 
them ;  and  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Israel  was 
over  them  above. 

23  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  ascended 
from  the  midst  of  the  city,  and  halted  upon 
the  mount  which  is  on  the  east  side  of  the 
city. 

24  But  a  spirit  bore  me  up,  and  brought 
me  into  Chaldea,  to  those  in  exile,  in  the  ap- 
pearance through  the  spirit  of  God :  and  then 
ascended  away  from  me  the  appearance  which 
I  had  seen. 

25  Then  did  I  speak  unto  those  in  exile 
all  the  things  that  the  Lord  had  shown  me. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  in  tlie  midst  of  a  rebellious 
family  art  thou  dwelling,  who  have  eyes  to 
see,  and  see  not;  who  have  ears  to  hear,  and 
hear  not ;  for  they  are  a  rebellious  family. 

3  T[  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  prepare  for 
thyself  vessels  for  going  into  exile,  and  wan- 
der away  by  day  before  their  eyes ;  and  thou 
shalt  wander  away  from  thy  place  to  another 
place  before  their  eyes:  perhaps  they  may 
become  aware  that  they  are  a  rebellious 
family. 

4  Then  shalt  thou  carry  forth  thy  vessels, 
like  vessels  of  exile,  by  day  before  their  eyes : 
and  thou  shalt  go  forth  at  evening  before 
their  eyes,  as  they  do  that  g(j  forth  into  exile. 

5  Before  their  eyes  break  a  hole  through 
the  wall,  and  carry  (them)  through  it. 

'  Lit.  "flesli." 

''  Jeremiah  prophesied  that  Zedekiah  should  see  the 
Iciny  of  Babylon ;  and  Ezekiel,  that  he  should  not  see  that 

4A 


6  Before  their  (eyes)  shalt  thou  bear  them 
upon  thy  shoulders,  in  the  dark  shalt  thou 
carr}'  them  forth :  thy  face  shalt  thou  cover, 
that  thou  mayest  not  see  the  ground;  for  as  a 
token  have  I  set  thee  unto  the  house  of  Is- 
rael. 

7  And  I  did  so  as  I  had  been  commanded; 
my  vessels  I  carried  forth  by  day,  like  vessels 
of  exile,  and  in  the  evening  I  broke  a  hole 
for  myself  through  the  wall  with  my  hand: 
in  the  dark  I  brought  them  forth,  and  I  bore 
them  upon  my  shoulder  before  their  eyes. 

8  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me  in  the  morning,  saying, 

9  Son  of  man,  have  not  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, the  rebellious  family,  said  unto  thee, 
What  doest  thou? 

10  Say  thou  unto  them,  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord  Eternal,  For  the  prince  in- Jerusa- 
lem is  the  doom,  and  for  all  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, (and  those)  that  are  in  the  midst  of 
them. 

11  Say,  I  am  your  token;  just  as  I  have 
done,  so  shall  it  be  done  unto  them:  into 
exile,  into  captivity,  shall  they  wander. 

12  And  the  prince  that  is  among  them 
shall  bear  upon  his  shoulder  in  the  dark,  and 
shall  go  forth;  through  the  wall  shall  they 
break  a  hole  to  carr^'  (things)  through  it :  his 
face  shall  he  cover  up,  that  he  may  not  see 
the  ground  with  liis  eyes. 

13  And  I  will  spread  out  my  net  over 
him,  and  he  shall  be  caught  in  my  snare: 
and  I  will  l:)ring  him  to  Babylon  into  the 
land  of  the  Chaldeans;  yet  shall  he  not  see 
it,''  and  there  shall  he  die. 

14  And  all  that  are  round  about  him,  those 
wlio  assist  him,  and  all  the  wings  of  his  armies 
will  I  disperse  toward  every  wind;  and  the 
sword  will  I  draw  out  after  them. 

15  And  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord,  when  I  scatter  them  among  the  na- 
tions, and  disperse  them  in  the  countries. 

16  But  I  will  leave  of  them  men  few  in 
number  from  the  sword,  from  the  famine, 
and  from  the  pestilence:  in  order  that  they 
may  relate  all  their  abominations  among  the 
nations  whither  they  shall  have  come;  and 
they  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 


comtri/;  and  so  it  happened.  Zedekiah  was  taken  to 
Riblah,  where  he  was  blinded  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  and 
then  carried  to  Babylon,  which  he  never  left  again. 

cm 


EZEKIEL  XII.  XIII. 


17  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
me,  saying, 

18  Son  of  man,  thy  bread  shalt  thou  eat 
with  quaking,  and  thy  water  shalt  thou  drink 
with  trembhng  and  with  anxious  care. 

19  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  the  people  of 
the  land,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal 
concerning  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  (and) 
concerning  the  land  of  Israel,  Their  bread 
shall  they  eat  with  anxious  care,  and  their 
water  shall  they  drink  with  confusion,  lor 
the  cause  that  her  land  will  be  desolate,  de- 
prived of  its  plenteousness  because  of  the 
violence  of  all  those  that  dwell  therein. 

20  And  the  cities  that  are  inhabited  shall 
be  laid  in  ruins,  and  the  land  shall  be  made 
desolate:  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

21  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

22  Son  of  man,  what  sort  of  proverb  is 
that  which  ye  have  in  the  land  of  Israel,  say- 
ing. The  days  are  lasting  long,"  and  lost  is 
every  vision? 

23  Therefore  say  unto  them,  Thus  hatli 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  I  will  cause  this  pro- 
verb to  cease,  and  they  shall  no  more  use  it 
as  a  proverb  in  Israel;  but  speak  unto  them. 
The  days  are  coming  nigh,  and  the  word  of 
every  vision. 

24  For  there  shall  be  no  more  any  false 
vision''  and  a  deceptive  divination  within  the 
house  of  Israel. 

25  For  I  am  the  Lord, — I  do  speak,  and 
whatever  word  I  do  speak  shall  be  done;  it 
sliall  not  be  delayed  any  more;  for  in  your 
days,  0  rebellious  flimily,  will  I  speak  the 
Avord,  and  I  will  execute  it,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

26  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
me,  saying, 

27  Son  of  man,  behold,  the  house  of  Israel 
say.  The  vision  that  he  foreseeth  is  for  distant 
days,  and  for  times  that  are  far  off  doth  he 
projjhesy. 


"  Raslii,  "Tlie  (lays (the  time)  will  be  long  without  the 
coming  of  the  punishment,  and  in  the  mean  while  will  the 
evil  vision  which  the  prophets  prophesy  unto  us  be  for- 
gotten and  lost  sight  of."  Zunz,  "all  prophecy  remains 
•unfulfilled." 

''  llashi,  "The  false  prophets  shall  no  more  be  able  to 
]iromise  you  falsely  peace,  for  speedily  will  I  bring  to 
pass  the  words  of  the  true  prophets."  Philippson,  "dou- 
ble-meaning prodictiuu;"  and  thinks  it  to  mean,  that  the 
tiOJ 


28  Therefore  say  unto  them.  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  There  shall  not  be  de- 
layed any  more  one  of  all  my  words ;  but 
whatever  word  I  do  speak  shall  be  done, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Tf  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  prophesy  against  the  pro- 
phets of  Israel  that  prophesy,  and  say  thou 
unto  those  that  prophesy  out  of  their  own 
heart,  Hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord  : 

3  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Wo 
unto  the  scandalous  prophets,  that  follow 
their  own  spirit,  without  having  seen  any 
thing ! 

4  Like  foxes  among  the  ruins  have  been 
thy  prophets,  0  Israel ! 

5  Ye  did  not  go  up  into  the  breaches,  nor 
did  ye  make  a  fence"  around  the  house  of  Is- 
rael to  stand  in  the  battle  on  the  day  of  the 
Lord. 

6  They  saw  falsehood  and  lying  divination, 
they  who  say,  "  The  Lord  saith,"  when  the 
Lord  had  not  sent  them;  and  yet  they  made 
others  hope  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  word. 

7  Had  ye  not  seen  a  false  vision,  and 
had  ye  not  said  a  lying  divination?  and  ye 
say,  "The  Lord  saith,"  when  I  have  not 
spoken. 

8  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Whereas  ye  have  spoken  fixlsehood, 
and  have  seen  lies:  therefore,  behold,  I  am 
against  you,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

9  And  my  hand  shall  be  against  the  pro- 
phets that  see  fals<^liood,  and  that  divine  lies; 
in  the  secret  council  of  my  people  shall  they 
not  be.  and  in  the  register  of  the  house  of  Is- 
rael shall  they  not  be  written,  and  into  the 
land  of  Israel  shall  they  not  come:  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  Eternal. 

10  Because,  even  because  they  have  se- 
duced my  people,  saying, "  Peace,"  when  there 
wiis  no  peace:  and  (my  people)''  build  a  pro- 
assertions  of  the  true  prophets  should  no  longer  be  a  mat- 
ter of  doubt. 

'  When  the  enemy  has  breached  the  wall  the  valiant 
step  forward  to  repel  the  invaders,  and  others  build  in 
haste  a  wall  or  fence  to  repair  the  damage;  but  the  false 
prophets  seek  their  own  safety,  regardless  of  the  sorrow  of 
others. 

■^  Rashi;  meaning,  the  people  sin,  build,  as  it  were,  a  wall 
to  protect  themselves  of  bad  materials,  and  these  prophets 


EZEKIEL  XIII.  XIV. 


tectlng  wall,  and,  lo,  they  plaster  it  with  un- 
adhesive  mortar. 

11  Say  unto  those  who  plaster  it  with 
nnadhesive  mortar,  that  it  shall  fall:  thei'e 
Cometh  an  overflowing  rain-shower;  and  ye, 

0  great  hailstones,  shall  fall  ;^  and  a  storm- 
wind  shall  rend  it. 

12  And,  lo,  the  wall  is  fallen  down;  will 
it  not  now  be  said  unto  you,  Where  is  the 
plastering  wherewith  3'e  have  jjlastered? 

13  ^[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  I  will  even  rend  it  with  storm- 
winds  in  ni}'  fury;  and  an  overflowing  rain- 
shower  shall  come  in  my  anger,  with  great 
hailstones  in  my  fury  to  destroy  it. 

14  And  I  will  pull  down  the  wall  that  ye 
have  plastered  with  unadhesive  mortar,  and 

1  will  cast  it  down  to  the  ground,  so  that  the 
foundation  thereof  shall  be  laid  open ;  and  it 
shall  fall,  and  ye  shall  be  destroyed  in  the 
midst  of  it :  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

15  Thus  will  I  let  out  all  ray  wrath  upon 
the  wall,  and  upon  those  that  have  plastered 
it  with  unadhesive  moi'tar;  and  I  will  say 
unto  you.  Gone  is  the  wall,  and  gone  are  they 
that  plastered  it; 

16  (Namely,)  the  prophets  of  Israel  who 
prof)hesy  concerning  Jerusalem,  and  who  see 
for  her  a  vision  of  peace,  when  there  is  no 
peace,  saitli  the  Lord  Eternal. 

17  ^  But,  thou  son  of  man,  set  thy  face 
against  the  daughters  of  thy  people,  who  pro- 
phesy out  of  their  own  heart:  and  prophesy 
against  them, 

18  And  say,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, Wo  to  the  women  that  sew  bolsters  to- 
gether" for  the  armpits  of  all,  and  make 
cushions  for  the  head  of  every  stature,  to  hunt 
souls !  Will  ye  hunt  the  souls  of  my  people, 
that  ye  may  keep  your  own  soul  alive? 

19  And  ye  profane  me  among  my  people 
for  handful  s*"  of  barley  and  for  bits  of  bread, 

confirm  them  bj'  predicting  happiness,  as  though  the}' 
covered  the  wall  of  the  others  with  a  plastering  which 
will  fall  off  almost  as  soon  as  applied. 

"  Referring  to  the  Eastern  custom  of  furnishing  the 
rooms  luxuriously  with  bolsters,  cushions,  and  divans. 
Redak  takes  nin-JCn  to  mean,  not  "cushions,"  but  "vails." 
The  last  part  of  the  verse  Rashi  renders,  "to  support 
yourselves  by  this  means."     So  also  Zunz. 

*"  For  a  trifling  reward. 

°  After  Rashi  and  Philippson.  Rashi  comments,  "  that 
they  may  fly  through  your  means  to  hell."  which  is  beau- 


to  slay  the  souls  that  should  not  die,  and  to 
keep  alive  the  souls  that  should  not  live,  by 
your  lying  to  my  people  that  listen  to  lies ! 

20  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  am  against  your  bolsters, 
whereon  ye  hunt  the  souls  that  they  may 
flutter  (in  your  net),"'  and  I  will  tear  them 
away  from  your  arms;  and  I  will  let  the  souls 
go  free,  even  the  souls  that  ye  hunt  that  they 
may  flutter  (in  yonr  net.) 

21  And  I  will  tear  away  your  cushions,  and 
deliver  my  people  out  of  your  hand,  and  they 
shall  be  no  more  in  your  hand  to  be  hunted: 
and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

22  Because  ye  grieve  the  heart  of  the 
righteous  with  falsehood,  when  I  have  not 
given  him  pain;  and  strengthen  the  hands 
of  the  wicked,  so  that  he  should  not  return 
from  his  wicked  way,  through  which  he 
might  live.'' 

23  Therefore  shall  ye  see  no  more  false- 
hood, and  tell  no  more  divinations;  and  I 
will  deliver  my  people  out  of  your  hand:  and 
ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  Then  came  there  unto  me  certain  men  of 
the  elders  of  Israel,  and  sat  down  before  me. 

2  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

3  Son  of  man,  these  men  have  set  up  their 
idols  in  their  heart,"  and  the  stumbling-block 
of  their  iniquity  have  they  placed  before  their 
faces:  shall  I  in  any  wise  let  myself  be  in- 
quired of  by  them  ? 

4  ^  Therefore  speak  with  them,  and  say 
unto  them,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Whatever  man  it  be  of  the  house  of  Israel 
that  setteth  up  his  idols  in  his  heart,  and  lay- 
eth  the  stumbling-block  of  his  iniquity  before 
his  face,  and  cometh  to  the  prophet:  I  the 
Lord  will  answer  him,  although*^  he  cometh 
with  the  multitude  of  his  idols; 

tifully  given  by  Philippson,  as  here  imitated,  by  "flutter- 
ing in  the  net"  of  those  female  deceivers  whose  arts  and 
aim  are  to  lead  souls  to  destruction.  This  account  of 
Ezekiel  proves  that  the  false  prophetesses  were  not  sparing 
of  immoral  acts  to  confirm  their  power  over  their  dupes. 
^  Zunz.  Others,  "by  promising  him  life." 
'Rashi,  "they  have  resolved  in  their  heart  to  serve 
their  idols." 

'  Rashi.  Zunz,  "for  he  cometh."  Philippson,  "I  tho 
Lord  will  answer  him  in  this  wise,  according  to  the  mul 
titude,"  &c. 

603 


EZEKIEL  XIV. 


5  In  order  that  I  may  grasp"  the  house  of 
Israel  by  their  heart,  those  who  are  separated 
from  me  through  all  their  idols. 

6  ^  Therefore  say  unto  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Re- 
turn, and  cause  (your  heart)  to  turn  away 
from  your  idols:  and  from  all  jour  abomina- 
tions turn  away  your  faces. 

7  For  whatever  man  it  be  of  the  hou.se  of 
Israel,  or  of  the  stranger  that  sojourneth  in 
Israel,  that  separateth  himself  from  me,  and 
setteth  up  his  idols  in  his  heart,  and  layeth 
the  stumbling-block  of  his  iniquity  before  his 
face,  and  then  cometh  to  the  prophet  to  inquire 
through  him  of  me :  I  the  Lord  will  answer 
him  through  my  word;'' 

8  And  I  will  set  my  face  against  that  man, 
and  will  make  him  an  astonishment  for  a 
sign  and  for  proverbs,  and  I  will  cut  him  off 
from  the  midst  of  my  j^eople;  and  ye  shall 
know  til  at  I  am  the  Lord. 

9  ^  And  when  the  prophet  suifereth  him- 
self to  be  deceived,  and  he  speaketh  a  word  : 
I  the  Lord  have  suffered  tliat  prophet  to  be" 
deceived;  and  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand 
against  him,  and  will  destroy  liim  from  the 
midst  of  my  people  Israel. 

10  And  they  shall  bear  their  guilt:  as  the 
guilt  of  the  inquirer  is,  so  shall  the  guilt  of 
the  prophet  be; 

11  In  order  that  the  house  of  Israel  may 
go  no  more  astray  by  not  following  me,  and 
not  pollute  themselves  any  more  with  all 
their  transgressions;  but  that  they  may  be- 
come unto  me  a  people,  and  I  may  be  unto 
them  a  God,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

12  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

13  Son  of  man,  if  a  land  should  sin 
against  me  by  trespassing  grievously,  and  I 
stretch  out  my  hand  against  it,  and  break 
unto  it  the  staff  of  bread,  and  send  out  f;unine 
against  it,  and  cut  off  from  it  man  and  beast; 

14  And  if  there  be  these  three  men,  Noah, 
Daniel,  and  Job,*"  in   the   midst  of  it:  these 


°  Jonathan,  "In  order  to  bring  the  house  of  Israel  to 
come  with  repentance  in  their  heart,  which  hath  departed 
from  my  service." 

"  Jonathan.  Rcdak,  "for  my  sake."  Philippson,  "In 
a  manner  befitting  myself" 

•  /.  p.  When  the  prophet,  like  Bil'ara,  has  evil  inten- 
tions, and  speaks  contrary  to  the  divine  inspiration,  which, 
though  a  sin,  is  not  prevented  by  divine  interposition,  more     Jerusalem. 
004 


through  their  righteousness  should  save  but 
their  own  soul;  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

15  If  I  cause  wild  beasts  to  pass  through 
the  land,  and  they  depopulate  it,  and  it  be- 
cometh  desolate,  without  any  one  to  pass 
through  because  of  the  beasts : 

16  These  three  men  (if  they  were)  in  it,  as 
I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  should  not 
save  either  sons  or  daughters;  they  only 
should  be  saved,  but  the  land  should  be 
made  desolate. 

17  Or,  if  I  should  bring  a  sword  over  that 
land,  and  say,  The  sword  shall  pass  through 
the  land,  and  I  cut  off  from  it  man  and 
beast; 

18  And  if  these  three  men  should  be  in  it: 
as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  they  should 
not  save  either  sons  or  daughters,  but  they 
alone  should  be  saved. 

19  Or,  if  I  should  send  out  the  pestilence 
against  that  land,  and  pour  out  my  fury  over 
it  in  blood,  to  cut  off  from  it  man  and  beast; 

20  And  if  Noah,  Daniel,  and  Job,  should 
be  in  the  midst  of  it :  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal,  they  should  not  save  either  son  or 
daughter;  they  through  their  righteousness 
should  save  their  own  soul. 

21  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Although  I  send  my  four  dreadful  means  of 
punishment  over  Jerusalem,  the  sword,  and 
the  famine,  and  the  wild  beasts,  and  the  pes- 
tilence, to  cut  off  from  it  man  and  beast: 

22  Still,  behold,  there  are  left  therein  some 
that  escape  who  shall  be  carried  foi'th,  both 
sons  and  daughters;  behold,  they  are  coming 
forth  unto  you,*  and  ye  will  see  their  way 
and  their  doings;  and  then  will  ye  be  com- 
forted concerning  the  evil  that  I  have  brought 
upon  Jerusalem,  yea,  concerning  all  that  I 
have  brought  upon  it; 

2.3  And  they  will  comfort  you,  when  ye 
see  their  way  and  their  doings ;  and  ye  shall 
know  that  I  have  not  done  without  cause*^  all 
that  I  have  executed  in  it,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 


than  other  tran.sgressions.  "Whoever  will  do  wrong  has 
the  liberty  to  do  so,"  is  a  saying  of  the  wise;  though  it 
be  at  the  peril  of  the  sinner. 

^  Correctly,  lyyoh. 

"  Meaning,  that  the  exiles  of  Jeru.salem  should  join 
those  already  in  Babylon. 

'  ?'.  «.  It  was  not  caprice,  but  justice,  which  destroyed 


EZEKIEL  XV.  XVI. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  What  shall  become  of  the 
wood  of  the  vine  more  than  of  any  other 
Avood,  of  the  branch"  which  was  standing 
among  the  trees  of  the  forest? 

3  Can  wood  be  taken  therefrom  to  emplo}- 
it  for  any  work?  or  will  men  take  from  it  a 
pin  to  hang  thereon  an^^  vessel? 

4  Behold,  if  it  be  given  up  to  the  fire  to  be 
consumed, — (and)  the  fire  have  consumed 
both  its  ends,  and  the  middle  of  it  be  scorch- 
ed: will  it  be  fit  for  any  work? 

')  Behold,  when  it  was  yet  entire,  it  could 
not  be  employed  for  any  work :  how  much 
more  (must  this  be)  Avhen  the  fire  hath  con- 
sumed it,  and  it  is  scorched, — and  shall  it  yet 
be  employed  for  any  work? 

6  Tl  Tlierefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  As  the  wood  of  the  vine  among  the 
trees  of  the  forest,  which  I  have  given  up 
to  the  fire  to  be  consumed :  so  do  I  give  up 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem. 

7  And  I  will  set  my  face  against  them : 
from  the  fire*  have  they  gone  forth,  yet  the 
fire  shall  devour  them;  and  ye  shall  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I  set  my  fiice 
against  them. 

8  And  I  will  render  the  land  a  desert;  be- 
cause they  have  committed  a  trespass,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XVL 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  make  known  unto  Jerusa- 
lem her  abominations, 

3  And  thou  shalt  say.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal  unto  Jerusalem.  Thy  origin  and 
thy  birth  are  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan:  thy 
father  Avas  an  Emorite,''  and  thy  mother  a 
Hittite. 

"  Rashi,  "Not  the  vine  of  viiiejai-ils  wljii-h  bcar.s  fruit 
do  I  speak  of  to  thee,  but  of  tlie  l)raiiches  of  the  wild 
vine  which  groweth  iu  the  foret^t." 

"  Jonathan,  "They  have  transgressed  the  words  of  the 
law  which  were  given  out  of  the  fire,  and  the  nations  who 
are  strong  as  fire  shall  destniy  tbeni."  But  the  plain 
sense  is,  "though  they  have  escaped  many  dangers,  they 
shall  succumb  at  last." 

'  ('.  e.  The  city  of  .Jerusalem  was  (if  ancient  origin  be- 
fore Abraham  came  to  Palestine.  ■ 


4  And  as  for  thy  birth,  on  the  day  thou 
wast  born  thy  navel  was  not  cut,  nor  wast 
thou  washed  in  water  to  be  cleansed^''  and 
thou  wast  not  rubbed  with  salt,  nor  wrapt 
in  swaddling  clothes. 

5  No  eye  looked  with  pity  on  thee,  to  do 
any  of  these  things  unto  thee,  to  have  com- 
passion upon  thee;  but  thou  wast  cast  out  on 
the  open  field,  with  a  loathing"  of  thj-  body, 
on  the  day  that  thou  wast  born. 

6  But  I  passed  then  b}'  thee,  and  I  saAv 
thee  stained*^  with  thy  own  blood,  and  I  said 
unto  thee,  In-  thy  blood,  live;  yea,  I  said 
unto  thee,  In  thy  blood,  live. 

7  Myriads,  like  the  vegetation  of  tlie  field, 
did  I  make  of  thee,  and  thou  didst  increase 
and  become  great,  and  thou  attainedst  the 
highest  attractions:  with  thy  breasts  deve- 
loped, and  th}'  hair  full  grown;  but  thou  wast 
still  naked  and  bare. 

8  But  I  pas.sed  then  by  thee,  and  saw  thee, 
and,  behold,  thy  time  was  the  time  of  love; 
and  I  spread  the  skirt  of  my  garment  over 
thee,  and  covered  thy  nakedness:  yea,  I  swore 
unto  thee,  and  entered  into  a  covenant  with 
thee,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  and  thou  Ije- 
camest  mine. 

9  Then  did  I  Itathe  thee  with  watei',  3  ea,  I 
thoroughly  washed  away  thy  blood  from  thee; 
and  I  anointed  thee  with  oil. 

10  1  clothed  thee  also  with  broidered  work, 
and  made  thee  shoes  of  badger's''  skin,  and  I 
placed  on  thy  head  a  turban  of  fine  linen, 
and  I  covered  thee  with  silk. 

11  And  I  decked  thee  with  ornaments, 
and  I  placed  bracelets  upon  thy  hands,  and  a 
chain  around  thy  neck. 

12  And  I  placed  a  ring  on  thy  no.se,  and 
earrings  in  thy  ears,  and  a  crown  of  splendour 
on  thy  head. 

13  Thus  wast  thou  ornamented  witli  gold 
and  silver;  and  thy  garments  were  of  fine 
linen,  and  silk,  and  broidered  work;  fine 
flour,  and  honey,  and  oil  didst  thou  eat:  and 

■"  Rashi,  ajiplanement,  "making  level,"  "smooth." 

"  Zunz,  "on  thy  body."  Philippson,  "full  of  contempt 
of  thy  life;"  i.  e.  indifferent  whether  such  treatment  would 
injure  tlie  new-born  child  or  not. 

'  Others,  "twitching,"  "struggling." 

«  Rashi,  "In  this  thy  state  of  filthiness  shalt  thon  not 
die."  Hence  we  might  render,  "Notwithstanding  thy 
blood  shalt  thou  live." 

^  Zunz  and  other  moderns  leave  BTin  thatlunih  uu- 
translated. 


EZEKIEL  XVI. 


thou  wast  exceedingly  beautiful,   and  thou 
didst  succeed  to  acquire  dominion. 

14  And  thy  fame  went  forth  among  the 
nations  because  of  thy  beauty ;  for  it  was  per- 
fect through  my  glorious  ornament,  which  I 
had  put  upon  thee,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

15  But  thou  didst  trust  in  thy  beauty,  and 
play  the  harlot  because  of  thy  fame,  and 
lavish  thy  lewd  caresses  on  every  one  that 
passed  by — on  him  they  were  bestowed. 

16  And  thou  didst  take  from  thy  garments, 
and  deck"  thee  high-i)laces  with  divers  colours, 
and  play  the  harlot  thereupon :  never  should 
the  like  come  to  pass,  and  never  should  it 
be  so. 

17  And  thou  didst  take  thy  elegant  orna- 
ments of  my  gold  and  of  my  silver,  which  I 
had  given  thee,  and  make  for  thyself  male 
images,  and  play  tlie  harlot  with  them; 

18  And  thou  didst  take  thy  broidered  gar- 
ments, and  cover  them :  and  my  oil  and  my 
incense  didst  thou  place  before  them. 

19  And  my  bread  which  I  had  given  thee, 
fine  flour,  and  oil,  and  honey,  which  I  had 
let  thee  eat,  even  this  didst  thou  set  before 
them  for  a  sweet  savour :  yes,  so  was  it,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

.  20  And  thou  didst  take  thy  sons  and  thy 
daughters,  whom  thou  hadst  born  unto  me, 
and  didst  slaughter  these  unto  them  to  be  de- 
voured ;  (but)  were  thy  acts  of  lewdness  not 
yet  enough? 

21  That  thou  didst  slay  my  children,  and 
give  them  up  to  cause  them  to  pass  through 
the  fire  for  them? 

22  And  in  all  thy  abominations  and  thy 
acts  of  lewdness  thou  didst  not  remember  the 
days  of  thy  youth,  when  thou  wast  naked 
and  bare,  when  thou  wast  stained  with  thy 
blood. 

23  And  it  came  to  pass  after  all  thy  wick- 
edness,— (wo,  wo  unto  thee!  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal;) — 

24  That  thou  didst  build  unto  thyself  emi- 
nences, and  make  thyself  elevations  in  every 
street. 

25  On  the  corner  of  every  road  didst  thou 
build  thy  elevations,  and  make  thy  beauty 


*  Lit.  "make  thyself  high-places  of  clivers  colours." 

*■  Lit.  "great  with  respect  to  flesh." 

°  Rashi,  taking  |;;j3  not  for  Cauaanite,  but  "traders;" 
as  the  Phoenicians,  the  Canaanites  by  the  seaside,  were 
the  merchants  of  antiquity,  their  proper  name  was  at 
606 


abominable,  and  spread  out  thy  feet  to  every 
one  that  passed  by,  and  multiply  thy  acts  of 
lewdness. 

26  And  thou  didst  play  the  harlot  with 
the  Egyptians,  thy  neighbours,  with  large 
limbs,''  and  multiply  thy  acts  of  lewdness,  to 
provoke  me  to  anger. 

27  And,  behold,  I  stretched  out  my  hand 
over  thee,  and  diminished  thy  stated  portion ; 
and  I  gave  thee  up  unto  the  will  of  those  that 
hate  thee,  the  daughtei's  of  the  Philistines,  who 
were  made  to  blush  for  thy  incestuous  course. 

28  Then  didst  thou  play  the  harlot  with 
the  sons  of  Asshur,  because  thou  wast  unsa- 
tiable:  yea,  thou  didst  play  the  harlot  with 
them,  and  wast  even  then  not  satisfied. 

29  And  thou  didst  multiply  thy  lewdness 
with  the  traders'"  land  as  for  as  Chaldea;  and 
even  with  this  wast  thou  not  satisfied. 

30  How  very  corrupt  is  thy  heart,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal,  seeing  thou  didst  all  these 
things,  deeds  of  an  abandoned  lewd  woman ; 

31  Seeing  that  thou  didst  build  thy  emi- 
nences at  the  corner  of  every  road,  and  make 
thy  elevations  in  every  street;  and  wast  not 
like  a  harlot,  as  thou  scornedst  the  wages. 

32  0  thou  adulterous  wife!  Avho,  while 
bound  to  her  husband,  receiveth  strangers! 

33  Unto  all  harlots  they  give  presents;  but 
thou  hast  given  thy  presents  to  all  thy  lovers, 
and  hast  bribed  them,  that  they  might  come 
unto  thee  from  every  side  in  thy  acts  of  lewd- 
ness. 

34  And  the  reverse  was  the  case  with  thee 
from  (other)  women  in  thy  acts  of  lewdness, 
that  men  did  not  follow  thee  to  seek  thy 
lewd  caresses ;  and  because  thou  gavest  the 
waoes,  and  no  wa-ies  were  2;iven  thee  :  so 
was  it  the  reverse  with  thee. 

35  Therefore,  0  harlot,  hear  the  word  of 
the  Lord! 

36  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Whereas  thy  wealth  was  squandered,''  and 
thy  nakedness  was  uncovered  through  tliy 
lewd  acts  with  thy  lovers,  and  with  all  thy 
abominable  idols,"  and  for  the  blood  of  thy 
children,  whom  thou  didst  give  unto  tlieni: 

37  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  gather  all  thy 

length  applied  to  all  who  made  merchandise  their  pursuit. 
Others,  literally,  "  with  the  land  of  Canaan  as  far  as  Chal- 
dea." 

^  After  Philippson. 

°  Here  is  the  solution  of  the  "lewdness"  of  Jorusalciu  : 


EZEKIEL  XVI. 


lovers,  whom  thou  hast  given'  pleasure,  and 
all  whom  thou  hast  loved,  together  with  nil 
whom  thou  hast  hated. — 3-ea,  I  will  gather 
them  all  round  arbout  thee,  and  will  uncover 
thy  nakedness  unto  them,  that  the_y  may  see 
all  thy  nakedness. 

38  x\nd  I  Avill  judge  thee,  as  adulteresses 
and  women  that  shed  blood  are  judged ;  and 
I  will  bring''  upon  thee  the  blood  of  fury  and 
jealousy. 

39  And  I  will  also  give  thee  up  into  their 
hand,  and  they  shall  pull  down  thy  emi- 
nences, and  shall  break  down  thy  elevations ; 
and  they  shall  strip  thee  of  thy  clothes,  and 
they  shall  take  thy  elegant  ornaments,  and 
leave  thee  naked  and  bare. 

40  And  they  shall  bring  up  against  thee 
an  assembly,  and  they  shall  stone  thee  with 
stones,  and  thrust  thee  through  with  their 
swords ; 

41  And  they  shall  burn  thy  houses  with 
fire,  and  execute  punishments  on  thee  before 
the  eyes  of  many  women :  and  I  will  cause 
thee  to  cease  from  being  a  harlot,  and  also 
the  wages  (of  sin)  shalt  thou  not  give  any 
more. 

42  And  then  will  I  assuage  my  fury  on 
thee,  and  my  jealousy  shall  depart  from  thee, 
and  I  will  be  quiet,  and  will  be  no  more 
angry." 

43  Because  that  thou  didst  not  remember 
the  days  of  thy  youth,  but  didst  irritate  me 
with  all  these  things  :  behold,  therefore  I  also 
will  bring  thy  course  upon  tliy  head,  saith  tlie 
Lord  Eternal,  and  thou  slialt  no  more  commit 
incest''  with  all  thy  (other)  abominations. 

44  Behold,  every  one  that  speaketh"  in 
proverbs  shall  use  this  proverb  against  thee, 
saying,  As  the  mother  is,  so  is  her  daughter. 

45  Thou  art  thy  mother's  daughter,  loath- 
ing her  husband  and  her  children;  and  thou 
art  the  sister  of  thy  sisters,  who  have  loathed 
their  husbands  and  their  children  :  your  mother 
was  a  Hittite,  and  your  father  an  Emorite. 

46  And  thy  elder   sister  is  Samaria,  she 


it  means  nothing  else  than  the  eagerness  to  adopt  the 
idols  of  Egypt,  Phcenieia,  Ass3Tia,  Babylon,  &c.,  neglect- 
ing thereby  the  blessed  law,  giving,  as  it  were,  wages  for 
sin,  committing  adultery  while  married  to  God,  without 
the  least  beneficial  return  for  all  this  sacrifice. 
*  Rashi,  "with  whom  thou  hast  mingled." 
"'  Jonathan,  "and   I  will  give   thee   up  to  be  slain  in 
I'urv  and  wrath."    So  also  Rashi,  adding  only  "jealousy." 
'  When  all  the  punishment  has  been  inflicted. 


with  her  daughters.'^that  dwelleth  at  thy  left 
hand :  and  thy  younger  sister,  that  dwelleth 
at  thy  right  hand,  is  Sodom  with  her  daugh- 
ters. 

47  Yet  not  even  in  their  ways  didst  thou 
walk,  nor  act  according  to  their  abominations: 
as  though  this  were  quite  too  little,  and  thou 
wast  more  corrupt  than  they  in  all  thy  Avays. 

48  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  So- 
dom thy  sister,  she  with  her  daughters,  hath 
not  done  as  thou  hast  done,  thou  with  thy 
daughters. 

49  Behold,  tliis  was  the  iniquity  of  thy 
sister  Sodom:  Pride,  abundance  of  food,  and 
prosperous  security  were  hers  and  her  daugh- 
ters'; but  the  hand  of  the  poor  and  needy  did 
she  not  strengthen. 

50  And  they  became  haughty,  and  com- 
mitted abominations  before  me:  therefore  did 
I  remove  them  when  I  saw  their  course. 

51  And  Samaria  hath  not  committed  even 
the  half  of  thy  sins;  but  thou  didst  multiply 
thy  abominations  more  than  they;  and  thou 
hast  justified  thy  sisters  through  all  thy  abo- 
minations which  thou  hast  done. 

52  Bear  then  thou  also  thy  own  confusion, 
which  thou  didst  adjudge*'  unto  each  of  thy 
sisters;  through  thy  sins,  which  thou  hast 
committed  more  abominably  than  they,  are 
they  made  more  righteous  than  thou :  there- 
fore thou  also — be  ashamed,  and  bear  thy 
confusion,  since  thou  hast  justified  thy  sis- 
ters. 

53  And  I  will  bring  back  again  their  cap- 
tivit3%  the  captivity''  of  Sodom  and  her  daugh- 
ters, and  tlie  captivity  of  Samaria  and  her 
daughters,  and  the  captivity  of  thy  captives 
in  the  midst  of  them : 

54  In  order  that  thou  mayest  bear  thy 
confusion,  and  mayest  be  confounded  because 
of  all  that  thou  hast  done,  when  thou  art  a 
comfort  unto  them. 

55  And  tliy  sisters,  Sodom  and  her  daugh- 
ters, shall  return  to  their  former  state,  and 
Samaria  and  her  daughters  shall  return  to 

^  Rashi  and  Jonathan  take  not  for  noiO  "resolve;" 
"and  because  thou  didst  not  resolve  to  lay  thy  heart  to 
all  th}'  abominations  to  return  from  them." 

"  Styn  is  rendered  in  Num.  sxi.  27  with  "poet,"  or 
one  who  relates  facts  in  a  proverbial  and  poetical  manner. 

'  "Daughters"  means  villages  or  dependent  cities. 

'  "Before  Jerusalem  became  so  corrupt  itself,  it  used 
to  say,  that  Sodom  and  Samaria  had  been  justly  punish- 
ed."— Ra.shi.  ''  (',  e.  A  general  restoration. 

607 


EZEKIEL  XVI.  XVII. 


their  former  state,  and  thou  and  thy  daugh- 
ters shall  return  to  your  former  state. 

56  And  was''  not  thy  sister  Sodom  a  report 
in  thy  mouth  in  the  days  of  thy  pi'ide, 

57  Before  yet  thy  wickedness  was  discover- 
ed, as  at  the  time  of  the  reproach  of  the 
daughters  of  Syria,  and  all  those  round  about 
her,  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines,  who 
taunted  thee  on  all  sides? 

58  Thy  incest  and  thy  abominations, — 
thou  thyself  hadst  to  bear  them,  saith  the  Lord. 

59  ^  For  thus  liatli  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
I  will  even  deal  with  thee  as  thou  hast  done, 
thou  who  hast  despised  the  oath  by  breaking 
the  covenant. 

60  Nevertheless  will  I  indeed  remember 
my  covenant  with  thee  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth,  and  I  will  establish  unto  thee  an  ever- 
lasting covenant. 

61  And  thou  shalt  then  remember  thy 
ways,  and  be  confounded,  when  thou  receiv- 
est  thy  sisters,  both  those  that  are  older  than 
thou  and  younger  than  thou  :  and  I  will 
give  them  unto  thee  for  daughters,  though  not 
because  thou  wast  fxithful  to  the  covenant. 

62  And  I  will  establish  my  covenant  with 
thee;  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord  : 

63  In  order  that  thou  mayest  remember, 
and  feel  ashamed,  and  never  open  thy  mouth 
any  more  because  of  thy  confusion,  when  I 
forgive  thee  for  all  that  tliou  hast  done,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XVIL  " 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  put  forth  a  riddle,  and  pro- 
pound a  parable  unto  the  hou.se  of  Israel ; 

3  And  say,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, The  great  eagle  with  large  wings,  long 
winged,  full  of  feathers,  who  is  rich  in  many 
colours,  came  unto  the  Lebanon,  and  took  the 
highest  branch  of  the  cedar: 

4  The  topmost  of  its  young  twigs  did  he 
crop  off",  and  carry  it  into  the  traders'  land; 
and  he  set  it  in  a  city  of  merchants. 

5  And  he  took  some  of  the  seed  of  the 


"After   Rashi;   ))ut   Ilc<lak,   "AiKjl   Sodom   thy  sister 
was  not  heard  out  of  thy  mnuth,"  &c. 

'  Rashi,  "  to  the  eagle — tiie  king  of  Babylon." 
"  Zunz,  "foliage." 

*  Jonathan;  hut  Rashi,  "and  the  othrr  (/.  <,  tlie  second 
G08 


land,  and  planted  it  in  a  fruitful  field:  he 
placed  it  by  great  waters,  he  transplanted  it 
among  the  willow-trees. 

6  And  it  grew,  and  became  a  trailing  vine 
of  low  stature,  tlie  tendrils  of  which  sliould 
turn  toward  liim,''  and  the  roots  of  which 
should  be  under  him :  so  it  became  a  vine,  and 
brought  forth  branches,  and  sent  out  shoots." 

7  There  was  also  another  great  eagle  with 
large  wings  and  many  feathers :  and,  behold, 
this  vine  did  bend  its  roots  famishing  toward 
him,  and  shot  forth  its  tendrils  toward  him, 
that  he  might  water  it,  from  the  beds  where 
it  was  planted ; 

8  (Although)  it  was  planted  in  a  good 
field  by  great  waters,  that  it  might  produce 
bouglis,  and  that  it  might  bear  fruit,  that  it 
might  become  an  elegant  vine. 

9  Say  now.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, Shall  it  prosper?  Behold  the  other  will 
pull  up  its  roots,  and  its  fruit  will  he  cut 
away,  that  it  may  dry  up;  every  one  of  its 
growing  leaves  shall  dry  up;  and  not  with 
great  power  and  numerous  people  (will  he 
have  to  come)  to  tear  it  away  from  its  roots.** 

10  Yea,  behold,  although  it  is  planted, 
shall  it  prosper?  Lo,  as  soon  as  the  east 
wind  toucheth  it,  shall  it  be  utterly  dried  up: 
in  the  beds  Avhere  it  groweth  shall  it  dry  up. 

11  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

12  Do  now  say  to  the  rebellious  liimih'. 
Know  ye  not  what  these  things  mean  ?  Say, 
Behold,  the  king  of  Babylon  came  to  Jerusa- 
lem, and  took  away  its  king  and  its  princes, 
and  he  brought  them  unto  himself  to  Baby- 
lon; 

13  And  he  took  one  of  the  royal  seed,  and 
made  a  covenant  with  him,  and  bound  him 
with  an  oath;"  but  the  mighty  of  the  land  did 
he  take  away ; 

14  That  the  kingdom  should  be  deljased, 
so  as  not  to  lift  itself  up;  that  it  should  keep 
his  covenant  that  it  might  continue  to  exist. 

15  But  he  rebelled  against  him  b}'  sending 
his  messengers  into  Egypt,  that  they  might 
give  him  horses  and  numerous  people.  Shall 
he  prosper?  shall  he  escape  that  doth  such 

eagle,  the  king  of  Egypt)  will  not  eonic  with  a  slicing  arm 
I  and  numerous  people  against  those  who  will  imll  otf  and 
remove  it  from  its  roots."     Rcdak  follows  the  same  con- 
struction. 

'  Ueb.  "brought  him  iuln  an  oath." 


EZEKIEL  XVII.  XVIII. 


things?  yea,  he  hath   broken  the  covenant, 
and  ishall  he  escape? 

16  As  I  Hve,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  surely 
in  the  residence  of  the  king  that  hath  made 
liini  king,  whose  oath  he  hatli  despised,  and 
whose  covenant  he  hath  broken,  even  near 
him  in  the  midst  of  Babylon  shall  he  die. 

17  And  not  with  a  mighty  army  and  a 
large  assembly  shall  Pharaoh  labour  for  him 
in  the  war.  when  (the  other)  casteth  up 
mounds,  and  buildeth  works  of  attack,  to  cut 
off  many  souls. 

18  Yea,  he  that  hath  despised  the  oath  by 
breaking  the  covenant,  when,  lo,  he  had 
given  his  hand,  and  hath  done  all  these 
things,  shall  not  escape. 

19  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  As  I  live,  surely  my  oath  that  he 
hath  despised,  and  ray  covenant  that  he  hath 
broken, — even  this  will  I  bring  upon  his  own 
head. 

20  And  I  will  spread  my  net  over  him, 
and  he  shall  be  cauglit  in  my  snare,  and  I 
Avill  bring  him  to  Babylon,  and  will  hold 
judgment  with  him  there  for  his  trespass 
which  he  hath  committed  against  me. 

21  And  all  his  futiitives  with  all  the  wintis 
of  his  army  shall  f;ill  by  the  sword,  and  those 
that  remain  shall  be  dispersed  toward  all 
winds:  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  the  Lord 
have  spoken  it. 

22  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
But  I  myself"  will  take  (a  part)  of  the  high- 
est branch  of  the  high  cedar,  and  will  pre- 
serve'' it;  from  the  topmost  of  its  young 
twigs  will  I  crop  off  a  tender  one,  and  I  my- 
self will  plant  it  firmly  upon  a  high  and  emi- 
nent mountain : 

23  On  the  mountain  of  the  height  of  Is- 
rael will  I  plant  it  firmly;  and  it  shall  pro- 
duce boughs,  and  bear  fruit,  and  become  an 
elegant  cedar;  and  there  shall  dwell  under  it 
all  fowls,  every  thing  that  hath  wing;  in  the 
shadow  of  its  light  branches  shall  they  dwell. 

24  And  all  the  trees  of  the  field  shall  know 
that  I  the  Lord  have  made  low  the  high  tree, 
have  made  high  the  lowly  tree,  that  I  have 
diied  up  the  green  tree,  and  have  caused  to 


'  J.  c.  In  contrast  with  the  act  of  the  king  of  Babylon; 
he  took  the  king  and  slew  his  sons  and  blinded  him;  bnt 
God  at  the  time  of  redemjiticm  will  take  a  remote  descend- 
ant of  the  great  cedar,  the  house  of  David,  and  fulfil 
through  him  all  he  has  promised.  Hence,  "I  luj'self,"  &c. 
4B 


flourish  the  (lr\  tree:  I  the  Lord  have  spoken 
and  have  done  it. 

CHAPTER  XVm. 

1  ^j  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  tuito 
me,  saving, 

2  What  mean  ye,  that  ye  use  this  proverb 
in'"  the  countr}'  of  Israel,  saying.  The  fathers 
have  eaten  sour  grapes,  and  the  teeth  of  the 
children  are  set  on  edge? 

o  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  ye 
shall  not  have  any  more  to  use  this  proverb 
in  Israel. 

4  Behold,  all  the  souls  are  mine;  as  the 
soul  of  the  father,  so  also  the  soul  of  the  son — 
mine  are  they :  the  soul  which  sinneth  that 
alone  shall  die. 

o  But  if  a  man  be  righteous,  and  execute 
justice  and  righteousness; 

6  Upon  the  mountains'*  he  eateth  not,  and 
his  eyes  he  lifteth  not  up  to  the  idols  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  and  the  wife  of  his  neighbour 
he  defileth  not,  and  unto  a  woman  in  her 
separation  he  cometh  not  near; 

7  And  he  overreacheth  no  man,  he  restor- 
eth  his  pledge  for  a  debt,  a  robbery  he  doth 
not  commit,  his  bread  he  giveth  to  the  hun- 
gry, and  the  naked  he  covereth  with  a  gar- 
ment; 

8  Upon  interest  he  giveth  not  forth,  and 
increase  he  doth  not  take,  from  wrons:  he 
withdraweth  his  hand,  true  judgment  he  exe- 
cuteth  between  man  and  man ; 

9  In  my  statutes  he  walketh  steadfastly, 
and  ni}' ordinances  he  keepeth  to  deal  truly: 
he  is  righteous,  he  shall  surely  live,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

10  If  he  (now)  ]>eget  a  dis.solute  son,  that 
sheddeth  blood,  and  doth  to  (his)  brother  any 
one  of  these  things; 

11  And  he  is  one  that  doth  not  any  of 
these  (duties);  but  eateth  even  upon  the 
mountains,  and  defileth  the  wife  of  his  neigh- 
bour ; 

12  The  poor  and  needy  he  overreacheth, 
he  is  guilty  of  robberies,  the  pledge  he  restor- 
eth  not,  and  to  the  idols  he  lifteth  up  his 
eyes,  abominations  he  committeth  ; 

''  Eashi,  after  Jonathan.      Lit.  "will  give  it" — a  place. 

°  Other.*,  "concerning." 

■^  /.  r.  Eats  not  of  offerings  brought  to  the  idols  wor- 
shipped on  hills  and  mountains;  whereas  sacrifices  to  God 
could  only  be  offered  and  eaten  near  the  temple. 

(iOii 


EZEKIEL  XVIII.  XIX. 


13  Upon  interest  he  giveth  forth,  and  in- 
crease he  taketh :  and  he  should  live?  he 
shall  not  live;  all  these  abominations  hath  he 
done,  he  shall  surely  die;  his  blood  shall  be 
upon  him. 

14  And  behold,  if  he  beget  a  son,  who 
seeth  all  the  sins  of  his  father  which  he  hath 
done,  and  he  considereth,"  and  doth  not  the 
like  of  them ; 

15  Upon  the  mountains  he  eateth  not,  and 
his  eyes  he  lifteth  not  up  to  the  idols  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  the  wife  of  his  neighbour  he 
defileth  not ; 

16  And  he  overreacheth  no  man,  a  pledge 
he  withholdeth  not,  and  of  a  robbery  he  is 
never  guilty 


cry 


J: 


g,......^,  his  bread  he  giveth  to  the  hun- 

and  the  naked  he  covereth  with  a  gar- 


ment ; 

17  From  the  poor  he  withdraweth  his 
hand,  interest  and  increase  he  taketh  not; 
my  ordinances  he  executeth,  in  my  statutes 
he  walketh : — he  shall  not  die  for  the  iniquity 
of  his  father,  he  shall  surely  live. 

18  His  fiither,  because  he  unjustly  with- 
held (wages),  was  guilty  of  robbery  on  his 
brother,  and  did  that  which  is  not  good  in 
the  midst  of  his  people, — and  lo,  he  died 
through  his  iniquity. 

19  Yet  say  }e,  Why  dotli  not  the  son  bear 
part  of  the  iniquity  of  the  lather?  when  the 
son  hath  executed  justice  and  rigliteousness, 
all  my  statutes  hath  he  kept,  and  hath  done 
them  :  he  shall  surely  live. 

20  The  soul  that  sinneth,  she  alone  shall 
die;  the  son  shall  not  help  to  bear  the  iniquity 
(jf  the  fiither,  and  the  father  shall  not  help  to 
bear  the  iniquity  of  the  son :  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  righteous  shall  be  upon  him,  and 
the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall  be  upon 
him. 

21  ^  And  the  wicked,  when  he  turneth 
away  from  all  his  sins  that  he  hath  commit- 
ted, and  keepeth  all  my  statutes,  and  execut- 
eth justice  and  righteousness,  shall  surely 
live,  he  shall  not  die. 

22  All  his  transgressions  which  he  hath 
committed    shall    not  be    remembered    unto 

through    his    righteousness   which    he 


um : 


hath  done  shall  he  live. 


"  llashi,  "though   he   sec   them,  he   nevertheless   doth 
not,"  ko. 

^  Zunz,  "return  and  convert  your.selves." 
'  Zunz,  "procure  for  yourselves." 
610 


23  Have  I  then  the  least  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  the  wicked?  saith  the  Lord  Eternal: 
and  not  in  his  turning  away  from  his  ways, 
that  he  may  live? 

24  ^  But  when  the  righteous  turneth  awav 
from  his  righteousness,  and  committeth  wrong, 
and  doth  according  to  all  the  abominations 
tliat  the  wicked  man  doeth,  shall  he  live?  all 
his  righteousness  that  he  hath  done  shall  not 
be  renrembered :  through  his  trespass  which 
he  hath  committed,  and  through  his  sin  that 
he  hath  done, — through  them  shall  he  die. 

25  Yet  ye  say.  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not 
equitable:  hear  now,  0  house  of  Israel,  Is 
not  my  way  equitable?  is  it  not  your  ways 
which  are  not  equitable? 

2G  When  a  righteous  man  turneth  away 
from  his  righteousness,  and  doth  wrong,  and 
dieth  therctbr:  through  his  wron"'  which  lie 
hath  done  must  he  die. 

27  ^  Again,  when  the  Avicked  turneth 
away  from  his  wickedness  which  he  hath 
committed,  and  executeth  justice  and  righte- 
ousness: he  shall  indeed  preserve  his  soul 
alive. 

28  Because  he  hath  considered,  and  turned 
aw.ay  from  all  his  transgressions  which  he 
had  connnitted :  he  shall  surely  live,  he 
shall  not  die. 

29  Yet  say  the  house  of  Israel,  The  way 
of  the  Lord  is  not  equitable:  are  not  my 
ways  equitable,  O  house  of  Israel?  is  it  not 
your  ways  which  are  not  equitable  ? 

30  Therefore  will  I  judge  you,  every  one 
according  to  his  ways,  0  house  of  Israel,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal :  return  ye,  and  cause  others'' 
to  return  from  all  your  transgressions,  that 
iniquity  may  not  become  3'our  stumbling-block. 

31  Cast  away  from  yourselves  all  your 
transgressions,  whereby  ye  have  transgressed ; 
and  make"  yourselves  a  new  heart  and  a  new 
spirit;  for  why  will  ye  die,  0  house  of  Israel? 

32  For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of 
him  that  deserveth  to  die,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal :  therefore  convert  yourselves,  and  live. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  Tf  And  thou, — do  thou  litt  up  a  lamenta- 
tion lor  the  princes  of  Israel,'^ 

^  In  this  lament  the  prophet  mourns  for  the  down- 
fall of  the  royal  family.  Some  refer  "the  two  young 
lions"  to  Jehoachaz  and  Jehoyachin,  who  were  led  away 
after  a  short  reign.     Others,  JeUoUchaz  and  Jehoyakim. 


EZEKIEL  XIX.  XX. 


2  And  say,  What  a  noble  lioness  was  thy 
mother!  among  lions  did  she  lie  down,  in 
the  midst  of  young  lions  did  she  raise  her 
whelps ! 

3  And  she  brought  up  one  of  her  whelps  : 
he  became  a  young  lion,"  and  he  learned  to 
tear  in  pieces  the  prey;  (even)  men  he  de- 
voured. 

4  And  when  nations  heard  of  him.  he  was 
caught  in  their  pit,  and  they  brought  him 
with  nose-rings  unto  the  land  of  Egypt. 

'J  Now  when  she  saw  that  she  had  long 
waited,  (that)  her  hope  was  lost,  she  took  an- 
other one  of  her  whelps,  and  made  him  a 
young  lion. 

6  And  he  went  up  and  down  in  the  midst 
of  lions,  he  became  a  young  lion;  and  he 
learned  to  tear  in  pieces  the  prey;  even  men 
he  devoured. 

7  And  he  broke  down''  their  palaces,  and 
their  cities  laid  he  in  ruins:  and  then  was 
terrified  the  land,  with  all  that  filled  it,  be- 
cause of  the  noise  of  his  roaring. 

8  Then  set  themselves  the  nations  against 
him  on  every  side  from  the  provinces ;  and 
they  spread  over  him  their  net :  in  their  pit 
was  he  cauQ-ht. 

o 

9  And  they  put  him  in  a  cage"  with  xiose- 
rings  (in  his  nose),  and  they  brought  him  to 
the  king  of  Babylon:  they  brought  him  into 
strong-holds,  in  order  that  his  voice  should  no 
more  be  heard  on  the  mountains  of  Israel. 

10  ^  Thy  mother  was  like  a  vine,  if  I 
compare  thee  to  aught,""  planted  by  the  wa- 
ters: fruitful  and  full  of  boughs  was  she  by 
reason  of  many  waters. 

11  And  she  had  strong  branches  (fit)  for 
the  sceptres  of  rulers,  and  her  stature  grew 
up  high  between  the  thick-branched  (trees), 
and  she  was  seen  through  her  height  by 
means  of  the  multitude  of  her  tendrils. 

12  Bat  she  was  plucked  up  in  fury,  to  the 
ground  was  she  cast  down,  and  the  east  wind 
dried  up  her  fruit :  and  torn  off  and  dried  up 
were  her  strong  branches,  a  fire  consumed 
them. 

13  And  now  is  she  planted  in  the  wilder- 
ness, in  a  dry  and  thirsty  land. 


•  /.  e.  King  of  Judah. 

''  Rashi,  taking  vnijoSiX  from  rniJOTN.  Others,  in  the 
literal  sense,  "he  violated  their  widows."  Zunz,  "he 
searched  through  their  palaces,"  Philippson,  "ho  broke 
into,"  &c. 


14  And  fire  is  gone  out  of  a  l)ranch  of  her 
boughs,  and  liatii  devoured  her  fruit,  .so  that 
there  is  no  more  on  her  a  strong  branch  for  a 
sceptre  to  rule.  This  is  a  lamentation,  and 
it  is  become  a  lamentation. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  j^ass  in  the  seventh 
year,  in  the  fifth  month,  on  the  tenth  day  of 
the  month,  that  certain  men  of  the  elders  of 
Israel  came  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  and  they 
sat  down  before  me. 

2  T]  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

3  Son  of  man,  speak  unto  the  elders  of  Is- 
rael, and  say  unto  them,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal.  Is  it  to  inquire  of  me  that  ye 
are  coming?  as  I  live,  I  will  not  let  myself 
be  inquired  of  by  you,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 

4  Wilt  thou  take  them  to  task,  wilt  thou 
take  them  to  task,  son  of  man?  then  cause 
them  to  know  the  abominations  of  their 
fathers ; 

5  And  say  unto  them.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  On  the  day  when  I  made  choice 
of  Israel,  I  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  the  seed 
of  the  house  of  Jacob,  and  I  made  myself 
known  unto  them  in  the  land  of  Egypt :  and 
I  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  them,  sa3-ing,  I  am 
the  Lord  your  God. 

6  On  the  same  day  I  lifted  up  my  hand 
unto  them,  to  bring  them  fortli  from  the  land 
of  Egypt  into  a  land  that  I  luxd  selected"  for 
them,  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  which  is 
an  ornament'  among  all  the  countries. 

7  And  I  said  unto  them,  Cast  ye  away 
ever}'  one  the  abominations  of  his  eyes,  and 
on  the  idols  of  Egypt  shall  ye  not  defile  j-'our- 
selves ;  I  am  the  Lord  your  God. 

8  But  they  rebelled  against  me,  and  they 
would  not  hearken  unto  me;  the}^  did  not 
cast  away  every  one  the  abominations  of  their 
eyes,  and  the  idols  of  Egypt  did  they  not  for- 
sake :  and  I  thought  then  to  pour  out  my 
fury  over  them,  to  let  out  all  my  anger 
against  them  in  the  midst  of  the  land  of 
Egypt. 


°  Zunz.     Jonathan,  "chains." 

^  Rashi. 

"  Lit.  "spied  out." 

'  /.  r.  It  excels  in  beauty  and  fruitfulness. 


611 


EZEKIEL  XX. 


9  But  I  acted  for  the  isake  of  my  name,  so 
as  not  to  profane  it  before  the  eyes  of  the  na- 
tions, in  the  midst  of  wliom  they  were ;  be- 
cause I  had  made  myself  known  unto  tliem 
before  their  eyes,  to  bring  them  forth  out  of 
the  land  of  E^ypt. 

10  I  therefore  caused  them  to  go  forth  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  brought  them  into 
the  wilderness. 

11  And  I  gave  them  mj'  statutes,  and  my 
ordinances  made  I  known  to  them,  which  a 
man  is  to  do,  fhat  he  may  live  through  them. 

12  And  also  my  sabljaths  gave  I  unto 
them,  to  be  as  a  sign  between  me  and  be- 
tween them,  that  they  miglit  know  that  I 
am  the  Lord  who  sanctify  them. 

13  But  the  house  of  Israel  rebelled  against 
me  in  the  wilderness ;  in  my  statutes  they 
walked  not,  and  my  ordinances  they  despised, 
which  a  man  is  to  do,  that  he  may  live 
through  them;  and  my  sabbaths  they  greatly 
profaned  :  and  I  then  tliought  to  pour  out  my 
fury  over  them  in  the  wilderness,  to  make  an 
end  of  them. 

14  But  I  acted  for  the  sake  of  my  name, 
so  as  not  to  profane  it  before  the  eyes  of  the 
nations,  before  whose  eyes  I  had  brought 
them  forth. 

15  Yet  did  I  also  lift  up  my  hand  unto 
them  in  the  wilderness,  that  I  would  not 
bring  them  into  the  land  which  I  had  given 
(them),  flowing  with  milk  and  honey,  which 
is  an  ornament  among  all  the  countries. 

16  Because  my  ordinances  they  had  de- 
spised, and  in  my  statutes  they  had  not  walk- 
ed, and  my  sabbaths  they  had  profaned;  for 
after  their  idols  did  their  heart  go. 

17  Nevertheless  my  eye  looked  pityingly 
on  them,  so  as  not  to  destroy  them,  and  I  did 
not  make  an  end  of  them  in  the  wilderness. 

18  And  I  said  unto  their  children  in  the 
wilderness,  In  the  statutes  of  3'our  fathers 
shall  ye  not  walk,  and  their  ordinances  shall 
ye  not  keep,  and  on  their  idols  shall  ye  not 
deflle  yourselves. 


"  Raslii,  after  Jonathan;  meaning,  as  they  had  wilfully 
rebelled,  God  permitted  thcni  to  follow  their  evil  inclina- 
tions, till  the  measure  of  their  sin  was  completed,  and 
their  destruction  followed,  as  told  in  our  hi.story.  Zunz 
and  Pliilippson  take  it  in  the  light,  tiiat  to  the  sinners 
the  law  is  a  means  of  ]iuiii>hment,  as  its  transgression 
Iji'ings  painful  consequences;  wherefore  the  translation  of 
Dr.  P.  is  as  follows: — "And  I  also  gave  th(>m  laws  which 
til  2 


19  I  am  the  Lord  your  God:  in  my  sta- 
tutes must  ye  walk,  and  my  ordinances  must 
ye  keep,  and  do  them; 

20  And  my  sabbaths  must  ye  sanctity; 
and  they  shall  be  as  a  sign  between  me  and 
between  you,  that  ye  may  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord  jour  God. 

21  Nevertheless  the  cliildren  rebelled 
against  me;  in  my  statutes  did  the}-  not 
walk,  and  my  ordinances  they  kept  not  to  do 
them,  which  a  man  is  to  do,  that  he  may  live 
through  them ;  my  sabbaths  they  profaned : 
and  I  then  thought  to  pour  out  my  fury  over 
them,  to  let  out  all  my  anger  against  them  in 
the  wilderness. 

22  But  I  withdrew  my  hand,  and  acted 
for  the  sake  of  my  name,  so  as  not  to  profane 
it  before  the  eyes  of  the  nations,  before  whose 
eyes  I  had  brought  them  forth. 

23  I  also  lifted  up  my  hand  unto  them  in 
the  wilderness,  that  I  would  scatter  them 
among  the  nations,  and  disperse  them  through 
the  countries; 

24  Because  my,  ordinances  they  had  not 
executed,  and  my  statutes  they  had  despised, 
and  my  sabbaths  they  had  profaned,  and  after 
the  idols  of  their  fathers  their  eyes  were  di- 
rected. 

25  And  I  also  let  them  follow''  statutes 
that  were  not  good,  and  oi'dinances  whereby 
they  could  not  live; 

26  And  I  let  them  be  defiled  though  their 
gifts,  in  tluxt  they  caused  to  pass  (through 
the  fire)  all  that  openeth  the  womb,  in  order 
that  1  miglit  destroy  them,  to  the  end  that 
they  might  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

27  Therefore,  speak  unto  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, 0  son  of  nnm,  and  say  unto  them.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Yet  in  tliis  too 
did  your  fathers  blaspheme  me,  by  their  com- 
mitting a  trespass  against  me: 

28  When  I  had  brought  them  into  the 
land,  for  which  I  had  lifted  up  my  hand  to 
give  it  to  them,  the}'  saw  every  liigli  hill,  and 
all  the  thick-branched  trees,  and  they  ottei'ed 


were  injurious  (to  them),  and  ordinances  through  which 
they  did  not  live;  and  1  made  them  unclean  through 
their  gifts,  when  they  set  apart  all  that  opened  the  womb," 
&c. :  taking  Ti^'n^  "as  setting  aside,"  not  "as  causing  to 
pass  (through  the  fire),"  as  given  by  Ilashi.  But  both 
constructions,  though  apparently  so  dift'ercnt,  have  at 
last  tije  same  bearing,  since  to  the  pious  the  law  of  God 
lirings  happiness  and  life,  not  evil  and  death. 


KZEKIEL  XX.  XXI. 


there  their  sacrifices,  and  [iresented  there 
their  provoking  offerings,  and  they  brought 
there  their  sweet  savour,  and  poured  out 
there  their  drink-offerings. 

29  Then  said  I  unto  them,  Wliat  is  this 
high-phice  wliereuuto  ye  go?  And  its  name 
was  called  "The  height""  until  this  day. 

oU  •[  Therefore  say  unto  the  house  of  Is- 
rael, Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Ila! 
do  you  pollute  yourselves  after  the  manner  of 
your  fathers;  and  after  their  al)ominations  do 
3-e  go  astray? 

31  And  when  ye  offer  up  your  gifts,  when 
ye  make  your  sons  pass  through  the  fire, 
ye  pollute  yourselves  with  all  your  idols,  even 
until  this  dav':  and  I  should  allow  nwself  to 
be  inquired  of  by  you,  0  house  of  Israel?  As 
I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  I  will  not  let 
myself  l)e  inquired  of  by  3'ou. 

32  And  that  which  cometh  up  into  your 
mind  shall  not  at  all  come  to  pass,  (namely,) 
that  ye  say.  We  will  be  like  the  nations,  like 
the  families  of  the  (other)  countries,  to  serve 
wood  and  stone. 

33  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  surely, 
with  a  mighty  hand,  and  with  an  outstretch- 
ed arm,  and  with  fury  poured  out,  will  I  rule 
over  you  : 

34  And  I  Avill  bring  you  out  from  the  peo- 
ple, and  I  will  gather  you  out  of  the  countries 
wherein  ye  are  scattered,  with  a  mighty  hand, 
and  with  an  outstretched  arm.  and  with  (my) 
fury  poured  out. 

35  And  I  will  bring  you  into  the  wilder- 
ness of  the  people,  and  I  will  hold  judgment 
over  you  there,  hice  to  face. 

36  As  I  held  judgment  over  your  fathers 
in  the  wilderness  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  so  will 
I  hold  judgment  over  you,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

37  And  I  will  cause  you  to  pass  under  the 
rod,  and  I  will  bring  you  into  the  bond*"  of  the 
covenant ; 

38  And  I  will  separate  from  you  those  that 
have  rebelled,  and  those  that  have  transgressed 
against  me :  out  of  the  country  where  they 

*  Rashi,  "  An  expression  of  disgrace ;  it  is  nothing  but  a 
high-place,"  ('.  p.  no  regular  altar.  l*hilippson,  "  Wo  to 
the  high-place  where  ye  stand  together." 

"  Rashi,  "  the  covenant  which  I  have  delivered  to  you." 
Lit.  "the  delivery  of  the  covenant." 

°  Meaning,  if  they  will  serve  idols  let  them  not  come 
hypocritically  to  inquire  after  God's  word,  and  set  aside 
offerings  and  serve  their  abominations. 


sojourn  will  I  cause  them  to  go  forth,  hut 
into  the  land  of  Israel  shall  not  one  (of  them) 
enter;  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

39  As  for  you,  O  house  of  Israel,  thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Go  ye,  serve  ye 
every  one  his  idols,  and  hereafter  (also),  if 
ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me;  but  my  holy 
name  do  not  profane  any  more  with  ^our 
gifts,  and  with  your  idols.'' 

40  For  on  my  holy  mountain,  on  the  moun- 
tain of  the  height  of  Israel,  saith  tlie  Lord 
Eternal,  there  shall  serve  me  all  the  house  of 
Israel,  altogether,  in  the  land:  there  will  I 
accept  them  in  favour,  and  there  will  I  re- 
quire your  heave-offerings,  and  the  first-fruits 
of  your  oblations,  with  all  your  holy  things. 

41  \  With  your  sweet  savour  will  I  accept 
you  in  favour,  when  I  bring  30U  out  from  the 
people,  and  gather  you  out  of  the  countries 
wherein  ye  have  been  scattered:  and  I  will 
be  sanctified  through  you  before  the  eyes  of 
the  nations. 

42  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Loiui, 
when  I  bring  you  into  the  land  of  Israel,  into 
the  country  for  which  I  have  lifted  up  m^' 
hand  to  give  it  to  yowx  iathers. 

43  And  ye  shall  remember  there  your 
ways,  and  all  ^our  doings,  whereby  ye  have 
been  defiled;  and  ye  shall  loathe  yourselves, 
because  of  all  your  evil  deeds  that  ye  have 
committed. 

44  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lokd, 
when  I  deal  with  j'ou  for  the  sake  of  my 
name,  not  in  accordance  with  your  wicked 
ways,  and  in  accordance  with  your  corrupt 
doings,  0  ye  house  of  Israel,  saith  the  Loi'd 
Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XXL' 

1  ]y  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  in  the  direction 
toward  the  south,''  and  preach*^  toward  the 
south,  and  prophesy  against  the  forest"  of 
the  field  in  the  south. 

^  The  English  version  commences  chap.  xxi.  at  verse  (!. 

"  Toward  Judea,  which  lies  to  the  south  of  ^Jesopota- 
mia,  where  the  prophet  then  dwelt. 

'  Lit.  "  let  drop,"  /.  e.  the  prophecy  or  speech. 

*  "Toward  my  sanctuary,  which  shall  be  hereafter  like 
a  forest  and  a  tield  for  foxes  to  walk  therein." — Rashi. 
Others,  "Jerusalem."  Philippson,  "Palestine,"  because 
its  mountains  are  in  many  places  covered  with  forests. 


EZEKIEL  XXi. 


3  And  say  to  the  forest  of  the  south,  Hear 
the  word  of  the  Lord,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  kindle  a  fire  in 
thee,  and  it  shall  devour  in  thee  every  green 
tree,  and  every  dry  tree:  the  glowing  flame 
shall  not  be  quenched,  and  there  shall  be 
burnt  therein  all  faces"  from  the  south  to 
the  north. 

4  And  all  flesh  shall  see  that  I  the  Lord 
have  kindled  it:  it  shall  not  be  quenched. 

5  Then  said  I,  Ah  Lord  Eternal!  they 
say  of  me,  Behold,  he  speaketh  but  in  para- 
bles! 

6  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

7  Son  of  man,  direct  thy  fiice  toward  Jeru- 
salem, and  preach  toward  the  holy  places, 
and  prophesy  against  the  land  of  Israel, 

8  And  say  to  the  land  of  Israel,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee, 
and  will  draw  forth  my  sword  out  of  its 
sheath :  and  I  will  cut  off  from  thee  the  right- 
eous and  the  wicked. 

9  But  because  I  shall  have  cut  off  from 
thee  the  righteous  and  the  wicked:  therefore 
shall  my  sword  go  forth  out  of  its  sheath 
against  all  flesh  from  the  south  to  the  north ; 

10  That  all  flesh  may  know  that  I  the 
Lord  have  drawn  forth  my  sword  out  of  its 
sheath;  it  shall  not  return  any  more. 

11  ^  But  thou,  son  of  man,  do  thou  sigh: 
as  though  with  broken  loins,''  and  with  bitter- 
ness (of  grief)  shalt  thou  sigh  before  their 
eyes. 

12  And  it  shall  be,  when  they  say  unto 
thee.  Wherefore  sighest  thou  ?  that  thou  shalt 
say.  For  the  report,  because  it  cometh,  when 

"  Philippson,  after  Sohnurrer,  "the  whole  surface." 

''  When  a  person  is  deeply  grieved  it  is  difficult  for  him 
to  keep  erect,  as  though  his  loins  were  broken. 

"After  llabbi  Jonah,  who  renders  in  "or,"  as  TX 
"how." 

^  Rashi.  Lit.  "despiseth,"  ('.  c.  disregards  the  blow  of 
any  wood  or  tree,  it  being  harder  than  all.  The  sense  is 
• — "How  can  we  rejoice  at  the  view  of  the  coming  sword, 
when  the  punishment  which  i.s  to  befall  Israel  shall  be 
irresistible,  overcoming  all  obstacles  which  can  be 
brought  to  oppose  it  ?"  lledak,  "  We  cannot  rejoice  at  the 
coming  sword,  which  we  hope  will  come  against  our  ene- 
mies; for  it  is  gone  forth  to  cut  down  the  staff  of  my  son, 
and  disregardeth  every  tree  to  fell  the  same."  Philipp- 
son takes  the  whole  of  this  apostrophe,  as  also  verse  18, 
as  a  parenthesis,  or  soliloquy  of  the  prophet,  in  view  of  the 
coming  evil. 

'  ]{asl)i,  "(he  assembly  of  nations  coMir  to  tlie  sword." 

an 


every  heart  shall  melt,  and  all  hands  shall  be 
made  feeble,  and  every  spirit  shall  become 
faint,  and  all  knees  shall  be  changed  into  wa- 
ter: behold,  it  cometh,  and  sliall  be  brought 
to  pass,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

13  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

14  Son  of  man,  prophesy,  and  say.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  Say,  The  sword,  the 
sword  is  sharpened,  and  also  polished  ; 

15  In  order  to  make  a  thorough  slaughter 
is  it  sharpened;  in  order  that  it  may  glitter 
is  it  polished :  how'"  can  we  now  rejoice,  (when) 
the  rod  which  reacheth  my  son  excelleth  in 
hardness''  every  tree  ? 

16  And  he  hath  given  it  to  Ije  polished,  to 
make  it  fit  to  grasp  it  in  the  hand :  it  is  the 
sword  which  is  sharpened,  and  it  is  polished, 
to  place  it  into  the  hand  of  the  slayer. 

17  Cry  aloud  and  wail,  0  son  of  man;  for 
it  cometh  against  my  people,  it  cometh  against 
all  the  princes  of  Israel;  brought  together" 
for  the  sword  are  they  with  my  people :  there- 
fore strike  (thy  hand)  upon  thy  thigh. 

18  For  a  purification  taketh  place:  and 
what  if  the  irresistible  rod  will  also  come? 
(my  son)  would  not  be  able  to  exist,'  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

19  ^  But  thou,  son  of  man,  prophesy, 
and  strike  thy  hands  together,  and  let  "  The 
sword"  be  repeated  the  third"  time,  the  sword 
of  the  slain :  it  is  the  sword  of  the  great  that 
are  slain,  which  lieth  in  wait  for  them  every- 
where."" 

20  In  order  to  make  timid  the  heart,  and  to 
multiply  the  stumbling-blocks,  do  I  bring  the 
howling'  of  the  sword  against  all  their  gates : 


Zunz,  "assembled  together  for  the  sword;"  and  in  this 
sense  have  we  translated.  Philippson,  after  Rabbi  Jonah, 
"struck  down  with,"  &e. 

'  After  Rashi,  who  applies  nTl"  N^  "  he  shall  not  be" 
or  "remain  in  existence"  to  "my  son,"  spoken  of  in 
verse  15.  Philippson,  however,  "For  a  purification  (must 
take  place),  and  what,  if  even  the  irresistible  rod  were 
not  to  be  ?"  meaning,  the  people  must  be  tried  and  puri- 
fied, if  even  the  present  threatened  punishment  should 
not  be  sent.  The  verso  is  exceedingly  difficult  in  its  con- 
struction. 

*  It  is  already  twice  spoken  of  in  verse  9,  and  now  the 
third  time. 

''  Rashi,  "which  pursueth  you  whithersoever  you  go 
forth,  even  in  the  most  secret  chambers. 

'Others,  "slaughter;"  but  Rashi  makes  it  the  eflfect 
of  the  slaughter,  the  complaining  of  the  wounded  and  sur- 
vivors. 


EZEKIEL  XXI.  XXir. 


ah !  it  is  made  bright,  it  is  made  thin-edged 
for  the  slaughter. 

21  Gather  up  thy  strength,"  go  to  the  right 
hand,  direct  thyself,  go  to  the  left,  whither- 
soever thy  edge  is  turned. 

22  And  I  also. — I  will  strike  my  hands 
togetlier,  and  I  will  cause  m\'  fury  to  be 
assuaged  :  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it. 

23  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

24  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  appoint  thee 
two  ways,  that  the  sword  of  the  king  of  Baljy- 
lon  may  come;  out  of  one  land  shall  both 
of  them  come  forth:  and  select  a  place:  at 
the  head  of  the  way  to  a  cit>'  do  thou  se- 
lect it. 

25  A  way  shalt  thou  appoint,  that  the 
sword  may  come  against  Eabbah  of  the  chil- 
dren of  'Amnion,  and  (the  other)  against 
Judah  (dwelling)  in  Jerusalem  the  forti- 
fied. 

2G  For  the  king  of  Babylon  hath  halted 
at  the  parting  of  the  way,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  two  ways,  to  use  divination :  he 
shaketh  the**  arrows,  he  consulteth  with 
images,  he  looketh  at  the  liver. 

27  At  his  right  hand  was  the  divination 
for  Jerusalem,  to  erect  battering-rams,  to 
open  the  mouth  with  the  (crj-  for)  murder, 
to  lift  up  the  voice  with  shouting,  to  place 
battering-rams  against  the  gates,  to  east  up  a 
mound,  and  to  build  works  of  attack. 

28  And  it  will  appear  unto  them  as  a  false 
divination  in  their  eyes,  to  those  that  had 
sworn"  oaths ;  but  he  will  bring  to  remem- 
brance their  inicjuity,  that  they  may  be 
cau"ht. 

29  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  ye  have  brought  your  ini- 
quity to  remembrance,  as  your  transgressions 
are  discovered,  so  that  your  sins  do  appear  in 
all  your  doings:  because  ye  are  thus  brought 
to  remembrance,  ye  shall  be  caught  by  (his) 
hand. 

30  T[  And  thou,  death-deserving  wicked 
one,  prince  of  Israel,  wdiose  day  is  come,  at 
the  time  of  the  iniquity  of  the''  end, — 

31  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Remove  the  mitre,  and  take  off  the  crown : 

*  Address  to  the  sword. 

'  ?'.  e.  Emploj's  various  means  of  divination. 

°  Jonathan,  "forty-nine  times  hath  he  divined." 

''  Uashi,  "when  the  measure  is  full  and  the  last  iniquity 


this  shall  not  be  always  so;  exalt  hiiii  that  is 
low,  and  make  him  low  that  is  high. 

32  Overthrown,  overthrown,  overthrown 
will  I  render  it:"  also  this  shall  not  belong  (tc 
any  one),  until  he  come  whose  right  it  is, 
and  I  will  give  it  him. 

33  ^[  And  thou,  son  of  man,  prophesy,  and 
say,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal  con- 
cerning the  children  of  'Amnion,  and  concern- 
ing their  reproach :  even  say  thou,  The  sword, 
the  sword  is  drawn;  for  the  slaughter  is  it 
polished,  to  destroy,  that  it  may  continue  to 
glitter; 

34  While  they  foresee  unto  thee  falsehood, 
while  they  divine  unto  thee  lies,  to  lay  thee 
by  the  necks  of  the  slain  wicked,  whose  day 
is  come,  at  the  time  of  the  iniquity  of  the 
end. 

35  Put  back  (the  sword)  into  its  sheath ! 
in  the  place  where  thou  wast  created,  in  the 
land  of  thv  origin,  will  I  iudge  thee. 

36  And  I  will  pour  out  over  thee  my  in- 
dignation, with  the  fire  of  my  wrath  will  I 
blow  against  thee,  and  I  will  give  thee  up 
into  the  hand  of  bruti.^h  men,  skilful  in  de- 
stroying. 

37  To  the  fire  shalt  thou  be  given  to  be 
devoured;  thy  blood  shall  be  in  the  midst 
of  the  land:  thou  shalt  nut  l:)e  rememliered 
(anymore);  for  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it. 

CHAPTER   XXII. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying. 

2  And  thou,  son  of  man,  wilt  thou  take  to 
task,  W'ilt  thou  take  to  task  the  city  of  blood? 
and  wilt  thou  make  her  know  all  her  abomi- 
nations? 

3  Then  say  thou.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  0  city  that  sheddeth  blood  in  her 
midst,  that  her  time  (of  sorrow)  may  come, 
and  that  hath  made  idols  for  herself  to  be- 
come unclean  : 

4  Through  thy  blood  which  thou  hast  shed, 
art  thou  become  guilty;  and  through  thy 
idols  which  thou  hast  made  art  thou  become 
unclean ;  and  thou  hast  caused  thy  days  (of 
destruction)  to  draw  near,  and  thou  art  come 
even   unto   thy  years;  therefore  do  I  make 


hath  been  perpetrated  which  lilleth  it."    Redak,  "  when  the 
iniquity  bringeth  the  end."     Philippson,  the  punishment. 
'  The  crown;  but  its  future  return  is  promised  when 
the  true  son  of  David  comes. 


EZEKIEL  XXII 


thee  a  disgrace  unto  the  nations,  and  a  mock- 
ing to  all  the  countries. 

5  Those  who  are  near,  and  those  who  are 
far  from  thee,  shall  mock  thee,  0  thou  un- 
clean in  name,  and  great  in  confusion ! 

0  Behold,  the  princes  of  Israel  were  each 
(ready)  with  his  arm  within  thee,  in  order  to 
shed  blood. 

7  Father  and  mother  they  esteemed  lightly 
within  thee,  toward  the  stranger  they  acted 
with  extortion  in  tlie  midst  of  thee,  the  fa- 
therless and  the  widow  they  oppressed  with- 
in thee. 

8  My  holy  tilings  thou  didst  despise,  and 
my  sabbaths  thou  didst  prof^me. 

9  Tale-bearers  (also)  were  within  thee,  in 
order  to  shed  l)lood;  and  upon  the  mountains 
did  they  eat  within  thee;  incest  did  they 
commit  in  the  midst  of  thee. 

10  Their  father's  nakedness  they  uncover- 
ed within  thee;  her  that  was  unclean  in  her 
separation  did  they  violate  within  thee. 

11  And  one  with  his  neighbour's  wife  did 
commit  aliomination;  and  another  did  defile 
his  dauiihter-in-law  with  incest ;  and  another 
did  violate  his  sister,  the  daughter  of  his  fa- 
ther, within  thee. 

12  Bribes  they  took  within  thee,  in  order 
to  shed  blood ;  interest  and  increase  didst 
thou  take,  and  thou  didst  accpiire  gain  off 
thy  neighbours  by  extortion  :  and  me  thou 
didst  forget,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

13  And  behold,  I  have  struck  my  hands 
together  at  thy  wrongful  gain  which  thou 
hast  acquired,  and  at  thy  blood-guilt  which 
hath  been  in  the  midst  of  thee. 

14  Will  th}'  courage*  endure,  or  will  thy 
liands  remain  strong,  on  the  da^s  that  I  will 
deal  with  thee?  I  the  Lokd  have  spoken, 
and  will  do  it. 

15  And  I  will  scatter  thee  among  the  na- 
tions, and  disperse  thee  in  the  countries,  and 
I  will  entirely  remove  thy  uncleanness  out 
of  thee. 

16  And  thou  slialt  be  degraded  thi'ough 
thyself  before  the  eyes  of  nations,  and  thou 
shalt  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

17  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

18  Son  of  man,  the  house  of  Israel  are  be- 
come to  me  dross :  tliey  all  are  copper,  and 


en; 


•  Lit.  "Will  thy  heart  stand." 


tin,  and  iron,  and  lead,  in  the  midst  of  the 
furnace  ;  the  dross  of  silver  are  they  become. 

19  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  ye  are  all  become  dross, 
therefore,  behold,  1  will  gather  you  into  the 
midst  of  Jerusalem. 

20  As  silver,  and  copper,  and  iron,  and 
lead,  and  tin  are  gathered  into  the  midst  of 
the  furnace,  to  blow  the  fire  upon  it,  to  melt 
it:  so  will  I  gather  you  in  my  anger  and  in 
my  fury,  and  I  will  lay  you  down  there,  and 
melt  you. 

21  Yea,  I  will  assemble  you  in  a  heap,  and 
blow  upon  30U  with  the  fire  of  my  wrath, 
and  ye  sluill  be  melted  in  the  midst  of  it. 

22  As  silver  is  melted  in  the  midst  of  the 
furnace,  so  shall  ye  be  melted  in  the  midst  of 
it:  and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord 
who  have  poured  out  my  fury  over  you. 

23  1[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

24  Son  of  man,  say  unto  her.  Thou  art  a 
land  that  is  not  cleansed;  (and)  which  is  not 
rained  upon  on  the  day  of  indignation. 

25  The  banded  troop  of  her  prophets  in 
the  midst  of  her  is  like  a  roaring  lion  that 
teareth  in  pieces  the  prey :  souls  do  they  de- 
vour; wealth  and  precious  things  do  they 
take  away;  the  number  of  her  widows  do 
they  increase  in  the  midst  of  her. 

20  Her  priests  violate  my  law,  and  j^rofane 
my  holy  things:  between  the  holy  and  pro- 
fane do  they  make  no  distinction,  and  the 
difference  between  the  unclean  and  the  clean 
do  they  not  make  known,  and  from  (the  viola- 
tion of)  my  sabbaths  do  they  turn  away  their 
eyes,  so  that  I  am  profaned  among  them. 

27  Her  princes  in  her  midst  are  like  wolves 
that  tear  in  pieces  tlie  prey,  to  shed  blood,  to 
destroy  souls,  in  order  to  obtain  selfish  gain. 

28  And  her  proi)hets  plastered  for  them 
with  unadhesive  mortar,  foreseeing  falsehood, 
and  divining  unto  them  lies,  saying.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal;  when  the  Lord 
liad  not  spoken. 

29  The  people  of  the  land  are  guilty  of  ex- 
tortion, and  practise  robbery,  and  the  poor 
and  the  needy  they  defraud  :  and  they  ex- 
tort from  the  stranger  with  injustice. 

30  And  I  seek  now  among  them  for  a  man, 
that  could  erect  a  fence,  and  stand  in  the 
breacli  before  me  in  behalf  of  the  land.  .'<o 
that  I  should  not  destroy  it;  but  I  find  none. 


EZEKIEL  XXII.  XXIII. 


31  And  I  therefore  pour  out  over  them 
my  indignation  ;  with  tlie  lire  of  my  wrath 
do"  I  make  an  end  of  them :  their  own  way 
do  I  bring  upon  their  head,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  there  were  two  women, 
the  daughters  of  one  mother ; 

;»  And  they  played  the  harlot  in  Egypt; 
in  their  youth  they  played  the  harlot:  there 
were  their  breasts  pressed,  and  there  thej' 
suffered  their  virgin  bosoms  to  be  touched. 

4  And  their  names  were  Aholah  the  elder, 
and  Aholibah  her  sister;  but  they  became 
mine,  and  they  bore  sons  and  daughters:  and 
their  names  are,  Samaria  is  Aholah,  and  Je- 
rusalem. Aholibah. 

5  And  Aholah  played  the  harlot  while  she 
was  mine ;  and  she  longed  for  her  lovers,  for 
the  Assyrians  that  wei'e  near''  (her), 

G  Clothed  (as  they  were)  in  blue,  govern- 
ors, and  rulers,  attractive  youths  all  of  them, 
horsemen  riding  upon  horses. 

7  Thus  she  played  the  harlot  with  them, 
all  of  them  the  chosen  ones  of  the  sons  of 
Asshur  :  and  with  all  for  whom  she  longed, 
— with  all  their  idols  did  she  defde  herself. 

8  But  also  her  lewdness  from  Egypt  forsook 
she  not;  for  they  had  lain  with  her  in  her 
youth,  and  they  had  touched  her  virgin  bosom, 
and  liad  lavished  their  lewd  caresses  on  her. 

9  Therefore  did  I  give  her  up  into  the 
hand  of  her  lovers,  into  the  hand  of  the  sons 
of  Asshur,  after  whom  she  longed. 

10  These  were  they  that  laid  open  her 
nakedness;  her  sons  and  her  daughters  did 
they  take  away,  and  her  they  slew  with  the 
sword  :  and  she  became  infamous  amouG;  wo- 
men,  when  they  inflicted  the  decreed  punish- 
ments on  her. 

11  And  when  her  sister  Aholibah  saw  this, 
she  became  more  corrupt  in  her  longing  than 
she,  and  in  her  lewd  acts  more  than  her  sis- 
ter's lewdness. 


*  In  the  original  the  whole  of  this  passage,  beginning 
with  verse  25,  is  in  the  past  tense,  though  the  destruction 
spoken  of  was  just  to  commence;  but  to  the  prophet,  as 
noticed  already  before,  the  past  and  the  future  are  alike, 
the  one  actually  known  and  the  other  sure  to  happen; 
wherefore  the  whole  is  given  here  in  the  present  tense. 
The  prophet,  it  will  be  seen,  first  speaks  of  the  prophets, 
4C 


12  For  the  sons  of  Asshur  did  she  long, 
the  governors  and  rulers  that  were  near, 
clothed  as  they  were  most  gorgeously,  horse- 
men riding  upon  horses,  attractive  youths  all 
of  them. 

13  Then  saw  I  that  she  was  defiled,  that 
they  followed  both  one  way. 

14  But  she  added  still  more  to  her  acts  of 
lewdness ;  for  when  she  saw  men  engraved 
upon  the  wall,  the  images  of  the  Chaldeans 
portrayed  with  colour, 

15  Bound  with  girdles  on  their  loins,  with 
hanging  down  coloured  turbans  on  their 
heads,  in  appearance  like  commanders,  all  of 
them,  in  the  likeness  of  the  sons  of  Babylon 
of  the  Chaldeans,  the  land  of  their  birth : 

16  Then  did  she  long  for  them  as  soon  as 
she  saw  them  with  her  eyes,  and  she  sent 
messengers  unto  them  to  Chaldea. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Babylon  came  to  her 
unto  the  couch  of  love,  and  they  defiled  her 
with  their  lewd  caresses ;  and  (yet)  when  she 
had  been  defiled  with  them,  she  tore  her  soul 
away  from  them. 

18  And  when  she  had  laid  open  her  lewd- 
ness, and  had  uncovered  her  nakedness:  then 
my  soul  t(ire  itself  away  from  her,  as  my  soul 
had  torn  itself  away  from  her  sister. 

19  Yet  she  multiplied  her  deeds  of  lewd- 
ness, in  calling  to  remembrance  the  days  of 
her  youth,  when  she  had  played  the  harlot 
in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

20  And  she  longed  for  their  paramours, 
whose  flesh  is  as  the  flesh  of  asses,  and  whose 
lustfulness  is  like  the  lustfulness  of  horses. 

21  And  thou  calledst  to  mind  the  incest  of 
thy  youth,  when  thy  bosom  was  touched  by 
the  Egyptians  for  the  sake  of  thy  youthful 
breasts. 

22  T[  Therefore,  0  Aholibah,  thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  wake 
up  thy  lovers  against  thee,  from  whom  thy 
soul  hath  torn  itself  away,  and  I  will  bring 
them  against  thee  from  every  side  ; 

23  The  sons  of  Babylon,  and  all  the  Chal- 
deans, Pekod,"'  and  Shoa, and  Koa,  and  all  the 
sons  of  Asshur  with  them,  attractive  youths. 


then  the  priests,  nest  the  princes,  again  of  the  deceivers 
by  divination,  and  at  hist  the  common  people,  thus  indi- 
cating the  general  corruption  of  manners,  which  is  farther 
exhibited  in  the  next  chapter. 

'' Rashi.     Zunz,  "warriors." 

°  Rashi,  "superintcudeiits,  priests,  and  rulers." 

017 


EZEKIEL  XXIII. 


governors  and  rulers  all  of  them,  commanders 
and  chiels,''  riding  upon  horses  all  of  them. 

24  And  they  shall  come  over  thee  with 
weapons,''  chariots,  and  wheels,  and  with  an 
assembly  of  people,  buckler  and  shield  and 
helmet  shall  they  set  up  against  thee  round 
about :  and  I  will  give  up  before  them  the 
riglit  to  judge,  and  they  shall  judge  thee  ac- 
cording to  their  ordinances. 

25  And  I  will  set  m^'  zealousness  against 
thee,  and  they  shall  deal  with  thee  in  fury ; 
thy  nose  and  thy  ears  shall  they  cut  oiF;  and 
what  is  left  of  thee  shall  fall  by  the  sword : 
thy  sons  and  thy  daughters  shall  they  take 
away;  and  what  is  left  of  thee  shall  be  de- 
voured by  the  fire. 

26  And  they  shall  strip  thee  of  thy  clothes, 
and  take  away  thy  ornamental  attire. 

27  Thus  will  I  make  thy  incest  to  cease 
from  thee,  and  thy  lewdness  brought  from 
the  land  of  Egypt:  and  thou  shalt  not  lift  up 
thy  eyes  unto  them,  and  Egypt  shalt  thou 
not  remember  any  more. 

28  ]f  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Behold,  I  will  give  thee  up  into  the  hand  of 
those  whom  thou  hatest,  into  the  hand  of 
those  from  whom  thy  soul  hath  torn  itself 
away; 

29  And  they  shall  deal  with  thee  in  hate, 
and  shall  take  away  all  (things  acquired  by) 
thy  labour,  and  they  shall  leave  thee  naked 
and  bare:  and  thus  shall  be  uncovered  the 
nakedness  of  thy  lewdness,  and  thy  incest 
and  thy  lewd  deeds. 

30  1  will  do  these  things  unto  thee,  be- 
cause thou  hast  gone  witli  vile  lust  after  the 
nations,  because  thou  hast  defiled  thyself  with 
their  idols. 

31  On  the  way  of  thy  sister  hast  thou 
walked ;  therefore  will  I  place  her  cup"  into 
thy  hand. 

32  1[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
The  cup  of  thy  sister  shalt  thou  drink,  the 
deep  and  wide  one :  thou  shalt  become  to  be 


*  Lit.  "  those  called,"  i.  e.  to  public  assemblies  as  popu- 
lar representatives. 

''  Kashi,  "witli  numerous  hosts  to  hedge  them  in,  as 
with  a  thorn-hedye." 

"  i.  e.  The  .same  punishment  shall  befall  both. 

^  Rashi.  Others  refer  the  cud  of  the  verse  to  tlie  cup, 
and  render  it,  "it  containeth  niueli."  Zunz,  "so  us  to 
hi  Id  much." 

"  Zunz  and  l'hilipp.son  connect  this  with  "shalt  thou 
drink" — the  cup  of  astonisiiment;  regarding  the  oom- 
018 


laughed  to  scorn  and  to  be  held  in  derision, 
more  than  thou  canst  bear."* 

33  With  drunkenness  and  sorrow  shalt 
thou  be  filled,  (out  of)"  the  cup  of  astonish- 
ment and  confusion,  the  cup  of  thy  sister  Sar 
niaria. 

34  Thou  shalt  even  drink  it  and  drain  it 
out,  and  thou  shalt  break  in  pieces  its  frag- 
ments, and  tear  thy  own  breasts;  for  I  have 
spoken  it,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

35  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  thou  hast  forgotten  me,  and 
east  me  behind  thy  back:  therefore  bear  thou 
also  thy  incest  and  thy  acts  of  lewdness. 

30  ^i  The  Lord  said  moreover  unto  me. 
Son  of  man,  wilt  thou  call  Aholah  and  Aholi- 
bah  to  account?  then  tell  them  of  their  abo- 
minations ; 

37  That  they  have  committed  adultery, 
and  there  is  blood  on  their  hands,  and  with 
their  idols  have  they  committed  adultery,  and 
also  their  sons  whom  they  had  born  unto  me 
have  they  caused  to  pass  for  them  through 
(the  fire),  to  devour  them. 

38  Moreover  this  have  they  done  unto  me : 
they  have  defiled  ray  sanctuary  on  the  same 
day,  and  my  sabbaths  have  they  proianed. 

39  And  when  they  had  slain  their  children 
to  their  idols,  then  came  they  into  my  sanc- 
tuary on  the  same  day  to  profane  it:  and,  lo, 
thus  have  they  done  in  the  midst  of  my 
house. 

40  And  farthermore  yet,  because  they  sent 
for  men  who  were  to  come  from  aftir,  unto 
whom  messengers  were  sent;  and,  lo,  they 
came,  for  whom*^  thou  didst  bathe  thyself,  paint 
thy  eyes,  and  deck  thyself  with  ornaments; 

41  And  thou  didst  sit  upon  a  stately  bed, 
with  a  table  spread  before  it,  and  my  incense 
and  my  oil  didst  thou  set  upon  it. 

42  And  the  shout  of  a  peaceful  joyous  mul- 
titude was  (heard)  within  her;  and  with  the 
men  of  the  masses  of  the  common  people  were 
brought  Sabeans^  from  the  wilderness;  and 

mencement  of  the  verse  as  a  mere  parenthesis,  describ- 
ing the  effect  of  the  drinking. 

'  Jonathan,  "and  they  came  to  the  place  thou  hadst 
assigned  for  them,  while  thou  hadst,"  &c. 

*  Jonathan,  simply,  "those  who  surrounded  tliem." 
Others,  "drunkards;"  thus,  "and  with  the  men  of  the 
mas.ses  of  the  common  people  came  drunkards,  brought 
from  the  wilderness,"  which  description  tits  exactly  to  the 
orgies  of  the  idolaters,  where  licentiousness  was  mingled 
in  their  mysteries  and  solemn  festivities. 


EZEKTEL  XXIII.  XXIY 

these  women  placed  bracelets  on  their  hands, 
and  crowns  of  f^lory  upon  their  heads. 

43  Then  tliought  I  of  her  that  was  worn 
out  in  adulteries,  Will  they  now  (still)  com- 
mit lewdness  with  her,  when  she  (is  thus)?" 

44  But  men  went  in  unto  her,  as  they  go 
ill  unto  a  taithless  wife:  thus  went  they  in 
unto  Aholah  and  unto  Aholibah,  the  incestu- 
ous women. 

45  Righteous  men.  however — these  shall 
judge  them  as  adulteresses  are  judged,  and 
as  women  that  shed  l)lood  are  judged;  be- 
cause adulteresses  are  they,  and  blood  is  on 
their  hands. 

46  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  I 
will  bring  up  against  them  an  assemblage  of 
men,  and  I  will  give  tliem  up  to  ill-usage  and 
plunder. 

47  And  the  assemblage  shall  stone  them 
with  stones,  and  cut  them  down  with  their 
swords:  their  sons  and  their  daughters  shall 
they  slay,  and  their  houses  shall  they  burn 
with  fire. 

48  Thus  will  I  cause  incest  to  cease  out 
of  the  land,  that  all  women  may  be  warned 
by  example,  and  not  do  after  your  incestuous 
course. 

49  And  they  shall  lay  your  incest  upon 
you,  and  the  sins  of  your  idols  shall  ye  bear : 
and  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me  in  the  ninth  year,  in  the  tenth  month,  on 
the  tenth  day  of  the  month,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  write  thee  down  the  name 
of  this  day,  of  this  same  day:  the  king  of 
Babylon  hath  advanced  against  Jerusalem  on 
this  same  day. 

3  And  speak  concerning  the  rebellious 
family  a  parable,  and  say  unto  them.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Set  on  the  pot,  set 
it  on,  and  also  pour  water  into  it; 

4  Gather  the  proper  pieces  into  it,  every 
good  piece,  the  thigh,  and  the  shoulder;  fill 
it  up  with  the  choice  bones. 

5  Take  the  choice  of  the  flock,  and  make 

*  Philippson.  Rashi,  "now  will  her  lewdness  cease; 
but  she  remaineth  at  her  practices." 

'  Kashi.  Jonathan,  "filth."  Septuagint,  "rust."  The 
word,  however,  is  of  uncertain  derivation. 

'  i.  c.  Let  one  after  the  other  portion  of  the  people  of 


also  a  fire  for  the  bones  under  it:  cause  it  to 
seethe  well,  that  even  the  bones  therein  may 
be  fully  boiled  through. 

6  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Wo  to  the  city  of  blood-guiltiness, 
to  the  pot  the  scum''  of  which  is' yet  in  it, 
and  the  scum  of  which  is  not  gone  out  of  it! 
one  of  its  pieces'  after  the  other  take  out 
from  it :  no  lot  is  cast  for  it. 

7  For  her  blood  was  in  the  midst  of  her; 
on  the  naked  rock  did  she  i)lace  it :  she 
poured  it  not  upon  the  ground,  to  cover  it 
over  with  dust. 

8  To  cause  my  fury  to  arise  to  take  ven- 
geance, do  I  place  her  blood  upon  the  naked 
rock,  so  that  it  shall  not  be  covei'ed  up. 

9  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Wo  to  the  city  of  blood-guiltiness! 
I  also  will  myself  build  up  a  large  burning 
pile, 

10  Heaping  on  the  wood,  kindling  the 
fire,  thoroughly  boiling  the  flesh,  and  stir- 
ring the  mixture,  that  the  bones  may  be 
scorched. 

11  Then  will  I  set  it  empty  upon  its 
coals,  in  order  that  it  may  become  hot,  and 
its  copper  l)e  made  to  glow,  and  its  unclean- 
ness  may  he  molten  in  it,  that  its  scum  may 
be  consumed. 

12  With  fraud  hath  she  wearied  (the  poor); 
therefore  shall  not  go  forth  from  her  the  great- 
ness of  her  scum :  through  fire  shall  her  scum 
(be  removed).'' 

13  In  thy  uncleanness  is  (thy)  incest;  be- 
cause I  endeavoured  to  cleanse  thee,  and 
thou  wouldst  not  be  clean,  thou  shalt  not  be 
cleansed  from  thy  uncleanness  any  more, 
until  I  have  assuaged  my  fury  on  thee. 

14  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it;  it  cometh 
to  pass,  and  I  will  do  it;  I  will  not  recall  my 
decree,  and  I  will  not  have  pity,  nor  will  I 
repent:  according  to  thy  ways,  and  according 
to  thy  doings,  shall  men  judge  thee,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal. 

15  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
me,  saying, 

16  Son  of  man,  behold,  I  will  take  away 
from  thee  the  desire  of  thy  eyes  by  a  sudden 


Jerusalem  (the  pieces  in  the  pot)  be  all  carried  away, 
without  casting  lot,  as  none  shall  be  left. 

^  This  verse  is  given  after  Eashi.  Others,  "In  vain  is 
the  labour;  the  multitude  of  its  rust  (or  .-^oum)  will  not 
depart  from  it,"  &c. 

619 


EZEKIEL  XXIV.  XXV. 


death ;    but   thou    shalt   neither   mourn    nor 
weep,  nor  shalt  thou  shed  a  tear." 

17  Sigh  in  silence,''  make  no  mourning  for 
the  deceased,  thy  bonnet  bind  around  thy 
head,  and  thy  shoes  put  on  thy  feet,  and  cover 
not  thyself  to  thy  upper  lip,  and  eat  not  the 
bread  of  (other)"  men. 

18  And  when  I  had  spoken  unto  the  peo- 
ple in  the  morning,  my  wife  died  at  evening: 
and  I  did  in  the  morning  as  I  had  been  com- 
manded. 

19  And  the  people  said  unto  me,  Wilt  thou 
not  tell  us  what  these  things  mean  for  us, 
that  thou  doest  so? 

20  And  I  said  unto  them,  The  word  of  the 
Lord  came  unto  me,  saying, 

21  Speak  unto  the  house  of  Israel,  Thus 
liath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will 
protane  my  sanctuary,  the  pride  of  your 
strength,  the  desire  of  your  eyes,  and  the 
darling''  of  jour  soul:  and  your  sons  and  your 
daughters  whom  ye  have  left  behind  shall 
fall  by  the  sword. 

22  And  ye  shall  do  as  I  have  done :  ye 
shall  not  cover  yourselves  to  your  upper  lip, 
and  the  bread  of  other  men  shall  ye  not  eat. 

23  And  3'Our  bonnets  shall  be  around  your 
heads,  and  your  shoes  shall  be  on  your  feet : 
ye  sliall  not  mourn  nor  shall  ye  weep;  but 
ye  sliall  jiine  away  in  your  iniquities,  and 
groan,  looking  one  at  the  other. 

24  Thus  shall  Ezekiel  be  unto  you  for  a 
token  ;  in  accordance  with  all  that  he  hath 
done  shall  ye  do  :  when  this  cometh,  then 
shall  ye  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  Eternal. 

25  ^  Also,  thou  son  of  man,  behold,  on 
the  day  when  I  take  from  them  their  strong- 
hold, the  joy  of  their  glory,  the  desire  of  their 
eyes,  and  the  coveted  object  of  their  soul,  their 
sons  and  their  daughters, — 

20  On  that  day  there  shall  come  one  that 
hath  escaped  unto  thee,  and  announce  it  to 
thy  ears. 

27  On  that  day  shall  thy  mouth  be  open- 
ed tlirough  him  that  hath  escaped,  and  thou 
shalt  speak,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  silenced 


"  Lit.  "nor  sliall  thy  tear  come." 

''  Raslii,  "leave  oif  sighing." 

°  Alluding  to  the  custcim  that  the  niournor  prepares 
not  his  own  food,  hut  has  it  sent  to  him  from  (jtlicr  houses; 
this  verse  also  gives  us  indie;itions  how  uidurning  was 
kept  in  the  lime  of  Ezekiel. 

''  Ijit.  "the  sparing,"  or  that  whieh  one  would  reserve 
C20 


any  more  :'  and  thou  shalt  be  a  token  unto 
them,  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  Tl  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  against  the  sons 
of  'Amnion,  and  prophesy  against  them ; 

3  And  say  unto  the  sons  of  'Amnion,  Hear 
ye  the  word  of  the  Loi'd  Eternal,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Because  thou  hast 
said.  Aha,  concerning  my  sanctuary,  when  it 
was  profaned;  and  concerning  the  land  of  Is- 
rael, when  it  was  made  desolate;  and  con- 
cerning the  house  of  Judah,  when  they  went 
into  exile : 

4  Therefore,  behold,  I  Avill  give  thee  up  to 
the  children  of  the  east  for  a  possession,  and 
they  shall  set  up  their  towers^  in  thee,  and 
place  in  thee  their  dwellings;  they  shall  in- 
deed eat  thy  fruit,  and  they  shall  surely  drink 
thy  milk. 

5  And  I  will  change  Kabbah  into  a  pasture 
for  camels,  and  (the  land  of)  the  .sons  of  'Am- 
mon  into  a  resting-place  for  flocks :  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

6  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Whereas  thou  didst  clap  thy  hands,  and 
stamp  with  thy  feet,  and  rejoice  with  all  thy 
derision  in  the  soul  over  the  land  of  Israel : 

7  Therefore,  behold,  will  I  stretch  out  my 
hand  over  thee,  and  will  give  thee  up  for  a 
spoil  to  the  nations;  and  I  will  cut  thee  off 
from  the  people,  and  I  will  cause  thee  to 
perish  out  of  the  countries;  I  will  destroy 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

8  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Be- 
cause Moab  and  Se'ir  do  say.  Behold,  the 
house  of  Judah  is  like  all  the  nations: 

9  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  open  the  side 
of  Moilb  from  the  cities,  from  his  cities  on  his 
frontiers,  the  glory  of  the  country,  Beth-lia- 
yeshimoth,  Ba'al-me'on,  and  Kiryathayim, 

10  Unto  the  children  of  the  east  (coming) 


at  every  price — here  the  temple,  which  was  so  reverenced 
notwithstanding  the  people's  sinning. 

"  See  chap.  iii.  26;  but  now,  when  all  the  prophecy  has 
been  verified,  then  shall  the  prophet  have  no  more  occa- 
sion to  keep  silence,  but  speak  and  admonish  without  re- 
straint. 

'  Zun%,  "sheej)folds,"      Eng.  ver.  "p.Tlnces." 


EZEKIEL  XXV.  XXVI. 


against  the  sons  of  'Amnion,  and  I  will  give 
them  in  possession ;  in  order  that  the  sons 
of  'Amnion  may  not  be  remembered  among 
the  nations. 

11  And  on  Moab  will  I  execute  judgments: 
and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

12  Tf"  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Because  the  Edomites  have  acted  revengefully 
against  the  house  of  Judali,  and  have  greatly 
offended,  and  have  taken  vengeance*  on 
them : 

lo  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, I  will  also  stretch  out  my  hand  against 
Edom,  and  cut  off  from  it  man  and  beast; 
and  I  will  make  it  a  ruined  land  from  The- 
man;  and  they  of  Dedan  shall  fall  by  the 
sword. 

14  And  I  will  display  my  vengeance  on 
Edom  by  the  hand  of  my  people  Israel ;  and 
they  shall  do  in  Edom  according  to  my  anger 
and  according  to  my  fury:  and  they  shall 
feel  my  vengeance,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

15  1j  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Because  the  Philistines  have  acted  in  revenge, 
and  have  taken  vengeance  with  derision  in 
their  soul,  to  destroy  out  of  ancient  enmity  : 

16  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand 
against  the  Philistines,  and  I  will  cut  off  the 
Kerethim,  and  destroy  the  remnant  of  the 
(dwellers)  of  the  sea-coast. 

17  And  I  will  execute  on  them  great  ven- 
geances with  furious  chastisements:  and  they 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord,  when  I  dis- 
play my  vengeance  on  them. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  eleventh 
year,  on  the  first  day  of  the  month,'^'  that  the 
word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  because  Tyre  hath  said  con- 
cerning Jerusalem,  Aha,  she  is  broken  that 
was  the  gates  of  the  people;  she''  is  turned 
unto  me;  I  shall  be  made  full,  now  she  is 
laid  in  ruins: 

3  Therefore  tlius  hath  said  the  Lcjrd  Eter- 
nal, Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  0  Tyre,  and 

'  Zunz,  "and  when  they  suffered  for  their  guilt  exe- 
cuted revenge  against  them." 

^  The  month  is  not  given;  hence,  some  think  it  the 
first,  others  the  fourth,  when  Jerusalem  was  destroj-ed. 

°  Rashi,  "now  the  commerce  of  nations  will  be  turned 
to  me." 


will  bring  up  against  thee  many  nations,  as 
the  sea  causeth  its  Avaves  to  come  up. 

4  And  they  shall  destroy  the  walls  of  Tyre, 
and  pull  down  her  towers:  I  Avill  also  flood 
away  her  earth  from  her,  and  I  will  change 
her  into  a  naked  rock. 

5  A  place  for  the  spreading  out  of  nets 
shall  she  be  in  the  midst  of  the  sea;  for  I 
liave  spoken  it,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal:  and 
she  shall  become  a  spoil  to  the  nations. 

6  And  her  daughtei's  that  are  in  the  field 
shall  be  slain  with  the  sword:  and  thev  shall 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

7  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Behold,  I  will  bring  against  Tyre  Nebuchad- 
rezzar the  king  of  Babylon,  from  the  north, 
the  king  of  kings,  with  horses,  and  with  cha- 
riots, and  with  horsemen,  and  an  assemblage, 
and  a  numerous  people. 

8  Thy  daughters  in  the  field  will  he  slay 
with  the  sword :  and  he  shall  place  around 
thee  works  of  attack,  and  cast  up  against 
thee  a  mound,  and  erect  against  thee  a  tar- 
get-fence.'^ 

9  And  his  catapults  shall  he  set  against 
thy  walls,  and  thy  towers  shall  he  break 
down  with  his  axes. 

10  By  reason  of  the  abundance  of  his  horses 
shall  the  dust  they  raise  cover  thee:  by  reason 
of  the  noi.se  of  horsemen,  and  wheels,  and 
chariots,  shall  thy  walls  quake,  when  he  en- 
teretli  into  thy  gates,  as  men'  enter  into  a 
city  that  is  liroken  in. 

11  With  the  hoofs  of  his  horses  shall  he 
tread  down  all  thy  streets:  thy  people  will 
he  slay  with  the  sword,  and  the  statues''  of 
thy  strength  shall  come  down  to  the  ground. 

12  And  they  shall  plunder  thy  riches,  and 
make  a  spoil  of  thy  merchandise;  and  they 
shall  break  down  thy  walls,  and  thy  jjleasure- 
houses  shall  they  pull  down :  and  thy  stones 
and  thy  timber  and  thy  earth  shall  they 
throw  into  the  midst  of  the  water.^ 

13  And  I  will  cause  the  sound  of  thy  songs 
to  cease :  and  the  tones  of  thy  harj)s  shall  not 
be  heard  any  more. 

14  And  I  wall  change  thee  into  a  naked 


"*  A  warlike  mauceuvre,  whore  the  soldiers  interlocked 
their  shields  when  they  went  to  attack — testudo. 

°  Zunz,  "as  through  the  passages  into,"  &c. 

'  i.  c.  Of  the  idols  un  which  they  relied  as  their  strength. 

*  Although  this  prophecy  was  not  at  once  fulfilled,  the 
present  state  of  Tvre  (Sur)  is  jii  strict  accordance. 

631 


EZEKIEL  XXVI.  XXVII. 


rock;  a  place  to  spread  out  nets  upon  shalt 
thou  be;  thou  shalt  not  be  rebuilt  any  more; 
for  I  the  Lord  have  spoken  it,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

15  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal 
to  Tyro,  Truly  at  the  noise  of  thy  fall, 
when  the  deadly  wounded  whine,  when  the 
slaughter  taketh  place  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
shall  the  islands  quake. 

10  Then  shall  all  the  princes  of  the  sea 
come  down  from  their  thrones,  and  lay  aside 
their  robes,  and  their  broidered  garments 
shall  they  put  oft':  with  trembling  shall  they 
clothe  themselves;  upon  the  ground  shall 
they  sit,  and  shall  tremble  at  every  moment,'' 
and  be  astonished  concerning  thee. 

17  And  they  shall  lift  up  over  thee  a  la- 
mentation, and  say  to  thee,  How  art  thou 
lost,  that  wast  inhabited  (safely)  by  reason 
of  the  seas:''  0  renowned  city,  which  was 
strong  on  the  sea,  she  and  her  inhabitants, 
who  caused  their  terror  to  be  on  all  that  dwelt 
around  her!" 

18  Now  shall  the  isles  tremble  on  the  day 
of  thy  fall;  yea,  the  isles  that  are  in  the  sea 
shall  be  troubled  at  thy  end.** 

19  ^[  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
When  I  render  thee  a  ruined  city,  like  the 
cities  that  are  not  inhabited;  when  I  bring 
up  over  thee  the  deep,  and  when  the  great 
waters  cover  thee  : 

20  Then  will  I  l)ring  thee  down  with 
those  that  descend  into  the  pit,  unto  the 
people  of  olden  time,  and  I  will  cause  thee 
to  dwell  in  the  land  of  the  nether  world, 
among  ruins  of  ancient  days,  with  those  that 
go  down  to  the  pit,  in  order  that  thou  mayest 
not  he  inhabited;  but  I  will  bestow  glory  in 
the  land  of  life. 

21  As  though  thou  hadst  not  been"  will  I 
render  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  no  more:  and 
thou  shalt  be  sought  for,  but  thou  shalt  never 
be  found  any  more  to  eternity,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 


*  Raslii,  "they  shall  dread   for   their   own   downfall." 
Zunz,  "shall  tremble  with  affright." 

*  Rashi.     Others,  "inhabited  by  men  who  navigate  the 
seas." 

*  Rashi ;  butRedak,  "all  who  dwell  on  (Eug.  ver.  htiniit) 
the  sea." 

''  Lit.  "going  forth,"  i.  c  out  of  the  world. 

'Jonathan.     Zuuz,    "an    unsubstantial    thing    will    I 
make    thee,    and    thou    slialt    pass    away."      Philippsou, 
"suddenly  will  1  annihilate  thee,"  &c. 
G22 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  take  up  a  lor 
mentation  for  Tyre; 

3  And  say  unto  Tyre,  0  thou  that  art 
situated  at  the  entrances  of  the  sea,  the  mer- 
chant of  the  people  unto  many  isles.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  0  Tyre,  thou 
hast  indeed  said,  I  am  perfect  in  Ijeauty. 

4  In  the  heart  of  the  seas  were  thy  bounda- 
ries,*^ thy  builders  had  perfected  thy  beauty. 

5  Of  the  fir-trees  from  Senir  had  the}'  built 
thee  all  thy  wood-work :  cedars  from  Lebanon 
had  they  taken  to  make  masts  for  thee. 

6  Of  the  oaks  of  Bashan  had  they  made 
th}'  oars;  thy  rudder^  had  they  made  inlaid 
with  ivory  of  boxwood,  brought  out  of  the 
isles  of  the  Kittim. 

7  Fine  linen  with  broidered  work  from 
Egypt  was  thy  flag''  to  be  unto  thee  a  sign : 
of  blue  and  purple  from  the  isles  of  Elishah 
was  thy  cover.' 

8  The  inhabitants  of  Zidon  and  Arvad 
were  thy  oarsmen:  thy  wise  men,  0  Tjre, 
that  were  in  thee,  these  were  thy  pilots. 

9  The  elders  of  Gebal  and  her  wise  men 
were  in  thee  thy  caulkers :''  all  the  ships  of 
the  sea  with  their  mariners  were  in  thee  to 
carry  on  thy  commerce. 

10  They  of  Persia'  and  of  Lud  and  of  Put 
were  in  thy  army,  thy  men  of  war :  the  shield 
and  the  helmet  did  they  hang  up  in  thee; 
these  gave  thee  thy  elegance. 

11  The  men  of  Arvad  with  th}'  aiiu\  were 
upon  thy  walls  round  iibout,  and  the  Gamma- 
dim  were  in  thy  towers:  their  quivers'"  they 
hung  upon  th}'  walls  round  about;  these 
made  perfect  thy  beauty. 

12  Tharshish  was  tl'iy 
the  abundance  of  all  kind 


through 


markets. 


tin,  and   lead, 


merchant 

of  wealth:  with  sil- 

the^'  supplied   thy 


'  Alluding  to  new  Tyre,  which  was  built  on  an  island. 

*  Rashi.  D'^K'^!  n3  is  given  by  Zunz  with  "Bath-ashu- 
rim;"   thus,  "of  ivory  of  Bath-ashurim." 

''  Philippson,  the  flag  being  the  distinguishing  token  of 
nationality.     Rashi  and  others,  "sails." 

'  A  sort  of  tent  over  the  ship. 

''  Lit.  "the  strengtheners  of  thy  leak." 

'  Meaning,  that  as  the  rough  sea  labour  was  performed 
by  foreigners,  so  were  the  soldiers  also  hired  from  abroad. 

°  Others,  "shields." 


13  Javan,  Thubal,  and  Meshech,  these  were 
thy  merchants :  with  the  persons  of  men  and 
vessels  of  copper  they  carried  on  thy  com- 
merce. 

14  They  of  the  family  of  Thogarmah  fur- 
nished thy  supplies  in  horses  and  horsemen 
and  mules. 

15  The  men  of  Dedan  were  thy  merchants; 
many  isles  fetched  the  merchandise  from  thy 
place:  chamois  horns,  ivory,  and  ebony"  did 
they  bring  as  presents  for  thee. 

16  S^ria  was  thy  trader  b}'  reason  of  the 
multitude  of  thy  productions :  with  emeralds, 
purple,  and  broidered  work,  and  fine  linen, 
and  coral,  and  rubies  they  made  deposits  in 
thy  treasuries.'' 

17  Judah,  and  the  land  of  Israel,  these 
were  thy  merchants :  in  wheat  of  Minnith,  and 
balsam,"  and  honey,  and  oil,  and  balm  they 
carried  on  thy  commerce. 

18  Damascus  was  thy  trader  in  the  mul- 
titude of  thy  productions,  for  the  multitude  of 
all  wealth,  with  the  wine  of  Chelbon,  and 
white  wool. 

19  Dan  also  and  Javan  brought  silken  goods 
into  thy  warehouses:  hardened  iron,  cassia, 
and  calamus  came  among  thy  commerce. 

20  Dedan  was  thy  merchant  in  precious 
clothes  for  riding  on. 

21  Arabia,  and  all  the  princes  of  Kedar, 
these  were  the  traders  of  thy  place  in  lambs, 
and  wethers,  and  he-goats :  in  these  were  they 
thv  traders. 

22  The  merchants  of  Sheba  and  Ra'mah, 
— these  were  thy  merchants:  in  the  best  of 
all  spices,  and  with  all  precious  stones,  and 
gold,  they  furnished  thy  supplies. 

2.3  Charan,  and  Canneh,  and  'Eden,  the 
merchants  of  Sheba,  Asshur,  (and)  Kilmad, 
were  thy  merchants. 

24  These  were  thy  merchants  in  orna- 
mental wares,  in  cloaks  of  l)lue,  and  broid- 
ered work,  and  in  chests  of  damask  cloth, 
bound  with  cords,  and  packed  in  cedar,  in 
thy  market-])lace. 

25  The  ships  of  Thanshish  were  thy  cara- 
vans in  thy  commerce:  and  tliou  wast  made 
full,  and  becamest  very  rich  in  the  heart  of 
the  seas. 


'  Rashi,  "peacocks." 

''  Jonathan.     Others,  "  tliey  traded   in   thy   markets," 
or  "  fairs." 


EZEKIEL  XXVII.  XXVIII. 

26  Into 


great  ^atei-s 


lirought 


thee  those 
that  were  thy  rowers:  the  east  wi)ul  hath 
broken  thee  in  the  heart  of  the  seas.'' 

27  Thy  wealth,  and  tliy  warehouses,  thy 
commerce,  thy  mariners,  and  thy  pilots,  thy 
caulkers,  and  the  conductors  of  thy  commerce, 
and  all  thy  men  of  war  that  were  in  thee, 
and  in  all  thy  assemblage  which  was  in  the 
midst  of  thee,  fell  into  the  heart  of  the  seas 
on  the  Any  of  thy  downflill. 

28  At  the  sound  of  the  painful  cry  of  thy 
pilots  quake  (thy)  rural  districts. 

29  And  all  that  handle  the  oar,  the  mari- 
ners, and  all  the  pilots  of  the  sea,  come  down 
from  tlieir  ships,  the\'  stand  upon  the  land; 

30  And  cause  their  voice  to  be  heard  con- 
cerning thee,  and  cry  bitterly,  and  cast  up 
dust  upon  their  heads,  thej-  wallow  in  the 
ashes ; 

31  And  they  make  themselves  utterly  bald 
for  thee,  and  gird  themselves  with  sackcloth, 
and  they  weep  for  thee  with  bitterness  of  heart 
in  a  bitter  complaint. 

32  And  they  take  in  their  wailing  a  la- 
mentation for  thee,  and  lament  over  thee, 
saying,  Who  is  like  Tyre,  who  is  so  utterly 
destroyed  in  the  midst  of  the  sea? 

33  When  thy  supplies  went  forth  out  of 
the  seas,  thou  didst  satisty  many  people:  with 
the  multitude  of  thy  wealth  and  of  thy  com- 
merce thou  didst  enrich  the  kings  of  the 
earth. 

34  (Now)  at  the  time  thou  art  broken  by 
the  seas  in  the  depths  of  the  waters,  thy  com- 
merce and  all  thy  assemblage  fell  in  the  midst 
of  thee. 

35  All  the  inhabitants  of  the  isles  ai'e  as- 
tonished at  thee,  and  the  hair  of  their  kings 
stand  at  an  end,  grieved  are  their  counte- 
nances. 

36  The  traders  among  the  people  shall  hiss 
concerning  thee :  thou  wast  rendered  as  though 
thou  hadst  not  been,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  any 
more  for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  say  unto  the  prince  of  Tyre, 


°  Rashi.     Jonathan,  "sweet  cakes." 
^  The  prophet  describes  Tyre  as  though  she  suffered 
shipwreck  after  being  afloat  on  the  water. 

623 


EZEKIEL  XXVIII. 


Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Whereas 
thy  heart  was  lifted  up,  and  thou  saidst,  A 
god  am  I,  on  the  seat  of  the  gods  do  I  dwell, 
in  the  heart  of  the  seas ;  yet  thou  art  but  a 
man,  and  not  God,  while  thou  esteemest*  thy 
mind  equal  to  the  mind  of  God ; 

3  Behold,  thou  wast**  wiser  than  Daniel; 
no  secret  was  obscure  to  thee; 

4  With  thy  wisdom  and  with  thy  under- 
standing hadst  thou  gotten  thee  riches,  and 
hadst  gotten  gold  and  silver  into  thy  treasuries ; 

5  By  the  abundance  of  thy  wisdom  in  thy 
traffic  hadst  thou  increased  thy  I'iches;  and 
thy  heart  was  lifted  up  because  of  thy  riches : 

6  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  thou  hast  esteemed  thy 
mind  equal  to  the  mind  of  God, 

7  Therefore,  behold,  will  I  bring  over  thee 
strangers,  the  fiercest  of  nations;  and  they 
shall  draw  their  swords  against  the  beauty" 
of  thy  wisdom,  and  they  shall  pi'ofane  thy 
elegance. 

8  Down  to  the  grave  will  they  cast  thee, 
and  thou  shalt  die  the  deaths  of  the  slain  in 
the  heart  of  the  seas. 

9  Wilt  thou  then  say,  I  am  God,  before 
him  that  slayeth  thee?  when  thou  art  but  a 
man,  and  no  God,  in  the  hand  of  him  that 
fatally  woundeth  thee. 

10  The  deaths  of  the  uncircumcised  shalt 
thou  die  by  the  hand  of  strangers ;  for  I  have 
spoken  it,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

11^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

12  Son  of  man,  take  up  a  lamentation  con- 
cerning the  king  of  Tyre,  and  say  unto  him, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Thou  wast 
complete  in  outline,*^  full  of  wisdom,  and  per- 
fect in  beauty. 

13  In  'Eden  the  garden  of  God  didst  thou 
abide;  every  precious  stone  was  thy  covering, 
the  sardius,  the  topaz,  and  the  diamond,  the 
chrysolite,  the  onyx,  and  the  jasper,  the  sap- 
lihire,  the  emerald,  and  the  carbuncle,  and 
gold;  thy  tabrets  and  thy  flutes  of  artificial 


°  Lit.  "settest  thy  heart  as  the  heart  of  God." 

'  All  this  is  ironical;   the  king  of  Tyre  had  thought 
himself  wiser  than  all,  even  Daniel. 

"  I.  e.  The  works  of  art  and  elegance  produced  by  Tyre's 
wisdom. 

''  Rashi,  "Thou  art  full  of  wisdom  to  seal  and  engrave 
any  picture  and  form." 

°  The  prophet  represents  the  king  of  Tyre  as  received 
at  his  birth  with  the  sound  of  mu.tic, 
624 


workmanship  were  prepared  in  thee  on  the 
day  that  thou  wast  created." 

14  Thou  wast  a  cherub  with  outspread 
covering  (wings);  and  I  had  set  thee  upon 
the  holy  mountain  of  God  (as)  thou  wast;' 
in  the  midst  of  the  stones  of  fire  didst  thou 
wander.^ 

15  Perfect  wast  thou  in  thy  ways  from  the 
day  that  thou  wast  created,  till  wickedness 
was  found  in  thee. 

16  By  the  abundance  of  thy  commerce 
thou  wast  filled  to  thy  centre  with  violence, 
and  thou  didst  sin:  therefore  I  degraded  thee 
out  of  the  mountain  of  God;  and  I  destroyed 
thee,  0  covering  cherub,  from  the  midst  of 
the  stones  of  fire. 

17  Thy  heart  was  lifted  up  through  tby 
beauty,  thou  didst  corrupt  thy  wisdom  by- 
reason  of  thy  elegance:  (therefore)  I  cast 
thee  down  to  the  ground,  before  kings  did  I 
set  thee  that  they  might  gaze  on  thee. 

18  Through  the  abundance  of  thy  iniquities, 
through  the  wickedness  of  thy  commerce 
didst  thou  profane  thy  sanctuaries :  therefore 
brought  I  forth  fire  from  the  midst  of  thee, 
this  devoured  thee,  and  I  changed  thee  to 
ashes  upon  the  earth  before  the  eyes  of  all 
those  that  saw  thee. 

19  All  that  know  thee  among  the  people 
are  astonished  concerning  thee:  thou  art  as 
though  thou  hadst  not  been,  and  thou  shalt 
not  be  any  more  for  ever. 

20  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  to 
me,  saying, 

21  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  against  Zidon, 
and  prophesy  against  it, 

22  And  thou  shalt  say.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  am  against  thee,  O 
Zidon,  and  I  will  Ije  honoured  in  the  midst 
of  thee:  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord,  Avhen  I  execute  judgments  on  her,  and 
will  be  sanctified  on  her. 

23  And  I  will  send  out  against  her  pesti- 
lence, and  blood  (-shedding)  into  her  streets; 
and  the  deadly  wounded  shall  be  felled''  in 


'  Alluding  to  Hiram  aiding  Solomon  in  the  building  of 
the  temple.  Philippsou  renders  n'Tl  as  nvnS  "I  set  thee 
to  be  ou  the  mountain  of  God."  So  also  llashi.  The 
Tyrians  also  were  at  first  friends  of  Israel. 

*  Philippsou  explains  this,  ''covered  with  a  blaze  nf 
precious  stones." 

'  Jonathan.  Rashi,  "they  shall  cxpi'ct  that  there  shall 
be  men  slain  by  the  sword,"  or  "adjudge  themselves  to 
be  slain,"  &c. 


BAKL;CH     Wlx'Il  IX(  V      iHli     1    WOl-'HKC  IKS    t)K    J  KKK.MI^M  I 


EZEKIEL  XXVIII.  XXIX. 


the  midst  of  her  by  the  sword  (that  is)  against 
her  from  every  side:  and  they  shall  know- 
that  I  am  the  Lokd. 

24  And  there  shall  be  no  more  unto  the 
house  of  Israel  a  pricking  brier,  nor  painful 
thorn  from  all  that  are  round  about  them, 
that  despoil"  them:  and  they  shall  know  that 
I  am  the  Lord  Eternal. 

25  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
When  I  gather  the  house  of  Israel  from  the 
people  among  whom  they  are  scattered,  and*" 
shall  be  sanctified  on  them  before  the  eyes  of 
the  nations :  then  shall  they  dwell  in  their 
land  that  I  have  given  to  my  servant  Jacol). 

20  And  they  shall  dwell  thereupon  in  safe- 
ty, and  they  shall  build  houses,  and  plant 
vineyards;  yea,  they  shall  dwell  in  safety; 
when  I  execute  judgments  on  all  those  that 
despoiled  them  from  round  about  them:  and 
they  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  their 
God. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^f  In  the  tenth  year,  in  the  tenth  month, 
0)1  the  twelfth  day  of  the  month,  came  the 
word  of  the  Lord  unto  me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  against  Pha- 
raoh the  king  of  Egypt,  and  prophesy  against 
him,  and  against  all  Egypt. 

3  Speak  and  say.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee,  0 
Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt,  the  great  crocodile 
that  lieth  in  the  midst  of  his  streams,  who 
liath  said.  Mine  is  my  stream,  and  I  have 
made  it  for  mjself 

4  But  I  will  put  hooks  in  thy  jaws,  and  I 
will  fasten  the  fish  of  th}'  streams  on  thy 
scales ;  and  I  will  bring  thee  up  out  of  the 
midst  of  thy  streams,  with  all  the  fish  of  thy 
streams  whicli  .shall  stick  fast  on  thy  scales. 

5  And  I  will  cast  thee  out  into  the  wilder- 
ness, thee  with  all  the  fish  of  thy  streams; 
upon  the  open  field  shalt  thou  tall;  thou  shalt 
not  be  brought  in,  nor  gathered  up:  to  the 


Othe 


'that 


"  llaslii.      Zuiiz,  "that   assail   them 
despise  them." 

''  Zunz,  "then  will  I  be,  &c.— and  they  shall  dwell." 

*■  See  also  Isaiah  xxxvi.  6.  This  means,  as  little  sup- 
port as  a  common  fragile  reed  would  be  if  a  man  were  to 
lean  on  it,  as  he  would  do  on  a  stout  oaken  or  other 
tirm  staff. 

■*  i.  e.  Those  who  thought  tliey  could  rest  their  feeble 
limbs  upon  this  prop  had,  notwithstanding  their  weakness, 
41) 


beasts  of  the  Held  and  to  the  fowls  of  the 
heaven  have  I  given  thee  for  food. 

6  And  all  the  inhabitants  of  Egypt  shall 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord;  because  they  have 
been  a  reed-staff'^  to  the  house  of  Israel. 

7  When  they  took  hold  of  thee  witli  the 
hand,  thou  wast  cracked,  and  didst  rend  for 
tliemTiTI  the  shoulder:  and  when  they  leaned 
upon  thee,  thou  wast  broken,  and  madest  all 
their  loins  to  be  at  a  stand." 

8  Tl  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  Ijring  a  sword  upon 
thee,  and  I  will  cut  ofi"  out  t)f  thee  man  and 
beast. 

9  And  the  land  of  Egypt  shall  be  changed 
into  a  waste  and  ruin,  and  tliey  shall  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord;  because  he  hath  said, 
The  stream  is  mine,  and  I  have  made  it. 

10  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  be  against 
thee,  and  against  thy  streams,  and  I  will 
render  the  land  of  Egypt  a  mass  of  ruins,  a 
waste,  and  a  wilderness,  from  Migdol  to  Se- 
veneh''  even  up  to  the  l)order  of  Ethiojiia. 

11  There  shall  not  pass  through  it  the  foot 
of  man,  and  the  foot  of  beast  shall  not  pass 
through  it,  and  it  shall  not  be  inhabited  forty 
years. 

12  And  I  will  render  the  land  of  Egypt  ii 
desolate  land  in  the  midst  of  desolated  coun- 
tries, and  her  cities  among  the  cities  thtit  are 
ruined  shall  be  desolate  forty  years:  and  I 
will  scatter  the  Egyptians  among  the  nations, 
and  will  disperse  them  through  the  countries. 

13  Tf  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
(only)  at  the  end  of  forty  years  will  I  gather 
the  Egyptians  from  the  people  whither  they 
shall  have  been  scattered; 

14  And  I  will  bring  back  the  captivity  of 
Egypt,  and  will  cause  them  to  return  into  the 
land  t)f  Pathi'os,  into  the  land  of  their  own 
origin:  and  tliey  shall  be  there  an  unimport- 
ant kino'dom. 

15  Among  the  kingdoms  it  shall  be  the 
lowest  ;'^  neither  shall  it  rai.se  itself  any  more 


to  strengthen  themselves,  to  stand  erect.  ()thers  read  for 
rno;?ni  "thou  causedst  to  stand,"  rni'Om  "thou  eausedst 
to  be  out  of  joint." 

°  i.  e.  From  Migdol,  the  northern,  toSe^ei.jh,  tlio  south- 
ern boundary,  called  by  the  Greeks,  Syene,  now  Assouan. 

'  The  population  of  ancient  Egypt  ha.s  entirely  disap- 
peared, and  those  that  rule  there  now  arc  aliens  to  the 
soil.  The  Copts  themselves  are  scarcely  tb.e  u'imixed  de- 
scendants of  the  former  inhabitants. 

1)25 


EZEKIEL  XXIX.  XXX. 


above  the  nations :  and  I  will  diminish  them, 
that  they  shall  no  more  rule  over  the  na- 
tions. 

l(j  And  it  shall  be  no  more  unto  the  house 
of  Israel  for  a  dependence,  bringing  (their) 
iniquity  to  remembrance,  when  they  turned' 
after  them:  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

17  ^[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  seven 
and  twentieth  year,  in  the  first  month,  on  the 
first  of  the  month,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
came  unto  me,  saying, 

18  Son  of  man,  Nebuchadrezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon  hath  caused  his  army  to  perform  a 
great  service*  against  Tyre;  every  head  hath 
been  made  bald,  and  every  shoulder  hath 
been  rubbed  sore :  yet  no  reward  hath  come 
to  him  or  to  his  army  from  Tyre,  for  the  ser- 
vice that  he  hath  performed  against  it. 

19  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  give  unto  Nelmchad- 
rezzar  the  king  of  Babjdon  the  land  of 
Egypt;  and  he  shall  carry  away  its  multi- 
tude, and  take  its  spoil,  and  plunder  its  prey: 
and  this  shall  be  the  reward  ibr  his  army. 

20  As  his  recompense  for  that  which  he 
hath  .served  against  it,  have  I  "iven  him  the 
land  of  Egypt,  ibr  that  which  they  had  done 
against"  me,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

21  On  that  day''  will  I  cause  to  grow  a 
horn  tor  the  house  of  Israel,  and  unto  thee 
will  1  open  the  mouth"  in  the  midst  of  them: 
and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  Tf  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  prophesy  and  say,  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Wail  ye.  Wo  unto 
the  day! 

o  For  nigh  is  the  day,  yea  nigh  is  the  day 
of  the  Lord;  a  cloudy  day;  the  time  of  the 
nations'  (misfortune)  shall  it  be. 

4  And  the  sword  shall  come  into  Egypt, 
and   there   shall   be    trembling   in    Ethiopia, 

'  i.  e.  Seeking  succnur  from  Egypt,  as  was  often  done 
in  the  later  period  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah.  (Compare 
with  Exod.  xiv.  13;  Deut.  xvii.  16.) 

''  Tie  besieged  it  thirteen  years  after  eoiiqucring  Jeru- 
.^aUnii,  without  taking  it. 

'  Jonathan;  i.  e.  the  sin  the  Egyptians  had  committed. 
Otiiers,  "bccanse   tlicy  ( Nebiichaiinc/.ziir  and    his   army) 
have  laboured  for  me;"  /.  c.  in  besieging  Tyre. 
626 


when  the  slain  fall  in  Egypt,  aiii  when  tliey 
take  away  its  multitude,  and  its  foundations 
shall  be  broken  down. 

5  Ethiopia,  and  Put,  and  Lud,  and  all  the 
confederates,  and  Cub,  and  all  the  men  of  the 
leagued  land,  shall  lall  with  them  l)y  the 
sword. 

6  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Yea,  there 
shall  fall  those  that  uphold  Egypt;  and  there 
shall  come  down  the  pride  of  her  strength: 
from  Migdol  to  Seveneh  shall  they  fall  in  her 
by  the  sword,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

7  And  they  shall  be  made  desolate  in  the 
midst  of  the  desolate  countries,  and  its  cities 
shall  be  counted  in  the  midst  of  the  cities 
that  have  been  laid  in  ruins. 

8  And  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord,  when  I  set  fire*^  to  Egypt,  and  when  all 
her  helpers  shall  be  broken. 

9  On  that  day  shall  messengers  go  l()rth 
from  my  presence  in  ships  to  terrify  the  secure 
Ethiopians,  and  there  shall  be  tremljling 
among  them,  as  on  the  day  of  Egypt ;  lor,  lo, 
it  Cometh. 

10  TI  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
I  will  also  cause  the  multitude  of  Egypt  to 
cease  through  the  hand  of  Nebuchadrezzar 
the  king  of  Babylon. 

11  He  and  his  people  with  him,  the  fiercest 
of  nations,  shall  be  brought  to  destroy  the 
land;  and  they  shall  draw  their  swords 
against  Egypt,  and  they  shall  fill  the  land 
with  the  slain. 

12  And  I  will  render  the  streams  dry,  and 
sell  the  land  into  the  hand  of  e\il  men;  and 
I  will  make  the  land  desolate,  and  all  that 
filleth  it,  by  the  hand  of  strangers:  I  the 
Lord  have  spoken  it. 

13  ]f  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
I  will  also  destroy  the  idols,  and  I  will  cause 
false  gods  to  cease  out  of  Noph ;  and  a  prince 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  slndl  there  not  be 
any  more:  and  I  will  lay  tear  on  the  land  of 
Egypt. 

14  And  I  will  make  Pathros  desolate,  and 


''  Philippson  supposes  this  to  mean  an  indefinite  fu- 
ture consolation  of  Israel.  We  may  add,  as  sure  as  the 
humbling  of  Egypt  took  place,  which  was  soon  verified,  so 
sure  shall  lie  the  restoration  of  Israel. 

'  Lit.  "give  the  opening  of  the  mouth;"  meaning,  the 
prophet  shall  be  able  to  refer  to  the  accomplishment  as 
the  verification  of  his  mission. 

'  Fire  signifies  destruction  through  invading  enemies. 


EZEKIEL  XXX.  XXXI. 


set   fire   to   Zo'an;  and   I  will  execute  judg- 
ments in  No. 

15  And  I  will  pour  my  fury  over  Sin,  the 
stronghold  of  Eg}pt;  and  I  will  cut  oft"  the 
multitude  of  No. 

16  And  I  will  set  fire  to  Egypt :  Sin  .shall 
have  great  pain,  and  No  shall  Ije  broken  in, 
and  (over)  Noph  shall  the  besiegers  (prevail) 
by  broad  day." 

17  The  voung  men  of  Aven  and  of  Pi-bes- 
seth  shall  foil  by  the  sword :  and  they  them- 
selves shall  go  into  captivity. 

18  And  at  Thechaphneches  the  day  shall 
be  darkened,  when  I  break  there  the  yoke- 
bars  of  Egypt,  and  the  pride  of  her  strength 
ceaseth  therein :  as  for  her,  a  cloud  shall 
cover  her,  and  her  daughters  shall  go  into 
captivity. 

19  Thus  will  I  execute  judgments  on 
Egypt:  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

20  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  eleventh 
year,  in  the  first  month,  on  the  seventh  day 
of  the  month,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
unto  me,  saying, 

21  Son  of  man,  the  arm  of  Pharaoh  the 
king  of  Egypt  have  I  broken;  and,  lo,  it  shall 
not  be  bound  up  to  apply  remedies,  to  put  on 
a  bandage  to  bind  it  up,  to  make  it  strong 
that  it  may  grasp  the  sword. 

22  ][  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  be  against  Pliaroah 
the  king  of  Egypt,  and  will  break  his  arms, 
both  the  strong,  and  that  which  was  already 
broken  ;  and  1  will  cause  the  sword  to  foil 
out  of  his  hand. 

23  And  I  will  scatter  the  Egyptians  among 
the  nations,  and  I  will  disperse  them  through 
the  countries. 

24  And  I  will  strengthen  the  arms  of  the 
king  of  Babylon,  and  I  will  put  my  sword  in 
his  hand;  but  I  will  break  the  arms  of  PIkv 
raoh,  and  he  shall  groan,  with  the  groanings 
of  a  deadly  wounded  man  before  him. 

25  Yea  I  will  make  strong''  the  arms  of  the 
king  of  Babylon,  but   the  arms  of  Pharaoh 


°  /.  e.  They  shall  not  come  by  stratagem,  but  by  open 
and  daring  assault.  Rashi,  "daily;"  thus,  the  besiegers 
shall  come  against  it  day  after  day. 

*■  Meaning,  the  reuiaiuing  inhabitants  other  than  the 
young  men  who  have  fa.Uen  in  battle. 

°  Rashi  renders  this,  "I  will  uphold." 

^  Meaning,  because  Egypt  is  to  be  punished  for  wrong 


shall  fall  down :  and  they  shall  know  that  I 
am  the  Lord,  when  1  place  my  sword''  into 
the  hand  of  the  king  of  Babylon,  that  he  may 
stretch  it  out  over  the  land  of  Egypt. 

26  And  I  will  scatter  the  Egyptians  among 
the  nations,  and  disperse  them  among  the 
covnitries :  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  eleventh 
year,  in  the  third  month,  on  the  first  day 
of  the  month,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came 
unto  me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  say  unto  Pharaoh  the  king 
of  Egypt,  and  to  his  multitude,  Unto  whom 
art  thou  like  in  thy  arrogance? 

3  Behold,  Asshur  was  a  cedar  in  Lebanon 
beautiful  in  its  boughs,  and  a  shadt)wing 
thicket,  and  high  in  stature;  and  among  the 
thick-boughed  trees  was  its  highest  branch. 

4  The  waters  made  it  great,  the  deep  made 
it  high,  with  its  rivers'"  it  wtis  flowing  round 
the  place  where  it  was  planted,  and  its  ditches 
it  sent  forth  unto  all  the  trees  of  the  field. 

5  Therefore  became  its  stature  higher  than 
all  the  trees  of  the  field,  and  its  boughs  were 
multiplied,  and  its  branches  became  long  be- 
cause of  the  multitude  of  waters,  when  it 
stretched  itself  forth. 

6  In  its  boughs  made  all  the  fowls  of  hetv 
ven  their  nest,  and  under  its  branches  did  all 
the  beasts  of  the  field  bring  forth  their  young, 
and  under  its  shade  dwelt  all  great  nations. 

7  And  it  was  Ix'autiful  in  its  greatness,  in 
the  length  of  its  light  branches;  for  its  root 
was  by  many  waters. 

8  The  cedars  could  not  obscure  it  in  the 
garden  of  God;  the  firs  were  not  like  its 
boughs,  and  the  chestnut-trees  were  not  like 
its  branches:  not  any  tree  in  the  garden  of 
God  was  like  luito  it  in  its  beauty. 

9  Beautiful  had  I  made  it  by  the  multitude 
of  its  light  branches :  so  that  all  the  trees  of 
'Eden  that  were  in  the  garden  of  God,  en- 
vied it. 


done  against  God's  people,  Nebuchadnezzar  wields  in  his 
wars  the  sword  of  God,  not  his  own;  as  indeed  the  Scriptures 
always  represent  the  events  they  record  as  God's  acts. 

"  i.  e.  The  deep,  with  the  ri'-e-p  it  produced,  flowed 
around  this  cedar,  and  the  ditv^nos  thence  derived  for  ir- 
rigation extended  the  superabund-'jicc.  of  the  water  to  aU 
other  trees  near  it. 

627 


EZEKIEL  XXXI.  XXXII. 


10  ]|  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Because  thou  wast  so  high  in  sta- 
ture, and  it  had  placed  its  highest  branch  be- 
tween the  thick-boug.hed  trees,  and  its  heart 
was  lifted  up  through  its  height: 

11  Therefore  do  I  give  it  up  into  the  hand 
of  the  mighty  one  of  the  nations;  he  shall 
surely  deal  with  it  at  his  pleasure;  for  its 
wickedness  do  I  drive  it  out. 

12  And  strangers,  the  fiercest  of  nations, 
cut  it  down,  and  cast  it  to  the  ground:  on 
the  mountains  and  in  all  the  vallejs  fall  its 
light  branches,  and  its  boughs  are  (lying) 
broken  in  all  the  ravines  of  the  land;  and 
all  the  people  of  the  earth  are  gone  away 
from   its    shade,    and    have    cast    it    to    the 

gTOUud. 

13  Upon  its  fallen  fragments  dwell  all  the 
fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  on  its  branches  are 
all  the  beasts  of  the  field : 

14  In  oi'der  that  none  of  all  the  trees  by 
the  waters  shall  exalt  themselves  for  their 
height,  nor  place  their  highest  branch  among 
the  thick-boughcd  trees,  and  that  all  those  that 
are  nourished"  by  Avater  shall  not  place  them- 
selves erect,  because  of  their  height ;  for  they 
are  all  given  up  unto  death,  to  the  land  of 
the  nether  world,  in  the  midst  of  the  children 
of  men,  with  those  that  go  down  to  the  pit. 

15  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
On  the  day  when  it  went  down  to  the  grave  I 
caused  a  mourning;  I  covered  the  deep  for  its 
•sake,  and  I  restrained  its  rivers,  and  the  great 
waters  were  withheld :  and  I  caused  Lebanon 
to  be  clothed  in  black  attire  for  its  sake,  and 
all  the  trees  of  the  field  were  famished  be- 
cause of  it. 

16  Through  the  noise  of  its  downfall  I 
caused  nations  to  quake,  when  I  cast  it  down 
into  the  tomb  Avith  the  (others)  that  descend 
into  the  pit:  and  in  the  land  of  the  nether 
world  comforted  themselves''  all  the  trees  of 
'Eden,  the  choice  and  best  of  Lebanon,  all 
that  were  nourished  by  water. 

17  They  also  went  down  Avith  it  into  the 
tomb  unto  those  that  were  slain  with  the 
sword,  and  its  helpers  that  had  dwelt  under 
its  shade  ni  the  midst  of  the  nations. 

"  Lit.  "all  the  water-drinkers;"  a  uietaphoric  expres- 
sion for  trees  which  die  without  wator. 

''  Those  which  had  ah-eady  f':dlc'ii   now  rejoice   at   the 
downfall  of   the    OeJn.T  (As,syria)  which  had   so  terribly 
ruled  over  them.      ^C.  .■■pare  with  Isaiah  xiii.  and  xiv., 
concerning  Babylon.) 
628 


18  To  whom  art  thou  then  like  in  glory 
and  in  greatness  among  the  trees  of  'Eden  ? 
And  thou  too  shalt  be  brought  down  Avith 
the  trees  of  'Eden  unto  the  land  of  the  nether 
Avorld :  in  the  midst  of  the  uncircumcised 
shalt  thou  lie  Avitli  those  slain  by  the  sAvord ; 
yes,  he,  Pharaoh,  and  all  his  multitude,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  tAvelfth 
year,  in  the  twelfth  month,  on  the  first  day 
of  the  month,  that  the  Avord  of  the  Lord  came 
unto  me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  take  up  a  lamentation  for 
Pharaoh  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  say  unto 
him.  Thou  didst  deem  thyself  like  a  young 
lion  among  the  nations:  Avhile  thou  art  as  a 
crocodile  in  the  seas;  and  thou  issuedst  forth 
Avith  thy  rivers,  and  madest  turbid  the  Avaters 
Avith  thy  feet,  and  didst  stir  up  their  rivers. 

3  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  I 
Avill  therefore  spread  out  my  net  over  thee 
through  the  assemblage  of  many  people,  and 
they  shall  draw  thee  up  in  my  net. 

4  Then  Avill  I  cast  thee  upon  the  land, 
upon  the  open  field  Avill  I  hurl  thee,  and  will 
cause  all  the  foAvls  of  the  heaven  to  dAvell 
upon  thee,  and  I  Avill  satisfy-  oflf  thee  the 
beasts  of  all  the  earth. 

5  And  I  Avill  lay  thy  flesh  upon  the  moun- 
tains, and  fill  the  valleys  with  thy  carcass."' 

6  I  Avill  also  saturate  the  land  Avherein 
thou  swimmest  Avith  thy  blood,  CA'en  to  the 
mountains;  and  the  ravines  shall  be  full  of 
thee. 

7  And  I  will  cover  up  the  heavens.  Avhen 
thou  art  quenched,  and  make  their  stars  ob- 
scure: the  sun  AviU  I  cover  up  Avith  a  cloud, 
and  the  moon  shall  not  let  shine  her  light. 

8  All  tlie  light-dispensing  lights  of  the  hea- 
vens— these  will  I  make  obscure  because  of 
thee,  and  I  will  lay  darkness  upon  thy  land, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

9  And  I  Avill  aggrieve  the  heart  of  uuuiy 
people,  Avhen  I  bring  those  Avho  are  broken'' 
oflf  from  thee  among  the  nations,  into  counti'ies 
Avhich  thou  hast  not  knoAvn. 

'  Rashi,  "those  that  are  fiillen  from  thee."  Others, 
cited  by  him,  "thy  worms;"  ('.  e.  those  that  feed  on  the 
dead  carcass. 

"Jonathan;  meaning,  the  scattered  remnants.  Others, 
"when  I  bring  the  report  of  thy  breach  (downfall)  among 
the  nations." 


EZEKIEL  XXXII. 


10  Yea,  I  will  make  many  people  amazed 
at  thee,  and  on  their  kings  the  hair  shall 
stand  on  end  because  of  thee,  when  I  brand- 
ish my  sword  before  their  faces:  and  they 
sliall  tremble  at  every  moment,"  every  man 
for  his  own  life,  on  the  day  of  thy  down- 
I'all. 

11  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
The  swoi'd  of  the  king  of  Babylon  sliall  come 
over  thee. 

12  By  the   swords   of  the   mighty  will   I 
cause  thy  multitude  to  fall,  the  fiercest  of  na- ; 
tions  are  all  of  them :  and  they  shall  destroy 
the   pride   of  Egypt,  and   all   her  multitude 
sliall  be  annihilated. 

13  And  I  will  cause  to  vanish  all  her 
Ijeasts  from  beside  the  great  waters;  and  the 
foot  of  man  shall  not  make  them  turbid  any 
more,  nor  shall  the  hoofs  of  beasts  make  them 
turbid. 

14  Then  will  I  make  clear  their  waters, 
and  cause  their  rivers  to  flow  like  oil,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal; 

15  When  I  render  the  land  of  Egypt  deso- 
late and  wasted,  the  country  bereft  of  what 
now  filleth  it,  when  I  smite  all  those  that 
dwell  therein:  and  they  shall  know  that  I 
am  the  Lord. 

16  This  is  the  lamentation  wherewith  they 
shall  lament  for  her;  the  daugliters  of  the 
nations  shall  lament  for  her :  for  Egypt,  and 
for  all  her  multitude,  shall  they  lament  with  it, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

17  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  twelfth 
3'ear,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  month, 
that  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me, 
saying, 

18  Son  of  man,  moan  for  the  multitude  of 
Egypt,  and  say  that  it  shall  go  down,  yea, 
she,  and  the  daughters  of  powerful  nations, 
unto  the  land  of  the  nether  Avorld,  with  those 
that  go  down  to  the  pit. 

19  Whom  dost  thou  surpass  in  loveliness? 
go  down  (then),  and  be  thou  laid  with  the 
(other)  uncircumcised. 

20  In  the  midst  of  those  that  are  slain  by 


"  Others,  "for  their  own  dreaded  misfortune." 

''  These  are  the  words  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  lower 

world  will  speak  concerning  Pharaoh  and  his  followers. 

"Uncircumcised,"  a  term  of  reproach,  as  much  "as  the 

wicked,"  or  "imperfect,"  "degraded." 

°  Or  "dismay;"  but  Rashi,  "who  caused  a  breach  in 

the  land  of  Israel." 


the  sword  shall  they  fall :  to  the  sword  is  siie 
given  up;  drag  her  away  and  all  her  multi- 
tudes. 

21  Then  will  speak  of  him  the  strongest 
among  the  mighty  out  of  the  midst  of  the 
nether  world  with  those  that  once  helped  him, 
They*"  are  gone  down,  there  lie  the  uncircum- 
cised,— -slain  by  the  sword. 

22  There  is  Asshur  and  all  his  assemblage; 
round  about  him  ai-e  his  graves;  all  of  them 
the  slain  that  are  fallen  liy  the  sword; 

23  Whose  graves  are  placed  in  the  lowest 
depth  of  the  pit,  and  his  assemblage  is  roinid 
about  his  grave;  all  of  them  are  slain,  fallen 
by  the  sword,  who  once  spread  terror'  in  the 
land  of  the  living. 

24  There  is  'P^lam  and  all  her  multitude 
round  al)out  her  grave,  all  of  them  the  slain, 
that  are  fallen  by  the  sword,  who  are  gone 
down  uncirciuiicised  into  the  land  of  the 
nether  world,  who  once  spread  their  terror 
in  the  land  of  the  living;  and  they  have 
borne  their  confusion  with  those  that  go 
down  to  the  jjit. 

25  In  the  midst  of  the  slain  have  they  .set 
a  couch  for  her  with  all  her  multitude;  all 
round  about  are  her  graves;  all  of  them  are 
uncircumcised,  slain  by  the  sword;  because 
their  terror  was  once  spread  in  the  land  of 
the  living;  and  they  have  borne  their  confu- 
sion with  those  that  go  down  to  the  pit :  in 
the  midst  of  the  slain  was  she  placed. 

26  There  is  Meshech,  Tliubal,  and  all  her 
multitude;  all  round  about  her  are  her  graves : 
all  of  them  are  the  uncircumcised,  slain  by 
the  sword;  because  they  once  spread  their 
terror  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

27  And  those  who  are  fallen  of  the  uncir- 
cumcised shall  not  lie  with  the  mighty,  who 
are  gone  down  to  the  nether  world  with  their 
weapons  of  war,  while  men  laid  their  swords 
under  their  heads,  and  the  (instruments*  of) 
their  iniquities  were  upon  their  bones ;  for  the 
terror  of  the  mighty  was  in  the  land  of  the 
living. 

28  But  thou  shalt  be  broken  in  the  midst 


*  Zunz,  who  supplies  "instruments"  as  parallel  with 
"swords;"  but  Rashi,  "there  was  nothing  wanting  of 
their  iniquities,  because  they  had  not  been  slain;  and 
what  was  their  iniquity?  for  their  terror,"  &c.  The 
Scythians,  like  other  barbarou.s  nations,  buried  the  armour 
of  their  deceased  chiefs  in  tlicir  graves,  and  even  their 
wife,  cook,  minister,  and  favnurite  horse. 

6-2i) 


EZEKIEL  XXXII.  XXXIII. 


of  the  uncircumcised,  and  shalt  lie  with  those 
that  are  shiin  by  the  sword. 

29  There  are  Edom,  her  kings,  and  all  her 
jDrinces,  who  are  laid  despite  their  prowess  by 
those  that  are  slain  by  the  sword :  they  shall 
lie  with  the  nncircuracised,  and  Avith  those 
that  go  down  to  the  pit. 

30  There  are  the  chieftains  of  the  north, 
all  of  them,  and  all  the  Zidonians,  who  are 
gone  down  with  the  slain :  despite  the  terror 
the\'  excited  through  their  prowess  are  they 
made  ashamed;  and  they  lie  uncircumcised 
with  those  that  are  slain  by  the  sword,  and 
bear  their  confusion  with  those  that  go  down 
to  the  pit. 

31  These  shall  Pharaoh  see,  and  he  shall 
be  comforted  over  all  his  multitude:  slain  by 
the  sword  are  Pharaoh  and  all  his  army,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

32  For  I  spread  my  terror  in  the  land  of 
the  livins;;  and  he  shall  be  laid  in  the  midst 
of  the  uncircumcised  with  those  that  are  slain 
by  the  sword, — yea,  Pharaoh  and  all  his 
multitude,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  speak  to  the  children  of  thy 
people,  and  say  unto  them,  If  there  be  a  land 
over  which  I  bring  the  sword,  and  the  people 
of  the  land  take  a  man  from  anion  2;  them- 
selves,  and  appoint  him  unto  themselves  for  a 
watchman ; 

3  And  if  he  see  the  sword  coming  over  the 
land,  and  blow  the  cornet,  and  warn  the  peo- 
ple; 

4  And  whosoever  heareth  the  sound  of  the 
cornet,  and  taketh  no  warning;  and  the  sword 
cometh,  and  taketh  him  away :  his  l)lood  shall 
be  upon  his  own  head. 

5  The  sound  of  the  cornet  hath  he  heard, 
and  he  hath  taken  no  warning;  his  blood 
shall  be  upon  liim.  But  had  he  taken  warn- 
ing he  would  have  delivered  his  soul. 

6  But  if  the  watchman  see  the  sword  com- 
ing, and  IjIow  not  the  cornet,  so  that  the  peo- 
ple be  not  warned,  and  the  sword  cometh, 
and  taketh  away  from  among  them  some  jier- 
son :  this  one  is  taken  away  for  his  iniquity ; 
but  his  blood  will  I  require  from  the  watch- 
man's hand. 

7  *[[  But  as  for  thee,  0  son  of  man,  I  have 


appointed  thee  a  watchman  unto  the  house 
of  Israel :  so  that  when  thou  hearest  a  word 
from  my  mouth,  thou  shalt  warn  them  from 
me. 

8  When  I  say  unto  the  wicked,  0  wicked 
one,  thou  shalt  surelj'  die;  and  thou  dost  not 
speak  to  warn  the  wicked  from  his  way :  that 
wicked  one  shall  die  for  his  iniquity;  l)ut  his 
blood  will  I  require  from  thy  hand. 

9  Nevertheless,  if  thou  hast  indeed  warned 
the  wicked  of  his  way  to  turn  away  from  it, 
and  he  do  not  turn  from  his  wa}- :  he  shall 
certainly  die  for  his  iniquity;  but  thou  hast 
delivered  thy  soul. 

10  ^  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  speak  unto 
the  house  of  Israel,  Thus  do  ye  speak,  saying, 
Truly  our  transgressions  and  our  sins  are 
upon  us,  and  through  tliem  do  we  pine  away : 
how  then  shall  we  1  ive  ? 

11  Sa^'  unto  them.  As  I  live,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death 
of  the  wicked ;  but  in  the  return  of  the  wick- 
ed from  his  way  that  he  may  live :  return  ye, 
return  ye  from  your  evil  ways;  for  why  will 
ye  die,  0  house  of  Israel? 

12  ^  But  thou,  son  of  man,  say  unto  the 
children  of  thy  people,  The  righteousness  of 
the  righteous  shall  not  deliver  him  on  the 
day  of  his  transgression ;  and  as  for  the  wick- 
edness of  the  wicked,  he  shall  not  stumble 
through  it  on  the  day  that  he  returneth  from 
his  wickedness;  nor  shall  the  righteous  be 
able  to  live  through  the  other  on  the  day  that 
he  sinneth. 

13  When  I  say  of  the  righteous,  that  he 
shall  surely  live,  and  he  trusteth  to  his  own 
righteousness,  and  committeth  what  is  wrong: 
all  his  righteous  deeds  shall  not  be  remember- 
ed, and  for  his  wrong  that  he  hath  commit- 
ted,— through  this  shall  he  die. 

14  Again,  when  I  say  unto  the  wicked, 
Thou  shalt  surely  die;  and  he  turneth  from 
his  sin,  and  executeth  justice  and  righteous- 
ness ; 

15  If  the  wicked  restore  the  pledge,  make 
restitution  for  what  he  hath  robbed,  walk  in 
the  statutes  of  life,  so  as  not  to  do  nii\'  winng: 
he  shall  surely  live,  he  shall  not  die. 

10  All  his  sins  that  he  hath  committed 
shall  not  be  remembered  unto  him:  justice 
and  righteousness  hath  he  executed,  he  shall 
surely  live. 

17  Yet   say  the    children    of   thy  people, 


EZEKIEL  XXXIII.  XXXIV 


TIiC  ^^•ay  of  the  Lord  is  not  equitable:  while, 
as  to  them,  their  way  is  not  equitable. 

IS  V/hen  the  righteous  turneth  away  from 
his  righteousness,  and  ddtli  what  is  wrong,  he 
shall  even  die  therefor. 

19  And  when  the  wicked  returneth  from 
his  wickedness,  and  execute th  justice  and 
riaoL'-ousness,  he  shall  surely  live  therefor. 

.'I"  Vet  ye  say.  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  not 
i-ouitable.  Every  one  after  his  own  ways 
will  I  judge  you,  O  house  of  Israel. 

21  ^1  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  twelftli 
year,  in  the  tenth  month,  on  the  fifth  day  of 
the  month  after  our  exile,  that  there  came 
unto  me  one  that  had  escaped  out  of  Jerusa- 
lem, saying,  The  city  hath  been  smitten. 

22  Now  the  inspiration  of  the  Lord  was 
come  upon  me  in  the  evening,  before  the 
coming  of  the  one  who, had  escaped;  and  he 
had  opened  my  mouth,  before  he  was  come 
to  me  in  the  morning;  and  my  mouth  was 
opened  and  I  was  not  kept  dumb  any  more." 

23  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

24  Son  of  man,  they  that  dwell  in  these 
ruins  in  the  land  of  Israel  say  as  foUoweth, 
But  one  man  was  Abraham,  and  he  obtained 
the  land  as  an  inheritance ;  and  as  we  are 
many,  the  laud  must  (surely)  be  given  to  us 
for  an  inheritance. 

25  ^  Therefore  say  unto  them.  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  By  the  blood  do  ye  eat, 
and  your  eyes  do  you  lift  up  toward  your 
idols,  and  blood  do  ye  shed :  and  ye  expect  to 
possess  the  land? 

26  Ye  depend  upon  your  sword,  ye  commit 
abomination,  and  ye  defile  every  one  his 
neighbour's  wife:  and  ye  expect  to  possess 
the  land? 

27  Thus  slialt  thou  say  unto  them,  Thus 
liath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  As  I  live,  surely 
those  that  are  in  the  ruined''  places  shall  fall 
by  the  sword,  and  him  that  is  in  the  open 
field  will  I  give  to  the  beasts  that  they  may 
devour  him,  and  those  that  are  in  the  strong- 
holds and  in  the  caves  shall  die  through  the 
pestilence. 

28  And  I  will  render  the  land  desolate  and 


*  (See  above,  iii.  26,  27.)  Now  was  the  occasion  come 
for  the  prophet  to  speak  freely,  as  the  aceomplishment 
had  verified  his  previous  predictions. 

""  Rashi,  "the  fortified  cities,  which  shall  ultimately  be 
ruined." 


wasted,  and  the  pn<le  of  her  strengtli  shall 
cease;  and  the  mountains  of  Israel  shall  be 
desolate,  with  none  to  pass  through  them. 

29  And  they  shall  experience  that  I  am 
the  Lord,  when  I  render  the  land  desolate 
and  wasted,  becau.se  of  all  their  ai)ominations 
which  they  have  commited. 

30  ^]  And  thou,  son  of  man,  (there  are) 
the  children  of  thy  people,  who  are  talking 
about  thee  by  the  walls  and  in  the  entrances 
of  the  houses,  and  speak  one  to  another,  every 
one  to  his  brother,  sajing,  Do  come,  and  hear 
what  the  word  is  which  cometli  i()rtli  from 
the  Lord. 

31  And  then  they  come  unto  thee  as  the 
people  come,"  and  they  sit  before  thee  (as)'' 
my  people,  and  they  hear  thy  words,  but  do 
not  execute  them;  for  as  meriy  songs  they 
carry  them  in  their  mouth,  while  their  heart 
goeth  after  their  unlawful  gains. 

32  And,  lo,  thou  art  unto  them  as  a  merry 
song  of  one"  that  hath  a  pleasant  voice,  and 
can  play  well:  and  (thus)  they  hear  thy 
words,  but  execute  them  not. 

33  But  when  it  cometh  to  pass,  (lo,  it  will 
come,)  then  shall  they  know  that  a  prophet 
hath  been  among  them. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  prophesy  concerning  the 
shepherds  of  Israel;  prophesy,  and  say  unto 
them,  unto  the  shepherds.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Wo  to  the  shepherds  of  Israel 
who  do  feed  themselves !  should  not  the  shep- 
herds feed  the  flocks? 

3  The  fat  ye  eat,  and  with  the  wool  ye 
clothe  yourselves,  those  that  are  well  fed  ye 
slaughter;  but  the  flock  ye  feed  not. 

4  The  diseased  have  ye  not  strengthened, 
and  the  sick  have  ye  not  healed,  and  that 
which  had  a  limb  broken  have  ye  not  bound 
up,  and  the  strayed  have  ye  not  brought  back 
again,  and  what  was  lost  have  ye  not  sought 
for;  but  with  force  have  ye  ruled  them  and 
with  rigour. 

5  And  they  were  scattered  for  want  of  a 

°  i.e.  As  Jonathan  explains,  "as  disciples  come  to 
hear." 

*  Rashi ;  meaning,  they  pretend  outwardly  to  care  for 
what  the  prophet  tells  them  in  God's  name. 


•  After  Rcdak. 


631 


EZEKIEL  XXXIV. 


shepherd;  and  thej  became  food  unto  all  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  and  they  were  scattered. 

6  My  sheep  have  to  wander  about  on  all 
the  mountains,  and  upon  every  high  hill: 
yea,  over  all  the  face  of  the  land  are  my  flock 
scattered,  and  there  is  none  that  inquireth 
and  none  that  seeketh  (after  tliem). 

7  Tlierefore,  ye  shepherds,  hear  the  word 
of  the  Lord, 

8  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  surely 
because  my  flock  became  a  prey,  and  my  flock 
became  food  unto  every  beast  of  the  field,  be- 
cause there  was  no  shepherd,  and  my  shep- 
herds did  not  inquire  for  my  flock,  but  the 
shepherds  fed  themselves,  and  my  flock  they 
fed  not: 

9  Therefore,  0  ye  shepherds,  hear  the  word 
of  the  Lord, 

10  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Be- 
hold, I  will  be  against  the  shepherds,  and  I 
will  require  my  flock  from  their  hand,  and  I 
Avill  stop  them  from  feeding  the  flock ;  neither 
shall  the  shepherds  feed  themselves  anymore: 
and  I  will  deliver  my  flock  out  of  their  mouth, 
that  they  may  not  serve  them  for  food. 

11  ^f  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Behold,  I  am  here,  and  I  will  both  inquire  for 
my  flocks,  and  search  for  them. 

12  As  a  shepherd  searcheth  for  his  flock 
on  the  day  that  he  is  among  his  flocks  that 
are  scattered :  so  will  I  search  for  my  flocks ; 
and  I  will  deliver  them  out  of  all  places  wlii- 
tlier  they  have  been  scattered  on  the  day  of 
clouds  and  (tempestuous)  darkness. 

l-i  And  I  will  bring  them  out  from  the 
people,  and  gatlier  them  from  the  countries, 
and  I  will  bring  them  to  their  own  land ;  and 
I  will  feed  them  upon  the  mountains  of  Israel, 
in  the  ravines,  and  in  all  tlie  inlial)ited  places 
of  the  country. 

14  On  a  good  pasture  will  I  feed  them, 
and  ujion  the  high  mountains  of  Israel  shall 
be  their  fold:  there  shall  they  lie  in  a  good 
fbid,  and  in  a  fat  pasture  shall  they  feed  on 
the'.  ;r.ci:r-ains  of  Israel. 

15  I  mj'self  will  feed  my  flock,  and  I  my- 
self will  cause  them  to  lie  down,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal. 

16  That  which  was  lost  will  I  seek  for, 
and  that  which  was  gone  astray  will  I  bring 


"  Meaning,  the   pruud  anil  jircsuniptunus,  who  injure 
tlic  feeble,  as  the  fat  of  the  flock  but  against  the  weak. 
''  Zunz,  "as  it  is  proper." 
C32 


back  again,  and  that  which  had  a  limb  broken 
will  I  bind  up,  and  the  sick  will  I  strengthen; 
but  the  fat  and  the  strong"  will  I  destroy;  I 
will  feed  them  in  justice.'' 

17  And  as  for  you,  0  my  flock,  thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  judge 
between  lamb"  and  lamb,  between  the  wethers 
and  the  he-goats. 

18  Is  it  too  little  for  you  that  ye  can  feed 
on  the  good  ^jasture,  that  ye  must  tread  down 
the  residue  of  your  pastures  with  your  feet? 
and  that  ye  can  drink  clear  waters,  that  ye 
must  render  muddy  with  your  feet  what  is 
left? 

19  And  as  for  my  flock,  what  ye  have 
trodden  with  your  feet  must  they  eat;  and 
what  ye  have  made  muddy  with  jour  feet 
must  they  drink. 

20  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal  unto  them.  Behold,  I  am  here,  and  I 
will  judge  between  the  fat  lamb  and  the  lean 
lamb. 

21  Because  ye  thrust  with  side  and  with 
shoulder,  and  push  with  your  horns  all  the 
diseased,  till  ye  have  scattered  them  abroad : 

22  Therefore  w'ill  I  save  my  flock,  and 
they  shall  no  more  be  a  prey;  and  I  will 
judge  between  lamb  and  lamb. 

23  And  I  will  appoint  over  them  one  shep- 
herd, and  he  shall  feed  them,  namely,  my 
servant  David:  he  it  is  that  shall  feed  them, 
and  he  it  is  that  shall  be  unto  them  for  a 
shepherd. 

24  And  I  the  Lord — I  will  be  unto  them 
for  a  God,  and  my  servant  David  shall  be 
a  prince  in  their  midst:  I  the  Lord  have 
spoken  it. 

25  And  I  will  make  with  them  a  covenant 
of  peace,  and  I  will  cause  the  wild  beasts  to 
cease  out  of  the  land:  and  they  shall  dwell  in 
the  wilderness  in  safety,  and  sleep  in  the 
forests. 

26  And  I  will  make  them  and  the  environs 
of  my  hill  a  blessing;  and  I  will  cause  the 
rain  to  come  down  in  its  season;  rains'*  of 
blessing  shall  they  be. 

27  And  the  tree  of  the  field  shall  yield  its 
fruit,  and  the  earth  shall  yield  her  products, 
and  they  shall  be  on  their  land  in  safety: 
and  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord, 

°  Rashi,  "between  the  powerful  and  the  weak." 
''  Meaning,  "  whatever   rains  there   shall  be,  shall  be 
rains  of  blessings." 


EZEKIEL  XXXIV.  XXXV.  XXX VI. 


wlien  I  break  the  baiuls  of  their  yoke,  and 
deliver  them  out  of  the  liand  of  those  that 
had  made  them  hibour  for  them. 

28  And  they  shall  be  no  more  a  prey  to 
the  nations,  and  the  beasts  of  the  land  shall 
not  devour  them;  but  they  shall  dwell  in 
safety,  with  none  to  make  them  afraid. 

29  And  I  will  raise  up  for  them  a  planta- 
tion for  a  (perpetual)  renown,  and  they  shall 
be  no  more  taken  away  by  hunger  in  the 
land,  neither  bear  the  shameful  reproach  of 
the  nations  any  more. 

30  Thus  shall  they  experience  that  I  the 
Lord  their  God  am  with  them,  and  that  they, 
the  house  of  Israel,  are  my  people,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal. 

31  And  ye  my  flock,  the  flock  of  my  pas- 
ture, are  men,"  (and)  I  am  your  God,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  set  thy  face  against  the 
mountain  of  Se'ir,  and  prophesy  against  it, 

3  And  say  unto  it.  Thus  liath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee, 
O  mountain  of  Se'ir,  and  I  will  stretch  out 
m}'  hand  over  thee,  and  I  will  render  thee 
desolate  and  wasted. 

4  Thy  cities  will  I  lay  in  ruins,  and  thou 
thyself  shalt  be  desolate,  and  thou  shalt 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

5  Because  thou  hast  had  an  undying  hatred, 
and  didst  surrender  the  children  of  Israel  to 
the  power  of  the  sword,  at  the  time  of  their 
calamity,  at  the  time  of  the''  iniquity  of  the 
end: 

G  Therefore,  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, I  will  surely  let  thy  blood  flow,"  and  blood 
shall  pursue  thee;  since  thou  didst  not  hate 
blood-shedding,''  so  shall  blood  pursue  thee. 

7  Thus  will  I  change  the  mountain  of  Se'ir 
into  a  desolate  land  and  a  waste,  and  I  will 
cut  off'  from  it  him  that  travelleth  forward 
and  backward. 

8  And  I  will  fill  his   mountains  with  his 


*  Raslii,  "you  are  men,  uot  like  cattle,  in  my  eyes." 
Philippson,  "Ye  men  of  Israel  are  the  flocks  of  my  pas- 
ture." Zunz,  "the  sheep  of  my  pasture  (among)  men 
ure  ye." 

''  See  above,  xxi.  30. 

•  Lit.  "Into  blood  will  I  make  thee." 

4  E 


slain :  as  regardeth  thy  hills,  and  thy  valleys, 
and  all  thy  ravines,  in  them  shall  fall  those 
that  are  slain  by  the  sword. 

9  Into  perpetual  desolations  will  I  change 
thee,  and  thy  cities  shall  not  be  restored:  and 
ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

10  Because  thou  hast  said.  These  two  nar 
tions  and  these  two  countries  shall  indeed  be 
mine,  and  we  will  take  possession  thereof; 
whereas  the  Lord  was  there : 

11  Therefore,  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord 
God,  I  will  even  do  according  to  thy  anger, 
and  according  to  thy  envy  which  thou  didst 
use  out  of  thy  hatred  against  them;  and  I 
will  make  myself  known  among  them,  when 
I  judge  thee. 

12  And  thou  shalt  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord:  I  have  heard  all  thy  blasphemies 
which  thou  hast  spoken  against  the  moun- 
tains of  Israel,  saying,  They  are  laid  desolate, 
they  are  given  unto  us  to  consume  them. 

13  And  ye  boasted"  greatly  against  me  with 
your  mouth,  and  have  multiplied  against  me 
your  words :   I  have  indeed  heard  them. 

14  Tf  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
When  the  whole  earth  rejoiceth,  I  will  make 
thee  desolate. '^ 

15  As  thou  didst  rejoice  over  the  inherits 
ance  of  the  house  of  Israel,  because  it  was 
made  desolate:  so  will  I  do  unto  thee;  deso- ' 
late  shalt  thou  be,  0  mountain  of  Se'ir,  and 
all  Idumea — altogether;  and  they  shall  know 
that  I  am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXXVL 

1  Tl  But  thou,  son  of  man,  prophesy  unto 
the  mountains  of  Israel,  and  say,  0  mountains 
of  Israel,  hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Be- 
cause the  enemy  hath  said  regarding  you, 
Aha,  even  the  ancient  high-places  are  become 
ours  as  a  possession  : 

3  Tiierefore  prophesy  and  say,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Because,  even  because 
men  have  made  you  'desolate,  and  sought  to 
swallow  you  up  on  every  side,  that  ye  might 
become  a  possession  unto  the  residue  of  the 


^  This  is  variously  rendered  by  Rashi ;  one  opinion  be- 
ing, "surely  thou  hast  hated  thy  relations  (thy  own 
blood)  and  therefore,"  &c. 

'  Lit.  "made  great." 

'  Zunz,  "When  the  whole  land,  now  desolate,  rejoiceth, 

then  will  I  deal  with  thee." 

633 


EZEKIEL  XXXVI. 


nations,  and  ye  are  taken   up  as  a  talk  for 
tongues,  and  an  evil  report  of  the  people : 

4  Therefore,  0  mountains  of  Israel,  hear 
ye  the  word  of  the  Lord  Eternal,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal  to  the  mountains,  and 
to  the  hills,  to  the  ravines,  and  to  the  valleys, 
to  the  desolate  ruins,  and  to  the  cities  that 
are  forsaken,  which  are  become  a  prey  and 
derision  to  the  residue  of  the  nations  that  are 
round  about: 

5  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Surely  in  the  fire  of  my  jealousy 
have  I  spoken  against  the  residue  of  the  na- 
tion?., and  against  all  Idumea,  that  have 
appropriated  my  land  unto  themselves  as  a 
possession  with  the  joy  of  all  their  heart,  with 
derision  in  their  soul,  in  order  to  drive  it  out 
that  it  may  be  for  a  pre}'. 

6  Therefore  j^rophesy  concerning  the  land 
of  Israel,  and  say  unto  the  mountains,  and  to 
the  hills,  to  the  ravines,  and  to  the  valle^ys, 
Tlius  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  in 
my  zealousness  and  in  my  fury  have  I  spoken, 
because  ye  have  borne  the  reproach  of  the 
nations : 

7  Tl  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  I  have  indeed  lifted"  up  my  hand, 
that  the  nations  who  are  round  about  you — 
these  shall  bear  their  shame. 

8  But  ye,  0  mountains  of  Israel,  ye  shall 
send  forth  your  boughs,  and  your  fruit  shall 
ye  bear  for  my  people  Israel;  for  they  are 
near  at  hand  to  come. 

9  For,  behold,  I  will  be  for  you,  and  I  will 
turn  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  be  tilled  and  ye 
shall  be  sown ; 

10  And  I  will  multiply  upon  you  men,  all 
the  house  of  Israel — altogether;  and  the 
cities  shall  be  inhabited  again,  and  the  ruins 
shall  be  rebuilt; 

11  And  I  will  multiply  upon  you  man  and 
beast,  and  they  shall  increase  and  be  fruit- 
ful; and  I  will  cause  you  to  be  inhabited 
after  your  old  estates,  and  will  do  more  good 
unto  you  than  at  your  beginnings:  and  ye 
shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 


'  Meaning,  "  I  have  sworn." 

^  Raslii,  and  after  him,  Zunz;  but,  Philippson  takes  the 
word  dSdivS  in  its  oripinal,  but  here  figurative  sense, 
'•  iiialsO  them  no  more  chilrHess." 

°  /.  c.   First   the   Canaanites,   next    the    Eninrites    and 
other  tribes,  and  then  the  Israelites,  none  of  whom  could 
remain  perniaiu  nth  in  Palestine. 
t):il 


12  Yea,  I  will  cause  to  walk  upon  you 
men,  even  my  people  Israel,  and  they  shall 
possess  thee,  and  thou  shalt  be  unto  them  as 
an  inherittxnce,  and  thou  shalt  not  any  more 
henceforth  cast  them  out.'' 

13  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Because  they  say  unto  you,  Thou  land  de- 
vourest  up  men,  and  hast  been  one  that  hath 
ever  cast  out  thy  nations :° 

14  Tlierefore  shalt  thou  not  devour  up 
men  any  more,  and  thy  nations  shalt  thou 
not  cast  out  any  more,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 

15  And  I  will  not  let  be  heard  against 
thee  any  more  the  reproach  of  the  nations, 
and  the  disgrace  of  the  people  shalt  thou  not 
bear  any  more,  and  thy  nations  shalt  thou 
not  cast  out  any  more,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 

16  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

17  Son  of  man,  the  house  of  Israel,  when 
they  dwelt  in  their  own  land,  defiled  it 
througli  their  way  and  through  their  doings: 
like  the  uncleanness  of  a  woman  in  her  sepa- 
ration was  their  way  before  me. 

18  And  I  poured  out  my  fury  over  them 
because  of  the  blood  that  they  had  shed  in 
the  land,  and  because  through  their  idols 
they  had  polluted  it ; 

19  And  I  scattered  them  among  the  na- 
tions, and  they  were  dispersed  through  the 
countries:  according  to  their  way  and  accord- 
ing fo  their  doings  did  I  judge  them. 

20  And  when  they  were  come  unto  the  nar 
tions,  whither  they  were  gone,  they  profaned 
my  holy  name;  because  they  said  of  them,'' 
These  are  the  people  of  the  Lord,  and  out  of 
his  land  are  they  gone  forth. 

21  But  I  had  pity  for  my  holy  name, 
which  the  house  of  Israel  had  profaned 
among  the  nations,  whither  they  were  gone. 

22  1[  Therefore  say  unto  the  house  of  Israel, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Not  for 
your  sake  do  I  this,  0  house  of  Israel,  but  for 
the  sake  of  my  holy  name,  which  ye  have 

^  Rashi,  "  they  have  lowered  my  glory ;  and  what  is 
the  profanation?  when  the  enemies  said  of  them.  These 
are  the  people  of  the  Lord,  and  they  are  gone  forth  out 
of  his  land,  while  he  had  not  the  power  to  deliver  his  peo- 
ple and  his  land."  But  when  the  redemption  takes  place, 
it  will  be  acknowledged  that  for  their  sins  against  God 
were  they  punished  by  Him. 


EZEKIEL  XXXVI.  XXXVII. 


profaned  among  tlit-  nations.  wliitluT  ye  are 
gone. 

23  And  I  will  .sanctity  ni\-  great  name, 
which  was  proftined  among  the  nations,  which 
ye  have  profaned  in  the  midst  of  them:  and 
the  nations  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  when  I  will  be  sancti- 
fied through  you  before  your  eyes. 

24  And  I  will  take  you  from  among  the 
nations,  and  I  will  gather  you  out  of  all  the 
countries,  and  I  will  bring  you  unto  youi"  own 
land. 

25  And  I  will  sprinkle  upon  you  clean 
water,"  and  ye  shall  be  clean:  from  all  your 
impurities,  and  from  all  your  idols,  will  I 
cleanse  you. 

26  And  I  will  give  you  a  new  heart,''  and 
a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you;  and  I  will 
remove  the  heart  of  stone  out  of  your  body," 
and  I  will  give  you  a  heart  of  flesh. 

27  And  my  spirit  I  will  put  within  you, 
and  I  will  cause  that  you  shall  walk  in  my 
statutes,  and  that  my  ordinances  ye  shall 
keep,  and  do  them. 

28  And  ye  shall  dwell  in  the  land  which  I 
gave  to  your  f;ithers;  and  ye  shall  be  unto  me 
for  a  people,  and  I  truly  will  be  unto  you  as 
a  God. 

29  And  I  will  save  you  from  all  kinds  of 
your  impurities;  aud  I  will  call  unto  the 
corn,  and  increase  it,  and  I  will  not  lay  fa- 
mine upon  you. 

30  xind  I  will  multiply  the  fruit  of  the 
trees,  and  the  products  of  the  field:  in  order 
that  ye  may  receive  no  more  reproach'^  on  ac- 
count of  famine  among  the  nations. 

31  Then  shall  ye  remember  your  ways 
that  they  were  evil,  and  your  doings  that 
were  not  good ;  and  ye  shall  loathe  yourselves 
on  account  of  your  iniquities  and  on  account 
of  your  abominations. 

32  Not  for  your  sake  do  I  this,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal,  be  it  known  unto  you:  be 
ashamed  and  confounded  because  of  your 
ways,  0  house  of  Israel. 

33  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  On 
the  day  of  my  cleansing  you  from   all  your 

'  Ra.shi,  "I  will  forgive  you,  and  remove  your  impuri- 
ties witli  the  sprinkling  of  the  waters  of  purification 
which  remove  tlie  defilement  of  the  dead." 

""  Bashi,  "an  inclination  made  new  for  doing  good." 
Jonatha"a,  "a  heart  that  feareth  and  a  spirit  that  feareth," 


— and  so  "  the  heart  of  stone," — "a  wicked  heart  which  is  !  able  to  live?" 


iniquities,  when    I   vMise  the  cities  to  be  in- 
habited, and  when  the  ruins  are  built  up, 

34:  And  when  the  desolate  land  is  tilled, 
instead  that  it  was  a  waste  before  the  eyes 
of  every  passer  by  : 

35  Then  shall  they  say.  This  land,  that 
was  desolate,  is  become  like  the  garden  of 
'Eden;  and  the  cities  that  were  ruined,  and 
desolate,  and  broken  down,  are  become  forti- 
fied, and  inhabited. 

36  Aud  the  nations  that  are  left  round 
about  you  shall  know  that  I  the  Lord  have 
built  up  the  broken-down  (places),  have 
planted  the  desolate  (land):  I  the  Lord  have 
spoken  this,  and  have  done  it. 

37  ^[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Also  in  this  will  I  yet  suffer  myself  to  be  en- 
treated'' of  by  the  house  of  Israel,  to  do  it  for 
them,  I  will  increase  them  with  men  like 
flocks  (in  multitude). 

38  As  the  flocks  of  the  holy  things,  as  the 
flocks  of  Jerusalem  on  her  appointed  feasts,  so 
shall  the  ruined  cities  be  full  of  flocks  of 
men :  aud  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXXVn. 

1  ^  There  came  over  me  the  inspiration  of 
the  Lord,  and  he  carried  me  out  in  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord,  and  set  me  down  in  the  midst  of 
the  valley  which  was  full  of  bones ; 

2  And  he  caused  me  to  pass  by  them  all 
round  about;  and,  behold,  there  were  very 
many  of  them  on  the  surface  of  the  valley; 
and,  lo,  they  were  very  dry. 

3  And  he  said  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  can' 
these  bones  live?  Aud  I  said,  0  Lord 
Eternal,  thou  alone  knowest  this. 

4  And  he  said  unto  me.  Prophesy  over 
these  bones,  and  say  unto  them,  0  ye  dry 
bones,  hear  ye  the  word  of  the  Lord. 

5  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal  unto 
these  bones,  Behold,  I  will  bring  a  spirit^  into 
you,  and  ye  shall  live; 

6  And  I  will  lay  sinews  upon  you,  and 
bring  up  flesh  upon  you,  and  draw  over  you 
a  skin,  and  put  a  spirit  in  you,  and  ye  shall 


hard  as  stone;"  "a  heart  of  flesh," — "a  heart  fearing  me 

to  do  my  will." 
'  Lit.  "flesh." 

^  Lit.  "reproach  of  famine."     °  Rashi,  lit.  "inquired  " 
'  Rashi,  "  Doth  it  appear  in  thy  eyes  that  they  will  bo 


8  Eng.  ver.  "breath." 
635 


EZEKTEL  XXXVII. 


live:  and  yc  shall  experience  that  I  am  the 
Lord. 

7  And  so  I  prophesied  as  I  had  been  com- 
manded :  and  there  was  a  sound,  as  I  prophe- 
sied, and  behold  there  was  a  rustling  noise,  and 
the  bones  came  together,  bone  to  its  bone.* 

8  And  I  looked,  and  beliold,  there  were 
sinews  upon  them,  and  the  ilesh  came  nj),  and 
the  skin  was  drawn  over  them  above;  but  no 
sjDirit  was  in  them. 

9  Then  said  he  unto  me,  Prophesy  unto 
the  spirit;  ])rophesy,  son  of  man,  and  say  to 
the  spirit.  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
From  the  four  winds  come,  O  spirit,  and 
breathe  into  these  slain  ones,  that  they  may 
live. 

10  And  I  prophesied  as  he  had  command- 
ed me,  and  there  came  into  them  the  spirit, 
and  they  lived,  and  stood  up  upon  their  feet, 
an  exceedingly  great  army. 

11  Then  said  he  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
these  bones  are  the  whole  house  of  Israel :  be- 
hold, they  say,  Dried  are  our  bones,  and  lost 
is  our  hope;   we  are  quite  cut  off. 

12  Therefore  prophesy  and  say  unto  them, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I 
will  open  your  graves,  and  I  will  cause  you 
to  come  up  out  of  your  graves,  O  my  peo- 
ple, and  I  will  bring  you  into  the  land  of  Is- 
rael. 

13  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord, 
when  I  open  your  graves,  and  when  I  cause  you 
to  come  up  out  of  your  graves,  0  my  [leople. 

14  And  I  will  put  my  spirit  in  you,  and 
ye  shall  live,  and  I  will  jilace  you  in  your 
own  land:  and  ye  shall  acknowledge  that  I 
the  Lord  have  spoken  it,  and  done  it,  saith 
the  Lord. 

15  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

16  But  thou,  son  of  man,  take  unto  thy- 
self one  stick*"  of  wood,  and  write  upon  it, 
"For  Judah,  and  for  the  children  of  Israel 
his  companions;"  then  take  another  stick, 
and  write  upon  it,  "For  Joseph, — the  stick 
ofEphraim, — and  for  all  the  house  of  Israel 
his  companions:" 

17  And  join  them  one  to  the  other  unto 
thee  as  one  stick;  and  they  shall"  become 
one  in  thy  hand. 


*  i.  e.  The   bones  arranged   themselves   in    tbe    proper 
order,  as  when  they  were  in  the  body. 
0.S6 


I  18  And  if  the  children  of  thy  people  should 
say  unto  thee,  saying.  Wilt  thou  not  tell  us 
what  thou  meanest  by  these? 

19  (Then)  speak  unto  them,  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  take 
the  stick  of  Joseph, — which  is  in  the  hand  of 
Ephraim, — and  the  tribes  of  Israel  his  com- 
panions, and  will  lay  them  upon  him,  even 
the  stick  of  Judah,  and  make  them  into  one 
stick,  and  they  shall  be  one  in  my  hand. 

20  And  the  sticks  whereon  thou  shalt  have 
written  shall  be  in  thy  hand  before  their  eyes. 

21  And  speak  unto  them.  Thus  hath  said 
the  Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  take  the 
children  of  Israel  from  among  the  nations, 
whither  they  are  gone,  and  I  will  gather  them 
from  every  side,  and  bring  them  unto  their 
own  land; 

22  And  1  will  make  them  into  one  nation 
in  the  land,  on  the  mountains  of  Israel ;  and 
one  king  shall  be  to  them  all  for  king;  and 
they  shall  not  be  any  more  two  nations,  nor 
shall  they  at  any  time  be  divided  into  two 
kingdoms  any  more : 

23  Neither  shall  they  defile  themselves 
any  more  with  their  idols,  and  with  their  de- 
testable things,  and  with  all  their  transgres- 
sions; but  I  will  save  them  out  of  all  their 
dwelling-places,  wherein  they  have  sinned, 
and  I  will  cleanse  them,  and  they  shall  be 
unto  me  for  a  people,  and  I  will  be  to  them 
for  a  God. 

24  And  my  servant  David  shall  be  king 
over  them;  and  one  shepherd  shall  be  for 
them  all:  and  in  my  ordinances  shall  they 
walk,  and  my  statutes  shall  they  observe, 
and  do  them. 

25  And  they  shall  dwell  in  the  land  that  I 
have  given  unto  my  servant,  unto  Jacob, 
wherein  your  fathers  have  dwelt;  and  they 
shall  dwell  therein,  they,  and  their  children, 
and  their  children's  children  for  ever:  and 
David  my  servant  shall  be  prince  unto  them 
for  ever. 

20  And  I  will  make  with  them  a  covenant 
of  peace,  an  everlasting  covenant  shall  it  be 
with  them :  and  I  will  preserve  them,  and  I 
will  nuiltiply  them,  and  I  will  set  my  sanc- 
tuary in  the  midst  of  them  for  evermore. 

27  My  dwelling  also  shall  be  with  them, 


''  Jonathan,  "table"  or  "board." 

°  Jonathsn.     Redak,  "as  though  they  were  one. 


EZEKIEL  XXXVII.  XXXVIII. 


and  I  will  be  unto  them  for  a  God;   and  they 
shall  be  unto  nie  as  a  people. 

28  And  the  nations  shall  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord  who  sanctify  Israel,  when  my  sanc- 
tuary will  be  in  the  midst  of  them  for  ever- 
more. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

2  Son  of  man,  direct  thy  face  against  Gog 
of  the  land  of  Magog,  the  prince  of  Rush, 
Meshech  and  Thubal,  and  prophesy  against 
him, 

3  And  say,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee,  0  Gog, 
the  prince  of  Rosh,  Meshech  and  Thubal; 

4  And  I  will  derange  thee,  and  put  hooks 
into  thy  jaws,  and  I  will  bring  thee  forth,  and 
all  thy  army,  horses  and  horsemen,  all  of 
them  clothed  in  elegant  attire,  a  great  assem- 
blage with  bucklers  and  shields,  all  of  them 
grasping  Swords. 

5  Persia,  Cush,  and  Put  (shall  be)  with 
them ;  all  of  thein  with  shield  and  lielmet ; 

6  Gomer  and  all  of  its  armies;  the  house 
of  Thogarmah  out  of  the  farthest  north,  and 
all  its  armies;  many  people  shall  be  with  thee. 

7  Be  thou  ready,  and  prepare  thyself, 
thou,  and  all  thy  assemblages  that  are  assem- 
bled about  thee,  and  be  thou  a  guard''  unto 
them. 

8  After  many  days  shalt  thou  be  ordered 
forward  ;*  in  the  end  of  years  shalt  thou  come 
into  the  land  that  is  recovering"  from  the 
sword,  and  is  gathered  together  out  of  many 
people,  against  the  mountains  of  Israel,  which 
have  been  ruined  for  a  very  long  time :  (to  a 
people)  that  are  brought  forth  out  of  the  nar 
tions,  and  that  now  dwell  in  safety,  all  of 
them. 

9  Thou  wilt  ascend  and  come  like  a  tem- 
pest,'' like  a  cloud  to  cover  the  earth  wilt 


*  Rashi,  "It  is  the  custom  of  kings  to  take  care  of 
their  armies,  how  they  shall  go  fortii,  and  to  set  watchers, 
that  no  destroyer  come  over  his  army  by  night  "  Zunz, 
"Be  thou  a  mark  to  them."     Philippson,  "a  leader." 

*■  After  Jouathcu;  but  Rashi,  "shall  thy  sins  be  called 
to  mind  " 

°  "  Whose  inhabitants  are  i-eturned  from  exile,  whither 
they  have  been  driven  by  the  sword  of  the  enemy." 
Rashi.     Philippson,  "won  from  the  sword." 

^  Rashi,  "dark  cloud."  Others,  "storm,"  or  "storm- 
cloud." 


thou   be,  thou,  and   all    thy  armies,  and  the 
many  people  with  thee. 

10  ^1  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
It  will  also  come  to  pass,  at  the  same  time, 
that  things  will  come  into  thy  mind,  and 
thou  wilt  entertain  an  evil  device; 

11  And  thou  wilt  say,  I  will  go  up  over 
the  land  of  open  towns;  I  will  come  against 
those  that  are  careless,  that  dwell  in  safety, 
all  of  whom  dwell  without  walls,  and  have 
neitlu'i'  I)ars  nor  gates, 

12  To  snatch  up  the  spoil,  and  to  take 
away  the  prey;  to  turn  thy  hand  against 
the  ruined  places  now  inhabited,  and  against 
the  people  that  are  gathered  out  of  the  na- 
tions, that  have  gotten"  cattle  and  goods, 
that  dwell  in  the  highest'  part  of  the  land. 

13  Sheba,  and  Dedan,  and  the  traders  of 
Tharshish,  with  all  her  young  lions,^  will  say 
unto  thee,  Art  thou  come  to  plunder  the 
spoil?  hast  thou  gathered  thy  company  to 
carry  off  the  prey  ?  to  bear  away  silver  and 
gold,  to  take  away  cattle  and  goods,  to  plun- 
der a  great  spoil? 

14  Therefore,  prophesy,  son  of  man,  and 
say  unto  Gog,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal, Behold,  on  the  day  when  my  people  of 
Israel  dwelleth  in  safety,  shalt  thou  know 
(my  power).'' 

15  And  thou  wilt  come  from  thy  place  out 
of  the  farthest  ends  of  the  north,  thou,  and 
many  people  with  thee,  all  of  them  riding 
upon  horses,  a  great  assemblage,  and  a  mighty 
army ; 

16  And  thou  wilt  come  up  against  my 
people  of  Israel,  like  a  cloud  to  cover  the 
land;'  in  the  latter  days  will  this  be,  and  I 
will  bring  thee  over  my  land,  in  order  that 
the  nations  may  know  me,  when  I  am  sanc- 
tified on  thee,  before  their  eyes,  0  Gog. 

17  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
Art  thou  (not)  he  of  whom  I  have  spoken  in 
ancient  days  through  means  of  my  servants 

"  Philippson,  "taking  care  of,"  &c. 

'  Rashi.     Zunz,  "the  middle." 

*  Rashi,  "  Active  merchants,  who  are  in  the  habit  of 
going  out  and  roaming  all  countries  like  young  lions,  and 
know  where  riches  can  be  obtained."  Jonathan  and  Re- 
dak,  "kings." 

'  Jonathan,  "  the  puni.shment  of  my  strength."  Rashi 
adds,  "meaning,  thou  shalt  know  and  understand  who 
was  their  refuge  and  protection."  Redak,  Zunz,  and 
others,  "know  it." 

'  Philippson,  "covering  the  earth." 

637 


EZEKIEL  XXXVIII.  XXXIX. 


the  prophets'  of  Israel,  who  prophesied  in 
those  days  (many)  years,  that  I  would  bring 
thee  against  them? 

18  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  at  the  same 
time,  on  the  day  of  Gog's  coming  over  the 
land  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  that 
my  fury  shall  be  kindled  in  my  nose.*" 

19  And  in  my  zealousness,  in  the  fire  of  my 
wrath,  have  I  spoken.  Surely  on  that  day 
there  shall  be  a  great  earthquake  in  the 
country  of  Israel ; 

20  And  there  shall  quake  at  my  presence  | 
the  fishes  of  the  sea,  and  the  fowls  of  the 
heaven,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and  every 
creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth, 
and  all  the  men  that  are  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth,  and  the  mountains  shall  be  thrown 
down,  and  the  clifis"  shall  fall,  and  every 
wall  shall  fall  to  the  ground. 

21  And  I  will  call  against  him  throughout 
all  my  mountains  for  the  sword,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal:  every  man's  sword  shall  be 
against  his  brother. 

22  And  I  will  hold  judgment  over  him 
with  pestilence  and  with  blood  (-shedding); 
and  an  overflowing  rain,  and  great  hailstones, 
fire,  and  sulphur  will  I  let  rain  over  him  and 
his  armies,  and  over  the  many  people  that 
are  with  him. 

23  Thus  will  I  magnify  myself,  and  sanc- 
tify myself,  and  make  myself  known  before 
the  eyes  of  many  nations:  and  the}'  shall 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  ^  But  thou,  0  son  of  man,  prophesy 
against  Gog,  and  say.  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  Eternal,  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee, 
0  Gog,  the  prince  of  Rosh,  Meshech  and  Thu- 
bal; 

2  And  I  will  derange  thee,  and  lead  thee 


•  Rashi,  "such  as  Ezekiel  and  Zechariah." 

^  Figurative  for  excessive  anger,  when  the  nostrils 
;ire  distended,  and  a  smoke,  as  it  were,  arises  out  of 
I  hem. 

°  Rashi,  after  one  opinion  which  he  cites,  preferring, 
however,  Jonathan's  view,  "towers,  round  which  mounds 
uf  earth  are  heaped  up  and  formed  in  terraces  or  steps;" 
taking  nu"n:Dn  in  the  sense  of  "steps"  or  "degrees." 

^  Jonathan,  after  whom  Eashi,  Zunz,  and  others. 

•  Rashi,  "the  debasement  of  Israel  is  a  profanation  of 
(lod's  name,  as  nations  say,  They  are  the  Lord's  people, 
and  he  cannot  deliver  them."     (See  above,  xx.xvi.  20.) 

'  Jonathan,  "whose  glory  dwelleth  in  Israel." 
638 


astray,*  and  will  cause  thee  to  come  up  from 
the  farthest  ends  of  the  north;  and  I  will 
bring  thee  upon  the  mountains  of  Israel ; 

3  And  I  will  strike  thy  bow  out  of  thy 
left  hand,  and  thy  arrows  will  I  cause  to  fall 
out  of  thy  right  hand. 

4  Upon  the  mouutanis  of  Israel  shalt  thou 
fall,  thou,  and  all  thy  armies,  and  the  people 
that  are  with  thee:  unto  the  ravenous  birds, 
to  every  thing  that  hath  wings,  and  to  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  do  I  give  thee  for  food. 

5  Upon  the  open  field  shalt  thou  tail ;  for 
I  have  spoken  it,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

6  And  I  will  send  a  fire  against  Magog, 
and  against  those  that  dwell  in  the  isles 
in  safety:  and  they  shall  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord. 

7  And  my  holy  name  will  I  make  known 
in  the  midst  of  my  people  Israel ;  and  I  will 
not  permit  my  holy  name  to  he  profaried'  any 
more:  and  the  nations  shall  know  that  I  am 
the  Lord,  Holy  in  Israel. '^ 

8  Behold,  it  cometh,  and  it  taketh  place, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal;  this  is  the  day  where- 
of I  have  spoken. 

9  And  the  inhabitants  of  the  cities  of  Is- 
rael shall  go  forth,  and  shall  burn  and  make 
fire  for  heating  of  the  weapons,  and  shields 
and  bucklers,  of  bows  and  of  arrows,  and  of 
hand-staves,"^  and  of  spears;  and  they  shall 
feed  with  them  the  fire  for  seven  years ;'' 

10  And  they  shall  take  no  wood  out  of  the 
field,  nor  cut  down  any  out  of  the  forests;  for 
with  weapons  shall  they  feed  the  fire :  and 
they  shall  spoil  tho.se  that  spoiled  them,  and 
plunder  those  that  plundered  them,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal. 

11  ]j  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  I  will  give  unto  Gog  a  place  there 
for  a  grave  in  Israel,  the  valley  where  people 
pass  over  to  the  east  of  the  sea;'   and  it  shall 


'  Zunz,  "clubs;"  but  Philippson,  "the  staff  which  the 
princes  or  leaders  carry;"  the  marshal's  baton. 

'  When  the  immense  number  and  destruction  of  the  in- 
vaders are  considered,  and  also  the  little  fuel  comparative- 
ly which  is  necessary  in  warm  climates,  we  may  easily 
conceive  of  this  being  literally  fuliilled.  Mariana,  in  his 
History  of  Spain,  (lib.  si.  chap.  "24,)  says,  that  after  the 
Spaniards  had  given  that  signal  overthrow  to  the  Sara- 
cens, in  the  year  1212,  they  found  such  a  vast  quantity 
of  lances,  javelins,  and  such-like,  as  served  them  i'nr /mi i- 
i/ear.t  for  fuel. 

'  Jonathan,  "the  sea  of  Genossar,"  /.  c.  Kinnereth,  ir 
Gennesareth. 


EZEKIEL  XXXIX.  XL. 


stop  the  passengers  (from  passing):  and  they 
shall  bury  there  Gog  and  all  his  nmltitiide, 
and  they  shall  call  it  The  vallej-  of  the  mul- 
titude of  Gog." 

12  And  the  house  of  Israel  shall  be  bury- 
ing them,  in  order  to  cleanse''  the  land,  during 
seven  months. 

13  Yea,  all  the  people  of  the  land  shall 
bury  them ;  and  it  shall  be  to  them  as  a 
renown  on  the  day  that  I  glorify  myself,  saith 
the  Lord  Eternal. 

14  And  men  constantly  devoted  to  this'' 
shall  they  set  apart  to  pass  through  the  land, 
to  bury  with  those  that  pass  through  those 
that  remain  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  to 
cleanse  it :  at  the  end  of  seven  months  shall 
they  make  a  search.. 

15  And  those  that  thus  travel  will  pass 
through  the  land ;  and  when  any  one  seeth  a 
human  bone,  then  will  he  set  up  a  sign  by  it, 
till  the  buriers  have  buried  it  in  the  valley  of 
the  multitude  of  Gog. 

16  And  also  the  name  of  the  city  shall  be 
Hamonah.  Thus  shall  they  cleanse  the 
land. 

17  Tj  And  thou,  0  son  of  man,  thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Say  unto  the  birds,  to 
every  thing  that  hath  wings,  and  to  every 
beast  of  the  field,  Assemble  yourselves,  and 
come;  gather  yourselves  from  every  side  to 
my  sacrifice  that  I  do  slaughter  for  you,  as  a 
great  sacrifice  upon  the  mountains  of  Israel, 
that  ye  may  eat  tlesh,  and  drink  blood. 

IS  The  flesh  of  the  mighty  shall  ^e  eat, 
and  the  blood  of  the  princes  of  the  earth  shall 
ye  drink, — wethers,''  lambs,  and  he-goats, 
bullocks,  fatlings  of  Bashan  are  they  all  of 
them. 

19  And  ye  shall  eat  fat  till  ye  be  sated, 
and  ye  shall  drink  blood  till  ye  be  drunken, 
from  my  sacrifice  which  I  have  slaughtered 
for  3'ou. 

20  And  ye  shall  be  .sated  at  my  table  on 
horses  and  chariot-teams,  on  mighty  men, 
and  on  all  men  of  war,  saith  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 

21  And  I  will  display  m^^  glory  among 
the  nations:  and  all  the  nations  shall  see  my 

"  In  Hebrew,  "  Gay  hamonc  Go;/. 

^  See  Num.  xix.  16. 

'  Rashi.  Philippson  comments  that  it  means,  the  peo- 
ple are  to  appoint  two  classes  of  men  who  are  to  pass 
through  the  land  at  the  end  of  the  first  seven  months,  the 


punishment  that  I  execute,  and  my  hand 
that  I  lay  on  them. 

22  And  the  hou.?e  of  Israel  shall  acknow- 
ledge that  I  am  the  Lord  their  God  from  that 
day  and  forward. 

23  And  the  nations  shall  know  that  lor 
their  iniquity  did  the  house  of  Israel  go  into 
exile ;  because  they  had  trespassed  against 
me,  and  I  had  hidden  my  face  from  them ; 
and  I  gave  them  up  therefore  into  the  hand 
of  their  oppressors,  and  they  all  fell  by  the 
sword. 

24  According  to  their  uncleanness,  and  ac- 
cording to  their  transgressions  did  I  deal  with 
them,  and  hid  my  face  from  them. 

25  \  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  Now  will  I  brim?  back  again  the 
captivit}'  of  Jacob,  and  I  will  have  mercy 
upon  the  whole  house  of  Israel,  and  will  be 
zealous  for  ni}-  holy  name; 

26  And  they  shall  feel  their  disgrace,  and 
all  their  trespass  whereby  they  had  tres- 
passed against  me,  when  they  dwelt  in  their 
land  in  safety,  with  none  to  make  them 
afraid : 

27  When  I  bring  them  back  again  from 
the  people,  and  gather  them  out  of  the  land 
of  their  enemies,  and  sanctify  myself  on  them 
before  the  eyes  of  the  many  nations. 

28  And  they  shall  know  that  I  am  the 
Lord  their  God;  because  I  had  exiled  them 
among  the  nations,  but  gather  them  now 
unto  their  owm  land,  and  leave  none  of  them 
any  more  there. 

29  And  I  will  not  hide  ni}'  face  any  more 
from  them;  for  I  will  have  poured  out  my 
spirit  over  the  house  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  ][  In  the  five  and  twentieth  year  of  our 
exile,  in  the  beginning  of  the  year,  on  the 
tenth  day  of  the  month,  in  the  fourteenth 
year  after  the  city  had  been  smitten,  on  the 
selfsame  day  came  the  inspiration  of  the  Lord 
upon  me,  and  brought  me  thither." 

2  In  the  visions  of  God  brought  he  me 
unto  the  land  of  Israel,  and  set  me  down 

one  to  mark  the  place  where  any  one  had  fallen,  and  the 
other  to  remove  the  remains  to  the  valley  at  first  de- 
scribed. 

*  Jonathan,  "king.^,  rulers,  chiefs,  mighty  ones,  the 
rich."  '  Jerusalem,  the  smitten  city. 

G39 


EZEKIEL  XL. 


upon  a  very  high  mount,  on  which  there  was 
built  something  like  a  city  on  the  south. 

3  And  when  he  had  brought  me  thither, 
behold,  there  was  a  man,  whose  appearance 
was  like  the  appearance  of  copper,  with  a 
line  of  flax  in  his  hand,  and  a  measuring-rod: 
and  he  was  standing  in  the  gate. 

4  And  the  man  spoke  unto  me,  Son  of 
man,  behold  with  thy  eyes,  and  hear  with 
thy  ears,  and  direct  thy  heart  unto  all  that 
I  am  about  to  show  thee;  for  in  order  to 
show  it  unto  thee  art  thou  brought  hither: 
tell  all  that  thou  seest  to  the  house  of  Israel. 

5  And  behold  there  was  a  wall  on  the  out- 
side of  the  house  all  round  about,  and  in  the 
man's  hand  was  a  measuring-rod  of  six  cubits 
long  by  the  cubit  which  was  a  hand's  breadth 
longer  than  usual;  and  he  measured  the 
breadth'  of  the  building,  one  rod,  and  the 
height,  one  rod. 

6  Then  came  he  unto  the  gate  which  look- 
ed in  the  direction  toward  the  east,  and  went 
up  its  steps,  and  measured  the  threshold  of 
the  gate,  one  rod  in  breadth,  and  the  other 
threshold  one  rod  in  breadth. 

7  And  every  cell  was  one  rod  long,  and 
one  rod  broad;  and  between  the  cells  were 
five  cubits:  and  the  threshold  of  the  gate 
near  by  the  porch  of  the  gate  within  was  one 
rod. 

8  He  measured  also  the  porch  of  the  gate 
within,  one  rod. 

9  Then  measured  he  the  porch  of  the  gate, 
eight  cubits,  and  its  door-posts,''  two  cubits: 
and  the  porch  of  the  gate  was  inward. 

10  And  the  cells  of  the  gate  in  the  eastern 
direction  were  three  on  this  side,  and  three 
on  that  side,  one  measure  was  for  all  the 
three;  and  there  was  one  measure  for  the 
door-posts  on  this  side  and  on  that  side. 

11  And  he  measured  the  breadth  of  the 
entrance  of  the  gate,  ten  cubits,  (and)  the 
length  of  the  gate,  thirteen  cubits. 

'  i.  e.  The  thickness  of  the  wall. 

*  Rashi,  "all  the  E/im  (posts)  mentioued  in  this  de- 
scription are  tree-shaped,  round,  made  of  hewn  stone, 
and  stand  at  the  doors,  one  on  the  right,  and  the  other 
on  the  left,  ia  place  of  the  sills  or  door-posts." 

°  i.  <;.  The  doors  of  the  cells  at  each  side  of  the  gate- 
way faced  each  other. 

''  Zunz;  but  Rashi,  "and  so  was  it  on  all  the  door-posts 
I'f  the  court,  which  were  on  the  porches  of  its  gates  round 
ibout." 

•  Rashi,  who  takes  -ji)  S;' — literally,  (what  is)  "before 


12  And  there  was  a  space  before  the  cellts 
of  one  cubit  on  this  side,  and  one  cubit  space 
was  there  on  that  side :  and  every  cell  was  of 
six  cubits  on  this  side,  and  of  six  cubits  on 
that  side. 

13  And  he  measured  the  gate  from  the 
roof  of  (one)  cell  to  the  roof  of  (another),  in 
breadth  five  and  twenty  cubits,  one  door  be- 
ing against  (the  other)  door." 

14  And  he  made  door-posts  of  sixty  cubits, 
and  around  the  door-posts  the  court  and  the 
gate  all  round  about.'' 

15  And  the  height'  of  the  gate  of  the  en- 
trance as  also  the  height  of  the  porch  of  the 
inner  gate  was  fifty  cubits. 

16  And  there  were  narro-w  windows  in  the 
cells,  and  by  their  door-posts  within  the  gate 
all  round  about,  and  likewise  in  the  porches :' 
and  windows  were  all  round  about  inward; 
and  on  each  door  post  were  palm-shaped  (capi- 
tals).*-' 

17  Then  brought  he  me  into  the  outward 
court,  and,  lo,  there  were  chambers,  and  a 
pavement  made  for  the  court  all  round  about : 
thirty  chambers  were  upon  the  pavement. 

18  And  the  pavement  by  the  side  of  the 
gates  was  all  along  the  whole  length  of  the 
gates :  this  was  the  lower  pavement. 

19  Then  measured  he  the  breadth  from 
the  front  of  the  lower  gate  unto  the  front 
of  the  inner  court,  without,  one  hundred 
cubits,  eastward  and  northward."" 

20  And  the  gate  of  the  outer  court  that 
looked  in  a  northern  direction,  he  measured 
after  its  length,  and  its  breadth. 

21  And  its  cells  were  three  on  this  side 
and  three  on  that  side;  and  its  door-posts 
and  its  porches  were  after  the  measure  of  the 
first  gate :  fifty  cubits  was  its  length,'  and 
its  breadth  five  and  twenty  cubits. 

22  And  its  windows,  and  its  porches,''  .and 
their  palm-shaped  capitals,  were  after  the 
measure  of  the  gate  that  looked  in  an  eastern 


the  face,"— as  meaning  "the  height,"  L  c.  of  the  structure 
on  the  gate. 

'  Jonathan.  Zunz,  "arched  passages."  Philippson, 
"cornices."     Rashi,  "  the  tree-like  pillars  of  every  gate." 

8  Rashi.     Zunz,  "palm-like  ornaments." 

"■  Philipp.son,  "  the  inner  court  was  surrounded  on  three 
sides  by  the  outer  one,  so  that  each  gate  of  the  last  was 
opposite  to  one  of  the  first,  with  an  intervening  space  of 
one  hundred  cubits.     There  was  no  western  gate." 

'  Rashi,  "its  height,"  as  above,  verse  15. 

^  Philippson,  "cornices."  • 


EZEKIEL  XL. 


direction :  and  by  seven  steps  did  they  go  up 
unto  it,  and  to  its  porches  which*  were  be- 
fore them. 

23  And  the  gates  of  the  inner  court  were 
opposite  the  gates  on  tlie  north,  and  on  the 
east:  and  he  measured  from  gate  to  gate  one 
hundred  cubits. 

24  After  tliat  he  led  me  forth  to  the  south 
side,  and  behold  there  was  a  gate  on  the 
south  side:  and  he  measured  its  door-posts 
and  its  porches  after  these  measures. 

25  And  there  were  windows  in  it  and  in 
its  porches  all  round  about,  like  the  other 
Avindows:  it  was  fifty  cubits  in  leligth,  and 
in  breadth  five  and  twenty  culjits.  j 

26  And  bv  seven  steps  was  the  ascent  to  I 
it,  and  to  its  porches  whit'h  were  l)efore  them ; 
and  it  had  palm-shaped  capitals,  one  on  this 
side,  and  another  on  that  side,  upon  its  door- 
posts. 

27  And  there  was  a  gate  in  the  inner  court 
on  the  south  side:  and  he  measured  from 
ga^i  to  gate  on  the  south  side  one  hundred 
cubits. 

28  And  he  brought  me  to  the  inner  court 
by  the  south  gate ;  and  he  measured  the  south 
gate  after  these  measures; 

29  And  its  cells,  and  its  door-posts,  and 
its  porches  were  after  these  measures;  and 
there  were  windows  in  it  and  in  its  porches 
all  round  about:  it  was  fifty  cubits  in  length, 
and  in  breadth  five  and  twenty  cubits. 

30  And  arched  passages''  were  all  round 
about,  five  and  twenty  cubits  long,  and  five 
cubits  broad. 

31  And  its  porches  were  toward  the  outer 
court;  and  palm-shaped  capitals  were  upon  its 
door-posts :  and  its  ascent  was  by  eight  steps. 

32  And  he  brought  me  into  the  inner  court 
on  the  east  side;  and  he  measured  the  gate 
after  these  measures; 

33  And  its  cells  and  its  door-posts,  and  its 
porches,  were  according  to  these  measures; 
and  there  were  windows  in  it  and  in  its 
porches  all  round  about :  its  length  was  fifty 

"  Kashi,  who  comments,  "and  the  porch  of  the  gates 
before  the  steps,  before  entering  in  the  main  porch,  was 
ascended  by  steps." 

'■  Kashi. 

'  Philippson,  "of  the  gate,"  ;'.  e.  the  northern  one, 
near  which  the  burnt-offering  had  to  be  killed. 

■*  Lit.  "which  belonged  to  the  porch." 

•  Jonathan ;  and  means,  that  iron  hook.s,  a  hand  long, 
were  fixed  in  the  chamber  where  the  sacrifices  were 
4  F 


cubits,    and    its    breadth    five    and    twenty 
cubits. 

34  And  its  porches  were  toward  the  out^ 
ward  court;  and  palm-shaped  capitals  were 
upon  its  door-posts,  on  this  side,  and  on  that 
side :  and  by  eight  steps  was  the  ascent  to  it. 

35  And  he  brought  me  to  the  north  gate, 
and  he  measured  it  after  these  measures; 

30  Its  cells,  its  door-posts,  and  its  porches; 
and  the  windows  in  it  were  all  round  about: 
its  length  was  fifty  cubits,  and  its  breadth 
five  and  twenty  cubits. 

37  And  its  door-posts  were  toward  the 
outer  court ;  and  palm-shaped  capitals  were 
upon  its  door-posts,  on  this  side,  and  on  that 
side :  and  hy  eight  steps  was  the  ascent  to  it. 

38  And  there  was  a  chamber  with  its  door 
by  the  door-posts  of  the  gates,""  where  they 
washed  oft'  the  burnt-ofierings. 

39  And  in  the  porch  of  the  gate  were  two 
tables  on  this  side,  and  two  tables  on  that 
side,  to  slaughter  thereon  the  burnt-ofierings 
and  the  sin-ofterings  and  the  trespass-oft'er- 
ings. 

40  And  at  the  side  without  (the  porch),  as 
one  went  up  to  the  entrance  of  the  north 
gate,  were  two  tables;  and  on  the  other  side'' 
of  the  porch  of  the  gate  were  two  tables; 

41  Four  tables  being  on  this  side,  and  four 
tables  on  that  side,  by  the  side  of  the  gate, — 
eight  tables,  whereupon  they  slaughtered  (the 
sacrifices) . 

42  And  there  were  four  tables  of  hewn 
stone  for  the  burnt-ofierings,  of  a  cubit  and  a 
half  long,  and  a  cubit  and  a  half  broad,  and 
one  cubit  high :  whereupon  they  laid  the  in- 
struments W'herewith  they  slaughtered  the 
burnt-ofterings  and  the  sacrifices. 

43  And  hooks,  a  hand  long,  were  fastened 
within"  all  round  about:  and  on  the  tables 
was  placed  the  fiesh  of  the  oflferings. 

44  And  without  the  inner  gate  were  the 
chambers  of  the  singers  in  the  inner  court, 
which  was  at  the  side  of  the  north  gate ;  and 
their  front*^  was  toward  the  south  side :  one 

slaughtered,  to  hang  them  up  by.  But  D'naty  is  explain- 
ed by  some  to  mean  gutters,  perhaps  to  draw  off  the 
blood.  Others,  "lasts;"  and  Philippson  translates,  "and 
lasts,  a  hand  broad,  were  fastened  toward  the  inside,  all 
around,  as  also  on  the  table,  for  the  fiesh  of  the  offerings." 
Redak  takes  it  to  mean  a  sort  of  frame-work  on  which  the 
1  pots,  in  which  the  offerings  were  boiled,  were  placed. 
'  Philippson,  after  the  Septuagint,  "And  without  I  lie 
inner  gate  were  tiaj  ruws  of  chambers  in  the  inner  cciurt; 

0-11 


EZEKIEL  XL.  XLI. 


was  at  the  side  of  the  east  gate  having  the 
front  toward  the  north  side. 

45  And  he  spoke  unto  me,  This  chamber, 
the  front  of  wliich  is  toward  the  south,  is  for 
the  priests  who  have  the  charge  of  the 
house. 

46  And  the  clianiberjtho  front  of  whicli  is 
toward  the  north. is  for  the  jjriests  who  have 
the  charge  of  the  altar:  these  are  the  sons  of 
Zadolv,  who  come  near,  from  among  the  sons 
of  Levi,  to  the  Lord  to  minister  unto  him. 

47  So  he  measured  the  court,  in  length 
one  hundred  cubits,  and  in  brcadtli  one  hun- 
dred cubits,  foursquare:  and  the  altar  (stood) 
before  the  house. 

48  And  he  brought  me  to  the  porch  of  the 
house,  and  measured  each  door-post  of  the 
porch,  five  cubits  on  this  side,  and  five  cubits 
on  that  side:  and  the  breadth  of  the  gate 
was  three  cubits  on  this  side,  and  three  cubits 
on  that  side. 

40  The  length  of  the  porch  was  twenty 
cubits,  and  the  breadth  eleven  cubits,  to- 
gether with"  the  steps  whereby  they  went  up 
to  it:  and  there  were  pillars  by  the  door- 
posts, one  on  this  side,  and  another  on  that 
side. 

CHAPTER  XLL 

1  And  he  brought  me  to  the  temple:  and 
he  measured  the  door-posts,  six  cubits  broad 
(m  the  one  side,  and  six  cubits  broad  on  the 
other  side,  (as  also)*  the  breadth  of  the  taber- 
nacle. 

2  And  the  bread tli  of  the  door  was  ten 
cubits;  and  the  sides  of  the  door  were  five 
cubits  on  the  one  side,  and  five  cubits  on  the 
other  side :  and  he  measured  its  length,  forty 
cubits,  and  the  breadth,  twenty  cubits. 

3  Then  went  he  inward,  and  measured 
the  posts  of  the  door,  two  cubits;  and  the 
door  was  six  cubits  high;''  and  the  breadth 
of  the  door,  was  sex  en  cubits. 

the  one  at  the  side  of  the  north  gate,  witli  its  front  to- 
ward the  south,  and  the  other  at  the  aoutli  gate,  with  its 
front  to  the  north."    The  variations  are  marked  iu  italics. 

■■'  Philippson,  after  thi;  .Se])tuagint,  supplies  ten;  thus, 
"and  by  ten  steps  they  ascended  to  it." 

''  Zuuz,  meaning,  after  measuring  the  space  between  the 
side-posts,  be  measured  the  whole  front.  Rashi,  "the 
breadth  of  the  poreli,  whicii  was  as  the  length  of  the 
temple;"  taking  briNH  "the  tent"  for  D^sn  "the  porch." 
The  piira.se  is  very  obscure. 

•  Rashi. 
U42 


4  And  he  measured  its  length,  twenty 
cubits;  and  the  breadth,  twenty  cubits,  front- 
ing on  the  temple :  and  he  said  unto  me, 
This  is  the  most  holy  place. 

'i  After  this  he  measured  the  wall  of  the 
house,  six  cubits;  and  the  breadth  of  every 
side-chamber  was  four  cubits,  all  round  about 
the  house  on  every  side. 

6  And  the  side-chambers  were  one  over  an- 
other, three  and  tliirty  times;''  and  they  entered 
into  the  wall  which  was  on  the  house  for  the 
side-chambers  all  round  about,  that  they 
might  be  fastened  on,  but  they  were  not 
fastened  on  the  wall  of  the  house. 

7  And  as  one  wound  upward  it  became 
continuitlly  wider  for  the  side-chambers;  lor 
the  I'ow  of  chambers  about  the  house  went 
more  and  more  upward  round  about  the 
house;  therefore  was  the  breadth  of  the 
house  greater  upward:  and  so  they  ascended 
from  the  lowest  chambers  to  the  highest 
through  the  middle  ones. 

8  And  I  saw  the  height  of  the  house  all 
round  about:  the  foundations  of  the  side- 
chamljers  were  a  full  rod  of  six  cubits  under 
ground." 

9  The  thickness  of  the  wall,  Avhich  was 
for  the  side-chambers  without,  was  five  cubits, 
as  also  the  space  which  was  left  open  by  the 
row  of  the  side-chambers  that  were  on  the 
house.' 

10  And  between  the  chambers  there  was 
a  width  of  twenty  cubits  round  about  the 
house  on  every  side. 

11  And  the  doors  of  the  side-chambers 
were  on  the  open  space,  one  door  was  in  a 
northern  direction,  and  another  door  on  the 
south :  and  the  breadth  of  the  place  that 
was  left  open  was  five  cubits  all  round 
about. 

12  Now  the  Iniilding  that  was  before  the 
main  wing"  on  the  west  side  was  seventy  cu- 
bits broad;  and  the  wall  of  the  building  was 

*  Others,  "three  rows  of  thirty  each,"  or  ninety. 

"Rashi.  Tlunz,  "to  the  wrist;"  meaning,  a  cubit  of 
an  arm's  length  to  the  wrist. 

'  Rashi,  "the  chambers  did  not  occupy  the  whole  .space 
of  the  north  and  .south  side,  but  at  the  east  and  west 
corners  there  was  an  open  space  for  the  doors  of  the 
chambers  which  communicated  afterward  one  with  the 
other,  not  having  any  doors  opening  outside." 

^  iTitJ  is  here  given  after  Zunz,  aud  is,  according  to 
Rashi,  synonymous  with  the  temple  or  main  building  itself 
Others,  "upper  rooms."     Philippson,  "off-cut,"  from  ijj, 


EZf:KIEL  XLl.  XLII. 


five  cubits  thick  round  about,  and  its  length, 
ninety  cubits. 

13  So  he  measured  the  house,  in  length 
one  hundred  cubits;  and  the  main  wing,  and 
the  building,  with  its  walls,  in  length  one 
hundred  cubits; 

14  Also  the  breadth  in  the  Iront  oi'  the 
house,  and  of  the  main  M'ing  on  the  east,  was 
one  hundred  cubits. 

15  And  lie  measured  the  length  of  the 
l)uildin2;  on  the  front  side  of  the  main  wintf 
which  was  Ijehind  it,  and  its  corner-pillars  on 
the  one  side  and  on  the  other  side,  one  hun- 
dred cubits;  and  this  included  the  inner  tem- 
ple, and  the  porches  of  the  court; 

16  The  thresholds,  and  the  narrow  win- 
dows, and  the  corner-pillai's  were  round  about 
on  their  three  sides:  opposite  the  threshold 
there  was  a  wainscoting  of  wood  all  round 
about,  and  so  from  the  ground  up  to  the  win- 
dows: and  the  windows  were  covered." 

17  On  the  part  above  the  door,  and  as  far 
as  the  iinier  house,  and  the  outer  (house), 
was  (a  wainscoting),  and  on  all  the  wall 
round  about  within  and  witliout,  by  (the 
same)  measure ; 

18  And  it  was  ornamented  with  cherubim 
and  palm-trees,  a  palm-tree  being  between 
two  cherubim;  and  ever}-  cherub  had  two 
faces ; 

19  So  that  a  human  face  was  toward  the 
palm-tree  on  the  one  side,  and  a  3oung  lion's 
face  toward  the  palm-tree  on  the  other  side : 
it  was  so  made  on  all  the  house  round  about. 

20  From  the  ground  to  the  part  above  the 
door  were  the  cherubim  and  the  palm-trees 
made,  and  so  on  the  wall  of  the  temple. 

21  The  temple  had  four-cornered  door- 
posts, and  the  front  of  the  holy  of  holies  had 
the  (same)  appearance  as  the  appearance  (of 
the  other). 

22  The  altar  was  of  wood,''  three  cubits 
high,  and  its  length  was  two  cubits;  and  its 
corners,  and  its  top-piece,  and  its  walls,  were 
of  wood :  and  he  spoke  unto  me,  This  is  the 
table  that  is  before  the  Lord. 


"  to  cut,"  and  supposes  it  to  be  a  vacant  space,  and  also 
tliat  seventij  should  be  thirli/,  as  the  whole  temple-house 
was  one  hundred  cubits  square,  leaving  therefore  only  the 
last  measure  for  this  building  back  of  the  hol_v  of  holies. 
'  Redak,  "were  covered  from  above."  Philippson, 
"were  ,so  covered  by  the  wainscoting  that  they  could  not 
.  be  seen  from  below." 


23  And  the  temple  and  the  holy  of  holies 
had  two  doors. 

24  And  the  doors  had  two  leaves  (apiece), 
two  turning  leaves,  two  (leaves)  for  the  one 
door,  and  two  leaves  for  the  other. 

2-3  And  there  were  made  on  them,  on  the 
doors  of  the  temple,  cherubim  and  palm-trees, 
as  they  were  made  upon  the  wtiUs;  and  (a 
covering'  of)  tliick  wooden  pianks  was  upon 
the  front  of  the  porch  without. 

2G  And  there  were  narrow  windows  and 
palm-trees  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other 
side,  on  the  sides  of  the  jjorch,  and  on  the 
side-chambers  of  the  house,  and  the  (covering 
of)  thick  planks. 

CHAPTER  XLll. 

1  And  he  led  me  forth  into  the  outer 
court,  on  the  way  to  the  north  side;  and 
he  brought  me  into  the  (row  of)  chambers 
that  was  opposite  the  maiii  wing,  and 
which  was  opposite  the  building  toward  the 
north ; 

2  On  the  front  side  the  length  (of  which) 
was  it  lunulred  cubits,  (up  to)  the  north 
door,  while  the  breadth  was  fifty  cubits. 

3  Opposite  the  twenty  cubits  which  were 
for  the  inner  court,  and  opposite  the  pave- 
ment Avhich  was  for  the  outer  court,  was 
corner-pillar  before  corner-pillar  in  the  three 
stories. 

4  And  before  the  chambers  was  a  walk  ol' 
ten  cubits  in  breadth  toward  the  inner  house, 
a  way  of  one  cubit  (in  width) ;  and  their 
doors  were  toward  the  north. 

5  Now  the  upper  chambei-s  were  shorter 
(for  the  corner-pillar  took  away  part  of  the 
space  from  them)  than  the  lowest  and  than 
the  middle  chambers  of  the  building. 

G  For  they  were  in  three  stories,  but  had 
not  pillars  like  the  pillars  of  the  courts: 
therefore  was  something  taken  oft"  the  lowest 
and  the  middle  ones  (as  one  ascended)  from 
the  ground. 

7  And  the  wall  that  was  without  alongside 
the    chambers,    toward    the    outer   court    in 


''  Some  suppose  this  to  be  the  altar  of  incense ;  but 
Rashi  thinks  it  was  a  table,  and  takes  "the  corners"  to 
mean  the  feet,  &c. 

°  Zunz.  Rashi,  however,  takes  this  to  be  heavy  props 
of  wood  passing  from  the  porch  to  the  temple  wall,  to  pre- 
vent this  from  bulging  ciiitw;ird.  I'liilippsou,  ";i  wooden 
staircase  was  on  the  porch  without." 

U43 


EZEKIEL  XLII.  XLIII. 


front  of  the  chambers,  was  in  its  length  fifty 
cubits. 

8  For  the  length  of  tlie  chambers  that 
were  in  the  outer  court  was  fifty  cubits;  and 
lo,  (the  whole  space)  in  front  of  the  temple 
was  one  hundred  cubits. 

9  And  beneath  these  chambers  was  the 
entrance  from  the  east  side,  as  one  goeth  into 
them  from  the  outer  court. 

10  On  the  breadth  of  the  wall  of  the  court 
in  an  eastern  direction,  before  the  main  wing, 
and  before  the  l)uilding,  were  chambers. 

11  And  the  way  before  tliem  was  of  like 
appearance  as  that  for  the  cliambers  which 
were  on  the  north  side,  of  the  same  length 
and  the  same  breadth :  and  all  tlieir  means 
of  egress,  and  their  arrangement,  and  their 
doors  Avere  of  the  like  manner. 

12  And  so  also  were  the  doors  of  the 
chambers  that  were  on  the  south  side,  a  door 
being  on  the  head  of  the  way,  of  the  way 
directly"  before  the  wall  on  the  east  side,  as 
one  entereth  into  them. 

13  And  he  said  unto  me.  The  north  cham- 
bers and  the  south  chambers  which  are  in 
front  of  the  main  wing, — these  are  the  holy 
chambers,  where  the  priests  that  approach 
unto  the  Lord  shall  eat  the  most  holy  tilings: 
there  shall  they  lay  the  most  holy  things, 
namely,  the  meat-offering,  and  the  sin-oft'er- 
ing,  and  the  trespas.s-oflrering;  for  the  place  is 
holy. 

14  When  the  priests  enter  therein,  then 
shall  they  not  go  out  of  the  sanctuary  into 
tlie  outer  court;  but  there  sliall  they  lay 
down  their  garments  wherein  they  may  have 
ministered;  for  they  are  holy:  and  they 
shall  put  on  other  garments,  and  shall  then 
approacli*  to  (the  court)  which  is  for  the 
people. 

15  Now  when  he  had  finished  the  mea- 
surings  of  the  inner  house,  he  led  me  tbrth  by 
the  way  of  the  gate  which  looked  in  an  east^ 
ern  direction,  and  measvu-ed  it  all  round 
about. 

16  He  measured  the  east  side  with  the 
measvu'ing-rod,  five  hundred  rods,  with  the 
measuring-rod  round  about. 

"  Jonathan,  "the  way  to  the   stand   for   the  Levites," 

('.  ('.  wlioro  they  stood  when  they  sang  the  psalms. 

''  Jonathan,  "and  shall  then  mingle  with  the  people." 
Rashi,  ".sliall  touch  the  people's  garments." 

°  i.  p.  When  he  prophesied  eonceruing  the  destruction. 
(See  above,  ix  4.  ite.) 
644 


17  He  measured  the  north  side,  five  hun- 
dred rods,  with  the  measuring-rod  round 
about. 

18  The  south  side  he  measured,  five  hun- 
dred rods,  with  the  measuring-rod. 

19  He  turned  about  to  the  west  side,  and 
measured  five  hundred  rods  with  the  measur- 
ing-rod. 

20  On  the  four  sides  did  he  measure  it  by 
the  wall  that  was  all  round  about,  five  hundred 
rods  in  length,  and  in  breadth  five  hundred, 
to  make  a  separation  between  the  holy  place 
and  the  profixne. 

CHAPTER  XLHI. 

1  Then  did  he  lead  me  to  the  gate,  even 
the  gate  that  was  turned  in  an  eastern  di- 
rection. 

2  And,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  God  of  Is- 
rael came  from  the  way  of  the  east;  and  his 
voice  was  like  a  noise  of  many  waters;  and 
the  earth  gave  light  from  his  glory. 

3  And  it  was  like  the  appearance  of  the 
vision  which  I  had  seen,  yea,  like  the  vision 
that  I  had  seen  when  I  came  to  destroy  the 
city;"  and  the  visions  were  like  the  vision 
that  I  had  seen  by  the  river  Kebar:  and  I  fell 
upon  my  face. 

4  And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  came  into  the 
house  by  the  way  of  the  gate  which  was 
turned  in  an  eastern  direction. 

5  Then  did  the  Spirit  take  me  up,  and 
bring  me  into  the  inner  court:  and,  behold, 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  house. 

6  And  I  heard  him  speaking  unto  me  out 
of  the  house ;  and  a  man  was  standing  along- 
side of  me. 

7  And  he  said  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  (this) 
is  the  place  of  my  throne,  and  the  place  of 
the  soles  of  my  feet,  where  I  will  dwell  in  the 
midst  of  tlie  children  of  Israel  forever:  and 
the  house  of  Israel  shall  not  defile  any  more 
my  holy  name,  neither  they,  nor  their  kings, 
by  their  lewdness,  nor  by  the  carcasses''  of 
their  kings  on  their  high-places. 

8  Inasmuch  as  they  placed  their  tliresliold 
by  my  threshold,  and  their  door-posts  close 
by  my  door-posts,  and  the  wall  being  only  be- 


''  Some  explain  this  that  the  kings  had  themselves  buried 
near  the  temple.  Zunz,  "the  carcasses  (of  the  sacrifices) 
of  their  kings."  Pbilippson,  "the  idol-abominations  of 
their  kings;"  taking  "ijij  as  expressive  of  the  "inanimate," 
"  soulless  idols;"  and  it  is  well  known  that  even  near  the 
temple  tliey  wor.shipped  falseh(Jod. 


EZEKIEL  XLIIi. 


tween  me  and  them,  and  they  defiled  my 
holy  name  by  their  abominations  which  they 
committed;  so  that  I  made  an  end  of  them 
in  my  anger. 

9  Now  will  they  have  to  put  away  their 
lewdness,  and  the  carcasses  of  their  kings,  far 
from  me,  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of 
them  for  ever. 

10  Tl  Thou,  son  of  man,  tell  the  house  of 
Israel  of  the  house,  that  they  may  be  con- 
founded because  of  their  iniquities :  and  let 
them  measure  the  outlines. 

11  And  if  they  be  confounded  because  of 
all  that  they  have  done  :  then  let  them  know 
the  Ibrm  of  the  house,  and  its  arrangements, 
and  its  means  of  egress,  and  its  entrances, 
and  all  its  forms,  and  all  its  statutes,  and  all 
its  forms,  and  all  its  laws,  and  write  them 
down  before  their  eyes;  that  they  may  o)> 
serve  the  whole  of  its  foi'm.  and  all  its  sta- 
tutes, and  carry  them  out. 

12  This  is  the  law  for  the  house.  Upon  the 
top  of  the  mount  shall  its  whole  limit  all 
round  about  be  most  holy:  behold,  this  is 
the  law  for  the  house. 

13  And  these  are  the  measures  of  the  altar 
in  cubits,  The  cubit  is  a  cubit  and  a  hand- 
breadth;"  and  the  bottom  shalP  be  a  cul>it 
high,  and  a  cubit  Itroad,  and  its  border  on  its 
edge  round  about  shall  be  a  span :  and  this 
shall  be  the  outside"  of  the  altar. 

14  And  from  thfe  bottom  upon  the  ground 
up  to  the  lower  projection  shall  be  two  cu- 
bits, and  the  breadth  one  cubit;  and  from  the 
lesser  j^i'ojection  up  to  the  greater  projec- 
tion shall  be  four  cubits,  and  the  breadth  one 
cubit. 

15  And  the  upper  portion  of  the  altar  shall 
be  four  cubits;  and  from  the  upper  surface** 
of  the  altar  and  upward  shall  be  the  four 
horns. 

16  And  the  upper  surface  of  the  altar  shall 
be  twelve  cubits  long,  by  twelve  broad, 
square  on  its  four  sides. 

17  And  the  projection  shall  be  fourteen 
cubits  in  length,  by  fourteen  in  breadtli  on  its 
four  sides;  and   the   border   round   about  it 


*  ?'.  e.  Each  cubit  here  mentioned  is  a  hand  longer  than 
the  usual  measure. 

''  Zuuz,  "was;"  and  so  in  all  this  passage,  using  the 
past  where  here  the  past  is  found. 

■^  Lit.  "back,"  ».  <   that  which  stands  out  the  farthest. 


.shall  be  half  a  cubit;  and  its  bottom  shall  be 
a  cubit  round  al)Out;  and  its  steps  shall  look 
toward  the  east. 

18  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  These  are  the 
statutes  of  the  altar  on  the  day  when  it  shall 
be  finished,  to  ofl'er  thereon  burnt-offerings, 
and  to  sprinkle  thereon  blood. 

11)  And  thou  shalt  give  to  the  priests  the 
Levites  that  are  of  the  seed  of  Zadok,  who 
approach  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  to 
minister  unto  me.  a  young  bullock  for  a  sin- 
oft'ering. 

20  And  thou  shalt  take  of  his  blood,  and 
put  it  on  its  four  horns,  and  on  the  four 
corners  of  the  projection,  and  upon  the  bor- 
der round  about;  and  thou  shalt  cleanse  it 
and  make  an  atonement  for  it. 

21  And  thou  shalt  take  the  bullock  of  the 
sin-oftering,  and  some  one  shall  burn  him  at 
an  appointed  place  of  the  hou.se,  without  the 
sanctuary. 

22  And  on  the  second  day  shalt  thou  ofter 
a  he-goat  without  blemish  for  a  sin-ofi'ering: 
and  they  shall  cleanse  the  altar,  as  they  did 
cleanse  it  with  the  bullock. 

23  When  thou  hast  made  an  end  of  cleans- 
ing it,  shalt  thou  offer  a  young  bullock  with- 
out blemish,  and  a  ram  out  of  the  flock  with- 
out blemish. 

24  And  thou  shalt  bring  them  near  before 
the  Lord,  and  the  priests  shall  throw  salt, 
upon  them,  and  they  shall  ofter  them  up  as  a 
burnt-ofiering  unto  the  Lord. 

25  Seven  days  shalt  thou  prepare  a  goat 
for  a  sin-oftering  every  day;  and  a  young 
l:)ullock,  and  a  ram  out  of  the  flock,  without 
blemish  shall  they  prepare. 

26  Seven  days  shall  they  atone  for  the 
altar  and  purity  it;  and  they  shall  consecrate 
the  same.'' 

27  And  when  these  days  are  expired,  it 
shall  be,  that  on  the  eighth  day,  and  thence- 
forward, the  priests  shall  prepare  upon  the 
altar  your  burnt-ofl'erings,  and  your  peace- 
ofterings:  and  I  will  accept  you  in  favour, 
saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 


''  "The  place  of  offering." — Arnhei.m.  It  properly 
means,  "  lion  of  God."  The  upper  division,  the  whole  con- 
sisting of  four,  the  bottom  two  projections  and  top,  is  to  be 
four  cubits  in  height,  and  be  a  square  of  twelve  by  twelve. 

"  Redak,  "  tlie  priest  .shall  consecrate  himsself." 

64-5 


EZEKIEL  XLIV. 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

1  ^  And  he  brought  me  back  l^y  the  way 
of  the  outer  gate  of  the  sanctuary  which  look- 
ed toward  the  east:  and  it  was  locked. 

2  Then  said  the  LoRn  unto  me.  This  gate 
shall  remain  locked,  it  shall  not  be  opened, 
and  no  man  shall  enter  in  by  it;  because  the 
Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  hath  entered''  in  by 
it,  therefore  shall  it  remain  locked. 

3  As  for  the  prince,  being  the  prince,  he 
shall  sit  in  it  to  eat  bread  before  the  Lord: 
by  the  way  of  the  porch  of  that  gate  shall  he 
enter,  and  by  the  way  of  the  same  shall  he 
go  out. 

4  Then  brought  he  me  by  the  way  of  the 
north  gate  before  the  house;  and  I  looked, 
and,  behold,  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the 
house  of  the  Lord  :  and  I  fell  upon  my  face. 

•5  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
direct  thy  mind,  and  see  with  thy  eyes,  and 
hear  with  thy  ears  all  that  I  am  speaking 
with  thee  concerning  all  the  ordinances  of 
the  house  of  the.LoRD,  and  of  all  its  laws;  and 
direct  thy  mind  to  the  entrance  of  the  house, 
with  every  place  of  egress  of  the  sanctuary. 

6  And  thou  shalt  say  to  the  rebellious,  to 
the  house  of  Israel,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal.  Ye  have  done  enough  with  all  your 
abominations,  0  house  of  Israel ! 

7  In  your  having  brought  the  sons  of  the 
stranger,  uncircumcised  in  heart,  and  uncir- 
cumcised  in  flesh,  to  be  in  my  sanctuary,  to 
pollute  it,  even  my  house,  while  you  were 
offering  my  food,  the  fat  aud  the  blood  :  so 
that  they  broke  my  covenant  because  of  all 
your  abominations. 

8  And  (because)  ye  have  not  kept  the 
charge  of  my  holy  things;  but  ye  have  set 
(those  unworthy  ones)  as  keepers  of  my 
charge  in  my  sanctuarv  at  your  own  pleasure.* 

9  ^  Thus  hatli  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  No 
son  of  the  stranger,  uncircumcised  in  heart, 
or  uncircumcised  in  flesh,  shall  enter  into  my 
sanctuary,  of  all  the  sons  of  the  stranger  that 
are  in  the  midst  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

10  But  as  respecteth  the  Levites  that  were 
gone  away  far  from  me,  when   Israel  went 

•  Zunz,  "enteroth." 

'  Kashi,  taking  ddS  literally  "for  you,"  as  D^n^rnS 
"accorJing  to  your  thought,  will,  option,  or  pleasure." 

°  The  prophet  indicates  in  the  passage  from  verse  9  to 
14  that  the  priests  who  had  joined  in  the  idolatry  of  the 
C46 


astrav  ,  who  went  astray  away  from  me,  after 
their  idols,  they  shall  surely  bear  their  ini- 
quity; . 

11  And  they  shall  be  in  my  sanctuary  ser- 
vants, appointed  to  watch  at  the  gates  of  the 
house,  and  to  be  servants  for  the  house:  these 
are  they  that  shall  slay  the  burnt-offerings 
and  the  sacrifices  for  the  people,  and  they 
shall  stand  before  them  to  do  the  service  for 
them. 

12  Because  that  they  used  to  serve  them  be- 
fore their  idols,  and  have  been  unto  the  house 
of  Israel  as  a  stumbling-block  of  iniquity; 
therefore  have  I  lifted  up  my  hand  against 
them,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  and  they  shall 
bear  their  iniquity; 

13  And  they  shall  not  come  near  unto  me, 
to  officiate  as  priests  unto  me,  nor  to  come 
near  to  any  of  my  holy  things,  to  the  most 
holy  things;  but  they  shall  bear  their  shame 
yea,  for  their  abominations  which  they  have 
committed. 

14  And  I  will  appoint  them  to  be  keepers 
of  the  charge  of  the  house,  for  all  the  service 
thereof,  and  for  all  that  shall  be  done  therein." 

15  T[  But  the  priests  the  Levites,  the  sons 
of  Zadok,  that  kept  the  charge  of  my  sanc- 
tuary when  the  children  of  Israel  Avent  astray 
from  me, — these  are  they  that  shall  come 
near  unto  me  to  minister  unto  me,  and  they 
shall  stand  before  me  to  offer  unto  me  the 
fat  and  the  blood,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal : 

16  Tliese  are  they  that  shall  enter  into  my 
sanctuary,  and  these  shall  come  near  to  my 
table,  to  minister  unto  me;  and  they  shall 
keep  my  charge. 

17  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  when 
they  enter  in  at  the  gates  of  the  inner  court, 
they  shall  clothe  themselves  with  linen  gar- 
ments; and  there  shall  no  wool  come  upon 
them,  when  they  minister  in  the  gates  of  the 
inner  court,  and  within  the  house. 

18  Linen  bonnets  shall  be  upon  their 
heads,  and  linen  breeches  shall  be  upon  their 
loins:  they  shall  not  gird*^  themselves  with 
any  thing  that  causeth  sweat. 

19  And  when  they  go  forth  into  the  outer 
court,  into  the  outer  court  to  the  people:  then 

people,  and  "had  become  the  sons  of  the  stranger," 
through  their  misdeeds  should  be  degraded  from  the 
priesthood,  and  do  only  Levitical,  but  not  priestly  service. 
*  Rashi,  "the  law  hath  forbidden  the  priests  woollen 
garments,  becau.se  that  causeth  the  body  to  sweat." 


EZEKIEL  XLIV.  XT,V. 


shall  tliey  put  off  their  garments  wherein 
they  have  ministered,  and  they  shall  lay 
them  down  in  the  holy  chambers;  and  they 
shall  put  on  other  garments,  and  they  shall 
not  mingle"  among  the  people  with  their  gar- 
ments. 

20  And  tlieif  heads  shall  they  not  shave 
close,  nor  suffer  their  hair  to  grow  long:  they 
shall  only  crop  (the  hair  of)  their  heads. 

21  And  wine  shall  none  of  the  priests 
drink,  when  they  enter  into  the  inner  court. 

22  And  a  widow,  or  one  that  is  divorced 
from  her  husband  shall  they  not  take  to 
themselves  as  wives;  Init  only  vii'gins  of  the 
seed  of  the  house  of  Israel ;  but  whatever 
Avidow  it  may  l)e,  the  (common)  priests*'  may 
take. 

2-3  And  my  people  shall  they  teach  the 
difference  between  the  holy  and  profane,  and 
that  between  the  unclean  and  the  clean  shall 
they  make  known  unto  them. 

24  And  in  a  controversy  shall  they  stand 
up  to  judge,  according  to  my  ordinances  shall 
they  decide  it:  and  my  laws  and  my  statutes 
at  all  my  festivals  shall  they  observe,  and 
my  sabbaths  shall  they  sanctify. 

25  Anrl  to  a  dead  person  shall  they  not 
come  to  defile  themselves;  lint  on  father,  or 
on  mother,  or  on  son,  or  on  daughter,  on 
brother,  or  on  sister  that  hath  had  no  hus- 
band, may  they  defile  themselves. 

20  And  after  he  is  become"  clean. — they 
shall  reckon  unto  him  seven  days, — 

27  Then  shall  he  on  the  day  that  he  com- 
eth  into  the  sanctuary,  into  the  inner  court, 
to  minister  in  the  sanctuary,  offer  his  sin- 
offering,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

28  And  it  shall  be  unto  them  as  an  in- 
heritance, I  am  their  inheritance:  and  any 
possession  shall  you  not  give  them  in  Israel, 
I  am  their  possession. 

29  The  meat-offering,  and  the  sin-offering, 
and  the  trespass-offering — these  shall  they 
eat;  and  every  devoted  thing  in  Israel  shall 
belong  to  them. 

30 'And  the  first  of  all  kinds  of  first-fruits 
of  all,  and  every  kind  of   heave-offering  of 

"  Jonathan.  Rashi  comments,  "  Because  profane  gar- 
ments are  not  pure  in  comparison  with  the  holy  gar- 
ments."    Lit.  "and  they  shall  not  sanctify  the  people." 

''  Zunz,  "  And  the  widow  who  is  a  widow  of  a  priest 
may  they  take." 

'  After  Zunz,  who  regards  this  a  parenthesis;  but 
Rashi  translates  after  the  Talmud,  "  And  after  his  sepa- 


every  thing  of  all  your  heave-offerings,  shall 
belong  to  the  priests ;  and  the  first  of  3'our 
dough  shall  you  give  to  the  priest,  to  cause 
a  blessing  to  rest  on  thy  house. 

31  Any  thing  that  hath  died  of  itself,  or 
that  is  torn,  jvhether  it  be  fowl  or  beast,  shall 
the  priests  not  eat. 

CHAPTER  XLV. 

1  T[  And  when  ye  divide  the  land  b}  lot 
for  an  inheritance,  shall  ye  offer  an  oblation 
unto  the  Lord,  as  a  holy  portion  of  the  land, 
five  and  twenty  thousand  rods  in  length,  and 
in  breadth  ten  thousand.  This  shall  be  holy 
in  all  its  extent  round  about. 

2  Of  this  there  shall  be  for  the  sanctuary 
five  hundred  (rods)  l)y  five  hundred,  square 
round  about;  and  fifty  cubits  as  an  open 
space  for  it  round  about. 

3  And  of  this  measure  shaft  thou  measure, 
in  length  five  and  twenty  thousand,  and  in 
lireadth  ten  thousand  (rods):  and  in  it  shall 
be  the  sanctuar}^  (and)  the  holy  of  holies. 

4  The  holy  portion  of  the  land  shall  it  be, 
for  the  priests  the  ministers  of  the  sanctuary 
shall  it  be,  who  come  near  to  minister  unto 
tlie  Lord  ;  and  it  shall  be  unto  them  a  place 
for  houses,  and  a  holy  place  for  the  sanctuar}". 

5  And  five  and  twenty  thousand  (rods)  in 
length,  and  ten  thousand  in  breadth,  shall 
also  belong  unto  the  Levites,  the  servants  of 
the  house,  for  themselves,  as  a  possession, 
with  twenty  chambers.'' 

6  And  as  the  possession  of  the  city  shall  ye 
assign  five  thousand  rods  broad,  and  five  and 
twenty  thousand  long,  alongside  the  holy  ol> 
lation  :  unto  the  whole  house  of  Israel  sliall  it 
belong. 

7  And  the  prince  shall  have  that  on  the 
one  side  and  on  the  other  side  of  the  holy 
oblation,  and  of  the  possession  of  the  city,  in 
front  of  the  holy  olilation,  and  in  front  of  the 
possession  of  the  city,  on  the  west  side  west- 
ward, and  on  the  east  side  eastward;  and  in 
length  alongside  one  of  the  portions,  both  on" 
the  west  border  and  on  the  east  border. 

8  As  landed  property  shall  it  be  his  pos- 

ration  from  the  dead  shall  they  reckon  for  him  seven 
days."  (See  Num.  xis.  11.)  "And  on  the  day  that  he 
first  entereth  into  the  sanctuary,"  &c. 

''  Rashi,  "twenty  chambers  shall  belong  to  the  Levites 
by  the  sanctuary  to  watch  the  house  and  for  lodging,  and 
the  remainder  of  the  district  sliall  fhey  employ  for  their 
requirements."  '  Zunz. 

047 


EZEKTKL  XLV.  XLVI. 


session  in  Israel:  and  my  princes  shall  no 
more  wrong  my  people ;  but  the  land  shall 
they  give  to  the  house  of  Israel  according  to 
their  tribes. 

9  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  Ye 
have  done  enough  wrong,  0  princes  of  Israel : 
remove  violence  and  robbery,  and  execute 
justice  and  righteousness;  take  away  your 
exactions"  from  my  people,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

10  Just  balances,  and  a  just  ephah,  and  a 
just  bath  shall  ye  have. 

11  The  ephah  and  the  bath  shall  contain 
the  same  quantity,  that  the  bath  may  contain 
the  tenth  part  of  a  chomer,  and  the  ephah 
the  tenth  part  of  a  chomer:  after  the  chomer 
shall  the  measure  of  contents  be. 

12  And  the  shekel  shall  be  twenty  gerahs  : 
(in  pieces  of)  twenty  shekels,  five  and  twenty 
shekels,  fifteen  shekels,  shall  be  your  maneh.'' 

13  Tf  This  is  the  heave-offering  that  ye 
shall  offer:  The  sixth  part  of  an  ephah  of  a 
chomer  of  wheat;  and  ye  shall  give  the  sixth 
part  of  an  ephah  of  a  chomer  of  barley ; 

14  And  the  fixed  "portion  of  oil  shall  be 
after  the  bath  of  oil,  the  tenth  part  of  a  bath 
out  of  the  coi",  ten  baths  reckoned  to  the 
chomer;  for  ten  baths  are  a  chomer; 

15  And  one  lamb  out  of  the  flock,  out  of 
two  hundred,  out  of  the  fat  pastures"  of  Is- 
rael, for  meat-offerings,  and  for  burnt^offer- 
ings,  and  for  peace-offerings,  to  make  an 
atonement  for  them,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

16  Tf  All  the  people  of  the  land  shall  be 
held  bound  for  this  heave-offering  for  the 
prince  in  Israel. 

17  And  upon  the  prince  shall  be  the  duty 
to  furnish  the  burnt^offerings,  the  meat-offer- 
ings, and  the  drink-offerings,  on  the  feasts, 
and  on  the  new-moon  days,  and  on  the  sab- 
baths, on  all  the  festive  seasons  of  the  house 
of  Israel:  he  himself  shall  prepare  the  sin- 
offering,  and  the  meat-offering,  and  the  burnt- 
offering,  and  the  peace-offerings,  to  make  an 
atonement  in  behalf  of  the  hou.se  of  Israel. 


'  Lit.  "expulsions,"  /'.  c.  the  unjust  dispossession  of  the 
people  from  their  landed  property. 

''  The  nianeh  was  thus  fixed  at  sixty  shekels  divided 
into  fourths,  five  twelfths,  and  thirds  of  a  maneh. 

'Jonathan  and  Redak,  "the  fatted."  Rashi,  "what 
IS  pf^rmitted  to  Israel." 

''  Kashi  takes  the  fc^stival  here  mentioned  as  being 
merely  that  of  the  consecration,  to  endure  seven  days; 
648 


18  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
In  the  first  month,  on  the  first  of  the  month, 
shalt  thou  take  a  young  bullock  without  ble- 
mish, and  make  an  exjjiation  for  the  sanc- 
tuary. 

19  And  the  priest  shall  take  some  of  the 
blood  of  the  sin-offering,  and  j^ut  it  upon  the 
door-post  of  the  house,  and  upon  the  four 
corners  of  the  projection  of  the  altar,  and 
upon  the  door-post  of  the  gate  of  the  inner 
court. 

20  And  so  shalt  thou  do  on  the  seventh 
day**  of  the  month  for  every  one  that  erreth, 
and  for  him  that  hath  sinned  unawares:*  so 
•shall  ye  atone  for  the  house. 

21  In  the  first  month,  on  the  fourteenth' 
day  of  the  month,  shall  ye  have  the  passover: 
a  feast  of  seven  days ;  unleavened  bread  shall 
be  eaten. 

22  And  the  prince  shall  prepare  on  that 
day  in  behalf  of  himself  and  in  behalf  of  all 
the  people  of  the  land  a  bullock  for  a  sin- 
offering. 

2.3  And  on  the  seven  days  of  the  feast  shall 
he  prepare  a  burnt-offering  to  the  Lord,  seven 
bullocks  and  .seven  rams  without  blemish  on 
every  day  of  the  seven  days;  and  for  a  sin- 
offering  a  he-goat  on  every  day. 

24  And  as  a  meat-offering  an  ejjhah  for  a 
bullock,  and  an  ephah  for  a  ram  shall  he 
prepare,  and  a  hin  of  oil  for  each  ephah. 

25  In  the  seventh  month,  on  the  fifteenth 
day  of  the  month,  on  the  feast,  shall  he  pre- 
pare the  like  during  the  seven  days,  both 
the  sin-offering,  as  also  the  burnt-oftering, 
and  the  meat-offering,  and  the  oil. 

CHAPTER  XLVI. 

1  *\\  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
The  gate  of  the  inner  court  that  looketh  to- 
ward the  east  shall  remain  locked  the  six 
working  days;  but  on  the  sabbath  day  shall 
it  be  opened,  and  on  the  new-moon  day  shall 
it  be  opened. 

2  And  the  prince  shall  enter  by  the  way 


but  others  suppose  that  the  prophet  here  institutes  a  new 
annual  celebration  of  the  first  and  the  seventh  days  of 
the  first  month,  which  are  now  only  ordinary  days. 

"  Philippson,  "through  enticement."  Zunz,  "seduc- 
tion." 

'  This  either  means  that  on  this  day  the  Passover  sacri- 
fice shall  be  slain,  or  that  at  its  termination  the  festival 
is  to  begin  at  evening. 


EZEKIEL  XLVl. 


of  the  porch  of  the  gate,  from  without,  and 
shall  stand  by  the  door-post  of  the  gate,  and 
the  priests  shall  pi'cpare  his  burnt-ofiering 
and  his  peace-offerings,  and  he  shall  bow  him- 
self down  at  the  threshold  of  the  gate,  and 
he  shall  then  go  forth ;  but  the  gate  shall  not 
be  locked  until.the  evening. 

o  And  the  people  of  the  land  shall  bow 
themselves  down  at  the  door  of  this  same 
gate  on  the  sabbaths  and  on  ^he  new-moons 
before  the  Lord. 

.  4  And  the  burnt-oflering  which  the  prince 
is  to  offer  unto  the  Lord,  shall  be  on  the  sab- 
bath-dav  six  sheep  without  blemish,  and  a 
ram  without  blemish ; 

5  And  as  a  meat-offering  an  eph ah  for  the 
ram,  and  for  the  sheep  a  meat-offering  as  his 
liand'  may  be  able  to  give,  and  a  hin  of  oil 
for  every  ephah. 

G  And  on  the  day  of  the  new  moon,  a 
young  bullock  without  blemish,  and  six  .'<heep 
and  a  ram;  without  blemish  shall  they  be. 

7  And  an  ephah  for  the  bullock,  and  an 
ephah  for  the  ram,  shall  he  prepare  as  a 
meatoffering,  and  for  the  sheep  according  as 
his  means  may  reach,  and  a  hin  of  oil  for 
every  ephah. 

8  And  when  the  prince  doth  enter,  he 
shall  go  in  by  the  way  of  the  porch  of  the 
gate,  and  l^y  the  same  way  sliall  he  go 
forth. 

9  But  when  the  people  of  the  land  come 
before  the  Lord  on  the  appointed  feasts,  he 
that  entereth  in  by  the  way  of  the  north  gate 
to  bow  himself  down  shall  go  out  by  the  way 
of  the  south  gate;  and  he  that  entereth  by 
the  way  of  the  south  gate  shall  go  out  by  the 
way  of  the  north  gate :  he  shall  not  return 
by  the  way  of  the  gate  whereby  he  came  in ; 
but  by  that  opposite''  to  him  shall  he  go 
out. 

10  And  as  for  the  prince — in  the  midst  of 
them,  when  they  go  in,  shall  he  go  in;  and 
when  they  go  out,  shall  they  go  out  (to- 
gether). 

11  And  on  the  feasts  and  on  the  appoint- 
ed festivals  shall  the  meat-offering  be  an 
ephah  for  each  bullock,  and   an  ephah  for 


*  Lit.  "a  meat-offering  the  gift  of  his  band." 
'  Philippson,  "straight  forward  .shall  he  go  out." 
"  Others,    "  to   moisten ;"   but  we   have   followed    one 
opinion  quoted  by  Rashi. 

40 


each  ram,  and  for  the  sheep  as  his  hand  may 
be  able  to  give,  and  a  hin  of  oil  for  every 
ephah. 

12  And  when  the  prince  doth  prepare  as  a 
voluntary  gift  a  burnt-offering,  or  a  peace- 
offering,  as  a  voluntary  gift  unto  the  Lord: 
then  shall  be  opened  for  him  the  gate  that 
looketh  toward  the  east,  and  he  shall  prepare 
his  burnt-offering  and  his  peace-offering,  as 
he  usually  doth  on  the  sabbath-day;  and  he 
shall  go  out,  and  the  gate  shall  be  locked 
after  his  going  out. 

13  And  a  sheep  of  the  first  year  without 
blemish  shalt  thou  prepare  as  a  burnt-offering 
every  day  unto  the  Lord:  morning  by  morn- 
ing shalt  thou  prepare  it. 

14  And  as  a  meat-offering  shalt  thou  pre- 
pare with  it,  morning  by  morning,  the  sixth 
part  of  an  ephah,  and  the  third  of  a  hin  of  oil, 
to  mingle"  with  the  fine  flour — a  meat-offering 
unto  the  Lord,  as  ordinances  for  ever  con- 
tinually. 

15  Thus  shall  they  prepare  the  sheep,  and 
the  meat-oflTering,  and  the  oil,  morning  by 
morning,  as  a  continual  burnt-offering. 

16  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal,  If 
the  prince  make  a  gift  unto  any  one  of  his 
sons,  it  is  his  inheritance,  it  shall  belong  to 
his  sons:  it  shall  be  their  possession  as  their 
inheritance. 

17  But  if  he  make  a  gift  of  his  inheritance 
to  one  of  his  servants:  then  shall  it  remain 
his  to  the  year  of  freedom,  when  it  shall  re- 
turn to  the  prince;  but  his  inheritance  shall 
only  remain  for  his  sons.* 

18  But  the  prince  shall  not  take  any  thing 
from  the  inheritance  of  the  people,  to  wrong" 
them  out  of  tlieir  possession :  out  of  his  own 
possession  can  he  give  an  inheritance  to  his 
sons;  in  order  that  not  one  of  my  people  be 
deprived "^  of  his  possession. 

19  ][  And  then  he  brought  me  through 
the  entry,  which  was  at  the  side  of  the  gate, 
into  the  holy  chambers  for  the  priests,  which 
looked  toward  the  north  :  and,  behold,  there 
was  a  place  by  the  back  wall  on  the  west 
side. 

20  And  he  said  unto  me,  This  is  the  place 


■*  Zunz,  "but  his  property  (given  to)  his  sons  shall  r? 
main  theirs." 

°  Philippson,  "to  drive  them  off." 
'  Lit.  "scattered." 

649 


EZEKIEL  XLVI.  XLVII. 


where  the  priests  shall  boil  tlie  trospass-ofter- 
ing  and  the  sin-oft'ering,  where  (also)  thej 
shall  bake  the  ineat-offering ;  so  as  not  to 
carry  the  same  out  into  the  outer  court,  to 
mingle  with  the  people. 

21  Then  did  he  lead  me  forth  into  the 
outer  court,  and  caused  me  to  pass  along  the 
four  corners  of  the  court;  and,  behold,  in 
every  corner  of  the  court  there  was  a 
court." 

22  In  the  four  corners  of  the  court  there 
were  uncovered''  courts  of  forty  cubits  in 
length  and  thirty  in  l)readth:  there  was  one 
measure  for  all  these  four  in  tlie  corners. 

23  And  there  was  a  shelf  of  masonry  round 
about  in  them,  round  about  all  these  four, 
and  it  was  furnished  with  liearths  for  boiling 
under  the  shelves  round  about. 

24  Then  said  he  unto  me,  These  are  the 
places  of  those  that  boil,  where  the  servants 
of  the  hou.se  shall  boil  the  sacrifice  of  the 
people. 

CHAPTER  XLVII. 

1  And  he  brought  me  back  again  unto  the 
door  of  the  house:  and,  behold,  water  was 
issuing  out  from  under  the  threshold  of  the  j 
house  eastward ;  for  the  front  of  the  house 
stood  toward  the  east ;  and  the  water  came  i 
down  from  under  (the  threshold),  from  the 
right  side  of  the  house,  to  the  south  of  the 
altar. 

2  Then  did  he  bring  me  out  hy  the  wa^- 
of  the  gate  northward,  and  led  me  about  the 
way  without  unto  the  outer  gate  by  the  way 
that  looked  eastward :  and,  behold,  the  water 
was  runaiing  on  tlie  right  side. 

3  When  the  man  went  forth  eastward, 
having  the  measuring-line  in  his  hand,  he 
measured  a  thousaml  cubits,  and  he  led  me 
tlii'ough  the  water,  the  water  reaching  to  the 
ankles. 

4  Again  he  measured  a  thousand  (cubits), 
and   led   me   through   the  water,    the  water 


"  Heb.  "a  court  in  a  corner  of  a  court;  and  a  court 
in  a  corner  of  a  court." 

''  After  Mishnah  Middoth,  ii.  §.  5;  these  small  courts 
in  tlie  corners  of  the  outer  main  court  were  spaced  off 
with  walls,  and  had  no  roofs;  a  row  of  hearths  went  all 
around  them,  on  which  the  sacritices  of  a  less  degree  of 
.sanctity  were  boiled. 

"  Philippson;  but  Zunz,  "into  the  sea  of  the  destroy- 
ed (those  taken  out  of  life);  i.  f.  the  men  of  Sodom  and 
C50 


reaching  to  the  knees.  Again  he  measured  a 
thousand  (cubits),  and  led  me  through,  the 
water  reaching  to  the  loins. 

5  And  he  measured  again  a  thousand  (cu- 
bits), it  being  a  stream  that  1  could  not  wade 
tlirough ;  for  the  water  was  increased,  being 
water  fit  to  swim  in,  a  strean!  that  could  not 
be  waded  through. 

G  And  he  said  unto  me.  Son  of  man,  hast 
thou  seen  this?  Then  did  he  lead  me.  and 
caused  me  to  return  to  the  bank  of  the 
stream. 

7  Now  when  I  i^eturned,  behold,  there 
were  at  the  banks  of  the  stream  very  many 
trees,  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other. 

S  Then  said  he  unto  me,  These  waters 
issue  out  toward  the  eastern  district,  and  go 
down  into  the  plain,  and  fall  into  the  sea,  (the 
waters)  being''  carried  forth  into  the  se.a,  so 
that  the  waters  shall  be  healed. 

9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every  thing 
that  liveth,  which  moveth,  whither.soever  the 
double-stream''  shall  come,  shall  live:  and 
the  fish  shall  be  (therein)  in  great  abun- 
dance; for  when  this  water  shall  have  come 
thither,  (the  waters  of  the  sea)  shall  be  heal- 
ed, and  every  thing  shall  live  whither  the 
stream  cometh. 

10  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the 
fishers  shall  stand  by  it;  from  'En-gedi  even 
unto  'En-'eglayim,  there  shall  be  places  for 
the  spreading  out  of  nets:  after  their  various 
kinds  shall  the  fish  thereof  be,  like  the  fi.sli 
of  the  great  sea,  exceedingly  many. 

11  But  its  swamps  and  its  lagoons  shall 
not  be  healed,  for  (the  production  of)  salt 
are  they  destined. 

12  And  by  the  stream  upon  its  banks,  on 
this  side  and  on  that  side,  shall  grow  up  all 
kinds  of  trees  for  food,  the  leaves  of  which 
shall  not  fade,  and  the  fruit  of  which  shall 
not  come  to  an  end,  every  month  shall  they 
bring  forth  new  ripe  fruit;  because  its  water 
is  that  which  issueth  out  of  the  sanctuary; 


vicinity.     Rashi,  "into  the  ocean  which  is  separated  from 
the  habitable  land." 

''  Zunz,  after  llashi,  who  supposes  that  the  stream  will 
divide  itself  into  many  branches,  one  falling  in  the  lake 
of  Tiberias,  one  in  the  Dead  Sea,  and  another  in  the  Me- 
diterranean. Philippson,  simply,  "the  strong  stream." 
The  healing  of  the  water  spoken  of  refers  to  the  Dead 
Sea,  where  no  animal  can  now  live,  as  even  fish  carried 
down  by  the  Jordan  immediately  perish. 


iind  tlieii"  tViiit  shall  sorvo  for 
leaves  for  remedies. 

13  Ti  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
This  shall  be  the  boundary,  whereby  ye  shall 
divide  out  the  land  unto  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Israel :  Joseph  shall  have  two  portions. 

14  And  ye  shall  inherit  it,  every  one  like 
the  other,  (the  land)  eoncerning  which  I  lift- 
ed up  my  hand  to  aive  it  unto  your  fathers : 
and  this  land  shall  fall  unto  you  for  an  in- 
heritance. 

15  And  this  shall  be  the  boundary  of  the 
land :  On  the  north  side,  from  the  great  sea, 
the  road  to  Chethlon,  as  far  as  to  Zedad; 

16  Chamath,  Berotliah.  Sibrayim.  which 
is  between  the  boundary  of  Damascus  and 
the  boundary  of  Chamath ;  Chazar-hattichon, 
which  is  by  the  bouiidaiv  of  Cliavran.'' 

17  And  the  boundarj-  shall  be  from  the 
sea  to  Chazar-'enon,  the  boundary  of  Damas- 
cus, and  the  northern  inirt"  on  the  north,  and 
the  boundary  of  (Jhamath.  And  this  is  the 
north  side. 

18  And  the  east  side  shall  _ve  measure  be- 
tween Chavran  and  Damascus  (on  the  one 
side),  and  between  Gil'ad  and  the  land  of 
Israel  (on  the  other  side)  by  the  Jordan, 
from  the  (north)  boundary  unto  the  east  sea. 
And  this  is  the  east  side. 

19  And  the  south  side,  on  the  south,  from 
Thamar  even  to  the  waters  of  contention  at 
Kadesh,  toward  the  brook  (flowing)  into  the 
Great  Sea.  And  this  is  the  south  side  on  the 
south. 

20  And  the  west  side  shall  be  the  great 
sea  from  the  (southern)  boundary,  as  tar  as 
straight  up  to  Chamath.  This  is  the  west 
side. 

21  And  ye  shall  divide  this  land  among 
yourselves  according  to  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

22  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  ye  shall 
divide  it  by  lot  for  an  inheritance  among  your- 
selves, and  to  the  strangers  that  sojourn  in  the 
mi<lst  of  you,  who  shall  have  begotten  chil- 
dren in  the  midst  of  you;  and  they  shall  be 
unto  you  as  the  native  born  among  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel:  with  you  shall  they  obtain  an  in- 
heritance in  the  midst  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

23  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  in  what- 


*  /.  ('.  Hduran,  a  district  in  the  north-east  of  Palestine, 
afterward  Auranitis. 

''  Zunz  renders  jisv  •■  Zaphoii,"  as  tiiough   it  wore  the 


EZEKIEL  XLVII.  XLVIII 

bod,  and  their 


ever  tribe  the  stranger  sojourneth,  there  shall 
ye  give  him  his  inheritance,  saith  the  Lord 
Eternal. 

CHAPTER  XLVIII. 

1  ][  Now  these  ai-e  the  names  of  the 
tribes :  At  the  edge,  on  the  north  side,  along 
the  road  on  the  way  to  Chethlon,  as  far  as 
Chamath,  Chazar-'enan,  the  boundary  of 
Dama.seus  northward,  alongside  of  Chamath, 
there  shall  be  from  the  east  side  to  the  west 
for  Dan  one  portion. 

2  And  Ij}'  the  boundary  of  Dan,  from  the 
east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Asher  one 
portion. 

3  And  by  the  boundary  of  Asher,  from  the 
east  side  even  unto  the  west  side,  for  Naph- 
tali  one  portion. 

4  And  by  the  boundary  of  Naphtali,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Menas- 
seh  one  portion. 

5  And  by  the  boundary  of  Menasseh,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Ephraim 
one  portion. 

6  And  b}'  the  boundary  of  Ephraim,  from 
the  east  side  even  unto  the  west  side,  for 
Reuben  one  portion. 

7  And  by  the  boundary  of  Retiben,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Judah 
one  portion. 

8  And  by  the  boundary  of  Judah,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  shall  be  the 
oblation  which  ye  shall  set  aside  of  five  and 
twenty  thousand  rods  in  breadth,  and  in 
length  as  one  of  the  other  parts,  from  the 
east  side  unto  the  west  side:  and  the  sanc- 
tuary shall  be  in  the  midst  of  it. 

9  The  oblation  that  ye  shall  set  aside  unto 
the  Lord  shall  be  in  length  five  and  twenty 
thousand  (rods),  and  in  breadth  ten  thou- 
sand. 

10  And  to  these  shall  belong  the  holy  obla- 
tion,—  namely  to  the  priests,  toward  the 
north,  five  and  twenty  thousand  rods  (in 
length),  and  on  the  west  ten  thousand  in 
breadth,  and  on  the  east  ten  thousand  in 
breadth,  and  on  the  south  five  and  twenty 
thousand  in  length  :  and  the  sanctuary  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  in  the  midst  of  it. 


name  of  a  place;  but  it  may  also,  as  rendered  here,  sim- 
ply denote  the  well-defined  north  boundary-line  spoken 
of  by  Moses. 

651 


EZEKIEL  XLVIII. 


11  Unto  the  priests,  that  are  sanctitied,'' 
of  the  sons  of  Zadok,  who  have  kept  my 
charge,  who  went  not  astray  when  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  went  astraj-,  as  the  Levites 
went  astray. 

VI  To  them  shall  thus  belong  the  portion 
set  aside  of  the  oblation  of  the  land  as  a  most 
holy  thing  by  tlie  boundary  of  the  Levites. 

13  And  the  Levites  shall  have  alongside 
the  boundary  of  the  priests  five  and  twenty 
thousand  rods  in  length,  and  in  breadth  ten 
thousand;  the  whole  in  length  five  and  twenty 
thousand,  and  in  breadth  ten  thousand. 

14  But  they  shall  not  sell  aught  thereof, 
or  exchange,  or  alienate  this  first  portion  of 
the  land ;  for  it  is  holy  unto  the  Lord. 

15  And  the  five  thousand  rods,  that  are 
left  in  the  breadth,  with  a  length*"  of  five  and 
twenty  thousand,  shall  be  an  unconsecrated 
land  for  the  city,  for  dwelling,  and  for  an 
open  space:  and  the  city  shall  be  in  the 
midst  thereof.'' 

16  And  these  shall  be  its  measures:  The 
north  side  four  thousand  and  five  hundred 
(rods),  and  the  south  side  four  thousand  and 
five  hundred,  and  on  the  east  side  four  thou- 
sand and  five  hundred,  and  the  west  side  four 
thousand  and  five  hundred. 

17  And  the  open  space  of  the  city  shall  be 
toward  the  north  two  hundred  and  fifty  (rods), 
and  toward  the  south  two  hundred  and  fifty, 
and  toward  the  east  two  hundred  and  fifty, 
and  toward  the  west  two  hundred  and  fifty. 

18  And  the  produce  of  the  residue  in 
length  alongside  the  holy  oblation  ten  thou- 
sand rods  eastward,  and  ten  thousand  west- 
ward, that  which  is  alongside  the  holy  obla- 
tion, shall  be  for  food  unto  the  labourers'*  of 
the  city. 

'  Jonathan ;  but  Rashi  supplies  before  tyipon  the 
word  pSn  "  the  sanctified  portion  .shall  belong  to  the 
priests  of  the  sons  of  Zadok." 

"  Rashi.     Lit.  "  in  front." 

°  The  holy  oblation  of  25,000  square  rods,  or  nearly 
fifty  square  miles,  was  divided  into  three  parts  from  north 
to  SDuth;  a  portion  on  the  north  of  10,000  rods  in  width, 
and  "i.i.OOO  ill  length,  for  the  priests,  in  the  midst  of 
which  was  tlie  sanctuary  or  temple,  surrounded  by  a  wall 
500  rods  square;  next  to  this  another  portion  of  the 
same  dimensions  for  the  Levites,  (v.  13,  14.);  and  on 
the  south  another  portion  of  the  same  length,  but  only 
5000  rods  in  breadth,  for  the  city,  (v.  15).  The  city 
was  situated  in  the  midst  of  this  portion,  being  4500 
rods,  or  about  nine  miles  square,  having  an  open  space 
of  250  rods,  or  about  half  a  mile,  on  each  side,  (v.  17,) 

e62 


19  And  the  labourers  of  the  city,  men 
taken  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  shall 
till"  it. 

20  All  the  oblation,  five  and  twenty  thou- 
sand (rods)  by  five  and  twenty  thousand 
square,  shall  ye  set  apart  as  the  holy  obla- 
tion, with  the  possession'  of  the  city. 

21  And  the  residue  shall  belong  to  the 
prince,  on  the  one  side  and  on  the  other  of 
the  holy  oblation,  and  of  the  pos.session  of  the 
city,  alongside  of  the  five  and  twenty  thou- 
sand of  the  oblation  toward  the  eastern 
boundary,  and  westward  alongside  the  five 
and  twenty  thousand  toward  the  western 
boundary,  alongside  the  portions  (of  the 
tribes) ;  for  the  prince  (.shall  it  be) :  and  so 
shall  be  the  holy  oblation;  and  the  sanctuary 
of  the  house  shall  be  in  the  midst  thereof    ■ 

22  And  both  the  possession  of  the  Levites, 
and  the  possession  of  the  city,  shalL  be  in 
the  midst  of  that  which  belongeth  to  the 
prince:  between  the  boundary  of  Judah  and 
the  boundary  of  Benjamin,  shall  be  for  the 
prince. 

23  As  for  the  rest  of  the  tribes,  from  the 
east  side  unto  the  west  side,  shall  be  for  Ben- 
jamin one  portion. 

24  And  by  the  boundary  of  Benjamin, 
from  the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for 
Simeon  one  portion. 

25  And  by  the  boundary  of  Simeon,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Issachar 
one  portion. 

26  And  by  the  boundary  of  Issachar,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Zebulun 
one  portion. 

27  And  by  the  boundary  of  Zebulun,  from 
the  east  side  unto  the  west  side,  for  Gad  one 
portion. 


leaving  10,000  rods,  or  nearly  10  miles  on  the  east  side, 
and  the  same  on  the  west  side,  for  the  profit  of  those  who 
serve  the  city  out  of  all  the  tribes,  (v.  18,  19.)  On  the 
east  and  west  sides  of  this  square  of  25,000  rods,  is  the 
portion  of  the  prince;  each  of  which,  estimating  the 
breadth  of  the  land  at  150  miles,  would  form  a  square  of 
50  miles. 

''  Who  these  labourers  or  servants  are  is  not  very  appa- 
rent. Rashi  thinks  they  are  a  sort  of  Gib'onites,  hewers 
of  wood  and  drawers  of  water;  Rcdak,  those  who  are  in 
Jerusalem,  as  representatives  of  all  the  tribes;  but  Phi- 
lippson,  soldiers,  watchmen,  and  others  connected  with 
the  public  functions  of  government. 

°  Zunz,  "  And  as  labourers  in  the  city  shall  people 
taken  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  perform  service." 

'  Raslii,  "circumference." 


EZEKIEL  XLVIII. 


28  And  by  the  boundary  of  Gad,  on  the 
Koutliern  side  toward  the  south,  shall  be  the 
boundary  from  Thaniar  unto  the  waters  of 
contention  of  Kadesh,  unto  the  brook  by  the 
Great  Sea. 

29  This  is  the  land  which  ^-e  shall  divide 
by  lot  for  an  inheritance  to  the  tribes  of  Is- 
rael, and  these  are  their  allotted  divisions, 
saitli  the  Lord  Eternal. 

30  ]f  And  these  are  the  outlines"  of  the 
city:  On  the  north  side,  four  hundred  and 
four  thousand  rods,  by  the  measure. 

31  And  of  the  gates  of  the  city,  being  after 
the  names  of  the  tribes  of  Israel,  shall  be 
three  gates  on  the  north:  the  gate  of  Reuben 
one,  the  gate  of  Jadah  one,  the  gate  of  Levi 
one. 


'' Rashi,    "gates,"    or  the  mean.s  of  egress;  literally, 
"the  goings  out." 

''  An   appellation   signifying  the  constant  presence  of 


32  And  on  tlie  east  side,  five  hundred  and 
four  thousand  rods,  with  three  gates:  namely, 
the  gate  of  Joseph  one,  the  gate  of  Benjamin 
one,  the  gate  of  Dan  one. 

33  And  the  south  side,  five  hundred  and 
four  thousand  rods,  by  the  measure,  with 
three  gates:  the  gate  of  Simeon  one,  the 
gate  of  Issachar  one,  the  gate  of  Zebuluu 
one. 

34  The  west  side,  five  hundred  and  four 
thousand  rods,  wath  their  three  gates:  the 
gate  of  Gad  one,  the  gate  of  Asher  one,  the 
gate  of  Naphtali  one. 

35  All  around  it  shall  be  eighteen  thou- 
sand rods:  and  the  name  of  the  city  shall  be 
from  that  day  "  The  Lord  is  there."'' 


God's  glory  in  the  renewed  sanctuary  in  the  never  to  be 
destroyed  city ;  so  do  Isaiah  (Ix.  14)  and  Jeremiah 
(xxxiii.  16)  apply  new  names  to  Jerusalem. 

653 


THE 


TWELVE  MINOR  PROPHETS, 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  HOSEA, 


V^'\n  riiXiDl 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  unto 
Hosea'  the  sou  of  Beeri,  in  the  days  of  'Uz- 
ziyah,  Jotham,  Achaz,  (and)  Hezekiah,  the 
kings  of  Judah,  and  in  the  days  of  Jerobo'am 
tlie  sou  of  JoJish  the  king  of  Israel. 

2  The  beginning  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
by  Hosea  was,  that  the  Lord  said  to  Hosea, 
Go,  take  unto  tliee  a  wife  of  prostitution*"  and 
children  of  prostitution;  for  the  (inhabitants 
of  the)  land  go  far  astray,  departing  from  the 
Lord. 

o  So  he  went  and  took  Gomer  the  daugh- 
ter of  Diblayim,  and  she  conceived  and  bore 
him  a  son. 

4  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Call  his 
name  Yizre'el;"  for  but  yet  a  little  while, 
when  I  will  visit  the  blood  of  Yizre'el'  upon 
the  house  of  Jehu,  and  I  will  cau.se  to  cease 
the  kingdom  of  the  house  of  Israel. 

5  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  I  will  break  the  bow  of  Israel  in  the 
valley  of  Yizre'el. 

*  Correctly,  IloxJica. 

^  Jonathan  explains  this  alU'gorieally,  "prophesy 
against  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  which  worshippeth 
iiJols  who  yet  add  to  their  sin."  Aben  Ezra  and  Rara- 
bam  regard  the  whole  as  a  vision.  Others,  however,  take 
it  literally.  "The  children  of  prostitution,"  however, 
iiniy  indicates  those  born  of  a  woman  of  bad  reputation, 
although  at  the  time  they  saw  the  light  she  was  a  law- 
ful wife,  and  they  were  boru  in  wedlock.  But  whether  a 
vision  or  actual  occurrence,  the  pmpliet  was  t(j  prefigurate 
thereby  first  the  rejection,  and  then  the  reespuusal  of  Is- 
rael to  God. 

°  After  the  city  of  the  name  where  some  of  the  kings 
t)51 


6  And  she  conceived  again,  and  bore  a 
daughter:  and  he  said  unto  him,  Call  her 
name  Lo-ruchamah  [Not  finding  mercy] ;  for 
I  will  not  farther  have  any  more  mercy  upon 
the  house  of  Israel;  but  I  will  give  them 
their  full  recompense." 

7  But  upon  the  house  of  Judah  will  I  have 
mercy,  and  I  will  save  them  through  the 
Lord  their  God,  and  I  will  not  save  them  by 
the  bow,  or  by  the  sword,  or  by  battle,  by 
horses,  or  by  horsemen. 

8  Now  when  she  had  weaned  Lo-ruch;i- 
mah,  she  conceived,  and  bore  a  son. 

9  Then  said  he,  Call  his  name  Lo-'ammi 
[Not  my  people] ;  for  ye  are  not  my  people, 
and  I  will  indeed  not  be  unto  you  (a 
God). 

CHAPTER  II.' 

1  ]|  Yet  shall  the  number  of  the  children 
of  Israel  (once)  be  like  the  sand  of  the  sea, 
which  cannot  be  measured  nor  numbered; 
and  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  instead  that 
people  say  of  them,  Ye  are  not  my  people 


of  Israel  resided  and  committed  their  crimes.      Jonathan 

renders  the  name,  "driving  out,"  taking  it  literally, 
"God  will  scatter." 

■^  Jonathan,  "the  blood  of  the  hou.^c  of  Achab,  whom 
Jehu  ,'<lew  at  Yizre'el,  because  they  had  served  IJa'al, 
where  he  afterward  went  and  worshipped  the  calves  in 
Beth-cl,  wherefore  I  regard  it  as  innocent  blood  against 
the  hou.se  of  Jehu." 

°  Kashi.  Jonathan,  "but  if  they  repent,  I  will  forgive 
them."  Aben  Ezra,  "I  will  carry  them  away."  Ivedak, 
"I  will  brini;  unto  them  the  enemv" 


'  In    the    English   version, 
verse  3. 


el 


Kiplcr   ii.    c-oiinnences    at 


ROSEA  II. 


[Lo-'animi],  shall  they  call  tliem,  The  sons 
of  the  living  God. 

2  Then  shall  the  children  of  Judah  and 
the  children  of  Israel  be  gathered  together, 
and  they  will  appoint  for  themselves  one 
head,  and  they  shall  go  up  out  of  the  land ; 
for  great  shall  be  the  day  of  Yizre'el." 

3  Call  ye  your  brothers,  'Animi  [my  peo- 
ple] ;  and  your  sisters,  Ruchamah  [That  hath 
obtained  mercy]. 

4  Contend  with  your  mother,  contend;  for 
she  is  not  my  wife,  and  I  am  not  her  hus- 
band; but  let  her  put  away  her  prostitution 
from  her  face,  and  her  adulteries  from  be- 
tween her  breasts : 

5  Lest  I  strip  her  naked,  and  set  her,  as 
on  the  day  that  she  was  born,  and  make  her 
as  a  wilderness,  and  render  her  like  a  dry 
land,  and  let  her  die  with  thirst. 

6  And  upon  her  children  will  I  not  have 
mercy;  for  they  are  children  of  prostitution; 

7  For  their  mother  hath  played  the  har- 
lot ;  she  that  conceived  them  hath  done 
shamefully;  for  she  said,  I  will  go  after  my 
lovers,  that  give  me  my  bread  and  my  water, 
my  wool  and  my  tlax,  m}-  oil  and  my  drink. 

8  Therefore,  behold,  I  w^ill  hedge  up  th}- 
way  with  thorns,  and  I  will  close  it  up  with 
a  fence,  that  she  shall  not  tind  lier  paths. 

9  And  she  will  make  pursuit  after  her 
lovers,  but  she  shall  not  overtake  them ;  and 
she  will  seek  them,  but  shall  not  lind  tliem : 
then  will  she  say,  I  will  go  and  return  to  my 
hrst  husband;  for  it  was  better  with  me  then 
than  now. 

10  But  she  indeed  did  not  acknowledge, 
that  it  was  I  that  had  given  her  the  corn,  and 
the  wine,  and  the  oil,  and  multiplied  for  her 
silver  and  gold,  which  they  devoted  for  Ba'al. 

11  Therefore  will  I  turn  back,^  and  take 
away  my  corn  in  its  time,  and  my  wine  in  its 
season,  and  I  will  snatch  away  my  wool  and 
my  flax,  (given)  to  cover  her  nakedness. 

12  And  now  will  I  lay  open  her  disgrace 
before  the  eyes  of  her  lovers,  and  no  man 
shall  deliver  her  out  of  my  hand. 


'  Johlson,  "when  God  soweth." 

"■  .Toblson,  "  will  I  resume  my  corn,"  &e. 

'  llashi,  "the  depth  of  the  exile,  where  they  are  now 
grieved,  will  1  give  her  a.s  a  door  for  hope,  the  beginning 
of  hope;  bceause  out  of  the  midst  of  these  troubles  will 
she  take  to  heart  to  return  unto  me." 

''  ivx  ish.  "husband,"  hy2  ba'al,  "master,"  also  allud- 


13  And  I  will  cause  to  cease  all  her  mirth, 
her  festival,  her  new-moon,  and  her  sal>biitli, 
and  all  her  appointed  feasts. 

14  And  I  will  make  desolate  her  vine  tmd 
her  fig-tree,  whereof  she  hath  said.  These  are 
my  reward  which  my  lovers  have  given  me : 
and  I  will  change  them  into  a  forest,  and  the 
beasts  of  the  field  shall  devour  them. 

15  And  I  will  visit  upon  her  the  days  of 
the  Be'alim,  to  which  she  used  to  burn  in- 
cense, when  she  decked  herself  with  her  ear- 
rings and  her  jewels,  and  went  after  her 
lovers,  and  me  she  forgot,  saith  the  Lord. 

16  Therefore,  behold,  will  I  allure  her, 
and  lead  her  forth  into  the  wilderness,  and  I 
will  speak  comfortingly  unto  her  heart. 

17  And  I  will  give  her  (again)  her  vine- 
yards from  there,  and  the  valley  of  'Achor 
[sorrow]"  as  an  entrance  for  hope:  and  she 
shall  sing  there,  as  in  the  days  of  her  youth, 
and  as  on  the  day  of  her  coming  up  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt. 

18  ^  And  it  shall  happen  at  that  day,  saith 
the  Lord,  that  thou  shalt  call  me  Ishi**  [my 
husband],  and  shalt  not  call  me  any  more 
Bti'ali  [my  lord]. 

19  For  I  will  remove  the  names  of  tlie 
Be'alim  out  of  her  mouth,  and  they  shall  no 
more  l)e  mentioned  by  their  name. 

20  And  I  will  make  for  them  a  covenant 
on  that  day  with  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and 
with  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  with  the 
creeping  things  of  the  groinid :  and  bow,  and 
sword,  and  war  I  will  lireak  away  out  of  the 
land,  and  I  will  cause  them  to  lie  down  in 
safety. 

21  And  I  will  betroth  thee  unto  me  for 
ever:  yea,  I  will  l)etroth  thee  unto  me  in 
righteousness,  and  in  justice,  and  in  loving- 
kindness,  and  in  mercy. 

22  And  I  will  betroth  thee  unto  me  in 
faithfulness;  and  thou  shalt  know  the  Lord. 

23  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  I  will  answer  prayer,  saith  the 
Lord,  I  will  answer  the  heavens,  and  they 
shall  answer"  the  earth; 


ing  to  the  names  of  the  various  idols  of  the  West  Asiatics, 
which  shall  never  be  worshipped  any  more. 

"  i.  e.  As  though  the  heavens  were  to  ask  of  God  that 
they  might  give  rain,  in  answer  to  the  petition  of  the 
earth,  &c.  Rashi  here  explains  Yizre'el  "  the  children 
of  the  exile,  who  were  scattered  but  are  now  re- 
turned." 

G55 


HOSEA  II.  III.  IV. 


24  And  the  earth  shall  answer  the  corn, 
and  the  wine,  and  the  oil;  and  they  shall 
answer  Yizre'el. 

25  And  I  will  sow  her  for  me  in  the  land; 
and  I  will  have  mercy  upon  "  Her  that  had 
not  obtained  mercy"  [Lo-ruchamah] ;  and  I 
will  say  to  those  who  were  "  Not  my  people" 
[Lo-'ammi],  Thou  art  my  people:  and  they 
shall  say,  Thou  art  my  God. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ][  Then  said  the  Lokd  unto  me.  Go  once 
more,  love  a  woman  beloved  of  her  husliand, 
yet  committing  adultery;  like  the  love  of  the 
Lord  toward  the  children  of  Israel,  who  turn 
themselves  after  other  gods,  and  love  flagons 
of  wine." 

2  So  I  bought  me  such  a  one  for  fifteen 
pieces  of  silver,  and  for  a  chomer  of  barle})-, 
and  half  a  chomer''  of  barley. 

3  And  I  said  unto  her.  Many  days  shalt 
thou  abide  (true)  for  me:  thou  shalt  not 
play  the  harlot,  and  thou  shalt  not  belong  to 
any  man,  and  so  will  I  also  be  toward 
thee.° 

4  For  many  days  shall  the  children  of  Is- 
rael abide  without  a  king,  and  without  a 
prince,  and  without  a  sacrifice,  and  without  a 
standing  image,  and  without  an  ephod  and 
theraphim.'' 

5  After  that  will  the  children  of  Israel  re- 
turn, and  seek  for  the  Lord  their  God  and 
David  their  king;  and  fearing  will  they 
hasten  to  the  Lord  and  to  his  goodness  in 
the  latter  days. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  chil- 
dren of  Israel;  for  the  Lord  hath  a  contro- 
versy with  the  inhabitants   of  the  land;  be- 

'  Philippson,  after  the  Septuagint,  "cakes  of  raisins," 
which  are  said  U>  have  been  frequently  used  at  idolatrous 
ceremonies. 

"Heb.  "lethech." 

"  After  Aben  Ezra  and  Redak,  taking  x'?!  as  belonging 
also  to  the  last  part  of  the  sentence ;  but  Jonathan,  "  And 
I  also  will  in  future  have  mercy  upon  you." 

*  The  prophet  describes  here  exactly  our  present  state, 
as  it  has  also  been  for  many  centuries — neither  altar  of 
God  nor  idolatry,  no  consulting  by  the  true  priests  nor  by 
idols:  while  we  still  adhere  to  Jhe  Lord  notwithstanding 
our  sins. 

'  t.  c.  The  blood  of  one  murdered  person  touches  that 
cif  another.  Others,  however,  "they  heap  one  blood- 
guiltiness  on  the  other." 


cause  there  is   no  truth,  nor  kindness,  nor 
knowledge  of  God  in  the  land. 

2  There  is  false  swearing,  and  lying,  and 
murdering,  and  stealing,  and  committing 
adultery:  they  break  the  bounds,  and  blood 
toucheth  on  blood. ' 

3  Therefore  shall  the  land  mourn,  and 
every  one  that  dwelleth  therein  shall  lan- 
guish, with  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and  with 
the  fowls  of  the  heaven:  yea,  also  the  fishes 
of  the  sea  shall  perish. 

4  Yet  let  no  man  strive,  let  no  man  re- 
prove another:  and  thy  people  are  conten- 
tious equally  with  the  priest.' 

5  Therefore  shalt  thou  stumble  in  the  day- 
time, and  the  prophet  also  shall  stumble  with^' 
thee  in  the  night;  and  I  will  destroy  thy 
mother.'' 

6  My  people  are  destroyed  for  lack  of 
knowledge;  because  thou  hast  rejected  know- 
ledge, so  will  I  also  reject  thee,  that  thou  shalt 
not  be  a  priest  to  me ;  and  as  thou  hast  for- 
gotten the  law  of  thy  God,  so  will  I  myself 
also  forget  thy  children. 

7  The  more  they  increased,  the  more  did 
they  sin  against  me:  therefore  will  I  change 
their  glory  into  shame. 

8  The  sin-offering  of  my  people  do  they 
eat,  and  for  their  iniquity  doth  the  soul  of 
each  one  of  them  long.' 

9  Therefore  shall  the  same  befall  Ijoth 
people  and  priest:  and  I  will  punish  every 
one  of  them  for  his  ways,  and  recompense 
every  one  for  his  doings. 

10  And  they  will  eat,  and  shall  not  be  sa- 
tisfied; they  will  commit  lewdness,  and  they 
shall  not  increase;  because  the  Lord  have 
they  forsaken  (not)  keeping  (his  law). 

11  Lewdness  and  wine  and  new  wine  take 
away  the  heart.'' 

'  Philippson,  "both  thy  people  and  the  priests  are  op 
ponents  (of  God)."  Zunz,  "for  both  thy  people  and  the 
priest  are  deserving  blame."  llashi,  and  after  him  Johl- 
son,  "  thy  people  contend  with  the  priests."  Jonathan, 
"with  their  teacher."  Redak,  "and  now  thy  people  can 
reprove  the  priest,  who  is  as  bad  as  they  are."  Others, 
"like  Korah,  who  contended  about  the  priesthood." 

*  Jonathan,  "the  prophets  that  are  with  thee." 

''  i.  e.  The  entire  people,  as  they  shall  be  scattered. 

'  i.  c.  They  care  nothing  how  much  wrong  be  done,  so 
that  they  only  get  sacrifices  brought  to  the  temple  as  their 
perquisites. 

'  Meaning,  idolatry  and  drunkenness,  with  the  indul- 
gence of  the  passions,  deprive  Israel  of  their  reason ;  true 
wisdom  being  only  found  in  obedienc-e  to  God. 


b:XKlvll-_l,     )^\     "1   H  K     In' I  \    !■:  1\'      Kl-;il.AK 


IIOSKA  IV.  V. 


12  My  people  ask  counsel  of  their  stick  of 
wood,  and  their  staft'  shall  tell  them  (the  fu- 
lure);  for  the  spirit  of  lewdness  hath  caused 
them  to  err,  and  they  are  gone  astray  unfaith- 
ful to  their  God. 

13  Upon  the  tops  of  the  mountains  do  they 
sacrifice,  and  upon  the  hills  burn  they  in- 
cense, under  oaks  and  poplars  and  terebinths, 
because  their  shadow  is  good:  therefore  will 
your  daughters  play  the  harlot,  and  your 
daughters-in-law  will  commit  adultery. 

14  I  cannot  inflict  punishment  on  your 
daughters  when  they  play  the  harlot,  nor  on 
your  daughters-in-law  when  they  commit 
adultery;  for  they  themselves  associate  with 
lewd  women,  and  with  harlots  do  they  sacri- 
fice: and  so  doth  the  people  that  doth  not 
understand  stumble." 

15  Yet  though  thou  play  the  harlot,  0 
Israel,  let  not  Judah  offend:  and  come  not 
ye  unto  Gilgal,''  nor  go  ye  up  to  Beth-aven, 
nor  swear.  As  the  Lord  liveth. 

IG  For  like  an  untamable  cow  is  Israel 
disobedient:  now  would  the  Lord  have  fed 
them  as  a  sheep  in  a  wide  pasture." 

17  Ephraim  is  bound  to  idols:  let  him 
alone. 

1 8  Their  drinking  bout  will  come  to  an  end : 
while  they  are  so  often  guilty  of  lewdness,  their 
rulers  love,  prepare  themselves  but  shame. 

19  The  wind  seizeth  fast  on  them  with  its 
wings,  and  they  shall  be  ashamed  because  of 
their  sacrifices. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  Hear  this,  0  ye  priests;  and  listen 
well,  0  ye  house  of  Israel ;  and  give  ye  ear, 
0  house  of  the  king;  for  the  punishment 
threateneth''  3"ou;  because  ye  have  been  a 
snare  on  Mizpah,  and  a  net  spread  out  upon 
Thabor. 

2  And  for  murdering  they  who  had  re- 
belled   (against  God)    concealed   themselves" 

"  Redak.  Rashi,  "shall  falter  and  meet  its  punish- 
meut."  Septuagint  and  Aben  Ezra,  "lose  its  rea- 
son." 

*■  (.  e.  The  people  of  Judah  are  warned  not  to  go  to  the 
places  where  the  golden  calves  are  worshipped.  Bcfh- 
aivn,  "the  house  of  wickedness,"  instead  oi  Beth-d,  "the 
house  of  God."  And  even  to  swear  by  the  Lord  with 
the  idolaters  is  prohibited,  because  they  swore  falsely. 
(Jer.  V.  2.) 

°  After  Redak,  meaning,  had  they  been  obedient,  God 
would  have  shown  them  much  goodness.  Rashi,  how- 
i  H 


in  deep  places;  but  I  will  inflict  correction 
on  them  all. 

3  I  well  know  Ephraim,  and  Israel  is  not 
hidden  from  me;  for  now,  0  Ephraim,  hast 
thou  played  the  harlot,  (and)  Israel  is  defiled. 

4  Their  doings  will  not  permit  them  to  re- 
turn unto  their  God ;  for  the  spirit  of  lewd- 
ness is  in  their  bosom,  and  the  Lord  they 
have  not  known. 

5  Therefore  shall  the  pride  of  Israel  be 
humbled  before  his  face:  and  Israel  and 
Ephraim  shall  stunil)le  in  their  inirpiity; 
Judah  also  shall  stumble  with  them. 

n  With  their  flocks*^  and  with  their  herds 
will  they  go  to  seek  the  Lord;  but  they  shall 
not  find  him.:  he  hath  withdrawn  himself 
from  them. 

7  Against  the  Lord  have  they  dealt  treach- 
erously; for  strange  children  have  they  be- 
gotten :  now  shall  one  month  devour  them 
together  with  their  possessions. 

8  ^  Blow  ye  the  cornet  in  Gib'ah,  the 
trumpet  in  Ramah :  blow  the  alarm  at  Beth- 
aven,  (The  enemy  is)  after  thee,  0  Benja- 
min. 

9  Ephraim  shall  be  made  desolate  on  the 
day  of  chastisement :  among  the  tribes  of  Is- 
rael had  I  made  known  that  which  is  true. 

10  The  princes  of  Judah  were  like  those 
that  remove  the  landmark :  my  wrath,  there- 
fore, will  I  pour  out  upon  them  like  water. 

11  Oppres.sed  is  Ephraim,  broken  through 
punishment;  because  he  willingly  walked  af- 
ter the  commandment  (of  false  prophets)  .*-' 

12  But  like  the  moth  became  I  unto 
Ephraim,  and  like  rottenness  to  the  house 
of  Judah." 

13  Then  saw  Ephraim  his  sickness,  and  Ju- 
dah his  wound,  and  Ephraim  went  \o  Asshur, 
and  (the  other)  sent  to  the  king  that  should 
contend  [Jareli] ;  but  he  will  never  be  able  to 
heal  you,  nor  remove  froni  you  your  wound. 

14  For  I  am  as  a  lion  imto  Ephraim,  and 

ever,  "Now  will  the  Lord  feed  them  sparingly,  like  a 
sheep  that  hath  to  pick  up  its  food  in  a  large  pasture 
where  little  groweth." 

•^  Rashi.     Jonathan,   "for   yours   it  was   to   know  the 
law,  but,"  &c. 

°  Aben  Ezra  supplies,  "their  net.s,"  instead  of  "them- 
selves." 

'  Rashi  explains,  "  with  their  sacrifices." 

8  Rashi. 

''  "The  worm  that  eateth  the  tree  and  grindeth  it  up." 
— R.^sni. 

057 


as  a 
even 
away 
liver. 

ir, 


young  lion  to  the  house  of  Judah:  I, 
I  myself  will  tear  in  pieces  and  go 
;   I  will  bear  away,  and  none  shall  de- 


I  will  go  (from  here,  and)  return  to 
my  place,  till  they  acknowledge  their  guilt, 
and  seek  my  presence :  in  their  affliction  will 
they  seek"  for  me. 


HOSEA  V.  VI.  VII. 

10  On  the  house  of  Israel  have  I  seen  a 
horrible  thing:  there  is  lewdness  in  Ephrairn, 
Israel  is  become  defiled. 

11  Also  for  thee,  0  Judah,  will  a  harvest 
be  prepared/ when  I  bring  back  the  captivity 
of  my  people. 

CHAPTER  VII. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1  "Come,  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord; 
for  he  hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us:  he 
hath  smitten,  and  he  will  l»ind  up  our 
wounds. 

2  He  will  revive  us  after  two  days:  on  the 
third  day  he  will  raise  us  up,  and  we  shall 
live  in  his  presence. 

3  And  l^t  us  feel  it,  that  we  may  strive  to 
know  the  Lord;  bright  as  the  morning-dawn 
is  his  rising;  and  he  will  come  as  the  rain 
v,nto  us,  as  the  latter  rain  that  maketh  fruits 
I'ul  the  earth." 

4  What  shall  I  do  unto  thee,  0  Ephrairn? 
what  .shall  I  do  unto  thee,  0  Judah?  for  your 
piety  is  as  a  morning  cloud,  and  as  the  early 
dew  that  passeth  away. 

5  Therefore  did  I  hew  (them)  down  by 
means  of  the  prophets;  I  slew  them  by  the 
words  of  Tny  mouth :  and  thy  punishments'' 
go  forth  like  the  light. 

6  For  piety  I  desired,  and  not  sacrifice; 
and  the  knowledge  of  God,  more  than  burnt- 
otferings. 

7  But  they,  like  an  ordinary  man,  have 
transgressed  the  covenant:  there''  have. they 
dealt  treacherously  again.st  me. 

8  Gil'ad  is  become  a  city  of  workers  of 
wickedness,  is  full  (if  traces''  of  blood. 

9  And'as  trooj)s  that  lie  in  wait  for  a  man, 
so  is  the  band  of  priests,  they  murder  on  the 
way  in  unison;"  for  they  commit  scandalous 
deeds. 

'  Jonathan,  "will  they  desire  my  fear." 

'' Jdiiathaii,  "my  decree  (!.<■.  over  thee)  g(ieth  forth 
like  the  light."  Rashi,  however,  "how  eould  I  favour 
you  against  the  punishment?" 

°  i.  e.  In  their  good  land  given  them  by  God. 

■^  As  though  it  were  marked  with  the  heels  besmeared 
with  the  fresh  blood  through  which  they  walked.  Rashi, 
freely,  "full  of  those  who  lie  in  wait  to  murder." 

"  Others,  "on  the  road  to  Shechem  (a  city  of  refuge) 
do  thiy  commit  murder." 

'  I'iiilippsim.      Rashi,  "will  a  time  of  punishment  be 
jireparcd,  because   T  desired   to  bring   them   back  by  ad- 
nionisliing  them  from  their  baekslidintr" 
6.5« 


1  Tl  Sliould  I  desire  to  heal  Israel,  then 
would  the  iniquity  of  Ephraim  and  the  wick- 
edness of  Samaria  be  laid  open ;  for  they  com- 
mit falsehood  ;  and  the  thief  entereth  (secret- 
ly), and  the  troop  of  roljbers  is  spread  al)road 
without. 

2  And  they  never  think  in  their  own 
heart  that  I  remember  all  their  wickedness: 
though  now  their  own  doings  are  all  round 
about  them ;  before  my  face  are  they  present. 

3  With  their  wickedness  they  make  the 
king  glad,  and  with  their  lies  the  princes. 

4  They  are  all  adulterers,  as  an  oven  well 
heated  by  the  baker:  (when)  he  that  stirreth 
(the  fire")  resteth  awhile  from  kneading  the 
dough,  until  it  be  leavened._ 

5  On  the  day  of  our  king's  (entering  on  his 
rule)  the  princes  are  made  sick  with  the 
fumes  of  wine:  (the  king)^  joineth  his  hand 
with  scorners. 

6  For  they  make  ready  their  heart  for 
their  tricky  deeds,  like  the  oven,  the  baker 
whereof  sleepeth  all  the  night,  while  in  the 
morning  it  gloweth  as  a  flaming  fire.'' 

7  The}'  are  all  hot  as  an  oven,  and  they 
devour  their  judges;  all  their  kings  are  fallen : 
there  is  none  among  them  that  calleth  unto 
me. 

8  Ephraim  mixeth  himself  indeed  among 
the  nations:   Ephraim  is  a  cake  not  turned." 

9  Strangers  devour  his  strength,  and  he 
knoweth  it  not :  yea,  gray  hairs  are  sprinkled 
about  on  his  (head),  yet  he  knoweth  not. 

10  And  hum!)led  was  the  pride  of  Israel 

'  Rashi,  "  he  withdraweth  his  hand  from  the  good  to  join 
the  .scorners."  I'hilippson  makes  "wine"  the  munitiative 
to  the  verb,  and  translates,  "which  through  its  power  draw- 
eth  forth  the  scorners;"  /.  e.  when  drunk  with  wine  they 
will  give  utterance  to  their  hitherto  secret  scornfulness. 

''  The  fuel  is  placed  in  the  oven,  and  when  the  time 
comes,  it  is  ready  for  baking,  though  the  baker  have 
slept  in  the  mean  while;  so  is  it  with  the  people,  during 
the  night  they  reflect  in  secret  on  the  crimes  they  are  to 
commit  during  the  day,  and  then  they  are  ready  to  follow 
their  evil  inclinations. 

'  Redak,  "burnt  on  one,  and  not  done  on  the  other 
side  "     Jonathan,  "eaten  up  before  it  was  turned." 


IIOSEA  VII.  VIII. 


before  lii.s  own  face;  but  they  did  not  return 
to  the  LoKD  their  God.  and  sought  him  not, 
notwithstanding  all  this. 

11  And  Ephraini  is  become  like  a  silly 
dove  without  understanding:  Egypt  did  they 
call  hither,  to  Assyria  did  they  go. 

12  As  they  go,  so  will  I  spread  out  my  net 
over  them ;  as  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  will  I 
bring  them  down:  I  will  chastise  them,  as 
it  hath  been  announced  to  their  congrega- 
tion. 

13  Wo  unto  theml  for  they  have  fled  from 
me;  destruction  shall  come  unto  them,  be- 
cause they  have  transgressed  against  me: 
though  I  desired  to  redeem  them,  they  yet 
spoke  lies  against  me. 

14  And  they  cried  not  unto  me  with  their 
heart,  when  they  howled  upon  their  beds: 
for  corn  and  new  wine  they  assemble"  them- 
selves, and  they  rebel  against  me. 

15  And  I  desired  to  instruct  and  to  strength- 
en their  arms ;  yet  would  they  devise  evil 
against  me. 

10  They  never  return  upward ;''  they  are 
like  a  deceitful  bow;  by  the  sword  shall 
their  princes  fall  because  of  the  rage  of  their 
tongue :  this  shall  be  their  derision  in  the 
land  of  Egypt. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Set  the  cornet  to  thy  mouth.  (Let'  the 
enemy  come)  like  the  eagle  against  the  house 
of  the  Lord;  because  they  have  transgressed 
my  covenant,  and  against  my  law  have  they 
trespassed. 

2  To  me  will  they  then  cry,  My  God,  we, 
Israel,  know  thee. 

3  (But)  Israel  did  reject  the  good  :''  st)  let 
the  enemy  pursue  him. 

4  They  set  up  kings,  but  not  l)y  my 
advice;   they  chose  princes,   and   I   knew   it 

"  Philippson,  "they  rave  about  corn  and  new  wine." 

'■  Rashi,  "they  returned  to  Egypt  without  any  benefit." 
Redak,  "to  the'Most  High." 

°  Raslii;  but  Redak,  "Let  the  cornet  be  blown,  be- 
cause the  enemy  cometh." 

■*  i.  e.  Gcid  who  is  good;  so  x\ben  Ezra.  Other.s,  "Is- 
rael cast  off  his  happiness." 

°  Redak;  but  Raslii,  "that  their  wealth  may  be 
wasted." 

'  Rashi. 

'  i.  c.  The  calves  of  Jerobo'am  were  Israel's  handi- 
work, made  by  an  artisan,  cousefjueutly  not  able  to  help 
themselves  nor  their  worshippers. 

"Philippson;   meaning,   Israel  was  destined    to    dwell 


not:  of  their  silver  and  their  gold  have  they 
made  themselves  idols,  so  that  they"  will  be 
cut  ofl". 

5  Thy  calf,  0  Samaria,  hath  caused  thy 
rejection ;'^  my  anger  is  kindled  against  them: 
how  long  will  it  be  that  they  cannot  cleanse 
themselves  ? 

G  For  from  Israel  did  also  that  (idol) 
spring;*^  an  artisan  made  it,  and  no  God  is  it: 
so  then  shall  it  become  broken  in  splinters — 
that  calf  of  Samaria. 

7  For  the  wind  do  they  sow,  and  the  whirl- 
wind shall  they  reap  :  (their  seed)  bringeth 
no  standing  corn;  the  jslant  yieldeth  no  meal; 
but  should  it  yield  it,  strangers  would  swal- 
low it  up. 

8  Swallowed  up  is  Israel :  now  are  they 
among  the  nations  as  a  ves.sel  without  any 
value. 

9  For  they  are  needs  gone  up  to  Assyria, 
they  who  like  a  wild  ass  should  dwell  alone :'' 
Epliraim  spendeth  lovers'  gifts. 

10  But  even  though  they  should  spend 
gifts  among  the  nations,  now  will  I  gather 
them :  and  they  shall  be  humbled'  a  little 
through  the  burden  of  the  king  of  princes. 

11  Because  Ephraini  hath  multiplied  altars 
to  sin,  the  altars  have  been  unto  him  the 
means  of  sinning. 

12  I  ever  wrote  down  for  him  the  great 
things  of  my  law;  but  as  a  strange  thing  are 
they  accounted. 

13  My  sacrificial  ofierings  they  slay  as 
common  flesh  that  they  may  eat  it;''  the  Lord 
accepteth  them  not  in  favour:  now  will  he 
remember  their  iniquity,  and  visit  their  sins; 
they  shall  indeed  return  to  Egypt- 

14  For  Israel  forgot  his  Maker,  and  built 
palaces;  and  Judah  multiplied  fortified  cities; 
but  I  will  .'<end  a  fire  among  hi^*  cities,  and  it 
shall  devour  their  fine  edifices. 

alone  and  not  mingle  with  the  nations;  and  now  they 
sent  to  Assyria  for  aid.  But  Rashi,  "  they  are  made  like 
the  wild  ass  that  goeth  alone,  snuffing  the  wind,  roaming 
from  place  to  place." 

'  Rashi,  from  Shr\,  "to  profane,"  hence,  "to  lower;" 
but  Aben  Ezra,  " they  shall  commence  (to  complain)  be- 
cause of  the  burden  of  king  and  princes." 

'Rashi,  "the  sacrifices  of  my  burnt-offerings  which 
they  burn  before  me  on  the  tire  which  is  on  my  altar, 
what  do  I  require  this  for?  let  them  slay  them  for  them- 
selves as  flesh,  that  they  may  eat  them;  for  I  have  no 
pleasure  in  them."  The  translation  here  adopted  means, 
that  they  bring  indeed  sacrifices,  but  not  from  a  pure  mo- 
tive, only  to  have  a  merry-making  and  to  eat  the  flesh. 
'        ■'  -^669 


HOSEA  IX.  X. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ]1  Rejoice  not,  0  Israel,  for  gladness,  as 
other  people;  for  thou  art  gone  astra}',  un- 
laithful  to  thy  God:  thou  hast  loved  the 
wages  of  sin  upon  every  corn-filled  threshing- 
floor. 

2  The  threshing-floor  and  tlie  wine-press 
shall  not  feed  them,  and  the  new  wine  shall 
deceive  them." 

3  They  shall  not  dwell  in  the  land  of  the 
Lord;  but  Ephraim  shall  return  to  Egypt, 
and  in  Assyria  will  the}'  eat  unclean  things. 

4  They  shall  not  pour  out  wine  to  the 
Lord,  and  (their  offerings)  shall  not  be  pleas- 
ing unto  him ;  their  sacrifices  shall  be  unto 
them  as  the  bread  of  mourners;  all  that  eat 
thereof  shall  be  polluted;  for  this  their  food 
can  only  be  for  themselves,*"  it  shall  not  come 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

5  What  will  ye  do  on  the  day  of  the  ap- 
pointed festival,  and  on  the  day  of  the  feast 
of  the  Lord? 

G  For,  lo,  they  are  gone  forth  because  of 
the  desolation;  Egypt  will  gather  them  up, 
Moph  will  bury  them:  the  pleasant  chambers 
for  their  silver, — these  shall  nettles  take  pos- 
session of;  thorns  shall  (grow)  in  their  tents. 

7  Come  are  the  days  of  the  visitation,  come 
are  the  days  of  thy  recompense  ;  this  shall 
Israel  experience :  a  fool  was  the  prophet, 
mad  the  inspired  man,  because  of  the  great- 
ness of  thy  iniquity,  and  the  great  hatefulness. 

8  The  watchman  of  Ephraim  with  my 
God,"  the  prophet,  was  a  snare  of  the  fowler 
on  all  his  ways,  a  hateful  thing  in  the  liouse 
of  his  god. 

9  They  are  deeply  corrupt,  as  in  the  days 
of  Gib' ah:  he  will  rememl)er  their  iniquity, 
he  will  visit  their  sins. 

10  ^  Like  grapes  in  the  wilderness  had  I 
found  Israel;  as  the  first  ripe  fruit  on  the  fig- 
tree  in  the  first  of  the  season  had  I  seen  your 
fathers ;  but  they  too  went  to  Ba'al-pe'or,  and 
devoted  themselves  unto  that  shameful   idol, 


"■  i.  e.  Not.  yield  what  is  ospccted. 
''  Zunz,  "for  their  bread  should  bo  for  their  hunger." 
"  Zunz;  but  Rashi,  "Ephraim  set  themselves  up  their 
own  prophets,  who  draw  them  to  their  idols,  and  for  the 
true    prophets  they  lay  a    snare."     Johlson,   "Ephraim 
lookcth  after  oracle,  near  my  God :  the  prophet  is  to  him 
a  fowler's  snare  on  all  his  ways,  an  offence  in  the  house  of 
his  god." 
660 


and    becauie'   abominations    as    those    they 
loved. 

11  As  for  Ephraim,  their  glory  shall  fly 
away  like  a  bird :  there  is  no  more  birth,  and 
no  pregnancy,  and  no  conception. 

12  But  though  they  were  to  bring  up  tlieir 
children,  yet  would  I  bereave  them,  that 
there  should  be  no  man :  yea.  wo  also  to 
themselves, when  I  depart  from  them! 

13  Ephraim,  as  I  have  seen  him  like  Tyre, 
planted  in  a  pleasant  meadow, — yet  this 
Ephraim  shall  lead  forth  to  the  nnn'derer 
his  children. 

14  Give  them,  0  Lord,  what  thou  wilt 
give!  give  them  a  miscarrying  womb  and 
dried-up  breasts. 

15  All  their  wickedness  is  in  Gilgal;  for 
there  I  (learnt  to)  hate  them;  for  the  wick- 
edness of  their  doings  will  I  drive  them  out 
of  my  house:  I  will  love  them  no  farther;  all 
their  princes  are  rebels. 

16  Smitten  is  Ephraim,  their  root  is  dried 
up,  they  shall  bear  no  fruit;  yea,  though 
they  should  bring  forth,  yet  would  I  slay  the 
beloved  fruit  of  their  tody. 

17  My  God  will  reject  them,  because  they 
did  not  hearken  unto  him :  and  they  shall  be 
Wanderers  among  the  nations. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  An  emptied  vine  is  Israel ;  how  should" 
he  bring  forth  fruit  for  himself?  the  more 
numerous  was  his  fruit  the  more  he  increased 
the  altars ;  the  more  prosperous  was  his  land, 
the  more  they  made  goodly  statues. 

2  Their  heart  is  divided;  now  shall  they 
bear  their  guilt:  this  will  break  down  their 
altars,  will  devastate  their  statues. 

3  For  now  will  they  say,  We  have'  no 
king;  because  we  fear  not  the  Lord:  and 
the  king — what  can  he  do  for  us? 

4  They  have  spoken  (vain)  words,  swearing 
falsely  in  making  a  covenant:  therefore 
springeth  up  the  punishment  as  poison  in 
the  furrows  of  the  field. 


•*  Rashi,  "when  they  loved  the  daughters  of  Moab." 
"  Redak.     Others,   "his   fruit   is   deception    like   him 
self."     Philippson,  after  the  Septuagint,  "A  rank  vine 
is  Israel;  it  beareth  fruit,"  &c.     Rashi,  "Israel  is  like 
the  vine  that  droppeth  all  its  good  fruit." 

'  Philippson,  "We  will  have  no  king;"  but  Rashi,  "We 
have  no  king;  for  him  whom  we  have  appointed  over  us 
to  fight  our  battles,  &c.,  availeth  us  nothing." 


HOSEA  X.  XI. 


5  For  the  calves  of  Beth-aven  are  terrified 
the  inhabitants  of  Samaria:  yea,  the  people 
thereof  mourn  over  them,  and  also  its  false 
priests  that  (before)  rejoiced  over  them,  for  its 
glory,  because  it  is  departed  from  it. 

G  Also  this"  sliall  be  carried  unto  Assyria 
for  a  present  to  the  contentious*"  king: 
Ephraim  shall  receive  shame,  and  Israel 
shall  be  ashamed  because  of  his  own  counsel. 

7  As  for  Samaria,  her  king  shall  vanish 
like  the  foam  upon  the  surface  of  the  water. 

8  And  destroyed  shall  be  the  high-places 
of  Aven,  (the  cause  of)  the  sin  of  Israel ; 
the  thorn  and  the  thistle  shall  grow  upon 
their  altars:  and  they  sliall  say  to  the 
mountains.  Cover  us;  and  to  the  hills,  Fall 
upon  us. 

9  ^  More"  than  in  the  days  of  Gib' ah  hast 
thou  sinned,  0  Israel!  there  they  stood;  and 
the  battle  in  Gib'ah  against  the  children  of 
wickedness  did  not  overtake  them. 

10  (But  now)  after  my  desire  will  I  chas- 
tise them :  and  the  people  sliall  be  gathered 
against  them,  when  they  harness  them  (for 
labour)  in  their  two  furrows. 

11  And  Ephraim  is  as  a  well-taught' 
heifer  that  lovetli  to  tread  out  the  corn;  and 
I  passed  over^  her  fair  neck :  now  will  I  make 
Ephraim  draw  the  wagon,  Judali  shall  plough, 
and  Jacob  shall  harrow  the  held  for  the 
enemy. 

12  Sow  then  for  yourselves  after  righteous- 
ness, that  you  may  reap  (the  fruit)  of  kind- 
ness; cultivate  your  fallow  field;  for  it  is 
time  to  seek  the  Lord,  till  he  come  and  rain 
righteousness  down  for  you. 

13  (But)  ye  have  ploughed  wickedness, 
iiii(fuity  have  ye  reaped,  ye  have  eaten  the 
fruit  of  lies;   because  thou  didst  trust  in  thy 

^  The  goltlen  calf. 

'' Rashi,  "this  is  Sennacherib."  Others,  "king  Ja- 
reb." 

°  Aben  Ezra;  but  Raishi,  "From  the  time  of  Gib'ah," 
&c. — "  the  same  course  they  always  pursued,  therefore 
they  succeeded  not  in  their  battle  at  Gib'ah,"  &c.  Zunz, 
"then  they  stood  forward  against  the  wicked  whom  the 
war  in  Gib'ah  could  not  overtake." 

^  Rashi,  "Broken  in  by  blows  of  the  goad;"  meaning, 
that  notwithstanding  much  punishment  the  people  still 
love  to  indulge  their  pleasure,  like  a  cow  that  is  willing 
to  thresh  out  the  corn  that  she  may  eat  her  fill  at  the 
same  time. 

"  Redak,  "to  put  on  a  light  yoke."  Others,  "now  I 
come  with  force  over  her  fair  neck." 

'  Rashi,  "I  was  always  drawing  them  with  soft  cords 


own  way,  in  the  multitude  of  tliy  mighty 
men : 

14  Therefore  shall  a  tumult  arise  among 
thy  people,  and  all  thy  fortresses  shall  be 
wasted,  as  Shalman  devastated  Beth-arbel  on 
the  day  of  battle,  (when)  the  mother  was 
dashed  in  pieces  upon  her  children. 

1-5  The  like  of  this  doth  Beth-el  procure 
unto  you  because  of  your  great  wickedness : 
in  the  early  morning  shall  utterly  pass  away 
the  king  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  When  Israel  was  yet  young,  then  I  loved 
him,  and  out  of  Egypt  did  I  call  my  son. 

2  The  (prophets)  called  them;  but  the 
more  they  went  from  them:  unto  the  Be'alim 
would  they  sacrifice,  and  to  the  graven  images 
would  they  burn  incense. 

3  Yet  I  myself  appointed  a  leader  for 
Ephraim,  who  took  them  up  in  his  arms;  but 
they  would  not  acknowledge  that  I  healed 
them. 

4  With  Imman*^  cords  I  ever  drew  them 
forward,  with  leading-strings  of  love :  and  I 
was  to  them  as  those  that  lift'  off"  the  yoke 
from  their  jaws,  and  I  held  out  unto  them 
footl. 

5  He  should  not  return  unto  the  land  of 
Egypt:  yet  (now)  is  the  Assyrian  his  king; 
because  they  refused  to  repent. 

6  And  the  sword  shall  fall  on  his  cities, 
and  shall  make  an  end  of  his  bou"hs,''  and 
consume  them,  because  of  their  (evil)  coun- 
sels. 

7  For  my  people  are  only  bent  on  back- 
sliding' from  me ;  and  though  upward''  they 
call  them,  they  altogether  will  not  elevate 
themselves. 


(leading-strings)  as  those  by  which  a  man  draweth  his 
son." 

'  Aben  Ezra,  "like  those  men  who  make  high  tlie 
yoke  of  the  heifer  to  lift  it  off  from  her  jaws  time  after 
time."  Rashi  adds,  "so  was  I  with  them  in  all  troubles 
to  make  them  lighter  for  them." 

"  Zunz,  "bolts,"  ('.  e.  of  the  cities.  Jonathan,  "his 
mighty  ones;"  but  Aben  Ezra,  "the  boughs,"  ('.  e.  the 
young  people. 

'  Rashi,  "My  people  hesitate  about  returning  to  me." 

'  Rashi,  (as  above,  vii.  16,)  "and  to  the  good  tiling  to 
which  the  prophets  call  them  they  altogether  will  not 
elevate  themselves,  and  will  not  do  it :"  and  so  Philipp- 
son;  but  Redak,  "though  to  the  Most  High  they  call 
them  back,  there  is  no  one  that  will  extol  him;"  i.  r.  they 
refuse  to  follow  the  prophets  to  acknowledge  God's  power. 


HOSEA  XI.  XII.  XIII. 


8  How  shall  I  give  thee  up,  Ephraim? 
how  shall  I  surrender  thee,  Israel  ?  how  shall 
I  make  thee  as  Admah?  how  shall  I  change 
thee  as  Zeboyim?  turned  is  my  heart  within 
me,  all  my  compassion  is  enkindled  together. 

9  I  will  not  execute  the  fierceness  of  my 
anger,  I  will  not  again"  destroy  Ephraim;  for 
God  am  I,  and  not  man,  the  Holy  One  in  the 
midst  of  thee,  and  I  will  not  come  with  an 
enemy's  hatred. 

10  They  shall  follow  after  the  Lord,  when 
he  will  roar  like  a  lion ;  for  he  will  roar,  and 
the  children  shall  hasten  together  from  the 
west; 

11  They  shall  hasten  together  as  birds  out 
of  Egypt,  and  as  doves  out  of  the  land  of  As- 
syria: and  I  will  cause  them  to  dwell  in  their 
houses,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XII." 

1  Tl  With  lies  hath  Ephraim  encompassed 
me  about,  and  with  deceit,  the  hou,se  of  Is- 
rael ;  but  Judah  yet  ruleth"  with  God,  and  is 
faithful  to  the  Holy  One. 

2  Ephraim  feedeth  on  wind,  and  pursueth 
the  east  wind ;  tlie  whole  day  he  increaseth 
deceit  and  corruption ;  and  a  covenant  do 
they  make  with  Assyria,  and  oil  is  carried 
into  Egypt. 

3  But  with  Judah  also  hath  the  Lord  (to 
hold)  a  controversy;  and  to  punish  Jacob  ac- 
cording to  his  ways,  according  to  his  doings 
will  he  recompense  him. 

4  In  the  womb  he  took  his  brother  by  the 
heel,  and  in  his  strength  he  strove  with  an 
angel. 

5  Yea,  he  strove  with  an  angel,  and  pre- 
vailed; he  wept,  and  made  supplication  unto 
him:  in  Beth-el''  he  should  lind  him,  and 
there  he  will  speak  with  us. 

6  And  the  Lokd  God  of  hosts,  the  Eternal 
One  is  his  memorial.'' 

7  Therefore  do  thou  return  to  thy  God: 


*  Zunz;  but  Raslii,  "  I  will  not  withdraw  from  my  word 
to,"  &c. 

"'  In  the  English  vcrnion,  chap.  xii.  (•onimeiR-es  at  ver.  2. 

°  Others,  "Judah  also  raiij^rth  about  nuar  God  ( /'.  e. 
worshippeth  God  and  iddl.s)  and  near  the  faithful  Holy 
«ne." 

*  No  doubt  alluding  to  the  blessing  Jacob  obtained 
from  the  angel,  (Gen.  xxxii.  27,)  which  was  afterward 
confirmed  by  God  himself  in  the  revelation  at  Betb-el. 
(i6('</.  XXXV.  9.) 

"  Rashi  comments  here  that  this  means,  as  though  God 
bim.«elf  said,  "a.s  T  was  alway.s,  so  am  1  now,  and  if  vmi 
01)2 


keep  goodness  and  justice,  and  wait  on  thy 
God  continually. 

8  But  like  a  merchant,  who  hath  the  ba- 
lances of  deceit  in  his  hand,  loving  to  over- 
reach, 

9  Did  Ephraim  say,  I  am  certainly  become 
rich,  I  have  acquired  substance  unto  myself: 
it  is  all  through  my  labours;  they  will  find 
no  iniquity  in  me,  that  could  be  sin. 

10  And  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  from  the 
land  of  Egypt:  I  will  yet  make  thee  dwell  in 
tents,  as  in  the  days  of  antiquity. "^ 

11  And  I  have  spoken  through  the  pro- 
phets, and  I  myself  have  multiplied  visions, 
and  by  the  means  of  the  prophets  have  I 
spoken  in  similitudes. 

12  If  in  Gil'ad  there  was  misfortune,  (it  is 
because)  there  was  naught  but  idolatry;"  in 
Gilgal  they  sacrificed  bullocks  (to  idols)  : 
their  altars  also  are  as  stone-heaps  on  the 
furrows  of  the  fields. 

13  And  Jacob  fied  into  the  fields  of  Syria, 
and  Israel  served  for  a  wife,  and  for  a  wife  he 
kept  (the  flocks). 

14  And  by  a  prophet  did  the  Lord  bring 
Israel  out  of  Egypt,  and  by  a  prophet  was  he 
guarded. 

15  (Yet)  Ephraim  provoked  (him^  to  anger 
most  bitterly:  therefore  will  his  Lord  cast 
his  blood-guiltiness  ujjon  him,  and  his  re- 
proach will  he  recompense  unto  him. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  T[  When  once  Ephraim  spoke,  (all)  trem- 
bled, so  high  was  lie  exalted  in  Israel;  but 
he  offended  through  Ba'al,  and  he  died. 

2  And  now  they  yet  continue  to  sin.  and 
have  made  themselves  molten  images  of  their 
silver,  idols  according  to  their  own  imagining, 
every  one  of  them  the  work  of  the  artisan : 
they  say  to''  them,  They  that  sacrifice  men 
may  kiss  the  calves. 

3  Therefore  shall  they  be  as  the  morning 

would  walk  with  me  in  uprightness  as  Jacob  your  father, 
I  would  act  toward  you  as  T  did  to  him  " 

'  Jonathan.  Kashi  comments,  that  God  would  restore 
those  who  study  the  law  as  in  Jacob's  days,  who  was 
said  to  dwell  in  tents.  Redak,  "God  would  cause  us  to 
dwell  in  tents  as  in  the  wilderness,  when  we  are  redeem- 
ed from  the  nations  to  show  us  his  power."  Philiiijison, 
"as  in  the  days  of  the  feast"  (of  tabernacles)  in  joy  and 
gladness. 

^  Rashi;  but  Zunz,  "If  vanity  and  false  gods  were  in 
Gil'ad,  then  they  sacrificed  steers  in  Gilgal." 

''  Rashi;  /.  i:  to  those  who  come  to  sacriGce 


IIOSEA  XIII.  XIV. 


cloud,  and  as  tlie  dew  that  early  passeth 
away,  as  the  chaff  that  is  driven  by  the 
whirlwind  out  of  the  threshing-floor,  and  as 
smoke  out  of  a  window. 

4  Yet  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God  from  the 
land  of  Eg\-pt:  and  no  god  but  me  shall 
thou  know,  and  there  is  no  saviour  beside 
me. 

5  I  myself  did  provide  for  thee  in  the  wil- 
derness, in  the  land  of  great  drought. 

6  When  they  came  to  their  pasture,  they 
became  sated;  they  Avere  sated,  and  their 
heart  was  lifted  up:  therefore  have  they  for- 
gotten me. 

7  And  now  will  I  be  unto  them  as  a  lion : 
as  a  leopard  will  I  lie  in  wait  by  the  way. 

8  I  will  meet  them  as  a  bear  bereaved  of 
her  whelps,  and  I  will  rend  their  closed-up" 
heart;  and  I  will  devour  them  there  like  a 
lioness,  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall  rend  them. 

9  Thou  hast  destroyed  thyself,  0  Israel; 
for  against  me,  against  thy  helper*'  (didst  thou 
rebel.) 

10  Where  then  is  now  thy  king,  that  he 
may  save  thee  in  all  thy  cities  ?  and  thy 
judges,  since  thou  saidst,  Give  me  a  king, 
and  princes  ? 

11  I  give  thee  a  king  in  my  anger,  and 
take  him  away  in  my  wrath. 

12  ]|  Bound  up  is  the  iniquity  of  Ephraim, 
treasured  up  is  his  sin.  • 

1.8  The  pains  of  a  travailing  woman  shall 
come  upon  him;  he  is  an  unwise  son;  for  he 
will  not  remain  steadfast  at  the  time  of  the 
breaking  forth  of  the  child. 

14  From  the  power  of  the  grave  would  I 
ransom  them,  from  death  AVould  I  redeem 
them;  (but  now)  where  are  thy  plagues,  0 
death,  where  is  thy  pestilence,  0  grave?  com- 
passion shall  be  hidden  from  my  eyes. 

15  Though  he  grow  luxuriantly  in  green 
meadows,  the  east  wind  shall  come,  the 
wind  of  the  Lord,  rising  up  from  the  wil- 
derness,   and   his   spring    shall   ])ecome   dry, 

•and    his    fountain    shall    he    dried    up:     the 

*  Kashi.  Eng.  ver.  "the  caul  (pericardium)  of  tlicir 
heart."     Michlol  Yophi,  "the  fat  around  their  heart." 

^  Rashi.     JohlsoD,  "for  in  me  alone  had.st  thou  help." 
°  In   the    English   version,    chap.    xiv.    commences    at 
ver.  2. 

*  Johlson,  who  also  renders  the   first  portion,  ''Par- 


same  shall  plunder  the  treasure   of  all   pre- 
cious vessels. 

CHAPTER  Xiy.=   • 

1  Samaria  shall  meet  her  punishment;  for 
she  hath  rebelled  against  her  God:  by  the 
sword  shall  they  iiiU;  their  iniants  shall  be 
dashed  in  pieces,  and  their  pregnant  women 
shall  be  ripped  up. 

2  ^  Return,  0  Israel,  even  unto  the  Lord 
thy  God;  for  thou  hast  stumbled  through  thy 
iniquity. 

3  Take  with  you  words,  and  return  to  the 
Lord:  say  unto  him,  ''Pardon  all  (our)  ini- 
quity, and  accept  (our  return''  to)  good;  and 
let  us  repay  the  steers  (of  sacrifice)  with  (the 
prayer  of)  our  lips. 

4  Asshur  shall  not  help  us;  upon  horses 
will  we  not  ride:  and  we  will  no  more  say, 
Ye  are  our  gods,  to  the  work  of  our  hands; 
for  in  thee  alone  the  fatherless  obtaineth 
mercy." 

5  I  will  heal  their  backsliding,  I  will  love 
them  freely;  for  my  anger  is  turned  away 
from  them. 

6  I  will  be  as  the  dew  unto  Israel:  he 
shall  bloom  as  the  lily;  and  he  shall  strike 
his  roots  as  (the  forests  of)  Lebanon. 

7  His  suckers  shall  spread  out,  and  his 
beauty  shall  be  as  that  of  the  olive-tree,  and 
his  smell  as  that  of  the  Lebanon. 

8  They  shall  return  that  sat  under  his 
shade;  they  shall  revive  as  corn,  and  bloor.i 
as  the  vine :  the  scenf  of  which  shall  he  as 
that  of  the  wine  of  Leljanon. 

9  Ephraim'^  (shall  .say),  Wiiat  have  I  to 
do  any  more  with  idols?  I  have  answered, 
and  w'ill  oljserve  him;  I  will  be  (to  him)  like 
a  green  fir-tree;  through  me  is  thy  fruit 
found. 

10  Who  is  wise,  that  he  may  understand 
these  things?  intelligent,  that  he  may  know 
them  ?  for  righteous  are  the  ways  of  the  Lord  ; 
and  the  just   shall  walk   in   them;    but   tlie 


transgressor; 


will  stumble  through  them. 


doner  of  the  iniquity  of  all."     Rashi  gives  two  versions, 

"Teach  us  the  good  wa_y,"  and  "Accept  the  few  good  deeds 

which  we  have  done." 

'  Others,  "famous  as  the  wine  of  Lebanon." 

'  Johlson,    "AVli:it    need    hath    Ephraim   near    me    of 

idols?" 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  JOEL, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  T[  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to 
Joel  the  son  of  Pethuel. 

2  Hear  this,  ye  old  men,  and  give  ear,  all 
ye  inhabitants  of  the  land.  Did  ever  such  a 
thing  as  this  come  to  pass  in  your  days,  or 
ever  in  the  days  of  your  fathers? 

3  Tell  ye  of  it  to  your  children,  and  let 
your  cliildren  tell  it  to  their  children,  and 
their  children  to  another  generation. 

4  What  the  caterpillar"  left  hath  the  lo- 
cust eaten;  and  what  the  locust  left  hath  the 
cankerworm  eaten;  and  that  which  the  can- 
kerworm  left  hath  the  cricket  eaten. 

5  Wake  up,  ye  drunkards,  and  weep;  and 
wail,  all  ye  drinkers  of  wine,  because  of  the 
sweet  new  wine,  tliat  it  is  taken  away*"  from 
your  mouth. 

6  For  a  nation""  is  come  up  over  my  land, 
strong,  and  without  number;  its  teeth  are 
the  teeth  of  a  lion,  and  it  hath  the  cutting- 
teeth  of  the  lioness. 

7  It  hath  laid  my  vine  waste,  and  barked'' 
my  fig-tree:  it  hath  peeled  it  clean  bare, 
and  cast  it  down;  made  white  are  its  light 
branches. 

8  Lament  like  a  virgin  girded  with  sack- 
cloth for  the  betrothed  of  her  youth. 

9  Cut  off  are  the  meat-offering  and  the 
drink-offering  from  the  house  of  the  Lord: 
now  mourn  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  the 
Lord. 

10  Wasted  is  the  field,  the  land  mourneth; 


"  Rashi  and  other  commentator.s  regard  all  the  names 
here  given  as  indicative  of  various  species  of  locusts.  We 
have  followed  Johlsou,  except  with  pb",  which  he  render- 
ed "beetle."  Philippson  regards  the  words  as  indicating 
the  locust  in  its  various  states  of  formation  :  thus,  dij  the 
perfect  insect,  "locust;"  nniN  "the  young  brood;"  pS" 
"the  grub;"  and  VdH  "the  new-winged  insect;"  in  all  of 
which  states  this  plague  of  the  East  is  very  destructive. 
But  the  exact  meaning  of  all  the  words  except  the  second 
is  difficult  to  determine. 

''  Lit.  "cut  off,"  i.  e.  as  though  the  cup  had  l)oen  cut 
awav  from  the  lips  after  being  presented  to  them. 
Cfi4 


for  wasted  is  the  corn :  dried  up  is  the  new 
wine,  withered  is  the  oil. 

11  Be  ashamed,  0  ye  husbandmen;  wail, 
0  ye  vinedressers,  for  the  wheat  and  for  the 
barley;  because  lost  is  the  harvest  of  the 
field. 

12  The  vine  is  made  ashamed,  and  the  fig- 
tree  is  withered;  the  pomegranate-tiee,  the 
palm-tree  also,  and  the  apple-tree,  even  all 
the  trees  of  the  field,  are  dried  up;  because 
joy  hath  ceased"  from  the  children  of  men. 

13  ^  Gird  yourselves  (with  sackcloth),' 
and  lament,  ye  priests;  wail,  ye  ministers  of 
the  altar:  come,  remain  all  night  in  sack- 
cloth, ye  ministers  of  my  God ;  for  there  are 
withholden  from  the  house  of  your  God  the 
meat-offering  and  the  drink-offering. 

14  Sanctify  ye  a  fast,  proclaim  a  solemn 
assembly,  gather  the  elders,  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  land,  in*^o  the  house  of  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  cry  aloud  unto  the  Lord. 

15  Alas  for  the  day!  for  the  day  of  the 
Lord  is  at  hand,  and  like  destruction  from 
the  Almighty  will  it  come. 

IG  Is  not  before  our  eyes  the  food  cut 
off,  from  the  house  of  our  God  joy  and  glad- 
ness ? 

17  The  grains  of  seed*^  are  rotten  under 
their  clods,  laid  de.solate  are  the  garners,  pidled 
down  are  the  barns ;''  for  the  corn  is  dried'  up. 

18  How  do  the  beasts  groan!  how  do  the 
herds  of  cattle  roam  about;  because  there  is 
no  pastiu'e  for  them:  yea,  the  flocks  of  sheep 
are  made  to  perish.'' 

"  The  locust  coming  in  multitudes  is  so  called. 

^  Rashi  and  Jonathan,  "made  it  grievous  to  the  soul."  ' 

'  Jonathan.     Lit.  "dried  up." 

'  Aben  Ezra. 

^Jonathan,  "the  casks  rot  under  their  bungholes." 
The  translation  in  the  text  is  after  Aben  Ezra.  Philipp- 
son, "the  grains  are  dried  up,"  &c. 

'■  Philippson,  "  underground  corn-chambers." 

'  Jcmathan  ;  others,  (as  also  in  v.  10,)  "  made  ashamed." 

'  Lit.  "brought  into  guilt,"  or  its  consequence,  suffer- 
ing and  punishment;  since  every  evil  which  befalls  a  land 
is  caused  by  the  guilt  of  its  inhabitants. 


JOEL  T.  II. 


19  To  thee  0  Lord,  will  I  cry;  for  the  fire 
hath  devoured  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness, 
and  the  Hame  hath  singed  all  the  trees  of  the 
field. 

20  Also  the  beasts  of  the  field  cry  unto 
tiiee  panting;  for  the  brooks  of  waters  are 
dried  up,  and  a  fire  hath  devoured  the  pas- 
tures of  the  wilderness. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  Blow  ye  the  cornet  in  Zion,  and  sound 
an  alarm  on  my  holy  mount;  let  all  the  in- 
hal)itants  of  the  land  tremble ;  for  the  day  of 
the  Lord  cometh,  for  it  is  nigh  ; 

2  It  is  a  day  of  darkness  and  of  gloom,  a 
day  of  clouds  and  of  tempestuous  obscurity, 
like  the  morning-dawn  spread  out  upon  the 
mountains:  a  people  numerous  and  strong, 
the  like  of  which  hath  never  been  and  after 
it  there  will  be  none  any  more,  even  to  the 
years  of  all  coming  generations." 

3  Before  it  devoureth  a  fire ;  and  behind  it 
singeth  a  flame :  like  the  garden  of  'Eden  w\is 
the  land  before  it  (came),  and  after  it  is  a  de- 
solate wilderness ;  yea,  and  nothing  escapeth 
from  it. 

4  Like  the  appearance  of  horses  is  its  ap- 
pearance; and  like  horsemen,  so  do  they 
run. 

5  Like  the  noise  of  chariots  on  the  tops  of 
mountains  do  they  leap;  they  are  like  the 
noise  of  a  flame  of  fire  consuming  the  stubble, 
as  a  strong  people  arrayed  for  a  l)attle. 

6  At  its  presence  the  people  are  much 
pained :  all  the  faces  are  covered  with  black- 
ness." 

7  Like  mighty  men  do  they  run ;  like  men 
of  war  they  climb  up  a  wall ;  and  they  march 
every  one  on  his  own  ways,  and  they  turn 
not  aside  on  their  paths. 

8  And  they  do  not  press  one  another; 
every  one  on  his  beaten  track  do  they  go  for- 
ward :  and  they  pass  through  between  war- 
like weapons,  arid  change  not  their  purpose.*^ 

9  Into  the  city  they  hasten''  forward ;  on  j 


*  Heb.  "generation  and  generation."' 

^  Lit.  "gather  blackness;"  so  Eashi  and  others,  tak- 
ing inX3  as  meaning  "pot;"  but  Abcn  Ezra  and  Mena- 
chem render  it  "brightness,"  "glory,"  from  1X3;  hence, 
Philippson,  "all  faces  lose  their  rodn,..vi."  Zunz,  "be- 
come shrunk  up."  Johlson  combiner  both,  "every  face 
draweth  itself  into  dark  folds,"  or  "wrinkles." 

"  Chiefly  after  Eashi,  who  takes  I'^s"  not  as  "  they 
-I  I 


the  wall  they  run ;  into  the  houses  they  climb 
up;  through  the  windows  they  make  their 
entrance  like  a  thief 

10  Before  them  trembleth  the  earth;  the 
heavens  quake:  the  sun  and  the  moon  are 
obscured,  and  the  stars  withdraw  their  bright- 
ness. 

11  And  the  Lord  uttereth  his  voice  before 
his  army;  for  very  numerous  is  his  camp; 
for  strong  is  he  that  executeth  his  Avord ;  for 
great  is  the  day  of  the  Lord  and  very  terri- 
ble; and  who  is  able  to  endure  it? 

12  But  even  now  also,  saith  the  Lord,  re- 
turn ye  fully  to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and 
with  fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with 
mourning : 

13  And  rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  gar- 
ments, and  return  unto  the  Lord  your  God; 
for  gracious  and  merciful  is  he,  long-suffering, 
and  of  great  kindness,  and  he  bethinketh  him- 
self of  the  evil. 

14  He  that  is  conscious"  (of  guilt),  let  him 
return  and  repent:  when  (the  plague)  may- 
leave  behind  it  a  blessing;  even  a  meat-offering 
and  a  drink-offering  unto  the  Lord  your  God. 

15  ^  Blow  the  cornet  in  Zion,  sanctify  a 
fast,  j^roclaim  a  solemn  assembly ; 

16  Gather  the  people,  sanctity  the  congre- 
gation, assemble  the  elders,  gather  the  chil- 
dren, and  those  that  suck  the  breasts ;  let  the 
bridegroom  go  forth  out  of  his  chamber,  and 
the  bride  out  of  her  closet. 

17  Between  the  porch  and  the  altar  let 
the  priests  weep,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord, 
and  let  them  say,  Spare,  0  Lord,  thy  people, 
and  give  not  up  thy  heritage  to  reproach,  for 
nations  to  make  a  by-word  of  them:  where- 
fore should  they  say  among  the  people,  Where 
is  their  God? 

18  And  the  Lord  was  zealous  for  his  land, 
and  he  had  pity  for  his  people. 

19  And  the  Lord  answered  and  said  unto 
his  people,  "Behold,  I  will  send  you  the  corn, 
and  the  young  wine,  and  the  oil,  and  ye  shall 
be  satisfied  therewith;  and  I  will  not  give 


fall,"  but  as  "encamp," — "the  locusts  are  lying  in  camp 
opposite  the  weapons  of  those  who  would  hinder  them." 
l^'X^"  from  ;,'i'3  "gain,"  »'.  e.  they  cannot  be  bribed  to 
change  their  mind.     Philippson,  "and  are  not  misled." 

^  Eashi,  "  they  make  a  noise." 

'  This  verse  is  given  after  Eashi.  Others,  "  Who 
knoweth  ?  but  he  may  again  bethink  himself,  and  leave  a 
blessing  after  him,"  &e. 

665 


JOEL  II.  III.  IV. 


you  up  any  more  to  be  a  reproach  among  the 
nations: 

20  And  the  host  of  the  north"  will  I  re- 
mo%'e  far  away  from  you,  and  I  will  drive  it 
oft'  into  a  land  barren  and  desolate,  with  its 
advance  toward  the  eastern  sea,  and  its  rere- 
ward  toward  the  western  sea;  and  its  stench 
shall  ascend,  and  its  ill  savour  shall  come  up, 
because  it  hath  done  great  things." 

21  Fear  not,  0  land;  be  glad  and  rejoice; 
for  the  Lord  hath  done  great  things. 

22  Be  not  afraid,  ye  beasts  of  the  field; 
for  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness  have  become 
green;  for  the  tree  beareth  its  fruit,  the  fig- 
tree  and  the  vine  yield  their  strength.*" 

23  And  ye  children  of  Zion,  be  glad,  and 
rejoice  in  the  Lord  your  God;  for  he  hath 
given  you  the  first  rain  in  beneficence,  and  he 
hath  caused  to  come  down  for  you  the  rain, 
the  first  rain,  and  the  latter  rain  in  the  first 
(month) .° 

24  And  the  threshing-floors  are  full  of 
corn,  and  the  vats  overflow  with  young  wine 
and  oil. 

25  And  I  will  repay  to  you  the  years  (in) 
which  the  locust  hath  eaten  (all),  with  the 
cankerworm,  and  the  cricket,  and  the  cater- 
pillar, my  great  army,  which  I  had  sent 
against  you. 

26  And  ye  shall  eat  in  plenty,  and  be  sa- 
tisfied, and  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  your 
God,  who  hath  dealt  wondrously  with  you: 
and  my  people  shall  not  be  made  ashamed 
unto  eternity. 

27  And  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  in  the 
midst  of  Israel,  and  that  I  am  the  Lord  your 
God,  and  none  else;  and  my  people  shall  not 
be  made  ashamed  unto  eternity. 

CHAPTER  III." 
1  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  after  this,' 


°  i'.  e.  The  troop  of  locusts,  which  had  probably  come 
from  the  north,  iu  the  time  of  Joel.  The  Arabian  desert, 
the  Dead  Sea,  and  the  Mediterranean  are  the  points  men- 
tioned where  the  locusts  were  to  perish. 

^  Philippson,  "their  wealth;"  but  it  is  the  same  as 
"strength,"  (.  e.  fruit. 

'  Others,  "in  one  month."  The  prophet  speaks  of  the 
unexpected  return  of  plenty;  as  at  first  every  thing  had 
been  dried  up  for  want  of  rain,  which  now  came  down 
copiously  to  compensate  for  its  past  absence.  In  Pales- 
tine the  first  rain  usually  falls  in  November,  and  the  lat- 
ter rain  in  April. 

''  Iu  the  English  version,  this  chapter  is  a  part  of 
chap.  ii. 

GCO 


that  I  will  pour  out  my  spirit  over  all  flesh : 
and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall  pro- 
phesy; your  old  men  shall  dream  dreams: 
your  young  men  shall  see  visions : 

2  And  also  over  the  men-servants  and 
over  the  inaid-servants  in  those  days  will  I 
pour  out  my  spirit. 

3  And  I  will  display  wonderful  tokens  in 
the  heavens  and  on  the  earth,  blood,  and 
fire,  and  pillars  of  smoke. 

4  The  sun  shall  be  changed  into  darkness, 
and  the  moon  into  blood,  before  the  coming 
of  the  day  of  the  Lord,  the  great  and  the  ter- 
rible. 

5  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whoso- 
ever shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall 
escape;  for  on  mount  Zion  and  in  Jerusalem 
there  shall  be  deliverance,  as  the  Lord  hath 
said,  and  among  the  remnant  whom  the  Lord 
calleth. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  For,  behold,  in  those  daj-s,  and  in  that 
time,  when  I  will  cause  to  return  the  cap- 
tivity of  Judah  and  Jerusalem, 

2  Then  will  I  assemble  all  the  nations, 
and  I  will  bring  them  down  into  the  valley 
of  Jehoshaphat,*^  and  I  will  hold  judgment 
with  them  there  because  of  my  people  and 
my  heritage  Israel,  whom  they  have  scattered 
among  the  nations,  and  for  my  land  (which) 
they  have  divided  out. 

3  And  for  my  people  did  they  cast  lots; 
and  gave  a  boy  for  a  harlot,  and  sold  a  girl 
for  wine,  and  drank  it. 

4  And  also  ye,  what  have  ye  to  do  with 
me,  0  Tyre,  and  Zidon,  and  all  ye  districts 
of  Philistia?  is  this  the  recompense  which  ye 
repay  me  ?  or  do  ye  only  commence  to  render 
me  evil?^ — swiftly  and  speedily  will  I  bring 
back  your  recompense  upon  your  own  head; 


'The  time  is  indefinite;  the  prophet  sees  the  event 
near,  (Num.  xxiv.  17,)  though  in  reality  it  is  centuries  be- 
fore it  occurs. 

'  Rashi,  allegorically,  "I  will  descend  with  them  into 
the  depths  of  justice;"  aumrv  "the  Lord's  judgment;" 
the  actual  valley  of  this  name  is  quite  too  small. 

'  After  Ilcdak,  who  takes  the  word  'rnj  as  the  first 
step  in  an  act  toward  another,  be  it  good  or  bad,  here 
bad;  SlOJ  lh]a  "to  recompense,"  to  do  something  out  of 
a  feeling  of  reciprocity,  good  or  bad;  but  SlDJ  Styn  means 
to  return  the  evil  back  upon  the  evil-doer.  God  takes 
the  part  of  Israel,  and  he  reproves  the  nations  mentioned 
for  their  unprovoked  assault  on  the  Israelites.  The  rest 
explains  itself. 


JOEL  IV. 


5  Because  my  silver  and  my  gold  Lave 
ye  taken,  and  the  handsomest  of  my  pre- 
cious things  have  ye  carried  into  your  tem- 
ples; 

6  And  the  children  of  Judah  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Jerusalem  have  ye  sold  unto  the  sons 
of  the  Jevanira,''  in  order  to  remove  them  for 
from  their  borders. 

7  Behold.  I  will  awaken  them  out  of  the 
place  whither  ye  have  sold  them,  and  I  will 
bring  back  your  recompense  upon  your  own 
head ; 

8  And  I  will  deliver''  your  sons  and  your 
daughters  into  the  hand  of  the  children  of 
Judah,  and  the}'  shall  sell  them  to  the  Sa- 
belins,  to  a  nation  far  oft';  for  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

9  ^  Proclaim  ye  this  among  the  nations, 
Prepare  war,  wake  up  the  mighty  men ;  let 
them  draw  near;  let  them  come  up — all  the 
men  of  war. 

10  Beat  your  plough-shares  into  swords, 
and  your  pruning-knives  into  spears:  let  the 
weak  say,  I  am  a  hero. 

11  Assemble  hastily  together,  and  come,  all 
ye  nations  from  every  side,  and  gather  your- 
selves together:  there  doth  the  Lord  strike 
down  thy  mighty  ones. 

12  Let  the  nations  awake,  and  come  up 
to  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat;  for  there  will 
I  sit  to  judge  all  the  nations  from  every 
side. 

13  Put  forth  the  sickle;  for  the  harvest  is 
ripe :  come,  tread  down  (the  grapes) ;  for  the 

*  This  is  translated  "Grecians"  in  tbe  English  version. 

"  After  Redak. 

"  Juhlson,  "crushing,"  the  word  ynn  meaning  both 
"decision,"  "judgment,"  "verdict,"  and  also  "a  thresh- 
ing-machine;" hence,  in  this  connection,  "the  crushing," 
the  punishment  consequent  on  the  decision  of  the  Great 
JuJgc 

"  As  Ezekiel  also  (xlvii.  1,  Sec.)  speaks  of  a  river  that  is 


press  is  full;  the  vats  overflow;  for  great  is 
their  wickedness. 

14  Multitudes,  multitudes  are  in  the  valley 
of  decision ;"  for  near  is  the  day  of  the  Lord 
in  tlie  valley  of  decision. 

15  Sun  and  moon  are  obscured,  and  stars 
withdraw  tlieir  brightness. 

16  And  the  Lord  will  cry  aloud  out  of 
Zion,  and  from  Jerusalem  will  he  send  forth 
his  voice;  and  the  heavens  and  the  earth 
shall  quake;  but  the  Lord  will  be  a  refuge 
for  his  people,  and  a  stronghold  for  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel. 

17  So  shall  ye  know  that  I  am  the  Lord 
your  God,  dwelling  on  Zion,  my  holy  mount: 
and  Jerusalem  shall  be  holy,  and  strangers 
shall  not  pass  through  her  any  more. 

18  ]I  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  the  mountains  shall  drop  down 
sweet  new  wine,  and  the  hills  shall  flow  with 
milk,  and  all  the  ravines  of  Judah  shall  flow 
with  water,  and  a  spring  shall  come  forth 
out  of  the  house  oi  the  Lord,  and  shall  water 
the  valley  of  Shittim'* 

19  Egypt  shaJ,  become  a  desolate  land, 
and  Edoni  shall  bt:<"r.e  a  desolate  wilderness ; 
because  oi'  the  vIuAeuce  against  the  children 
of  Judah,  in  whose  land  they  have  shed  inno- 
cent bl.cod. 

20  But  Judah  shall  be  inhabited  for  ever, 
B-ri'i  J-.rusalem  from  generation  to  generation. 

".^1  Aixd  I  will  avenge""  their  blood  that  I 
h?7e  not  yet  -n-vr-iired ;  for  the  Lord  dwelleth 
in  Zion. 

to  issue  out  of  the  temple  and  flow  into  the  Dead  Sea, 
Philippson  supposes  that  Shitlim  is  meant  to  signify  Sid- 
dim,  or  the  plain  near  Sodom.   (Gen.  xiv.  8.) 

°  Zunz.  Lit.  "  to  render  guiltless,"  i.  e.  through  pu- 
nishment, or  avenge.  Rashi,  "and  though  I  might  dc- 
quit  them  of  their  other  sins,  and  of  the  evil  deeds  they 
have  done  against  me,  of  the  blood  of  the  children  of 
Judah  will  I  not  absolve  them." 

667 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  AMOS, 


Dior   nN13J. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^1  The  words  of  'Ainos,  who  was  among 
tlie  herdiiieu  of  Tekoa',  which  he  foresaw 
concernhig  Israel  in  the  days  of  'Uzziyah  the 
king  of  Judah,  and  in  the  days  of  Jerobo'am 
the  son  of  Joiish  the  king  of  Israel,  two  years 
befoi'e  the  earthquake. 

2  And  he  said,  Tlie  Lord  will  cry  alond 
out  of  Zion,  and  from  Jerusalem  will  he  cond 
forth  his  voice ;  and  then  shall  mourn  the 
pastures  of  the  shepherds,  and  tlien  shall 
dry  up  the  top  of  Carmel. 

3  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions"  of  Damascus,  and  for  four,  will 
I  not  turn  away  their  punishment;  because 
they  have  threshed  (the  inhabitants  of) 
Gd'ad  with  threshing  instruments  of  iron; 

4  And  I  will  send  a  fire  into  the  house  of 
Chazael,  which  shall  devour  the  palaces  of 
Ben-hadad. 

5  And  I  will  break  the  bars  of  Damascus, 
and  cut  off  the  inhabitants  from  the  valley  of 
Aven,  and  him  that  holdeth  the  sceptre  from 
the  house  of 'Eden:  and  the  people  of  Syria 
shall  be  exiled  unto  Kir,''  saitli  the  Lord. 

6  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  Gazzah,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  turn  away  their  punishment;  because 
they  carried  away  exiles  in  full  numbers,  to 
deliver  them  up  to  Edora; 

7  And  I  will  send  a  fire  against  the  wall 
of  Gazzah,  which  shall  devour  her  palaces ; 

8  And  I  will  cut  off  the  inhabitants  from 
Ashdod,  and  him  that  holdeth  the  sceptre 
from  Ashkelon,  and  I  will  turn  my  hand 
against  'Ekron :  and  the  remnant  of  the  Phi- 
listines shall  perish,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

*  Riishi,  "three  t.ransgressinn.s  have  I  forgiven  them, 
but  for  the  fourth  will  I  not  withhold  the  retribution."  So 
also  Aben  Ezra,  after  Sa'aJyah 

'  See  2  Kings  xvi.  9;  Tiglath  Pilosser  actually  car- 
ried the  Syrians  thither. 

"Jonathan,  "violated  his  mercy."  Philipp.son  takes 
the  word  mercy  to  mean  "love  for  relatives,"  and  next 
G(;8 


9  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  Tyre,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  turn  away  their  punishment;  because 
they  delivered  up  the  exiles  in  full  numbers 
to  Edom,  and  remembered  not  the  brotherly 
covenant ; 

10  And  I  will  send  a  fire  against  the  walls 
of  Tyre,  which  shall  devour  her  palaces. 

11  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  Edom,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  tv-:A  away  their  punishment;  because  he 
pursued  with  ti>o  sword  his  brother,  and  dis 
regarded  hlo  incrcy/  and  his  anger  tore  in 
pieces  con ci".  lolly,  and  he  kept  his  wrath  for 
ever ; 

12  And  I  will  send  out  a  fire  against  The- 
man,  which  shall  devour  the  palaces  of  Bozrah. 

13  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  the  children  of  'Amnion,  and 
for  four,  will  I  not  turn  away  their  punish- 
ment; because  they  have  ripped  up  the  preg- 
nant women'"  of  Gil'ad,  in  order  to  enlarge 
their  own  territory; 

14  And  I  will  kindle  a  fire  within  the 
walls  of  Rabbah,  which  shall  devour  her  pa- 
laces, with  shouting  on  the  day  of  battle,  with 
a  storm  on  the  day  of  the  tempest; 

15  And  their  king"  shall  go  into  exile,  he 
and  his  princes  together,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  MoJib,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  turn  away  their  punishment;  Ijecause  he 
burnt  the  bones  of  the  king  of  Edom  into 
lime; 

2  And  I  will  send  a  fire  against  MoJib, 
which  shall  devour  the  pahices  of  Keriyoth : 


to  stand  for  relatives;  hence  he  translates,  "and  destroy- 
ed his  kinsmen." 

''  Some  take  nnn  as  a  feminine  form  for  D'"in  "  nioiin 
tains,"  and  render,  "they  broke  through  the  mountains 
of  Gil'ad." 

"  Perhaps,  Maknm,  the  idol  of  the  'Ammonites;  as  it 
Jeremiah  xlix    3. 


AMOS  II.  III. 


and  MoJib  ishall  die  in  the  tumult,  in  the  shoutr- 
ing,  amidst  the  sound  of  the  cornet ; 

3  And  I  will  cut  off  the  judges  from  her 
midst,  and  all  her  jDrinces  will  I  slay,  with 
him,  saith  the  Lord. 

4  ]f  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  Judah,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  turn  away  their  punishment ;  because 
they  have  despised  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and 
did  not  keep  his  statutes,  and  their  lying 
idols  caused  them  to  err,  after  which  their 
fathers  had  walked; 

■5  And  I  will  send  out  a  fire  against  Judah, 
which  shall  devour  the  palaces  of  Jerusa- 
lem. 

6  Tf  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  For  three 
transgressions  of  Israel,  and  for  four,  will  I 
not  turn  away  their  punishment;  because 
they  sold  for  silver  the  righteous,"  and  the 
needy  for  a  pair  of  shoes ; 

7  That  are  eager  after  the  dust  of  the 
earth  on  the  head  of  the  poor,''  and  turn  aside 
the  way  of  the  meek  :'  and  a  man  and  his 
lather  will  go  in  unto  the  same  young  woman, 
in  order  to  profane  my  holy  name. 

8  And  upon  pledged  garments'^  they  stretch 
themselves  out  by  every  altai',  and  the  wine 
of  the  condemned"  do  they  drink  in  the  house 
of  their  gods. 

9  Yet  have  I  destroyed  the  Emorite  from 
before  them,  whose  height  was  like  the  height 
of  cedars,  and  who  was  strong  as  the  oaks ; 
but  I  destroyed  his  fruit  from  above,  and  his 
roots  from  beneath. 

10  x\nd  it  was  I  who  have  brought  you  up 
from  the  laud  of  Egypt,  and  led  you  forty 
years  through  the  wilderness,'  to  take  pos- 
session of  the  land  of  the  Emorite. 

11  And  I  have  raised  up  of  your  sons  for 
prophets,  and  of  your  young  men  for  naza- 
rites :  is  it  not  even  thus,  0  ye  children  of  Is- 
rael? saith  the  Lord. 

12  But  ye  have  given  the  nazarites  wine 
to  drink ;  and  concerning  the  prophets  have 


'  This  means  one  who  is  right  in  the  cause. 

'  Philippson  explains  this  to  mean,  the  judges  are  eager 
that  the  poor  might  be  so  oppressed  as  to  cast  dust  on  his 
head,  as  a  sign  of  sorrow. 

°  Rashi,  "they  cause  the  feeble  to  turn  aside  from  the 
right  path,  out  of  fear  for  them." 

^  Against  the  precept  in  Deut.  x.xiv.  12,  13  that  the 
pledge  of  the  poor  should  not  be  kept  over  night. 

•  "They  punish  them  with   the  payment   of  fiue-^,  and 


ye    commanded,   saying,   Ye    shall    not    pro- 
phesy. 

13  Behold,  I  press  down  (the  gmimdV  un- 
der you,  as  tlie  wagon  presseth  (it)  down 
that  is  full  of  sheaves. 

14  And  I'efuge  shall  vanish  from  the  swiit, 
and  the  strong  shall  not  make  u.se  of  his  ibrce, 
neither  shall  the  mighty  man  escape  with  his 
life. 

15  And  he  that  handleth  the  bow  shall 
not  be  able  to  stand ;  and  he  that  is  swift  of 
foot  shall  not  escape  :  neither  shall  he  that 
rideth  the  horse  escape  with  his  life. 

16  And  he  that  is  most  courageous  hearted 
among  the  mighty  shall  tlee  away  naked'-'  on 
that  day,  saith  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  IIL 

1  1[  Hear  this  word  which  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  concerning  yon,  0  cliildren  of  Israel, 
concerning  the  whole  family  which  I  have 
brought  up  from  the  land  of  Egypt,  say- 
ing, 

2  Only  you  have  I  loved  out  of  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  :  therefore  will  I  visit 
upon  you  all  yonr  iniquities. 

3  Will  two  walk  together,  except  they  had 
agreed  (to  do  so)  ?*" 

4  Will  a  lion  roar  in  the  forest,  when  he 
hath  no  prey  ?  will  a  young  lion  send  forth 
his  voice  out  of  his  den,  unless  he  have  caught 
something? 

5  Can  a  bird  fall  in  a  snare  upon  the 
earth,  when  there  is  no  gin  for  him  ?  is  ever 
a  snare  taken  up  from  the  ground,  when  it 
hath  caught  nothing  at  all  ? 

6  Shall  a  cornet  be  blown  in  a  city,  aiid 
the  people  not  become  afraid?  shall  there 
be  evil  in  a  city,  and  the  Lord  have  not 
done  it  ? 

7  For  the  Lord  Eternal  will  do  nothing, 
unless  he  have  revealed  his  secret  unto  his 
servants  the  prophets. 

8  The  lion  hath  roared,  who  will  not  fear? 


purchase  wine  therewith" — Rashi;  when  no  judge  has, 
according  to  law,  the  right  to  take  any  thing  for  his  own 
use.     Lit.  "of  those  punished." 

'  Philippson.  Johlson,  after  Rabbi  'Azariyah  de  Rossi, 
"Behold,  I  will  make  the  ground  creak  under  you  as  the 
wagon  creaketh  which  is  full  of  sheaves." 

^  Jonathan,  "his  weapons  cast  away." 

^  Rashi,  "unless  they  had  fixed  a  time  to  go  together 
lo  a  certain  place." 

069 


AMOS  III.  IV. 


the  Lord  Eteriuil  hath  spoken,  who  will  not 
prophesy  ?* 

9  Publish  at  the  palaces  in  Ashdod,  and 
at  the  palaces  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  say, 
Assemble  yourselves  upon  the  mountains  of 
Samaria,  and  behold  the  great  confusions 
in  her  midst,  and  the  oppressions  (that  are) 
within  her. 

10  For  they  know  not  how  to  act  rightly, 
saith  the  Lord,  who  treasure  up  violence  and 
rol)bery  in  their  palaces. 

11  'jy  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
Eternal,  The  adversary  (is  there)  and  sur- 
roundeth  the  land;  and  he  shall  bring  down 
from  thee  thy  strength,  and  thy  palaces  shall 
be  plundered. 

12  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  As  the  shep- 
herd snatcheth^'  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  lion 
(at  most)  two  leg-bones,  or  a  tip  of  the  ear : 
so  shall  be  delivered  the  children  of  Israel 
that  sit  in  Samaria  on  the  corner  of  a  bed, 
and  on  Damascus  couches. 

13  Hear  ye,  and  give  warning  in  the  house 
of  Jacob,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal,  the  God  of 
hosts. 

14  For  on  the  day  when  I  visit  the  trans- 
gressions of  Israel  upon  him,  will  I  also  inflict 
punishment  on  the  altars  of  Beth-el:  and 
then  shall  be  hewn  off  the  horns  of  the  altar, 
and  they  shall  fall  to  the  ground. 

15  And  I  will  smite  the  winter-house  to- 
gether with  the  summer-house:  and  the 
houses  of  ivory  shall  disappear,  and  the 
great  houses  shall  be  no  more,  saith  the 
Lord. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  Hear  this  word,  0  ye  cows"  of  Bashan, 
that  are  on  the  mount  of  Samaria,  wlio  op- 
press the  poor,  who  crush  the  needy,  who 
say  to  their  lords.  Bring,  and  let  us  drink. 

2  Sworn  hath  the  Lord  Eternal  by  his 
holiness,  that,  lo,  days  are  coming  over  you, 

•  i.  e.  The  prophet,  cannot  avoid  delivering  his  message 
when  God  h;is  spoken,  as  little  as  man  can  Jielp  fearing 
when  he  hears  the  linn's  roar.   (See  .Ter.  xx.  7,  &c.) 

"  The  one  intrusted  with  the  charge  of  cattle  had  to 
iiinke  restitution  if  it  was  torn,  unless  he  could  bring  of 
it  a  part,  (see  Exod.  xxii.  1.3;)  hence  the  effort  of  the 
shepherd  to  save  some  token.  But  so  also  shall  the 
Israelites  escape  destruction,  only  few  in  number,  al- 
I  hough  now  living  in  luxury. 

°  t.  e.  The  wives  of  the  chiefs.  As  'Amos  was  a  herd- 
uian,  he  naturally  took  his  images  from  his  eiiiploynient. 
670  ■ 


when  men  Avill  carry  you  away  with  hooks 
and  your  postei'ity  with  fishhooks.'' 

3  And  through  breaches  in  the  wall  shall 
ye  go  out,  eveiy  one  through  that  before  her : 
and  ye  shall  cast  off  your  proud  greatness,' 
saith  the  Lord. 

4  Go  then  to  Beth-el,  and  transgress;  to 
Gilgal,  (and)  multiply  transgression ;  and 
bring  in  the  morning  your  sacrifices,  after 
three  days  your  tithes : 

5  And  burn  of  leaven*^  a  sacrifice  of  thanlcs- 
giving,  and  proclaim  and  publish  freewill- 
offerings;  for  so  do  you  love  (to  do),  0  ye 
children  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord  Eternal. 

6  But,  I  also  had  indeed  given  you  clean- 
ness'^  of  teeth  in  all  your  cities,  and  want  of 
bread  in  all  your  places:  and  yet  have  ye 
not  returned  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

7  And  I  also  had  indeed  withholden  fi'om 
you  the  rain,  when  it  Avas  yet  three  months 
to  the  harvest;  and  I  caused  it  to  rain  upon 
one  city,  and  upon  another  city  I  caused  it 
not  to  rain;  one  jDiece  of  land  was  rained 
upon,  and  another  piece  whereupon  it  rained 
not  became  dried  up; 

8  And  two  or  three  cities  wandered  unto 
one  city,  to  drink  water;  but  they  were  not 
satisfied :  and  yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto 
me,  saith  the  Lord. 

9  I  had  smitten  you  with  blasting  and 
mildew;  the  multitude  of  your  gardens  and 
your  vineyards  and  your  fig-trees  and  your 
olive-trees  did  the  caterpillar  devour:  and  yet 
have  ye  not  returned  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

10  I  had  sent  out  against  you  the  pesti- 
lence after  the  manner  of  Egypt ;  I  slew  your 
young  men  with  the  sword,  together  with 
your  captive  horses;  and  I  had  caused  the 
stench  of  your  camps  to  ascend  even  into 
your  nostrils:  and  yet  have  ye  not  returned 
unto  me.  saith  the  Lord. 

11  I  had  produced  an  overthrow  among 
you,  like   the   overthrow  i)y  God   of  Sodom 


''  Bashi  and  Jonathan,  "on  shields,  and  your  children 
in  fishing  boats." 

'  Bashi ;  but  the  word  njirDtnn  is  variously  explained  ; 
but  the  version  chosen  here  seems  the  simplest,  although 
it  is  not  found  elsewhere  in  the  Bible. 

'  Basin  takes  both  these  verses  to  contain  an  invitation 
of  the  false  priests  to  the  people  to  violate  the  laws  of 
God,  to  eat  the  moat  which  is  left  on  the  morning  instead 
of  burning  it;  to  sacrifice  leaven  on  the  altar,  saying 
such  a  one  is  an  acceptable  gift  when  it  is  not. 

^  Prom  want  of  food,  occasioned  by  severe  famine. 


AMOS  TV.  V. 


aiid  Gomorrali,  and  ye  became  like  a  fire- 
brand snatched  out  of  the  burning:  and  yet 
have  ye  not  returned  unto  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

12  ^  Therefore  thus  will  I  do  unto  thee, 
0  Israel :  because  then  I  will  do  this  unto 
thee,  prepare"  to  meet  thy  God,  0  Israel. 

18  For,  lo,  he  that  formeth  the  mountains, 
and  createth  the  wind,  and  declareth  unto 
nuxn  what  is  his  thought,  that  maketh  the 
morning-dawn  (and)  darkness,  and  treadeth 
upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth, — The 
Lord,  the  God  of  hosts,  is  liis  name. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  Hear  ye  this  word  which  I  take  up 
against  you,  as  a  lamentation,  0  house  of 
Israel. 

2  She  is  fallen,  she  will  not  rise  again — 
the  virgin  of  Israel:  she  is  thrown  down 
upon  her  land;  there  is  none  to  raise  her 
up. 

3  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  Eternal, 
The  city  that  goeth  forth  with  a  thousand 
shall  retain  but  a  hundred,  and  she  that  goeth 
forth  with  a  hundred  shall  retain  but  ten, 
(left)  to  the  house  of  Israel. 

4  ]|  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  unto  the 
house  of  Israel,  Seek  ye  for  me,  and  ye  shall 
live; 

5  But  seek  not  for  Beth-el,  and  into  Gilgal 
enter  not,  and  to  Beer-sheba'  do  not  pass 
over;  for  Gilgal  shall  surely  go  into  exile, 
and  Beth-el  shall  l)ecome  naught. 

6  Seek  for  the  Lord,  and  ye  shall  live:  so 
that  he  come  not  sudilenly  like  fire  over  the 
house  of  Joseph,  and  it  devour,  and  there  be 
none  to  quench  it  in  Beth-el; 

7  Ye  who  change  justice  into  wormwood, 
and  cast  down  righteousness  to  the  earth ! 

8  (But)  he  maketh  the  seven  stars  and 
Orion,  and  changeth  into  morning  the  sha- 
dow  of  death,  and  maketh  the  day  dark  into 
niglit;  he  it  is  that  calleth  for  the  waters  of 
the  sea,  and  poureth  them  out  over  the  face 
of  the  earth:  The  Lord  is  his  name; 

9  That  causeth  wasting''  to  prevail  against 
the  strong,  so  that  wasting  shall  come  against 
the  fortress. 


'  Raahi  aud  Redak,  "to  repent;"  but  Aben  Ezra  re- 
gai-ds  this  a  challenge  :  "  Come,  contend  with  God  if  you 
can;"  wherefore  the  next  verse  contains  a  description  of 
the  Almighty's  power;  though  it  will  bo  equally  suitable 
to  prove  that  to  rely  upon  him  will  be  the  best  means  of 


10  They  hate  him  that  rebuketh  in  tl.^ 
gate,  and  him  that  speaketh  uprightly  they 
abhor. 

11  Therefore  forasmuch  as  you  tread  down 
upon  the  poor,  and  ye  take  from  him  onerous 
contributions  of  corn  :  if  ye  have  built  houses 
of  hewn  stone,  ye  shall  not  dwell  in  them ; 
il"  ye  have  planted  pleasant  vineyards,  ye 
shall  not  drink  their  wine. 

12  For  I  know  your  manifold  transgres- 
sions and  your  numerous  sins:  ye  are  those 
that  are  the  adversaries  of  the  just,  that  take 
a  ransom,  and  that  wrest  (the  cause  of)  the 
needy  in  the  gate." 

13  ^  Therefore  will  the  intelligent  keej) 
silence  in  that  time ;  for  it  is  an  evil  time. 

14  Seek  for  the  good,  and  not  the  evil,  in 
order  that  ye  may  live  :  and  so  will  the  Lord, 
the  God  of  hosts,  be  with  you,  as  ye  have 
said. 

15  Hate  the  evil,  and  love  the  good,  and 
establish  justice  firmly  in  the  gate :  perhaps 
the  Lord  the  God  of  hosts  will  be  gracious 
unto  the  remnant  of  Joseph. 

16  T[  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Eter- 
nal, the  God  of  hosts,  the  Lord,  On  all  ])ublic 
places  there  is  lamentation,  and  in  all  the 
streets  they  cry,  Wo!  wo!  and  they  call  the 
husbandman  to  mourning,  and  to  lamentation 
those  skilled  in  wailing. 

17  And  in  all  vineyards  there  is  lamenta- 
tion ;  for  I  will  pass  through  thy  midst,  saith 
the  Lord. 

18  T[  Wo  unto  you  that  long  for  the  day 
of  the  Lord  !  for  what  do  you  wish  the  day 
of  the  Lord?  it  is  (one  of)  darkness,  and  not 
of  light. 

19  As  if  a  man  were  to  flee  from  a  lion, 
and  a  bear  should  meet  him ;  and  he  enter 
into  the  house,  and  lean  his  hand  against  the 
wall,  and  a  serpent  should  bite  him. 

20  Behold  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  (oue  of) 
darkness,  and  not  of  light;  yea,  it  is  obscure, 
and  hath  no  brightness. 

21  I  hate,  I  despise  your  feast-days,  and  I 
will  not  smell  (the  sacrifices)  on  your  festive 
assemblies. 

22  For  though  ye  should  offer  me  burnt- 


escaping  the  punishment;  since  he  who  is  so  powerful  can 
protect  his  servants  even  in  general  distress. 

"^  Rashi,  "he  maketh  the  plundered  stronger  than  the 
mighty." 

''  The  usual  place  where  the  judircs  met. 

071 


AMOS  V.  VI. 


oflbiings  and  your  meat-offerings,  I  will  not 
accept  them  in  favour :  and  the  j^eace-offer- 
ing.s  of  your  fatted  cattle  will  I  not  look  at. 

23  Remove  thou  from  around  me  the  noise 
of  thy  songs :  and  the  pla3dng  of  thy  psal- 
teries I  will  not  hear. 

24  But  let  justice  roll  along  like  water, 
and  righteousness  like  a  mighty  stream. 

25  Have"  ye  offered  unto  me  sacrifices  and 
meat-offerings  in  the  wilderness  (dui'ing)  forty 
years,  0  house  of  Israel  ? 

26  Bear*"  then  the  canopy  of  your  chief 
idol,  and  the  figure  of  your  images,  the  star 
of  your  god,  which  ye  have  made  for  your- 
selves. 

27  And  I  will  cause  you  to  go  into  exile  far 
beyond  Damascus,  saith  the  Lord,  The  God 
of  hosts  is  his  name. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  Wo  to  those  that  are  free  from  care 
in  Zion,  and  that  are  in  safety  on  the  mount 
of  Samaria,  who  are  named'  the  chief  of  the 
nations,  to  whom  the  house  of  Israel  come  ! 

2  Pass  ye  over  unto  Calneh,  and  see ;  and 
i:o  from  there  to  Chamath-rabbah  f  then  go 
down  to  Gath  of  the  Philistines:  whether  they 
be  better  than  these  kingdoms  ?  or  whether 
their  territory  be  greater  than  your  territory? 

3  (Ye)  that  deem  far  away  the  evil  day, 
and  cause  the  seat  of  violence  to  come  near; 

4  That  lie  upon  teds  of  ivory,  and  are 
stretched  out  upon  their  couches,  and  eat 
lambs  out  of  the  flock,  and  calves  out  of  the 
midst  of  the  stall ; 

5  That  chant"  to  the  sound  of  the  psaltery, 
and  like  David's  do  they  imagine*^  their  in- 
strument of  music  to  be ; 


*  R;islii  comments,  tluit  God  had  not  demanded  free- 
-.vill  sacrifices.  But  Philippson  takes  the  question  as  one 
to  be  answered  affirmatively ;  God  commanded  and  the 
people  obeyed  in  this  respect:  still  they  every  now  and 
then  worshipped  idols.  Hence  he  translates  the  next 
verse,  "Still  you  carried,"  &c.  Might  it  not  be  given, 
"Are  these  the  sacrifices — which  you  have,"  &c. 

*  Kashi,  "  Ye  shall  therefore  have  to  bear  your  idols 
which  your  enemies  will  place  on  your  shoulders."  We 
have  followed  generally  Zunz  in  the  rendering  of  this 
verse.  Rashi,  however,  takes  SiA-kiith  and  Kiyun  and 
Cochah  as  the  names  of  the  idols. 

'  JohLsou  renders  '2p:  "those  who  have  a  name,"  or 
'  the  nobles." 
■■  English  version,  "Chamath  the  great." 

*  Rashi.     Zun:!,  "that  jingle  with  the  psaltery." 

'  Rashi,  with  the  comment,  "They  fancy  their  playing, 
672 


6  That  drink  out  of  wine-bowls,  and  anoint 
themselves  with  the  costliest  of  ointments; 
but  who  feel  no  pain  for  the  wound  of 
Joseph. 

7  Therefore  now  shall  they  go  into  exile 
at  the  head  of  exiles,  and  the  noisy  banquet^ 
of  those  that  were  stretched  out  shall  pass 
away. 

8  T[  The  Lord  Eternal  hath  sworn  by  his 
own  existence,  saith  the  Lord  the  God  of 
hosts,  I  abhor  the  pride  of  Jacol),  and  his 
palaces  do  I  hate :  therefore  will  I  surrender 
up  (to  the  enemy)  the  city  with  all  that  fill- 
eth  it. 

9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  if  there 
remain  ten  men  in  one  house,  they  shall  die. 

10  And  should  a  man's  uncle  or  relative 
carry  him  forth,  to  bring  out  the  bones  out 
of  the  house,  and  say  unto  him  that  is  in  the 
recesses  of  the  house.  Is  there  yet  any  one 
with  thee?  he  will  sa^-,  There  is  no  one  left. 
Then  will  he  say.  Be  silent ;  for  we  may  not 
make  mention  of  the  name  of  the  Lord  '' 

11  ][  For,  behold,  the  Lord  commandeth, 
and  he  will  smite  the  great  house  with 
breaches,  and  the  little  house  with  clefts. 

12  Do  horses  ever  run  upon  the  rock? 
or  will  one  plough  there  with  oxen  ?  that  ye 
have  turned  justice  into  poison,  and  the  fruit 
of  righteousness  into  wormwood; 

13  Ye  who  rejoice  for  a  thing  of  naught, 
who  say,  Have  we  not  through  our  own 
strength  procured  ourselves  horns?' 

14  For,  behold,  I  will  raise  up  against  you 
a  nation,  0  house  of  Israel,  saith  the  Lord 
the  God  of  hosts,  and  they  shall  oppress  you 
from  the  entrance  of  Chamath  unto  the  brook 
of  the  wilderness. 


which  is  for  their  own  pleasure,  to  be  equal  to  David's, 
which  was  for  God's  sake."  Jonathan  and  others,  "  Like 
David,  they  invent  for  themselves  instiuments  of  music." 

*  Rashi,  "drinking-feasts."  Others,  "song,"  or 
"shout."     In  the  text  both  ideas  are  combined. 

''  Jonathan,  "Cast  them  forth;  for  this  hath  happened 
to  them  because  they  have  not  mentioned  the  name  of  the 
Lord."  Philippson,  "it  is  not  now  the  time  to  entreat 
the  name  of  the  Lord;"  /.  e.  the  evil  is  too  great  to  ex- 
pect relief  by  prayer.  ^"lOO  is  explained  by  Redak  to 
mean  "a  mother's  brother."  Rashi  comments,  "His 
relative  and  friend  who  saveth  his  bones  out  of  the  fire, 
by  which  the  enemies  had  destroyed  the  house,  will  say 
to  his  associate  who  hath  entered  the  house  to  search.  Is 
there  yet  one  alive  out  of  those  who  had  liidden  them- 
selves?" &c. 

'  Horns  are  a  symbol  of  strengtii,  (Deut.  xxxiii.  17.) 


AMOS  VII.  VIII. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ^f  Tliiiw  did  the  Lord  Eternal  .show  unto 
me :  and,  behold,  he  was  forming  locusts"  in 
the  beginuini-':  of  the  sprouting  up  of  the 
latter  growth;  and,  lo,  it  was  the  latter 
growth  after  the  king's  mowings  (was  over). 

2  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  had 
made  an  end  of  eating  up  the  herbs  of  the 
earth,  that  I  said,  0  Lord  Eternal,  forgive, 
I  beseech  thee :  how  (should  Jacob  be  able  to 
endure,  since  he  is  so  small? 

3  The  Lord  bethought  himself  of  this:  It 
shall  not  be,  said  the  Lord. 

4  ^  Thus  did  the  Lord  Eternal  show  unto 
me:  and,  behold,  the  Lord  Eternal  called 
forth  the  punishment"  by  fire,  and  it  devoured 
the  great  deep,  and  consumed  the  ploughed 
field. 

5  Then  said  I,  0  Lord  Eternal,  forbear,  I 
beseech  thee:  how  should  Jacob  be  al)le  to 
endure,  since  he  is  so  small? 

6  The  Lord  bethought  himself  of  this: 
Also  this  shall  not  be,  said  the  Lord  Eter- 
nal. 

7  ^  Thus  he  showed  unto  me :  and,  bidiold, 
the  Lord  was  standing  upon  a  wall  (made)  by 
a  plumbline,  and  in  his  hand  was  a  plumljline. 

8  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me.  What  dost 
thou  see,  'Amos?  And  I  said,  A  plumbline. 
Then  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  set  a 
plumbline  in  the  midst  of  my  people  Israel; 
I  will  not  farther  indulge  them  any  more." 

9  And  the  high  places  of  Isaac  shall  be 
made  desolate,  and  the  sanctuaries  of  Israel 
shall  be  laid  in  ruins:  and  I  will  rise  up 
against  the  house  of  Jerobo'am  with  the  sword. 

10  ^  Then  sent  Amazyah,  the  priest  of 
Beth-el,  to  Jerobo'am  the  king  of  Israel,  say- 
ing, 'Amos  hath  conspired  against  thee  in  the 
midst  of  the  house  of  Israel:  the  land  is  not 
able  to  bear  all  his  words. 


'  Probably  in  their  caterpillar  state,  in  which  they  are 
most  destructive. 

"•  Johlson.  Rashi,  "he  called  (his  council,  i. /■.  his 
angels  or  messengers )  to  contend  with  you  by  the  punish- 
ment of  burning  fire." 

°  Meaning,  as  the  builder  erects  his  wall  straight  by 
the  plummet,  so  shall  Israel  be  dealt  with  after  the  strict 
line  of  justice,  with  no  longer  indulgence  for  their  crimes. 
113J'  "passing  by,"  i.  c.  sin;  hence,  "indulging,"  or 
"  jfardoning." 

''  /.  c.  Not  a  prophet  by  profession,  in  reply  to  Amaz- 
yah's  advice  to  go  to  Judah  and  there  live  by  his  pro- 
4  K 


11  For  thus  Iiath  'Amos  said,  By  the  sword 
sliall  Jerobo'am  die,  and  Israel  shall  surely 
be  led  away  into  exile  out  of  their  own  land. 

12  ][  And  Amazyah  said  unto  'Amos, 
Seer,  go,  flee  thee  away  iiito  the  land  of 
Judah,  and  eat  there  (thy)  bread,  and  there 
prophesy ; 

13  But  at  Beth-el  prophesy  not  farther 
any  more ;  for  it  is  the  king's  sanctuary,  and 
it  is  a  royal  residence. 

14  Then  answered  'Amos,  and  said  to 
Amazyah,  I  am''  no  prophet,  nor  am  I  a  pro- 
phet's son;  but  I  am  a  herdman,  and  a 
gatherer'  of  wild  figs; 

15  But  the  Lord  hath  taken  me  away  from 
behind  the  flocks,  and  the  Lord  said  unto  me, 
Go.  prophesy  unto  my  )X'ople  Israel. 

10  And  now  hear  thou  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  Thou  sayest.  Prophecy  not  against  'Is- 
rael, and  ])reach  not  against  the  house  of  Isaac. 

17  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Thy 
wife  will  play  the  harlot  in  the  city,  and  thy 
sons  and  thy  daughters  shall  fall  by  the 
sword,  and  thy  land  shall  be  divided  out  by 
the  line;  and  thou  shalt  die  in  an  unclean 
land ;  and  Israel  shall  surely  be  led  forth  into 
exile  out  of  their  land. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  Thus  did  the  Lord  Eternal  show  unto 
me:  and,  behold,  there  w^as  a  basket  of  sum- 
mer fruit.' 

2  And  he  said.  What  dost  thou  see,  'Amos? 
And  I  said,  A  basket  of  summer  fruit.  Then 
said  the  Lord  unto  me.  The  end  is  come  for 
my  people  Israel :  I  will  not  farther  indulge 
them  any  more. 

3  And  the  songs  of  the  temple  shall  be- 
come a  wailing  on  that  day,  saitli  the  Lord 
Eternal:  many  shall  be  the  dead  bodies;  in 
every  j)\ace  shall  men  throw  them  down, 
(saying,)  Be  silent.^ 


phesying,  as  the  false  soothsayers  did  who  were  supported 
by  the  royal  bounty.     (1  Kings  xviii.  19.) 

'  0^713  is  variously  rendered  "gathering,"  "cultivating," 
"  mixing,"  i.  e.  with  other  provisions  for  the  cattle,  or 
"  pinching,"  "scraping,"  to  make  the  fruit  come  to  ma- 
turity. Others  use  "sycamore"  for  "wild  figs"  Rashi 
and  others  conceive  'Amos's  reply  to  mean  that  he  was  a 
rich  herdman ;  Philippson,  that  he  was  very  poor,  and 
'lived  of  the  simplest  food. 

'  Rashi,  "  late  figs,  which  are  not  good."     Philippson, 

ripe  figs."     Zunz,  "  dried  fruit." 

^  Jonathan,   (as  above,  vi.  10,)  "  iu  every  place  they 

673 


AMOS  VIII.  IX. 


4  Ti  Hear  this,  0  ye  that  are  greedy  to 
swallow  the  needy,  and  to  ruin  the  poor  of 
the  land, 

5  Saying,  When  will  the  new  moon  be 
gone,  that  we  may  sell  provision?  and  the 
sabbath,  that  we  may  open  the  corn-Avare- 
hoiises,  making  the  epliah  small,  and  inci'eas- 
ing  the  shekel,  and  cheating"  with  deceitful 
balances  ? 

6  That  we  nuiy  buy  the  poor  for  silver, 
and  the  needy  for  a  pair  of  shoes;  and  even 
sell  the  refuse  of  the  ciM-n  ? 

7  Sworn  hath  the  Lord  by  the  excellency 
of  Jacob,  Surely  I  will  not  forget  to  eternity 
all  their  works. 

8  Shall  because  of  this  the  land  not  trem- 
ble, and  mourn  every  one  that  dwelleth 
therein?  and  shall  it  not  rise  up  like  a 
stream  wholly,  and  roll  onward  and  sink 
again  like  the  stream  of  Egypt  ?'' 

9  Tl  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  saith  the  Lord  Paternal,  that  I  will  cause 
the  sun  to  set  at  noon,  and  I  will  bring  dark- 
ness over  the  earth  on  a  bright  day ; 

10  And  I  will  change  your  feasts  into 
mourning,  and  all  your  songs  into  lamenta- 
tions; and  I  will  bring  upon  all  loins  sack- 
cloth, and  upon  every  head  baldness;  and  I 
will  cause  (the  land)"  to  mourn  as  one  doth 
for  an  only  son,  and  its  end  to  be  as  a  day  of 
bitter  (complaint) . 

11  ^f  Behold,  da3's  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord  Eternal,  when  I  will  send  a  famine  in 
the  land,  not  a  famine  for  bread,  nor  a  thirst 
for  water,  but  to  hear  the  words  of  the  Lord  : 

12  And  they  will  wander  about  from  sea 
to  sea,  and  from  the  north  oven  to  the  east, 
they  will  roam  ahout  to  seek  the  word  of  the 
Lord;   but  they  shall  not  lind  it." 

13  On  that  day  sluiU  the  fair  virgins  and 
the  young  men  faint  for  thirst; 

14  Those  that  swear  by  the  guilt  of  Sa- 


maria, and  say.  As  thy  god  liveth,  O  Dan; 
and.  As  liveth  the  worshipped"  idol  of  Beer- 
sheba', — yea,  they  shall  fall,  and  never  rise 
up  again. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1^1  saw  the  Loi'd  standing  upon  the 
altar;  and  he  said.  Smite  the  capital,'  that 
the  sills  may  quake;  and  break  them  in 
pieces  over  the  head  of  all  of  them;  and  their 
posterity  will  I  slay  with  the  sword:  there 
shall  not  tit>e  away  from  them  one  that  lleetli, 
and  there  shall  not  escape  from  them  one 
that  is  saved. 

2  Though  they  Avere  to  creep  doAvn  into 
the  nether  world,  thence  Avould  my  hand  letch 
them;  and  though  they  were  to  climb  up  to 
the  heavens,  thence  Avould  I  bring  them 
down ; 

3  And  though  they  Avere  to  hide  them- 
selves on  the  top  of  Carmel,  thence  Avould  I 
search  and  take  them  out;  and  thougli  they 
were  to  conceal  themselves  from  before  my 
eyes  in  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  thence  Avould  I 
command  the  serpent,  that  he  should  bite 
them ; 

4  And  though  they  Avere  to  go  into  cap- 
tivity before  their  enemies,  thence  Avould  I 
command  the  SAVord,  that  it  should  slay 
them :  and  I  Avill  set  my  eye  upon  them  for 
evil,  and  not  for  good. 

5  And  the  Lord  Eternal  of  hosts  it  is  that 
toucheth  the  earth,  and  she  melteth  away, 
and  all  that  d\A'ell  thereon  shall  mourn ;  and 
she  riseth  up  like  a  stream  Avholly;  and  she 
sinketh  like  the  stream  of  Egypt; 

6  That  buildeth  in  the  heaA'ens  his  steps, 
and  hath  founded  his  vault^  over  the  earth; 
that  calleth  tor  the  Avaters  of  the  sea,  and 
poureth  them  out  over  the  face  of  the  earth: 
The  Lord  is  his  name. 

7  *[]  Are  ye   not  like  the  children  of  the 


will  say,  Cast  out,  remove  thciii  from  here.''  But  Aben 
Mzra  aud  Redak,  as  in  the  text;  /.  r.  they  throw  down 
tlie  dead  without  burial,  saying  to  each  other,  ''  Be  silent." 

"  Jonathan. 

^  Descriptive  ol'  an  earth(|uake,  wliere  the  surface  of  the 
earth  rises  and  falls,  and  l'rei|uently  lamlslides  take  place, 
as  though  a  river  were  rolling  along,  swelling  and  again 
receding  from  an  accumulation  of  the  water  of  the  melted 
snow  and  copious  rains.  The  prophet  names  the  Nile,  be- 
cause it  is  preeminently  subject  to  periodical  swelling. 

°  Aben   Ezra  and    Kedak.     Lit.  '•  1  will  render  it  as  a 
mourning  for,"  ^:e, 
ti74 


''  iMoaning,  in  their  distress  they  will  seek  for  prophets, 
but  they  shall  have  ceased  to  be.  Is  not  this  Israel's 
present  stater*  since  for  so  many  centuries  there  has  been 
no  spirit  of  prophecy  dispensed. 

'  Lit.  "way,"  "custom,"  hence  that  to  whom  custom- 
arily homage  is  paid,  or  the  idol  of  Beer-sheba'. 

'  Rashi,  "the  buttons  on  the  top  of  the  roof."  Redak, 
"the  lintel,"  so  called  from  being  ornamented  with  but- 
tons and  flowers. 

*  Rashi,  "the  assemblage  of  the  righteous  is  the  cause 
of  the  foundation  of  the  earth  for  the  vault  of  heaven; 
because  for  their  sake  all  eudurelh." 


OBADIAH  I. 


Ethiopians'  unto  me,  ()  childroii  of  Israel? 
saitli  the  Lord:  have  I  not  hronght  up  Israel 
out  of  tlie  land  of  Egypt?  and  the  Philis- 
tines from  Caphtor,  and  the  Syrians  from 
Kir? 

8  Behold,  the  eyes  of  the  Lokd  Eternal  are 
upon  the  sinful  kingdom,  and  I  will  destroy 
it  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth;  save  only 
that  I  will  not  utterly  destroy  the  house  of 
Jacob,  saith  the  Lokd. 

9  For,  lo,  I  \yill  gi\'e  the  command,  and  I 
will  shake  about  among  all  the  nations  the 
house  of  Israel,  as  one  shaketh  things  in  a 
sieve,  while  not  the  least  piece  falleth  down 
upon  the  earth. 

10  By  the  sword  shall  die  all  the  sinners 
of  my  people,  who  say.  The  evil  will  not 
come  near  (us),  nor  hasten  along  for  our 
sake. 

11  On  that  day  will  I  raise  up  the  taber- 
nacle of  David  which  is  fallen;  and  I  will 
close    up  its  breaches;    and  its  ruins  will  I; 


raise  up,  and  I  will  rebuild  it  as  in  days  of 
old: 

12  In  order  that  they  may  take  possession 
of  the  renniant  of  Edom,  and  of  all  the  na- 
tions, which  are  called  by  my  name,  saith 
the  Lord  that  doth  this. 

13  ^  Behold,  days  are  coming,  saith  the 
Lord,  when  the  plouglimau  shall  come  close 
up  to  the  harvester,  and  the  treader  of  the 
grapes  to  the  one  that  scattereth"  the  seed : 
and  the  mountains  shall  drop  with  sweet  new 
wine,  and  all  the  hills  shall  melt  awav." 

14  And  I  will  bi'ing  liack  the  captivity  of 
my  people  Israel,  and  they  shall  build  the 
wasted  cities,  and  dwell  therein;  and  thev 
shall  plant  vineyards,  and  drink  their  wine;; 
and  they  shall  lay  out  gardens,  and  eat  their 
fruit. 

15  And  I  will  plant  them  upon  their  own 
soil,  and  they  shall  not  be  pulled  up  any 
more  out  of  their  land  which  I  h;ne  given 
unto  them,  saith  the  Lord  thy  God. 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  OBADIAH, 


nnDi'  HNiDJ. 


1  II  The  vision  of  'Obadiah:  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  Eternal  concerning  Edom.  A 
rumour  have  we  heard  from  the  Lord,  and 
an  ambassador  is  sent  among  the  nations. 
Arise  ye,  and  let  us  rise  up  against  her  to 
war. 

2  Behold,  I  make  thee  small  among  the 
nations:  thou  shalt  be  greatly  despised. 

3  The  presumption  of  thy  heart  hath  be- 
guiled thee,  thou  that  dwellest  in  the  clefts 
of  the  rock,  whose  habitation  is  high;  tliat 
saith  in  his  heart.  Who  shall  bring  me  down 
to  the  ground? 

4  Though  thou  wert  to  rise  as  high  as  the 
eagle,  and  though  thou  set  thy  nest  among 


'the  stars,  thence  will  I  brhig  thee  down,  saith 
the  Lord. 


5  How?    are    thieves    come    to    thee? 


or 


night-prowling  robbers?  how  destroyed'^  ait 
thou  !  would  they  not  have  stolen  till  they 
ihad  enough?  if  grape-gatherers  had  come  to 
thee,  would  they  not  have  left  some  glean- 
ings ? 

6  How  are  (the  treasures)  of  Esau  search- 
ed out !  how  are  his  hidden  things  laid 
open  ! 

7  Up  to  the  border  have  accom]ianied  thee 
all  the  men  of  thy  confederacy;  Ijeguiled, 
overcome  thee  have  the  men  that  were  at 
peace  with  thee :   (they  that  eat)  thy  bread 


'  ?'.  e.  God  is  just  to  all,  whether  Israel  or  others. 
"  Lit.  "  draweth  forth." 


'■  Redak,  "  cut  off."     Zunz,  according    to  the  sense. 

"emptied   out."     Jonathan,  "  how  didst  thou    sleep    till 

Meaning,  overflowing  with  the  .abundance  of  all  the  j  thov  h.id  stolen  enoujrh  ?"  takini:  nn"0"iJ  equal  to  noilj,  or 


products  of  the  earth. 


as  being  silent  thmuiih  ili'owsiness 


675 


OBADIAH  I. 


have  struck  thee  secretly  a  wound.'   There 
is  no  understanding  in  him.*" 

8  Shall  I  not  on  that  same  day,  saith  the 
Lord,  even  destroy  the  wise  men  out  of 
Edom,  and  understanding  out  of  the  mount 
of  Esau? 

9  And  thy  mighty  men,  0  Themuu,  shall 
be  dismayed,  in  order  that  every  one  from 
the  mount  of  Esau  may  be  cut  off  by  slaugh- 
ter. 

10  Because  of  thy  violence  against  thy 
brother  Jacob  shall  shame  cover  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  be  cut  oft"  for  ever. 

11  On  the  day  that  thou  stoodest  on  the 
other  side,  on  the  day  that  strangers  carried 
away  captive  his  army,  and  foreigners  entered 
into  his  gates,  and  cast  lots  over  Jerusalem, 
also  thou  wast  as  any  one  of  them. 

12  But  thou  shouldst  not  have"  looked  on 
(pleased)  at  the  day  of  thy  brother,  on  the 
day  that  he  was  delivered  up  to  strangers; 
neither  shouldst  thou  have  rejoiced  over  the 
children  of  Judah  on  the  day  of  their  de- 
struction; nor  .shouldst  thuu  have  spoken 
proudly  on  the  day  of  distress. 

13  Thou  shouldst  not  have  entered  into 
the  gate  of  my  people  on  tlie  day  of  their 
calamity;  yea,  thou  too  shouldst  not  have  look- 
ed (pleased)  on  their  affliction  on  the  day  of 
their  calamity;  nor  have  laid  hands  on  their 
army  on  the  day  of  their  calamity ; 

14  Neither  shouldst  thou  have  stood  in 
the  crossway,  to  cut  off  tho.se  of  liis  that  did 
escape;  neither  shouldst  thou  have  delivered 

'  Zunz,  "lay  a  snare  under  thee." 

''  i.  e.  Esau. 

"  Rashi,  referring  all  this  passage  to  the  past.  Zunz, 
"thou  shalt  not  again,"  &c.;  and  so  up  to  end  of  ver.  14. 

''  For  the  meaning  of  SlO]  see  note  to  Joel  iv.  4. 
Others  give  it  here  with  "  recompense." 
676 


up  those  of  his  that  did  remain  on  the  day  of 
distress. 

15  For  near  is  the  day  of  the  Lord  over 
all  the  nations :  as  thou  hast  done,  shall  it  be 
done  unto  thee ;  thy  deeds"  shall  return  upon 
thy  own  head. 

16  For  as  ye'  have  drunk  upon  my  holy 
mount,  so  shall  all  the  nations  drink  con- 
tinually; yea,  tlie}^  shall  drink,  and  they  shall 
reeF  about,  and  they  shall  be  as  though  they 
had  not  been. 

17  But  upon  mount  Zion  shall  be  deliver- 
ance, and  it  shall  be  holy:  and  the  house 
of  Jacob  shall  again  possess  their  inherit- 
ances. 

18  And  the  house  of  Jacob  shall  be  a  fire, 
and  the  house  of  Joseph  a  tlame,  and  the 
house  of  Esau  become  stubble,  and  they  shall 
set  them  on  fire,  and  devour  them;  and  there 
shall  not  be  any  one  I'emaining  of  the  house 
of  Esau;  for  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

19  And  they  of  the  south  shall  possess  the 
mount  of  Esau;  and  they  of  the  lowland.s,the 
Philistines;  and  they  shall  possess  the  fields 
of  Ephraim,  and  the  fields  of  Samaria:  and 
Benjamin  (shall  possess)  Gil'ad. 

20  And  the  exiles  of  this  host  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  that^  are  (with)  the  Canaanites, 
as  far  as  Zarephath,  and  the  exiles  of  Jerusa- 
lem, who  are  in  Sejjharad,  shall  possess  the 
cities  of  the  south. 

21  And  deliverers  shall  go  up  on  mouni 
Zion  to  judge  the  mount  of  Esau:  and  the 
kingdom  shall  be  the  Lord's. 


*  The  prophet  now  addressed  Israel;  but  Jonathan  re- 
fers this  to  'Edom:  "As  ye  have  rejoiced  over  the  down- 
fall of  my  holy  mount." 

'  Rashi.     Others,  "  swallow." 

*  Philippson,  "shall  (  possess)  what  the  Cauaauites  (iu- 
habit)  as  far  as  Zarephath." 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  JONAH, 


njv  riiSi^J. 


CHAPTER   I. 

1  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  also  came  unto 
Jonah  the  son  of  Amitthai,  saving. 

2  Arise,  go  unto  Nineveh,  the  great  city, 
and  proclaim  against  her;  for  their  wicked- 
ness is  come  up  l)efore  me. 

3  But  Jonah  rose  up  to  flee  unto  Thar- 
shish  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord;  and  he 
went  down  to  Joppa,  and  found  a  ship  going 
to  Tharsliish,  and  paid  the  fare  thereof,  and 
went  down  into  it,  to  go  with  them  unto 
Tharsliish,  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

4  But  tlie  Lord  excited  a  great  wind  upon 
the  sea,  and  there  was  a  mighty  tempest  on 
the  sea;  and  it  was  thought"  that  the  sliip 
would  be  broken  in  pieces. 

5  And  the  mariners  were  afraid,  and  called 
every  man  unto  his  god;  and  they  cast  forth 
the  articles  which  were  in  the  ship  into  the 
sea,  to  be  lightened  of  them.  But  Jonah  was 
gone  down  into  the  hold  of  the  ship,  and  lay 
down,  and  was  fast  asleep. 

6  So  the  ship-master  came  near  unto  him, 
and  said   unto  him.  Why  dost  thou  sleep  ?'^' 
arise,  call  upon  thy  God:   perhaps  it  be  that 
God  will  think   of  us,  that  we  may  not  be  j 
lost. 

7  And  they  said  one  to  the  other.  Come, 
and  let  us  cast  lots;  that  we  may  know  for 
whose  cause  this  evil  hath  happened  unto  us. 
And  they  cast  lots,  and  the  lot  fell  upon 
Jonah. 

S  Then  said  they  unto  him.  Tell  us,  we 
pray  thee,  thou  for  whose  cause  this  evil  hath 
happened  unto  us,  What  is  thy  business? 
and  whence  comest  thou?  what  is  thy  coun- 
try? and  of  what  people  art  thou? 

9  And  he  said  unto  them,  I  am  a  Hebrew ; 
and  I  fear  the  Lord,  tlie  God  of  heaven,  who 
hath  made  the  sea  and  the  dry  land. 

*  Tiit.  "the  ship  thousrht  to  be  broken.'' 

''  Kashi.    Eng-  ver.  '■  What  iiieriin-st  thou,  0  f-h'i'per?" 

"  Heb.  "silent  from  us." 

''  lu  the  Enslish  versiou.  chap.  ii.  coninieiices  at  ver.  2. 


10  Then  were  the  men  exceedingly  afiai<l 
and  they  said  unto  him.  What  is  this  thou 
hast  done?  for  the  men  knew  that  he  was 
flying  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord;  because 
he  had  told  them. 

11  And  they  said  unto  liim.  What  shall 
we  do  unto  thee,  that  the  sea  may  become 
calm"  around  us?  for  the  sea  grew  more  and 
more  tempestuous. 

12  And  he  said  unto  them,  Take  me  up, 
and  cast  me  forth  into  the  sea  :  so  shall  the 
sea  be  calm  aroinid  you ;  for  I  know  well 
that  because  of  me  is  this  great  tempest  upon 


you. 

13  Nevertheless  the  men  rowed  hard  to 
bring  (the  ship)  Ijack  to  the  land;  but  they 
could  not;  for  the  sea  grew  more  and  more 
tempestuous  around  them. 

11  And  they  called  unto  the  Lord,  and 
said,  We  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  let  us  not  be 
lost,  we  pray  thee,  for  the  life  of  this  man, 
and  lay  not  upon  us  (the  guilt  of)  innocent 
blood;  for  thou  art  the  Lord,  as  it  pleaseth 
thee  so  dost  thou  do. 

15  And  they  took  up  Jonah,  and  cast  him 
forth  into  the  sea:  and  the  sea  ceased  from 
its  raging. 

!      IG  And  the    men  feared    the    Lord  very 
greatly;  and  they  oftered  a  sacrifice  unto  the 
j  Lord,  and  made  vows. 

!  CHAPTER  IL^ 

!  1  And  the  Lord  made  ready  a  large  fish 
to  swallow  up  Jonah  :  and  Jonah  was  in  the 
I  belly'' of  the  fish  three  days  and  three  nights. 

i  Then  prayed  Jonah  unto  the  Lord  his 
'  God  out  of  the  belly  of  the  fish, 

3  And  he  said,  I  called  from  the  midst  of 
!my  distress  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  hath  an- 
l^swered  me:  out  of  the  depth' of  the  grave 
I  have  I  cried,  and  thou  hast  heard  my  voice. 

l'      »  TIeb.  "bowels." 

'  Kashi,  "the  belly  of  the  fish,  which  is  like  the  grate 
'  unto  me."     Philippson,  "  the  bosom  of  the  nether  •world." 

I  Zunz,    'of  hell." 

677 


JONAH  il.  III.  IV. 


I 


am  driven  out 
shall  look 


again 


4  For  thou  hast  cast  nie  into  the  deep,  in 
the  heart  of  the  seas;  and  the  stream  com- 
passeth  me  about:  all  thy  billoAvs  and  thy 
waves  have  passed  over  me. 

5  And  I  thought  indeed, 
from  before  thy  eyes :  yet  I 
toward  thy  holy  temple. 

6  The  waters  surrounded  me,  to  the  peril" 
of  my  life;  the  deep  compassed  me  about: 
sea-weeds  were  bound  about  my  head. 

7  To  the  bottoms  of  the  mountains  did  I 
go  down;  the  earth  (closed)  her  bars  about 
me  for  ever:  when  thou  broughtest  up  my 
life  from  the  pit,*"  0  Lord  my  God ! 

8  When  my  soul  fainted  within  me  I  re- 
membered the  Lord:  and  my  prayer  came 
unto  thee,  unto  thy  holy  temple. 

9  They  that  guard  talse  vanities  forsake 
(the  source  of)  their  kindness." 

10  But  I  will  sacrifice  unto  thee  with  the 
voice  of  thanksgiving;  that  which  I  have 
vowed  will  I  pay ;  (for)  help  is  with  the 
Lord. 

11  And  the  Lord  commanded''  the  fish,  and 
it  vomited  out  Jonah  upon  the  dry  land. 

CHAPTER    HI. 

1  Tl  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Jonah  the  second  time,  saying, 

2  Arise,  go  unto  Nineveh,  the  great  city, 
and  proclaim  unto  it  the  proclamation  which 
I  shall  speak  unto  thee. 

3  And  Jonah  arose,  and  went  unto  Nine- 
veh, according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  Now 
Nineveh  was  a  great  city  before  God,°  a  three 
days'  journey. 

4  And  Jonah  began  to  go  tlirough'  the 
city  one  day's  journey,  and  he  called  out,  and 
said,  Yet  forty  days  more,  and  Nineveh  shall 
be  overthrown. 

5  And  the  men  of  Nineveh  believed  in 
God ;  and  they  proclaimed  a  fast,  and  put  on 
sackcloth,  from  the  greatest  of  them  to  the 
least  of  them. 

6  For  when  the  matter  was  come  unto  the 
king  of  Nineveh,  he  arose  from  his  throne, 
and  put  oft"  his  mantle  from  him,  and  covered 

■  Heb.  "even  uuto  the  soul." 
''  Eiig.  ver.  "corruption." 

°  Riishi;  i.  e.  God,  from  whom  all  the  kindness  men 
enjoy  flows.     Philippson,  "their  happiness." 
"  Lit.  "said  unto,"  &c. 
•  Lit.  "  great  unto  God." 
678 


himself  with    sackcloth,    and    sat   down    on 
ashes. 

7  And  he  caused  to  be  proclaimed  and  he 
published'^  through  Nineveh,  By  the  decree 
of  the  king  and  his  chief  men,  It  is  said. 
Neither  man  nor  beast,  neither  herds  nor 
flocks,  shall  taste  any  thing ;  they  shall  not 
feed,  nor  drink  water; 

8  But  let  man  and  beast  be  covered  with 
sackcloth,  and  let  (men)  call  unto  God  with 
might;  and  let  them  turn  every  one  from  his 
evil  way,  and  from  the  violence  which  is  in 
their  hands. 

9  Who  knoweth,*"  but  God  may  turn  and 
bethink  himself,  and  turn  away  from  the 
fierceness  of  his  anger,  that  we  perish  not? 

10  And  God  saw  their  works,  that  they 
had  turned  from  their  evil  way :  and  God  be- 
thought himself  of  the  evil,  which  he  had 
spoken  that  he  would  do  unto  them,  and  he 
did  it  not. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  But  it  displeased  Jonah  exceedingly; 
and  he  was  wroth. 

2  And  he  prayed  unto  the  Lord,  and  said, 
I  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  was  not  this  my  word, 
while  I  was  yet  in  my  own  country?  Tliere- 
fore  made  I  haste'  to  fly  unto  Tharshish ;  for 
I  knew  that  thou  art  a  gracious  God,  and 
merciful,  long-suftering,  and  abundant  in  kind- 
ness, and  repentant  of  the  evil. 

3  And  now,  0  Lord,  take,  I  pray  thee,  my 
soul  from  me;  because  it  is  better  for  me  to 
die,  than  to  live. 

4  And  the  Lord  said.  Art  thou  very  wroth?'' 

5  Now  Jonah  was  gone  out  of  the  city, 
and  dwelt  on  the  east  side  of  the  city;  and 
he  had  made  himself  there  a  booth,  and  sat 
under  it  in  the  shade,  till  he  should  see  what 
would  become  of  the  city. 

6  And  the  Lord  God  made  ready  a  gourd, 
and  it  grew  up  over  Jonah,  to  be  a  shade 
over  his  head,  to  relieve  him  from  his  af- 
fliction. And  Jonah  rejoiced  because  of  the 
gourd  exceedingly. 

7  But  God  made  ready  a  worm  when  the 

'  Lit.  "to  enter  into."  «  Heb.  "said." 

''  Rasbi,  "  Whoever  is  conscious  of  guilt  let  him  return  ; 
then  God  may  repent,  and,"  &c. 

'  Johlson.     Philippson,  "I  fled  before." 

'  Aben  Ezra;  but  Philippson,  "Is  it  right  that  it  Ji.s- 
]ili'asoth  thee?" 


MICAH  I. 


morning  dawned  on  the  morrow,  and  it  smote 
tlie  gourd  that  it  withered. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  sun  arose, 
that  God  made  ready  a  hot  east  wind;  and  the 
sun  beat  upon  the  head  of  Jonah,  that  he  be- 
came faint;  and  he  wished  for  himself  to  die, 
and  said,  It  is  better  for  me  to  die  than  to  live. 

9  And  God  said  unto  Jonah,  Art  thou  very 
wroth  for  the  gourd?  And  he  said,  I  am 
very  wroth,  even  unto  death. 


10  And  the  Lord  said.  Thou  wouldst 
have  spared  the  gourd,  for  which  thou  hadst 
not  laboured,  neither  hadst  thou  made  it 
grow;  which  came  up  in  one  night,  and 
perished  in  one  night: 

11  And  shall  i 
great  city,  wherein  are  more  than  twelve 
times  ten  thousand  persons,  who  know  not 
how  to  discern  between  their  right  hand  and 
their  left  hand,  and  also  much  cattle? 


not  spare   Nineveh,  that 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  MICAH, 


CHAPTER  1. 

1  ^  The  word  of  the  Lord  that  came  to 
Micah"  the  Morashthite  in  the  days  of  Jo- 
tham,  Achaz,  (and)  Hezekiah,  the  kings  of 
Judah,  which  he  foresaw  concerning  Samaria 
and  Jerusalem. 

2  Hear,  ye  people,  altogether;  listen,  0 
earth,  with 'all  that  fiUetli  it:  and  let  the 
Lord  Eternal  be  witness  ugainst  you,  the 
Lord  from  his  holy  temple. 

3  For,  Ijehold,  the  Lord  cometh  forth  out 
of  his  residence;''  and  he  will  come  down, 
and  will  step  along"  upon  the  high  places  of 
the  earth. 

4  And  the  mountains  shall  melt  Ijeneath 
him,  and  the  valleys  shall  cleave  in  twain, 
like  wax  (melteth)  before  the  fire,  like  water 
poured  out  on  a  declivity. 

5  For  the  transgression  of  Jacob  is  all 
this,  and  for  the  sins  of  the  house  of  Israel. 
Who''  caused  the  transgression  of  Jacob?  is  it 
not  Samaria?  and  who  caused  the  high-places 
of  Judah  ?  is  it  not  Jerusalem  ? 

6  Therefore  will   I   change   Samaria  into 


'  Properly,  Michah.  Morashthite,  a  man  of  More- 
shah. 

"  Lit.  "place."  °  Lit.  "tread." 

''  Kedak.  Jonathan,  "Where  is  the  transgression  of 
Jacob,  is  it  not  at  Samaria?"  &e. 

•  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra.  Others,  "stripped,"  or 
"bare  "      Zunz,  "wild." 


stone-heaps  on  the  field,  into  vineyard  plant- 
ations :  and  I  will  liurl  down  into  the  valley 
her  stones,  and  her  foundations  will  I  lay  open. 

7  And  all  her  graven  images  shall  be 
beaten  to  pieces,  and  all  her  wages  of  sin 
shall  be  burnt  with  the  fire,  and  all  her  idols 
will  I  make  desolate;  for  from  harlot's  wages 
she  gathered  them,  and  for  harlot's  wages 
shall  they  be  used  again. 

8  For  this  will  I  lament  and  wail;  I  will 
go  confused"  and  naked:  I  will  make  a  la- 
ment like  the  crocodiles,  and  mourning  like 
the  ostriches. 

9  For  her  wounds'  are  incurable;  for  (the 
evil)  is  come  even  unto  Judah;  (the  enemy) 
hath  reached  as  far  as  the  gate  of  my  people, 
even  up  to  Jerusalem. 

10  Tell  it  not  at  Gath.  weep  ye  not  loudly 
(there)  :  in  Beth-le'aphrah  roll  thyself  in  the 
dust. 

11  Pass  ye  away,  ye  inhabitants  of  Sha- 
phir,  having  your  shauie  laid  bare:  the  in- 
habitress  of  Zaiinan  cometh  not  forth  (any 
more) ;  the  mourning  of  Beth-haezel  taketii 
from  you  its  halting  place.^ 

'  Rashi,  "she  is  sick  of  her  wounds." 

8  After  Phllippsoi) ;  meaning,  Beth-haezel  being  cap- 
tured will  prevent  its  becoming  a  place  for  making  a  stand 
against  the  enemy.  Rashi  takes  Ssxn  jT3  as  meaning 
"bringing  fields  close  together,"  /.  <•.  by  robbing;  and 
translates,  "the  mourning  which  ye  caused  those  ye  plun 
dered  by  depriving  them  of  their  inheritance  to  join  it  to 

679 


MICAH  I.  IT. 


12  For  the  inhabitress  of  Maroth  is  grieved" 
for  the  (lost)  good;  because  evil  came  down 
from  the  Lord  unto  the  gate  of  Jerusalem. 

13  Bind  the  chariot  to  the  swift  horses,  0 
inhabitress  of  Lachish :  the  beginning  of  sin 
was  she  to  the  daughter  of  Zion ;  for  in  thee 
were  found  the  transgressions  of  Israel. 

14  Therefore  shalt  thou  have  to  give  pre- 
sents to  Moresheth-gath :  the  houses  of  Ach- 
zib  shall  become  a  deception  to  the  kings  of 
Israel. 

15  Yet  will  I  bring  an  (enemy  as)  heir** 
unto  thee,  0  inhabitant  of  Mareshah :  as  fixr 
as  'Adullam  shall  withdraw"  the  glory  of 
Israel. 

IG  Make  thyself  bald,  and  cut  off  thy 
hair  for  the  children  of  thy  delight;  enlarge 
thy  baldness  like  the  eagle;  because  they  are 
gone  into  exile  from  thee. 

CHAPTJ]R  II. 

1  ^  Wo  to  those  that  devise  wickedness, 
and  resolve  on  evil  upon  their  couches!  by 
the  first  light  of  the  morning  they  execute 
it,  if'^  they  have  it  in  the  power  of  their 
hand. 

2  And  they  covet  fields,  and  roli  them; 
and  houses,  and  take  them  away :  so  they 
defraud  the  master  and  his  house,  and  the 
man  and  his  heritage. 

?>  ^  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord, 
Behold,  I  will  devise  against  this  family  an 
evil,  from  which  ye  shall  not  remove  your 
necks;  nor  shall  ye  go  erect;  for  it  is  an  evil 
time. 

4  On  that  day  shall  one  take  up  a  paral;)le 
against  you,  and  lament  with  a  mournful 
lamentation,  and  say, "  We  are  utterly  wasted : 


yours,  will  cause  your  buildings  erected  thereon  to  have 
no  permanence;"  ;'.'■.  they  shall  fall,  not  stand.  Zunz, 
"  the  mourning  procession  of  Beth-haezel  taketh  (already) 
its  stand  by  you."     It  is  a  difficult  verse. 

°  Aben  Ezra;  but  Rashi,  "she  hoped  for  good." 

"■  Johlson,  "conqueror;"  and  makes  him  the  nomina- 
tive to  the  end  of  the  verse. 

°  Rashi;  /.  c.  the  enemy  shall  drive  the  Israelites  be- 
fore him  up  to  'Adullam,  before  they  shall  be  able  to 
halt.  I'hilippson,  "up  to  'Adullam  cometh  he  (the 
enemy)  against  the  pride  of  Israel." 

''  Others,  "because." 

'  Abtn  Ezra;  /.  e.  the  enemy  divides  the  land,  which 
the  Israelites  hoped  should  return  to  them.  So  Rashi 
also,  "The  portion  of  my  people  is  transferred  to  the 
enemy;  how  will  he  turn  unto  me  again  to  restore  to 
us  our  fields,  which  now  that  enemy  divideth."  Pliili)ip- 
;;8(J 


the  portion  of  my  people  hath  he  exchanged  ; 
how  hath  he  removed  it  from  me!  in.stead 
of  restoring  (them  to  us)''  he  divideth  our 
fields." 

5  Therefore  shalt  thou  hfive  none  that 
shall  draw*^  the  (measuring)  cord  in  (his)  lot 
in  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

6  "Preach  not;"  (but)  they  shall  preach:" 
they  shall  not  preach  (indeed)  to  these,  that 
reproach  may  not  overtake  them. 

7  Shall  it  be  said*"  (in)  the  house  of  Jacob, 
Is  the  spirit  of  the  LoHi)  str.iightened  ?  are 
these  his  doings?  Do  not  my  wokIs  do  good 
to  him  that  walketh  uprightly? 

8  But  long  since  is  my  people  risen  up  as 
an  enemy:  from  the  gannent  do  yea  pull  off 
the  ornament;' of  those  that  pass  by  securely 
(ye  make)  men  returned  from  war.' 

9  The  wives  of  my  people  do  you  drive 
out  of  their  delightful  houses;  from  their 
children  do  ye  take  away  my  ornament  for 
ever. 

10  Arise  ye,  and  depart;  for  this  is  not 
your  resting-place;  because  it  is  polluted,  it 
shall  destroy  (you),  even  with  a  grievous  de- 
struction. 

11  If  a  man  that  goeth  after  wind  and 
lieth  with  falsehood  (should  say),  "I  will 
preach  unto  thee  of  wine  and  of  strong 
drink :"  he  would  be  a  preacher  for  this 
people. 

12  I  will  (once)  surely  assemble.  0  Jacob, 
all  of  thee;  I  will  surely  gather  up  the  rem- 
nant of  Israel ;  I  will  place  them  together  as 
flocks  in  the  fold,''  as  droves  in  the  midst 
of  their  pen :  they  shall  be  crowded'  with 
men. 

13  The    wall-breaker    cometh    up   before 

son,  "depriving  us  of  them  they  divide  the  fields."  Johl- 
son, "to  the  enemy  are  our  fields  apportioned." 

'  Lit.  "cast,"  (■.  ('.  on  the  ground;  or  draw  it  out  to 
measure  with  it. 

s  I'hilippson;  but  Rashi,  "you  prophi^fs,  who  always 
preach." 

''  Rashi.  Zunz,  "thou,  called,  House  of  Jacob,  is  the 
Lord  quick  to  become  wroth  ?"  &c. 

'  Rashi;  i.  e.  the  ornaments  which  are  fast  on  the  gar- 
ments they  pull  off  by  force,  thus  defacing  them  ;  and 
make  tho.se  who  walk  along  securely  look  as  though  they 
had  returned  in  tatters  from  a  battle. 

''  Jonathan  and  others,  Buzrnh,  a  city  of  Edom,  wliicli, 
it  is  alleged,  had  many  flocks. 

'  Others,  "shall  make  a  noise,"  as  in  largo  cities,  while 
the  population  is  about,  there  is  always  a  peculiar  nois* 
perceptible. 


MIC  AH  II.  III.  IV. 


them;  they  break  in  and  pass  through  the 
gate,  and  go°  out  by  it:  and  their  king  pass- 
eth  on  before  them,  and  the  Lord  at  their 
head. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^  And  I  said,  Hear,  I  pray  you,  0  ye 
heads  of  Jacob,  and  ye  princes  of  the  house 
of  Israel!  Is  it  not  for  vou  to  know  what  is 
justice? 

2  (But  they  are  those)  who  hate  the  good, 
and  love  the  evil;  who  tear  their  skin  from 
off  them,  and  their  flesh  from  off  their 
bones ; 

3  Who  also  eat  the  flesh  of  my  people, 
and  flay  their  skin  from  off"  them;  and  who 
crush  their  bones,  and  cliop  them  in  pieces, 
as  that  to  be  put  in  a  pot,  and  as  flesh  within 
a  caldron. 

4  Then  will  thej*  cry  unto  the  Lord,  but 
he  will  not  hear  them;  and  he  will  hide  his 
face  from  them  at  that  tune,  as  they  have 
coininittod  their  evil  deeds. 

•J  ^^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  concerning 
the  prophets  that  mislead  my  people,  who, 
when  they  have  something  to  bite  with  their 
teeth,  cry,  Peace;  but  wlio  prepare  war 
against  him  who  putteth  nothing  in  their 
mouth : 

6  Therefore  shall  the  night  be  unto  you, 
without  a  vision;  and  it  shall  be  dark  unto 
you.  without  divining;  and  the  sun  shall  go 
down  around  the  prophets,  and  the  day  shall 
be  obscured  around  them.'' 

7  Thus  shall  the  seers  be  made  asliamed, 
and  the  diviners  be  put  to  the  blush :  yea, 
they  shall  all  wrap  themselves  up  to  the 
upper  lip;''  for  there  is  no  answer  of 
God. 

8  But  truly  I  am  indeed  lull  of  strength 
by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  (of  power)  of 
judging,  and  of  might,  to  tell  unto  Jacob  his 
transgression,  and  to  Israel  his  sin. 

9  ^  Hear  this,  I  pray  you,  ye  heads  of 
tlie  house  of  Jacob,  and  ye  princes  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  that  abhor  justice,  and  make 
crooked  all  that  is  straight. 


"  Zunz,  "tbrough  which  the  others  went  out."  The 
prophet  briefly  describes  the  return  of  the  dispersed  of 
Israel  at  the  restoration,  when  all ditfieulties  shall  vanish; 
ihc  prince  leads,  but  God  prepares  the  way. 

■■  The  preceding  verse  says  bow  the  prophets  would 
t  rnphesy  for  wages  peace,  or  declare  war  if  nut  paid ; 
4  L 


10  They  build  up  Zion  with  blood-guilti- 
ness, and  Jerusalem  with  wrong. 

11  Her  heads  judge  for  bribes,  and  her 
priests  teach  for  reward,  and  her  prophets 
divine  for  money:  and  yet  will  they  lean 
upon  the  Lord,  and  say.  Is  not  the  Lord 
among  us?  evil  cannot  come  over  us. 

12  Therefore  for  your  sake  shall  Zion  be 
ploughed  up  as  a  field,  and  Jerusalem  shall 
become  ruinous  heaps,  and  the  mount  of  the 
house,  forest-covered  high-places.* 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last 
days,  that  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house 
shall  be  firmly  established  on  the  top  of  the 
mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the 
hills;  and  unto  it  shall  people  flow. 

2  And  many  nations  shall  come,  and  say, 
Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain 
of  the  Lord,  and  to  the  house  of  the  God  of 
Jacob;  that  he  may  teach  us  of  his  ways, 
and  we  may  walk  in  his  paths;  for  out  of 
Zion  shall  go  forth  tiie  law,  and  the  word  of 
the  Lord  out  of  Jerusalem. 

3  And  he  shall  judge  between  many  peo- 
ple, and  decide  for  strong  nations  even  afar 
off";  and  they  shall  beat  their  swords  into 
plough-shares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning- 
knives :  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against 
nation,  and  they  shall  not  learn  any  more 
war. 

4  But  they  shall  sit  every  man  under  his 
vine  and  under  his  fig-tree,  with  none  to 
make  them  afraid;  for  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts  hath  spoken  it. 

5  (But)  though'  all  the  peojjle  should  walk 
every  one  in  the  name  of  his  god,  yet  Avill  we 
walk  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God  for 
ever  and  ever. 

6  ^  On  that  day,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I 
asseml)le  her  that  halteth,  and  her  that  is 
driven  out  will  I  gather,  and  her  to  whom  I 
have  done  evil) 

7  And  T  will  make  of  her  that  halted  a 
remnant,  and  of  her  that  was  cast  off"  far 
away  a   strong   nation :  and  the    Lord  Avill 


and  now  they  are  told  that  they  shall  be  deprived  of  the 
means  of  deceiving,  as  the  night  shall  be  too  dark  to  look 
at  the  stars  and  the  sun  be  obscured  in  the  day. 

°  Sign  of  mourning.  (See  Lev.  xiii.  45;  p]zek.  xxiv.  17.) 

■^  See  Jer.  xxvi.  18. 

"  Johlson.  Others,  "For all  the  people, &c., and  we," i^c. 

C81 


MICAH  IV.  V. 


reign  over  them  on   monnt   Zion.   from   this 
time  and  unto  eternity. 

8  Tl  And  thou,  0  tower"  of  flocks,  the 
strong-hold  of  the  daughter  of  Zion,  unto 
thee  sliall  go,''  and  sliall  come,  the  former  do- 
minion, the  kingdom  belonging  to  the  daugh- 
ter of  Jerusalem. 

9  Now  why  dost  thou  cry  aloud?  is  there 
no  king  in  thee?  is  thy  counsellor  lost?  that 
pangs  have  seized  on  thee  as  on  a  woman  in 
travail? 

10  Be  in  pain,  and  labour  to  bring  forth,'" 
0  daughter  of  Zion,  like  a  woman  in  travail; 
for  now  shalt  thou  go  forth  out  of  the  town, 
and  thou  shalt  dwell  in  the  field,  and  thou 
shalt  go  as  far  as  Babylon;  there  shalt  thou 
be  delivered;  there  will  the  Lord  redeem 
thee  from  the  grasp  of  thy  enemies. 

11  And  now  many  nations  are  gathered 
against  thee,  that  say,  Let  her  be  defiled,  and 
let  our  eye  look  with  pleasure  on  Zion. 

12  But  they  know  not  the  thoughts  of  the 
Lord,  and  they  understand  not  his  counsel: 
that  he  will  (once)  gather  them  as  the 
sheaves  into  the  threshing-floor. 

13  Arise  and  thresh,  0  daughter  of  Zion; 
for  T  will  render  thy  horn  iron,  and  thy  hoofs 
will  I  render  copper,  and  thou  shalt  beat  in 
pieces  many  people:  and  I  will  devote  unto 
the  Lord  their  ill-gotten  gain,  and  their  sub- 
stance unto  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth. 

ll""  Now  gather  thyself  in  troops,  0  daugh- 
ter of  troops ;'  they  lay  siege  against  us:  with 
the  rod  they  smite  upon  the  cheek  the  judge 
of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ][  But  thou,  Beth-lechem  Ephratah,  the 
least  (though)  thou  be  among  the  thousands 
of  Judali,  (yet)  out  of  thee  shall  he  come 
forth  unto  me  that  is  to  be  ruler  in  Israel, 
whose  origin  is  from  olden  times,  from  most 
ancient  days. 


°  Not  the  tower  of  this  uaiiic,  MigJal-'eder,  mentioned 
in  Gen.  .^xxv.  21,  which  is  b>'  Beth-lechem,  but  Mount 
Zion  itself,  the  watchtower  fur  the  flock  spoken  of  in  the 
preceJinf;  vcr.ses. — After  Redak. 

''  llashi,  after  the  massoretic  pause  accent  at  nnNH.  sup- 
plies "the  remnant"  spoken  of  above:  "unto  thee  shall 
come  all  the  renmant;  and  there  shall  comi'  tiie  former 
dominion,"  &c. 

°  lledak  renders  -njl  witli  ''and  j;:ri)an." 

^  In  the  English  version  tiiis  is  verse  1  of  chap.  v. 

"  Hashi  comments  this  to  mean  the  (!h:ildeans,  who 
(182 


2  Therefore  will  he  give  them  up,  until 
the  time  that  she''  who  travaileth  hath 
brought  forth:  then  shall  the  remnant  of  his 
brethren  return  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

3  And  he  shall  stand  forward  and  fiied 
(Israel)  through  the  strength  of  the  Lord, 
through  the  excellency  of  the  name  of  the 
Lord  his  God :  and  they  shall  abide  (safely) ; 
for  now  shall  he  be  great  even  unto  the  ends 
of  the  earth. 

4  And  in  this  (manner)  shall  there  be 
peace:  If  Asshur  should  come  into  our  land; 
and  if  he  should  tread  in  our  palaces,  then 
will  we  raise  up  against  him  seven  shepherds, 
and  eight  anointed^  men. 

5  And  they  shall  lay  waste  the  land  of 
Asshur  with  the  sword,  and  the  land  of  Nim- 
rod  in  the  gates  of  its  (cities) :  thus  will  he 
deliver  us  from  Asshur,  if  he  should  come 
into  our  land,  and  if  he  should  tread  within 
our  borders. 

6  Tf  And  the. remnant  of  Jacob  sliall  be  in 
the  midst  of  many  people  like  dew  from  the 
Lord,  like  showers  upon  the  herbs,  that  wait 
not  for  man,  nor  hope  for  the  sons  of  man. 

7  And  the  remnant  of  Jacob  shall  be 
among  the  nations,  in  the  midst  of  many 
people,  like  a  lion  among  the  beasts  of  the 
forest,  like  a  young  lion  among  flocks  of 
sheep:  who,  if  he  break  in,*"  lioth  treadeth 
down,  and  teareth  in  pieces,  while  none  can 
deliver. 

8  High  shall  thy  hand  be  lifted  up  above 
thy  adversaries,  and  all  thy  enemies  shall  be 
cut  off. 

9  ^1  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  I  will  cut  off  th}-  horses 
out  of  the  midst  of  thee,  and  I  will  destroy 
thy  chariots; 

10  And  I  will  cut  ofi'  the  cities  of  tliy 
land,  and  1  will  throw  down  all  thy  strong- 
holds ; 

11  And  I  will  cut  ofi"  the  arts  of  witch- 


may  now  prosper,  though  Israel  will  at  length  survive 
and  prevail  over  all.  Philippson,  freely,  ''troop  of  op- 
pressors." 

'  God  will  give  them  up  to  their  enemy  till  the  time  of 
Jndah's  regeneration,  when  their  remnant  shall  join  the 
other  tribes  and  be  no  more  two  people. — After  ll.\siii. 

*  Zunz.  Others,  "principal."  "These  numbers  are 
indefinite,  and  mean  chiefs  and  generals  with  their  proper 
armies." — Piiilippson. 

""  /.  e.  Pas.<eth  through  the  enclosure  where  the  cattle 
nre  kejit. 


MicAH  V.  VI.  VI  r. 


craft  out  of  thy  hand ;  and  soothsayers  shall 
thou  have  no  more; 

12  And  I  will  cut  off  thy  graven  images, 
and  thy  statues  out  of  the  midst  of  thee;  and 
thou  shalt  no  more  prostrate  thyself  to  the 
work  of  thy  h.mds; 

13  And  I  will  pluck  up  thy  groves  out  of 
the  midst  of  thee;  and  I  will  destroy  thy 
enemies." 

14  And  I  will  in  unger  and  in  fury  exe- 
cute vengeance  upon  the  nations,  upon  those 
that  have  not  hearkened. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  1]  Do  l)ut  hear  now  what  the  Lord  saith, 
Arise,  contend  thou  hetbre''  the  mountains, 
and  let  the  hills  hear  thy  voice. 

2  Hear  ye.  0  mountains,  tlie  controversy 
of  the  Lord,  and  ye  strong  foundations  of 
the  earth!  for  the  Lord  hath  a  controversy 
with  his  people,  and  with  Israel  will  he 
[ilead. 

3  0  my  people,  what  have  I  done  unto 
thee?  and  wherewith  have  I  wearied  thee? 
testify  against  me. 

4  Although"  I  had  brought  thee  up  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  redeemed  thee  out 
of  the  house  of  bond-men ;  and  I  sent  before 
thee  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Miriam. 

5  0  my  people,  do  but  remember  what  Ba- 
lak  thy  king  of  Molib  resohed,  and  what 
Bil'am  the  son  of  Be'or  answered  him,  from 
Shittim''  unto  Gilgal,  in  order  that  ye  may 
know  the  gracious  benefits  of  the  Lord. 

G  Wherewith  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord, 
bow  myself  before  the  God  on  high?  shall  I 
come  before  him  with  burnt-offerings,  with 
calves  of  a  year  old  ? 

7  Will  the  Lord  be  pleased  with  thousands 
of  rams,  or  with  myriads  of  streams  of  oil? 
shall  I  give  my  first-born  for  my  transgres- 
sion, the  fruit  of  my  body  for  the  sin  of  my 
soul? 


'  Jonathan  and  Rashi.  Others,  "thy  cities."  What- 
ever is  used  for  defence  or  attack,  and  all  means  of  decep- 
tion, and  outward  disturbing  causes,  shall  no  longer  break 
in  upon  the  reign  of  peace  hero  foretold. 

*■  Meaning,  that  mountains  and  hills  shall  be  the  judges. 

°  tlashi.     Others,  "because." 

'' ivasii,  "In  Shittim  you  sinned,  yet  I  withheld  not 
the  go^d  nor  my  help  from  you,  but  brought  you  to  Gil- 
gal to  inherit  the  land." 

"  Heb.  Ephah,  as  a  general  term  for  measures.  This 
is  here  represented  as  "scant  "  not  up  to  the  legal  stand- 


8  He  hath  told  thee,  0  man,  what  is  good ; 
and  what  the  Lord  doth  reqvtire  of  thee: 
(nothing)  but  to  do  justice,  and  to  love  kind- 
ness, and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God. 

9  ^  The  voice  of  the  Lord  calleth  unto 
the  city, — and  (the  man  of)  wisdom  shall 
see  thy  name : — hear  ye  the  rod  (of  punish- 
ment), and  who  hath  ordained  it. 

10  Are  there  yet  in  the  house  of  the  wick- 
ed man  the  treasures  of  wickedness,  and  the 
scant  accursed  measure?" 

11  Can  I  be  pure  with  wicked  balances, 
and  with  a  bag  (full)  of  deceptive  weights? 

12  For  her  rich  men  are  full  of  violence, 
and  her  inhabitants  have  spoken  falsehood, 
and  their  tongue  is  deceit  (itself)  in  their 
mouth. 

13  Therefore  have  I  also  smitten  thee 
with  sore  wounds,  making  (thee)  desolate  be- 
cause of  thy  sins. 

14  Thou  wilt  indeed  eat,  but  not  be  satisfied; 
and  what  tlion  hast  eaten  shall  bend  thee 
down  ;^  and  thou  wilt  overtake  (the  enemy),* 
but  thou  shalt  not  deliver;  and  that  which 
thou  deliverest  will  I  give  up  to  the  sword. 

15  Thou  wilt  indeed  sow,  but  thou  shalt  not 
reap ;  thou  wilt  indeed  tread  out  olives,  but  thou 
shalt  notanoint  tlnself  with  oil;  and  the  juice 
of  the  grapes,  but  thou  shalt  not  drink  wine. 

16  For  there  are  observed  the  statutes  of 
'Omri,  and  all  the  w^orks  of  the  house  of 
Achab,  and  ye  walk  in  their  counsels:  in 
order  that  I  should  give  thee  up  unto  desola- 
tion, and  thy  inhabitants  to  derision ;  and  ^e 
shall  bear  the  reproach  of  my**  people. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ^  Wo  is  me !  for  I  am  as  in  the  gather- 
ing' of  the  summer-fruits,  as  in  the  grape- 
gleanings  of  the  vintage :  there  is  no  cluster 
to  eat,  no  first-ripe  fruit  for  which  my  soul 
longeth. 

2  The  pious  hath  disappeared  out  of  the 

ard,  hence,  "accursed,"   or  calling   down   the   wrath    of 
God. 

'  Rashi,  13ip3  "  what  is  in  thy  bowels,"  ('.  ''.  the  food 
after  it  is  eaten, — this  shall  be  undigested,  and  cause  a 
cramp  and  contraction.  Zunz,  "  unappea.sable  hunger 
shall  remain  within  thee." 

«  Rashi. 

"  Sept.  "of  the  people." 

'  Rashi,  "The  prophet  complains  over  himself  that  he 
was  appointed  prophet  at  a  time  when  there  were  no 
righteous  in  the  generation." 

683 


MICAH  VII. 


hind ;  and  the  upright  among  men  there  is 
none,  all  of  them  lie  in  wait  for  blood;  they 
hunt  every  man  his  brother  with  a  net. 

?>  For  the  evil  of  j-our  hands  you  expect 
good?  while  the  prince  demandeth  (bribes), 
and  the  judge  acteth  for  pay ;  and  the  great 
man  is  only  speaking  the  wilful  pleasure  of 
his  soul :  and  so  do  they  make  a  network  (of 
wrong) ." 

4  The  best  of  tliem  is  like  a  brier;  the  most 
upright  is  (sharper)  than  a  thorn-hedge:  the 
day  of  thy  watcbmen,''  thy  punishment,  is 
come ;  now  shall  be  perplexity  among  them. 

5  Trust  ye  not  in  a  friend,  put  ye  not 
confidence  in  a  confidant:"  from  her  that 
lieth  in  thy  bosom  guard  the  doors  of  thy 
mouth. 

6  For  the  son  disgrace  tli  the  father,  the 
daughter  riseth  up  against  her  mother,  the 


dau'ihter-in-law 


against    her    mother-in-law; 


a  man  s  enemies  are  the  men  of  his   own 
house. 

7  But  I, — I  will  look  unto  the  Lord  ;  I  will 
wait  for  the  God  of  my  salvation :  my  God 
will  hear  me. 

8  Eejoice  not.  0  my  enemy,'*  over  me : 
though  I  am  foUen,  I  rise  again  ;  though  I 
should  sit  in  darkness,  the  Lord  will  be  a 
light  unto  me. 

9  *(\  The  indignation  of  the  Lord  will  I 
bear,  because  I  have  sinned  against  him ; 
until  that  he  plead  my  cause,  and  execute  jus-  l|  ness. 


11  The  day^  that  thy  fences  are  to  be 
built — that  same  day,  the  ordained,  is  yet 
far  removed.' 

12  It  is  a  day  when  men  shall  come  to 
thee  from  Assyria,  and  the  cities  of  Mazor,= 
and  from  Mazor  even  to  the  river,  and  from 
sea  to  sea,  and  (from)  mountain  to  mountain. 

13  While"  the  land  (of  the  nations)  shall 
be  made  desolate  because  of  its  inhabitants, 
for  the  fruit  of  their  doings. 

14  ][  Feed  thy  people  with  thy  rod,  the 
flock  of  thy  heritage,  which  dwell  in  solitude 
in  the  wood,  in  the  midst  of  Carmel :  let 
them  feed  in  Bashan  and  Gil'ad,  as  in  the 
days  of  old. 

15  As  in  the  days  of  thy  coming  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt  will  I  let  them  see  marvellous 
things. 

16  Nations  shall  see  and  be  ashamed  of 
all  their  might :  they  shall  lay  their  hand 
upon  their  mouth,  their  ears  shall  be  deaf- 
ened. 

17  They  shall  lick  the  dust  like  the  ser- 
pent; like  those  that  crawl  on  the  earth,  shall 
they  come  forth  trembling  out  of  their  close 
places :  unto  the  Lord  our  God  shall  they 
hasten  in  dread,  and  shall  be  afraid  of  thee. 

18  Who  is  a  god  like  unto  thee,  pardoning 
iniquity,  and  forgiving'  transgression  to  the 
residue  of  his  heritage  ?  he  retaineth  not  his 
•iiiger  for  ever,  because  he  delighteth  in  kind- 


tice  for  me:  (when)  he  will  bring  me  forth  to 
the  light,  and  I  shall  beliold  his  righteousness. 
10  Then  she  that  is  my  enemy  will  see  it, 
and  shame  shall  cover  her,  who  said  unto  me,  sea. 
Where  is  the  Lord  thy  God  ?  My  eyes  shall 
complacently  see  her  (suffer) :  now  shall  she 
be  trodden  down  as  the  mire  of  the  streets. 


"  This  verse  is  rendered  after  Rashi;  but  Redak,  "to 
ciinfirm  the  evil  in  their  hands,  the  judge,"  &c.  Philipp- 
son,  "In  order  to  pronounce  the  evil  of  the  hands  good, 
the  judge,"  &c. — "and  the  great  expresseth  the  longing 
of  his  soul,"  ('.  e.  for  gifts. 

''  Rashi,  "the  day  on  which  thou  didst  hope  for  happi- 
ness;" the  watchmen  are  the  prophets;  the  day  they  pre- 
dicted was  the  time  of  punisiiment. 

°  Others,  "chief,"  or  "guide." 

''  I'roperly,  "female  enemy,"  which  cannot  ho  given 
vith  an  English  word. 

(JHl 


19  He  v/jll  again  have  mercy  on  us,  he 
will  suppress  our  iniquities :  yea,  thou  wilt 
cast  all  their  sins  into  the  dej)ths   of  the 


20  Thou  wilt  show  faithfulness  unto  Jacob, 
and  kindness  unto  Abraham,  which  thou  hast 
sworn  unto  our  fathers  in  the  days  of  old. 

'  Rashi  refers  this  verse  to  the  enemy,  and  renders, 
"The  day  thou  hopest  for,  to  build  thy  fences — that  day 
will  remove  afar  its  fixed  time  and  will  be  delayed  and 
never  come." 

'  After  Philippson,  who  refers  the  prophecy  to  Israel, 
the  restoration  of  whom  it  is  thus  said  will  be  after  a  long 
while,  though  certain. 

«  Redak,  "Egypt."     Others,  "fortified  cities." 

'■  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezi:i ;  but  Philippson,  "Notwith- 
standing the  land  (of  Israel)  was  made  desolate." 

'  Lit   "parsing  by,"  i.  e.  not  punishing. 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  NAHUM, 


Dim    HiXIDJ. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  doom  of  Ninoveh.  The  book  of 
the  vision  of  Nahum"  the  Ell<;oshite. 

2  A  God  watchful  and  avenging  is  the  Lord  ; 
an  avenger  is  the  Lord,  and  full  of  fury;  the 
Lord   taketh  vengeance  on  his  adversaries,  j 
and  keepeth   in  mind  the  deeds  of  his  ene- 
mies. 

3  The  Lord  is  long-suflering,  and  great  in  , 
power,  but   he  will   by  no  means  clear  the  | 
guilty :  the  Lord — in  the  whirlwind  and  in 
the  storm  is  his  way,  and  the  clouds  are  the 
dust  of  his  feet. 

4  He  rebuketh  the  sea,  and  maketh  it  dry, 
and  all  the  rivers  he  drieth  up :  Bashan  then 
withereth,  with  Carmel,  and  the  flowers  of 
Lebanon  wither. 

5  Mountains  quake  before  him,  and  the 
hills  melt  away ;  and  the  earth  is  lifted  up*" 
at  his  presence,  yea,  the  Avorld,  and  all  that 
dwell  therein. 

6  Before  his  indignation  Avho  can  stand? 
and  who  can  subsist"  before  the  fierceness  of 
his  anger?   his  fury  is  poured  out  like  fire,, 
and  the  rocks  are  broken  down  by  him.  j 

7  The  Lord  is  good,  a  strong-hold  on  the 
day  of  distress;  and  he  knoweth''  those  that 
trust  in  him. 

8  But  with  an  overflowing  flood  will  he 
utterly  destroy  the  place  of  (Nineveh),  and 
his  enemies  will  he  pursue  with  darkness.       1 

9  What  will  you  devise  against  the  Lord?, 

'  Properly,  Narhxim,  ] 

'  As  is  often  the  case  in  earth(|uakes,  when  hills  sink 
and  level  land  is  upheaved.  Rashi,  Aben  Ezra,  &c. 
'•riseth  up  in  smoke,"  or  "  is  burnt." 

°  Pliilippson,  literally,  "who  can  rise  up." 

^  Basni,  "(the  wants  of)  those."  &c. 

'  Philippson  refers  this  and  verse  12  to  Israel,  or  Zion, 
meaning,  that  the  wicked  should  be  removed,  and  they 
should  suflFer  no  more  through  them.  Rashi  and  others 
apply  this  verse  to  Nineveh,  as  the  destroyer  of  God's 
{leople  had  come  from  it. 

'  Jonathan,  "  though  they  set  across  the  Tigris  and 
passed  over  the  Euphr.ites." 


he  is  bringing  about,  an  utter  destruction,  the 
distress  shall  not  rise  up  twice. 

10  For  they,  like  thorns  interwoven,  and 
as  men  made  drunken  in  their  drinking  bout, 
shall  be  entirely  consumed  as  dry  stubble. 

11  There  is  gone  forth"  out  of  thee  he 
that  devised  evil  against  the  Lord,  the  coun- 
sellor of  infamous  things. 

12  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord.  Though 
they  be  complete,  and  ever  so  many,  never- 
theless shall  they  be  cut  down,*'  and  it  shall 
be  over  (with  them) :  and  if  even  I  have 
afflicted  thee,  I  will  afllict  thee  no  more. 

13  For  now  will  I  break  his  yoke  from  off 
thee,  and  th}-  Ijonds  will  I  tear  asunder. 

14  Buf-'  against  thee  hath  the  Lord  de- 
creed, that  no  heir''  of  thy  name  shall  be  any 
more  :  out  of  the  house  of  thy  gods  will  I  cut 
oft'  the  graven  and  the  molten  image;  I  will 
prepare  thy  grave  (there)  ;*  for  thou  art  made 
vile. 

CHAPTER  IL'^ 

1  Behold,  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet 
of  him  that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  pul> 
lisheth  peace,  Celebrate  thy  feasts,  0  Judah, 
fulfil  thy  vows;  for  never  more  shall  the 
wicked'  pass  again  through  thee,  he  is  ut- 
terly cut  off. 

2  The  destroj'er  is  come  up  against  thee" 
to  enclose  (thee)  with  Avorks  of  siege: 
look  out  on  the  way,  make  thy  loins  strong, 
strengthen  (thyself)  greatly  with  power. 

s  Verse  13  evidently  refers  to  Jerusalem  or  Israel,  and 
this  to  the  king  of  Assyria. 

^  Lit.  "  there  shall  not  be  sown  of  thj-  name  any  more." 

'  After  Rashi,  who  comments,  "like  thy  father  who 
was  slain  in  the  house  of  Nissrach  his  god."  (See  2  Kings 
six.  39.) 

'  In  the  English  version,  chap.  ii.  commences  at  ver.  '2. 

'  Johlson  and  others,  "destroyer." 

^  Rashi  conceives  the  land  of  Judah  to  be  addressed 
here:  "The  destroyer  that  once  came  up  against  thee,  is 
now  himself  besieged  (by  the  king  of  Babylon);  look  out, 
thou  man  of  Judah,"  <Sc.  Aben  Ezra  thinks  Nineveh  is 
addressed. 


NAHUM  II.  111. 


3  For  the  Lord  bringeth  back  again  the 
excellency  of  Jacob,  as  also  the  excellency 
of  Israel;  for  the  plunderers"  have  plundered 
them,  and  have  wasted  the  branches  of  their 
vines. 

4  The  rdiields  of  his  mighty  men  are  made 
red,  the  .aliant  men  are  (clothed)  in  scarlet : 
with  the  fire  of  the  steeP  the  chariots  (glitr 
ter)  CM  the  day  when  he  prepareth  himself 
(for  battle),  and  the  spears''  are  shaken. 

5  In  the  streets  the  chariots  rush  madly 
along,  they  rattle  through  the  public  places : 
their  appearance  is  like  torches,  they  run 
along  like  the  lightnings. 

6  He  will  summon  his  valiant  men,  they 
shall  stumble  iii  their  walk :  they  hasten  to 
her  walls,  and  the  covering  for  defence  is 
prepared. 

7  The  gates  of  the  rivers  are  opened,  and 
the  palace  is  dissolved. 

8  And  the  queen''  is  carried  away  into 
exile  stripped  of  her  attire,  and  her  maids 
moan  as  with  the  voice  of  doves,  striking 
their  hand  upon  their  breast. 

9  And  Nineveh  was  like  a  pool  of  water 
from  the  days  that  she  existed:  yet  now 
they  flee.  "Stand,  stand,"  (shall  they  cry,) 
but  none  shall  look  back. 

10  Plunder  silver,  plunder  gold;  for  with- 
out end  are  the  treasures,  there  is  an  aljund- 
ance"  of  all  precious  vessels. 

11  She  is  void,  and  emptied  out,  and  wast- 
ed; and  the  heart  melteth,  and  the  knees 
totter,  and  trembling  is  in  all  loins,  and  the 
tiices  of  them  all  are  covered  with  blackness. 

12  Where  is  (now)  the  dwelling  of  the 
lions,  and  Avhat  was  the  feeding-place  of  the 
young  lions,  where  the  linn,  the  lioness,  and 
the  lion's  whelp  walked,  and  none  made  them 
al'raid  ? 

13  The  lion  tore  in  pieces  (prey)  enough 
for  his  whelps,  and  strangled  for  his  lionesses, 


'  Lit.  "the  einpticrs  have  emptied  them  out." 
''  ^\^^^>2  is  .supiiii.'^ed  by  Zuiiz  and  (ithers  to  mean  "steel," 
hence  the  weapons  made  of  it,  with  whieh  the  chariots 
were  supplied  when  they  went  to  battle.  Sume  (Rashi, 
Aben  Ezra,  and  Uedak)  suppose  it  means  "flames,"  or  the 
sparks  stniLk  by  the  iron  wheels  as  they  are  driven  swiftly 
over  the  grouud. 

"Lit.  "Hie  fi.- trees,"  hence,  "spears"  or  "arrows" 
made  of  this  wood.  Redak,  "the  spears  are  poisoned." 
The  sentence  is  of  difficult  ccr.c'iruction;  and  Jonathan 
renders  it,  "and  thf, thiefe  of  ihr,  'rr^.ps  are  enveloped  in 
e^iToured  garmcatfi. 
680 


and  filled  with  prey  his  holes,  and  his  dens 
with  what  he  had  torn. 

14  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee,  saitfi 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  I  will  burn  into 
smoke  thy'  chariots,  and  thy  young  lions 
shall  the  sword  devour:  and  I  will  cut  off 
from  the  earth  thy  preying,  and  no  more 
shall  be  heard  the  voice  of  thy  messengers. 

CHAPTER  in. 

1  ][  Wo  to  the  city  of  blood !  it  is  all  full 
of  lies  and  robbery;  never  ceaseth  the  prey- 
mo*  • 

2  The  noise  of  a  whip,  and  the  noise  of 
the  rattling  of  wheels,  and  of  prancing  horses, 
and  of  the  skipping  chariots. 

o  Horsemen  mount,  and  there  are  the 
flaming  sword  and  the  glittering  sjjear:  and 
there  is  a  multitude  of  slain,  and  heaps  of 
carcasses;  and  without  end  are  the  corpses; 
they  stumble  on  their  corpses  ; 

4  Because  of  the  multitude  of  the  lewd 
deeds  of  the  harlot,  that  is  rich  in  graceful- 
ness, the  mistress  of  witchcrafts,  that  selleth 
nations  through  her  lewd  deeds,  and  families 
through  her  witchcrafts. 

5  Behold,  I  will  be  against  thee,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts ;  and  I  will  lay  thy  skirts  open 
over  thy  face,  and  I  will  let  nations  see  thy 
nakedness,  and  kingdoms  thy  shame. 

6  And  I  will  cast  abominable  filth  upon 
thee,  and  defile  thee,  and  will  render  thee  a 
dirt-heap." 

7  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  all  they 
that  see  thee  shall  flee  from  thee,  and  say, 
Laid  waste  is  Nineveh :  who  will  condole 
with  her?  whence  shall  I  seek  comforters  for 
thee? 

8  Art  thou  better  than  No-amon,  that  was 
situated  on  the  rivers,  that  had  water  I'ound 
about  her,  the  rampart  of  which  was  the  ^*ea,'' 
and  the  walls  of  which  rose  out  of  the  sea? 


^  This  verse  is  given  after  Rashi;  but  Redak  takes 
3Xni  to  stand  by  itself,  as  meaning,  "the  palace  that  stood 
in  prosperity  so  many  years  is  destroyed;"  and  Philipp- 
son,  "And  though  he  ( /.  e.  the  king)  placed  himself  (in 
battle),  she  (Nineveh)  is  carried  away  into  exile,"  &e. 

'■  Johlson  and  others.  Jonathan,  "sweep  it  of  all  pre- 
cious vessels." 

'  Lit.  "her;"  but  the  change  of  persons,  as  from  tb? 
second  to  the  third,  is  very  fre(|uent  in  the  Bible. 

*  Philippson,  "a  spectacle." 

''  Philippson,  "river,"  /.  r.  the  Nile;  so  also  Isa.  xi 
lb ;  xix.  5, 


HABAKKUK  I. 


9  Ethiopia  the  mimerous,"  and  Egypt  that 
jvas  without  end,  Put  and  Lubim  were  thy 
helper^;. 

10  Yet  also  she  was  exiled,  was  carried 
away  into  captivity;  also  her  young  children 
were  dashed  in  pieces  at  the  corners  of  all 
streets;  and  for  her  honourable  men  they 
cast  lots,  and  all  her  great  ones  were  bound 
with  chains. 

11  Thou  also  shalt  be  made  drunken, 
thou  shalt  be  hidden  from  view:  thou  also 
shult  seek  refuge  because  of  the  enemy. 

12  All  thy  strong-holds  shall  be  like  fig- 
trees  with  the  first--ripe  figs,  which,  if  they 
l)e  shaken,  will  fall  into  the  mouth  of  the 
eater. 

13  Behold,  thy  people  ai-e  become  Avomen 
in  the  midst  of  thee:  unto  thy  enemies  are 
the  gates  of  thy  land  set  wide  open;  the  fire 
hath  devoured  thy  bars. 

14  Water  for  the  siege  draAV  for  thyself, 
fortify  thy  strong-holds :  go  into  the  clay, 
and  tread  the  mortar,  make  strong  the  brick- 
kiln. 


15  There  shall  the  tire  devour  thee;  the 
sword  shall  cut  thee  oft',  it  shall  devour  thee 
up  like  the  cankerworm :  (though)  thou 
make"  thyself  many  as  the  cankerworm; 
make  thyself  many  as  the  locusts. 

16  (Though)  thou  hadst  multiplied  thy 
merchants  more  than  the  stars  of  heaven: 
the  cankerworm  spreadeth  itself  out,  and 
flieth  away. 

17  Thy  crowned  ones  are  like  the  locusts, 
and  thy  leaders  like  the  swarms  of  locusts, 
which  camp  in  the  hedges  on  a  cold  day, 
but  when  the  sun  ariseth  they  flee  away, 
and  their  place  is  not  known  where  they 
are. 

18  Thy  shepherds  slumber,  0  king  of  As- 
syria; thy  valiant  men  are  at  rest :  scattered 
are  thy  people  upon  the  mountains,  and  there 
is  none  that  gathereth  them. 

19  There  is  no  healing  for  thy  breach; 
fatal  is  thy  wound  :  all  that  hear  the  report 
of  thee  will  clap  their  hands  over  thee ;  for 
over  whom  did  not  thy  wickedness  pass  con- 
tinually ? 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  HABAKKUK, 


pipnn  nNi3J- 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  prophecy  which  Habakkuk"  the 
prophet  foresaw. 

2  How  long,  0  Lord,  have  I  entreated 
(thee), and  thou  wouldst  not  hear?  (how  long) 
shall  I  cry  out  unto  thee  (because  of)  vio- 
lence, and  thou  wilt  not  save? 

3  Why  wilt  thou  let  me  see  wickedness, 
and  wilt  look  on  trouble,  and  the  roljbery 
and  violence  (that  are)  before  me :  while" 
there  is  strife,  and  contention  lifteth  up  (its 
head)? 


4  Therefore  is  the  law  powerless,  and 
justice  Cometh  not  forth  victorious;  for  the 
wicked  encompasseth  about  the  righteous; 
therefore  doth  justice  come  forth  perverted. 

5  Look  ye  about  among  the  nations,  and 
behold  and  be  astonished  and  astounded;  for 
(God)  will  fulfil  a  work  in  your  days,  ye 
would  not  l)elieve  it,  if  it  were  only  told  you. 

6  For.  lo.  I  will  raise  up  the  Chaldeans, 
that  l:)itter  and  impetuous  nation,  that  march 
to  the  wide  spaces  of  the  earth  to  conquer 
dwelling-places  that  are  not  theirs. 

7  Terrible    and  dreadful  are  they:    from 


°  Zunz.     Rashi,  "Cush  that  was  her  strength."     No-!      "  ProTperly,  Chabakkuk. 
aman  is  addressed  in  this  verse.  !       "  Zuiiz;  but  Rashi,  "while  the  wicked  who  exciteth 

"  Rashi,  '-it  shall  sweep  thee  off  like  the  cankerworm,  i! strife  and  contention  is  allowed  to  exist  and   prosper;"  so 
it  shall  sweep  thee  off  like  the  loeu.sts."  1  also  Jonathan:  but  it  is  a  forced  construction. 


HABAKKUK  1.  II. 


tLemselves"  go  forth  their  judicial  laws  and 
their  dignity. 

8  And  swifter  than  leopards  are  their 
horses,  and  fiercer  than  the  evening  wolves; 
and  their  horsemen  spread  themselves  abroad : 
and  their  horsemen  will  come  from  afar ; 
they  will  Qy  like  the  eagle  hasteniui;  to  eat. 

9  They  all  will  come  for  violence:  the 
front''  of  their  faces  is  like  the  east  wind, 
and  they  gather  captives  as  the  sand. 

10  And  they  will  make  sport  with  kings, 
and  princes  Avill  l)e  a  play  unto  them:  at 
every  strong-hold  will  they  laugh,  and  they 
Avill  cast  up  earth-mounds  and  capture  it. 

11  Then''  doth  their  spirit  become  arrogant, 
and  they  are  surpassingly  proud,  and  offend, 
(imputing)  this  their  power  unto  their  god. 

12  Art  thou  not  from  everlasting,  0  Lord 
my  God,  my  Holy  One  ?  we  shall  not  die. 
0  Lord,  thou  hast  ordained  them  for  judg- 
ment ;  and,  0  Protector,''  thou  hast  apjjointed 
them  to  correct  (nations). 

18  Thou,  who  art  too  pure  of  eyes  to  behold 
evil,  and  canst  not  look  on  trouble,  wherefore 
wilt  thou  look  upon  those  that  deal  treache- 
rously, be  silent  when  the  wicked  swallow- 
eth  up  him  that  is  more  righteous  than  he  ? 

14  And  (why)  makest  thou  men'  as  the 
fishes  of  the  sea,  as  the  creeping  things,  that 
have  no  ruler  over  them? 

15  All  of  them  he*^  bringeth  up  with  the 
angle,  he  draggeth  them  up  in  his  net,  and 
gathereth  them  in  his  drag:  therefore  he  re- 
joiceth  and  is  glad. 

16  Therefore  he  sacrificeth  unto  his  net, 
and  burnetii^  incense  unto  his  drag;  because;; 
through  them  is  his  portion  fat,  and  his  food 
marrowy. 

'  i.  e.  They  act  in  judicial  matters  without  regard  to 
right,  only  according  to  their  will.  So  Jonathan;  but 
Rashi,  "  they  have  judges  and  kings  who  impose  their 
burdep  and  fear  on  all." 

''  Jonathan.  Rashi,  "  the  snorting  of  their  faces  is 
like  that  of  the  east  wind."  Zunz,  "their  faces  snort 
eastward."  Philippson,  "the  raging  of  their  faces  is 
turned  forward." 

"  This  verse  is  given  after  Rashi  and  Redak,  taking 
13;?'l  as  "passing" — the  bounds,  here,  in  pride  or  as- 
sumption. Philippson,  h(jwevcr,  "They  pass  (into  the 
conquered  city),  and  it  is  wasted;  and  this  their  power  is 
their  god."  Zunz,  "then  move  they  along  as  a  storm, 
and  it  is  passed,  and  thus  is  (all)  wasted,  (imputing),"  &c. 

"Heb.  "Rock." 

*  Rashi  comments,  "before  this  wicked  one  free  as  the 
fishes  of  the  sea,  whom  every  one  than  pleascth  may  catch." 
688 


17  Shall  he  therefore  (always)  empty  his 
net,    and    continually   slay   nations   without 


sparmg ; 


CHAPTER  II. 


1  Tl  Upon  my  watch  will  I  stand,  and 
place  myself  upon  the  tower,''  and  will  watch 
to  see  what  he  will  speak  with  me,  and  whii.t 
I  shall  answer  to  my  reproof' 

2  And  the  Lord  answered  me,  and  said, 
Write  down  the  vision,  and  make  it  plain 
upon  the  tables,  that  every  one  may  read  it 
fluently. 

3  For  there  is  yet  a  vision  for  the  appoint- 
ed time,  and  it  speaketh  of  the  end,  and  [-. 
will  not  deceive:  though  it  tarry,  w;Ml  for  it; 
because  it  will  surely  come,  it  will  not  be  de- 
layed. 

4  Behold,  disturbed,''  not  at  vest  is  the  soul 
of  (the  wicked)  in  him;  but  the  righteous 
ever  liveth  in  his  (trustful)  il-xih. 

5  And  though  the  wine-(drutiken)  traitor, 
the  proud  man,'  whose  house  wiil  not  .stand, 
who  enlargeth  his  desire  as  the  .OT.tvc,  and 
is  like  death,  which  cannot  be  satisfied,- — 
though  he  gather  unto  him  all  the  nations, 
and  assemble  unto  him  all  the  people : 

6  Will  not  all  these  take  up  a  parable 
against  him,  and  a  proverb  and  a  satire 
concerning  him?  and  they  will  say.  Wo  to  hiiu 
that  increaseth  what  is  not  his!  for  how 
long?  and  to  him  that  loadeth  himself  wI+L 
a  burden  of  guilt !"" 

7  Behold,  suddenly  will  ri.se  up  those  thai 
afflict"  thee,  and  awake  those  that  plague 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  become  a  booty  unto 
them. 

8  Because  thou  hast  despoiled  many  na- 

'  Each  one  of  the  wicked.  Eng.  ver.  "  they,"  referring 
to  the  Chaldeans  as  a  nation. 

^  Philippson  takes  this  figuratively,  as  meaning  that 
thej-  deify  their  own  power,  not  the  weapons  themselves. 

■■  Lit.  "fortress." 

'  Aben  Ezra,  "to  him  who  reproveth  me."  Reilak 
adds,  "for  I  am  not  alone  perplexed  in  this  matter." 

''  After  Rashi.  nSiJ^r  from  hsy,  "a  hill,"  the  opposite 
from  "ny  "level;"  hence,  figurative,  "disturbed — i:|uiet;" 
the  righteous  is  always  inward,  as  it  were,  on  a  level, 
while  the  wicked  has  constant  internal  difiiculties  to  over- 
come. Zunz,  "Behold,  presumptuous  is  the  soul  of 
him  who  hath  no  pleasure  in  God." 

'  Meaning  the  king  of  the  Chnldeans. 

^  Rashi,  deriving  it  from  3;'  "thick  mass,"  and  o'O 
"clay."     Others,  from  a2y  "a  pledge  for  debt." 

"  Lit,  "that  bite  thee  "     Others,  "thy  creditors." 


HABAKKUK  II.  III. 


his    image    trusteth    therein,   while    making 
dumb  idols? 

19  ^  Wo  unto  him  that  saith  to  the  wood. 
Awake!  Rouse  up  to  the  dumb  stone.  Shall 
this  teach?  IJeliold,  it  is  overlaid  with  gold 
and  silver,  and  no  breath  whatever  is  in  its 
bosom. 

20  i)ut  the  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple:  be 
silent  before  him  all  the  earth. 

CHAPTER   III. 

1  Tl  A  prayer  of  Ilabakkuk  the  prophet 
upon  Shigyonoth. 

2  ()  Lord,  I  have  heard  thy  fame,  (and)  was 
^  afraid :  0  Lord,  thy  work — in  the  midst  of 
ithe  years  (of  sorrow)"  revive  thou  it,  in  the 
midst  of  the  years  make  it  known;  in  wrath 

remember  mercy. 

I  o  (When)  God  from  Themau  came,  and 
the  Holy  One  from  mount  Paran,  Selah  : 
his  glory  covered  the  heavens,  and  of  his 
pi-aise"  the  earth  was  full. 

4  And  (his)  briglitness  was  like  the  sini- 
light;  rays  streained  forth  out  of  his  hand 
unto  them:  and  there"  was  the  hiding  of  his 
power. 

5  Before  him  went  the  pestilence,  and 
burning  coals  went  forth  in  liis  steps.' 

6  He  stood  forward,  and  made  the  earth 
trendjle;  he  loiiked,  and  dispersed  nations; 
and  there  burst  asunder  the  everlasting 
mountains;  there  sunk  the  perpetual  hills: 
the  ways'  of  the  w^orld  are  his. 

7  In  atUiction^  I. saw  the  tents  of  Cushan: 
they  trendjled — the  curtains  of  the  land  of 
Midiau. 

8  Tl  Was  the  Lord  wroth  against  the 
rivers?  yea,  was  against  the  rivers  thy  anger 

tlie  town,  and  all  that  dwell  therein.  (kindled)?  was    against    the  sea  thy  wratli 

18  What  profiteth  the  graven  image  tliat  \  that  thou  rodest  upon   thy  horses,  thy  cha- 
its  maker  hath  graven  it?  the  molten  imaue.    riots  of  victory? 


tions,  therefore  will  all  the  remnant  of  the 
people  despoil  thee;  because  of  the  blood  of 
men.  and  the  violence  against  the  land,  the 
town,  and  all  that  dwell  therein. 

9  T[  Wo  to  him  that  obtaineth  an  evil 
gain  for  his  house,  that  he  may  set  his  nest 
on  high,  that  he  may  be  delivered  from  the 
grasp  of  the  wicked ! 

10  Thou  hast  coun.selled  shame  to  thy 
house,  by  cutting  off  many  people,  and  sin- 
ning (against)  thy  soul. 

11  For  the  stone  will  cr}-  out  of  the  wall, 
and  the  beam  out  of  the  wood  (-work)  will 
answer  it. 

12  T[  Wo  to  him  that  buildeth  a  city  with 
blood-guiltiness,  and  layeth  the  foundation  of 
a  town  by  wrong-doing. 

13  Behold,  is  it  not  from  the  Lord  of  hosts 
that  people  shall  labour  for  the  very  fire, 
and  nations  shall  weary  themselves  for 
naught  but  vanity? 

14  For  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  know- 
ledge of  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea.  ^ 

15  ][  Wo  unto  him  that  maketh  his  neigh- 
bours drink,  (to  thee)  that  pourest  out  thy 
poisonous  (wine),  and  makest  them  also 
drunken,  in  order  to  look  on  their  naked- 
ness ! 

16  Thou  art  filled  with  shame  instead  of 
glory;  drink  thou  also,  and  let  thy  naked- 
ness be  uncovered:  there  shall  be  turned 
around  unto  thee  the  cup  of  the  Lord'.s  right 
hand,  and  filthy  spittle  shall  be  on  thy  glory. 

17  For  the  violence  against  Lelianon  shall 
cover  thee,  and  the  destruction  of  beasts, 
which  he  terrified  away ;'  because  of  the  blood 
of  men,  and   the  vitilence  against  the   land. 


and  a  teacher  of  falsehood?  that  tlie  maker  ol 

'Zunz;  but  Raslii,  "the  destruction  of  thy  cattle 
(armies)  that  wasted  my  people  Israel,  this  shall  break 
them."  Philippson,  "and  the  destruction  of  its  beasts 
shall  disgrace  (thee)." 

"  Kashi.  «  Redak,  "brightness." 

"Jonathan,  "there  was  revealed  his  glory  which  had 
been  hidden  from  the  children  of  men  in  the  height  of 
heaven."  Aben  Ezra,  "the  hiding-place,"  i.e.  the  ark 
where  the  tables  of  the  covenant  were  kept.  Heidenheim, 
"This  is  the  cover  of  his  power." 

'Jonathan.  Lit.  "at  his  feet."  Others  render,  "the 
fiery  plague  was  in  his  train  " 

\V. 


9  Laid"  quite    bare   is    thy   bow,  like   se- 


'  Rashi.  Philippson,  "  tliis  is  his  everlasting  course." 
Zunz,  "for  him  are  paths  from  all  eternity." 

^  Rashi,  "In  punishment  for  the  wickedness  of  Israel 
have  I  seen  the  tents  of  Cushan;  (See  Judges  iii.  8;) 
but  when  they  repented,  then  trembled,"  &c. 

''  Rashi  translates,  ''  Thy  strength  was  fully  revealed, 
because  of  the  oaths  thou  hadst  sworn  to  the  tribes,  a 
word  that  will  stand  forever;"  taking  niiJ^ty  for  "oaths," 
moo  'tribes,"  and  nSo  (Selah)  as  '-eternity.".  Heiden- 
heim and  Johlson,  boldly,  "thy  bow  soattereth  destruc- 
tion around— (rrv  from  -ii;'  "  to  destroy,"  "to  lay  bare,") 
— destruction   .sevenfold  thy  spenrs.  by  thy  mighty  com- 

tiS'J 


ZEPHANIAH  I. 


vere  rods  of  punishment   (goeth  forth)  thy  j  rejoiced  greatly  as  though  they  were  to  de- 
word,   Selah  :    into  rivers  thou  splittest  the  j  vour  the  poor  in  secret.' 
earth.  1      15   (But)   thou  didst  pass  along  over  the 

10  The  mountains  saw  thee,  they  trem- !  sea  with  thy  horses,  over  the  piled  up  billows 
bled;  the  flowing  waters  passed  along:    the    of  great  waters. 

deep  issued  forth  its  voice,  the  heightMifted '       16  I  heard  it,  and  my  inmost  parts  trem- 
up  its  hands.  bled;    at  the  report  my  lips  quivered;    rot- 

11  The  sun  and  moon  stood  still  in  their  tenness  entered  into  my  boues,  and  I  trem- 
dwelling:  at  the  light  of  thy  arrows  they"  j  bled  in  my  place,  that  I  should  rest  till  the 
walked  along,  at  the  shining  of  the   flaming   day  of  distress,  till  the  withdrawing  of  the 


glitter  of  thy  spear. 

12  la  indignation  thou  marchest  through 
the  earth,  in  anger  thou  treadest  down 
nations. 

13  Thou  wentest  forth  to  the  assistance  of 
tliy  people,  to  the  assistance  of  thy  anointed: 

didst  wound  the  head"  out  of  the  house 


people  that  will  invade  us  with  its  troops 

17  For  the  fig-tree  doth  not  bud.  and  no 
fruit  is  on  the  vines ;  the  productiveness*  of 
the  olive  deceiveth,  and  the  fields  yield  no 
food;  from  the  fold  the  flocks  are  cut  oft",  and 
there  are  no  herds  in  the  stalls. 

18  Yet  will  I  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  I  will 


thou  ( 

of  tlie  wicked,  destroy  the  foundation  with  j  exult  in  the  God  of  my  salvation, 
the  high-towering  walls."     Selah.  ''      19  The  Lord  Eternal  is  my  strength,  and  he 

1-1  Thou  didst  strike  through  with  his  maketh  my  feet  fleet  as  those  of  the  hinds, 
own  spears  the  chiefs  of  his  villages,  Avho  and  he  will  cause  me  to  tread  upon  my  high 
rushed    out    furiously    to    scatter    me ;    who '  places.    To  the  chief  musician  of  my  songs." 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  ZEPHANIAH, 


n^jQV  nxiDj- 


CHAPTER  L 

1  *|y  The  word  of  the  Lord  which  came 
unto  Zephanyah  the  son  of  Cushi,  the  son  of 
Gedalyah,  the  son  of  Amaryah.  the  son  of 
('liizkiyah,  in  the  days  of  Josiah  the  son  of 
Anion  the  king  of  Judah. 

2  I  will  remove,'  utterly  remove  all  things 
from  oft'  the  fixce  of  the  earth,  saith  the  Lord. 

3  I  will  remove  man  and  beast ;  I  will  re- 
mand." We  have  f'ollowt'd  Philippson  as  the  simplest 
exposition  of  this  passapje. 

"  Rashi,  who  ooiimients,  "the  inhabitants  of  the  earth 
praised  him,  the  liosts  of  heaven  thanked  liim."  Others 
translate,  "and  lifted  up  its  hands  on  hijrh." 

^  Rashi,  and  refers  it  to  Israel.  Ileidenheim,  to  the 
sun  and  moon.  Philippson,  "  thy  arrows  fly  instead  of 
light,  instead  of  brightness  is  the  lightning  of  thy  spears.'' 

°  Zunz,  'thou  didst  crush  the  gable  end  from  the 
house  of  the  wicked,  laying  bare  the  foundation  up  to  the 
ueck." 

690 


move  the  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  the  fishes 
of  the  sea,  and  the  stumbling  blocks  together 
with  the  wicked;  and  I  will  cut  oft" man  from 
oft"  the  face  of  the  earth,  saith  the  Lord. 

4  And  I  will  stretch  out  my  hand  over 
Judah,  and  over  all  the  inhabitants  of  Jeru- 
salem; and  I  will  cut  oft"  the  remnant'  of 
Ba'al  from  this  place,  the  name  of  his  minis- 
ters with  his  priests ; 

5  And  those  that  bow  themselves  down  on 


"  Rashi.     Lit.  "neck,"  or  the  highest  points,  towers, 

walls  of  a  fortress. 

«  Philippson,  "the  oppressed  in  their  hiding-place." 
'  After  Rashi.     Philippson,  "till   the  oppressor  goeth 

up  against    my  people."      Heidenheim. 

wait  "((uietly   for    the    day  of    distres 

prosperity  to  my  enemies"" 

^J  "fortune." 


i?"   takinc 


how  could    I 
which    bringeth 
1J1U'  as  derived  from 
«  liit.  "work." 


'  Heidenheim.      Philippson,    "on    Neijinoth,"    which 
like  Sli  11/(11/0)1,  is  a  name  descriptive  of  psalmody. 

'  Lit.  "bring  to  un  end,"  "  Rashi,  "the  memory." 


ZEPHANIAH  1.  II. 


tlie  I'oois  of  houj^es  to  tlic  host  of  heaven;  and 
those  that  bow  themselves  down  that  are 
sworn  (to  be  true)"  to  the  Lord  and  still 
swear  by  Mallvoin; 

6  And  those  that  are  turned  away  from  follow- 
ing the  Lord;  and  those  that  have  not  sought 
for  the  Lord,  and  have  not  in(|uired  of  him. 

7  Be  silent  in  the  presence  of  the  Loi'd 
Eternal;  for  nigh  is  the  day  of  the  Lord; 
for  the  Lord  hath  prepared  a  slaughter,  he 
hath  bidden"  his  invited  guests. 

8  ][  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  the  day 
of  the  Lord's  slaughter,  that  I  will  inflict 
punishment  on  tlie  princes,  and  on  the  king's 
sons,  and  on  all  such  as  are  clothed  in  gax'- 
ments  of  a  foreign  land." 

9  And  I  will  inflict  punishment  on  all 
those  that  leap  over  the  threshold  on  that 
day,'  who  till  the  house  of  their  master  with 
violence  and  deceit. 

10  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  saith  the  Lord,  that  there  shall  be  a 
loud  cry  of  lamentation  from  the  fish-gate, 
and  a  wailing  from  the  secondhand  (that  of) 
a  oreat  breach  from  the  hills. 

o  I 

11  Wail,  ye  inhabitants   of  the    mortar- 1 
street,'  for  destroyed  are  all  the  tradingpeople ; 
cut  ofi"  are  all  that  were  laden  with  silver."     j 

12  ^  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  at  that! 
time,  that  I  will  search  Jerusalem  through 
Avith  lights;  and  I  will  inflict  punishment  on 
the  men  that  are  at  rest"  on  their  lees,  that 
say  in  their  heart.  The  Lord  will  not  do 
good,  nor  will  he  do  evil. 

13  And  their  wealth  shall  become  a  booty, 
and  their  houses  shall  be  made  desolate ;  and 
they  will  build  houses,  but  they  shall  not  in- 
habit them;  and  they  will  plant  vineyards, 
but  they  shall  not  drink  their  wine. 

^  After  Philippson,  to  distinguish  between  S  D"i'3iyJ  and 
3  "uato"  and  "by;"  meauing-,  they  associate  the  worship 
of  the  Most  High,  which  they  had  sworn  to  adhere  to, 
(see  2  Kings  xssii.  3,)  with  that  of  the  idols  of  Phoeni- 
cians and  'Ammonites. 

''  Philippson,  literally,  ''sanctified;"  but  Clp  "to  sanc- 
tify," means  in  Hebrew,  "to  set  aside  for  a  particular 
purpose,  for  good  or  evil;"  and  in  this  sense  it  is  fre- 
(jueutly  used,^"  sanctify  a  battle,"  ''  sanctify  guests,"  &c. 

'  i.  I'.  Imitate  with  foreign  dresses  foreign  fashions. 
Rashi.  "with  idol  ornaments." 

"*  Jonathan,  "that  follow  the  customs  of  the  Philis- 
tines," (See  1  Sam.  v.  5.)  who  at  the  same  time,  with 
those  customs,  oppressed  the  people. 

•  Eaishi.  Zunz,  "the  second  city-quarter."  Philipp- 
son, "the  lower  town." 


14  Nigh  is  the  givat  da\-  of  the  Lord,  it  is 
nigh,  and  hasteneth  greatly,  (there  is)  th'_^ 
noise  of  the  day  of  the  Lord:  l)itterly  crieth 
there  the  mighty  man. 

15  A  day  of  wrath  is  that  day,  a  day  (if 
distress  and  anxiety,  a  day  of  wasting'  and 
desolation,  a  day  of  darkness  and  obscurity,  a 
day  of  clouds  and  tempestuous  gloom, 

IG  A  day  of  the  cornet  and  alarm,  against 
the  fenced  cities,  and  against  the  high  battle- 
ments." 

17  And  I  will  bring  distress  u])on  men, 
that  they  shall  walk  about  like  the  blind,  Ix'- 
cause  against  the  Lord  have  they  sinned: 
and  their  blood  shall  be  poured  out  like  the 
dust,  and  their  flesh'  like  the  dung. 

18  Neither  their  silver  nor  their  gold  shall 
be  able  to  deliver  them  on  the  day  of  the 
Lord's  wrath;  through  the  fire  of  whose  zeal 
the  whole  land  shall  be  devoured;  for  dr- 
struction,  yea.  quite  sudden,  will  he  prepare 
for  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ]|  Gather  yourselves  together,  yea,  ga- 
ther together,  O  nation  without  desire  (for 
repentance) ;"" 

2  Before  the  decree  is  brought  forth — like 
the  chaft'  the  day  passeth  away" — before  yet 
there  be  come  over  you  the  fierce  anger  oi" 
the  Lord,  before  yet  there  be  come  over  yon 
the  day  of  the  anger  of  the  Lord. 

3  Seek  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  meek  of  the 
earth,  who  have  fulfilled  his  ordinances; 
seek  righteousness,  seek  meekness:  perhaps 
ye  will  be  protected  on  the  day  of  the  Lord's 
anger. 

;      4  For  Gazzah  shall  become  forsaken,  and 
Ashkelon  a  desolate   place:     Ashdod    shall 

'  Kashi,  "the  valley  of  Kidron,  which  is  deep  like  a 
mortar." 

«  (■.  <>.  The  rich.     Aben  Ezra,  "the  money-changers." 

"  Meaning,  that  are  like  wine  which  has  never  been 
drawn  off  into  another  vessel.  D-N£3p  "  being  stiff  like 
ice,"  '  Rashi,   Philippson  '-terror  and  fright," 

'  Redak,  "towers."     Aben  Ezra,  -'hills," 

'  DinS  is  an  Arabic  word,  signifying  "flesh  ;"  so  Rashi 
and  Aben  Ezra, 

""  Jonathan.  Philippson.  '-Search  yourselves  through, 
yea,  search,  thou  nation  without  desire." 

"  Zunz.  taking  these  words  as  a  parenthesis;  but  Jona- 
than considers  them  as  an  elliptical  expression,  "like  the 
chaff  that  passeth  off  before  the  wind,  and  like  the  mist 
that  evaporateth  before  the  day."     Johlson,  -'an<l  your 

day  pass  off  like  chaff." 

691 


ZEPHANIAH  TI.  III. 


they  drive  out  at  the  noon  of  day,  and  'Ekron 
shall  be  rooted  up. 

5  ][  Wo  unto  the  inhabitants  of  the  dis- 
trict %•  the  sea,  the  nation  of  the  Kerethites! 
the  word  of  the  Lord  is  against  you,  0 
Canaan,  the  land  of  the  Philistines,  I  will 
even  destroy  thee,  that  no  inhabitant  shall 
remain. 

6  And  the  district  by  the  sea  shall  become 
]jlaces  for  pens  oP  shepherds,  and  folds  for 
Hocks. 

7  And  this  district  shall  be  for  the  rem- 
nant of  the  house  of  Judah;  thereupon  shall 
they  feed  their  Hocks:  in  the  houses  of  Ash- 
kelon  shall  they  lie  down  in  the  evening;  for 
the  Lord  their  God  will  think  of  them,  and 
bring  back  their  captivity. 

8  I  have  heard  the  reproach  of  MoJib,  and 
the  revilings  of  the  children  of  'Ammon, 
wherewith  they  have  reproached  my  people, 
and  made  themselves  great  against  their 
border. 

9  Therefore  as  I  live,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  God  of  Israel,  Surely  Moab  shall 
Ijecome  like  Sodom,  and  the  childrei>  of 'Am- 
nion like  Gomorrah,  overgrown"  with  nettljes, 
and  (filled  with)  saltpits,  and  a  desolation 
to  eternity :  the  residue  of  my  people  shall 
])hinder  them,  and  the  remnant  of  my  nation 
shall  possess  them. 

10  This  shall  they  have  in  recompense  for 
their  pride;  because  they  have  reproached  and 
made  themselves  great  against  the  people  of 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

11  Terrible  will  the  Lord  (appear)  over 
them;  for  he  will  cause  to  vanish  all  the  gods 
of  the  earth ;  and  then  shall  prostrate  them- 
selves before  him,  every  one  from  its  place, 
all  the  isles  of  the  nations. 

12  Also  ye  Ethiopians  shall  be  those  slain 
by  my  sword. 

13  And  he  will  stretch  out  his  hand 
against  the  north,  and  destroy  Assyria;  and 
he  will  make  Nineveh  a  desolate  place,  dry, 
like  the  wilderness. 


"■  Zunz.  Rashi,  "huts  where  shepherds  prepare  their 
raoruing's  meals."  (Compare  2  Kings  vi.  2.3.)  Philipp- 
son,  "places  for  shepherds'  wells."  Redak,  ''ditches 
made  by  the  .shepherds  to  keep  their  flocks  together." 

''Jonathan,  who  gives,  '-left  for  nettles."  Rashi, 
"rustling  nettles."     Philippson,  "thorn-hedges." 

'  Philippson,  "all  the  troops  of  wild  beasts." 

''  After  Rabbi  Joshua,  "tjuoted  by  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi, 
"  filthy." 

60i 


14  And  there  shall  lie  down  m  the  midst 
of  her  flocks,  all  the  beasts"  of  the  nations; 
both  the  pelican  and  the  hedgehog  shall 
lodge  in  the  capitals  of  her  columns;  singing- 
birds  shall  sing  in  the  windows;  ruin  shall 
be  on  the  thresholds;  for  the  cedar  wainscot- 
ing shall  be  torn  away 

15  This  is  the  joyful  city  that  dwelt  in 
security,  that  said  in  her  heart,  I  am,  and 
there  is  none  else  beside  me:  how  is  she  be- 
come desolate,  a  resting-place  for  beasts! 
every  one  that  passeth  by  her  will  liiss,  and 
shake  his  hand. 

CHAPTER  TIL 

1  ^  Wo  to  her  that  is  rebellious"  and  pol- 
luted, to  the  oppressing  city! 

2  She  hearkened  not  to  any  voice ;  she  ac- 
cepted no  correction ;  in  the  Lord  she  did  not 
trust ;  to  her  God  she  drew  not  near. 

3  Her  princes  in  her  midst  are  roaring 
lions:  her  judges  are  evening  wolves,  they 
leave  not  a  bone  for  the  morning.' 

4  Her  ^Ji'ophets  are  thoughtless,  men  of 
treachery :  her  priests  have  profaned  the  sanc- 
tuary, they  have  done  violence  to  the  law. 

5  The  just  Lord  is  in  her  midst,  he  will 
not  do  wrong:  morning  after  morning  doth 
he  bring  his  justice  to  the  light  (of  day),  it 
never  faileth;  but  the  unjust  knoweth  no 
shame. 

6  I  have  cut  off  nations;  destroyed  are 
their  battlements;  I  have  laid  in  ruins  their 
streets,  so  that  none  passeth  through:  their 
cities  are  wasted,  without  a  man,  without  an 
inhabitant. 

7  I  said,  Surely  thou  wilt  fear  me,  thou 
wilt  accept  correction;  so  that  her  dwelling 
should  not  be  cut  oft,  all  that  I  had  decreed 
to  bring  over  her;'  but  they  rose  up  early, 
they  acted^  corruptly  in  all  their  doings. 

8  Therefore  wait"  but  for  me,  saith  the 
Lord,  for  the  day  that  I  rise  \x^  to  the  prey;' 
for  my  judgment  (cometli)  to  gather  the  na- 
tions, for  me  to  assemble  the  kingdoms,  to 


'  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  ''like  evening  wolves  who  have 
broken  no  bones  in  the  morning,  and  are  therefore  hun- 
gry at  evening;"  so  greedy  for  bribes  are  the  judges. 

'  Rashi.  I'hilippson  takes  S^  as  SziZ.  and  translates, 
"all  just  as  I  had  ordained  for  her." 

*  /.  f.  The  people  of  the  city — Jerusalem. 

''  Meaning,  the  wicked  doubt  the  Lord's  retribution ; 
but  it  will  come,  though  delayed  by  his  mercy. 

'  Jonathan,  "that  1  will  reveal  myself  to  judge.  ' 


ZEPHANIAH  m. 


pour  o\er  them  my  indignation,  all  the  fierce- 
ness of  my  anger;  for  through  the  fire  of  my 
jealousy  shall  all  the  earth  he  devoured. 

0  Yea  then  will  I  change  unto  the  people 
a  pure  language,"  that  they  may  all  call  on 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  serve  him  with  one 
accord. 

10  From  beyond  the  rivers  of  Cush  shall 
the_y  bring  my  suppliants,  even  the  assembly*" 
of  my  dispersed,  as  an  offering  unto  me. 

11  On  that  day  shalt  thou  not  be  ashamed 
because  of  all  thy  doinc;s,  wherebv  thou  hast 
transgressed  against  me;  for  then  will  I  re- 
move out  of  the  mid.st  of  thee  those  that 
i-ejoice  in  thy  pride,  and  thou  shalt  never 
more  be  haughty  again  on  my  lioly  mount. 

12  And  I  will  leave  remaining  in  the 
midst  of  thee  an  humble  and  poor  people, 
and  they  shall  tr\ist  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

13  The  remnant  of  Israel  shall  not  do  in- 
justice, nor  speak  lies;  and  there  shall  not 
be  found  in  their  mouth  a  deceitful  tongue; 
for  they  shall  feed  and  lie  down,  with  none 
to  make  them  afraid. 

14  ^  Sing,  0  daughter  of  Zion;  shout,  0 
Israel;  rejoice  and  be  glad  with  all  thy  heart, 
0  dauohter  of  Jerusalem ! 


•'  Zuuz,  "Yea,  then  will  I  transform  for  the  people 
th«ir  lip  into  a  pure  one." 

''  After  Ra.shi.  (See  also  Isa.  xviii.  7;  Ixvi.  19.)  n3, 
literally,  "daaghter,"  stands  frequently  for  "assem- 
bly," "the  daughter  of  Zion,"  "the  daughters  of  the 
Pliili-stines." 

"  Kashi,  "he  will  cover  up  thy  old  transgressions." 

'  JohJson,  only  that  ri'S;',  referring  to  Jerusalem,  is  in 
tl.c  third   person,  "her"  is   siven   wifli    "thee,"  tn  amid 


lo  The  Lord  hath  removed  thy  punish- 
ment, he  hath  cleared  away  thy  enemy :  the 
king  of  Israel,  the  Lord,  is  in  the  midst  of 
thee;  thou  shalt  not  .see  evil  any  more. 

10  On  that  day  shall  it  be  said  to  Jerusa- 
lem, Fear  thou  not:  (to)  Zion,  Let  not  thy 
hands  become  weak. 

17  The  Lord  thy  God  is  in  the  midst  of 
thee,  the  mighty  one  who  will  save;  he  will 
be  glad  over  thee  with  rejoicing;  he  will  l)e 
silenf  in  his  love,  he  will  exult  over  thee 
with  song. 

18  Those  that  mourn  far  away  from  the 
festive  assembly  do  I  gather,  those  that  M'ere 
separated  from  thee/'  (that  have  borne)  for 
thee  the  burden  of  reproach. 

I  19  Behold,  I  will  deal  (.severely)  with  all 
;  that  afflict  thee  at  that  time :  and  I  will  save 
[  her  that  halteth,  and  her  that  was  driven  off 
;  will  I  gather;  and  I  will  render  them  a  praise 
and  a  famous  name  on  all  the  earth  where 
they  have  been  put  to  shame. 

20  At  that  time  will  I  bring  you  back, 
even  in  the  time  that  I  gather  you ;  for  I 
will  make  you  for  a  name  and  for  a  praise 
among  all  people  of  the  earth,  when  I  bring 
back  again  your  captives  before  ^-our  eyes, 
saith  the  Lord. 


the  change  of  persons  which  is  so  often  found  in  the  pro- 
I  phets.  Rashi,  "those  that  kept  themselves  far  from  my 
festivals,  who  kept  not  sabbath  and  holy  days,  have  I  de- 
stroyed; they  were  of  thy  people,  and  for  their  guilt 
hadst  thou  a  burden  of  rcprf>M.h."  ]-'hilippson,  "mourn- 
ers, far  from  the  feast,  do  I  reniuve  from  thee;  they  are 
no  more  in  thee;  to  bear  a  burden  for  thy  sake  would 
be  a  shame,"  /.  e.  as  no  one  will  have  to  bear  such  any 
more, 

693 


THE  PKOPHECY  OF  HAGGAI, 


'jn  iiNUJ 


CnAPTER  I. 

1  ^  In  the  second  year  of  king  Darius,* 
in  the  sixth  nmnth,  on  the  first  day  of  the 
month,  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  through 
means  of  Ilaggai''  the  prophet  unto  Zerub- 
babel  the  son  of  Shealthiel,  tlie  governor''  of 
Jiidah,,  and  to  Joshua  the  son  of  Jeliozadak, 
the  high  priest,  sa3'ing, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  saying. 
This  people  have  said,  The  time  is  not  yet 
come,  the  time  for  the  Lord's  house  to  be 
bnilt. 

3  ][  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  by  1 
means  of  Haggai  the  prophet,  saying, 

4  Is  it  time  for  you,  0  ye,  to  dwell  in  your 
ceiled'  houses,  while  this  house  lieth  in  ruins? 

5  Now  therefore,  thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
of  hosts.  Direct  your  heart  unto  your  ways. 

6  Ye  have  sown  much,  and  bring  in  little; 
yc  eat,  l)ut  it  doth  not  satisfy  hunger;  ye 
drink,  but  it  doth  not  appease  thii'st;  ye 
clothe  yourselves,  but  no  one  is  warm;  and 
he  that  earneth  something  earneth  it  for  a 
bag  with  hiiles.' 

7 
Direct  your  heart  to  your  Avays 

8  Go  up  to  the  mountain,  and  bring  wood, 
and  build  the  house:  that  I  may  take  plea^ 
sure  in  it,  and  be  glorified,  saitli  the  Lord. 

9  (Till  now)  ye  looked  for  much,  and,  lo, 
it  came  to  be  little;  and  when  ye  brought  it 
home,  I  blew'  upon  it.  For  what  cause? 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Because  of  my  | 
house  that  lieth  in  ruins,  while  ye  run  every 
man  unto  his  own  house. 

10  Therefore  do  the  heavens  for  your  sake 
withhold  the  dew,  and  the  earth  withholdeth 
her  products. 

"  Darius  is  called  iu  Hebrew,  Daryavesh,  which  Phi- 
lippsi.n  supposi'S  was  in  original  Persian,  Daryeiish,  signi- 
fying '-royai,"  and  that  this  king  mentioned  here  was  the 
one  known  as  Darius  Hystaspis,  the  fourth  king  of 
Pcr.siu,  whose  reign  commenced  about  522  or  521  before 
the  common  era. 
G94 


^[  Thus  hath  said  the   Lord  of  hosts, 


11  And  I  called  for  a  drought  over  the 
land,  and  over  the  mountains,  and  over  the 
corn,  and  over  the  new  wine,  and  over  the 
oil,  and  over  what  the  ground  bringeth  forth, 
and  over  men,  and  over  cattle,  and  over  all 
the  labour  of  the  hands. 

12  ^  Then  hearkened  Zerubbaliel  the  son 
of  Shealthiel,  and  Joshua  the  son  of  Jehoza- 
dak,  the  high  priest,  with  all  the  remnant  of 
the  people,  imto  the  voice  of  the  IvOrd  their 
God,  and  to  the  words  of  Haggai  the  prophet, 
as  the  LuKD  their  Go<l  had  sent  him,  and  the 
people  were  afraid  of  the  Lord. 

13  ^  Then  said  IIa,u,Liai  the  messenger  of 
the  Lord  by  the  Lord's  message  unto  the 
people,  saying,  I  am  with  you,  saith  the 
Lord. 

14  And  the  Lord  stirred  up  the  spirit  of 
Zerubbabel  the  son  of  Shealthiel,  the  go- 
vernor of  Judah,  and  the  spirit  of  Joshua 
the  son  of  Jehozadak,  the  high  priest,  and 
the  spirit  of  all  the  remnant  of  the  people, 
and  they  came  and  did  work  on  the  house  of 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  their  God, 

15  Tl  On  the  four  and  twentieth  day  of  the 
sixth  month,  in  the  second  year  of  king  Dar 
rius. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  In  the  seventh  (month),  on  the  one  and 
twentieth  day  of  the  month,  came  the  word 
of  the  Lord  l)y  means  of  Haggai  the  prophet, 
saying, 

2  Do  say  to  Zerubbabel  the  son  of  Sheal- 
thiel, the  governor  of  Judah,  and  to  Joshua 
the  son  of  Jehozadak,  the  high  priest,  and  to 
the  residue  of  the  people,  saying, 

3  Who  is  there  yet  left  among  you  that 
hath  seen  this  house  in  its  first  glory?  and 


^  Properly,  Vlmgr/ay. 

°  Heb.  Paclidlh,  the  pacha  of  modern  times. 
''  Johlson  and  others,  "wainscoted." 
'  i.  e.  Nothing  remains  of  such  gains. 
'  Rashi,  "I  made  it  rot."     Others,  "I  blew  it  away.* 
It  mciuis  that  the  return  w.is  unafcountably  small. 


HAGGAI  II. 


how  do  ye  see  it  now?  is  it  not  in  comparison 
with  it  as  nothing  in  your  eyes? 

4  Yet  now  be  strong,  0  Zerulibabel,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  be  strong,  0  Joshua,  the  son  of 
Jehozadak,  the  liigh  priest,  and  be  strong,  all 
ye  people  of  the  land,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
do;"  (for  I  am  with  you,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts,) 

5  (In  accordance  with)  the  word  that  I 
covenanted  with  you  when  ye  came  out  of 
Egypt,  so  (will)  my  spirit  remain  among  you : 
fear  nought. 

6  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
Yet  one  thing  n\ore  (will  T  do),''  it  is  but  little, 
when  I  will  cause  to  (piake  the  heavens,  and 
the  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  the  dry  land; 

7  And  I  will  cause  to  quake  all  the  na- 
tions, and  the  precious  things  of  all  the  na- 
tions shall  come  {hither) :  and  I  will  fill  this 
house  with  glory,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

8  Mine  is  tlie  silver,  and  mine  is  the  gold, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

9  Greater  shall  be  the  glory  of  this  latter 
house  than  that  of  the  former,  saith  the  Lord 
of  hosts :  and  in  this  place  will  I  give  peace, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

10  ^  On  the  four  and  twentieth  da}'  of 
the  ninth  month,  in  the  second  year  of  Da- 
rius, came  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  means  of 
Haggai  the  prophet,  saying, 

11  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Do 
ask  the  priests  concerning  the  law,  saying, 

12  Lo!  if  one  should  carry  holy  tlesh  in 
the  corner  of  his  garment,  and  touch  with  his 
corner  bread,  or  pottage,  or  wine,  or  oil,  or 
any  food,  shall  it  become  holy?  And  the 
priests  answered  and  said.  No. 

13  Then  said  Hasgai,  If  one  that  is  un- 
clean  by  a  dead  body  should  touch  any  of 
these,  will  it  become  unclean?  And  the 
priests  answered  and  said,  It  will  become 
unclean. 

14  Then  answered  Haggai,  and  said,  So  is 

'  The  object  is  continued  in  the  next  verse,  ";init  do — 
in  accordance  with  the  word,"  &c.  So  Ivashi,  Aben 
Ezra.  Others,  "labour,  for  I  am  with  you,  &c ,  ac- 
cording to  the  word  (of  the  covenant)  which  I  made," 
&c. 

"•  So  Redak;  meaning,  that  in  addition  to  the  gmxl 
the  Lord  was  then  doing,  he  would  do  yet  more,  con- 
.siderinir  it  all  but  a  little  thinri;.  Rashi.  "ime  more 
(kingdom)  shall  there  be.  (the  Grecian,)  which  shall  en- 
dure but  a  short  time."  Zunz,  "in  but  a  little  while 
more."     Some  commentators  refer  the  convulsion   pre- 


this  people,  and  so  is  this  nation  bciinc  nie, 
saith  the  Lord;  and  so  are  all  works  of  their 
hands;  and  what  they  oflt?r  there'  is  unclean. 

15  And  now  direct,  I  pray  you,  your  heart 
from  this  day  and  upward,  before  the  time 
that  a  stone  was  laid  upon  a  stone  in  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  : 

16  Since  those''  da3s  were,  when  one  came 
to  a  heap  of  sheaves  of  twenty  (in  number), 
and  there  were  Init  ten;  when  one  came  to 
tile  winepress  for  to  draw  off  fifty  measvu'es 
out  of  the  vat,  and  there  were  but  twenty. 

17  I  smote  you  with  blasting  and  witli 
mildew  and  with  hail  in  all  the  labours  ol' 
yoin-  hands:  yet  ye  (turned)  not  (back)  to 
me,  saith  the  Lord. 

18  Direct,  I  ])ray  you,  your  heart  from 
this  day  and  upward,  from  the  four  and  twen- 
tieth (lay  of  the  ninth  month,  even  from  the 
day  that  the  foundation  of  the  Lord's  temple 
was  laid,  direct  your  heart  (to  this). 

1!)  Is  the  seed  yet  in  the  barn?  yes,  as 
yet  the  vine,  and  the  fig-tree,  and  the  pome- 
granate, and  the  olive-tree,  have  not  brought 
forth;   (liut)  from  this  day  will  I  bless  you. 

20  ^  And  the  word  of  tlie  Lord  came  the 
second  time  inito  Haggai  on  the  li)ur  and 
twentieth  day  of  the  month,  saying. 

21  S[)eak  to  Zerubbabel  the  governor  of 
Judali,  saying.  I  will  cause  to  quake  the 
heavens  and  the  earth ; 

22  And  I  will  overthrow  the  thron"  of 
kingdoms,  and  I  will  destroy  the  strength  of 
the  kingdoms  of  the  nations ;  and  I  will  over- 
throw chariots,  and  those  that  ride  in  them; 
and  the  horses  and  their  riders  shall  come 
down,  every  one  h\  the  sword  of  his  bro- 
ther. 

23  On  that  day.  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
will  I  take  thee,  0  Zerubbabel,  the  son  of 
Sliealthiel,  my  servant,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I 
will  place  thee  as  a  signet ;■■  for  of  thee  have 
I  made  choice,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 


dieted  to  the  overthrow  of  the  Persians  by  Ale.^andt  r  of 
JLicedon,  and  verse  9  they  expound  to  refer  to  tlio 
greater  interest  manifested  by  the  gentiles  in  the  temple 
service  than  before. 

°  i.  e.  At  the  altar.  ''Redak,  "before  these  things 
were." 

'  I.  e.  On  the  finger.  This  prophecy  is,  an  Aben  Ezra 
observes,  an  encouragement  to  Zerubbabel  not  to  be  dis- 
mayed in  the  wars  which  the  Persian  monarchy  waged  in 
those  days,  as  he  should  be  preserved  amidst  all  of  them, 
as  a  signet-rina  on  a  man's  finger. 

695 


THE  PROPHECY  OF  ZECHARIAH. 


rT''):^^  nNMDj. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  T[  In  the  eighth  month,  in  the  second 
year  of  Darius,  came  the  word  of  the  Lord 
unto  Zechiiriah,"  the  son  of  Berechyah,  the  son 
of  'Iddo  the  prophet,  saying, 

2  The  Lord  hath  been  greatly  angry  with 
your  fathers. 

3  And  (now)  say  thou  unto  them.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  *of  hosts,  Return  ye  unto 
me,  saith  the  Lord  of  liosts,  and  I  will  return 
unto  you:  so  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

4  Be  ye  not  like  your  fathers,  unto  whom 
the  former  prophets  proclaimed,  saying.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Do  return  from 
your  evil  ways,  and  your  evil  doings;  but 
they  did  not  hear,  nor  listen  unto  me,  saith 
the  Lord. 

5  Your  fathers, — where  are  they?  and  the 
prophets, — could  they  live  for  ever? 

6  But  my  words  and  my  deci'ees,  which  I 
commanded  my  servants  the  prophets,  be- 
hold, they  did  overtake  your  fixthers:  and 
(then)  they  returned  and  said,  Just  as  the 
Lord  of  hosts  had  purposed  to  do  unto  us,  in 
accordance  with  our  ways,  and  in  accordance 
with  our  doings,  so  hath  he  dealt  with  us. 

7  ^  On  the  four  and  twentietli  day  of  the 
eleventh  month,  which  is  the  month  Shebat,'' 
in  the  second  year  of  Darius,  came  the  word 
of  the  Lord  unto  Zechariah,  tlie  son  of  Be- 
rechyahu,  the  son  of  'Iddo  the  prophet,  say- 
ing, 

8  I  saw  this  night,  and  behold  there  was 


*  Pronounced  Zecharyah.  Rashi  observes,  that  the 
prophecy  of  Zechariah  is  extremely  obscure,  and  that,  with 
the  light  he  had  then,  it  was  not  practicable  to  give  a 
full  elucidation  of  all  the  difficulties  which  it  presents. 
The  same  may  still  be  urged  at  the  present  day. 

''  This  is  the  first  time  that  we  find  the  Chaldean  names 
of  the  moiiths,  which  the  Jews  brought  back  from  Baby- 
lon. In  the  older  Scriptures  the  months  have  either 
other    names,  or  are  designated  as  the  first,  second,  &c.      I 

°  Zunz.  Others,  "sprinkled."  Rashi  says,  he  knowsj 
not  what  colour  is  meant.  Philippson  quotes  an  opinion,! 
that  it  is  a  reddish  colour,  paler  than  "red."  ' 


I  a  man  riding  upon  a  red  horse,  and  he  was 
!  standing  among  the   myrtle-trees   that  were 

in   the   deep   valley;  and   behind   him   were 

red,  pale,"  and  white  horses. 

9  And  I  said,  What  are  these,  0  my  lord? 
Then  said  unto  me  the  angel  that  spoke  with 
me,  T  will  show  thee  what  these  are. 

10  And  the  man  that  stood  among  the 
myrtle-trees  answered  and  said,  These  are 
those  whom  tiie  Lord  hath  sent  to  traverse 
the  earth. 

11  And  they  answered  the  angel  of  the 
Lord  that*  stood  among  the  myrtle-treas,  and 
said.  We  have  traversed  the  earth,  and,  be- 
iiold,  all  the  eai'th  is  inhabited  quietly,  and 
is  at  rest.' 

12  Then  commenced  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  and  said,  ()  Lord  of  hosts,  how  lon«; 
yet  wilt  thou  not  liave  mercy  on  Jerusalem 
and  on  the  cities  of  Judah,  against  which 
thou  hast  been  indignant  these  seventy 
years  ?' 

IS  And  the  Lord  answered  the  angel  that 
spoke  \vith  ute  with  good  -words  and  comfort- 
ing words. 

14  And  the  angel  that  spoke  with  me  said 
unto  me,  Proclaim  thou,  saying,  Thus  hath 
said  tlie  Lord  of  hosts,  I  am  jealous^  for  Jeru- 
salem and  lor  Ziou  with  a  great  jealousy. 

15  And  with  a  great  anger  will  I  be  angry 
with  the  nations  that  are  at  ease;  for  I  was 
but  a  little  angry  (with  Zion),  and  they 
helped  forward  the  mischief 

IG  iy  Therefore  thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  I 

''  Philippson,  "  And  they  that  halted  among  the  myrtles 
answered  the  angel  of  the  Lord  and  said." 

"  The  Persian  empire,  and  the  other  nations  connected 
with  Judea,  enjoyed  peace  at  that  time;  but  the  state  of 
the  Jews  was  unsettled,  which  gave  occasion  to  the  fol- 
lowing intercession. 

'  This  period,  from  the  first  captivity  in  the  fourth 
year  of  Jehoyakim,  expired  when  Cyrus  issued  his  edict; 
but  it  was  almost  seventy  years  from  the  destruction  of 
the  city  and  temple,  and  just  that  period  from  the  time 
that  Nebuchadnezzar  besieged  Jerusalem. 

'  Jonathan,  "I  will  esecnte  punishment  for,"  &c. 


1SA.1A.H.    THI£     fKUPHET. 


ZECHARIAH  I.— III. 


am  returned  to  Jerusalem  in  mercy:  my 
house  shall  be  rebuilt  in  it,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  and  the  measuring-line  shall  be  stretch- 
ed forth  over  Jerusalem. 

17  Proclaim  yet  (farther),  saying,  Tiius 
hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  My  cities  shall 
again  overflow"  with  prosperity :  and  the  Lord 
will  again  comfort  Zion,  and  make  choice 
again  of  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  II." 

1  T[  And  I  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and  saw, 
and  behold,  there  were  four  horns. 

2  And  I  said  unto  the  angel  who  spoke 
with  me,  What  are  these?  And  he  said  unto 
me,  These  are  the  horns"  that  have  dispersed 
Judah,  Israel,  and  Jerusalem. 

3  \\  And  the  Lord  showed  me  four  car- 
penters.* 

4  Then  said  I,  What  are  these  coming  to 
do?  And  he  said  as  followeth.  These  are 
the  horns  that  have  dispersed  Judah,  to  the 
extent  thaf  no  man  could  lift  up  his  head; 
but  these  are  come  to  terrify  them,  to  cast  off 
the  horns  of  the  nations,  that  have  been 
lifting  up  their  horn  over  the  land  of  Judah 
to  disperse  it. 

5  ][  And  I  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and  looked, 
and  behold,  there  was  a  man  with  a  measure- 
cord  in  his  hand. 

6  Then  said  I,  Whither  art  thou  going? 
And  he  said  unto  me.  To  measure  Jerusalem, 
to  see  what  is  her  breadth,  and  what  is  }>er 
length. 

7  And,  behold,  the  angel  that  spoke  with 
me  went  out,  and  another  angel  came  out  to 
meet  him; 

8  And  he  said  unto  him,  Run,  speak  to 
this  young  man,  saying,  Without  walls"  shall 
Jerusalem  be  inhabited  because  of  the  multi- 
tude of  men  and  cattle  in  her  midst. 

9  But  I — I  will  be  unto  her,  saith  the 
Lord,  a  wall  of  fire  round  about,  and  for 
glory  will  I  be  in  the  midst  of  her. 

10  ^  Up!  up!  and  flee  away  from  the 
land  of  the  north,  saith  the  Lord;  for  as  the 

'  Aben  Ezra,  "shall  be  extended  on  all  sides." 

^  In  the  English  version,  chap.  ii.  commences  at  ver.  5. 

'  Rasbi,  "These  are  the  nations  in  the  four  cca-ners  of 

the  world  that  have  butted  with  their  horns  Judah  and 

Jerusalem  till  they  have  dispersed  them." 

*  Zunz,  "smiths." 

•  mna  "country  places,"  "open  towns,"  hence,  ad- 
verbially, "without  walls." 

4  N 


four  winds  of  the  heaven  have  I  spread  you 
abroad,  saith  the  Lord. 

11  Up,  Zion,  escape,  thou  that  dwellest 
with  the  daughter  of  IBabylon. 

12  ][  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
For  the  sake  of  (your)  glory  hath  he  sent  me 
unto  the  nations  that  have  despoiled  you;  for 
whoever  toucheth  you,  toucheth  the  apple  of 
his  eye. 

13  For,  behold,  I  will  swing  my  hand 
over  them,  and  they  shall  be  a  spoil  to  those 
that  served  them :  and  ye  shall  acknowledge 
that  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me. 

14  ^  Sing,  and  rejoice,  0  daughter  of  Zion ; 
for,  lo,  I  am  coming,  and  I  will  dwell  in  the 
midst  of  thee,  saith  the  Lord. 

15  And  many  nations  will  join  themselves 
to  the  Lord  on  that  day,  and  they  shall  be 
unto  me  for  a  people:  and  I  will  dwell  in  the 
midst  of  thee,  and  thou  shalt  know  that  the 
Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me  unto  thee. 

16  And  the  Lord  will  take  Judah  as  his 
inheritance  upon  the  holy  land;  and  he  will 
again  make  choice  of  Jerusalem. 

17  Be  silent,  all  flesh!  before  the  Lord; 
for  he  is  waked  up  out  of  his  holy  habitation. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ]|  And  he  showed  me  Joshua'  the  high 
priest  standing  before  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  accuser  standing  at  his  right  hand  to 
accuse  him. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  unto  the  accuser, 
The  Lord  rebuke  thee,  0  Accuser;  yea,  the 
Lord  rebuke  thee  that  hath  chosen  Jerusa- 
lem :  is  not  this  a  brand  plucked  out  of  the 
fire? 

3  Now  Joshua  was  clothed  with  filthy  gar- 
ments, and  was  standing  before  the  angel. 

4  And  he  commenced  and  said  unto  those 
that  stood  before  him,  saying,  Take  away 
the  filthy  garments  from  him.  And  he  said 
unto  him.  Behold,  I  have  caused  thy  iniquity 
to  pass  from  off  thee,  and  I  clothe  tliee  with 
festive  garments. 

5  And  I  said.  Let  them  place  a  clean  mitre 


'  Philippson  supposes  that  the  prophet  meant  to  indi- 
cate the  pui'ification  of  the  high-priest  as  the  representa- 
tive of  the  whole  people.  "Filthy  garments"  were  worn 
by  persons  criminally  accused,  and  their  friends,  before 
trial,  to  excite  sympathy,  till  he  was  acquitted,  when  they 
all  dressed  in  white.  As  the  priest  is  represented  as  ab- 
solved so  is  also  an  accuser  introduced  as  conducting  the 
charges  of  which  he  is  declared  released. 

C'J7 


ZECHARIAH  III.  IV.  V. 


upon  his  bead.  So  they  placed  tlie  clean 
mitre  upon  his  head,  and  clothed  him  with 
garments;  and  the  angel  of  the  Lord  stood  by. 

6  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  forewarned 
Joshua,  saying, 

7  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  If 
thou  wilt  walk  in  my  wa^-s,  and  if  thou  wilt 
keep  my  charge,  then  shalt  thou  also  judge 
mv  house,  and  shalt  also  keep  my  courts:  and 
I  will  give  thee  places"  to  walk  among  these 
that  stand  by. 

8  Do  but  hear,  0  Joshua  the  high  priest, 
thou,  and  thy  fellows  that  sit  before  thee;  for 
distinguished  men  are  they;  for,  behold,  I 
will  bring  my  servant  Zemach  [the  Sprout]. 

9  For  behold  (here  is)  the  stone  that  I 
have  laid  before  Joshua;  upon  one  stone 
shall  be  seven  eyes :  behold,  I  will  engrave 
thereon  its  inscription,  saith  the  Lord-  of 
hosts,  And*"  I  will  remove  the  iniquity  of 
that  land  in  one  day. 

10  On  that  day,  saith  the  Lord  of  hasts, 
shall  ye  call  every  man  his  neighbour  under 
the  vine  and  under  the  fig-tree. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  the  angel  that  spoke  with  me  came 
back  again,  and  waked  me  up,  as  a  man 
that  is  wakened  up  out  of  his  sleep ; 

2  And  he  said  unto  me.  What  art  thou 
seeing?  And  I  said,  I  have  looked,  and  be- 
hold, there  is  a  candlestick  all  of  gold,  with  a 
bowl  upon  its  top,  and  its  seven  lamps  are 
thereupon,  and  seven  pipes  to  the  seven  lamps, 
which  are  upon  its  top: 

3  And  two  olive-trees  are  by  it,  one  upon 
the  right  side  of  the  bowl,  and  the  other  upon 
the  left  side  thereof 

4  And  I  commenced  and  said  unto  the 
angel  that  spoke  with  me,  saying,  What  are 
these,  my  lord? 

5  Then  the  angel  that  spoke  with  me  an- 
swered and  said  unto  me,  Knowest  thou  not 
what  these  are?  And  I  said,  No,  my  lord. 

"  Philippson,  "leaders  from  those  standing  here." 

"■  These  are  the  words  of  the  inscription. 

°  The  key-stone  of  an  arch,  or  the  one  placed  on  the 
top  of  a  building  the  last,  to  complete  it.  Zcrubbabel  is 
promised  that  he  should  see  the  completion  of  the  temple. 

■^  llashi,  after  Jouatlian,  "seven  rows  (of  stones)  upon 
the  first  in  the  foundation;"  but  Aben  Ezra,  Redak,  and 
others  take  "the  seven"  to  be  the  seven  eyes  spoken  of 
iii.  9,  and  explained  in  this  verse  to  be  the  eyes  of  God. 
Pliilippson  renders  this  verse  so;   "For  who  will  despise 


6  Then  answered  he  and  spoke  unto  me, 
saying.  This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto 
Zerubbabel,  saying,  Not  by  might,  nor  by 
power,  but  by  my  spirit,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts. 

7  Who  art  thou,  0  great  mountain?  before 
Zerubbabel  thou  wilt  become  a  plain :  and  he 
shall  bring  forth  the  headstone"  with  shouts 
ingsof,  Grace,  grace  unto  it. 

8  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

9  The  hands  of  Zerubbabel  have  laid  the 
foundation  of  this  house,  and  his  hands  shall 
complete  it:  and  thou  shalt  know  that  the 
Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me  unto  you. 

10  For  wiioever  even  despised  the  day  of 
(its)  small  beginning:  yet  will  they  rejoice 
when  they  see  the  plummet  in  the  hand  of 
Zerubbabel,  with  those  seven;'*  they  are  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  which  hold  a  survey 
through  all  the  earth. 

11  And  1  began,  and  said  unto  him.  What 
are  these  two  olive-trees  upon  the  right  side 
of  the  candlestick  and  upon  its  left  ? 

12  And  I  began  a  .second  time,  and  said 
unto  him.  What  are  these  two  olive-branches," 
which  are  close  by  the  two  golden  pipes 
which  empty  out  of  themselves  the  gold- 
coloured  oil? 

13  And  he  said  to  me  as  followeth,  Know- 
est thou  not  what  these  things  are?  And  I 
said.  No,  my  lord. 

14  Then  said  he,  These  are  the  two  sons 
of  the  clear  oil,^  that  stand  by  the  Lord  of 
the  whole  earth. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  I  again  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and 
looked,  and  behold  there  was  a  flying  roli 
(-book). 

2  And  he  said  unto  me,  What  seest  thou? 
And  I  answered,  I  see  a  flying  roll,  its  length 
is  twenty  cubits,  and  its  breadth  ten  cubits. 

3  Then  said  he  unto  me,  This  is  the  curse 


the  drty  when  this  was  commenced  in  a  small  way?  Truly 
those  seven,  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  which  roam  over  all 
the  earth,  will  see  rejoicingly  the  plummet  in  the  hapi-' 
of  Zerubbabel." 

•  Lit.  "olive-ears,"  meaning,  the  olive-branch,  around 
which  the  berries  are  clustered,  like  the  grains  of  wheat 
in  a  wheat-ear. 

'  /.  e.  Those  anointed.  llashi  adds,  "the  horn  of 
priesthood  and  royally,  in  both  of  which  anointing  waa 
used,  which  ask  of  God  to  restore  their  greatnes.s." 


ZECHARIAH  V.  VI. 


that  goeth  forth  over  the  face  of  all  the 
earth ;  for  every  one  that  stealeth  as  it  is  on 
this  side  shall  he  in  an  equal  degree  entirely 
destroyed,"  as  also  every  one  that  sweareth 
(falsely)  as  it  is  on  that  side  shall  he  likewise 
entirely  destroyed. 

4  I  bi'ing  it  forth,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
and  it  shall  enter  into  the  house  of  the  thief, 
and  into  the  house  of  him  that  sweareth 
falsely  by  ray  name :  and  it  shall  remain  in 
the  midst  of  his  house,  and  shall  consume  it 
with  its  timber  and  its  stones. 

5  Then  went  forth  the  angel  that  spoke 
Avith  me,  and  said  unto  me.  Do  but  lift  up 
thv  eves,  and  see  what  is  this  that  goeth 
forth.  ■ 

6  And  I  said.  What  is  it?  And  he  said. 
This  is  an  ephah  that  goeth  forth.  He  said 
moreover,  This  is  their  appearance  through 
all  the  earth. 

7  And,  behold,  there  was  lifted  up  a  heavy 
(cover)  of  lead:  and  there  was  a  certain 
woman  sitting  in  the  midst  of  the  ephah. 

8  And  he  said,  This  is  the  wickedness. 
And  he  cast  her  into  the  midst  of  the  ephah ; 
and  he  cast  the  weighty  lead  cover  upon  the 
mouth  thereof 

9  Then  did  I  lift  up  my  eyes,  and  looked, 
and,  behold,  there  came  out  two  women, 
having  the  wind  in  their  wings,  and  they  had 
wings  like  the  wings  of  a  stork :  and  they 
lifted  up  the  ephah  between  the  earth  and 
the  heaven. 

10  Then  said  I  to  the  angel  that  spoke 
with  me,  Whither  are  these  bearing  away 
the  ephah? 

11  And  he  said  unto  me,  To  build  for  it  a 
house  in  the  land  of  Shin'ar:  and  when  this 
is  erected,  then  will  the  other  be  set  there 
upon  its  own  base. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  And  I  again  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and 
looked,  and  behold,  there  came  out  four''  cha^ 
riots  from  between  two  mountains;  and  the 
mountains  were  mountains  of  copjjer. 

•  Rashi,  "  Up  to  this  time,  whoever  fjtole  was  not  affected 
by  the  punishment  stated  here" — '•but  now,  .as  their 
measure  of  sin  is  complete — I  will  bring  it  forth,"  &c. 

''  These  are  supposed  to  represent  the  Chaldean,  Per- 
sian, Macedonian,  and  Roman  kingdoms,  which  in  turn 
held  sway  over  Judea. 

"Others,  "winds."  Redak,  "These  are  going  to  the 
fijur  iliroetions  (winds)  of  heaven." 


2  In  the  first  chariot  were  red  horses ;  and 
in  the  second  chariot,  black  horses; 

3  And  in  the  third  chariot,  white  horses; 
and  in  the  fourth  chariot,  grizzled,  ash-colour- 
ed horses. 

4  And  I  began  and  said  unto  the  angel 
that  spoke  with  me,  What  are  these,  my  lord  ? 

5  And  the  angel  answered  and  said  unto 
me.  These  are  the  four  spirits''  of  the  heavens, 
which  go  forth  after  having  stood  before  the 
Lord  of  all  the  earth. 

6  The  (chariot)  on  which  are  black  horses 
— these  go  forth  into  the  north  country ;  and 
the  white  go  forth  after  them;  and  the  griz- 
zled go  forth  toward  the  south  country. 

7  And  the  red-coloured'*  were  gone  forth, 
and  sought  to  traverse  the  earth:  and  he 
said.  Go,  traverse  the  earth.  So  they  tra- 
versed tha  eartli. 

8  Then  cried  he  loudly  unto  me,  and  spoke 
unto  me,  saying,  Behold,  these  that  are  go- 
ing toward  the  north  country  have  quieted 
(the  indignation  of)  my  spirit  in  the  north 
country. 

9  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
me,  saying, 

10  Take  from  the  exiles,  from  Cheldai, 
from  Tobiyahu.  and  from  Yeda'yah,  and  thou 
shalt  come  on  the  same  day,  and  go  into 
the  house  of  Josiah  the  son  of  Zephanyah. 
whither"  they  have  arrived  from  Babylon; 

11  Take  also  silver  and  gold,  and  make 
crowns,  and  set  them  upon  the  head  of  Jo- 
shua, the  son  of  Jehozadak  the  high  priest ; 

12  And  thou  shalt  say  unto  him  as  fol- 
loweth,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
saying,  Behold  a  man,  Sprout  is  his  name; 
since^  out  of  his  own  place  shall  he  sprout 
up,  even  he  shall  build  the  temple  of  the 
Lord: 

13  Yea,  he  shall  build  the  temple  of  the 
Lord;  and  he  shall  bear  the  glory,  and  shall 
sit  and  rule  upon  his  throne ;  and  a  prie.st 
shall  be  upon  his  own  throne;  and  the 
counsel  of  peace  shall  be  between  both  of 
them. 

■*  Aben  Ezra,  who  takes  □•V2N  in  this  verse  as  different 
turn  that  in  ver.  3,  and  as  identical  with  D'DlX  in  ver.  2. 

'  After  Johlson. 

'  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi  renders,  "from  the  royal  seed." 
Johlson,  "for  under  him  shall  it  sprout  up."  Philipp- 
son  remarks  that  the  building  here  spoken  of  means  only 
the  finishing  of  the  temple,  and  translates,  -'under  whom 
it  shall  prosper,"  /.  e.  flie  building. 

C99 


ZECHARIAH  VI.  VII.  VIII. 


14  And  the  crowns  shall  be  for  Chelem, 
and  for  Tobijali,  and  for  Yeda'yah,  and  for 
Chen  the  son  of  Zephanyah,  as  a  memorial 
in  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

15  And  distant  ones  shall  come  and  build 
on  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  ye  shall  know 
that  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me  unto 
you.  And  this  shall  come  to  pass,  if  ye  will 
diligently  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
your  God. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ][  And  it  came  to  pass  in  tlie  fourth 
year  of  king  Darius,  that  the  word  of  the 
Lord  came  unto  Zechariah  on  the  fourth  day 
of  tlie  ninth  month,  in  Kislev ; 

2  When  they  had  sent  unto  Beth-e? 
Sherezer  and  Eegem-melech,  and  his  men,  to 
make  entreaty  before  the  Lord, 

3  (And)  to  say  unto  the  priests  who  were 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  to  the 
prophets,  saying,  Shall  I  weep  in  the  fifth 
month  with  abstinence,  as  I  have  done  al- 
ready these  many  years? 

4  ]|  Then  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts  unto  me,  saying, 

5  Say  unto  all  the  people  f)f  the  land,  and 
to  the  priests,  as  followeth,  When  ye  fasted 
and  mourned  in  the  fifth  and  in  the  seventh 
(month),  already  these  seventy  years,  did  ye 
in  anywise  fast  for  me,  yea,  for  me? 

6  And  if  ye  do  eat,  and  if  ye  do  drink,  are 
ye  not  yourselves  those  that  eat,  and  your- 
selves those  that  drink? 

7  Are''  not  these  the  words  which  the 
Lord  hath  proclaimed  by  means  of  the  former 
pr<jphets,  when  Jerusalem  was  inhabited  and 
in  prosperity,  with  her  cities  round  about  her, 
when  (men)  inhabited  the  south,  and  the 
lowlands? 

8  T[  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto 
Zechariah,  saying, 

9  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  say- 
ing, Execute  true  justice,  and  show  kindness 
iind  mercy  every  man  to  his  brother; 

10  And   defraud    not   the   widow,   or    the 


°  Jonath;in.  Others  render,  "house  of  uod;"  the  per- 
sous  'vho  seat  this  embassy  are  supposed  to  be  the  Jews 
of  B.ibylon. 

''  Namely,  that  fasting  without  piety  js  not  acceptable; 
but  R;i-lii,  "wliat  CMUsod  you  to  fast  ami  niouru,  are  they 
not   the   aduiouitious   (unheeded)   which    the    ijord    pro- 
slaimed?"  &.•:. 
700 


fatherless,  the  stranger,  or  the  poor;  and 
imagine  not  evil  in  your  heart  one  against 
the  other. 

11  But  they"  refused  to  listen,  and  tiu'ned 
away  rebelliously*  the  shoulder,  and  stopited 
their  ears,  so  as  not  to  hear; 

12  And  their  heart  they  rendered  as  an 
adamant,  so  as  not  to  hear  the  law,  and  the 
words  which  the  Lord  of  hosts  had  sent 
through  his  spirit  by  means  of  the  former 
prophets :  wherefore  came  a  great  anger  from 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

13  And  it  is  come  to  pass,  that  as  he  pro- 
claimed, and  they  would  not  hear:  so  had 
they  to  call,  and  I  would  not  hear,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts ; 

14  And  I  resolved  to  scatter  them  with  a 
storm-wind  among  all  the  nations  that  they 
had  not  known;  and  the  land  was  left  de.so- 
late  after  them,  without  any  one  to  pass 
through  it  forward  or  backward;  and  the 
pleasant  land  have  they  changed  into  a  desert 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
came,  saying, 

2  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  I  am 
jealous  for  Zion  with  a  great  jealousy,  and 
with  great  fury  am  I  jealous  for  her. 

3  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  I  return  unto 
Zion,  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  midst  of  Jerusa- 
lem :  and  Jerusalem  shall  be  called.  The  city 
of  truth ;  and  the  mount  of  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
The  holy  mount. 

4  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
Again  shall  there  sit  old  men  and  old  women 
in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem,  and  every  one 
with  his  staff  in  his  hand  because  of  their 
multitude  of  years. 

5  And  the  streets  of  the  city  shall  be  full 
of  boys  and  girls  playing  in  her  streets. 

6  "*[[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
If  it  should  be  marvellous  in  the  eyes  of  the 
remnant  of  this  people  in  those  days,  should" 
it  also  be  marvellous  in  ray  eyes?  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts. 


"  "They"  refers  to  the  forefathers  of  that  generation. 
*  Lit.  "they  made  a  rebellious  shoulder." 
°  Aben  Ezra,  "it  shall  be  marvellous  also  in  my  eyes;" 
meaning,  that  the  marvel  will  be  greater  than  ever  was 
displayed  before,  or,  in  other  words,  an  unheard  of  deed 
of  grace,  which  would  appear  as  though  it  were  wonderful 
even  to  God  from  its  being  unprecedented. 


ZECHARIAH  VIII.  IX. 


7  Tl  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Be- 
hold, I  will  save  my  people  from  the  east 
rountry  and  from  the  country  of  the  setting 
of  the  sun ; 

8  And  I  will  bring  them  (back).,  that  they 
may  dwell  in  the  midst  of  Jerusalem :  and 
they  shall  be  unto  me  for  a  people,  and  I  will 
be  unto  them  for  a  God,  in  truth  and  in 
righteousness. 

9  T[  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Let 
your  hands  be  strong,  ye  that  hear  in  these 
days  these  words  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
prophets,  who  (spoke)  on  the  day  that  the 
foundation  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  of 
hosts  was  laid,  when  the  temple  was  to  be 
built. 

10  For  before  those  days  there  was  no  re- 
ward" for  man,  nor  any  I'eward  for  beast; 
and  for  him  that  went  out  or  came  in  there 
was  no  peace,  because  of  the  oppressor:  and 
I  let  loose  all  men,  every  one  against  his 
neighbour. 

11  But  now  I  am  no  more  as  in  the  former 
days  unto  the  residue  of  this  people,  saitli 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

12  For  the  seed  shall  be  undisturbed;'' 
the  vine  shall  give  its  fruit,  and  the  ground 
shall  give  her  production,  and  the  heavens 
shall  give  their  dew :  and  I  will  bestow  on 
the  remnant  of  this  people  all  these  things. 

1 3  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  in  the 
same  degree  as  ye  have  been  a  curse  among 
the  nations,  0  hou.se  of  Judah,  and  house  of 
Israel,  so  will  I  save  you  and  ye  shall  be 
a  blessing:  fear  not;  let  your  hands  be 
strong. 

14  ^  For  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
As  I  had  purposed  to  do  you  evil,  when 
your  lathers  incensed  me,  saitli  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  and  I  bethought  myself  not : 

15  So  do  I  again  purpose  in  these  days  to 
do  well  unto  Jerusalem  and  to  the  house  of 
Judah ;  fear  ye  not. 

16  These  are  the  things  that  ye  shall  do, 
Speak  ye  the  truth  ever}'  man  to  his  neigh- 

"  i  e.  Labour  was  unproductive.  (See  also  Haggai  i. 
6,9,10;  ii.  16,17.) 

*■  Lit.  "the  sped  of  peace." 

°  Rashi.  after  the  Rabbins,  "this  is  the  system  of  cnni- 
promise,"  where  disputes  are  settled  without  the  exti-enie 
rigour  of  the  law,  each  party  yielding  something  which 
he  considers  his  right. 

*  Rabbi  Joss^  states  that  Chadrach  was  a  city  near  Da- 
mascus. 


bour;    (with)    truth    and    the   judgment"    of 
peace  judge  ye  in  your  ga.tes; 

17  And  let  none  of  you  think  evil  in  your 
hearts  against  his  neighbour;  and  love  not  a 
false  oath;  for  all  these  are  what  I  hate, 
saith  the  Lord. 

18  ^  And  the  word  of  the  Lord  of  hosts 
came  unto  me,  saying, 

19  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts.  The 
fast  of  the  fourth,  and  the  fast  of  the  fifth, 
and  the  fiist  of  the  seventh,  and  the  fast  of 
the  tenth  (month),  shall  become  to  the  house 
of  Judah  gladness  and  joy,  and  merry  festi- 
vals: only  love  ye  the  truth  and  peace. 

20  ^  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
(A  time)  shall  yet  be  when  there  shall 
come  people,  and  the  inhabitants  of  many 
cities ; 

21  And  the  inhabitants  of  one  (city)  shall 
go  to  another,  saying.  Let  us  only  go  to  pray 
before  the  Lord,  and  to  seek  the  Lord  of 
hosts :  I  too  will  likewise  go. 

22  And  many  people  and  strong  nations 
shall  come  to  seek  the  Lord  of  hosts  in  Jeru- 
salem, and  to  pray  before  the  Lord. 

2.3  Tf  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
In  those  days  (it  shall  happen),  that  ten 
men  out  of  all  the  languages  of  the  nations 
shall  take  hold — yea.  they  shall  take  hold  of 
the  skirt  of  him  that  is  a  Jew,  saying.  Let 
us  go  with  3'ou;  lor  we  have  heard  that  God 
is  with  you. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Tl  The  prophecy  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
concerning  the  land  of  Chadrach,''  and  D;i- 
mascus  his  resting-jjlace ;"  for  unto  the  Lord 
(will  look)  the  eye  of  men,  and  (that  of)  all 
the  tribes  of  Israel;' 

2  And  also  concerning  Chamath  that  is 
bordering  thereon.  Tyre,  and  Zidon,  though 
it  be  very  wise. 

3  And  though  Tyre  have  built  herself  a 
strong-hold,  and  heaped  up  silver  as  the 
dust,  and  fine  gold  as  the  mire  of  the  streets : 

"Jewish  commentators  explain,  "that  Damascus  also 
shall  become  a  resting-place  for  Gnd's  glory;  because 
unto  the  Lord  shall  look  the  eyes  of  all  tuen,  as  also 
those  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel." 

'  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra.  Redak,  one  opinion,  "and  to 
all  the  tribes  of  Israel."  Jonathan,  "for  before  the  Lord 
are  revealed  the  deeds  of  men;"  hence,  Zunz,  "for  the 
Lord  hath  his  eye  upon  men  and  al-o  upon  all  the  tribes 
of  Israel." 

701 


ZECHARIAH  IX.  X. 


4  Behold,  the  Lord  will  drive''  her  out, 
and  he  will  strike  down  her  power*"  into  the 
sea;  and  she  herself  shall  be  devoured  with 
fire. 

5  Ashkelon  shall  see  it,  and  fear;  Gazzah 
also,  and  tremble  greatly;  and  'Ekron,  for 
her  trust  will  be  made  ashamed:  and  the 
king  shall  vanish  from  Gazzah,  and  Ashkelon 
shall  not  be  inhabited. 

6  And  aliens""  shall  dwell  in  Ashdod,  and 
I  will  cut  off  the  pride  of  the  Philistines. 

7  And  I  will  remove  their  bloody  (-sacri- 
fices)'' out  of  their  mouth,  and  their  abomina- 
tions from  between  their  teeth ;  and  their  land" 
also  shall  be  left  ibr  our  God,  and  it  shall  be 
as  a  prince's  (dwelling)  in  Judah,  and  'Ekron 
shall  be  like  Jebusi. 

8  And  I  will  encamp  about  my  house 
against  armies,  against  those  that  pass  to 
and  fro,  and  there  shall  not  pass  over  them 
any  more  an  oppressor;  for  now  do  I  look 
(on  them)  with  my  eyes. 

9  ^  Be  greatly  glad,  0  daughter  of  Zion ; 
shout,  0  daughter  of  Jerusalem !  behold,  thy 
King  will  come  unto  thee,  righteous  and  vic- 
torious is  he,  lowly,  and  riding  upon  an  ass, 
and  upon  a  colt  the  foal  of  a  she-ass.' 

10  And  I  will  cut  off  chariots  from 
Ephraim,  and  horses  from  Jerusalem,  and 
there  shall  be  cut  off  the  battle-bow,  and  he 
shall  speak  peace  unto  the  nations;  and  his 
dominion  shall  be  from  sea  to  sea,  and  from 
the  river  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

11  As  for  thee  also,  because  of  the  blood 
of  thy  covenant,  do  I  send  forth  thy  prisoners 
out  of  the  pit  wherein  there  is  no  water. 

12  Return  you  to  the  strong-hold,  ye  hope- 
ful prisoners:  even  to-day  do  I  declare,  that 
1  will  recompense  twofold  (good)'''  unto  thee. 

13  For  I  do  bend  Judah  for  me,  grasp 
Ephraim  (as)  a  bow;  and  I  will  stir  up  thy 


•  Michlol  Yoplii.  Rushi,  "impoverish  her."  Zudz, 
"let  her  be  captureJ."  ''  Johlson,  "her  wall." 

°  Rashi.  ■>  Philippson,  after  Rashi. 

"  Jonathan,  "the  proselytes  that  are  left  of  them  shall 
be  added  to  the  people  of  our  God."  The  version  here 
is  after  Philippson,  who  refers  xin  to  the  land  of  Phi- 
listia,  which  should,  when  purged  of  idolatry,  become 
united  to  the  holy  land,  devoted  to  God,  and  become  like 
Jehudah  and  Jerusalem  (Jebusi). 

'  As  war  is  to  cease  at  the  coming  of  the  Hope  of  the 
world,  he  is  to  appear  nut  mounted  upon  the  warlike 
horse,  but  on  the  bumble,  laborious  ass. 

■  Jonathan;  but  Rashi,  "even  this  day  I  announce  to 
thee  a  twofold  happy  message." 
703 


sons,  0  Zion,  against  thy  sons,  0  Javan,  and 
I  will  render  thee  as  the  sword  of  a  mighty 
man. 

14  And  the  Lord  will  appear  ov^er  them, 
and  then  will  go  forth  like  the  lightning  his 
arrow :  and  the  Lord  Eternal  will  blow  on 
the  cornet,  and  lie  will  go  along  in  the  tem- 
pests of  the  south. 

15  The  Lord  of  hosts  will  be  a  shield  over 
them;  and  they  shall  devour  (the  pre}-), 
and  subdue  the  sling-stones ;  and  they  shall 
drink,  make  a  noise  as  one  (drunken  with) 
wine ;  and  they  shall  be  filled  like  the  offer- 
ing-bowls, like  the  corners  of  the  altar. 

16  And  the  Lord  their  God  will  save 
them  on  that  day  as  the  flock  of  his  people; 
for  (like)  the  stones  of  a  crown,  will  they 
elevate  themselves  over  his  land. 

17  For  how  gi-eat  will  be  (that  generation's) 
happiness,  and  how  great  its  beauty!  corn 
shall  make  the  young  men  sing  joyfully,  and 
new  wine  the  virgins."" 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Ask  from  the  Lord  rain  at  the  time  of 
the  latter  rain,  (from)  the  Lord  who  maketh 
lightning-clouds:  and  he  will  give  unto  them 
showers  of  rain,  to  every  herb  in  the  field.' 

2  For  the  Theraphim  speak  vanity,  and  the 
diviners  foresee  a  lie,  and  those  that  have 
dreams  speak  what  is  false,  with  nought  do 
they  comfort:  therefore  do  they  move  about 
like  a  flock,  they  bleat,''  because  (they  have) 
no  shepherd. 

3  Tl  Against  the  shepherds  is  my  anger 
kindled,  and  on  the  he-goats  will  I  inflict 
punishment;  for  the  Lord  of  hosts  thinketh 
of  his  flock,  the  house  of  Judah,  and  maketh 
them  as  his  elegant  horse  in  the  battle. 

4  Out  of  him  cometh  forth  the  corner 
(-stone),'  out  of  him  the  tent^nail,  out  of  him 

''  After  Rashi;  but  Zunz,  "how  lovely  is  it  there,  how 
beautiful  is  it,  (like)  corn  will  he  cause  young  men  to 
spring  up,  and  like  new  wine  virgins. 

'  Rashi,  "  for  the  sake  of  every  one,  and  for  the  sake 
of  every  herb,"  &c. 

''  Zunz;  but  Rashi,  "they  are  humbled." 

'  "Corner-stone"  signifies  the  principal  leaders,  "tent- 
nail,"  the  chieftain,  who,  so  to  say,  sustains  the  whole 
structure;  "the  battle-bow,"  the  brave  in  war;  "the 
ruler,"  (lit.  "taskmaster,")  the  one  that  hath  command 
over  others;  and  it  is  here  thus  promised  that  Israelites 
shall  be  no  longer  subject  to  others,  but  have  among 
themselves  all  the  elements  of  independent  sovereignty, 
and  rule  over  their  former  oppressors. 


ZECPIARIAH  X.  XI. 


the   battle-bow,  out  of  him   every  ruler  (of 
others)  together. 

5  And  they  shall  be  like  mighty  men, 
treading  down  (their  enemies)  in  the  mire 
of  the  streets  in  the  battle,  and  they 
sliall  fight,  because  the  Lord  is  with  them: 
and  the  riders  on  horses  shall  be  made 
ashamed. 

6  And  I  will  strengthen  the  house  of  Ju- 
dah,  and  the  house  of  Joseph  will  I  save, 
and  I  will  bring  them  ag^in  to  their  own 
homes;  for  I  have  mercy  upon  them,  and 
they  shall  be  as  though  I  had  never  cast 
them  ofl';  for  I  am  the  Lord  their  God,  and  I 
will  answer  their  prayer. 

7  And  they  of  Ephraim  shall  be  like  a 
mighty  man,  and  their  heart  shall  rejoice  as 
though  from  wine:  and  their  children  shall 
see  it,  and  be  rejoiced;  their  heart  shall  be 
glad  in  the  Lord. 

8  I  will  call''  for  them,  and  gather  them; 
for  I  have  redeemed  them:  and  they  shall 
increase  as  tliey  have  increased  (formerly'). 

9  And  when  I  shall  have  scattered  them 
among  the  people,  they  will  remember  me  in 
the  far-oft"  countries :  therefore  shall  they  live 
with  their  children,  and  return  again. 

10  And  I  will  bring  them  back  again  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  out  of  Assyria  will 
I  gather  them;  and  into  the  land  of  Gil'ad 
and  Lebanon  will  I  bring  them,  and  it  shall 
not  be  sufficient  lor  them. 

11  And  he  will  pass  through  the  sea 
(with)  distress,*"  and  he  will  smite  in  the  sea 
the  waves,  and  there  shall  dry  up  all  the 
deeps  of  the  stream :  and  there  shall  be 
brought  down  the  pride  of  Assyria,  and  the 
sceptre  of  Egypt  shall  depart  away. 

1;^  And  I  will  strengthen  them  in  the 
Lord,  and  in  his  name  shall  they  ever  walk, 
saith  the  Lord. 


'Lit.  "whistle."     (See  Isa.  v.  26.) 

^  i.  e.  God  will  come  to  distress  the  enemies  of  his 
people.  Philippson,  "as  the  drying  up  of  the  Nile  is  pre- 
dicted, as  prefiguring  the  fall  of  Egypt,  G-od  passes 
through  the  lied  Sea,  renders  tliis  shallow,  and  then 
causes  the  Nile  to  dry  up."  Rashi,  however,  "Distress 
shall  pass  (over  Tyre),  which  is  situated  <m  the  sea,  and 
the  Lord,  that  sniiteth,  will  smite  in  t'he  sea  the  waves 
to  cause  Tyre  to  sink."  Aben  Ezra,  "(A  wind  of)  dis- 
tress will  pass  through  the  sea;"  referring  to  the  drying 
up  of  the  sea  and  river  of  P]gypt.     (Isa.  xix.  5,  6.) 

'  Jewish  commentators  suppose  this  prophecy  to  pre- 
dict the  destruction  of  the  second  temple;  but  Jonathan, 


CHAPTER  XI. 


1  ^  Open  thy  doors.  0  Lebanon,'"  ;ind  the 
fire  shall  eat  on  thy  cedars. 

2  Wail,  fir-tree;  for  fallen  is  the  cedar; 
those  that  were  miglity  are  despoiled:  wail, 
0  ye  oaks  of  Bashan;  for  the  impervious'' 
forest  is  come  down. 

3  (There  is)  the  noise  of  the  wailing  of 
the  shepherds;  for  wasted  is  their  glory: 
(there  is)  the  noise  of  the  roaring  of  young 
lions;  for  wasted  is  the  pride"  of  the  Jordan. 

4  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  my  God, 
Feed  the  flocks  (that  are  destined  for)  the 
slaughter; 

5  Whom  their  buyers  slay,  and  hold  them- 
selves guiltless;  and  whose  sellers  say.  Bless- 
ed be  the  Lord,  for  I  am  rich:  and  none  of 
whose  shepherds  have  pity  on  them. 

6  For  I  will  no  more  have  pity  on  the  in- 
habitants of  the  land,  saith  the  Lord;  but, 
lo,  I  will  deliver  the  men  every  one  into  the 
hand  of  his  neighbour,  and  into  the  hand  of 
his  king:  and  they  shall  beat  down  the  land, 
and  I  will  not  deliver  out  of  their  hand. 

7  And  I  had  fed  the  flocks  (that  were 
destined  for)  the  slaughter, — indeed,  the 
poorest  of  the  flocks;  and  I  had  taken  unto 
me  two  staves;  the  one  I  called  Mildness 
[No'am],  and  the  other  I  called  Concord*^ 
[Choblim] :  and  I  fed  the  flocks. 

8  And  I  removed  the^  three  shepherds  in 
one  month;  and  my  soul  was  tired  of  them, 
and  also  their  soul  abhorred  me. 

9  Then  said  I,  I  will  not  feed  you: 
what  is  dying  may  die;  and  what  is  to  be 
lost  may  be  lost;  and  those  that  are  left  may 
eat  every  one  the  flesh  of  the  other. 

10  And  I  took  my  stafl',  namely,  Mildness, 
and  cut  it  to  pieces,  to  annul  my  covenant 
which  I  had  made  with  all  the  tribes. 


"Open    your    gates,    0    ye    nations."     Lebanon    stands 
generally  for  all  the  land  of  Israel. 

•^  Lit.  "fortified,"  t.  e.  by  its  intricacies  and  under- 
growth. 

°  Zunz,  "the  pride  of  the  flood."  Philippson,  "the 
overflow,"  &c. 

'  Others,  "Severity,"  in  which  view  Rashi  agrees;  but 
Joseph  Kimchi,  "companionship,"  "union,"  or  as  in  the 
text,  "concord."  Redak,  "wounding,"  as  opposed  to 
"mildness." 

'  ('.  e.  Under-shepherds,  who  arfe  to  look  out  each  for  his 
portion  of  the  flock.  Various  opinions  are  given  as  to  wlio 
these  three  were  :  Redak,  "  the  three  sons  of  Josiah,"  &o 

70-J 


ZECHARIAH  XL  XII. 


11  And  when  it  was  annulled  on  that  day, 
then  knew  they  well,  truly  the  poorest  of 
the  flocks  that  waited  for  me,  that  it  was  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

12  And  I  said  unto  them,  If  it  be  good  in 
your  eyes,  give  me  my  reward;  and  if  not, 
forbear.  So  they  weighed  out  as  my  reward 
thirty  pieces  of  silver. 

13  And  the  Lord  said  vmto  me.  Cast  it 
unto  the  treasurer,"'  the  precious  price  which 
I  am  prized  at  by  them.  And  I  took  the 
thirty  pieces  of  silver,  and  cast  them  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  unto  the  treasurer. 

14  Then  I  cut  in  pieces  my  second  staff, 
namely.  Concord,  to  annul  the  brotherhood 
between  Judali  and  Israel. 

15  •[[  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Take 
unto  thee  yet  the  instruments  of  a  foolish 
shepherd. 

16  For,  lo,  I  raise  up  a  shepherd  in  the 
land,  who  will  not  think  of  those  that  are 
lost,  nor  seek  for  that  which  is  gone  astray, 
nor  heal  that  which  hath  (a  limb)  broken; 
who  will  not  care  for  that  which  hath  stood 
still;  but  who  will  eat  the  flesh  of  the  fat, 
and  devour  all  even  to''  their  claws. 

17  Wo  to  the  worthless  shepherd  that 
leaveth  the  flock!  the  sword  shall  be  upon 
his  arm,  and  upon  his  right  eye :  his  arm 
shall  utterly  wither,  and  his  right  eye  shall 
be  completely  blinded." 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ^  The  prophecy  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
concerning  Israel,  Saitli  the  Lord,  who  stretch- 
eth  forth  the  heavens,  and  layeth  the  founda- 
tion of  the  earth,  and  formeth  the  spirit  of 
man  within  him : 


"  After  Jolilson.  Pbilippson  comments,  that  thirty 
shekels  was  the  price  of  a  slave  .slain  by  an  ox,  (see  Exod. 
xxi.  42;)  the  prophet  demanded  in  the  name  of  God  the 
reward  for  his  keeping  the  people,  and  they  gave  the 
mean  sum  of  thirty  pieces;  tliis,  ironically  called  "the 
precious  price"  at  which  the  Divine  care  was  valued,  was 
to  be  cast  carelessly  to  the  keeper  of  temple  treasure, 
nut  of  which  the  daily  sacrifices  were  purchased.  This 
may  be  viewed  as  an  allegorical  condemnation  of  the  idea 
that  sacrifices  without  piety  can  be  in  the  least  pleasing 
to  God.  Rashi,  after  Jonathan,  conceives  the  thirty 
pieces  to  signify  those  who  do  the  will  of  God;  and 
would  then  render:  "And  the  Lord  said  to  me,  cast  the 
same  to  the  treasurer,  ().  c  lay  up  these  righteous  and 
their  good  deeds,  that  they  may  be  kept  for  the  end  of 
the  seventy  years  of  the  Babylonian  exile,  in  order 
that  the  temple  may  be  built  for  their  sake;  and  what  is 
704 


2  Behold,  I  will  make  Jerusalem  a  cup  of 
confusion  unto  all  the  people  round  about; 
and  also  against  Judali,  who  will  have  to 
be  at  the  siege"  against  Jerusalem. 

3  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day 
that  I  will  make  Jerusalem  a  burdensome 
stone  for  all  the  people ;  all  that  burden  them- 
selves with  it  shall  be  severely  cut :  yet  then 
will  be  gathered  together  against  it  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth. 

4  On  that  day,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I  smite 
every  horse  with  dizziness,  and  his  rider  with 
madness;  but  over  the  hou.se  of  Judah  will  I 
open  my  eyes,  while  I  will  smite  every  horse 
of  the  people  with  blindness. 

5  And  the  chiefs  of  Judah  Avill  say  in 
their  heart,  A  strong  support"  for  me  are  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  through  the  Lord  of 
hosts  their  God. 

6  On  that  day  will  I  make  the  chiefs  of 
Judah  like  a  fire-hearth  among  the  wood,  and 
like  a  torch  of  fire  among  sheaves;  and  they 
shall  devour  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
left  all  the  people  round  about:  and  Jerusa- 
lem shall  be  inhabited  again  in  her  own 
place,  even  in  Jerusalem. 

7  The  Lord  also  will  save  the  tents  of 
Judah  first-/  in  order  that  the  glory^  of  the 
house  of  David  and  the  glory  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  Jerusalem  shall  not  become  boast- 
fuP  over  Judah. 

8  On  that  day  will  the  Lord  lae  a  shield 
around  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem:  and 
the  feeblest  among  them  shall  be  on  that  day 
like  David;  and  the  house  of  David  sludl  be 
like  divine  beings,'  like  an  angel  of  the  Lord 
before  them. 

9  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 

the  treasury?)  the  precious  glory  of  my  sanctuary,  which 
I  have  stripped  from  them,"  taking  a  'nip'  as  "having 
deprived — of  the  glory." 

"  Johlson,  after  Rashi.  Redak,  "aad  brcakcth  their 
feet  (claws)."  Philippson,  "and  only  teareth  ofi'  their 
claws." 

°  Lit.  "become  dark." 

''  Philippson,  "and  also  on  Judah  will  it  bo  obligatory 
to  be  at  the  siege,"  &c. 

'  /.  e.  They  will  acknowledge  that  Jerusalem  is  the  seat 
of  the  Divine  glory.  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra,  "  through 
their  prayer,  because  they  know  that  we  are  come  against 
our  will." 

'  Rashi.      Zunz,  "will  help  them  to  the  former  state." 

'  Zunz,  "  boastfulness." 

^  Philippson.     Lit.  "become  great." 

'  Jonathan  and  Rashi,  "chiefs,"  "angels." 


ZECHARIAH  XII.  XIII.  XIV. 


that  I  will  seek   to  destro}'  all    the   nations 
that  are  come  against  Jerusalem. 

10  But  I  will  pour  out  over  the  liouse  of 
David,  and  over  tlie  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem, 
the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplications:*  and 
they  will  look  up  toward  me  (for  every  one)*" 
whom  the_y  have  thrust  through,  and  they 
will  lament  for  him,  as  one  lameuteth  for  an 
only  son,  and  weep  bitterly  for  him.  as  one 
weepeth  bitterly  for  the  first-born. 

11  On  that  day  Avill  the  lamentation  be 
great  in  Jerusalem,  like  the  lamentation  at 
Hadadrimuion"  in  the  valley  of  Megiddon. 

12  And  the  land  will  mourn,  ever)-  family 
apart  by  itself:  the  laniily  of  the  house  of 
David  apart,  and  their  wives  apart;  the 
family  of  the  house  of  Nathan  apart,  and 
their  wives  apart; 

13  The  family  of  the  house  of  Levi  apart, 
and  their  wives  apart;  the  family  of  Shim'i 
apart,  and  their  wives  apart; 

14  All  the  families  that  remain,  every 
family  apart  by  itself,  and  their  wives  apart. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  *i\  On  that  day  shall  there  be  a  fountain 
opened  to  the  house  of  David  and  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Jerusalem,  for  cleansing  from 
sin  and  for  purification.'" 

2  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
saitli  the  Lord  of  hosts,  that  I  will  cut  oft'  the 
names  of  the  idols  out  of  the  land,  and  they 
shall  not  be  remembered  any  more :  and  also 
the  prophets  and  the  unclean  spirit  will  I 
remove  out  of  tlie  land. 

3  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  any  one 
should  yet  prophesy,  that  his  father  and  his 
mother  who  have  begotten  him  shall  say 
unto  him.  Thou  shalt  not  live;  for  falsely 
hast  thou  spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord: 

'  Rashi,  "that  it  shall  come  into  their  mind  to  make 
supplication  before  me,  and  they  shall  tind  grace  in  my 
eyes." 

''  The  objective  case  is  omitted  in  the  original:  "whom 
they  have  pierced"  cannot  be  in  apposition  "to  me,"  be- 
cause the  next  clause  is,  "  they  will  lament  for  him,"  not 
"me;"  hence  it  is  clear  that  the  objective,  "every  one," 
must  be  supplied,  as  has  been  done  here. 

'  Rashi  and  Jonathan  conceive  that  the  pmphet  speaks 
iif  two  lamentations,  and  take  "  Hadadrimmon"  to  mean 
"the  slaughter  made  by  him  [Hadad]  in  killing  Achab;" 
and  "Megiddon"  to  relate  to  Josiah,  for  whom  Jeremiah 
lamented.  (2  Chron.  sxxv.  "25.)  Others  assert  that  Ha- 
dadrimmon was  a  place  in  the  valley  of  Megiddo,  after- 
ward called  Alaximiauopolis,  wliere  then  perhaps  a  siTrat 
40 


and  his  father  and  his  mother  who  have  be 
gotten  him  shall  thrust  him  through  when  he 
prophesieth. 

4  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  dtiy, 
that  the  prophets  shall  be  ashamed  every  one 
because  of  his  vision,  when  he  prophesieth; 
and  they  shall  not  clothe  themselves  with  a 
hairy  cloak  in  order  to  deceive. 

5  But  he  will  say,  I  am  no  prophet,  a  man 
that  tilleth  the  ground  am  I;  for  some  one 
hath  taught"  me  to  keep  cattle  from  my 
youth. 

6  And  should  some  one  say  unto  him. 
What  are  these  wounds  between  thy  hands? 
Then  will  he  say.  Those  with  which  I  have 
been  wounded  in  the  house  of  my  (vicious) 
friends. 

7  ^1  Awake,  O  sword,  against  my  shep- 
herd, and  against  the  man  whom  I  have  as- 
sociated with  me/  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts: 
smite  the  shepherd,  and  the  sheep  shall  be 
scattered;  but  I  will  turn  my  hand  toward 
the  feeble  ones.^ 

8  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  in  all 
the  land,  saith  the  Lord,  two  parts  (of  those) 
therein  shtill  be  cut  off",  shall  perish;  but  the 
third  part  shall  be  left  therein. 

9  And  I  will  bring  the  third  part  into  the 
fire,  and  I  will  refine  them  as  one  refineth 
silver,  and  will  probe  them  as  gold  is  probed : 
they  will  call  on  my  name,  and  I  will  answer 
their  prayer;  I  will  say.  The}'  are  my  peo- 
ple; and  they  will  say.  The  Lord  is  my  God. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ]f  Behold,  a  day  is  coming  unto  the 
Lord,  when  thy  spoil  shall  be  divided  in  the 
midst  of  thee. 

2  And  I  will  assemble  all  the  nations 
against  Jerusalem  to    battle;    and  the    city 

lamentation  was  made  for  the  last  good  king  of  David's 
line.  ''  See  Num.  xix. 

°  Rashi,  after  Menaohem.  Philippson  and  Zuuz,  "hath 
purchased  me  as  a  serf:''  he  denies  even  being  a  freeman, 
but  wishes  to  pass  for  a  bondman,  compelled  to  labour 
daily  in  the  humblest  vocation,  so  as  to  avoid  the  suspicion 
of  belonging  to  the  band  of  false  prophets,  of  whom  were 
so  many  during  the  first  temple.  The  same  is  to  be  ob- 
served of  the  next  ver.se,  where  wounds  arc  spoken  of, 
for  which  see  1  Kings  xviii.  28. 

'  Rashi,  with  the  addition,  "to  keep  my  flocks,"  /.  c. 
the  prince  or  chief  who  was  to  be  a  true  shepherd,  but 
has  failed  iu  his  duty. 

^  Meaning,  protect  the  young  or  weak;  but  Rashi,  "and 
T  will  ri'jirat  the  bhiw  against  tiie  mimir  chiefs." 

7urj 


ZECHARIAH  XIV. 


shall  be  captured,  and  the  houses  plundered, 
and  the  women  ravished;  and  half  of  the 
city  shall  go  forth  into  exile,  and  the  residue 
of  the  people  shall  not  be  cut  off  from  the 
city. 

3  Then  will  the  Lord  go  forth,  and  fight 
against  the.«e  nations,  as  on  the  day  when  he 
fought  on  the  day  of  battle. 

4  And  his  feet  will  stand  on  that  day  upon 
the  mount  of  Olives,  which  is  before  Jerusa- 
lem on  the  east,  and  the  mount  of  Olives 
shall  be  split  in  twain  in  its  middle  eastward 
and  westward,  making  a  very  great  valley; 
and  half  of  the  mount  shall  remove  north- 
ward, and  half  of  it  southward. 

5  And  ye  shall  flee  (from)  the  valley  of 
my  mountains;  for  the  valley  of  the  moun- 
tains shall  reach  unto  Azal;  and  ye  shall  flee, 
just  as  ye  fled  from  before  the  earthquake  in 
the  days  of 'Uzziyah  the  king  of  Judah :  and 
then  will  come  the  Lord  my  God,  and  all 
the  saints  with  thee. 

6  ]|  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that 
day,  that  there  shall  be  no  light,  but  fleeting 
light  and  thick  darkness;" 

7  But  it  shall  be  one  particular  day  which 
shall  indeed  be  known  as  the  Lord's,  neither 
day  nor  night;  but  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
that  at  evening-time  there  shall  be  light. 

8  And  it  shall  happen  on  that  day,  that 
living  waters  shall  go  out  from  Jerusalem, 
the  half  of  them  toward  the  eastern  sea,  and 
the  other  half  of  them  toward  the  western 
sea:  in  summer  and  in  winter  shall  it  be  so.'' 

9  And  the  Lord  will  be  king  over  all  the 
earth:  on  that  day  shall  the  Lord  be  (ac- 
knowledged) one,  and  his  name  be  one. 

10  All  the  land  shall  be  changed  as  it  were 
into  a  plain  from  Geba'  to  Eimmon  to  the 
south  of  Jerusalem;  and  she  herself  shall  be 
elevated,  and  be  inhabited  on  her  former 
site,  from  the  gate  of  Benjamin  unto  the 
place  of  the  first  gate,  up  to  the  corner  gate, 

'  Raslii.  Pliilippsoii,  "but  frost  and  snow."  Zunz, 
"pressure  and  congelation."  In  the  first  instance  nnp' 
is  signifying  "brightness,"  as  iu  Job  xxxi.  21;  in  the 
second,  as  from  "\p  "cold,"  and  in  the  third,  "weighty," 
as  in  1  Kings  v.  81.  The  meaning  of  the  verse,  how- 
ever, is,  that  there  shall  be  no  distinct  light,  as  farther 
explained. 

"  )'.  '■.  It  shall  bo  a  perpetual  river,  not  drying  up  iu 
summer. 

°  Rashi;  but  Jonathan    and    Redak,    "and   his    hand 
shall  become  feeble  with  the  hand  of  his  neighbour." 
706 


and   from   the   tower  of  Chananel   unto  tlie 
king's  wine-presses. 

11  And  men  shall  dwell  in  it,  and  no  de- 
struction shall  any  more  take  place;  but  Je- 
rusalem shall  be  inhabited  in  safety. 

12  ^  And  this  shall  be  the  plague  where- 
with the  Lord  will  afliict  all  the  people  that 
shall  have  come  to  battle  against  Jerusalem: 
The  flesh  of  every  one  shall  consume  away 
while  he  standeth  upon  his  feet,  and  his  eyes 
shall  consume  away  in  their  holes,  and  the 
tongue  of  every  one  shall  consume  away  in 
his  mouth. 

13  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  on  that  day, 
that  a  great  confusion  from  the  Lord  shall  be 
among  them:  and  they  shall  lay  hold  every 
one  on  the  hand  of  his  neighbour,  and  his 
hand  shall  rise  up  against  the  hand  of  his 
neighbour." 

14  And  also  Judah  will  have  to  fight  against 
Jerusalem:  and  there  shall  be  gathered  to- 
gether the  wealth  of  all  the  nations  round 
about,  gold,  and  silver,  and  garments,  in 
great  abundance. 

15  And  thus  shall  be  the  plague  of  the 
horses,  of  the  mules,  of  the  camels,  and  of 
the  asses,  and  of  all  the  beasts  that  will  be  in 
these  camps,  just  like  this  plague. 

16  T[  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  every 
one  that  is  left  out  of  all  the  nations  who  will 
have  come  against  Jerusalem,  yea,  these  shall 
go  up  year  by  year  to  bow  down  before  the 
King,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and  to  celebrate  the 
feast  of  tabernacles.'' 

17  And  it  shall  hapjjen,  that  whoso  will 
not  come  up  out  of  the  families  of  the  earth 
unto  Jerusalem  to  bow  down  before  the  King, 
the  Lord  of  hosts, — even  upon  these  there 
shall  be  no  rain. 

18  And  if  the  family  of  Egypt  go  not  up, 
and  come  not,  then  shall  not  (any  rain 
fall)"  upon  them  also:  this  shall  be  the 
plague,  wherewith  the  Lord  will  afliict  the 


^  As  this  is  an  ordinance  of  the  Mosaic  Law,  (Lev. 
xxiii.  41,)  it  proves  that  even  then  the  code  of  Israel  will 
not  be  abrogated. 

'  Egypt  requires  no  rain  near  the  Nile,  which  over- 
flows it  banks  annually  and  fertilizes  the  land;  Jonathan 
therefore  renders,  "the  Nile  shall  not  overflow  for  them." 
But  Zunz,  as  in  text,  "  the  rain  shall  not^all  on  them ;" 
which,  falling  in  the  upper  course  of  the  river,  causes  it  to 
swell.  Redak,  "on  which  falleth  no  rain:  on  them 
shall  be  the  plague,"  &c.,  ('.  e.  that  though  the  want  of  rain 
would  not  injure  them,  they  shall  not  escape  the  plague. 


MALACHI  I. 


nations  that  will  not  come  up  to  celebrate 
the  feast  of  tabernacles. 

19  This  shall  be  the  punishment  of  Egypt, 
and  the  punishment  of  all  the  nations  that 
will  not  come  up  to  celebrate  the  feast  of  ta- 
bernacles. 

20  On  that  day  shall  (every  thing),  even 
to"  the  bells  of  the  horses,  be  holy  unto  the 


Lord;  and  the  pots  in  the  Lord's  house  shall 
be  like  the  bowls  before  the  altar. 

21  And  every  pot  in  Jerusalem  and  in 
Judah  shall  be  holj'  unto  the  Lord  of  hosts; 
and  all  those  that  sacrifice  will  come  and 
take  some  of  them,  and  seethe  therein :  and 
on  that  day  there  shall  be  no  more  any 
trader''  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  of  hosts. 


THE  rROPHECY  OF  MALACHI, 


ON'70    nN*131 


CHAPTER  L 

1  ^  The  prophecy  of  the  word  of  the  Lord 
to  Israel  by  means  of  Malachi. 

2  I  have  loved  you,  so  hath  said  the  Lord  : 
yet  ye  say,  Wherein  hast  thou  loved  us?  Is 
not  Esau  brother  to  Jacob?  saith  the  Lord: 
yet  I  loved  Jacob ; 

3  And  Esau  I  hated;  and  I  rendered  his 
mountains  a  desert,  and  his  heritage  a  dwell- 
ing for  the  monsters"  of  the  wilderness. 

4  Should  Edom  even  saj'.  We  are  impove- 
rished;* but  we  will  return  and  build  the 
ruined  places:  thus  hath  said  the  Lord  of 
hosts.  They  may  indeed  build,  but  I  will 
surely  throw  down ;  and  men  shall  call  them. 
The  territory  of  wickedness,  and,  The  people 
against  whom  the  Lord  hath  indignation  to 
eternity.  • 

5  And  your  eyes  shall  see  it;  and  ye  shall 
then  say,  The  Lord  will  be  magnified  beyond 
the  territory  of  Israel. 

6  A  son  honoureth  his  father,  and  a  ser- 
\'ant  his  master :  if  then  I  be  a  father,  where 
is  my  honour?  and  if  I  be  a  master,  where  is 
my  fear?  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts  unto  you,  0 

'  Zunz,  after  Rashi.  Others,  "there  shall  be  engraved 
upon  the  be-lls  of  the  horses,  Holy  to  the  Lord." 

''  Rashi,  "they  will  require  no  trading,"  i.  c  to  purchase 
vessels  for  the  sacrifice,  since  every  thing  will  be  holy. 
Philippson,  "an  unclean,"  taking  Canaanite  as  signifying 
one  not  believing  in  God.     (Ezek.  xli.  9.) 

°  Others,  "  dwellings  of  the  wilderness." 

*  Others,  "we  have  been  destroyed." 


priests,  that  despise  my  name;  and  ye  say, 
Wherein  have  we  despised  thy  name? 

7  Ye  ofier  upon  my  altar  polluted  bread; 
and  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  polluted  thee? 
In  that  ye  say.  The  table  of  the  Lord  is  con- 
temptible. 

8  And  if  ye  bring  near  the  blind  to  sacri- 
fice it,  is  this  not  evil?  and  if  ve  bring  near 
the  lame  and  the  sick,  is  this  not  evil?  do 
but  present  it  unto  thy  governor,  will  he  be 
pleased  with  thee,  or  receive  thee  with  fa- 
vour? saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

9  And  now,  I  pray  you,  beseech  the  pre- 
sence of  God  that  he  may  l)e  gracious  unto 
us;  from  your  hand  hath  this  thing  come: 
will  he  receive  one  of  you  with  favour?  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

10  Oh  that  there  were  some  one"  among  you 
that  would  lock  up  the  doors  (of  the  sanc- 
tuary), that  ye  might  not  light  up  my  altar 
for  nought:  I  have  no  pleasure  in  you,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  neither  will  I  accept  in 
favour  an  offering  from  your  hand. 

11  For  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  even 
unto  his  going  down  my  name  is  great  among 
the  nations;  and  in  every  place   incense   is 


"  This  version  is  according  to  Rashi.  Arnheim  refers 
this  to  "pi'esent  it  unto  thy  governor;"  translating  the 
last  part  of  the  preceding  verse :  "  Who  of  you  would 
receive  in  favour  the  giver  of  such  a  present?"  And 
then  continues,  "Each  of  you  would  even  lock  up  the 
doors"  against  such  an  intrusion;  and  then  he  adds,  "So 
then  light  not  up,"  &c.  But  Rashi's  exposition  of  thia 
difficult  text  appears  to  be  the  best. 


MALACHI  I.  II. 


burnt  and  there  is  offered  unto  my  name, 
even  a  pure  offeruig;  for  great  is  my  name 
among  the  nations,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

12  But  ye  profane  it,  in  that  ye  say,  The 
table  of  the  Lord  is  polluted,  and  by  the  as- 
sertion," Its  food  is  contemptil)le. 

13  And  ye  have  said,  Behold,  what  a 
wearisome  task  is  it!  and  ye  have  left  it  to 
famish,*  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts ;  and  ye  have 
brought  what  was  robl>ed,  and  the  lame,  and 
the  sick,  and  thus  ye  have  brought  an  offer- 
ing: should  I  accept  this  in  favour  from  your 
hand?  saith  the  Lord. 

14  But  cursed  be  the  deceiver,  who  hath 
in  his  flock  a  male,  and  voweth,  and  sacri- 
fice th  a  corrupt"  thing  unto  the  Lord;  for  I 
am  a  great  king,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and 
my  name  is  feared  among  the  nations. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  And  now,  this  commandment  is  for  you, 
0  ye  priests. 

2  If  ye  will  not  hear,  and  if  ye  will  not 
lay  it  to  heart,  to  give  glory  unto  my  name, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts:  I  will  even  send  out 
against  you  a  curse,  and  I  will  curse  your 
blessings;  yea,  I  will  curse  the  same,'' because 
ye  do  not  lay  it  to  heart. 

3  Behold,  I  will  destroy  unto  you  the 
seed,  and  spread  dung  upon  your  faces,  even 
the  dung  of  your  festive  offerings;  and  one 
shall  take"  you  away  with  it. 

4  And  ye  shall  thereby  know  that  I  have 
sent  out  unto  you  this  commandment,  that 
my  covenant  might  be  with  Levi,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts. 

5  My  covenant  was  with  him  life  and 
peace ;  and  I  gave  them  to  him  for  the  fear*^ 
wherewith  he  feared  me,  and  because  of  my 
name  he  had  dread. *^ 

6  The  law  of  truth  was  in  his  mouth,  and 

"  Eedak,  giving  it  with,  "the  assertion  of  the  priest." 
Others,  "its  incMime,  its  food  {i.e.  of  the  table  of  God, 
the  altar,)  is  contemptible." 

"  Arnhrini  and  Rashi.  Otlicr.s,  "let  it  grieve."  Phi- 
lippson,  simply,  "despised  it." 

°  I.  c.  An  animal  with  a  bodily  defect. 

''  Arnheim  ingeniously  refers  rrnnx  to  the  elliptical 
VTSn  "the  earth," — "the  very  earth  will  I  curse." 

'This  difficult  phrase  is  given  by  Hashi,  "this  dung 
will  carry  you  up  to  it.sclf,"  /.  c  make  you  as  contempti- 
ble as  it  is.  Aben  Ezra,  "the  enemy  earrieth  you  along 
with  bini."      Philippson,  "and  this  is  to  honour  you." 

'  Rashi,  "  that  lie  should  fear,  and  so  he  did  fear  me." 

'  Johlson,  "he  bent  himself  before  my  name." 
708 


fixlsehood  was  not  found  on  his  lips:  in  peace 
and  equity  he  walked  with  me,  and  many 
did  he  turn  away  from  iniquity. 

7  For  the  priest's  lips  are  ever  to  keep 
knowledge,  and  the  law  are  they  to  seek  from 
his  mouth ;  for  he  is  the  messenger  of  the 
Lord  of  hosts. 

8  But  ye  are  indeed  departed  out  of  the 
way;  ye  have  caused  many  to  stumble  in 
the  law;  ye  have  corrupted  the  covenant  of 
the  Levite,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

9  Therefore  have  I  also  made  you  con- 
temptible and  low  before  all  the  people,  in 
the  same  measure  as  ye  do  not  keep  my 
ways,  but  act  with  partiality''  in  the  law. 

10  Ha-\'e  we  not  all  one  fother?  hath  not 
one  God  created  us?  (then)  why  shall  we 
deal  treacherously  every  man  against  his 
brother,  to  profane  the  covenant  of  oin-  fa- 
thers? 

11  Judah  hath  dealt  treacherously,  and 
an  aljomination  hath  been  committed  in  Is- 
rael and  in  Jerusalem;  for  Judah  hath  pro- 
faned the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  which  he 
loveth,  and  hath  married  the  daughter  of  a 
strange  god. 

12  The  Lord  will  cut  off  unto  the  man 
that  doth  this,  son  and  grandson,'  out  of  the 
tents  of  Jacob,  and  liim  that  bringeth  near 
an  offering  unto  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

13  And  this  do  ye  secondly,  covering  the 
altar  of  the  Lord  with  tears,  with  weeping 
and  with  loud  complaint,  so  that  he  turneth 
not  any  more  his  regard  to  the  offerings,  nor 
receiveth  it  with  favour  at  your  hand. 

14  Yet  ye  say.  Wherefore?  Because  the 
Lord  hath  been  witness  between  thee  and 
the  wife  of  thy  youth,  against  whom  thou 
hast  indeed  dealt  treacherously :  yet  is  she 
thy  companion,  and  the  wife  of  thy  covenant. 

15  And  not  one  doth  so  who  hath''  a  rem- 

'  /  c.  Favour  the  great  so  as  not  to  reprove  them. 
Philippson  deems  the  negative  of  the  first  part  of  the 
sentence  to  be  omitted  before  the  last,  and  renders,  hence, 
"and  honour  not  the  law." 

'  Jonathan.  The  Talmudists,  "teacher  and  scholar." 
''  Verses  15  and  10  are  rendered  after  Zunz  and  Phi- 
lippson, who  chiefly  have  followed  Aben  Ezra;  but  pjona- 
than,  "Behold,  Abraham  (nns  the  eminent  one,  or  the 
first  father  of  our  people, )  was  an  only  one,  from  whom 
the  world  (Israel)  was  created;  and  what  did  this  one  re- 
quire? nothing  but  that  a  child  be  preserved  to  him  from 
befire  the  Loiin;  therefore,  &c.  For  if  he  hate  her,  let 
hira  dismiss  her, — and  not  cover  over  violence  with  a  gar- 
ment," &c.     The  last  clause  is  explained,  "  treating  a  wife 


MALACHI  II.  III. 


iiiint  of  a  (good)  spirit;  for  what  desiretli 
ruch  a  one?  he  seeketh  (to  possess)  a  godly 
[josterit}- :  therefore  take  heed  to  your  spirit, 
and  let  none  of  you  deal  treacherously 
against  the  wife  of  his  youth. 

16  For  he  hateth  putting  away  (the  wife), 
so  hath  said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel, 
and  him  who  covereth  his  garment  witli 
violence,  so  hath  said  the  Lord  of  hosts: 
therefore  take  heed  to  your  spirit,  and  deal 
not  treacherously. 

17  ^  Ye  have  wearied  the  Lord  with  your 
words:  yet  ye  say.  Wherein  have  we  wearied 
him?  By  your  saying.  Every  one  that  doth 
evil  is  good  in  the  ey^es  of  the  Lord,  and 
in  them  he  lindeth  delight;  or  else,  Where  is 
the  God  of  justice? 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  Behold,  I  will  send  my  messenger,  and 
he  shall  clear  out  the  way  before  me :  and 
suddenly  will  come  to  his  temple  the  Lord, 
whom  ye  seek;  and  the  messenger  of  the 
covenant,  whom  ye  desire  for,  behold,  he  is 
coming,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

2  But  who  can  sustain  the  day  of  his  com- 
ing? and  who  can  stand  when  he  appeareth? 
for  he  is  like  the  fire  of  the  melter.  and  like 
the  lye  of  the  washers : 

3  And  he  will  sit  as  a  melter  and  purifier 
of  silver;  and  he  will  purifv  the  sons  of  Levi, 
and  refine  them  as  gold  and  silver,  that  they"' 
may^  offer  unto  the  Lord  an  offering  in  right- 
eousness. 

4  And  then  shall  be  pleasant  unto  the 
Lord  the  offerings  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem, 
as  in  the  days  of  old,  and  as  in  former  years. 

•5  And  I  will  come  near  unto  you  to  (hold) 
judgment;  and  I  will  be  a  swift  witness 
against  the  sorcerers,  and  against  the  adul- 
terers, and  against  those  that  swear  fiilsely, 
and  against  those  that  withhold  the  wages  of 
the  hired  laboui'er,  (oppress)  the  widow,  and 
the  fatherless,  and  that  do  injustice  to  the 
stranger,  and  fear  me  not,  saith  the  Lord  of 
hosts. 


cruelly  while  keeping  her  bound  to  him,  as  a  garment  is 
to  the  body.  Other  Rabbins  explain  this  verse  as  a  con- 
versation between  those  married  to  strange  women  and 
the  prophet :  "  Did  not  the  one  (Abraham)  do  so  by 
espousing  Hagar?  and  was  he  not  endowed  with  a  divine 
spirit  of  prophecy?  Yes,  but  what  did  this  one  want?  he 
only  sought  to  have  a  godly  posterity;  so  be  you  careful 
of  your  own  spirit,  and  act  not  foithlessly  against  the  wffe 


G  For  I  the  Lord, — I  have  not  changed: 
and  ye  sons  of  Jacol) — ye  have  not  ceased 
to  be. 

7  From  the  days  of  your  fathers  did  ye  de- 
part from  my  statutes,  and  did  not  keep 
them:  return  unto  me,  and  I  will  return  unto 
you,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts;  but  ye  siiy, 
Wherein  shall  we  return? 

8  Can  a  man  rob  God,  that  ye  will  rol) 
me?  But  ye  say,  Wherein  have  we  robbed 
thee?     In  tithes  and  in  heave-offerings. 

9  With  the  curse  are  ye  cursed,  and  y-et 
me  do  ye  rob,  0  ye  entire  nation ! 

10  Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  store- 
house, that  there  may  be  provision  in  my 
house,  and  prove  me  but  lierewith,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts,  if  I  Avill  not  open  for 
you  the  windows  of  heaven,  and  pour  out 
for  you  a  blessing,  until  it  be  more  tlian 
enough. 

11  And  I  will  rebuke  for  you  the  devourer.'' 
and  he  shall  not  destroy  for  you  the  fruit  of 
the  ground:  and  the  vine  shall  not  cast  its 
fruit  for  y-ou  before  the  time  in  the  field,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts. 

12  And  all  the  nations  shall  call  you 
blessed;  for  ye  shall  be  a  land  of  delight," 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

13  ^  Your  words  have  been  strong  against 
me,  saith  the  Lord;  but  ye  say,  What  have 
we  spoken  among  us  against  thee? 

14  Ye  have  said.  It  is  vain  to  serve  God : 
and  what  profit  is  it  that  we  have  kept  his 
charge,  and  that  we  have  walked  contritely 
before  the  Lord  of  hosts? 

15  And  now  we  call  the  presumptuous 
happy:  yea,  built  up  are  those  that  practise 
wickedness;  yea,  they  have  even  tempted 
God  and  are  (yet)  suffered  to  escape. 

16  Then  conversed  they  that  fear  the  Lord 
one  with  the  otlier:  and  the  Lord  listened 
and  heard  it,  and  there  was  written  a  boolc 
of  remembrance  before  him  for  those  who 
fear  the  Lord,  and  for  those  who  respect  his 
name. 

17  And  they  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord 

of  your  youth  to  seek  the  embrace  of  strangers."  (See 
Ezra  is.  and  x.,  and  Nehemiah  xiii.  23 — 30.) 

"  Johlson,  "  that  those  only  may  be  consecrated  to  the 
Lord,  who  sacrifice  the  offering  in  righteousness." 

""  Meaning  the  locusts  and  kindred  insects  which  de- 
stroy the  harvest. 

'  Rashi  comments,  "a  land  in  which  I  take  delight." 
Red.ik,  "  the  productiveness  of  vhich  is  ^reat." 


MALACHI  ill. 


of  hosts,  on  that  day  wliich  I  create"  as  a 
special  treasure :  and  I  will  spare  them,  as  a 
man  spareth  his  son  that  serveth  him. 

13  And  ye  shall  return,  and  see  the  differ- 
ence between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked, 
between  him  that  serveth  God  and  him  that 
hath  not  served  him. 

lO*"  For,  behold,  the  day  is  coming,  which 
shall  burn  as  an  oven ;  and  all  the  presump- 
tuous, yea,  and  all  who  practise  wickedness 
shall  be  stubble :  and  the  day  that  is  coming 
shall  set  them  on  fire,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
who  will  not  leave  them  root  or  bough. 

20  Bui  there  shall  rise  unto  you  that  fear 
my  name  the  sun  of  righteousness  with  heal- 
ing in  h.\ii  wings:  and  ye  will  go  forth,  and 
grow  fat"  till  calves  of  the  stall. 

'  Lit.  "male;"  so  also  in  ver.  21. 
''  The  Englip'i  version  commences  here  chap,  iv.,  which 
is  not  found  in  "ur  text. 
°  Zunz,  "■  I      about." 
710 


21  And  ye  will  tread  down  the  wicked ; 
for  they  shall  be  ashes  under  the  soles  of 
your  feet,  on  the  day  that  I  create,  saith  the 
Lord  of  hosts. 

22  Remember  ye  the  law  of  Moses  my  ser- 
vant, whom  I  commanded  on  Horeb  for  all 
Israel,  statutes  and  ordinances. 

23  Behold,  I  send  unto  you  Elijah  the 
prophet  before  the  coming  of  the  day  of  the 
Lord,  the  great  and  the  dreadful. 

24  And  he  shall  turn  back  the  heart  of 
the  fathers*  to  the  children,  and  the  heart  of 
the  children  to  their  fathers:  lest  I  come  and 
smite  the  earth  with  a  curse. 

[2.3  Behold,  I  send  unto  you  Elijah  the 
prophet  before  the  coming  of  the  day  of  the 
Lord,  the  great  and  the  dreadful.] 


*  Rashi,  "he  will  turn  back  the  heart  of  the  fathers 
(to  God)  through  the  children,  saying  in  a  loving  and 
pleasing  way,  'Go  speak  to  your  fathers  to  lay  hold  of 
the  way  of  the  Lord,'  "  &c 


D^mnm  D^N'3J  nmn 


THE    HOLY    SCRIPTURES 

PART  TIIIIU), 


CONTAINING 


THE    HOLY   WRITINGS,  OR   HAGIOGRAPHA. 

PSALMS,  D'Snn  provp:rbs,  'Sb'O 

JOB,    DVN  SONG  OF  SONGS,    On'B'n  TtJ' 

RUTH,    mi  LAMENTATIONS,    HJ'N 

ECCLESIASTES,    n'^Hp  ESTHER,    -inDN' 

DANIEL,    ^N'n  EZRA,    Niri* 

NEHEMIAH,    H'Onj  FIRST  CHRONICLES,    N  D'O'H  'IDT 

SECOND  CHRONICLES,    2  D'^'H  'IDl 


THE  BOOK  OF  TSALMS, 


BOOK   FIEST. 


PSALM  I. 

1  Happy  is  the  man  who  walketh  not  in 
the  council  of  the  wicked,  and  standeth  not 
in  the  way  of  sinners,  and  sitteth  not  in  the 
seat  of  scorners; 

2  But  whose  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the 
Lord,  and  who  doth  meditate  in  his  law  by 
day  and  night. 

3  And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by 
rivulets  of  water,  that  yieldeth  its  fruit  in 
its  season,  and  the  leaf  of  which  doth  not 
wither;  and  all  that  he  may  do  shall  prosper. 

4  Not  so  the  wicked;  but  they  are  like 
the  chaff  which  the  wind  driveth  away. 

5  Therefore  shall  the  wicked  not  be  able 
to  stand  in  the  judgment,  nor  sinners  in  the 
congregation  of  the  righteous. 

6  For  the  Lord  regardeth  the  way  of  the 
righteous ;  but  the  way  of  the  wicked  lead- 
eth  to  perdition. 

PSALM  IL 

1  ][  Wherefore  do  nations  rage,  and  peo- 
ple meditate  a  vain  thing? 

2  The  kings  of  the  earth  raise  themselves 
up,  and  rulers  take  counsel  together,  against 
the  Lord,  and  against  his  anointed: 

3  "Let  us  break  asunder  their  bands,  and 
cast  away  from  us  their  cords." 

4  He  who  dwelleth  in  the  heavens  will 
laugh :  the  Lord  will  hold  them  in  derision. 

5  Then  will  ke  speak  unto  them  in  his  an- 
ger, and  in  his  displeasure  will  he  terrify  them. 


•  Lit.  "I  will  relate  of  the  decree." 

''  Israel  is  called  "my  first-born  son,"  in  Exod.  iv.  22; 
"children  unto  the  Lord,"  in  Deut.  xiv.  1;  hence,  the 
king  of  Israel  is  preeminently,  as  representative  of  the 
people,  called  here,  "thou  art  my  son." 

°  Aben  Ezra.  Lit.  "kiss,"  as  the  giving  of  a  kiss  was 
considered  a  sign  of  appointing  to  royalty,  as  with  Samuel 
to  Saul,  (1  Sara.  x.  1.)  Rashi,  "Arm  yourselves  with 
purity  of  heart."  Jonathan,  "Accept  instruction."  Most 
commentators  apply  "lest  he  be  angry,"  to  God. 
4P 


6  (Saying,)  Yet  have  I  appointed  my  king 
upon  Zion  my  holy  mount. 

7  I  will  announce  the"  decree,  the  Lord 
hath  said  unto  me,  "  My  son*"  art  thou :  I 
have  indeed  this  day  begotten  thee. 

8  Ask  it  of  me,  and  I  will  give  thee  na- 
tions for  an  inheritance,  and  for  thy  possession 
the  uttermost  ends  of  the  earth. 

9  Thou  shalt  break  them  with  a  rod  of 
iron;  like  a  j^otters  vessel  shalt  thou  dash 
them  in  pieces." 

10  And  now,  0  ye  kings,  be  wise :  take 
warning,  ye  judges  of  the  earth. 

11  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice 
with  trembling. 

12  Do  homage"  to  the  son,  lest  he  be 
angry,  and  ye  be  lost  on  the  way;  for  his 
wrath  is  so  speedily  kindled.  Happy**  are  all 
they  that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

PSALM  III. 

1°  ^  A  psalm  of  David,  when  he  fled  from 
before  Abshalom  his  son. 

2  Lord,  how  numerous  are  my  assailants! 
how  many,  that  rise  up  against  me ! 

3  Many  say  of  my  soul.  There  is  no  help' 
for  him  with  God.     Selah." 

4  But  thou,  0  Lord,  art  a  shield  around 
me,  my  glory,  and  he  that  lifteth  up  my  head. 

5  With  my  voice  I  call  unto  the  Lord,  and 
he  answereth  me  out  of  his  holy  mountain. 
Selah. 

6  I  laid  myself  down  and  slept:  I  awoke; 
for  the  Lord  sustaineth  me. 

■"  This  Psalm  concludes,  like  so  many  others,  with  the 
expression  of  confidence  in  God/s  goodness. 

'  In  the  Massoretic  text  the  superscriptions  to  the 
Psalms  are  regarded  as  separate  verses  when  of  any 
length. 

'  Philippson,  "salvation,"  or  "happiness." 

'  Selah  was  probably  a  musical  term ;  but  it  is  now 
impossible  to  ascertain  what  it  precisely  meant.  Some 
explain  it  as  meaning  "eternally;"  hence  the  phrase, 
Amen  Sf/aJi-  n^>i  dSd  "for  ever  and  ave." 

713 


PSALMS  III.— VI. 


7  I  will  not  be  afraid  of  ten  thousands  of 
people,  that  have  jjlaced"  themselves  round 
about  against  me. 

8  Arise,  0  Lord,  help  me,  0  my  God;  for 
thou  smitest  all  my  enemies  upon  the  cheek 
bone:  the  teeth  of  the  wicked  dost  thou  break. 

9  Salvation  belongeth  unto  the  Lord:  tliy 
blessing  be  upon  thy  people.''     Selah. 

PSALM  IV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth,  a 
psalm  of  David. 

2  When  I  call,  answer  me,  0  God  of 
my  righteousness :  amidst  distress  thou  hast 
(ever)  granted  me  enlargement;  be  gracious 
unto  me,  and  hear  my  prayer. 

3  0  ye  sons  of  men,  how  long  shall  my 
glory  be  put  to  shame?  (how  long)  will  ye 
love  vanity,  will  ye  seek  for  lies?     Selah. 

4  But  know  that  the  Lord  hath  set  apart 
the  pious  for  himself:  the  Lord  will  hear 
when  I  call  on  him. 

5  Tremble,  and  sin  not:  commune  with 
your  heart  upon  your  bed,  and  be  still.''  Se- 
lah. 

6  Offer  the  sacrifices  of  righteousness,  and 
put  your  trust  in  the  Lord. 

7  Many  say,  "Who  wnW  show  us  happi- 
ness? Let  shine*  brightly  over  us  the  light 
of  thy  countenance,  0  Lord." 

8  (But)  thou  hast  placed  more  joy  in  my 
heart  than  at  the  time  when  their  corn  and 
their  wine  were  increased. 

9  In  peace,  altogether,  Avill  I  lay  me  down 
and  sleep;  for  thou.  Lord,  alone,"  causest  me 
to  dwell  in  safety. 

PSALM  V. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Nechiloth,^ 
a  psalm  of  David. 

2  To  my  words  give  ear,  0  Lord,  have  re- 
gard to  my  meditation.'' 

3  Listen  unto  the  voice  of  my  loud  cry, 

'  Roilak,  "attack  me."  Junatlian,  "of  the  quarrel  of 
the  people  who  have  gathered  all  around  me." 

*■  Rashi,  "thy  people  are  bound  to  praise  thee  for 
ever." 

'  Rftdak,  "rebel  no  more,"  referring  to  the  rebellion 
nf  Abshalom,  conceiving  this  Psalm  to  have  been  written 
on  that  occa.sion. 

''  Rashi.      Redak,  simply,  "  lift  up,"  taking  HDJ  for  N^fJ. 

'  So  is  this  given  by  Rrdak  ;   but  the   Massorah  would 
require  it  so:  "for  thou,  O  Lord!  art  alone;    in    safety 
wilt  thou  cause  me  to  dwell." 
714 


my  King,  and  my  God,  when    unto  thee  I 
pray. 

4  0  Lord!  in  the  morning  do  thou  hear 
my  voice:  in  the  morning  will  I  set  in  order 
(my  prayer)  before  thee,  and  look  up  with 
hope. 

5  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  plea- 
sure in  wickedness:  evil  cannot  abide  with 
thee. 

6  The  arrogant*"  cannot  stand  up  before  thy 
eyes:  thou  hatest  all  workers  of  wickedness. 

7  Thou  wilt  destroy  those  that  speak  lies: 
tlie  man  of  blood  and  deceit  the  Lord  ab- 
horreth . 

8  But  as  for  me, — in  the  abundance  of  thy 
kindness  will  I  enter  thy  house:  I  will  bow 
myself  down  before  thy  holy  temple  in  the 
fear  of  thee. 

9  0  Lord,  lead  me  in  thy  righteousness 
because  of  those  that  regard  me  enviously; 
make  straight  before  me  thy  way. 

10  For  there  is  not  in  their  mouth  any 
sincerity;  their  inward  part  is  full  of  decep- 
tion; an  open  sepulchre  is  their  throat:  they 
flatter  with  their  tongue.' 

11  Condemn  them,  0  God:  let  them  fall 
through  their  own  counsels;  for  the  multi- 
tude of  their  transgressions  cast  them  down; 
for  they  have  rebelled  against  thee. 

12  Then  will  rejoice  all  those  that  put 
their  trust  in  thee ;  for  ever  will  they  shout 
for  joy,  when  thou  protectest  them:  and  then 
will  exult  in  thee  those  that  love  thy  name. 

13  For  thou  wilt  bless  the  righteous,  0 
Lord;  as  with  a  shield  wilt  thou  encompass 
him  with  favour. 

PSALM  VI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth 
upon  Sheminith,''  a  psalm  of  David. 

2  0  Lord,  correct  me  not  in  thy  anger, 
and  chastise  me  not  in  thy  wrath. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  Lord;  for  I  am 

'  niS'nj  from  SSn  rJinJal,  to  perforate,  (whence  S'Sn 
chain,  a  pipe,  or  flute,)  probably  denotes  wind  instru- 
ments in  general;  such  as  the  horn,  trumpet,  pipe,  &c. 

*  Others,  "complaint,"  or  "sighing." 

^  Rashi,  "the  foolish."  Jonathan,  "scorners."  Sachs, 
"boasters." 

'  Lit.  "they  make  smooth  their  tongue." 

'  Shrmmiih,  "the  eighth,"  which  Rashi  explains,  "a 
harp  with  eight  strings."  Philippson,  "in  the  eighth 
measure."  Others,  "on  the  base."  Mendelssohn,  "on 
neginoth  with  eight  strings." 


PSALMS  YI— VIII. 


withering  away:   heal   me,  0  Lord;  for  my 
bones  are  terrified. 

4  And  my  soul  is  greatly  terrified;  but 
thou,  0  Lord,  how  long  yet — ? 

5  Return,  0  Lord,  deliver  my  soul:  help 
me  for  the  sake  of  thy  kindness. 

6  For  in  death  men  do  not  remember*  thee : 
in  the  nether  world,  who  shall  give  thee 
thanks? 

7  I  am  weary  with  my  sighing;  I  flood 
every  night  my  bed ;  with  my  tears  I  moisten 
my  couch. 

8  My  eye  is  consumed  because  of  grief;  it 
waxeth  old  because  of  all  my  assailants. 

9  Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  wick- 
edness; for  the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of 
my  weeping. 

10  The  Lord  hath  heard  my  supplication; 
the  Lord  will  accept  my  prayer. 

11  Ashamed  and  greatly  terrified  shall  be- 
come all  my  enemies :  they  will  turn  round, 
and  be  made  ashamed  in  a  moment. 

PSALM  VII. 

1  ^  A  Shiggayon  of  David,  which  he  sang 
unto  the  Lord,  concerning  the  affairs  of  Cush 
the  Benjamite. 

2  0  Lord  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  put  my 
trust;  save  me  from  every  one  of  my  perse- 
cutors, and  deliver  me : 

3  Lest  he  tear  like  a  lion  my  soul,  rending 
it  in  pieces,  with  none  to  deliver. 

4  0  Lord  my  God,  if  I  have  done  this ;  if 
there  be  injustice  in  my  hands; 

5  If  I  have  recompensed  him  that  was  at 
peace*"  with  me  with  evil;  if  I  have  taken 
aughf  from  my  assailants  without  cause: 

6  May  the  enemy  hotly  pursue  my  soul, 
and  overtake  it;  and  tread  down  upon  the 
earth  my  life,  and  cause  my  honour  to  lie  in 
the  dust.     Selah. 

7  Arise,  0  Lord,  in  thy  anger,  lift  up  thy- 
self because  of  the  rage  of  my  enemies :  and 


*  Lit.  "for  not  in  death  is  thy  memorial." 
''  Aben  Ezra,  "who  hath  done  me  good." 
°  Rashi,  "taken  oif  the  garment  of  him  who  hated  me 
to  cause  him  to  be  naked;"  taking,  as  he  does,  Cush  to 
mean  Saul,  the  corner  of  whose  cloak  David  cut  off  in  the 
cave.  (1  Sam.  xxiv.  5.)  Others  conceive  this  to  be  a  pa- 
renthesis, thus,  "If  I  have  recompensed  him  at  peace 
with  me  with  evil,  when  I  delivered  him  who  hated  me 
without  cause."  The  version  in  the  text  is  after  Philipp- 
son,  who  adopts  Rashi's  idea,  that  ySn  here  means,  "to 
take  awav."  "to  unclothe." 


awake  for  me  (to)  the  judgment''  that  thou 
hast  commanded. 

8  So  shall  the  congregation  of  nations 
compass  thee  about :  and  for  their  sakes  re- 
turn thou  to  the  height." 

9  The  Lord  will  judge  the  people:  judge 
me,  0  Lord,  according  to  my  righteousness, 
and  according  to  my  integrity  (grant)  me 
(recompense) . 

10  Oh  let  the  evil  of  the  wicked  come  to 
an  end;  but  establish  the  just,  0  thou,  who 
triest  the  hearts  and  reins,  0  righteous  God. 

11  My  protection  is  by  God,  who  saveth 
the  upright  in  heart. 

12  God  is  a  righteous  judge,  and  a  God 
who  is  indignant  (with  the  wicked)  every  day. 

13  K  he  turn  not,  He  will  whet  his 
sword;  he  bendeth  his  bow,  and  maketh  it 
ready. 

14  Also  for  him  he  prepareth  the  instru- 
ments of  death;  he  fashioneth  his  arrows 
against  the  persecutors.*^ 

15  Behold,  he  travaileth  with  wrong  do- 
ing; but  he  hath  conceived  mischief,  and 
bringeth  forth  falsehood. 

16  He  hath  hollowed  out  a  pit,  and  dug 
it,  and  is  fallen  into  the  ditch  which  he  hath 
wrought. 

1 7  His  mischief  will  return  upon  his  own 
head,  and  upon  his  own  skull  will  his  vio- 
lence come  down. 

18  I  will  thank  the  Lord  according  to  his 
righteousness;  and  I  will  sing  praises  to  the 
name  of  the  Lord  the  Most  High. 

PSALM  VIII. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Gittith, 
a  psalm  of  David. 

2  0  Eternal  One  our  Lord,  how  excellent 
is  thy  name  on  all  the  earth !  thou  who  hast 
set  thy  majesty  above  the  heavens. 

3  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings 
hast  thou  founded   (thy)  might,'-'  because  of 

^  Rashi,  "and  awake  for  me,  (that)  I  may  execute  the 
judgment,"  &c.  Sachs,  "be  wakeful  for  me;  a  judgment 
hast  thou  commanded,  and  the  congregation,"  &c.  Aben 
Ezra,  "and  awaken  for  me." 

'  Redak,  "to  hold  judgment;"  David  asks  that  God  may 
sit  upon  his  judgment  seat  to  decide  justly  for  all. 

'  So  Rashi;  but  the  moderns  take  D'p^T  to  mean 
"burning  darts,"  which  the  Asiatics  often  shot  off  against 
their  enemies;  hence,  "he  fashioneth  his  arrows  to  be- 
come burning  darts." 

*  Sachs,  "victory;"  the  word  is  usuallv  given  "strength." 

716 


PSALMS  viri.  IX. 


(liv  <>ii|iiiiu'iits,  that  thou  inightost  bring  to 
•silence  the  enemy  and  him  that  seeketh  ven- 
geance. 

4  Wlien  I  behold  thy  heavens,  the  work 
ol'  thy  lingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which 
thou  hast  established : — 

5  What  is  the  mortal,  that  thou  remem- 
l)erest  him?  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou 
thinkest  of  him? 

6  Yet  thou  hast  made  him  but  a  little  less 
than  angels,"  and  hast  crowned  him  with 
honour  and  glor^-. 

7  Thou  hast  given  him  dominion  over  the 
works  of  thy  hands;  every  thing  hast  thou 
placed  beneath  his  feet: 

8  Flocks  and  herds  altogether,  and  also 
the  beasts  of  the  field; 

9  The  birds  of  heaven,  and  the  fishes  of  the 
sea,  whatsoever''  passeth  through  the  paths 
of  the  seas. 

10  0  Eternal  One  our  Lord,  how  excellent 
is  thy  name  on  all  the  earth ! 

PSALM  IX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Muth- 
labben,  a  psalm  of  David. 

2  I  will  thank  the  Loud  with  all  my  heart: 
I  will  relate  all  thy  marvellous  deeds. 

3  I  will  rejoice  and  exult  in  thee:  I  will 
sing  praise  to  thy  name,  0  thou  Most  High: 

4  When  my  enemies  are  turned  backward, 
(when)  they  fall  and  perish  at  thy  presence. 

5  For  thou  hast  conducted  my  dispute  and 
my  cause ;  thou  hast  sat  on  the  throne  as  a 
righteous  judge. 

6  Thou  hast  rebuked  nations,  thou  hast 
caused  the  wicked  to  perish,  their  name  hast 
thou  blotted  out  for  ever  and  ever. 

7  0  thou"  enemy,  the  ruins  are  passed 
away  for  ever,  and  the  cities  which  thou  hast 
destroyed, — lost  is  their  memorial,  yea,  theirs. 


'  Sachs  and  other  moderns,  "thou  madest  him  but  little 
less  than  God;"  referring  to  Gen.  i.  26,  where  God  said 
he  would  create  man  in  his  image. 

^  Redak  and  Aben  Ezra,  and  after  them  Mendelssohn, 
"he  (man)  passeth  through  the  paths  of  the  seas." 

°  Aben  Ezra.  Philippson,  however,  takes  this  ver.se  as 
a  continuation  of  the  preceding,  and  tran.slatcs,  "the 
enemies — complete  arc  the  ruins  for  ever,  and  cities  hast 
thou  destroyed — perished  is  their  memory,  yea,  tiicirs;" 
/'.  f.  the  memorial  of  the  enemies  first  spoken  cif  Joseph 
Kimclii,  "thy  d<'Stroyings,  O  enemy,  are  at  an  end." 
llasiii,  "the  enemy,  the  swords  (of  whoso  hate)  have  been 
on  us,  hath  come  to  his  end." 
7IU 


S  But  the  LoKD  will  sit  enthi'oned  for  ever: 
he  hath  established  for  giving  judgment  his 
throne. 

9  And  he  will  judge  the  world  with  right- 
eousness, he  shall  decide  for  the  people  with 
equity. 

10  The  Lord  also  will  be  a  strong-hold  for 
the  oppressed,  a  strong-hold  in  times  of  ilis- 
tress. 

11  And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put 
their  trust  in  thee;  for  thou  hast  not  forsaken 
those  that  seek  thee,  0  Lord. 

12  Sing  praises  to  the  Lord,  wdio  dwelleth 
in  Zion :  announce  among  the  people  his 
deeds. 

13  For  he,  that  inquireth  after  acts  of 
blood,  hath  remembered  them :  he  hath  not 
forgotten  the  cry  of  the  afflicted. 

14  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  Lord;  have  re- 
gard to  my  affliction  (coming)  from  those 
that  hate  me,  thou  who  liftest  me  up  from 
the  gates  of  death  : 

15  In  order  that  I  may  relate  all  thy 
praises  in  the  gates  of  the  daughters  of  Zion : 
I  will  be  glad  in  thy  salvation. 

16  Sunk  are  nations  in  the  ditch  that  they 
have  prepared :  in  this  net  which  the}'  had 
laid  in  secret  is  their  own  foot  caught. 

17  The  Lord  is  made  known;  he  executed 
justice:  through  the  doing  of  his  own  hand? 
is  the  wicked  ensnared.     Higgayon,''  Selah. 

IS  The  wicked  shall  return  into  hell,"  all 
the  nations  that  are  forgetful  of  God. 

19  For  not  everlastingly  shall  the  needy 
be  forgotten :  the  expectation  of  the  poor 
shall  not  perish  for  ever. 

20  Arise,  0  Lord;  let  not  the  mortal  boast 
of  his  strength;  let  nations  be  judged  before 
thy  face. 

21  Place,  0  Lord,  fear^  over  them:  let  na- 
tions know,  that  they  are  but  mortals.   Selah. 


^  Mendelssohn  translates,  "0  the  great  thought;"  but 
Sachs  and  other  moderns  regard  lliijijajjoH  as  a  musical 
term,  or  instrument.  (Psa.  xcii.  4.)  Jonathan,  "the 
righteous  shall  rejoice  for  ever."  Aben  Ezra,  "I  declare 
this  in  truth."  Rashi,  "this  occurreth  always," — Selah, 
as  "eternally." 

'  Aben  Ezra  explains,  "because  man  was  created  from 
the  earth;"  this  would  then  mean,  that  "  the  wicked  should 
become  nothing,  or  dust  again,  as  they  were  originally." 
The  Talmudists,  "to  the  lowest  degree  of  hell"  (juinish- 
ment)  after  they  have  been  judged  in  "God's"  tribunal. 

'  Aben  Ezra,  Sforno,  and  others.  Raslii,  "master;" 
"put  a  master  over  them." 


PSALMS  X— XII. 


PSALM  X. 


1  ^  Wherefore,  0  Lord,  standest  thou  afar 
oft'?  hidest  th3'self  in  tunes  of  distress? 

2  In  the  pride  of  the  wicked  doth  he  hotly 
pursue  the  poor:  they"  are  seized  through 
the  plans  tliat  those  have  devised. 

3  For  the  wicked  boasteth  of  the  longing 
of  his  soul,  and  the  robber  blesseth  himself 
when  he  hath  despised""  the  Lord. 

4  The  wicked,  according  to  the  pride  of 
liis  wrathfulness,  (saith,)  He  will  not  require: 
There  is  no  God  (in)  all  his  plans. 

5  Prosperous  are  his  ways  at  all  times; 
far  in  the  height  (remain)  th}'  punishments 
away  from  him  :  all  his  assailants — he  pufteth 
at  them. 

6  He  saith  in  his  heart,  I  shall  not  be 
moved;  I  shall  be  for  many  generations,  and 
without  adversity. 

7  Of  folse  oaths  is  his  mouth  full,  and  de- 
ceit and  fraud :  under  his  tongue  is  mischief 
and  wickedness. 

8  He  sitteth  in  the  lurking-places  of  the 
\illages ;  in  the  secret  places  doth  he  murder 
the  innocent:  his  eyes  search  for  the  unfor- 
tunate." 

9  He  lieth  in  wait  in  a  secret  place  like  a 
lion  in  his  den;  he  lieth  in  wait  to  snatch  up 
the  poor:  he  snatcheth  up  the  poor,  as  he 
draweth  him''  into  his  net. 

10  He  croucheth,  he  Ijendeth  himself,  and 
the  unfortunate  fall  through  his  might. 

11  He  saith  in  his  heart,  God  hath  forgot- 
ten; he  hath  hidden  his  face;  he  will  never 
see  it. 

12  Arise,  0  Lord;  0  God,  lift  up  thy 
hand:  forget  not  the  afllicted. 

13  For  what  doth  the  wicked  despise  God? 
(why)  doth  he  say  in  his  heart,  Thou  wilt 
not  require  it  ? 

14  Thou  hast  seen  it;  for  thou  beholdest 
mischief  and  despiteful  acts,  to  requite  it  with 
thy  hand :  unto  thee  the  unfoi'tunate  commit- 
teth  himself;  unto  the  fatherless  hast  thou 
(ever)  been  a  helper. 


"  Raslii;  "they"  are  the  poor;   "those,"  the  wicked. 

"After  Rashi.  Sachs,  "the  robber  blasphemeth, 
soorneth  the  Lord."    So  also  Philippson  and  Herxhoimer. 

°  Meuachera.  Philippson,  "the  weak."  Mendelssohn, 
"the  poor  wanderer." 

''  Sachs,  "as  he  draweth  in  his  net." 

"■philippson  and  Sachs;    Rashi  "that    tlicv  niii\-   iint 


15  Break  thou  the  arm  of  the  wicked;  and 
of  the  bad  man — thou  wilt  inquire  for  his 
wickedness  (till)  thou  find  none. 

16  The  Lord  is  King  for  ever  and  ever: 
nations  are  perished  out  of  his  land. 

17  The  longing  of  the  afflicted  dost  thou 
hear,  0  Lord!  thou  wilt  strengthen  their 
heart,  thou  wilt  cause  thy  ear  to  listen: 

18  To  judge  the  fatherless  and  the  op- 
pressed, that  not  farther  more  shall  be  arro- 
gant" the  mortal  from  the  earth. 

PSALM  XL 

1  Tl  To  the  chief  musician,  by  David.  In 
the  Lord  have  I  put  my  trust:  how  can  ye 
say  to  my  soul,  Flee  to  \ouy  mountain  as  a 
bird? 

2  For  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow,  they 
arrange  their  arrow  upon  tlie  string,  to  shoot 
in  the  dark  at  the  upright  in  hetirt. 

3  For  (if)  the  foundations  be  torn  down, 
what  can  the  righteous  do? 

4  The  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  the  Lord 
hath  his  throne  in  the  lieavens,  his  ej^es  be- 
hold, his  eyelids  prove,  the  children  of  men. 

5  The  Lord  proveth  the  righteous;  but 
tlie  wicked  and  him  that  loveth  violence  his 
soul  hateth. 

6  He  letteth  rain  upon  the  wicked  burning 
coals,  fire  and  brimstone;  and  a  glowing 
wind  is  the  portion  of  their  cup.' 

7  For  righteous  is  the  Lord,  he  loveth 
righteousness:  his  coinitenance  doth  behold 
the  upright. 

PSALM  XII. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Sheminith, 
a  psalm  of  David. 

2  Help,  0  Lord;  for  the  pious  have  ceased 
to  be;  for  the  truthful"  have  failed  from  among 
the  children  of  men. 

3  Deceptively  do  they  speak  every  one 
with  his  neighbour,  with  flattering  lips,  with 
a  double''  heart  do  they  speak. 

4  May  the  Lord  cut  oft'  all  flattering  lips, 
the  tongue  that  speaketh  boastful  things: 


oppress  (break  in  pieces)  any  more  man  .sprung  from  the 
earth." 

'  This  verse  is  given  after  Rashi :  "  the  portion  of  their 
cup"  is  a  proverbial  expression,  often  met  with  in  Scrip- 
ture; "the  cup  of  confusion,"  ■'  my  portion  and  cup,"  /.  f. 
"fate,"  "lot,"  "portion."  «  S.-u-hs,  '-truthfulness." 

''  Heb.  "a  heart  and  n  lieart." 

Tir 


PSALMS  XII.— XVI. 


5  Who  have  said,  With  our  tongue  will 
we  be  mighty;  our  lips  are  with  us;  who  is 
lord  over  us? 

6  Because  of  the  oppression  of  the  poor, 
because  of  the  sighing  of  the  needy,  now  will 
I  arise,  saith  the  Lord  :  I  will  grant  safety  to 
him  for  whom  the  other  lajeth  a  snare.'' 

7  The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure  words, 
as  silver  refined  in  the  crucible''  of  earth, 
purified  seven  times. 

8  Thou,  0  Lord,  wilt  preserve  them ;  thou 
wilt  guard  them  from  this  generation  for 
ever. 

9  On  every  side  do  the  wicked  walk  about, 
when  the  vile  are  exalted  over  the  sons  of 
man. 

PSALM  XIII. 

1  ][  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  How  long,  0  Lord,  wilt  thou  forget  me 
continually?  how  long  wilt  thou  hide  thy 
face  from  me? 

3  How  long  shall  I  have  to  devise  resolves 
in  my  soul,  with  grief  in  my  heart  daily  ?  how 
long  shall  my  enemy  exalt  himself  over  me? 

4  Look  down,  answer  me,  0  Lord  my  God ! 
enlighten  my  eyes,  that  I  may  not  sleep  the 
sleep  of  death ; 

5  That  my  enemy  may  not  say,  I  have 
overcome  him  ;  that  my  assailants  may  not 
Ije  glad  when  I  am  moved.'-" 

6  But  I  trust  in  thy  kindness,  let  my  heart 
l)e  glad  because  of  thy  salvation:  I  will  sing 
unto  tlie  Lord,  because  he  hath  dealt  bounti- 
fully with  me. 

PSALM  XIV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  David.  The 
worthless  fool  saith  in  his  heart,  There  is  no 
God.  They  are  corrupt,  they  are  abominable 
(in  their)  doings,  there  is  none  that  doth 
good. 

2  The  Lord  looketh  down    from  heaven 

'  Menaclicm.  Other.?,  "puffetb  at  him."  Philippson, 
after  Ewald,  "who  longcth  for  it,"  (the  divine  help.) 

''  Rashi,  Aben  Ezra,  &o.  take  '-)'h}}2  to  mean  "  the 
Lord;"  "as  silver  refined  by  the  Lord  of  the  earth." 
Philippson,  "as  refined  silver  freed  from  earth."  The 
version  here  given  is  after  an  opinion  cited  by  llashi. 

"  Jonathan,  "when  I  depart  from  thy  path." 

''  Address  to  the  enemies;  and  means,  "Let  them  de- 
spise the  cause  of  the  poor,  it  matters  not,  because  they 
are  protected  by  the  Loitu." 
718 


upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  be 
one  intelligent,  one  who  seeketh  for  God. 

3  The}^  are  all  gone  aside,  they  are  alto- 
gether become  corrupt:  there  is  none  that 
doth  good,  no,  not  even  one. 

4  Is  there  no  knowledge  in  all  the  workers 
of  wickedness?  wlio  eat  up  my  people  as  they 
eat  bread;  (while)  they  do  not  call  on  the 
Lord. 

5  There  are  they  terrified  in  terror;  for 
God  is  with  the  righteous  generation: 

6  The  counsel  of  the  poor  (though)''  you 
put  to  shame;  because  the  Lord  is  his  pro- 
tection. 

7  Oh  that  some  one  miarht  brine;  the  salva^ 
tion  of  Israel  out  of  Zion!  When  the  Lord 
bringeth  back  the  captivity  of  his  people,  then 
will  Jacob  be  glad,  and  Israel  will  rejoice. 

PSALM  XV. 

1  Tl  A  psalm  of  David.  Lord,  who  may 
sojourn  in  thy  tent?  who  may  dwell  on  thy 
holy  mount? 

2  He  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh 
righteousness,  and  speaketh  the  truth  in  his 
heart ; 

3  That  uttereth  no  calumny  with  his 
tongue,  that  doth  no  evil  to  his  neighbour, 
and  bringeth"  no  reproach  on  his  fellow-man; 

4  In  whose  eyes  the  despicable  is  desjjised ; 
but  that  honoureth  tho.se  who  fear  the  Lord; 
that  sweareth  to  his  own  injury,  and  changeth 
not; 

5  That  putteth  not  out  his  money  for  in- 
terest, and  taketh  no  bribe  against  the  inno- 
cent. He  that  doth  tliese  things  shall  not 
be  moved  to  eternity. 

PSALxAI  XVI. 

1  ^  A  Michtham*^  of  David.  Preserve  me, 
0  God ;  for  I  have  placed  my  trust  in  thee. 

2  (0  my  soul,)  thou  hast  said  unto  the 
Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lord:  my  happiness  is 
not  without'''  thee ; 


'  Lit.  "bearetb,"  which  Kedak  explains  as,  "borne  on 
the  tongue,"  or,  "thou  shalt  not  bear  the  name  of  the 
Lord  thy  Gml  in  vain;"  hence,  "to  spread  reproachful 
reports." 

f  This  word  derived  from  Kelhcm ,  "  pure  gold,"  is  render- 
ed by  Mendols.sohn  with  "an  ornament"  i.e.  elegant  song. 

«  Jonathan.  Septuagint,  "thou  requirest  not  my  good- 
ness." Others,  "my  goodness  cannot  benefit  tlicc." 
Rashi,  "the  goodness  thou  dost  for  me  is  not  obligatory 
on  thee."     ()thers,  "I  have  uo  happiness  beyond  thee." 


PSALMS  XVI.— XVIII. 


3  (But)  in  the  saints  who  are  on  the  earth, 
and  in  the  excellent, — in  them  is  all  my  de- 
light. 

4  Multiplied  shall  be  the  sorrows  of  those 
who  give  presents  to  another  god :  I  will  not 
pour  out  their  drink-oflierings  of  blood,  nor 
bear  their  names  upon  my  lips. 

5  Thou,  0  Lord,  art  the  jwrtion  of  my  in- 
heritance, and  my  cup :  thou  hast  drawn  my 
lot. 

6  My  possessions'  ai'e  fallen  in  agreeable 
places:  yea,  my  heritage  is  jileasant  to  me. 

7  I  will  bless  the  Lord,  who  hath  given 
me  counsel:  also  in  the  night  seasons  my 
reins  admonish  ine. 

8  I  have  always  set  the  Lord  before  me, 
that,''  being  at  my  right  hand,  I  might  not  be 
moved. 

9  Therefore  is  rejoiced  my  heai't,  and  my 
spirit"  is  glad:  also  my  flesh  shall  rest  in 
safety. 

10  For  thou  wilt  not  abandon  my  soul  to 
the  grave:  thou  wilt  not  suffer  thy  pious 
(servant)  to  see  corruption.'' 

11  Thou  wilt  let  me  know  the  path  of 
life:"  fulness  of  joy  is  in  thy  presence;  plea- 
sures are  at  thy  right  hand  for  evermore. 

PSALM  XVII. 

1  ^  A  prayer  of  David.  Hear,  0  Lord, 
(the  cause  of)  righteousness,  attend  unto  my 
entreaty,  give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  coming 
from  lips  without  deceit.^ 

2  Let  from  thy  presence  my  sentence  come 
forth ;  let  thy  eyes  behold  what  is  right. 

3  Thou  hast  proved  my  heart;  thou  hast 
thought  of  me  in  the  night;  thou  hast  reflned 
me — thou  couldst  find  nothing:  my  purjwse 
doth  not  pass  beyond  (the  words  of)  my 
mouth  .8 

'  Lit.  "the  Hues,"  i.  e.  of  measuring;  hence,  that  which 
is  measured  with  them,  the  land  possessed  by  any  one. 

^  Sforno;  but  Rashi  and  lledak,  "because  he  is — I 
shall  not  be  moved." 

'Lit.  "honour,"  "glory;"  and  is  explained  by  the 
commentators,  "the  soul,  as  she  is  the  glory  of  man." 

■'  Sixty  is,  as  has  been  remarked  to  Isaiah  xiv.  9,  the 
"nether  world,"  the  receptacle  of  all  the  dead;  not  so 
much  "hell,"  a  place  of  punishment,  (though  even  in  its 
original  derivation  from  the  Saxon  or  German,  "  hell" 
should  denote  a  place  of  concealment — Saxon,  hillan  or 
hdan;  German,  liehlen,  "to  hide,"  or  hohlc ;  Saxon,  hoU, 
"a  cavern,")  as  "hades,"  where  the  good  no  less  than 
the  bad  go;  though  in  Psalm  ix.  18,  it  means  the  first. 
Here  David  speaks,  that  his  soul  will  not  meet  the  same 


4  Among  the  deeds  of  men  did  I  observe,  by 
the  word  of  th}'  lips,  the  paths  of  the  dissolute. 

5  My  steps  held  firmly  to  thy  tracks,  (and) 
my  footsteps  did  not  slip. 

6  I  call  on  thee,  for  thou  wilt  answer  me,  O 
God :  incline  thy  ear  unto  me,  hear  my  speech. 

7  Show  marvellously  thy  loving-kindnesses, 
0  thou  that  savest  those  who  put  their  trust 
(in  thee)  from  those  that  rise  up  (against 
them)  by  thy  right  hand. 

8  Keep  me  as  the  apple  of  the  eye;  con- 
ceal me  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 

9  From  the  wicked  that  despoil  me,  my 
enemies,  who,  to  take  my  life,''  compass  me 
about. 

10  They  are  inclosed  in  their  own  fat:' 
with  their  mouth  they  speak  proudly. 

11  On  our  steps  they  now  encompass  us: 
they  direct  their  eyes  to  turn  aside  in  the 
land. 

12  Every  man  is  just  like  a  lion  that  is 
greedy  to  tear  his  prey,  and  like  a  young 
lion  lurking  in  a  covert. 

13  Arise,  0  Lord,  prevent  him,  cast  him 
down ;  deliver  my  soul  from  the  wicked,  who" 
is  thy  sword, — 

14  From  these  men — thy  hand — 0  Lord, 
from  the  men  of  this  world,  whose  portion  is 
in  this  life,  and  whose  belly  thou  fillest  with 
thy  hidden  treasure :  they  have  children  in 
plent}-,  and  leave  the  rest  of  their  substance 
to  their  babes. 

15  As  for  me.  in  righteousness  shall  I  be- 
hold thy  tace :  I  shall  be  satisfied,  when  I 
awake,  with  contemplating  thy  likeness. 

PSALM  XVIII. 

1  ][  To  the  chief  musician,  by  the  servant 
of  the  Lord,  by  David,  who  spoke  unto  the 
Lord  the  words  of  this  song  on  the  day  that 

fate,  to  end  in  the  grave,  and  not  become  corrupt  hy  de- 
composition. The  Kctih  has  yTon  "thy  pious  ones;  the 
Ki^rl,  however,  the  singular,  nnt!'  is  rendered  by  Sachs 
and  others,  "pit;"  by  Sforno,  gehiunam,  "hell;"  but 
in  either  case  it  is  the  same. 

"  Abcn  Ezra,  "for  after  the  death  of  the  body  thou 
wilt  theu  let  me  know  the  path  of  life,"  &c.  Philippson, 
"not  mere  existence,  but  a  perfect  happiness." 

'  Heb.  "without  lips  of  deceit." 

*  This  is  explained,  that  the  thoughts  of  the  Psalmist  cor- 
responded with  his  words,  all  within  the  limits  of  justice. 

'■  Jonathan,  "who  with  wantonness  encompass  me." 

'  Rashi,  "through  their  fat  they  close  their  heart." 
Philippson,  "their  fiit  increaseth." 

"  Others,  "by  the  sword:"  next  verse  "by  thy  hand/' 


PSALM  XVIII. 


the  Lord  had  delivered  him  out  of  the  power 
of  all  his  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  Saiil ; 

2  And  he  said,  I  ever  love  thee,  0  Lord, 
my  strength. 

3  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress, 
and  my  deliverer ;  my  God,  my  rock,  in  whom 
I  trust;  my  shield,  and  the  horn  of  my  sal- 
vation, and  my  high  tower. 

4  Praised,  I  cried,  be  the  Lord,  and  from 
my  enemies  was  I  saved. 

5  The  bonds  of  death  encompassed  me, 
and  the  floods  of  destruction  made  me  afraid. 

6  The  bonds  of  hell  encircled  me:  the 
snares  of  death  seized  on  me. 

7  (When)  in  my  distress  I  called  upon  the 
Lord,  and  unto  my  God  I  cried:  he  heaixl 
from  his  temple  my  voice,  and  my  complaint , 
came  before  him,  even  into  his  ears. 

8  Then  shook  and  trembled  the  earth ;  and 
the  foundations  of  tlie  mountains  were  moved ; 
and  they  were  shaken,  because  he  was  wroth. 

9  Smoke  went  up  in  his  anger  and  con- 
suming fire  out  of  his  mouth:  coals  flamed 
forth  from  him. 

10  And  he  bent  the  heavens,  and  came 
down :  and  thick  darkness  was  under  his  feet. 

11  And  he  rode  upon  a  cherub,  and  flew 
along,  and  he  flitted''  by  upon  the  wings  of 
the  Avind. 

12  He  made  darkness  his  hiding-place, 
round  about  him  as  his  pavilion,  dark  waters, 
thick  clouds  of  the  skies. 

13  From  the  brightness  before  him  his 
thick  clouds  passed  away,  (with)  hail-stones 
and  coals  of  fire. 

14  And  the  Lord  thundered  in  the  heavens, 
and  the  Most  High  uttered  forth  his  voice, 
(with)  hail-stones  and  coals  of  fire. 

15  And  he  sent  out  his  arrows,  and  scat- 
tered them;  and  he  shot  forth''  lightnings,  and 
discomfited  them. 

16  And  then  were  seen  the  channels  of 
the  waters,  and  there  were  laid  open  the 
ibundations  of  the  world,  through  thy  re- 
buke, 0  Lord,  through  the  blast  of  the  breath 
of  thy  nostrils. 

17  He  stretched  out  from  above  (his  hand), 
he  took  me;  he  drew  me  out  from  mighty 
waters. 

*  Here  NT1  "he  flitted;"  in  2  Sam.  xxii.  nti  "he  was 
seen,"  or  "appeared."     There  are  other  variations  which 
will  be  apparent  bj  comparing  this  Psahn  with  the  chap- 
ter quoted. 
720 


18  He  delivered  me  from  my  enemy,  the 
strong,  and  from  those  that  hated  me,  when 
they  were  too  mighty  for  me. 

19  They  overcame  me  on  the  day  of  my 
calamity ;  but  tlie  Lord  became  my  stay. 

20  And  he  brought  me  forth  into  a  large 
space;  he  delivered  me,  because  he  had  de- 
light in  me. 

21  The  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to 
my  righteousness;  according  to  the  purity  of 
my  hands  did  he  recompense  me. 

22  For  I  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord, 
and  have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 

23  For  all  his  ordinances  were  before  me, 
and  his  statutes  had  I  not  put  away  from  me. 

24  I  was  also  upright  with  him,  and  I 
guarded  myself  against  my  iniquity. 

25  Therefore  did  the  Lord  recompense  me 
according  to  my  righteousness,  according  to 
the  purity  of  my  hands  before  his  eyes. 

20  With  the  kind  thou  wilt  show  thyself 
kind  ;  with  the  upright  man  thou  wilt  show 
thyself  upright ; 

27  With  the  pure  thou  wilt  sliow  thyself 
pure;  and  with  the  perverse  thou  wilt  wage 
a  contest. 

28  For  thou  wilt  indeed  save  the  afilicted 
people;  but  haughty  eyes  wilt  thou  bring 
down. 

29  For  thou  wilt  cause  my  light  to  shine : 
the  Lord  my  God  will  enlighten  my  darkness. 

30  For  (aided)  by  thee  I  run  through  a 
troop;  and  (helped)  by  my  God  I  leap  over 
a  wall. 

31  As  for  God, — his  way  is  perfect;  the 
word  of  the  Lord  is  tried :  he  is  a  shield  to 
all  those  that  trust  in  him. 

32  For  who  is  god  save  the  Lord?  or  who 
is  a  rock  beside  our  God? 

33  He  is  the  God  that  girdeth  me  with 
strength,  and  rendereth  my  way  unobstructed. 

34  He  maketh  my  feet  like  those  of  the 
hinds,  and  upon  my  high-places  he  causeth 
me  to  stand. 

35  He  teacheth  my  hands  for  the  war,  so 
that  a  brazen  bow  is  bent  by  my  arms. 

36  And  thou  gavest  me  the  shield  of  thy 
salvation,  and  thy  right  hand  supported  me: 
and  thy  meekness"  hath  made  me  great. 

'  Aben  Ezra.     Jonathan,  "lightnings  in  multitude." 
"Jonathan,    "thy   word."   (See   note  to  2   Sam.  xxil. 
36.)     We  have  followed  Rashi  here,  because  the  word  is 
spelled  differently  from  what  it  is  in  Samuel. 


'f-^:^^ 


f- 


ki;th   am<)X(;   thk   oleameks. 


PSALMS  XVIII.— XX. 


37  Thou  enlargest  ray  steps  under  me,  so 
that  my  joints  do  not  slip. 

38  I  pursue  my  enemies,  and  overtake 
them;  and  I  return  not  again  till  I  have 
made  an  end  of  them. 

39  I  crush  them  that  they  are  not  able  to 
rise :  they  fall  under  my  feet. 

40  For  thou  hast  girded  me  with  strength 
for  the  war:  thou  subduest  my  opponents 
under  me. 

41  And  my  enemies  thou  causest  to  turn 
their  back  to  me;  and  those  that  hate  me, — 
that  I  may  destroy  them. 

42  They  cry,  but  there  is  none  to  help; 
unto  the  Lord, — but  he  answereth  them  not. 

43  And  I  beat  them  small  as  the  dust  be- 
Ibre  the  wind:  like  tlie  dirt  in  the  streets  do 
I  cast  them  out. 

44  Thou  deliverest  me  from  the  contests 
of  the  people;  thou  appointest  me  to  be  the 
head  of  nations :  a  people  that  I  know  not 
shall  serve  me. 

45  As  soon  as  their  ear  heareth''  they 
shall  be  obedient  to  me:  the  children  of  the 
stranger  shall  utter  tlattery  unto  me. 

46  The  children  of  the  stranger  shall  fade 
away,  and  come  forth  trembling  out  of  their 
close  places. 

47  The  Lord  liveth,  and  blessed  be  my 
Rock ;  and  exalted  be  the  God  of  my  salva- 
tion ; 

48  The  God  that  granteth  me  vengeance, 
and  subdueth  nations  under  me; 

49  That  delivereth  me  from  my  enemies: 
also  above  my  opponents  thou  liftest  me  up; 
thou  deliverest  me  from  the  man  of  violence. 

50  Therefore  will  I  give  thanks  unto  thee 
among  the  nations,  0  Lord,  and  unto  thy 
name  will  I  sing  praises, — 

51  (To  him)  that  maketh  great  the  salva- 
tion of  his  king,  and  who  sheweth  kindness 
to  his  anointed,  to  David,  and  to  his  seed  for 
ever. 

PSALM  XIX. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

°  Philippson,  "Those  of  wboin  I  have  only  heard  with 
my  ear,  the  strangers,  flatter  me." 

''  Aben  Ezra  and  Redak;  meaning,  their  admonition 
is  without  audible  words.  So  also  Sachs.  Others, 
"There  is  no  speech — without  their  voice  being  heard," 
t'.  e.  in  all  that  is  said  the  voice  of  the  heavens  mingles. 

4Q 


2  The  heavens  relate  the  glory  of  God; 
and  the  expanse  telleth  of  the  works  of  his 
hands. 

3  Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night 
unto  night  showeth  knowledge. 

4  There  is  no  speech,  there  are  no  words, 
their  voice  is  not  heard.* 

5  (But)  their  melody  extendeth  through 
all  the  earth,  and  to  the  end  of  the  world 
their  words.  For  the  sun  hath  he  set  a  taber- 
nacle among  them; 

6  And  he  goeth  out  tis  a  Ijridegroom  from 
his  chamber,  he  is  glad  like  a  strong  man  to 
run  his  course; 

7  From  tlie  end  of  the  heavens  is  his 
going  forth,  and  his  circuit  is  unto  their 
ends:  and  there  is  nothing  hidilen  I'lom  his 
heat" 

8  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  quieting 
the  soul:  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure, 
making  wise  the  simple. 

9  The  precepts  of  the  Lord  are  upright,  re- 
joicing the  heart :  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord  is  clear,  enlightening  the  eyes. 

10  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enduring 
for  ever :  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord  are  the 
truth,  they  are  just  altogether. 

11  They  are  those  which  are  to  l)e  desired 
more  than  gold,  and  much  fine  gold;  and 
they  are  sweeter  than  honey  and  the  drop- 
ping of  honeycomb. 

12  Moreover  thy  servant  is  admonished 
by  them:  in  keeping  them  there  is  great 
reward. 

13  Who  can  guard"  against  errors?  IVnui 
secret*  (faults)  do  thou  cleanse  me. 

14  Also  from  presumptuous  (sins)  with- 
hold thy  servant;  let  them  not  have  dominion 
over  me:  then  shall  I  be  blameless,  and  I 
shall  be  clear  from  any  great  transgression. 

15  May  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the 
meditation  of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  liefore 
thee,  0  Lord,  my  Rock,  and  my  Redeemer. 

PSALM  XX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 


°  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra.  Lit.  "who  can  understand 
errors?"  Sachs,  "who  can  remark?"  i.  e.  with  all 
man's  striving,  errors  will  bo  committed  unperceived  by 
him. 

*  ('.  r.  Those  unknown,  as  they  were  committed  unper- 
ceived, 

721 


PSALMS  XX.— XXTI. 


2  May  the  Lord  answer  thee  on  the  day 
of  distress;  may  the  name  of  the  God  of 
Jacob  protect  thee; 

3  May  he  send  thee  help  from  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  support  tliee  from  Zion  ; 

4  May  he  remember  all  thy  meat-oflerings, 
and  accept"  in  favour  thy  burnt-sacrifice. 
Selah. 

5  May  he  grant  thee  according  to  thy  own 
heart,  and  fulfil  all  thy  resolves. 

6  We  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation,  and  in 
the  name  of  our  God  will  we  upraise  our  ban- 
ners :  may  the  Lord  fulfil  all  thy  petitions. 

7  Now  I  know  that  the  Lord  saveth  his 
anointed;  he  will  answer  him  from  his  holy 
heavens,  with  the  saving  strength  of  his  right 
hand. 

8  Some  (trust)  in  chariots,  and  some  in 
horses;  but  we  will  invoke''  the  name  of  the 
Lord  our  God. 

9  They  are  prostrate  and  fallen ;  but  we 
are  risen  up  and  stand  erect." 

10  0  Lord,  save  (us) :  may  the  king*"  an- 
swer us  on  the  day  when  we  call  (on  him). 


PSALM  XXL 

the    chief   musician, 


a   psalm   of 


The  longing  of  his  heart  hast  thou  given 


IJ  To 
David. 

2  O  Lord,  because  of  thy  strength  will  the 
king  rejoice ;  and  through  thy  salvation  how 
greatly  will  he  be  glad ! 

o 
him,  and  the  request  of  his  lips  hast  thou  not 
withholden.     Selah. 

4  For  thou  meetest  him  unasked"  with  the 
blessings  of  happiness:  thou  settest  on  his 
head  a  crown  of  pure  gold. 

5  Life  hath  he  asked  of  thee,  thou  gavest 
it  to  him,  length  of  days  for  ever  and 
ever. 

G  Great  is  his  honour  through  thy  help: 
glory  and  majesty  thou  layest  upon  him. 
7  For  thou  appointest  him  to  be  a  bless- 


"  njB'T  from  jtyT  "fat;"  hence,  "worthy  of  accept- 
ance," as  a  leau,  sickly  gift  is  unworthy  God's  acceptance. 

"^  llashi,  "tdij  means,  bringing  incense  and  prayer;  as 
in  Isa.  Ixvi.  3;"  hence,  it  has  been  rendered  elsewhere, 
"coufido  in."     Lit.  "make  mention." 

°  Rashi,  "we  shall  prevail  over  them."  Aben  Ezra, 
"  we  shall  be  exalted,  or  lifted  up." 

''  Septuagint  and  others  translate,  "  0  Lord  !  .save  the 
king;  may  he  hear  us,  &c.;"  but  the  above  is  according 
to  the  Mas.soretic  text,  Jonathan,  "O  powerful  King, 
Wfcept  our  prayer,"  &c, 


and  their  seed  from  among 


ing  for  ever :  thou  makest  him  glad  with  joy 
from"^  thy  presence. 

8  For  the  king  trusteth  in  the  Lord;  and 
through  the  kindness  of  the  Most  High  shall 
he  not  be  moved. 

9  Thy  hand  will  reach  all  thy  enemies: 
thy  right  hand  will  reach  those  that  hate 
thee. 

10  Thou  wilt  render  them  as  a  fiery  oven 
at  the  time  of  thy  anger:  the  Lord  in  his 
wrath  will  destroy  them,  and  a  fire  will  de- 
vour them. 

11  Their  fruit  wilt  thou  cause  to   perish 
from  the  earth 
the  children  of  men 

12  For  they  directed  against  thee  evil: 
they  devised  a  mischievous  purpose,  which 
they  were  not  able  to  perform. 

13  For  thou  wilt  make  them  turn  their 
back;^  upon  thy  bow-strings  thou  wilt  make 
ready  (thy  arrows)  against  their  face.*" 

14  Exalt  thyself,  O  Lord,  in  thy  strength; 
(and)  we  will  sing  and  praise  thy  power. 

PSALM  XXII. 

1  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Ayeleth- 
hashachar,'  a  psalm  of  David. 

2  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  for- 
saken me?  why  art  thou  so  far  from  saving 
me,  and  from  the  words  of  my  loud  com- 
plaint? 

3  0  my  God!  I  call  in  the  day-time,  but 
thou  answerest  not;  and  in  the  night  I  find 
no  rest.* 

4  But  thou  art  holy,  0  thou  that  dwellest 
amidst  the  praises  of  Israel. 

5  In  thee  did  our  fathers  trust:  they  trustr 
ed,  and  thou  didst  deliver  them. 

6  Unto  thee  they  cried,  and  were  deliver- 
ed :  in  thee  they  trusted,  and  were  not  put  to 
shame. 

7  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  not  a  man,  a  re- 
proach of  men,  and  despised  of  people. 


°  Rashi.  '  Jonathan.     Others,  "before  thy  face." 

'  Rashi,  "thou  wilt  give  them  as  a  portion  (to  thy  peo- 
ple)." Redak,  "thou  wilt  set  them  up  as  a  mark  on 
one  side." 

'■  Sachs,  "thou  wilt  take  aim  with  thy  bow-strings 
against  their  face." 

'  This  is  supposed  by  some  to  mean  a  particular  well- 
known  tune,  commencing  "The  hind  of  the  morning- 
dawn  ;"  others,  an  instrument,  &c. 

"Lit.  "there  is  no  silence  to  me."  Jlendelssobn, 
"nothing  allajfoth  my  grief,"  or  "paiu." 


PSALMS  XXII.  XXIII. 


8  All  those  who  see  me  laugh  me  to  scorn : 
they  draw  open  their  lips,  they  shake  their 
head,  (saying.) 

9  "Let  him  throw*  himself  on  the  Lord, 
that  he  may  deliver  him :  he  will  save  him, 
for  he  delighteth  in  him." 

10  Yea,  thou  art  he  that  took  me  from  the 
womb :  thou  hast  been  my  trust  when  I  hung 
on  my  mother's  breasts. 

11  Upon  thee  was  I  cast  from  my  birth: 
from  my  mother's  womb  art  thou  my  God. 

12  Oh  be  not  far  from  me  (now) ;  for  dis- 
tress is  near;  for  there  is  none  to  help. 

13  Many  steers  have  encompassed  me: 
the  strong  bulls  of  Bashan  have  beset  me 
round. 

14  They  have  opened  wide  against  me 
their  mouth,  (as)  a  ravenous  and  roaring 
lion. 

15  Like  water  am  I  poured  out,  and  all 
my  bones  are  disjointed :  my  heart  is  become 
like  wax,  it  is  melted  in  the  midst  of  my 
entrails. 

16  Like  a  potsherd  is  my  strength  dried 
up;  and  my  tongue  cleaveth  to  my  palate ;■" 
and  into  the  dust  of  death  hast  thou  laid  me 
down. 

17  For  dogs  have  encompassed  me;  the 
assembly  of  the  wicked  have  enclosed  me: 
like  lions  (they  threaten)  my  hands  and  my 
feet." 

18  I  may  number  all  my  bones:  (while) 
they  stare  and  look  upon  me. 

19  They  divide  my  clothes  among  them- 
selves, and  for  my  garment  do  they  cast 
lots. 

20  But  thou,  0  Lord,  be  not  far  from  me : 

0  (thou  who  art)  my  strength,  hasten  to  my 
aid. 

21  Deliver  from  the  sword  my  life,  from 
the  power  of  the  dog  my  solitary  soul. 

22  Save  me  from  the  lion's  mouth;  as 
thou  hast  answered  me  from  the  horns  of  the 
reem.'' 

2.3  I  will   relate  thy  name  unto  my  bre- 
ren :  in  the 

1  praise  thee. 
~ — - — . i 

•  Lit.  "roll,"  meaning,  as  Kashi  comments,  "his  bur- 
den." Aben  Ezra,  "his  words."  Redak,  " hi.s  prayer." 
But  the  sense  is  all  the  same  as  in  the  text. 

"  Rashi,  "teeth." 

°  Aben  Ezra,  "the  hands  with  which  a  man  fighteth, 
and  the  feet  with  which  he  escapeth."     Philippson  es- 


thren :  in  the  midst  of  the  congregation  will 


24  Ye  that  tear  the  Lord,  praise  him;  all 
ye  the  seed  of  Jacob,  glorify  him ;  and  be  in 
dread  of  him.  all  ye  the  seed  of  Israel. 

25  For  he  hath  not  despised  nor  abhorred 
the  affliction  of  the  poor;  neither  hath  he 
hidden  his  face  from  him ;  but  when  he  cried 
unto  him,  he  heard. 

26  Of  thee  shall  be  my  praise. in  a  great 
assembly :  my  vows  will  I  pay  in  the  pre- 
sence of  those  who  fear  him. 

27  The  meek  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied; 
they  who  seek  him  shall  praise  the  Lord  : 
may  your  heart  live  tor  ever. 

28  All  the  ends  of  the  world  shall  remem- 
ber and  return  unto  the  Lord:  and  all  the 
families  of  the  nations  shall  bow  themselves 
down  before  thee. 

29  For  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's,  and  he 
goverueth  the  nations. 

30  All  they  that  eat  the  fat  of  the  earth 
shall  bow  themselves  down ;  before  him  shall 
bend  the  knee  all  that  are  going  down  into 
!?he  dust  ;  for  none  can  keep  alive  his  own 
soul." 

31  Distant  ages  shall  serve  him;  there 
shall  be  related  of  the  Lord  unto  future  gene- 
rations. 

32  They  will  come,  and  will  tell  his  right- 
eousness unto  a  people  yet  unborn,  that*^  he 
hath  done  this. 

PSALM  XXIII. 

1  T[  A  psalm  of  David.  The  Lord  is  my 
shepherd,  I  shall  not  want. 

2  In  pastures  of  tender  grass  he  cau.seth 
me  to  lie  down :  beside  still  Avaters  he  lead- 
eth  me. 

3  My  soul  he  refresheth :  he  guideth  me  in 
the  tracks  of  righteousness  for  the  sake  of  his 
name. 

4  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  not  fear  evil ; 
for  thou  art  with  me :  thy  rod  and  thy  staff 
— they  indeed  comfort  me. 

5  Thou  preparest  before  me  a  table  in  the 
presence  of  my  assailants ;  thou  anointest  with 
oil  my  head:  my  cup  overfloweth. 

plains,  "Like  the  lions  they  enclose  him  that  he  canuut 
escape  farther  nor  contend  against  them." 

^  It  is  not  possible  to  determine  what  animal  is  meant. 
Philippson,  "buffalo." 

°  Sachs,  "and  he  that  cannot  keep  himself  alive." 

'  Philippson,  "for" 

723 


PSALMS  XXIII.— XXV. 


6  Surely,  only  goodness  and  kindness  shall 
follow  me  all  the  days  of  my  life :  and  I  shall 
dwell"'  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  to  the  utmost 
length  of  days. 

PSALM  XXIV. 

1  ^  Of  David  a  psalm.  Unto  the  Lord 
belongeth  the  earth  with  what  filleth  it,  the 
world  and  they  that  dwell  therein ; 

2  For  upon  seas  hath  he  founded  it,  and 
upon  rivers  hath  he  established  it. 

3  Who  shall  ascend  into  the  mountain  of 
the  Lord  ?  and  who  shall  be  able  to  stand  in 
his  holy  place? 

4  He  that  is  clean  of  hands,  and  pure  of 
heart;  who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  souP  unto 
f;ilsehood,  and  hath  not  sworn  deceitfully : 

5  He  shall  bear  away  blessing  from  the 
Lord,  and  (the  reward  of)  righteousness  from 
the  God  of  his  salvation. 

6  This  is  the  generation  of  those  that  adore 
him,  that  seek  thy  presence,  (the  sons  of)" 
Jacob.     Selah. 

7  Kaise  your  heads,  0  ye  gates;  and  be 
raised  wide,  ye  everlasting  doors:  and  let  the 
King  of  glory  enter! 

8  Who  is*  this  King  of  glory  ?  The  Lord 
strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle. 

9  Raise  your  heads,  0  ye  gates;  and  raise 
(them)  up,  ye  everlasting  doors:  and  let  the 
King  of  glory  enter! 

10  Who  is  then  this  King  of  glory?  The 
Lord  of  hosts,  he  is  the  King  of  glory.  Se- 
lah. 

PSALM  XXV.'' 

1  T[  Of  David.  Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I 
lift  up  my  soul. 

2  0  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  trust,  let  me 
not  be  ashamed,  let  not  my  enemies  triumph 
over  me. 

.3  Yea,  none  that  wait  on  thee  will  be  put 
to  shame:  let  those  be  put  to  shame  who 
deal  treacherously  without  cause. 

'  Mendelssohn,  "I  shall  once  have  rest  to  eternity  in 
the  house  of  the  Eterniil ;"   hope  of  immortality. 

'  I  have  followed  all  the  modern  versions  in  translating 
according  to  the  Ketih,  which  Redak  also  notices,  and 
likewise  Jonathan,  iBf-jj  "his  soul."  But  the  Keri  is 
■tyijj  "my  soul,"  and  this  would  require  to  he  rendered, 
"  and  pronounceth  not  falsely  my  own  self,"  i.  e.  God. 
The  phrase  of  "swearing  by  God's  soul,"  or  "himself," 
is  found  in  'Amos  vi.  S,  (which  see). 

'Lit.  ".Inciib."     Some  supply  "God  of,"  "who  seek 


4  Show  me,  0  Lord,  thy  ways;  teach  me 
thy  paths. 

5  Lead  me  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me;  for 
thou  art  the  God  of  my  salvation :  on  thee 
do  I  wait  all  the  day. 

6  Remember  thy  mercies,  0  Lord,  and 
thy  kindnesses;  for  they  are  from  everlast- 
ing. 

7  The  sins  of  my  youth  and  my  transgres- 
sions do  not  remember:  according  to  thy 
kindness  bear  thou  me  in  remembrance,  for 
the  sake  of  thy  goodness,  0  Lord. 

8  Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord  :  therefore 
he  pointeth  out  to  sinners  the  right  way. 

9  He  guideth  the  meek  in  justice,  and  he 
teacheth  the  meek  his  way. 

10  All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  kindness 
and  truth  unto  such  as  keep  his  covenant 
and  his  testimonies. 

11  For  the  sake  of  thy  name,  0  Lord,  par- 
don my  iniquity :  although  it  is  great. 

12  Who  is  that  man  who  feareth  the  Lord? 
to  him  will  he  point  out  the  way  which  he  is 
to  choose? 

13  His  soul  shall  abide*'  in  happiness;  and 
his  seed  shall  inherit  the  land. 

14  The  secret  counsel  of  the  Lord  is  for 
those  that  fear  him,  and  his  covenant — to 
make  it  known  to  them. 

15  My  eyes  are  ever  (directed)  toward  the 
Lord;  for  lie  will  draw  out  of  the  net  my 
feet. 

16  Turn  unto  me,  and  be  gracious  unto 
me;  for  I  am  solitary  and  afflicted. 

17  The  distresses  of  my  heart  are  enlarged : 
0  l)ring  thou  me  out  of  my  afflictions. 

18  I^ook  on  my  misery  and  my  trouble ; 
and  forgive  all  my  sins. 

19  Look  at  my  enemies;  for  they  are 
many;  and  they  hate  me  with  the  hatred  of 
violence.^ 

20  Oh  guard  my  soul,  and  deliver  me :  let 
me  not  be  put  to  shame;  for  I  put  my  trust 
in  thee. 


thy  presence,  0  God  of  Jacob."  But  Aben  Ezra  and 
Redak  take  Jacob  as  standing  for  the  entire  people; 
meaning,  the  true  Israelites  are  those  who  are  true 
seekers  of  God. 

^  This  Psalm  is  alphabetically  arranged,  only  that  a, 
1  and  p  are  omitted. 

"  Rashi,  "his  soul  abideth  in  happiness  when  he  resteth 
in  the  grave;"   because  pS  means  "to  lodge,"  "to  spend 
the  night." 
i      '  (',  <".  Unjustly;  it  is  sprung  from  wmng  causes, 


PSALMS  XXV.— XXVIII. 


21  Let  integrity-  and  uprightness  guard 
iiic;  for  1  wait  on  thee. 

22  Redeem,  0  God,  Israel  out  of  all  his 
distresses. 

PSALM  XXVL 

1  ^1  Of  David.  Judge  me,  0  Lord;  for  I 
have  indeed  walked  in  my  integrity :  and  in 
the  Lord  have  I  trusted;  I  shall  not  slip. 

2  Try  me,  O  Lord,  and  prove  me;  purify 
my  reins  and  nn'  heart. 

3  For  thy  kindness  is  before  my  eyes ;  and 
I  have  walked  in  thy  truth. 

4  I  have  not  sat  with  men  of  falsehood, 
and  with  dissemblers  will  I  not  enter  (in 
communion). 

5  I  have  hated  the  assemblage  of  evil- 
doers; and  with  the  wicked  will  I  not  sit. 

6  I  will  wash  in  innocency  my  hands,  and 
I  will  compass  thy  altar,  0  Lord: 

7  That  I  may  publish  with  a  loud  voice 
(my)  thanksgiving,  and  relate  all  thy  won- 
drous deeds. 

8  Lord,  I  love  the  site  of  thy  house,  and 
the  place  where  thy  glory  dwelleth. 

9  Take  not  away  with  sinners  my  soul, 
nor  with  men  of  blood  my  life ; 

10  In  whose  hands  are  wicked  devices,  and 
whose  right  hand  is  full  of  bribes. 

11  But  as  for  me,  I  will  walk  in  my  in- 
tegrity :  redeem  me,  and  be  gracious  unto  me. 

12  My  foot  standeth  on  an  even  place:  in 
assemblies  will  I  bless  the  Lord. 

PSALM  XXVII. 

1  ^  Of  David.  The  Lord  is  my  light  and 
my  salvation;  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid?  the 
Lord  is  the  fortress  of  my  life;  of  whom 
shall  I  have  dread? 

2  When  evil-doers  come  near  against  me 
to  eat  up  my  flesh,  my  assailants  and  my 
enemies  at  me :  then  do  they  stumble  and  fall. 

3  If  an  army  should  encamp  against  me, 
my  heart  shall  not  fear :  if  war  should  arise 
against  me,  even  then"  will  I  have  trust. 

4  One  thing  have  I  asked  of  the  Lord, 
that  will  I  seek  for :  that  I  may  dwell  in  the 


'  Rashi,  "in  this,"  meaning  what  is  said  above,  "the 
Lord  is  ray  strength,"  &c. 

"  Diinash,  quoted  by  Rashi,  and  Aben  Ezra.  Me- 
nachem,  "to  make  inquiry;"  hence,  Sachs,  "to  inquire 
(for  him)  in  his  temple."  Herxheimer,  "to  contem- 
plate."    Philippson,  "to  look  about  in,"  &c. 


house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my  life,  to 
behold  the  loveliness  of  the  Lord,  and  to  be 
every  morning  early*"  in  his  temple. 

5  For  he  will  hide  me  in  his  pavilion  on 
the  day  of  evil ;  he  will  conceal  me  in  the 
secret  of  his  tabernacle;  upon  a  rock  will 
he  place  me  high. 

6  And  now  will  my  head  be  lifted  up 
above  my  enemies  all  round  about  me;  and 
I  will  sacrifice  in  his  tabernacle  sacrifices  of 
joy  :'■  I  will  sing,  and  I  will  triumphantly 
play  unto  the  Lord. 

7  Hear,  0  Lord,  my  voice,  (when)  I  call, 
and  be  gracious  unto  me,  and  answer  me. 

8  Of  thee,''  said  my  heart,  "  Seek  ye  my 
presence:"  thy  presence.  Lord,  will  I  seek. 

9  Hide  (then)  nut  thy  fiice  from  me;  re- 
ject not  in  anger  thy  servant,  thou  (who) 
hast  been  my  help:  cast  me  not  off,  nor  for- 
sake me,  0  God  of  my  salvation. 

10  For  my  father  and  my  mother  have 
forsaken  me;  but  the  Lord  will  take  me  up. 

11  Point  me  out  thy  way,  0  Lord!  and 
guide  me  on  a  level  path,  because  of  those 
that  regard  me  enviously. 

12  Give  me  not  up  to  the  (revengeful)  de- 
sire of  my  assailants;  for  there  are  risen  up 
against  me  false  witnesses,  and  such  as  utter 
violence. 

13  Unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  good- 
ness of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  life — " 

14  Wait  on  the  Lord;  be  strong,  and  let 
thy  heart  be  of  good  courage ;  and  only  wait 
on  the  Lord. 

PSALM  XXVIII. 

1  Tl  Of  David.  Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  will 
I  call;  0  my  rock,  turn  not  unheeding  from 
me:  lest  thou  turn  away  silent  from  me, 
and  I  become  like  those  that  go  down  into 
the  pit. 

2  Hear  the  voice  of  my  supplications,  when 
I  cry  unto  thee,  when  I  lift  up  my  hands 
toward  the  most  holy  place  of  thy  sanc- 
tuary. 

3  Snatch  me  not  away  with  the  wicked, 
and  with  the  workers  of  injustice,  who  speak 

°  Heb.  "shouting."  Rashi,  "whereby  they  sing  hymns." 
''  Rashi,  "By  thy  message  said  my  heart  to  me,  Seek 

ye,  all  Israel,  ray  presence,  and  I  obey  it,  and  I  seek  thy 

presence,  0  Lord  " 

'  We  must  supply,  "  then  had   I  perished."     But  the 

P.salmist  speaks  as  though  he  feared  to  utter  all  he  felt. 

725 


PSALMS  XXVIIT— XXX. 


peace  with  their  neighbours,  with  mischief  in 
their  heart. 

4  Give  unto  them  according  to  their  doing, 
and  according  to  tlie  evil  of  their  deeds;  ac- 
cording to  the  work  of  their  hands  do  thou 
give  unto  them:  bestow  their  (just)  recoin- 
jjense  on  them. 

5  Because  they  have  no  regard  for  the  do- 
ings of  the  Lord,  nor  the  works  of  liis  hands : 
may  he  pull  them  down,  and  not  build  them 
up. 

6  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  because  he  hath 
heard  the  voice  of  my  supplications. 

7  The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  my  shield; 
in  him  hath  my  heart  trusted,  and  I  am  help- 
ed, and  my  heart  exulteth;  and  with  my 
song  will  I  thank  him. 

8  The  Lord  is  strength  unto  them,"  and  he 
is  the  fortress  of  victory''  of  his  anointed. 

9  Help  thy  people,  and  bless  thy  heritage : 
and  feed  them,  and  exalt  them  unto  all  eter- 
nity. 

PSALM  XXIX. 

1  ^  A  psalm  of  David.  Ascribe  unto  the 
Lord,  0  ye  sons  of  the  mighty,''  ascribe  unto 
the  Lord  glory  and  strength. 

2  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  of  his 
name;  bow  down  to  the  Lord  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness.* 

3  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the 
waters;  the  God  of  glory  thundereth,  the 
Lord — upon  mighty  waters. 

4  The  voice  of  the  Lord  (resoundeth)  with 
power;  the  voice  of  the  Lord  (resoundeth) 
with  majesty. 

5  The  voice  of  the  Lord  breaketh  in 
pieces  the  cedars;  yea,  the  Lord  shivereth 
the  cedars  of  Lebanon  ; 

6  And  he  maketh  them  skip  like  a  calf; 
Lebanon  and  Siryon  like  young  reems. 

7  The  voice  of  the  Lord  heweth  out  flames 
of  fire. 

8  The  voice  of  the  Lord  shaketh  the  wil- 
derness; the  Lord  shaketh  the  wilderness  of 
Kadesh. 

*  i.  e.  All  the  people  of  God  who  trust  in  him. 

''  Sachs.  ^^•J^VI^  is  frequently  found  as  meaning  victory, 
or  the  overcoming  of  difficulties;  and  salvation  is  in  effect 
the  same,  the  ultimate  release  from  the  evil. 

"  Rashi.  /.  c.  chiefs,  or  princes.  Sforno,  "sons  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob."     Jonathan,  "angels." 

■^  Others,  "in  holy  ornament;"  or  the  priestly  gar- 
ments. 

7-'J 


9  The  voice  of  the  Lord  causeth  the  hinds 
to  start,'  and  maketh  bare  forests :  and  in  his 
temple  every  thing  speaketh  (of  his)  glory. 

10  The  Lord  sat  (enthroned)  at  the  flood; 
and  the  Lord  will  sit  as  King  for  ever. 

11  The  Lord  will  give  strength  unto  his 
people;  the  Lord  will  bless  his  people  with 
peace. 

PSALM  XXX. 

1  T[  A  psalm,  a  song  at  the  dedication 
of  the  temple,*^  of  David. 

2  I  will  extol  thee,  0  Lord;  for  thou  hast 
lifted*^  me  up,  and  hast  not  suffered  my  ene- 
mies to  rejoice  over  me. 

.3  0  Lord  my  God,  I  cried  loudly  unto 
thee,  and  thou  hast  healed  me. 

4  0  Lord,  thou  hast  brought  up  from  the 
nether  world  my  soul:  thou  hast  kept  me 
alive,  that  F  should  not  go  down  to  the  pit. 

5  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  0  ye  his  pious  ones, 
and  give  thanks  to  the  memorial'  of  his  holi- 
ness. 

6  For  his  anger  is  momentary,  (but)  life  is 
in  his  fixvour:  in  the  evening  (cometh)  weep- 
ing to  stay  for  a  night,  but  in  the  morning 
there  is  joyful  song. 

7  And  I  had  said  indeed  in  my  prosperity, 
I  shall  never  be  moved. 

8  Lord,  by  thy  favour  hadst  thou  caused 
my  mountain  to  stand  in  strength :  thou  didst 
hide  thy  face,  (and)  I  was  terrified. 

9  Unto  thee,  0  Lord,  Avill  I  call;  and  unto 
the  Lord  will  I  make  supplication. 

10  What  profit  is  there  in  my  blood,  when 
I  go  down  to  the  grave?  Shall  the  dust 
thank  thee?  shall  it  announce  thy  truth? 

11  Hear,  0  Lord,  and  be  gracious  unto 
me :  Lord,  be  thou  a  helper  unto  me. 

12  Thou  hast  changed  my  mourning  into 
dancing  for  me;  thou  hast  loosened  my  sack- 
cloth, and  girded  me  witli  joy: 

13  To  the  end  that  my  glorious  souP  may 
sing  praise  to  thee,  and  never  be  silent.  0 
Lord  my  God,  for  ever  will  I  give  thanks 
unto  thee. 


"  Mendelssohn.  Aben  Ezra,  "causeth  the  hinds  to 
calve,"  or  "to  be  in  pain."  '  Rashi. 

*  Lit.  "drawn  me  up,"  i.  e.  from  trouble. 

'' The  iTe^'i  would  require,  "thou  hast  given  me  lite 
from  among  those  who  go  down  to  the  pit."  So  Philipp- 
son  and  Sforno. 

'  Mendelssohn,  "his  holy  name." 

''  Redak.     Others,  "th:it   honourable  praise  may  sing 


PSALMS  XXXI.  XXXII. 


PSALM  XXXI. 


1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  In  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust;  Oh 
that  I  may  never  be  put  to  shame :  through 
thy  righteousness  do  thou  release  me. 

3  Bend  unto  me  thy  ear;  speedily  deliver 
me:  be  thou  unto  me  as  a  rock  of  protection, 
as  a  mountain  strong-hold"  to  save  me. 

4  For  my  rock  and  my  strong-hold  art 
thou;  and  for  the  sake  of  thy  name  lead 
me,  and  guide  me. 

5  Draw  me  out  of  the  net  which  they  have 
laid  secretly  for  me;  for  thou  art  ni}'  pro- 
tection. 

6  Into  thy  hand  do  I  commit  my  spirit: 
thou  redeemest  me,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  truth. 

7  I  hate  those  that  depend  on  laying  vani- 
ties; but  I  trust  indeed  in  the  Lord. 

8  I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  kind- 
ness; because  thou  hast  seen  my  misery; 
thou  hast  taken  cognizance  of  the  distresses 
of  my  soul ; 

9  And  thou  hast  not  suri'endered  me  into 
the  hand  of  the  enemy :  thou  hast  caused  my 
feet  to  stand  on  an  ample  space. 

10  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  Lord,  for  I  am 
in  distress;  my  eye  is  consumed  through 
vexation — my  soul  (too)  and  my  body. 

11  For  my  life  is  spent  with  sorrow,  and 
my  years  with  sighing:  my  strength  faileth 
because  of  my  iniquity,  and  my  bones  are 
consumed. 

12  Because  of  all  my  assailants  am  I  be- 
come a  reproach,  and  unto  my  neighbours 
greatly  so,  and  a  terror  to  my  acquaintance, 
those  that  see  me  abroad  flee  away  from  me. 

13  I  am  forgotten  <as  a  dead  man  out  of 
the  heart:  I  am  become  like  a  perishable 
vessel. 

14  For  I  have  heard  the  slandering  of 
many;  terror  was  on  every  side,  while  they 
took  counsel  together  against  me:  to  take 
away  my  life  did  they  purpose. 


unto  thee."  Jonathan,  "that  the  honourable  of  the 
world,"  &c.  ('.  e.  the  princes.     So  also  Aben  Ezra. 

'  Sachs,  after  Aben  Ezra,  &c.  Lit.  "a  house  of  strong- 
hold." 

'' Lit.  "times;"  here,  what  occurs  in  them.  Rashi, 
"the  times  that  pass  are  through  thy  will  and  decrees." 

'  Others,  "fortified  city."      Herxheimcr,  "as  in,"  &c. 

•*  Lit.  "in  my  haste,"  ;'.  e.  "  that  brought  about  by  trou- 
ble." 


15  But  I  trusted  well  in  thee,  0  Lord:  I 
said,  Thou  art  my  God. 

16  In  thy  hand  are  my  destinies:''  deliver 
me  from  the  hand  of  my  enemies,  and  from 
my  persecutors. 

17  Let  thy  face  shine  upon  thy  servant: 
save  me  through  thy  kindness. 

18  0  Lord,  let  me  not  be  put  to  shame; 
for  I  have  called  on  thee :  let  the  wicked  be 
put  to  shame,  let  them  be  silent,  (passing)  to 
the  nether  world. 

19  Let  the  lying  lips  be  made  dumb, 
which  speak  hard  things  against  the  right- 
eous, with  pride  and  contempt. 

20  Oh  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which 
thou  hast  treasured  up  for  those  that  fear 
thee;  which  thou  hast  wrought  for  those  that 
trust  in  thee  before  the  .sons  of  men  I 

21  Thou  wilt  conceal  them  in  the  secret 
of  thy  presence  from  the  conspiracy  of  men : 
thou  wilt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavilion 
from  the  strife  of  tongues. 

22  Blessed  be  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  shown 
me  his  kindness  wonderfully  in  a  beleaguered" 
city. 

23  And  yet  had  I  said  in  my  despondency,'' 
I  am  cut  off  from  before  thy  eyes :  neverthe- 
less thou  didst  hear  the  voice  of  my  supplica^ 
tions  when  I  cried  loudly  unto  thee. 

24  Oh  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  pious  ones: 
the  Lord  prcserveth  the  faithful,  and  recom- 
penses the  presumption'  of  him  that  acteth 
proudly. 

25  Be  strong,  and  let  your  heart  be  of 
good  courage,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord. 

.     PSALM  XXXIL 

1  ][  Of  David:  a  Maskil.''  Happy  is  he 
whose  transgression  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is 
covered  (by  repentance) .'' 

2  Happy  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord 
imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whose  spirit 
there  is  no  guile. 

3  When  I  kept  silence,**  my  bones  wasted 
away  through  my  crying  all  th%  day. 

'  Rashi.  Philippson,  "the  Lord  prcservcth  faithful- 
ness and  recompenseth  abundantly  the  proud." 

'  Philippson,  "  a  didactic  poem ;"  a  psalm  in  which 
something  is  taught.  But  all  the  superscriptions  of  the 
Psalms  are  rather  uncertain  in  their  meaning,  wherefore 
they  are  left  untranslated. 

*  Joel  Briel.  Philippson  and  Herxheimer,  "par- 
doned." 

''  Rashi,  "when  I  eonfes.sed  not  my  transgression." 


PSALMS  XXXTi— XXXTT. 


4  For  by  d.ay  and  night  lay  thy  hand 
lieavily  upon  me:  my  (life's)  moisture  hath 
been  changed  througli  the  droughts  of  sum- 
mer.    Sehah. 

5  My  sin  do  I  ever  acknowledge  unto 
thee,  and  my  iniquity  have  I  not  covered 
up.  I  said,  I  will  make  confession  because 
of  my  transgressions  unto  the  Lord:  and 
thou  truly  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin. 
Selah. 

6  For  this  shall  every  pious  one  pray  unto 
thee  in  a  time  when  thou  mayest  be  found: 
surely  (then)  when  great  waters  overflow, 
they  shall  never  reach  unto  him. 

7  Thou  art  my  liiding-place ;  from  distress 
wilt  thou  preserve  me;  with  songs  of  de- 
liverance wilt  thou  encompass  me.     Selah. 

8  I  will  instruct  thee  and  I  will  teach 
thee  concerning  the  way  which  thou  oughtest 
to  go:   I  will  counsel"  thee  with  my  eye. 

9  Be  ye  not  like  the  horse,  or  like  the 
mule,  who  hath  no  understanding;  who 
must  be  held  in  with  bit  and  bridle, his  orna- 
ment,'' lest  he  come  near  unto  thee. 

10  Man}-  are  the  pains  of  the  wicked;  but 
him  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord  will  he  en- 
compass with  kindness. 

11  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  be  glad,  ye 
righteous :  and  shout  for  joy,  all  3'e  that  are 
upright  in  heart. 

PSALM  XXXIII. 

1  ^  Be  joyful,  0  ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord; 
(for)  unto  the  righteous  praise  is  comely. 

2  Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  with  the 
harp:  with  the  ten-stringed  psaltery  do  ye 
sing  (praises)  unto  him. 

3  Sing  unto  him  a  new  song;  play  beauti- 
fully amidst  a  triumphant  shout. 

4  For  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  upright; 
and  all  his  works  (are  done)  in  truth. 

T)  He  loveth  righteousness  and  justice  :  the 
earth  is  full  of  the  kindness  of  the  Lord. 

6  By  the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  hea- 
vens made;  asud  by  the  breath  of  his  mouth 
all  their  host. 

7  He  gathereth  together   like    heaps   the 


"  Rashi.  lledak,  "concerning  what  I  have  seen  with 
my  eyes."  Jonathan,  "  I  will  counsel  thee  and  direct  my 
eye  upon  thee." 

''  Ahen  fjzra  understands  vip  to  moan  "the  jaws,"  or 
"  mouth,"  "  those  whose  mouth  must  be  held  iu."  The  last 
part  of  till"  verse  is  given  by  Philippson,  "else  he  cometh 
7:i8 


waters  of  the   sea:    he   layeth   up   in   store- 
houses the  depths  (of  the  sea). 

8  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord  :  of  him 
stand  in  awe  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world. 

9  For  he  spoke,  and  it  came  into  being: 
he  commanded,  and  it  stood  fast. 

10  The  Lord  frustrateth  the  resolves  of 
the  nations:  he  bringeth  to  nought  the 
thoughts  of  the  people. 

11  The  counsel  of  the  Lord  will  stand  for 
ever,  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  from  genera- 
tion to  generation. 

12  Happy  is  the  nation  whose  God  is  the 
Lord,  the  people  whom  he  hath  chosen  for 
himself  as  a  heritage 

13  The  Lord  looketh  from  heaven;  he 
seeth  all  the  sons  of  men. 

14  From  the  place  of  his  habitation  he 
directeth  his  view  upon  all  the  inhabitants 
of  the  earth ; 

15  He  fashioneth  their  hearts  altogether; 
he  hath  regard  to  all  their  works. 

16  The  king  is  not  saved  by  the  multitude 
of  an  army :  a  mighty  man  is  not  delivered 
by  much  strength. 

17  Vain  is  the  horse  for  victory:  nor 
shall  he  deliver  any  by  the  greatness  of  his 
strength. 

18  Behold,  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
those  that  fear  him,  upon  those  that  hope  for 
his  kindness, 

19  To  deliver  from  death  their  soul,  and 
to  keep  them  alive  in  famine. 

20  Our  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord:  our 
help  and  our  shield  is  he. 

21  For  in  him  shall  our  heart  rejoice;  be- 
cause in  his  holy  name  have  we  trusted. 

22  Let  thy  kindness,  0  Lord,  be  upon  us, 
even  as  we  hope  in  thee. 

PSALM  XXXIV. 

1  ][  By  David,  when  he  disguised  his 
reason  before  Abimelech,"  who  drove  him 
away,  and  he  departed. 

2  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times:  con- 
tinually shall  his  praise  be  in  my  mouth. 

3  My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in   the 

not  nigh,"  &c.,  meaning  only  through  restraint  are  the 
horse  and  mule  subjected  to  man. 

"  In  1  Sam.  xxi.  14,  this  king  is  called  Achtsh;  no  doubt 
but  that  Abimelech  (King's  Father)  was  the  usual  appella- 
tion of  all  Philistine  kings,  as  those  of  Egypt  were  called 
IViaraoh. 


PSALMS  XXXIV.  XXXV. 


Lord:  the  hmnble  shall  hear  it,  and  be  re- 
joiced. 

4  Oh  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us 
exalt  his  name  together. 

5  I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  answered  me, 
and  from  all  that  T  dreaded  did  he  deliver 
me. 

6  Thej'  (who)  looked  unto  him,  were  in- 
deed enlightened,  and  their  faces  were  not 
put  to  the  blush. 

7  This  poor  man  cried,  and  the  Lord 
heard  him,  and  out  of  all  his  distresses  did 
he  save  him. 

8  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round 
about  those  who  fear  him,  and  delivereth 
them. 

9  Experience"  and  see  that  the  Lord  is 
good :  happy  is  the  man  tliat  trusteth  in 
him. 

10  Oh  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints;  for 
there  is  no  want  to  those  who  fear  him. 

11  The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer 
hunger;  but  those  who  seek  the  Lord  shall 
not  want  any  good. 

12  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me: 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  will  I  teach  you. 

13  Who  is  the  man  that  desireth  life,  loveth 
(many)  days,  that  he  may  see  happiness? 

14  Guard  thy  tongue  fi'om  evil,  and  thy 
lips  from  speaking  deceit. 

15  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good;  seek 
peace,  and  pursue  it. 

16  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  directed  unto 
the  righteous,  and  his  ears  unto  their  cry. 

17  (But)  the  anger  of  the  Lord  is  against 
those  that  do  evil,  to  cut  off  from  the  earth 
their  remembrance. 

18  Those  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth, 
and  from  all  their  distresses  he  delivereth 
them. 

19  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  those  that  are 
broken-hearted;  and  he  saveth  those  that 
are  of  a  contrite  spirit. 

'*  20  Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  right- 
eous; but  out  of  them  all  the  Lord  ever  de- 
livereth him. 

*  Lit.  "  taste,"  i.  e.  tn  know  by  experiment. 

^  Sforno,  "one  evil  that  overcometh  hira  will  be  enough 
to  slay  the  wicked."  Rashi,  "the  evil  the  wicked  doth 
will  slay  him."  Redak,  "the  evil  lie  deviseth  against 
the  righteous,"  &c.  Others,  simply,  "misfortune"  or 
"  evil"  in  general. 

"Rashi.  Lit.  "lock  against;"  some  give,  "stop  the 
way." 

4  R 


21  He  watcheth  all  his  bones:  not  one  of 
them  is  broken. 

22  The  eviP  will  slay  the  wicked :  and 
they  who  hate  the  righteous  shall  incur 
guiltiness. 

23  The  Lord  redeemeth  the  soul  of  his 
servants :  and  all  that  trust  in  him  shall  not 
incur  guiltiness. 

PSALM  XXXV. 

1  ][  Of  David.  Contend,  0  Lord,  with 
those  that  contend  with  me:  fight  against 
those  that  fight  against  me. 

2  Take  hold  of  shield  and  buckler,  and 
rise  up  for  my  help. 

3  And  draw  out  the  spear,  and  step  in 
against"  my  pursuers :  say  unto  my  soul,  I  am 
thy  salvation. 

4  Let  those  be  put  to  shame  and  be  con- 
founded that  seek  after  my  life:''  let  those 
be  turned  backward  and  be  made  to  blush, 
that  devise  unhappiness  for  me. 

5  Let  them  be  as  chaff  before  the  wind  ; 
and  may  the  angel  of  the  Lord  cast  them 
forth. 

6  May  their  way  be  dark  and  slippery; 
and  may  the  angel  of  the  Lord  pursue  them. 

7  For  without  cause  have  they  hidden  for 
me  their  net"'  in  a  pit,  without  cause  have 
they  dug  (pit-falls)  against  my  life. 

8  May  then  destruction  come  upon  each  of 
them  at  unawares ;  and  may  his  net  that  he 
hath  hidden  catch  himself:  in  (utter)  de- 
struction let  him  fall  therein. 

9  But  my  soul  shall  exult  in  the  Lord  :  she 
shall  be  glad  through  his  salvation. 

10  All  my  bones  will  say.  Lord,  who  is 
like  unto  thee,  who  deliverest  the  poor  from 
him  that  is  too  strong  for  him,  yea,  the  poor 
and  the  needy  from  him  that  robbeth  him? 

11  There  rise  up  witnesses  of  violence; 
concerning  what  I  know  not  they  question 
me.' 

12  They  recompense  me  with  evil  in  place 
of  good,  (bringing)  bereavement^  on  my  soul. 

13  But  as  for  me,  when  they  were  sick, 

"  Lit.  "soul." 

'  Philippson,  "nets  of  destruction."  Herxheimer, 
"net-pits,"  (  e.  pits  covered  over  with  a  net,  as  used  by 
hunters  to  catch  wild  animals. 

'  When  confronted  with  him,  they  put  questions  to 
him,  as  though   he  were  guilty  and  they  spoke  the  truth. 

»  Meaning,  causing  him  to  be  forsaken  by  all  by  their 

slanders. 

729 


PSALMS  XXXV.  XXXVI. 


my  clothing  was  sackcloth :  I  afflicted  with  [ 
fasting  mj  soul,  and  my  prayer  returned ' 
into  my  own  bosom." 

14  As  though  he  had  been  to  me  a  friend 
or  a  brother  did  I  walk  about:  as  one  that 
mourneth  for  a  mother  did  I  sorrowfully 
bend  down  my  head.  ' 

15  But  in  my  downfall  they  rejoiced, 
and  gathered  themselves  together;  there 
gathered  themselves  together  against  me 
abject  wretches,  whom  I  knew  not;  they 
did  tear  me,  and  ceased  not : 

16  With  hypocritical  bal^bling''  mockers, 
they  gnashed  upon  me  with  their  teeth. 

17  0  Lord,  how  long  wilt  thou  look  on? 
rescue  my  soul  from  their  destructions,  from 
the  young  lions  my  .solitary  spirit. 

18  I  will  thank  thee  in  the  great  as.sembly : 
among  a  mighty  people  will  I  praise  thee. 

19  Let  not  rejoice  over  me  those  that  are 
my  enemies  wrongfully :  (nor)  let  those  who 
hate  me  without  cause  wink  with  the  eye. 

20  For  they  speak  not  peace;  but  against 
the  quiet  in  the  land  they  dexise  deceitful 
words. 

21  Yea,  they  opened  wide  against  me  their 
mouth;  they  said,  Aha,  aha,  our  eye  hath 
seen  it. 

22  Thou  hast  seen  it,  0  Lord!  remain  not 
silent:  0  Lord,  be  not  far  from  me. 

2-3  Arouse  thyself,  and  awake  to  do  me 
justice,  my  God  and  my  Lord,  unto  my 
cause. 

24  Judge  me  according  to  thy  righteous- 
ness, 0  Lord  my  God;  and  let  them  not  re- 
joice over  me. 

25  Let  them  not  say  in  their  heart.  Aha, 
(this  is  the  wish  of)  our  soul :  let  them  not 
say.  We  have  swallowed  liim  up. 

26  Let  those  be  made  ashamed  and  put  to 
the  blush  together  that  rejoice  at  my  mishap : 
let  them  be  clothed  with  shame  and  confusion 
that  magnify  themselves  above  me. 


27  Let  those  shout,  and  rejoice,  that  desire 
my  righteousness:"  yea,  let  them  say  con- 
tiiiually,  Great  is  the  Lord,  who  desireth  the 
welfare  of  his  servant. 

28  And  my  tongue  shall  speak  of  thy 
righteousness,  all  the  day  of  thy  praise. 

PSALM  XXXVI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  the  servant 
of  the  Lord,  by  David. 

2  Saith  vice  itself''  to  the  wicked — so  I 
feel  it  within  my  heart — that  he  should  have 
no  dread  of  God  before  his  eyes. 

3  For  he  flattereth  himself  in  his  own 
eyes  (too  much)  to  find  out'  his  iniquity  to 
hate  it. 

4  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  wickedness 
and  deceit :  he  hath  left  off  to  be  wise,  to  do 
good. 

5  He  deviseth  wickedness  upon  his  couch ; 
he  placeth  himself  on  a  way  that  is  not  good; 
evil  he  despiseth  not. 

6  0  Lord,  into  the  heavens  reacheth  thy 
kindness,  thy  faithfulness  even  into  the  skies. 

7  Thy  righteousness  is  like  the  mountains 
of  God;  thy  acts  of  justice  like  the  great 
deep:  man  and  beast  dost  thou  ever  help,  0 
Lord. 

8  How  precious  is  thy  kindness,  0  God! 
And  the  children  of  men  that  seek  shelter 
under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, — 

9  These  will  be  abundantly  satisfied  Avith 
the  fatness  of  thy  house;  and  of  the  stream 
of  thy  delights  wilt  thou  give  them  to  drink. 

10  For  with  thee  is  the  source  of  life:  in 
thy  light  shall  we  see  light. 

11  Draw  down  continuously  thy  kindness 
unto  those  that  acknowledge  thee;  and  thy 
righteousness  to  the  upright  in  heart. 

12  Let  not  come  against  me  the  foot  of 
pride,  and  let  not  the  hand  of  the  wicked 
chase  me  off. 

13  There  are  fallen  the  workers  of  wick- 


°  Sforno,  "and  my  prayer  for  thi>in  retunicd  to  my  bi 
som,  because  it  was  without  deceit."  Aben  Ezra,  "  May 
God  give  me  according  to  ni}-  prayer  what  I  have  asked 
for  them." 

'' Redak,  taking  :ii'a  as  "babbling,  heedless  talk." 
Philippson,  "cake,"  or  "broad,"  (1  Kings  xvii.  12,) 
"mockers  for  bread;"  those  wretches  who  will  do  any 
thing  to  get  a  bit  of  bread,  even  to  insult  the  great  and 
innocent  when  in  trouble. 

°  i.  e.  That  he  be  delivered,  and  proved  just. 

''  -Mendelssohn,  after  Rashi.     ;'t5'3,  not  here  transgres- 
730 


sion  or  a  single  act,  but  the  habit,  vice.  Philippson 
divides  the  verse,  the  first  applying  to  the  thoughts  of 
the  wicked,  the  other  to  David  :  thus,  "The  words  of  vice 
to  the  wicked  are  within  my  heart,"  so  says  the  wicked, 
as  explaining  his  act,  as  vice  is  his  principle  and  mo- 
tive; and  then  adds  David,  "no  dread  of  the  Lord  is  be- 
fore his  eyes." 

'  Philippson.  Jonathan,  nearly  so,  "to  find  ini(|uity, 
to  hate  instruction."  Rashi,  "so  that  God  may  find  his 
iniquity  to  hate  him."  Ilcrxheimer,  "to  accomplish  his 
iniquity,  to  hate." 


PSALMS  xxxvi.  xxxvn. 


edness:  they  are  thrust  down,  and  shall  not 
be  able  to  rise. 

PSALM  XXXVIL 

1  T[  Of  David.  Do  not  fret"  thyself  be- 
cause of  the  evil-doers,  neither  be  thou  en- 
vious'' against  the  workers  of  iniquity. 

2  For  like  the  grass  they  shall  soon  be 
mowed  down,  and  like  the  green  herb  shall 
they  wither. 

.3  Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good;  dwell 
in  the  land,  and  feed  (thyself)  with  truthful- 
ness. 

4  And  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  he 
will  give  thee  the  wishes  of  thy  heart. 

5  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord,  and 
trust  in  him:  and  he  will  accomplish  it. 

6  And  he  will  bring  forth  as  the  light  thy 
righteousness,  and  the  justice  of  thy  (cause) 
as  the  noonday. 

7  Be  silent  before  the  Lord,  and  wait  par 
tiently  for  him:  fret  not  thyself  because  of 
him  A\ho  prospereth  in  his  way,  because  of 
the  man  who  practises  wicked  devices. 

8  Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath: 
fret  not  thyself  in  any  wise  to  do  evil. 

9  For  evil-doers  shall  be  cut  off;  but  those 
that  wait  upon  the  Lord,  these — shall  truly 
inherit  the  land. 

10  For  yet  but  for  a  little  while,  and  the 
wicked  shall  be  no  more:  yea,  thou  wilt  look 
carefully  at  his  place,  and  he  shall  not  be 
there. 

11  But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  land, 
and  shall  delight  themselves  because  of  the 
abundance  of  peace. 

12  The  wicked  purpose th  evil  against  the 
just,  and  gnasheth  against  him  with  his 
teeth. 

13  The  Lord  will  laugh  at  him;  for  he 
seeth  that  his  day  is  coming. 

14  The  wicked  have  drawn  out  the  sword, 
and  have  bent  their  bow,  to  cause  the  poor 
and  needy  to  fall,  and  to  slaughter  such  as 
are  of  an  upright  course  (of  life). 

15  (But)  their  sword  shall  enter  into  their 
own  heart,  and  their  bows  shall  be  broken. 

'  Raslii,  "enter  into  a  contest,"  as  in  a  race. 

^  SacliF,  "be  not  excited  to  zeal,"  or  "overzealous." 

"  A  1)011   Ezra;  meaning,  the  herbs  and  flowers  of  the 

meadow  land,  or  pasture,  which   are   at   times   suddenly 

swept  away  in  a  wreath  of  smoke  by  the  fii'e  which  seizes 

on  them  in  the  dry  seasons;   id  a  plain,  meadow;   hence, 


16  Better  is  the  little  that  the  righteous 
hath,  than  the  great  riches  of  many  wicked. 

17  For  the  arms  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
broken ;  but  the  upholder  of  the  righteous  is 
the  Lord. 

18  The  Lord  regardeth  the  days  of  the 
upright:  and  their  inheritance  shall  endure 
for  ever. 

19  They  shall  not  be  made  ashamed  in 
the  time  of  unhappiness;  and  in  the  days  of 
famine  shall  they  be  satisfied. 

20  But  the  wicked  shall  perish,  and  the 
enemies  of  the  Lord  shall  be  as  the  beauty" 
of  the  meadow :  they  pass  away ;  in  smoke 
they  pass  away. 

21  The  wicked  borroweth,  and  repayeth 
not;  but  the  righteous  is  beneficent,''  and 
giveth. 

22  For  those  blessed  of  him''  shall  inherit 
the  land;  and  those  cursed  of  him  shall  be 
cut  oft". 

23  By  the  Lord  are  the  steps  of  the  right- 
eous man  established;  and  he  flndeth  plea- 
sure in  his  course  (of  life). 

24  Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly 
cast  down;  for  the  Lord  upholdeth  his  hand. 

25  I  have  been  young,  and  I  am  also 
grown  old:  yet  have  I  never  seen  the  right- 
eous forsaken,  nor  his  seed  seeking  for  bread. 

26  He  is  all  the  time  beneficent,  and  lend- 
eth ;  and  his  seed  will  be  for  a  blessing. 

27  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good;  and 
dwelF  for  evermore. 

28  For  the  Lord  lovetli  justice,  and  never 
forsaketh  his  pious  servants:  they  are  for 
ever  preserved;  but  the  seed  of  the  wicked 
will  be  cut  off". 

29  The  righteous  shall  inherit  the  land, 
and  dwell  for  ever  therein. 

30  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  uttereth 
wisdom,  .and  his  tongue  speaketh  what  is 
just. 

31  The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his  heart: 
none  of  his  steps  shall  slip. 

32  The  wicked  looketh  out  for  the  right- 
eous, and  seeketh  to  slay  him. 

33  The  Lord  will   not  leave  him   in   his 


Rashi,  "like  morning  clouds  in  the  sky,"  in  the  heavenly 
plain.  Others,  "the  fat  of  lambs,"  which  was  burnt  on 
the  altar. 

■*  Lit.  "gracious." 

*  /.  e.  God. 

'  Aben  Ezra,  "then  shall  thou  dwell  for  ever." 

731 


hand,  and  will  not  condemn  him  when  he  is 
judged. 

34  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  wav, 
and  he  will  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land: 
when  the  wicked  are  cut  off,  shalt  thou  look 
on. 

35  I  have  seen  the  wicked  terrible*  in 
])ower,  and  striking  root  like  a  green  tree  in 
its  native  soil. 

36  Yet  he  passed  away,  and,  lo,  he  was  no 
more :  and  I  sought  him,  but  he  could  not  be 
found. 

37  Observe  the  perfect  man,  and  behold 
the  upright;  for  there  is  a  (happy)  future 
for  the  man  of  peace.'' 

38  But  the  transgressors  are  destroyed  to- 
gether :  the  future  of  the  wicked  is  cut  off. 

39  And  the  salvation  of  the  righteous  is 
from  the  Lord:  he  is  their  strong-hold  in  the 
time  of  distress. 

40  And  the  Lord  helpeth  them,  and  de- 
livereth  them;  he  will  deliver  them  from  the 
wicked,  and  save  them;  because  they  have 
put  their  trust  in  him. 


PSALM  XXXVIIL 

1  ^  A  psalm  of  David,  to  bring  to  remem- 
brance." 

2  0  Lord,  correct  me  not  in  thy  wrath, 
nor  chastise  me  in  thy  fury. 

3  For  thy  arrows  have  penetrated  into  me, 
and  thy  hand  presseth  down  upon  me. 

4  There  is  no  soundness  in  my  flesh  be- 
cause of  thy  indignation :  there  is  no  peace 
in  my  bones  because  of  my  sin. 

5  For  my  iniquities  are  passed  over  my 
head,  as  a  heavy  burden  are  they  too  heavy 
for  me. 

6  Foul,  corrupt  are  my  bruises  because  of 
my  folly. 

7  I  am  bent  double;  I  am  bowed  down  to 
the  utmost;  all  the  day  long  T  go  about  full 
of  grief 

8  For  my  loins  are  filled  with  a  burning 
disease,  and  there  is  no  soundness  in  my 
flesh. 

'  Abcn  Ezra.  Mendelssohn,  "a  wicked  man  who  was 
mighty." 

^  Sachs,  affer  Rashi,  who  comments,  "if  he  have  no 
(happy)  commencement  he  hath  still  an  end."  Jona- 
tliiin,  "for  the  end  of  man  is  peace."  Eng.  ver.  "of 
tluit  man ;"  but  there  is  no  particular  person  spoken  of  in 
the  text,  wherefore  it  must  be  taken  generally. 

'  I'ashi,  "to  bring  to  remembrance  the  troubles  of 
732 


PSALMS  XXXVIL— XXXIX. 

9  I  am  made  faint  and  crushed  to  the  ut- 
most; I  cry  aloud  because  of  the  groaning  of 
my  heart. 

10  Lord,  before  thee  is  all  my  longing; 
and  my  sighing  is  from  thee  not  hidden. 

11  My  heart  is  restless,  my  strength  hath 
left  me;  and  the  light  of  my  eyes — that  also 
is  no  more  with  me. 

12  My  lovers  and  my  friends  stand''  aloof 
from  my  plague ;  and  my  kinsmen  stand  afar 
off. 

13  They  also  that  seek  after  my  life  lay 
snares;  and  they  that  wish  for  my  mishap 
speak  wicked  falsehoods;  and  deceits  do  they 
devise  all  the  day  long. 

14  But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  hear  not;  and  I 
am  as  a  dumb  man  that  cannot  open  his 
mouth. 

15  Thus  am  I  as  a  man  that  heareth  not, 
and  in  whose  mouth  are  no  words  of  de- 
fence." 

16  For  in  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  hope:  thou 
wilt  answer,  0  Lord  my  God. 

17  For  I  said.  Perhaps  they  might  rejoice 
over  me:  Avhen  my  foot  slippeth,  they  might 
magnifj'  themselves  over  me. 

18  For  I  am  prepared  for  (my)  downfall, 
and  my  pain  is  continually  before  me. 

19  For  I  will  tell  of  my  iniquity;  I  will 
be  grieved  because  of  my  sin. 

20  But  my  enemies  are  strong  in  life;  and 
numerous  are  those  that  hate  me  wrongfully; 

21  They  also  that  repay  (me)  evil  in  lieu 
of  good;  they  hate  me  bitterly  because  I  pur- 
sue what  is  good. 

22  Forsake  me  not,  0  Lord:  0  my  God, 
be  not  far  from  me. 

23  Make  haste  to  help  me,  0  Lord,  my 
salvation. 


PSALM  XXXIX. 

1  ][  To  the  chief  musician,  to  Jeduthun,' 
a  psalm  of  David. 

2  I  said,  I  will  guard  my  ways,  that  I  sin 
not  with  my  tongue:  I  will  guard  my  mouth 
with  a  muzzle,  while  the  wicked  is  before  me. 

Israel  before  God."     Herxheimer,  "or  to  call  sufferings 

to  mind."     Mendelssohn,  "at  sacrificing." 

^  Jonathan,  "opposite  to,"  i.  e.  they  see,  but  come  not 

near. 

°  Redak.    Others,  "rejoinder."      Eng.  ver.  "reproofs." 
'  Some   suppose  that  Jeduthun  was  the  composer  of 

the  melody  of  this  Psalm  written  by  David;  some,  that 

it  signifies  a  particular  instrument  nnmed  after  him. 


PSALMS  XXXIX.  XL. 


3  I  was  dumb  in  deep  silence,  I  was  quite 
still,  even  from  (speaking)  good;  but  my 
pain  was  greatly  excited ; 

4  My  heart  was  hot  within  me,  in  my  self- 
communing  there  burnt  a  fire :  (tlien)  spoke 
I  with  my  tongue, 

5  Let  me  know,  0  Lord,  my  end,  and  the 
measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is:  I  wish  to 
know  when  I  shall  cease  to  be. 

6  Behold,  measured  out  with  the  span  hast 
thou  made  mj-  days;  and  my  whole  duration 
is  notliing  before  thee:  yea,  as  nothing  but 
vanity  doth  every  man  stand  here.*     Selah. 

7  As  nothing  but  a  shadowy  image  doth 
man  walk  about,  yea,  for  vanity  only  do  all 
make  a  noise :  he  heapeth  up  his  gains,  and 
knoweth  not  who  shall  gather  them. 

8  And  now,  what  shall  I  wait  for,  0  Lord? 
my  hope  is  in  thee. 

9  From  all  my  transgressions  deliver  thou 
me :  render  me  not  the  object  of  reproach  of 
the  worthless. 

10  I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth; 
because  thou  hadst  done  it. 

11  Remove  thou  thy  plague  away  from 
me:  from  the  blows  of"  thy  hand  am  I  con- 
sumed. 

12  When  thou  with  corrections  chastisest 
man  for  iniquity,  thou  causest  his  excellence 
to  melt  away  as  (if  eaten  by)  the  moth :  yea, 
nothing  but  vanity  is  every  man.     Selah. 

13  Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord,  and  give  ear 
unto  my  cry;  be  not  silent  at  rny  tears;  for 
a  stranger  am  I  with  thee,  a  sojourner,  like 
all  my  fathers. 

14  Leave  off  from  me,  that  I  may  recover 
strength,    before    I   go   hence,    and    am    no 


more. 


PSALM  XL. 

1  ][  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  I  had  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord, 
when  he  inclined  himself  unto  me,  and  heard 
my  cry. 

3  And  he  brought  me  up  out  of  the  noise- 


*  Redak,  with  the  addition,  "the  greatest  vanity." 
Rashi,  "every  man's  position  and  life  are  vanity." 

''  Rashi;  but  Meuachem,  "from  the  dread  of  thy  pu- 
nishment." 

°  Philippson;  meaning,  "the  sea  which  is  tumultuous 
in  it.s  roaring;"  hence,  not  literally  "pit,"  as  others  have. 

"  I'iiilipp.siiUj  after  the  M:is.'^orotic  punctuation.    Others 


ful  deep,"  out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  he  set  up 
my  feet  upon  a  rock,  making  firm  my  steps. 

4  And  he  placed  in  my  mouth  a  new  song, 
a  praise  unto  our  God :  many  will  see  it,  and 
fear;   and  they  will  trust  in  the  Lord. 

5  Happy  is  the  man  that  maketh  the  Lord 
his  trust,  and  turneth  not  unto  the  proud, 
nor  such  as  stray  aside  unto  lies. 

6  Many  things  hast  thou  done,  0  Lord 
mv  God;  th}'  wonderful  deeds  and  thy 
thoughts  toward  us — there  is  none  to  be  com- 
pared unto  thee — will  I  tell  and  speak  of, 
(though)  they  are  too  numerous  to  be  counted.'' 

7  Sacrifice  and  meat-oflering  thou  desirest 
not — ears"  hast  thou  hollowed  out  unto  me — 
burnt-offering  and  sin-offering  thou  demandest 
not. 

8  Then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come :  in  the  roll  of 
the  book  it  is  written  down  for  me; 

9  To  fulfil  thy  will,  0  my  God,  do  I  desire ; 
and  thy  law  is  within  my  heart. 

10  I  announce  (thy)  righteousness  in  the 
great  assembly :  lo,  1  will  not  refrain  my  lips, 
0  Lord,  thou  well  knowest  it. 

11  Thy  righteousness  have  I  never  hidden 
within  my  heart;  thy  faithfulness  and  thy 
salvation  have  I  spoken  of  openly:  I  have 
not  concealed  thy  kindness  and  thy  truth 
before  the  great  as.sembly. 

12  Do  thou,  0  Lord,  not  withhold  thy 
mercies  from  me :  let  thy  kindness  and  tliy 
truth  continuall}^  watch  over*^  me. 

13  For  evils  without  number  have  com- 
passed me  about;  my  iniquities  have  over- 
taken me,  so  that  I  am  not  able  to  see :  they 
are  more  numerous  than  the  hairs  of  my 
head ;  and  my  courage"  hath  forsaken  me. 

14  Be  pleased,  0  Lord,  to  deliver  me;  0 
Lord,  hasten  to  my  help. 

15  May  those  be  made  ashamed  and  put 
to  the  blush  together  that  seek  after  my  soul 
to  take  her  away:  let  them  be  driven  back- 
ward and  be  confounded,  that  wish  for  my 
mishap. 

16  May  they  be  astonished  in  consequence 
of  their  shame  that  say  unto  me,  Aha,  aha! 

divide  the  verse  off  differently,  but  with  the  same  general 
meaning. 

°  Meaning,  though  he  cannot  bring  sacrifices  away  from 
the  temple,  still  can  he  worship  God ;  obedience  is  de- 
manded; he  has  ears  to  listen  to  instruction;  and  this 
sacrifice  of  obedience  will  be  bring  to  be  accepted. 

'  Rashi,  '  bit    "heart" 

(83 


PSALMS  XL.— XLII. 


17  (But)  may  all  those  that  seek  thee  be 
glad  and  rejoice  in  thee :  may  they  say  con- 
tinually, The  Lord  be  magnified, — those  that 
love  thy  salvation. 

18  But  though  I  be  poor  and  needy,  the 
Lord  will  think  of  me:  my  help  and  my  de- 
liverer art  thou ;   0  my  God,  delay  not. 

PSALM  XLI. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  Happy  is  he  that  careth  for  the  poor: 
on  the  day  of  evil  will  the  Lord  deliver 
him. 

3  The  Lord  will  preserve  him,  and  keep 
him  alive;  he  shall  be  made  happy  on  the 
earth :  and  thou  wilt  not  deliver  him  unto 
the  revengeful  desire  of  his  enemies. 

4  The  Lord  will  sustain  him  upon  the  bed 
of  painful  disease:  thou  changest"  all  his 
couch  in  his  sickness. 

5  I  said,  Lord,  be  gracious  unto  me:  heal 
my  soul;  for  I  have  sinned  against  thee. 

6  My  enemies  speak  evil  of  me,  When  will 
he  die,  and  his  name  perish? 


7  And  if  he  come  to  see  (me) ,  he  speaketh 
falselj":  his  heart  gathereth  wickedness''  to 
itself;  he  goeth  abroad  (and)  speaketh  it. 

8  Altogether  whisper  against  me  all  that 
hate  me :  against  me  do  they  devise  my  in- 
jury- 

9  "His  godless  deed  (say  they)  is  poured 

out  over  him :  as  he  lieth  there  he  will  never 
more  rise  up  again." 

10  Yea,  even  the  man  that  sliould  have 
sought  my  welfare,  in  whom  I  trusted,  who 
eateth  my  bread,  hath  lifted  up  his  heel 
against  me. 

11  But  thou,  0  Lord,  be  gracious  unto  me, 
and  raise  me  up,  that  I  may  requite  it  unto 
them. 

1 2  By  this  do  I  know  that  thou  art  pleased 
with  me,  that  my  enemy  doth  not  triumph 
over  me. 

13  But  as  for  me,  thou  upholdest  me  in 
my  integrity,  and  placest  me  before  thy  pre- 
sence for  ever. 

14  Blessed  be  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
from  everlasting,  and  to  everlasting.  Amen, 
and  Amen. 


BOOK   SECOND. 


PSALM  XLH. 

1  ][  To  the  chief  musician,  a  Maskil,  for 
the  sons  of  Korach. 

2  As  a  hart  panteth  after  brooks  of  water, 
so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  0  God. 

3  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living 
God :  when  shall  I  go  (again)"  and  be  seen  in 
the  jjresence  of  God? 

4  My  tears  have  been  my  food  day  and 
night;  because'' men  say  unto  me  all  the  day. 
Where  is  thy  God? 

5  These  things  will  I  remember,  and  pour 


*  Rashi,  "also  at  that  time  when  his  di.sease  is  severe 
upon  him,  and  all  his  rest  and  quiet  are  changed."  Jo- 
nathan, "thou  hast  changed  his  bed  and  cured  him." 
tjur  translation  simply  means,  changing  bis  sick-bed  into 
one  of  recovery. 

''  llashi,  "ho  pretendeth  to  feel  regret,  and  while  he 
sittctli  he  deviseth  wicked  thoughts  to  himself — what  evil 
to  speak  when  he  goeth  out." 

°  Mendelssohn.  ''  Others,  "while  they  say." 

'  This  difficidt  verse  is  variously  rendered.  Mendels- 
734 


out  my  soul  in  me :  how  I  was  wont  to  pass 
along  amidst  the  multitude,  journeying  with 
them  as  a  pilgrim  to  the  house  of  God,  with 
the  voice  of  joyful  song  and  thanksgiving) 
among  the  festive  tlii'ong. 

6  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul,  and 
disquieted  in  me?  Hope  thou  in  God;  for  1 
shall  yet  thank  him.  because  of  the  salvation 
of  his  countenance. 

7  0  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast  down  within 
me :  therefore  will  I  remember  thee  from  the 
land  of  the  Jordan,  and  from  the  jseaks  of 
Chermon,  from  the  low"'  mount. 

sohn,  "When  I  remember  thee  (here)  in  the  land  of  Jor- 
dan and  the  mountains  of  Chermon,  mountains  of  little 
import,"  i.  e.  compared  to  Zion,  although  much  higher. 
Others  take  li'i'O  to  be  an  otherwise  not  named  peak, 
"  Miz'ar."  Philippson  takes  D'JlOin  to  he  derived  from 
Din  "destruction;"  hence,  "therefore  will  I  think  of 
thee  once  worshipped  in  the  land  of  the  Jordan  and  the 
ruins  on  the  degraded  mount,"  meaning,  "mount  Zion," 
now  degraded  by  triumphant  enemies,  conceiving  this  psalrc 
to  be  written  by  an  exile  who  was  among  the  heathen.s. 


PSALMS  XLII— XLIV. 


8  Deep  cfilleth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of 
thy  waterfalls:*  all  thy  waves  and  thy  bil- 
lows have  passed  over  me. 

9  In  the  daytime  the  Lord  will  command 
his  kindness,  and  in  the  night  his  song  shall 
be  with  me,  as  a  prayer  unto  the  God  of  my 
life. 

10  I  will  say  unto  God,  My  rock,  why- 
hast  thou  forgotten  me?  why  must  I  walk 
grieved,  under  the  oppression  of  the  enem}-? 

11  It  is  as  death''  in  my  bones,  when  my 
assailants  reproach  me;  when  they  say  unto 
me  all  the  day.  Where  is  thy  God  ? 

12  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0-my  soul? 
and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me? 
Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet  thank 
him,  the  salvation  of  my  countenance,  and 
my  God. 

PSALM  XLIII. 

1  ^  Judge  me,  0  God,  and  plead  my  cause 
against  an  ungodly  nation:  from  the  deceit- 
ful and  unjust  man  do  thou  deliver  me. 

2  For  thou  art  the  God  of  my  fortress: 
why  hast  thou  abandoned  me?  why  must  I 
walk  about  grieved,  under  the  oppression  of 
the  enemy? 

3  Send  thou  thy  light  and  thy  truth,  these 
shall  guide  me ;  they  shall  bring  me  unto  thy 
holy  mountain,  and  to  thy  dwellings : 

4  That  I  may  go  unto  the  altar  of  God, 
unto  God  the  joy  of  nu-  gladness;  and  that  I 
may  thank  thee  upon  the  harp,  O  God,  my  God. 

5  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul? 
and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me? 
Hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  thank  him, 
the  salvation  of  my  countenance,  and  my 
God. 

PSALM  XLIV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  for  the  sons  of 
Korach,  a  Maskil. 

2  0  God,  with  our  ears  have  we  heard, 
our  fathers  have  told  us,  deeds  which  thou 
hadst  done  in  their  days,  in  times  of  old. 

3  Thou,  with  thy  hand,  didst  indeed  drive 
out  nations,  and  plant  them;  thou  didst  ill- 
treat  people,  and  cause   them   to  spread  out.' 

4  For  not  by  their  sword  did  the}^  obtain 


'  1US  is  explained  to  mean  properly  a  pipe  by  which 
water  runs  down  from  a  roof;  hence,  "waterfalls,"  as  ap- 
plied to  the  great  works  of  God,  here  denoting  the  severe 
distress  which  overwhelms  the  Psalmist. 


possession  of  the  land,  and  their  own  arm 
brought  them  no  victory;  but  t'hy  right 
hand,  and  thy  arm,  and  the  light  of  th}- 
countenance,  because  thou  hadst  given  them 
th}-  favour. 

5  Thou  art  my  King,  O  God:  ordain  sal- 
vation for  Jacol). 

6  Through  thee  will  we  butt  down  oui- 
assailants:  through  thy  name  will  we  tread 
under  foot  our  ojtponents. 

7  For  not  in  my  bow  wall  I  trust,  and  my 
sword  shall  not  help  me. 

8  But  thou  helpest  us  against  our  assail- 
ants, and  those  that  hate  us  thou  puttest  to 
shame. 

9  Of  God  we  boast"  all  tlie  day,  and  to  thy 
name  will  we  give  thanks  for  ever.     Selah. 

10  But  (now)  thou  hast  cast  off,  and  put 
us  to  the  blush,  and  goest  not  forth  with  our 
armies. 

11  Thou  causest  us  to  turn  back  from  be- 
fore our  assailant:  and  they  who  hate  us 
take  spoil  for  themselves. 

12  Thou  givest  us  up  like  sheep  for  food, 
and  among  the  nations  hast  thou  dispersed  us. 

13  Thou  sellest  thy  people  for  no  value, 
and  acquirest  no  gain  by  their  price. 

14  Thou  renderest  us  a  reproach  to  our 
neighbours,  a  scorn  and  a  derision  to  those 
that  are  round  about  us. 

15  Thou  renderest  us  a  by-word  among  the 
nations,  a  shaking  of  the  head  among  the 
people. 

16  All  the  day  is  my  disgrace  before  me, 
and  the  shame  of  my  face  covereth  me; 

17  Because  of  tlie  voice  of  him  that  re- 
proacheth  and  blasphemeth  ;  by  reason  of  the 
enemy  and  him  that  seeketh  vengeance. 

18  All  this  is  come  over  us,  yet  have  we 
not  forgotten  thee  ;  nor  have  Ave  dealt  falsely 
by  thy  covenant ; 

19  Our  heart  is  not  moved  backward,  nor 
hath  our  step  turned  aside  from  thy  path : 

20  Even  when  thou  didst  crush  us  in  the 
abode  of  monsters,  and  cover  us  with  the 
shadow  of  death. 

21  If  we  had  forgotten  the  name  of  our 
God,  or  spread  forth  our  hands  to  a  strange 
god : 

"  After  Aben  Ezra.     Lit.  "murder." 
"  Mendelssohn;  /.  e.  Israel.     Jonathan,  "cast  out,"  /.  e. 
the  Canaanites.  . 

''  Aben  Ezra.  "CJod  we  praise,"  (V'- 


PSALMS  XLIV.— XLVI. 


22  Would  not  God  search  out  this?  for  he 
knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart. 

23  But  for  thy  sake  are  we  slain  all  the 
day;  we  are  counted  as  flocks  (destined)  for 
slaughter. 

24  Awake,  wherefore  wilt  thou  sleep,  0 
Lord?  arise,  abandon  us  not  for  ever. 

25  Wherefore  wilt  thou  hide  thy  face,  wilt 
thou  forget  our  misery  and  our  oppression? 

26  For  our  soul  is  bowed  down  to  the 
dust;  our  body  cleaveth  unto  the  earth. 

27  Arise  unto  our  help,  and  redeem  us  for 
the  sake  of  thy  kindness. 

PSALM  XLV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Shoshan- 
nim,  by  the  sons  of  Korach,  a  Maskil,  a  song 
of  love.* 

2  My  heart  swelleth*"  with  a  good  speech  ; 
I  say,"  "My  works  shall  be  for  the  king:" 
my  tongue  is  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer. 

3  Thou  art  more  fair  than  the  children  of 
men;  grace  is  poured  out  over  thy  lips: 
therefore  hath  God  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

4  Gird  thy  sword  ujion  the  thigh,  0 
mighty  one,  (it  is)  thy  glory  and  thy  ma- 
jesty; 

5  Yea,  it  is  thy  majesty:  be  prosperous, 
ride  along  for  the  cause  of  ti'uth  and  meek- 
ness* and  righteousness;  and  fearful  things 
shall  thy  right  hand  teach  thee. 

6  Thy  sharpened  arrows — people  will  fall 
down  beneath  thee — (will  enter)  into  the 
heart  of  the  king's  enemies. 

7  Thy  throne,  given  of  God,'  endureth  for 
ever  and  ever:  the  sceptre  of  equity  is  the 
sceptre  of  thy  kingdom. 

8  Thou  lovest  righteousness,  and  hatest 
wickedness:  therefore  hath  God,  thy  God, 
anointed  thee  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above 
thy  associates. 

'  Rashi  conceives  this  Psalm  to  have  been  endited  in 
praise  of  those  who  study  the  law  of  God ;  and  explains 
the  whole  allegnrically  in  tliis  sense.  Others  give  it  a 
Messianic  interpretation.  Sforno  comments,  "to  excite 
the  love  of  Israel  for  their  Father  in  heaven."  The  mo- 
derns deem  it  a  poem  by  one  of  the  sons  of  Korach  at 
the  nuptials  of  some  king  whose  name  is  not  mentioned. 

''  Lit.  "  bubbleth,"  or  "  boileth,"  /.  e.  overflows,  is  full  of. 

°  Rashi,  "This  song  which  I  have  composed  and  made, 
I  say  it  for  him  who  is  worthy  to  be  a  king,"  i.  e.  the 
student  of  the  divine  law. 

'' iMendelssohn,  "the  oppressed  innocence."  Zunz, 
"right."     Philippson,  "the  meekness  of  justice." 

'  Rashi,  "Thy  throne,  0  judge  and  i-liicf,  is  tor  evci." 
736 


9  Of  myrrh,  and  aloes,  and  cassia  are  (fra- 
grant) all  th}^  garments:  out  of  palaces  of 
ivory  have  they  made  thee  joyfid  with  the 
sound  of  music.*^ 

10  Kings'  daughters  are  among  those  dear 
to  thee:=  the  queen  standeth  on  thy  right 
hand  in  fine  gold  of  Ophir. 

11  Hearken,  0  daughter,  and  look,  and  in- 
cline th}'  ear,  and  forget  thy  own  people,  and 
thy  father's  house : 

12  Then  will  the  king  long  for  thy  beauty; 
for  he  is  thy  lord ;  and  bow  thyself  to  him. 

13  And  the  daughter  of  Tyre  shall  be 
there  with  a  gift:  the  rich  among  the  people 
shall  entreat  thy  favour. 

14  All  gloriously  attired  awaiteth  the 
king's  daughter  in  the  inner  chamber;  of 
wrought  gold  is  her  oarment. 

CO  o 

15  In  embroidered  clothes  will  she  be 
brought  unto  the  king:  virgins  that  follow 
her,  Iter  companions,  are  brought  unto  thee. 

16  They  are  led  forth  witli  rejoicings  and 
gladness,  they  enter  into  the  ptilace  of  the  king. 

17  Instead  of  thy  fathers  shall  be  thy  chil- 
dren: thou  wilt  appoint  them  as  princes  in  all 
the  land. 

18  I  will  make  thy""  name  to  be  remember- 
ed in  all  generations :  therefore  shall  the  peo- 
ple praise  thee  for  ever  and  ever. 

PSALM  XLVI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician:  by  the  sons 
of  Korach,  upon  'Alamoth,  a  song. 

2  God  is  our  protection  and  strength,  a 
help  in  distres.ses,  very  readily  found.' 

3  Therefore  will  we  not  fear,  even  when 
the  earth  is  transformed,  and  when  moun- 
tains are  moved  into  the  heart  of  the  .seas ; 

4  (When)  the  waters  thereof  roar  and 
foam,""  when  mountains  quake  before  his  ma- 
jesty.'    Selah. 

'  'JD,  after  Sachs,  who  takes  it  as  an  abbreviation  for 
D'JD  "instruments  of  music."  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra  as 
"frou),"  thus,  "from  which  they  have  made  thee  re- 
joice." 

*  Mendelssohn,  "those  that  grace  thy  feast."  Sachs, 
"that  adorn  thy  hou.se." 

"■  Both  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra  refer  this  to  God,  in  the 
manner  of  the  Psalmists,  who  generally  conclude  with  a 
thanksgiving  to  the  Lord.  We  should  then  render, 
"people  shall  thank  thee,"  &c. 

'  Others,  "present  greatly."  Eng.  ver.  "very  pre- 
sent."    Philipp.son,  "approved  greatly." 

'  Redak,  "rise  as  billows." 

'   itaslii,  Jdunthnn,    .\bpn   Ezra,  Ikf.     Others,   "when 


PSALMS  XLVL— XLVIII. 


5  (There)  is  a  river,  its  rivulets  cause  to 
rejoice  the  city  of  God,  the  sanctuary  of  the 
dwellings  of  the  Most  High. 

6  God  is  in  her  midst;  she  shall  not  be 
moved :  God  will  ever  help  her,  at  the  dawn- 
ing of  (her)  morning. 

7  Nations  rage,  kingdoms  are  mo^'ed :  he 
letteth  his  voice  be  heard,  the  earth  melteth 
away. 

8  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us;  a  defence 
unto  us  is  the  God  of  Jacob.     Selah. 

9  Come,  look  at  the  deeds  of  the  Lord, 
who  hath  made  desolations  on  the  earth. 

10  He  cause th  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end 
of  the  earth ;  he  breaketh  the  bow,  and  cut- 
teth  the  spear  in  pieces;  he  burnetii  wagons 
in  the  fire. 

11  Leave  off,"  and  know  that  I  am  God: 
I  will  be  exalted  among  the  nations,  I  will 
be  exalted  on  the  earth. 

12  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us;  a  defence 
unto  us  is  the  God  of  Jacob.     Selah. 

PSALM  XLVII. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  for  the 
sons  of  Korach. 

2  All  ye  people,  clap**  your  hands;  shout 
unto  God  with  the  voice  of  triumph. 

3  For  the  Lord  is  most  high,  fear-inspir- 
ing; he  is  a  great  king  over  all  the  earth. 

4  He  will  subdue  people  under  us,  and  na- 
tions under  our  feet. 

5  He  will  choose  for  us  our  inheritance,  the 
excellency  of  Jacob  which  he  loveth.     Selah. 

6  God  ascendeth  amid  a  triumphal  shout, 
the  Lord,  amid  the  sound  of  the  cornet. 

7  Sing  praises  to  God,  sing  praises:  sing 
praises  unto  our  King,  sing  praises. 

8  For  God  is  King  of  all  the  earth :  .sing 
ye  praises  with  understanding." 

9  God  reigneth  over  the  nations;  .God  sit- 
teth  upon  his  holy  throne. 


the  mountains  quake  through  the  pride  of  the  sea,"  /.  e. 
"through  the  breaking  of  the  waves  against  them." 

'  Words  of  God — -"Leave  off  war  and  contest." 

'  Rashi,  "strike  each  other  on  the  hand,"  or  "join 
hands." 

"Jonathan.  Redak,  "a  song  giving  instruction;"  so 
has  it  been  rendered  by  the  modern  translators.  Aben 
Ezra,  "every  intelligent  man." 

^  Aben  Ezra.  Others  render  this  as  apposition,  as, 
"yea,  the  people,"  &c. ;  hence,  Rashi  gives  '3'IJ  as, 
"  those  who  have  voluntarily  yielded  themselves  to  slaugh- 
lur,  the  people,"  &c. 

i  S 


10  The  nobles  of  the  people  are  gathered 
together,  (to  be  with)**  the  people  of  the  God 
of  Abraham;  for  unto  God  belong  the  shields 
of  the  earth :  he  is  greatly  exalted. 

PSALM  XLVIII. 

1  ^[  A  song  and  psalm  by  the  sons  of  Ko- 
rach. 

2  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  highly  praised  in 
the  city  of  our  God,  (in)  his  holy  mountain. 

3  A  beautiful  disti-ict,  the  joy  of  the  whole 
earth,  is  mount  Zion,  the  farthest'  north,  the 
city  of  the  great  King. 

4  God  is  become  known  in  her  palaces  as 
a  defence. 

5  For,  lo,  the  kings  were  assembled,  they 
are  passed  away  together. 

C  They  indeed  saw — (and)  so  they  were 
astonished ;  they  were  terrified,  they  were 
confounded.' 

7  Trembling  seized  on  them  there,  pain, 
as  on  a  woman  in  travail. 

8  With  the  east  wind  thou  breakest  the 
ships  of  Tharshish. 

9  As  we  have^  heard,  so  have  we  seen  (it) 
in  the  city  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  the  city 
of  our  God :  God  will  establish  it  for  ever. 
Selah. 

10  We  have  refiected  on  thy  kindness,  0 
God,  in  the  midst  of  thy  temple. 

11  As  thy  name  is,  0  God,  so  is  thy  prai,se 
over  the  ends  of  the  earth :  of  righteousness 
is  thy  right  hand  full. 

12  Let  mount  Zion  rejoice,  let  the  daugh- 
ters of  Judah  be  glad,  because  of  thy  judg- 
ments. 

13  Compass  Zion  about,  and  walk  I'ound 
about  her;  numjjer  her  towers. 

14  Direct  your  mind  to  her  outer  wall, 
mark  carefully''  her  palaces :  in  order  that  ye 
may  tell  it  to  the  latest  generation. 

15  For'  this  One  is  God,  our  God  for  ever 

'  "At  the  north  of  it  is  the  city  of  the  Great  King;" 
so  Mendelssohn,  since  Zion  is  south  of  Jerusalem. 
Others  take  the  "ferthest  north"  to  be,  as  in  Isa.  xiv.  13, 
the  seat  of  the  heathen  gods;  hence,  the  Psalmist  says 
here,  that  Zion  is  as  the  farthest  north,  the  residence  of 
our  great  King. 

'  Eashi ;  but  Aben  Ezra,  "  they  fled  hastily  away." 

*  ('.  e.  What  has  been  related  from  father  to  son  is  es- 
tablished by  what  is  witnessed  at  the  moment. 

'  Rashi,  "build  high." 

'  8achs,  "so  that  ye  may  tell  tn  the  latest  generation, 
I  that  this  God  is,"  A;c. 

737 


PSALMS  XLVIIL— L. 


and  ever:  he  Avill   be   our  guide   even   unto 


death. 


PSALM  XLIX. 


1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  the  sons  of 
Korach,  a  psalm. 

2  Hear  this,  all  ye  people ;  give  ear,  all  ye 
inhabitants  of  the  perishable  world: 

3  Both  the  sons  of  the  low  and  the  sons 
of  the  high,  rich  and  needy,  altogether. 

4  My  mouth  shall  speak  wisdom;  and  the 
meditation  of  my  heart  shall  be  of  under- 
standing. 

5  I  will  incline  my  ear  to  a  parable :  I 
will  open  with  the  harp  my  riddle. *■ 

6  Wherefore  should  I  fear  in  the  days  of 
evil,  when  the  iniquity  of  my  oppressors  en- 
compasseth  me? — 

7  Of  those  that  trust  in  their  wealth,  and 
boast  themselves  of  the  multitude  of  their 
riches  ? 

8  No  one  can  in  any  wise  redeem  his  bro- 
ther, nor  can  he  give  to  God  redemption 
money  for  himself; 

9  For  the  ransom  of  their  soul  is  too  costly, 
and  it  is  omitted  for  ever. 

10  And  should  he  still  live  for  ever?  not 
see  the  pit?" 

11  For  he  must  see  that  wise  men  die, 
that  together  the  fool  and  the  brutish 
per.son  perish,  and  leave  to  others  their 
wealth. 

12  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their 
houses  are  to  be  for  ever,  their  dwelling- 
places,  from  generation  to  generation;  they 
call  them  by  their  own  names  in  (various) 
countries.'" 

lo  Nevertheless  man  in  (his)  splendour 
endureth  not:  he  is  like  the  beasts  (that) 
])erish. 

'  Menachem  takes  nio  Si'  for  dSij;S  "for  ever."  Phi- 
lippson,  "even  in  danger  of  death,"     Lit.  "over  death." 

''  The  Psalmist  calls  his  proposition  "a  riddle,"  some- 
thing to  the  world  unknown  ;  and  as  he  propounds  it,  he 
plays  on  his  harp,  to  aceompany  his  song. 

°  So  does  Aben  Ezra  connect  these  verses.  Redak,  "  and 
,  he  must  let  it  pass  by  for  ever,  that  he  is  to  live,"  &c. 

''  llashi.  Others,  "  men  praise  their  names  in  the 
countries."  Sachs,  "they  apply  their  names  to  their 
lands." 

■■  ]jit.  "Mouth;"  Mendelssohn,  and  so  partly  Rashi : 
"if  but  posterity  praise  them." 

'  The  "morning"  when  the  righteous  are  to  rule, 
(si'C  Malachi  iii.  21,)  the  time  of  the  divine  judgment, 
or  resurrection.  Philippson  explains  "ovev  thenj"  to 
7as 


14  This  is  their  way,  their  folly :  yet  their 
posterity  will  take  pleasure  in  their  sayings." 
Selah. 

15  Like  flocks  are  they  thrust  into  the 
nether  world;  death  will  feed  them;  but  the 
upright  shall  have  dominion  over  them  in 
that  morning;^  and  their  form  wasteth  away 
in  the  nether  world,  (taken  away)  from  their 
own  dwelling."^ 

16  But  God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the 
power  of  the  nether  world ;  for  he  will  take 
me  away.     Selah. 

17  Be  not  thou  afraid  when  a  man  be- 
cometh  rich,  when  the  glory  of  his  house  is 
increased; 

18  For  when  he  dieth  he  can  take  nothing 
away ;  his  glory  will  not  descend  after  him. 

19  For  though  he  bless  his  soul  during  his 
life,  and  men  praise*"  thee,  when  thou  doest 
well  to  thyself: 

20  She'  shall  go  to  the  generation  of  his 
fathers,  unto  eternity  will  these  never  see 
light. 

21  Man,  though  in  splendour,  who  under- 
standeth  not,  is  like  tlie  beasts  that  perish. 

PSALM  L. 

1  Tf  A  psalm  of  Assaph.  The  God  of  gods, 
the  Lord,  speaketh,  and  calleth  the  earth, 
from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  his  setting. 

2  Out  of  Zion,  the  perfection  of  beauty, 
God  shineth  forth. 

3  Our  God  is  coming,  and  will  not  keep 
silence:  a  fire  devoureth  before  him,  and 
round  him  there  rageth  a  mighty  storm. 

4  He  will  call  to  the  heavens  above,  and 
to  the  earth,  to  judge  his  people. 

5  ''  Gather  together  unto  me  my  pious  ser- 
vants, who  make  a  covenant  with  me  by  sa- 
crifice." 

mean  what  they  leave,  and  "the  morning,"  simply,  as 
speedily. 

s  Redak.  Ra.shi,  "the  form  of  the  wicked  will  outlast 
hell;  this  shall  cease,  but  not  they;  so  that  it  is  not  to  be 
a  dwelling  for  them."  Philippson,  "the  nether  world  is 
an  unreal  dwelling  for  them." 

*'  Rasbi,  "They  will  praise  thee,  if  thou  actest  right- 
eously; and  when  thou  diest  thou  wilt  see  the  generation 
of  the  sinners'  fathers,"  &c.  Philippson  conceives  the 
end  of  ver.  19  and  20  to  be  an  ironical  address  to  the  rich, 
and  renders  "his,"  "thy  fathers." 

'  Redak,  taking  NUn  to  be  the  third  feminine  singular, 
referring  to  "  soul"  in  ver.  10  ;  and  comments,  "  She  goeth 
to  the  generation  of  his  fathers  who  were  wicked  like 
himself"  (See  Ksod-  .x.x.  T).) 


PSALMS  L.  LI. 


6  And  the  heavons  tell  of  his  righteous- 
ness; for  God  is  judge  himself.     Selah. 

7  "Hear,  0  my  people,  and  I  will  speak; 

0  Israel,  and  I  will  testify  against  thee :  God, 
thy  God,  am  I. 

8  Not  because  of  thy  sacrifices  will  I  re- 
prove thee;  and  thy  burnt-offerings  are  con- 
tinually before  me.' 

9  I  will  not  take  a  bullock  out  of  thy 
house,  nor  he-goats  out  of  thy  folds. 

10  For  mine  are  all  the  beasts  of  the 
forest,  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand''  moun- 
tains. 

11  I  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  moun- 
tains: whatever  moveth"  on  the  fields  is 
with  me. 

12  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not  say  it 
to  thee;  for  mine  is  the  world,  and  what 
filleth  it. 

13  Do  I  eat  the  flesh  of  fatted  bulls,  or 
drink  the  blood  of  he-goats? 

1-4  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving;''  and  pay 
unto  the  Most  High  thy  vows ; 

15  And  call  on  me  on  the  da}'  of  distress : 

1  will  deliver  thee, — and  so  wilt  thou  glorify 
me. 

16  But  unto  the  Avicked  God  saith,  '^  What 
hast  thou  to  do  to  relate  my  statutes,  and 
why  bearest  thou  my  covenant  upon  thy 
mouth  ? 

17  And  yet  thou  hatest  instruction,  and 
castest  my  words  behind  thee. 

18  When  thou  seest  a  thief,  then  art  thou 
pleased  with  him,  and  with  adulterers  hast 
thou  thy  portion. 

19  Thou  lettest  loose  thy  mouth  with  evil, 
and  thy  tongue  frameth  deceit. 

20  Thou  sittest  and  speakest  against  thy 
brother;  against  thy  owai  mother's  son  thou 
utterest  slander. 

21  These  things  hast  thou  done,  and  I 
kept  silence:  thou  didst  ween  that  I  am  like 
thyself;  (but)  I  will  reprove  thee,  and  set  it 
in  order  before  thy  eyes." 


'  Jonathan  explains  this  verse,  that  God  does  not  re- 
prove the  people  for  the  sacrifices  not  brought  in  the  cap- 
tivity, and  that  those  brought  during  the  temple  are  still 
present.  Rashi,  Redak,  &c.  supply  "not"  in  the  second 
part,  "which  are  not  before  me."  Mendelssohn  takes  it, 
as  here  given:  "The  altar  is  full  of  burnt-ofierings;  yet 
this  is  not  what  is  needed,  but  obedience." 

'  Rashi,  "the  cattle  on  the  mountains  covered  with 
herds," 


22  Do  but  reflect  on  this,  ye  that  forget 
God,  lest  I  tear  (you)  in  pieces,  with  none  to 
deliver. 

23  Whoso  offereth  thanksgivinsr'  glorifieth 
me:  and  to  him  that  ordereth  his  course 
aright,  will  I  show  the  salvation  of  God. 

PSALM  LI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David, 

2  When  Nathan  the  prophet  came  unto 
him,  after  he  had  gone  in  unto  Bath-sheba'. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  God,  according 
to  thy  kindness:  according  to  the  greatness 
of  thy  mercies  blot  out  my  transgressions. 

4  Wash  me  thoroughly  from  my  iniquity, 
and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 

")  For  of  my  transgressions  I  have  full 
knowledge;  and  my  sin  is  before  me  con- 
tinually. 

6  To  thee,  thee'^  only,  have  I  sinned,  and 
what  is  evil  in  thy  eyes  have  I  done: — in 
order  that  thou  mightest  be  righteous  when 
thou  speakest,  be  justified'^  when  thou  judgest. 

7  Behold,  in  iniquity  was  I  brought  forth ; 
and  in  sin  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

8  Behold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the  in- 
ward parts:  therefore  do  thou  cause  me  to 
know  wisdom  in  the  recesses  (of  the  heart). 

9  Cleanse  me  from  sin  with  hyssop,  and  I 
shall  be  clean :  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be 
whiter  than  snow. 

10  Cause  me  to  hear  gladness  and  joy; 
that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  crushed  may 
rejoice. 

11  Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  all  my 
iniquities  do  thou  blot  out. 

12  Create  unto  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God; 
and  a  firm  spirit  renew  thou  within  me. 

13  Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  pi'esence; 
and  thy  holy  spirit  do  not  take  from  me. 

14  Restore  unto  me  the  gladness  of  thy 
salvation;  and  with  a  liberal  spirit  do  thou 
support  me. — 

"  Rashi.     Others,  "wild  beasts — are  known  to  me." 

*  Rashi  comments,  "  make  a  confession  of  thy  sins,  re- 
pent, and  then  pay  thy  vows." 

"  Philippson,  "  Who,  offering  thanksgiving,  honoureth 
me,  and  guideth  his  course  (aright),  him  will  I  show,"  &c. 

'  Wesseli  and  Mendelssohn,  "who  art  God  alone;"  hut 
all  injuries  to  man,  are  ai/is  to  God  alone. 

^  Others,  "clear,"  "pure;"  but  purity  is  justification  as 
applied  to  the  Judge. 

739 


PSALMS  LT.— LTV. 


15  I  will  teach  transgressors  thy  ways, 
and  sinners  shall  return  unto  thee. 

16  Deliver  me  from  blood-guiltiness,  0 
God,  thou  God  of  my  salvation ;  (that)  ni}^ 
tongue"  may  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteous- 
ness. 

17  0  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my 
mouth  shall  declare  thy  praise. 

18  For  thou  desirest  not  sacrifice;  else 
would  I  give  it:  in  burnt-offering  hast  thou 
no  delight. 

19  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken 
spirit:  a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  0  God, 
wilt  thou  not  despise. 

20  Do  good  in  thy  favour  unto  Zion  ;  build 
thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

21  Then  wilt  thou  be  pleased  with  the 
sacrifices  of  righteousness,  with  burnt-offering 
and  entire  offering:  then  shall  bullocks  be 
offered  upon  thy  altar. 

PSALM  LII. 

1  ^f  To  the  chief  musician,  a  Maskil  of 
David. 

2  When  Doeg  the  Edomite  came  and  told 
Saiil,  and  said  unto  him,  David  is  come  to 
the  liouse  of  Achimelech. 

3  What  vauntest  thou  thyself  of  wicked- 
ness, 0  mighty  man?  the  kindness  of  God 
endureth  all  the  time. 

4  Thy  tongue  deviseth  mischiefs,  like  a 
shai'pened  razor,  thou  worker  of"  deceit. 

5  Thou  lovest  evil  more  than  good ;  false- 
hood more  than  speaking  righteousness.  Se- 
lah. 

6  Thou  lovest  all  words  of  destruction,  the 
tongue  of  deceit. 

7  (Therefore)  God  will  also  destroy  thee 
for  ever:  he  will  take"  thee  away,  and  pluck 
thee  out  of  his  tent,  and  root  thee  out  of  the 
land  of  life.     Selah. — 

8  And  the  righteous  shall  see  it,  and  they 
will  ])e  afraid,  and  laugh  concerning  him : 

9  "Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  made  not  God 
his  fortress;  but  trusted  in  the  abundance  of 
his  riches,  relied  proudly  on  his  mischievous 
wickedness." 

10  But  I  am  like  a  green  olive-tree  in  the 


"  Only  wlien  sin.s  are  forgiven  can  praise  be  acceptable. 

'' Uasbi  refers  "working  deceit,"  to  tbe  razor;  com- 
menting, "cutting  tbe  flesb  witb  tbe  bair."  Similarly 
Kedak. 

"  llashi,  "break  line  in  pieces."  Otbers,  from  nnn 
740 


house  of  God  :   I  trust  in  the  kindness  of  God 
for  ever  and  ever. 

11  I  will  thank  thee  for  ever,  because  thou 
hast  done  it:  and  I  will  wait  on  thy  name, 
for  (it*  is)  good,  before  thy  pious  ones. 

PSALM  LIII. 

1  ]|  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Macha- 
lath,  a  Maskil  of  David. 

2  The  worthless  fool  saith  in  his  heart. 
There  is  no  God.  They  are  corrupt,  and 
they  are  abominable  (in  their)  injustice: 
there  is  none  that  doth  good. 

3  God  looketh  down  from  heaven  upon 
the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  be  one  in- 
telligent, one  who  seeketh  for  God. 

4  Every  one  (of  them)  hath  departed  (from 
righteousness)  ;  altogether  are  they  become 
corrupt:  there  is  none  that  doth  good,  no, 
not  one. 

5  Is  there  no  knowledge  in  the  workers  of 
wickedness?  who  eat  up  my  people  as  they 
eat  bread:  (while)  they  do  not  call  on 
God. 

6  There  were  they  terrified  with  terror 
where  there  was  no  terror;  for  God  had 
scattered  the  bones  of  those  that  encamped 
against  thee:  thou  didst  put  them  to  shame, 
because  God  had  rejected  them. 

7  Oh  that  some  one  might  bring  the  salva- 
tion of  Israel  out  of  Zion  !  When  God  bring- 
eth  back  the  captivity  of  his  people,  (then) 
will  Jacob  be  glad,  (and)  Israel  will  rejoice. 

PSALM  LIV. 

1  *ff  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth, 
a  Maskil  of  David, 

2  When  the  Ziphim  came  and  said  to 
Saiil,  Behold,  David  is  hiding  himself  with 
us. 

3  0  God,  by  thy  name  save  me,  and  by 
thy  strength  grant  me  justice. 

4  0  God,  hear  my  prayer;  give  ear  to  the 
words  of  my  mouth. 

5  For  strangers  (to  goodness)"  are  risen 
up  against  me,  and  powerful  oppressors  seek 
after  my  soul :  they  have  not  set  God  before 
them.     Selah. 


"to  gather  up,"  as  coals  arc  taken  out  of  the  fire  by  a 
shovel.  ''  Philippson  supplies,  "tbou  art,"  &c. 

"  Strangers  here  does  scarcely  mean  foreigners,  thous^h 
Aben  Ezra  takes  it  so;  but  those  strangers  to  justice  ami 
godliness,     Jonathan  reads  Q-ii  "the  presumptuous." 


PSALMS  LIV.— LVI. 


6  Behold,  God  is  a  helper  unto  me:  the 
Lord  is  among  those  that  uphold  my  soul. 

7  He  will  cause  the  evil  to  return  upon 
those  that  regard  me  with  envy :  in  thy  truth 
cut  them  oft'. 

8  I  will  liberally  sacrifice  unto  thee:  I  will 
give  thanks  unto  thy  name,  0  Lord  ;  for  it  is 
good. 

9  For  out  of  all  distress  hath  he  delivered 
me :  and  my  eye  hath  seen  (its  desire)  on 
my  enemies. 

PSALM  LV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth, 
a  Maskil  of  David. 

2  Give  ear,  0  God,  to  my  prayer,  and 
hide  not  thyself  from  my  supplication. 

3  Listen  unto  me,  and  answer  me:  I 
mourn"  in  my  grief,  and  moan; 

4  Because  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy,  be- 
cause of  the  oppression  of  the  wicked;  for 
they  cast  wrong  upon  me,  and  in  wrath  they 
attack  me. 

5  My  heart  is  soi'ely  pained''  within  me, 
and  the  terrors  of  death  are  fallen  upon  me. 

6  Fearfulness  and  trembling  are  come 
upon  me,  and  shuddering  hath  covered  me. 

7  And  I  said.  Oh  that  some  one  would 
give  me  wings  like  a  dove !  I  would  fly  away 
and  dwell  (quietly). 

8  Lo,  I  would  flee  far  away,  I  would  spend  ' 
my  night  in  the  wilderness.     Selah.  ' 

9  I  would  prepare  hastily  a  refuge  for  me  I 
from  the  sweeping  wind  (and)  from  storm. 

10  Desti'oy,  0  Lord,  divide"  their  tongue; 
for  I  have  seen  violence  and  strife  in  the  city; 

11  Day  and  night  do  these  encompass  it 
upon  her  walls :  and  wrong  and  trouble  are  in 
her  midst. 

12  Mischief  is  in  her  midst:  guile  and  de-i 
ceit  depart  not  from  her  streets.  ! 

13  For  it  is  not  an  enemy  that  reproached  I 
me;  then  I  could  bear  it:  not  he  that  hateth 
me  hath  magnified  himself  against  me;  then 
I  would  have  hidden  myself  from  him ; 

*  Rasbi.     The  moderns,  Sachs,  &c.,  "  I  roam  about." 
"  Rasbi,  "full  of  care."     Sachs,  "trembletb." 

°  That  is,  "  distract  their  counsels,  and  let  their  de- 
vices be  confounded." 

^  Rashi,  "  this  he  hid  because  of  the  many  who  assisted 
me  with  their  prayers."  But  though  no;;  is  generally 
found  in  a  good  sense  "with  me,"  still  it  is  also  met  with 
in  the  opposite  sense  in  Gen.  xxxi.  7. 

•  Rashi.     Jonathan  and  Sachs,  "who  (.iiauge  not  their 


14  But  it  is  thou,  a  man  my  equid,  my 
guide,  and  my  acquaintance; 

15  So  that  we  took  sweet  secret  counsel 
together,  and  walked  unto  the  house  of  God 
in  tumultuous  company. 

16  Let  him  dispense  death  over  them;  let 
them  go  down  alive  into  the  nether  world ; 
for  evil  is  in  their  dwelling,  in  the  midst  of 
them. 

17  I,  however,  will  call  on  God:  and  the 
Lord  will  save  me. 

18  At  evening  and  morning  and  noon  will 
I  make  my  complaint  and  moan :  and  he 
heareth  my  voice. — 

19  He  delivereth  my  soul  in  peace  from 
the  battle  against  me;  for  in  multitudes  are 
they  (contending)  with  me.* 

20  God  will  hear,  and  humble  them — 
yea,  he  that  sitteth  enthroned  from  the  oldest 
time — Selah — tliose  who  dread"  no  changes, 
and  fear  not  God. 

21  He^  stretcheth  out  his  hands  against 
those  at  peace  with  him :  he  violateth  his 
covenant. 

22  The  creamy  words'^  of  his  mouth  are 
smooth,  yet  there  is  war  (in)  his  heart:  his 
words  are  softer  than  oil,  yet  are  they  dra^Nii 
swords. 

23  Cast  thy  burden''  upon  the  Lord,  and 
he  will  sustain  thee :  he  will  never  suffer  the 
righteous  to  be  moved. 

24  But  thou,  0  God,  thou  wilt  bring  them 
down  into  the  pit  of  destruction :  let  not  the 
men  of  blood  and  deceit  live  out  half  their 
days;  but  I  will  indeed  trust  in  thee. 

PSALM  LVI. 

1  Tl  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Jonath- 
elem-rechokim,'  by  David,  a  Michtham,  when 
the  Philistines  seized  him  in  Gath. 

2  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  God;  for  man 
longeth  to  swallow  me  up;  all  the  time  he 
oppresseth  me  fighting. 

3  Those  that  regard  me  with  envy  long  to 
swallow  (me)  up  all  the  time;  for  many  are 

ways."     Aben  Ezra,  "who  have  had  no  changes  of  for- 
tune." 

'  A  calumniator,  a  rebel,  of  whom  David  complains. 

»  Similar  to  the  English  expression,  "  honeyed  phrases." 

'' "lin"  is  explained  by  others,  "what  God  hath  be- 
stowed," or  "fortune."  Sachs,  "desire."  Jonathan, 
"hope." 

'  Lit.  "the  dumb  dove  of  the  distance;"  probably  the 
name  of  a  particular  tune  or  melody. 

7J1 


fight    against    me, 


-   PSALMS  LVI 

0  thou   Most 


-LVIit. 


thev    that 
IJigh." 

4  The  day  (when)  I  am  afraid,  I  will  still 
trust  in  thee. 

5  In  God  will  I  praise  his  word,  in  God  I 
have  put  my  trust;  I  will  not  be  afraid:  what 
can  flesh  do  unto  me? 

6  All  the  day  they  wrest  my  words: 
against  me  ai'e  all  their  thoughts  for  evil. 

7  They  come  together  in  troops,  they  hide 
themselves,  they  are  those  that  watch  my 
heels,  as  though  they  hoped  (to  take)  my 
soul. 

8  Because  of  their  wrong-doing  let  me 
escape  from  them:''  in  anger  cast  down  the 
j^eople,  0  God. 

9  My  wanderings  hast  thou  well  number- 
ed: put  thou  my  tears  into  thy  bottle;  be- 
hold, they  are  numbered  by  thee. 

10  Then  shall  my  enemies  retire  backward 
on  the  day  when  I  call  (on  thee) :  this  I 
know — that  God  is  for  me. 

11  In  God''  will  I  praise  the  word:  in  the 
Lord  will  T  praise  the  word. 

12  In  God  have  I  put  my  trust;  I  will  not 
be  afraid :  what  can  man  do  unto  me  ? 

13  Upon  me,  0  God,  (rest)  thy  vows:  I 
will  pay  thanksgiving  offerings  unto  thee. 

14  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 
death — yea,  behold,  my  feet  from  slipping, 
that  I  may  walk  before  God  in  the  light  of 
the  life. 

PSALM  LVn. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  Al-tashcheth,'' 
])y  David,  a  Michtham,  when  he  fled  from 
Saiil,  in  the  cave. 

2  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  God,  be  gracious 
unto  me;  for  in  thee  my  soul  seeketh  pro- 
tection, and  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  I  seek  protection,  until  the  mischief  be 
passed  away. 

3  I  will  call  unto  God,  the  Most  High; 
unto  God  that  accomplisheth''  (his  kindness) 
on  me. 

*  Jonathan.  Philippson,  "  many  are  the  proud  fighters 
against  nie." 

^  Ilashi  and  Abon  Ezra.  Jonathan,  "for  the  falsehood 
in  their  hands  let  them  have  want."  Saehs,  "in  vain  be 
their  escaping."  Philippson,  "  through  wickedness  they 
obtain  an  escape,"  meaning,  that  singly  they  escape 
through  cunning:  he  therefore  prays  for  collective  punish- 
ment— on  tlip  people — who  compose  tlie  evil-doers. 


4  He  will  send  from  heaven,  and  save  me, 
though  he  that  longeth  to  swallow  me  up 
utter  reproach.  Selah.  God  will  send  forth 
his  kindness  and  his  truth. 

5  My  soul  is  in  the  midst  of  lions;  I  lie 
down  (in  the  midst  of)  those  that  send  out 
flames,*^  (those)  sons  of  men,  whose  teeth  are 
spears  and  arrows,  and  whose  tongue  is  a 
sharpened  sword. 

6  Be  thou  exalted  above  the  heavens,  0 
God :  above  all  the  earth  let  thy  glory  be. 

7  A  net  have  they  prepai'ed  for  my  steps; 
my  soul  hath  been  bent  down;  they  have 
dug  before  me  a  pit;  they  are  fallen  into 
the  midst  thereof     Selah. 

8  Firm  is  my  heart,  0  God,  firm  is  my 
heart:   I  will  sing  and  play. 

9  Awake,  my  spirit;  awake,  psaltery  and 
harp:   I  will  wake  up  the  morning-dawn.'' 

10  I  will  thank  thee  among  the  people,  0 
Lord :  I  will  sing  praises  unto  thee  among 
the  nations. 

1 1  For  great,  even  unto  the  heavens,  is  thy 
kindness,  and  even  unto  the  skies  (extendeth) 
thy  truth. 

12  Be  thou  exalted  above  the  heavens,  0 
God :  above  all  the  earth  let  thy  glory  be. 

PSALM  LVIII. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  Al-tashcheth, 
by  David,  a  Michtham. 

2  Do  you  indeed,  who  are  dumb,  speak 
righteously?  do  ye  judge  in  uprightness,''  0 
ye  sons  of  men  ? 

3  Even  in  (your)  heart  ye  work  injustice: 
on  the  earth  do  ye  weigh  out  the  violence  of 
your  hands. 

4  The  wicked  are  estranged  (from  good- 
ness) from  the  womb :  those  who  speak  lies  go 
astray  from  their  very  birth. 

5  They  have  poison  like  the  poison  of  a 
serpent:  (they  are)  like  the  deaf  adder  that 
stoppeth  her  ear; 

6  Which  will  not  hearken  to  the  voice  of 
conj  urers,  yea,  tli  at  of  the  wisest  of  all  charmers. 


"  Jonathan,  "I  will  praise  God's  word  of  justice,  I  will 
praise  the  Lord's  word  of  mercy." 

''  Lit.  "destroy  not;"  probably  also  a  melody. 

'  Mendelssohn,  "who  decreoth  over  me." 

'  Figurative  for  tho.se  that  speak  calumnies.    So  Rashi. 

'  A  beautiful  image :  the  Psalmist  rises  before  day, 
and  impatiently  calls  for  the  morning  to  appear. 

''  Sachs,  "judge  righteously  the  sons  of  man." 


PSALMS  LVIII.  LIX. 


7  0  God,  break  out  their  teeth  in  their 
mouth:  tlie  jaw-teeth  of  the  young  Hons  tear 
thou  out,  0  Lord.  1 

8  Let  them  melt  away  as  water  (which) 
runneth   oft':"  when   each   one   bendeth    (his 
bow  to  shoot)  his  arrows,  let  them  be  as  if  cut' 
in  pieces.*" 

9  As  a  snail  which  melteth,  let  him  pass 
away;  like  the  untimely  birth''  of  a  woman 
which  hath  not  seen  the  sun. 

10  Before  your  pots  can  feel  the  thorns, 
will  lie  take  them  away  with  a  whirlwind, 
both  the  green**  and  the  burning. 

11  The  righteous  will  rejoice  when  he 
seeth  the  vengeance:  he  will  bathe  his  steps 
in  the  blood  of  the  wicked. 

12  So  that  a  man  shall  say.  Verily  fruit 
will  come  for  the  righteous:  verily  there  is  a 
God  that  judgeth  on  the  earth. 

PSALM  LIX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  Al-tashcheth, 
by  David,  a  Michtham,  when  Saiil  sent,  and 
they  watched  the  house  to  put  him  to  death. 

2  Deliver  me  from  my  enemies,  0  my 
God:  defend  me  from  them  that  rise  up 
against  me. 

3  Deliver  me  from  the  workers  of  wicked- 
ness, and  from  men  of  blood  do  thou  save  me. 

4  For,  lo,  they  lie  in  wait  for  my  soul,  the 
mighty  are  gathered  in  troops  against  me: 
not  for  my  transgression,  nor  for  my  sin,  0 
Lord. 

5  Without  guilt  (in  me)  they  run  and 
make  themselves  ready:  awake,  (come)  to- 
ward me,  and  behold. 

(3  And  thou,  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  the  God 
of  Israel,  awake  to  punish  all  tlie  nations : 
be  not  gracious  to  any  treacherous  wicked 
ones.  Selah. 


'  Others,  "Let  them  (the  wicked)  pass  away." 

*  Rashi,  "  God  bendeth  his  arrows  that  they  may  be  de- 
stroyed." Redak,  however,  explains  as  in  the  text,  and  it 
means,  that  their  arrows  should  be  rendered  harmless,  as 
though  the  points  were  cut  away. 

"  Jonathan,  "like  the  untimely  born  and  the  mole, 
which  are  blind  and  have  not  seen  the  sun."  nii/H  like 
the  Chaldean  Nnityx  "the  mole."  Philippson,  "let  them 
not  see,"  &c. 

^  Herxheimer,  who  comments,  that  the  simile  is  taken 
from  a  caravan,  which  prepares  its  food  with  the  thorns 
of  the  desert,  which  are  whirled  away  by  a  sudden  gale, 
whether  yet  green  or  already  burning.  Philippson, 
partly  after  Redak,  "Whether  the  flesh  in  the  pot  be  raw 
or  already  cooked;"  and  says,   "that  so  the  counsel  of 


7  They  will  return  at  evening;  they  will 
howl  like  dogs,  and  go  round  about  the 
city. 

8  Behold,  they  sputter  with  their  mouth : 
swords  are  in  their  lips;  for  who,  (say  they.) 
doth  hear?" 

9  But  thou,  0  Lord,  wilt  laugh  at  them: 
thou  wilt  liold  in  derision  all  the  nations. 

10  Because  of  (the  enemy's)  strength  will 
I  wait  upon  thee;  for  God  is  my  defence. 

11  The  God  who  showeth  me  kindness 
will  go  before  me:  God  will  let  me  see  (my 
desire)  upon  those  who  regard  me  with 
envy. 

12  Slay  them  not,  that  my  people  may 
not  forget:  drive  them  about  by  thy  power; 
and  bring  them  down,  thou  our  shield.  0 
Lord. 

13  The  sin  of  their  mouth  is  the  word  of 
their  lips:  let  them  be  caught  through  their 
pride,  because  of  the  cursing  and  lying  which 
they  relate. 

14  Make  an  end  in  fury,  make  an  end 
(of  them),  that  they  may  be  no  more,  and  let 
them  know  that  God  ruleth  in  Jacob,  as  far 
as  the  ends  of  the  eai'th.     Selah. 

15  And  they  will  return  in  the  evening; 
they  will  howl  like  dogs,  and  go  round  about 
the  city. 

10  They  will  indeed  roam  about  after  .some- 
thing to  eat,  if  they  be  not  satisfied,  so  that 
they  can  be  at  rest.' 

17  But  I  will  truly  sing  of  thy  strength; 
yea,  I  will  sing  joyfully  in  the  morning  of 
thy  kindness;  for  thou  hast  been  a  defence 
imto  me  and  a  refuge  on  the  day  when  I  was 
distressed. 

18  Unto  thee,  O  my  strength,  will  I  sing; 
for  God  is  my  defence,  the  God  of  my  kind- 
ness. 

the  wicked  shall  be  frustrated."  Rashi,  "Before  your 
briers  become  thorns,  (ere  the  children  of  the  wicked  grow 
up,)  the  Lord  will  sweep  them  ofiF  with  might  en  like 
S'n)  and  in  wrath."  Mendelssohn,  "When  yet  raw, 
scarcely  warmed,"  &o. 

'  Rashi,  Aben  Ezra,  and  Redak.  Mendelssohn,  simply, 
"for  who  heareth."  Philippson,  "but  who  hearotii 
I  them?" 

'  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "if  they  be  not  satisfied  they 
will  (not)  rest."  Philippson,  "if  they  be  not  satisfied  they 
will  roam  about  all  night;"  which  gives  the  same  sense 
as  the  text,  meaning,  that  the  houseless  dogs  roam  about 
all  night  unless  they  find  enough  to  still  their  hunger, 
after  which  alone  they  will  seek  rest;  and  so  the  wicked 
roam  about  to  commit  injustice  against  the  just. 


PSALMS  LX.— LXIt. 


PSALM   LX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Shushan- 
'eduth,  a  Michtham  of  David,  to  teach, 

2  "When  he  fought  with  Aram-naharayim, 
and  with  Aram-zobah,  and  Joab  returned, 
and  sniot«  of  Edom  in  the  Salt  Valley  twelve 
thousand  (men). 

3  0  God,  thou  hast  cast  us  off,  thou  hast 
made  a  breach  in  us,  thou  hast  been  dis- 
pleased: restore  now  unto  us  (thy  favour). 

4  Thou  hast  caused  the  earth  to  quake; 
thou  hast  split  it:  heal  her  breaches;  for  she 
is  moved. 

5  Thou  hast  caused  thy  people  to  see  hard 
things :  thou  hast  made  us  to  drink  the  wine 
of  confusion. 

6  Thou  hast  given  to  those  that  fear  thee 
a  banner,"  to  elevate  themselves,  because  of 
the  truth.     Selah. 

7  In  order  that  thy  beloved  may  be  de- 
livered: help  with  thy  right  hand,  and  an- 
swer me. 

8  God  hath  spoken  in  his  holiness:  I  will 
exult,  I  will  divide  Shechem,  and  the  valley 
of  Succoth  will  I  measure  out. 

9  Mine  is  Gil'ad,  and  mine  is  Menasseh ; 
Ephraim  also  is  the  strong-hold  of  my  head; 
of  Judah  are  my  chiefs ;'' 

10  Moiib  is  my  wash  pot;  upon  Edom  will 
I  cast  my  shoe :  Philistia,  triumph  thou  but 
over  me. 

11  Who  will  bring  me  into  the  fortitied 
city?  who  will  lead  me  as  far  as  Edom? 

12  Behold,  it  is  thou,  0  God,  who  hast 
cast  us  off;  and  thou,  0  God,  goest  not  forth 
with  our  armies. 

13  Give  us  help  against  the  assailant;  for 
vain  is  the  help  of  man. 

14  Through  God  shall  we  do  valiantly: 
and  he  it  is  that  will  tread  down  our  as- 
sailants. 

PSALM  LXI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  mu.sician  vipon  Neginah, 
by  David. 

2  Hear,  0  God,  my  entreaty;  listen  to  my 
prayer. 


"  As  God's  vassals  a  banner  is  given  them,  under 
which  they  are  to  inarch  to  victory,  that  truth  may  pre- 
vail. 

'  Ilashi.      Lit.   "lawgiver,"   or  "dispenser."       Saehs 
;ind  others,  "sceptre,"  or  "ruler's  st:ift'." 
744 


3  Fi'om  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  call 
unto  thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed: 
lead  me  to  the  rock  that  is  too  high  for  me. 

4  For  thou  hast  been  a  shelter  unto  me,  a 
strong  tower  against  the  enemy. 

5  Let  me  sojourn  in  th}-  tent  to  all  eter- 
nity; let  me  be  sheltered  under  the  covert  of 
thy  wings.     Selah. 

6  For  thou,  0  God,  hast  truly  listened  to 
my  vows :  thou  hast  given  back"  the  heritage 
of  those  that  fear  thy  name. 

7  Oh,  add  days  unto  the  king's  days:  may 
his  years  be  as  of  many  generations. 

8  May  he  abide  for  ever  before  God :  or- 
dain that  kindness  and  truth  may  guard  him. 

9  So  will  I  sing  praise  unto  thy  name  for 
ever,  that  I  may  pay  my  vows  day«by  day. 

PSALM  LXIL 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  upon  Jeduthun, 
a  psalm  of  David. 

2  Only  in  God  my  soul  trusted  in  silence: 
from  him  coraeth  my  salvation. 

3  Only  he  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation; 
(he  is)  my  defence:  I  shall  not  be  greatly 
moved. 

4  How  long  will  ye  devise  mischief  against 
a  man?  will  ye  all  assault  him  murderously, 
as  though  he  were  a  falling  wall,  a  tottering 
fence  ? 

5  Yea,  from  his  height  do  they  take  coun- 
sel to  cast  (him)  down ;  they  delight  in  lies : 
with  their  mouth  do  they  bless,  but  inwardly 
do  they  curse.     Selah. 

6  Yea,  in  God  hope  in  silence,  my  soul; 
for  from  him  is  my  expectation. 

7  Only  he  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation; 
(he  is)  my  defence:   I  shall  not  be  moved. 

8  With  God  are  my  salvation  and  my 
glory:  the  rock  of  my  strength  (and)  my 
protection  are  in  God. 

9  Trust  in  him  at  all  times,  0  ye  people ; 
pour  out  before  him  your  heart:  God  is  a 
protection  for  us.     Selah. 

10  Verily  nought  are  the  sons  of  common 
men,  a  lie  the  sons  of  the  great;  they  must 
rise  in  the  balance;  they  are  altogether 
(lighter)  than  nought.'^ 


°  Rashi.  Others,  "thou  hast  given  (me)  the  lierit- 
age,"  &c. 

^  Sforno.  Others  render  San  with  "a  breath,"  hence, 
Mendelssohn,  "ou  the  scale  a  breath  will  outweigh  them 
all." 


PSALMS  LXII.— LXV. 


11  Do  not  put  your  trust  in  defrauding, 
and  be  not  rendered  vain  through  robbeiy: 
if  riches  flourish,  set  not  your  heart  (upon 
them) . 

12  Once  hatli  God  spoken;  (yea,)  twice 
(what)  I  have  lieard  :  that  strength  belongeth 
unto  God. 

13  And  unto  thee,  0  Loi'd,  belongeth  kind- 
ness; for  thou  wilt  recompense  every  man 
according  to  his  works. 

PSALM  LXIII. 

1  ^  A  psalm  of  David,  when  he  was  in 
the  wilderness  of  Judali. 

2  0  God,  thou  art  my  God;  early  will  I 
seek  thee:  my  soul  thirsteth  for  thee,  my 
flesh  longeth  for  thee  in  a  dry  land,  and  it  is 
faint  without  water. 

3  As"  I  have  beheld  thee  in  the  sanctuary, 
seeing  thy  strength  and  thy  glory; 

4  Because  thy  kindness  is  better  than  life, 
my  lips  shall  praise  thee: 

5  Thus  will  I  bless  thee  while  1  live;  in 
thy  name  will  I  lift  up  my  hands. 

6  As  with  fat  and  marrow  will  my  soul  be 
satisfied;  and  with  tuneful  lips  shall  my 
mouth  praise  thee. 

7  When  I  rememljer  thee  upon  my 
couch,  1  meditate  on  thee  in  the  night- 
watches. 

8  Because  thou  hast  been  a  help  unto  me; 
and  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  will  1  sing 
rejoicingly. 

9  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  following  thee: 
me  thy  right  hand  uplioldeth. 

10  But  those  that  seek  my  soul,  to  destroy  || 
it,  shall  go  down  into  the  lowest  deeps  of  the  ] 
earth.     "  !j 

11  They  shall  be  delivered  up  to  the  power 
of  the  sword  :  they  shall  become  a  prey  for 
jackals. 

12  But  the  king  shall  rejoice  in  God: 
every  one  that  sweareth  by  him  shall  glorify 
himself;  for  the  mouth  of  those  that  speak 
falsehood  shall  be  stopped.  | 

°  Philippson.  Rashi  connects  this  with  the  preceding 
verse,  "  my  soul  thirsteth — to  see  thy  might  and  thy 
glory  as  I  have  beheld  thee  in  the  tabernacle  at  Shiloh." 

"  Lit.  "who  bend  their  arrow."  i 

"  Aben  Ezra;  lit.  "word."  Jon.-tthan,  "they  fortify 
for  themselves  the  evil  word." 

''  After  Philippson,  who  takes  the  sentence  commenc- 
ing uon  as  indicating  the  words  of  the  wicked  ;   notwith-  i 
standing  which  device  being  resolved  ou,  each  one  keeps 

4  T 


PSALM  LXIV. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  Hear  my  voice,  0  God,  in  my  complaint : 
preserve  my  life  from  the  dread  of  the  enemy. 

3  Hide  me  from  the  secret  counsel  of  evil- 
doers, from  the  tumultuous  assault  of  the 
Avorkers  of  wickedness ; 

4  Who  whet  their  tongue  like  a  sword, 
who  aim  with''  their  arrow,  the  bitter  word : 

5  To  shoot  in  secret  at  the  innocent;  sud- 
denly do  they  shoot  at  him,  and  fear  not. 

6  They  encourage  themselves  in  an  evil 
plan;"  they  tell  secretly  of  laying  snares: 
they  say,  Who  will  see  them? 

7  They  search  out  iniquities;  "We  are 
ready  with  the  carefully  searched  out  de- 
vice:" and  the  inward  thought  and  heart  of 
each  is  deeply  (hidden).'' 

8  But  God  shooteth  at  them  suddenly  (his) 
aiTOw; — (thence)  are  come  their  wounds. 

9  And  their  own  tongues  will  stumble  over 
themselves :  all  that  look  on  them  will  shake 
their  head. 

10  All  men  shall  fear,  and  shall  declare 
the  deeds  of  God,  and  understand  his  works. 

11  The  righteous  shall  rejoice  in  the  Lord. 
and  shall  trust  in  him;  and  all  the  upright 
in  heart  shall  glorify  themselves. 

PSALM  LXV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  (and) 
song  of  David. 

2  For  thee  prai.se  is  waiting,'"  0  God.  in 
Zion :  and  unto  thee  shall  vow^s  be  paid. 

3  0  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee 
all  flesh  shall  come. 

4  The  iniquitous  things  have  become  too 
mighty  for  me:  our  transgressions — these 
wilt  thou  wipe  away. 

5  Happy  is  he  whom  thou  choosest,  and 
causest  to  approach,  that  he  may  dwell  in  thy 
courts:  let  us  be  satisfied  with  the  happiness 
of  thy  house,  the  holiness*^  of  thy  temple. 

his  thoughts  hidden  within  his  heart.  E.ashi  reads  uaD 
"they  have  hidden — the  well-considered  device,"  &c. 
Others  render,  "they  have  accomplished." 

"  Aben  Ezra  and  Redak.  Jonathan  and  Rashi,  "Si- 
lence is  praise  to  thee."  Philippson,  "unto  thee  gentle 
praise  is  due."  Herxheinier  combines  both  these  views, 
"unto  thee  is  due  silence  and  praise." 

'  Ra.shi,  Mendelssohn,  Sachs,  ko. — The  holiness  will 
tlien  be  felt  by  man,  when  he  is  at  peace  with  God. 

745 


PSALMS  LXV.— LXVII. 


G  With  terrific  deeds  in  righteousness  wilt 
thou  answer  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  who 
art  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
and  of  the  sea,  that  are  far  away ; 

7  Who  setteth  firmly  the  mountains  by  his 
power,  who  is  girded  with  might; 

8  Who  assuageth  the  roaring  of  the  seas, 
the  roaring  of  their  waves,  and  the  tumult  of 
nations. 

9  And  they  that  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  are  afraid  of  thy  wondrous  signs:  the 
outgoings"  of  the  morning  and  evening  thou 
causest  to  rejoice. 

10  Thou  hast  thought  of  the  earth,  and 
waterest  her  abundantly ;  thou  greatly  en- 
richest  her ;  the  brook  of  God  is''  full  of 
water  :  thou  preparest  their  corn,  when  thou 
hast  thus  prepared  her.'^ 

11  Watering  her  furrows  abundantly, 
smoothing  down  her  ridges,  thou  softenest 
her  with  showers:  thou  blessest  her  growth. 

12  Thou  hast  crowned  the  year  of  thy 
goodness;  and  thy  tracks  drop  ftitness. 

13  The  pastures  of  the  wilderness  are  drop- 
ping (with  plenty) :  and  the  hills  are  girt 
with  gladness. 

14  The  meadows  are  clothed  with  flocks, 
and  the  valleys  are  enveloped  with  corn: 
men  shout  for  joy,  (yea,)  they  also  sing. 

PSALM  LXVI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  song  or 
'psalm.       Shout  joyfully    unto    God,    all   ye 

lands : 

2  Sing  forth  the  glory  of  his  name ;  make 
glorious  his  praise. 

3  Say  unto  God,  How  fear-inspiring  is 
every  one  of  thy  works !  through  the  great- 
ness of  thy  strength  will  thy  enemies  yield 
feigned  obedience  unto  thee. 

4  All  the  lands  shall  bow  themselves 
down  unto  thee,  and  shall  sing  praises  unto 
thee;  they  shall  sing  praises  to  thy  name. 
Selah. 

5  Come  and  see  the  deeds  of  God :  fear-in- 
spiring is  his  doing  toward  the  children  of 
men. 

6  He   changed    the   sea   into   dry   land; 

°  Philippson  supplies,  "the  inhabitants  of,"  /.  e.  those 
who  live  east  and  west.  Others  regard  "the  outgoing" 
as  the  stars  that  rise  at  the  end  of  day,  and  the  animals 
that  go  forth  at  the  end  of  night,  llashi,  "men  thank 
him  for  the  ending  of  the  day  and  night." 
7»0 


through  the  river  they  went  on  foot:  there 
did  we  rejoice  in  him. 

7  He  ruleth  by  his  might  for  ever;  his 
eyes  look  upon  the  nations:  the  rebellious — 
these  shall  not  be  exalted.     Selah. 

8  Bles.s,  0  ye  people,  our  God,  and  cause 
the  voice  of  his  praise  to  be  heard  : 

9  Who  hath  appointed  our  soul  to  life, 
and  hath  not  suffered  our  foot  to  slip. 

10  For  thou  hast  proved  us,  0  God:  thou 
hast  refined  us,  as  silver  is  refined. 

11  Thou  hast  brought  us  into  the  net; 
thou  hast  placed  fetters  ujjon  our  loins. 

12  Thou  hast  caused  men  to  ride  on  our 
head:  we  entered  into  fire  and  into  water; 
but  thou  broughtest  us  out  to  (the  enjoy- 
ment) of  overflowing  plenty. 

13  I  will  enter  thy  house  with  burnt-offer- 
ings :  I  will  pay  unto  thee  my  vows, 

14  Which  my  lips  have  uttered,  and  my 
mouth  hath  spoken,  when  I  was  in  distress. 

1-5  Burnt-offerings  of  fatlings  will  I  offer 
up  unto  thee,  with  the  incense  of  rams;  I 
will  prepare  steers  with  he-goats.     Selah. 

16  Come,  hear,  and  I  will  relate,  all  ye 
that  fear  God,  what  he  hath  done  for  my 
soul. 

17  Unto  him  I  cried  with  my  mouth,  and 
a  song  of  extolling  was  on  my  tongue. 

18  If  I  had  looked  on  wickedness  with  my 
heart,  the  Lord  would  not  have  heard; 

19  But  verily  God  hath  heard;  he  hath 
listened  to  the  A'oice  of  my  prayer. 

20  Blessed  be  God,  who  hath  not  removed 
my  prayer  (from  him),  nor  his  kindness  from 
me. 

PSALM  LXVIL 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth,  a 
psalm  or  song. 

2  May  God  be  gracious  unto  us,  and  bless 
us;  may  he  cause  his  face  to  shine  upon*"  us. 
Selali. 

3  That  upon  e.arth  men  may  know  thy 
way,  among  all  nations  thy  salvation. 

4  The  people  will  thank  thee,  0  God ;  the 
people,  all  of  them  together,  will  thank  thee. 

5  Nations  will  rejoice  and  sing  for  joy: 

'■  God's  rain — his  overflowing  brook — is  abundant  for 
all. 

°  i.  c.  The  earth  :  moistened  by  rain,  she  is  prepared  to 
prepare  corn  for  man. 

■^  Hob.  "with  us" 


PSALMS  LXVII.  LXVlTi. 


when  thou  judgest  the  people    righteously, 
and  guidest  the  nations  upon  earth.     Selah. 

6  The  people  will  thank  thee,  0  God;  the 
people,  all  of  them  together,  will  thank  thee. 

7  The  earth  yieldeth  her  products:  (yea,) 
God,  our  own  God,  will  bless  us. 

8  God  will  bless  us:  and  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  shall  fear  him. 

PSALM  LXVIIL 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  David,  a 
Psalm  or  song. 

2  Oh  that  God  would  arise,  that  his  ene- 
mies might  be  scattered,  and  those  that  hate 
him  might  tlee  before  him. 

3  As  smoke  is  driven  off,  so  drive  them 
away :  as  wax  melteth  before  the  fire,  so  let 
the  wicked  perish  at  the  presence  of  God. 

4  But  the  righteous  shall  rejoice;  tliey 
shall  exult  jjefore  God :  yea,  they  shall  be 
exceedingly  joyful." 

5  Sing  unto  God,  sing  praises  to  his  name; 
extol  him  who  rideth  upon  the  heavens:  the 
Everlasting  is  his  name,  and  rejoice  before 
him. 

6  A  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  judge 
of  the  widows,  is  God  in  his  holy  habitation. 

7  God  places  those  who  are  solitary  in 
the  midst  of  their  families :  he  bringeth  out 
those  who  are  bound  unto  happiness ;  but  the 
rebellious  dwell  in  a  dry  land. 

8  0  God,  when  thou  didst  go  forth  before 
thy  people,  when  thou  didst  tread  along 
through  the  wilderness — Selah — 

9  The  earth  quaked,  also  the  heavens 
dropped  at  the  presence  of  God:  yea,  this 
Sinai,  at  the  presence  of  God,  the  God  of 
Lsrael. 

10  Rain  of  beneficence''  didst  thou  pour 
down,  ()  God,  whereby  thou  didst  trul)' 
strengthen  thy  heritage,  when  it  was  weary. 

11  Thy  asseml)ly  dwelt  therein :  thou  didst 
prepare  it  with  thy  goodness  for  the  afflicted 
(people),  0  God, 

"  Lit.  "they  shall  be  glad  in  joy." 

•^  Philippson,  "a  rain  of  gifts,"  .such  as  the  manna  and 
the  quails  bestowed  in  the  wilderness — not  actual  rain. 
But  Rashi  and  others  take  it  literally  as  rain,  destructive 
to  God's  enemies — blessing  to  his  people,  nmj  is  lite- 
rally, "  of  liberalities,"  what  is  cheerfully,  willingly  given ; 
hence,  "beneficence." 

'  The  Israelites,  living  in  peace  among  their  sheepfolds, 
shall  resemble  in  their  loveliness  the  dove,  whose  wings 
present  a  beautiful  play  of  colours,  silver  and  gold. 


12  The  Lord  gave  (happy)  tidings;  they 
are  publislied  by  the  female  messengers,  a 
numerous  host. 

13  The  kings  of  the  armies  flee  away — flee 
away  :  yet  she  that  tarried  at  home  divideth 
the  spoil. 

14  When  ye  lie  still  between  the  folds"  (of 
your  cattle),  (ye  will  be  like)  the  Avings  of 
the  dove  covered  with  silver,  and  her  pinions 
shimng  with  flaming  gold. 

16  When  the  Almighty  scattered  kings  in 
the  midst  of  her,  then  even  in  darkness  shone 
light  (as  pure)  as  snow.'' 

16  A  mountain  of  God  is  the  mount  of  Ba- 
shan ;  many  peaks  hath  the  mount  of  Bashan 

17  Why  watch  ye  enviou.sly,  ye  many 
peaked  mountains,  yonder  mountain  which 
God  hath  chosen  for  his  residence?  yea,  the 
Lord  will  also  dwell  (there)  for  ever. 

18  The  chariots  of  God  are  two  myriads; 
thousands  of  angels  (follow  him) :  the  Lord 
is  among  them;  so  is  Sinai  holy  (among 
mountains)." 

19  Thou  didst  ascend  on  high,  lead  away  cap- 
tives, receive  gifts  among  men,  yea,  even  the 
rebellious,  to  dwell  among  them,  0  Lord  God. 

20  Blessed  be  the  Lord ;  day  by  day  he 
loadeth  us  (with  benefits)  f  our  God  is  our 
salvation.     Sel>ah. 

21  Our  God  is  to  us  the  God  of  salvation; 
and  by  the  Eternal  the  Lord  are  the  escapes 
from  death. 

22  But  God  will  crush  the  head  of  his 
enemies,  the  hairy  skull  of  him  who  walketh 
in  his  guiltiness. 

23  The  Lord  hath  said.  From  Bashan  will 
I  bring  liack,  I  will  bring  back  from  the 
depths  of  the  sea : 

24  In  order  that  thou  mayest^  wade  with 
thy  feet  in  blood,  feeding  the  tongue  of  thy 
dogs  from  the  enemies'  blood. 

25  Men  see  thy  goings  forth,  O  God!  the 
goings  forth  of  my  God,  my  King,  into  the 
sanctuary. 

"■  Sforno.  When  God's  retribution  falls  on  the  op- 
pressors, then  even  the  oppressed  feel  joy  and  ea.se.  "In 
her,"  is  the  land  of  Israel. 

'-After  Mendelssohn.  Lit.  "Sinai  (is)  in  the  sanc- 
tuary." Sachs,  Philippson,  and  others  render  literally, 
and  explain,  "the  glory  of  God  is  transferred  from  Sinai 
into  the  sanctuary  on  Zion." 

'  Kashi,  Iledak,  &c.  Philippson,  "  if  man  lay  burdens 
on  us,  God  is  our  help." 

^  Rashi,  "crush  the  enemy  and  wade  in  blood." 

747 


PSALMS  LXVIII.  LXIX. 


26  First  come  singers,  then  follow  players 
on .  instruments,  in  the  midst  of  maidens 
playing  on  timbrels. 

27  In  assemblies  bless  ye  God,  (praise)  the 
Lord,  ye  sprung  from  Israel's  fountain. 

28  There  Benjamin  the  youngest  leadeth 
them  on,  the  princes  of  Jiulah  in  purple 
roljes,"  the  princes  of  Zebulun,  the  princes  of 
Naphtali. 

29  Thy  God  hath  ordained  the  rule  to 
thee :  strengthen,  0  God,  what  thou  hast 
wrought  for  us. 

00  Because  of  thy  temple  over  Jerusalem 
shall  kings  bring  presents  unto  thee. 

:^)1  Rebuke  the  wild  beasts  hiding  among 
the  reeds,  the  troop  of  steers  among  the 
calves  of  nations,  that  hasten  along  with  pre- 
sents of  silver.  He  scattereth  nations  that  are 
eager  for  the  fight. 

32  Nobles  will  come  out  of  Egypt:  Ethi- 
opia will  stretch  forth  eagerlv  her  hands  unto 
God. 

33  Kingdoms  of  the  earth,  sing  unto  God; 
sing  praises  unto  the  Lord;   Selah; 

34  To  him  who  rideth  over  the  highest 
heavens,  of  ancient  days:  hear!  he  sendeth 
forth  his  voice,  the  voice  of  might. 

35  Ascribe  ye  strength  unto  God:  his  ex- 
cellency is  over  Israel,  and  his  strength  is  in 
the  skies. 

36  Thou  art  tremendous,  O  (iod,  from  thy 
holy  residences:  0  God  of  Israel,  (thou  art) 
he  that  givest  strength  and  power  unto  (thy) 
people.     Blessed  be  God. 

PSALM  LXIX. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Shoshan- 
uim,  by  David. 

2  Save  me,  0  God;  for  the  waters  are 
come  even  to  threaten  my  life.'' 

3  I  am  sunk  in  the  mire  of  the  deep, 
where  there  is  no  standing:  I  am  come  into 
the  depths  of  the  waters,  and  the  flood 
overfloweth  me. 

4  I  am  weary  of  my  (railing;  my  throat  is 
hoarse;  my  eyes  fail,  while  I  hope  for  my  God. 

5  More  than  the  hairs  of  my  head  are 
those  that  hate  me  without  a  cause;  nume- 
rous are  those  that  would  destroy  m(\  that 
are  my  enemies  wrongfully:  what  I  have  not 
robbed  shall  I  now"  restore. 


6  0  God,  thou  art  well  aware  of  m}'  folly, 
and  my  guilty  deeds  are  from  thee  not  hid- 
den. 

7  Let  not  those  that  wait  on  thee,  0  Lord 
Eternal  of  hosts,  be  made  ashamed  through 
me :  let  not  those  that  seek  thee  be  confounded 
through  me,  0  God  of  Israel. 

8  Because  for  thy  sake  have  I  borne  re- 
proach, hath  confusion  covered  my  face. 

9  A  stranger  am  I  become  unto  my  bro- 
thers, and  an  alien  unto  my  mother's  chil- 
dren. 

10  Because  the  zeal  for  thy  house  hath  de- 
voured me;  and  the  reproaches  of  those  that 
reproached  thee  are  fallen  upon  me. 

11  When  I  wept  at  the  fasting  of  my  soul, 
it  became  a  reproach  to  me. 

12  And  when  I  made  sackcloth  my  gar- 
ment, I  became  a  proverb  to  them. 

13  Those  that  sit  in  the  gate  talk  against 
me;  and  (about  me  make)  songs  the  drinkers 
of  strong  drink. 

14  But  as  for  me,  I  direct  my  prayer  unto 
thee,  0  Lord,  in  a  time  of  favour;  0  God,  in 
the  multitude  of  thy  kindness:  answer  me  in 
the  truth  of  thy  salvation. 

15  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  that  I  may 
not  sink :  let  me  be  delivered  from  those  that 
hate  me,  and  out  of  the  depths  of  the  waters. 

10  Let  not  the  flood  of  waters  overflow  me, 
and  let  not  the  deep  swallow  me  up,  and  let 
not  the  pit  close  its  mouth  upon  me. 

17  Answer  me,  0  Lord;  tor  thy  kindness 
is  good:  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy 
mercies  turn  thou  unto  me. 

18  And  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy  ser- 
vant; for  I  am  in  distress:  make  haste  and 
answer  me. 

19  Draw  nigh  unto  my  soul,  and  redeem 
it:  because  of  my  enemies  do  tliou  ransom 
me. 

20  Thou  well  knowest  my  reproach,  and 
my  shame,  and  my  confusion :  before  thee 
are  all  my  assailants. 

21  Reproach  hath  broken  my  heart;  and 
I  am  sick:  and  I  waited  for  jiity,  but  there 
was  none;  and  for  comforters,  hut  I  found 
none. 

22  And  they  put  into  my  food  gall;  and  in 
my  thirst  they  give  me  vinegar  to  drink. 

23  May  (then)  their  table  become  a  snare 


Mlmi; 
7J8 


clu'iii.      Others,  "with  tlieiv  fronps  " 


,it    "up  to  tlu'  soul. 


"  Pliilippson. 


PSALMS  LXIX.— LXXT. 


before  them :  and  to  those  that  are  at  peace, 
a  trap. 

24  May  their  ejes  become  dark,  that  they 
cannot  see;  and  make  their  loins  continually 
to  waver. 

25  Pour  out  over  them  thy  indignation, 
and  let  the  heat  of  thy  anger  overtake  them. 

26  May  their  palace  become  desolate:  in 
their  tents  let  no  one  dwell. 

27  For  whom  thou  hast  smitten  they  per- 
secute; and  of  the  pain  of  those  whom  thou 
hast  wounded  do  they  converse. 

28  Lay  guilt  upon  their  guilt;  and  let 
them  not  come  into  thy  rigiiteousness. 

29  Let  them  be  blotted  out  of  the  book  of 
the  living;  and  with  the  righteous  let  them 
not  be  written  down. 

30  But  I  am  poor  and  suffering:  let  thy 
salvation,  0  God,  set  me  up  on  high. 

31  I  will  praise  the  name  of  God  with 
song,  and  Avill  magnify  him  with  thanksgiv- 
ing. 

32  And  this  will  please  the  Lord  better 
than  an  ox  or  bullock  having  horns  and 
cloven  hoofs. 

33  The  meek  will  see  this,  and  be  rejoiced : 
ye  that  seek  God,  and  your  heart  shall  revive. 

34  For  the  Lord  listeneth  unto  the  needy, 
and  his  prisoners  he  despiseth  not. 

35  Let  heaven  mid  earth  praise  him,  the 
seas,  and  every  tiling  that  moveth  therein. 

36  For  God  will  save  Zion,  and  will  build 
the  cities  of  Judah :  that  tliey  may  abide 
there,  and  have  it  in  possession; 

37  And  the  seed  of  his  servants  shall  in- 
herit it;  and  they  tli;it  love  his  name  shall 
dwell  therein. 

PSALM  LXX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  David,  to 
bring  to  remembrance." 

2  0  God,  (ari.se)  to  deliver  me;  0  Lord, 
make  haste  to  help  me. 

3  Let  those  that  seek  after  my  life  be  made 
ashamed  and  put  to  the  blush :  let  those  that 
desire  m_y  unhappiness  be  turned  backward 
and  put  to  confusion. 

4  Let  them  be  turned  backwai'd  in  conse- 
quence of  their  shame,  that  say,  Aha,  aha.'' 


"  Rashi  explains  this  here  to  be  a  species  of  prayer. 
''  Either  a  term  of  rejoicing  at  his  distress,  or  one  of 
contempt  aud  insult. 


5  Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  be  glad  and 
rejoice  in  thee ;  and  let  such  as  love  thy  sal- 
vation say  continually,  God  is  great. 

6  But  I  am  poor  and  needy,  0  God;  conic 
hastily  unto  me;  my  help  and  my  deliverer 
art  thou :  0  Lord,  do  not  delay. 

PSALM  LXXL 

1  ][  In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust; 
let  me  never  be  made  ashamed. 

2  In  thy  righteousness  do  thou  deliver  me 
and  release  me:  incline  thy  ear  unto  me.  and 
save  me. 

3  Be  thou  unto  me  a  rocky  haljitation, 
whereunto  I  may  continually  resort,  which 
thou  hast  ordained  to  save  me;  for  m}-  rock 
and  my  strong-hold  art  thou. 

4  0  my  God,  release  me  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  wicked,  out  of  the  grasp  of  the  unright- 
eous and  violent  man. 

5  For  thou  art  my  hope,  0  Lord  Eternal: 
thou  art  my  trust  from  my  youth. 

6  By  thee  have  I  been  supported  from  my 
birth;  thou  art  he  that  took"  me  out  of  my 
mother's  womb:  of  thee  is  my  praise  con- 
tinually. 

7  As  a  wonderful  token  have  I  been  unto 
many ;  but  thou  art  my  strong  refuge. 

8  My  mouth  shall  be  tilled  with  thy  praise, 
and  with  thy  glory  all  the  day. 

9  Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age: 
when  my  strength  laileth,  forsake  me  not. 

1(1  For  my  enemies  speak  of  me;  and  they 
that  watch  for  my  soul  take  counsel  together, 

11  Saying,  '-God  hath  forsaken  him:  pur- 
sue and  seize  him;  for  there  is  none  to  de- 
liver." 

12  0  God,  be  not  far  from  me:  0  my  God, 
hasten  to  my  help. 

13  Let  those  be  made  ashamed,  let  them 
perish,  that  are  adversaries  to  my  soul:  let 
those  be  covered  with  reproach  and  dishonour 
that  seek  my  unhappiness. 

14  But  I  will  continually  hope,  and  will 
add  yet  more  to  all  thy  praise. 

15  My  mouth  shall  relate  thy  righteous- 
ness, all  the  day  thy  salvation;  for  I  know 
not  their  numbers. 

16  I  will  come  to  praise  the  mighty  deeds 


"Jonathan.      Others  take  "tj   as  "my  refuge;"  thus, 
"thou  art  my  refuge  since  I  escaped  from  my  mother's 

WOUili." 

749 


PSALMS  LXXI.  LXXII. 


of  the  Lord  Eternal :  I  will  make  mention  of 
thy  righteousness,  yea,  thine  only. 

17  0  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my 
youth:  and  hitherto  I  ever  tell  of  thy  won- 
drous deeds. 

18  Therefore  also  even  in  old  age,  and 
when  I  am  grayheaded,  0  God,  forsake  me 
not:  until  I  have  told  of  thy  strength  unto 
(this)  generation,  to  every  one  that  may 
come  of  thy  might. 

19  And  thy  righteousness,  0  God,  reach- 
etli  even  to  the  height,  thou,  w^ho  hast  done 
great  things :  0  God,  w^ho  is  like  thee  I 

20  Thou,  who  hast  showai  me  great  dis- 
tresses and  misfortunes,  wilt  again  revive  me; 
and  from  the  depths  of  the  earth  wilt  thou 
bring  me  up  again. 

21  Thou  wilt  increase  my  greatness,  and 
wilt  turn  round  and  comfort  me. 

22  Also  I,  I  will  thank  thee  with  the 
psaltery,  (for)  thy  truth,  0  my  God:  I  will 
sing  unto  thee  with  the  harp,  0  thou  Holy 
One  of  Israel. 

23  My  lips  shall  shout  joyfully  when  I 
sing  unto  thee;  and  my  soul  (too),  which 
thou  hast  redeemed. 

24  Also  my  tongue  shall  speak  all  the 
day  of  thy  righteousness;  for  ashamed,  for 
put  to  the  blush  are  those  that  seek  my  un- 
ha2:)piness. 

PSALM  LXXII. 

1  •[[  By*  Solomon.  0  God,  give  unto  the 
king  thy  decisions,*"  and  thy  righteousness 
unto  the  king's  son. 

2  He  shall  decide  for  thy  people  with  right- 
sousness,  and  for  thy  afflicted  with  justice. 

3  The  mountains  shall  bear  peace  for  the 
people,  and  the  hills  (the  same),  through 
righteousness. 

4  He  shall  judge  the  afflicted  of  the  peo- 
ple, he  shall  give  help  to  the  children  of  tlie 
needy ;  but  he  shall  crush  the  oppressor. 

5  They  shall  fear  thee  as  long  as  the  sun 
shineth,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  moon, 
throughout  all  generations. 


"  llasbi  and  others,  "for,"  as  though  it  were  composed 
by  David  or  some  other  poet  iu  reference  to  Solomon. 

*•  This  is  explained  by  Rashi,  "the  wisdom  of  thy  de- 
ejsions  according  to  the  law." 
750 


6  He  shall  come  down  like  rain  upon  the 
mown  grass,  as  showers  which  are  dropping 
on  the  earth. 

7  In  his  days  shall  the  righteous  flourish; 
and  abundance  of  peace  (shall  be)  till  the 
moon  shall  be  no  more. 

8  And  he  shall  have  dominion  from  sea  to 
sea,  and  from  the  river  unto  the  ends  of  the 
earth. 

9  Before  him  shall  bend  down  those  that 
dwell  in  the  wilderness;  and  his  enemies 
shall  lick  the  dust. 

10  The  kings  of  Tharshish  and  of  the  isles 
shall  bring  presents :  the  kings  of  Sheba  and 
Seba  shall  offer  gifts. 

11  Yea,  there  shall  l^ow  down  before  him 
all  kings :  all  nations  shall  serve  him. 

12  For  he  will  deliver  the  needy  when 
he  crieth;  the  afflicted  also,  who  hath  no 
helper. 

13  He  will  spare  the  poor  and  needy;  and 
the  souls  of  the  needy  will  he  assist. 

14  From  wrong  and  violence  will  he  de- 
liver their  soul;  and  precious  shall  their 
blood  be  in  his  eyes. 

15  And  he  shall  live;  and  he"  Avill  give 
him  of  the  gold  of  Sheba :  and  he  will  pray 
in  his  behalf  continually;  all  the  time  will  he 
bless  him. 

16  There  shall  be  an  abundance  of  corn  in 
the  land;  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains  its 
fruit  shall  shake  like  (the  trees  of)  Lebanon  : 
and  (men)  shall  blossom  out  of  the  city  like 
herbs  of  the  earth. 

17  His  name  will  endure  for  ever;  in  the 
presence  of  the  sun  his  name  shall  tlouri.sh; 
and  men  shall  bless  themselves  with  him :  all 
nations  shall  call  him  happy. 

18  Blessed  be  the  Lord  the  God,  the 
God  of  Israel,  who  alone  doth  wondrous 
things. 

19  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for 
ever;  and  with  his  glory  may  the  whole 
earth  be  filled:  Amen,  and  Amen. 

20  Here  are  ended  the  prayers  of  David 
the  son  of  Jesse. 

"  Philippson  comments,  "  The  poor  shall  live,  and  give 
presents  to  the  king  (after  the  custom  of  the  East)  from 
the  property  which  he  has  recovered  for  him  from  those 
who  had  withheld  it  from  him,  and  pray  also  for  his 
welfare." 


PSALMS  LXXIII.  LXXIV. 


BOOK  TIimD. 


PSALM  LXXIIL 


1  ^  A  Psalm  of  Assaph.  Truly  God  is 
good  to  Israel,  to  such  as  are  pure  of  heart. 

2  But  as  for  me,  it  lacked  but  little  that 
my  feet  had  been  moved :  almost  nothing  was 
needed  that  my  steps  had  slipped. 

3  For  I  was  envious  at  the  arrogant,  when 
I  saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

4  For  there  are  no  deadly  fetters  for  them ;" 
but  their  strength  is  firm.*' 

5  They  share  not  in  the  trouble  of  mortals, 
and  with  men  are  they  not  afflicted. 

6  Therefore  is  pride  their  neck-chain: 
violence  envelopeth  them  as  a  garment." 

7  Their  eyes  start  out  from  fatness:  they 
have  exceeded  their  heart's  imaginings.'' 

8  They  scorn,  and  speak  wickedly  of  op- 
pression :  loftily  do  they  speak. 

9  They  set  their  mouth  in  the  heavens, 
and  their  tongue  walketh  busily  on  the  earth. 

10  Therefore  do  his  people  turn  away 
hither:  and  waters  of  a  full  cup  are  drained 
by"  them. 

11  And  they  say,  How  should  God  know? 
and  is  there  knowledge  in  the  Most  High? 

12  Behold,  these  are  the  wicked;  and 
yet  prospering  continually  they  increase  in 
wealth. 

13  Verily  in  vain  have  I  thus  cleansed 
my  heart,  and  have  washed  in  innocency  my 
hands : 

14  While  I  was  afflicted  all  the  day,  and 
my  chastisement  (came)  every  morning. 

15  But  if  I  were  to  say,  I  will  speak  thus: 
behold,  I  would  be  treacherous*'  against  the 
generation  of  thy  children. 

16  And  when  I  should  think  to  know  this, 
it  would  be  trouble  in  my  eyes: 

"  Lit.  "there  are  no  fetters  to  tbeir  death." 

"Lit.  "fat." 

'  Redak  and  Jonathan,  "  the  crown  they  put  on  their 
head  is  obtained  by  violence."  llashi  and  iSiorno  render 
n'ly  with  "shame:"  "their  violently  obtained  wealth 
covercth  their  shame." 

"  Rashi,  "they  have  obtained  more  than  their  heart's 
desire."  Philippson,  "the  imaginings  of  their  heart 
swclleth  over." 

"  Jonathan  takes  the  first  part  of  the  verse  as  saying 
that  the  wicked  fall  upon  the  people  of  God,  "and  many 
tears  are  wrung  from  tUem." 


17  Until  I  enter  into  the  sanctuary  of  God; 
and  understand  what  their  future  will  be. 

18  Surely  thou  placest  them  on  slippery 
spots:  thou  lettest  them  fall  down  into  de- 
struction. 

19  How  are  they  brought  into  desolation, 
as  in  a  moment!  they  perish,  they  come  to 
their  end  with  terrific  events.^ 

20  As  a  dream  after  awaking,  0  Lord,  re- 
ject thou  in  wrath''  their  image. 

21  For  it  fermented  in  my  heart,  and  in 
my  reins  I  felt  sharp  thrusts; 

22  But  I  was  indeed  foolish,  and  I  knew 
it  not :  I  was  as  a  (thoughtless)  beast  witli 
thee. 

23  Nevertheless  I  am  continually  with 
thee:  thou  hast  seized  hold  of  me  by  my 
right  hand. 

24  With  thy  counsel  wilt  thou  guide  me, 
and  afterward  take  me  on  to  glory. 

25  Whom  have  I  in  heaven?  and  beside 
thee  I  desire  nothing  upon  earth. 

26  Though  my  tlesh  and  my  heart  should 
fail:  yet  the  rock  of  my  heart,  and  my  por- 
tion will  be  God  for  ever. 

27  For,  lo,  those  that  are  far  from  thee 
shall  perish :  thou  destroyest  every  one  that 
strayeth  away  from  thee. 

28  But  as  regardeth  me,  to  draw  near  to 
God  is  good  for  me:  I  have  put  in  the  Lord 
Eternal  my  trust,  that  I  may  relate  all  thy 
works.' 

PSALM  LXXIV. 

1  ][  A  Maskil  of  Assaph.  Why,  0  God, 
hast  thou  cast  us  off"  for  ever?  why  will 
thy  anger  smoke  against  the  flock  of  thy 
pasture  ? 

2  Remember  thy  congregation,  which  thou 

'  Rashi,  "I  would  make  them  all  traitors;"  but  Phi- 
lippson, "Speaking  thus  would  bring  him  in  contradiction 
to  the  pious — the  sons  of  God,  preeminently  so  called." 

^  Sachs,  "as  a  shadowy  image."  Mendelssohn,  "ter- 
rific vision." 

'' Jonathan.  Rashi,  Redak,  and  Aben  Ezra,  "in  the 
city,"  either  Jerusalem  where  they  have  done  much  evil, 
or  any  other  whore  they  were  honoured.  Moderns  render 
I'iO  as  -I'i'nn  "in  awaking;"  and  Philippson,  "Thou  re- 
jectest  their  vain  plans  when  thou  wakest  them  up." 
Sachs,  "when  they  awake." 

'  Jonathan,  "all  the  ordinances  of  thy  messages." 

751 


PSALMS  LXXIV.  LXXV. 


didst  acquire  of  old ;  which  thou  didst  redeem 
as  the  tribe  of  thy  inheritance :  this  mount 
Zion,  whereon  thou  hast  dwelt. 

3  Lift  up  th}'  steps"  unto  the  perjietual 
heaps  of  ruins:  the  enemy  hath  ill-used  every 
thing  in  the  sanctuary. 

4  Thy  adversaries  have  roared  in  the 
midst  of  thy  places  of  assembly:  they  have 
set  up  their  signs  for  signs. 

5  (The  enemy)  is  known  as  one  that  lifteth 
up  high  axes  against  the  thickets  of  a  forest. 

6  And  now  they  hew  in  pieces  the  carved 
work  thereof  altogether  with  hatchets  and 
hammers. 

7  They  have  set  on  fire  thy  sanctuary :  to 
the  ground  have  they  profimed  the  dwelling- 
place  of  thy  name. 

8  They  have  said  in  their  heart,  We  will 
oppress*  them  altogether:  they  have  burnt  up 
all  tiie  places  of  assembly  of  God  in  the  land. 

9  Our  signs  do  we  not  see;  there  is  no 
more  any  prophet:  and  there  is  no  one 
among  us  that  knoweth  how  long. 

10  How  long,  0  God,  shall  the  adversary 
utter  defiance?  shall  the  enemy  blaspheme 
thy  name  for  ever? 

11  Why  withdrawest  thou  thy  hand,  and 
thy  riglit  hand?  (draw  it)  out  of  thy  bosom 
— exterminate  (them) ; 

12  Since  (thou)  God  art  my  King  from 
olden  days,  working  salvation  in  the  midst  of 
the  earth. 

13  It  was  thou  that  didst  divide  by  thy 
strength  the  sea:  thou  brokest  in  pieces  the 
heads  of  the  crocodiles"  on  the  waters. 

14  Thou  didst  crush  the  heads  of  levia- 
than, and  gavest  them  as  food  to  the  people 
inhabiting  the  wilderness. 

15  Thou  didst  cleave  fountain  and  stream : 
thou  didst  dry  up  ever-flowing*  rivers. 


'  Redak;  but  Rashi,  "thy  blows  and  terrors  that  they 
be  to  the  enemy  as  perpetual  destructions,  because  of 
the  evil,  &c." 

'■  Jonathan,  "Tlicir  children  (or:  from  p  'child')  alto- 
frether  said  iu  their  heart,  whose  fathers  have,"  &c.  Rashi, 
"their  rulers;"  but  Redak  and  others,  from  T\y  "to  op- 
press," "to  overreach." 

°  D'y:n  is  rendered  by  Philippson  here  "crocodile," 
by  others,  "dragons;"  and  jn'lS  "leviathan"  in  next  verse 
with  "dragon."  But  the  words  are  like  many  proper 
and  generic  names  in  Scripture,  nut  certain  in  their  pre- 
cise signification. 

'  Lit.  "mighty,"  or  those  the  water  of  which  has  a  con- 
stant flow  and  does  not  dry  up  in  the  hottest  summer. 
752 


16  Thine  is  the  day  and  thine  is  the 
night :  it  is  thou  who  hast  prepared  the  lumi- 
nary and  the  sun. 

1 7  It  is  thou  who  hast  set  up  all  the  bound-' 
aries  of  the  earth  :  sununer  and  winter — thou 
thyself  hast  formed  them. 

18  Remember  this,  that  the  enemy  hatli 
defied  the  Lord,  and  that  a  worthless  foolish 
people  have  blasphemed  thj'  name. 

19  Oh  give  not  up  unto  the  multitude  of 
enemies  the  soul  of  tliy  turtle-dove :  the  con- 
gregation" of  thy  afflicted  do  not  thou  forget 
for  ever. 

20  Look  unto  the  covenant;  for  the  dark 
places  of  the  earth  are  full  of  the  habitations 
of  violence. 

21  Oh  let  not  the  oppressed  return 
confounded:  let  the  poor  and  needy  praise 
thy  name. 

22  Arise,  0  God,  plead  thy  own  cause : 
remember  thy  defiance  from  the  worthless 
fool  all  tlie  day. 

23  Forget  not  the  voice  of  thy  adversaries: 
the  tumult  of  those  that  rise  up  against  thee 
ascendeth  continually. 

PSALM  LXXV. 

1  T[  To  the  chief  musician,  Al-tashclieth, 
a  psalm  or  song  of  Assaph. 

2  We  give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  God,  we 
give  thanks,  and  nigh  is  thy  name:'  men  re- 
late thy  wondrous  deeds. 

3  "  For-  I  will  take  up  a  fixed  time  when  I 
will  judge  uprightly. 

4  The  earth  and  all  her  inhabitants  are 
melting  away:  I  myself  establish  firmly  lier 
pillars."     Selah. 

5  I  said  unto  the  arrogant.  Deal  not  arro- 
gantly: and  to  the  wicked,  Lit\  not  up  the 
horn. 


'  The  1"jj»  n-n  is  given  by  Rashi,  "  the  life  of  thy,"  &c. 
Others  render  n'nS  "to  beast  of  prey,"  as  though  it  were 
written  mKTl  irnS  "to  the  beasts  of  the  field."  I'iiilipp- 
son  connects  tysj  n'vh  and  renders,  "Give  not  up  to  the 
savage  soul  thy  dove,  the  soul  of  tliy  afflicted  do  not  for- 
get for  ever."  Jonathan  renders  •p\r\  with  "the  teachers 
of  thy  law." 

'  Rashi,  "it  is  in  our  mouth  continually." 
^  Rashi  regards  this  and  the  next  verse  as  ap]ilied  to 
Israel,  who  at  their  appointed  festivals  act  according  to 
the  ordinances  of  God,  and  not  riotously  like  the  nations 
at  their  feasts,  and  who  sustained  the  world  by  their  re- 
ceiving the  Law.  Others  take  these  verses  as  .spoken  by 
God,  who  will  judge  the  world  at  the  time  fixed  by  him. 


PSALMS  LXXV.— LXXVII. 


6  Lift  not  up  on  high  your  horn,  speak 
not  with  a  stiftl}'  erect  neck. 

7  For  neither  from  the  rising  (of  the  sun), 
nor  from  (his)  setting-,  nor  fi'om  the  wilder- 
ness of  mountains  (cometh  this)  f 

8  But  God  is  the  judge:  he  lowereth  one, 
and  lifteth  up  another. 

9  For  there  is  a  cup  in  the  hand  of  tlie 
Lord,  and  the  wine  foameth,  it  is  full  of  mix- 
ture; and  he  poureth  out  of  the  same;  hut 
its  lees  they  drain,  they  drink — all  the  wick- 
ed of  the  earth. 

10  But  I  will  declare  for  ever,  I  will  sing 
praises  to  the  God  of  Jacob. 

11  And  all  the  horns  of  the  wicked  will  I 
hew  off;  l)ut  the  horns  of  the  righteous  shall 
be  exalted. 

PSALM  LXXVI. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Neginoth,  a 
psalm  or  song  of  Assaph. 

2  In  Judah  hath  God  been  made  known : 
in  Israel  is  his  name  gi'eat. 

3  And  in  Salem  was  his  tabernacle  made, 
and  his  dwelling-place  in  Zion. 

4  There  broke  he  the  shining''  arrows  of 
the  bow.  shield,  and  sword,  and  battle. 
Selah. 

5  Thou  art  more  brilliant,  more  excellent 
than  the  mountains  (full)  of  prey.'' 

G  Bereft  of  reason''  are  the  stouthearted, 
they  slumber  their  sleep :  and  none  of  the  men 
of  might  have  found  (the  use  of)"  their  hands. 

7  From  thy  rebuke,  0  God  of  Jacob,  lie 
in  deep  sleep  both  chariot  and  horse. 

8  Thou — thou  art  to  be  feared :  and  who 
may  stand  in  thy  sight  when  once  thy  anger 
(is  kindled)  ? 

9  From  heaven  hast  thou  caused  (thy) 
sentence  to  be  heard:  the  earth  feared,  and 
became  still. 


'  This  verse  is  given  after  Rashi. 

''  Redak.  Rashi,  "  the  winged  messengers  of  the 
bow."  .Jonathan,  "arrows  and  bows."  Sachs  and 
others,  "the  sparkling  bow." 

°  i.  e.  Those  inaccessible  mountains  where  prey  is 
placed  for  safety ;  but  all  of  these  avail  nothing  against 
the  power  of  God,  before  whom  their  security  is  nought. 

''  Rashi.     Redak,  "  plundered,"  or  "  despoiled." 

'  Lit.  "  they  have  not  found  their  hands,"  /.  c.  when  they 
wanted  to  strike,  their  hands  were  powerless. 

'  Rashi,  "  When  the  wicked  are  punished,  mankind  see 
that  against  God  their  fury  is  nothing;"  hence  they  con- 
fess and  praise  his  power.  The  fury  of  men  is  the  weapon 
4U 


10  When  God  rose  to  judgment,  to  save 
all  the  lowly  of  the  earth.     Selah. 

11  For  the  fury  of  man  shall  praise^  thee: 
the  remainder  of  the  fury  wilt  thou  gird 
about  thee. 

12  Make  vows,  and  pay  (them)  unto  the 
Lord  your  God,  all  ye  that  are  round  about 
hira :  let  men  bring  presents  unto  him  that 
exciteth  fear. 

13  He  wall  cut  down  the  spirit  of  the 
powerful :  he  is  terrible  to  the  kings  of  the 
earth. 

PSALM  LXXVII. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  on  Jeduthun, 
by  Assaph  a  psalm. 

2  (I  lift  up)  my  voice  unto  God,  and  I 
cry;  (I  lift  up)  my  voice  unto  God:  do  then 
give  ear  unto  me. 

3  On  the  day  of  my  distress  I  sought  the 
Lord;  in  the  night  my  hand  was  stretched 
out,  and  did  not  cease:  my  soul  refused  to 
be  comforted. 

4  I  think  of  God,  and  moan :  I  reflect,  and 
my  spirit  is  overwhelmed.     Selah. 

5  Thou  boldest  my  eyes  awake :  I  am 
troubled  and  I  cannot  speak. 

6  I  think  over  the  days  of  old,  the  years 
of  ancient  times. 

7  I  call  to  remembrance  my  song  in  the 
night ;  with  my  own  heart  I  reflect :  and  my 
spirit  maketh  diligent  search. 

8  Will  the  Lord  cast  me  oft'  for  ever?  and 
will  he  never  more  give  his  favour  again? 

9  Is  his  kindness  spent  for  ever?  is  his 
promise  come  to  an  end  for  all  generations? 

10  Hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gracious?  or 
hath  he  shut  up  in  anger  his  mercies?    Selah. 

11  And  I  said,  This  shall  be  my  entreaty, 
(for)  the  years  of  the  right  hand^'  of  the  Most 
High. 


of  God  (girt  about  him)  with  which  they  are  punished, 
while  they  retain  but  a  remnant  of  their  rebellion  against 
their  Maker.  Others  render  the  last  part  of  the  verse, 
"the  remainder  of  the  fury  thou  wilt  restrain." 

^  ?'.  e.  That  time  when  God  will  again  vindicate  the 
cause  of  his  people;  the  ri'jht  Itaitd,  metaphorical  for 
power.  So  do  Philippsou  and  Sachs  translate  after  an 
ancient  Chaldean  paraphrase  inserted  in  .Jonathan.  Rashi, 
"  My  thoughts  tell  me,  This  is  not  so ;  but  only  to  afflict 
me  and  to  influence  me  with  fear  to  return  unto  him,  is 
the  right  hand  of  God  changed,  (niw  not  "years,"  then, 
but  "changes,")  which,  formerly  prevailing  with  might 
crushed  the  enemy,  hath  now  withdrawn  itself." 


PSALMS  LXXVII.  LXXVIII. 


12  I  will  remember  the  deeds  of  the  Lord; 
for  I  will  remember  out  of  ancient  times  thy 
wonders. 

13  I  will  meditate  also  of  all  thy  work, 
and  on  thy  deeds  will  I  reflect. 

14  0  God,  in  holiness  is  thy  way :  where 
is  there  a  god  so  great  <as  God? 

15  Thou  art  the  God  that  dost  wonders: 
thou  hast  made  known  among  the  people  thy 
strength. 

16  Thou  hast  redeemed  with  (a  mighty) 
arm  thy  people,  the  sons  of  Jacob  and  Joseph. 
Selah. 

17  The  waters  saw  thee,  0  God,  the  waters 
saw  thee;  they  shook:  also  the  depths 
trembled. 

18  The  clouds  poured  out  water;  the  skies 
sent  forth  thunder:  also  thy  arrows  sped  along. 

19  The  voice  of  thy  thunder  was  in  the 
whirlwind;"  lightnings  gave  light  to  the 
world;  the  earth  trembled  and  quaked. 

'20  Through  the  sea  led  thy  way,  and  thy 
path  was  through  mighty  waters,  and  thy 
footsteps  could  not  be  known. 

21  Thou  didst  lead  like  a  flock  thy  people 
by  means  of  Moses  and  Aaron. 

PSALM  LXXVIII. 

1  ^  A  Maskil  of  Assaph.  Give  ear,  0  my 
people,  to  my  instruction :  incline  your  ear 
to  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

2  I  will  open  with  a  parable  my  mouth ;  I 
will  utter  riddles  out  of  ancient  times ; 

3  Which  we  have  heard  and  know,  and 
which  our  fathers  have  related  unto  us. 

4  We  will  not  conceal  them  from  their 
children,  relating  to  the  latest  genei'ation  the 
praises  of  the  Lord,  and  his  strength,  and  his 
wonderful  deeds  which  he  hath  done. 

5  Yea,  he  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob, 
and  instituted  a  law  in  Israel,  which  he  com- 
manded our  fathers,  that  they  should  make 
them  known  to  their  children: 

6  In  order  that  the  latest  generation  might 
know  tliem,  even  the  children  that  are  to  be 
born ;  that  they  may  arise  and  relate  them 
to  their  children; 

7  That  they  may  place  in  God  their  hope, 
and  not  forget  the  doings  of  God,  but  observe 
his  commandments; 


•  Mendelssohn.     Rashi,  "by  the  rattling  (jf  the  voice 
of  thy  thunder." 
764 


8  And  that  they  may  not  be  like  their 
fathers,  a  stubborn  and  rebellious  generation; 
a  generation  that  had  not  directed  their  heart 
firmly,  and  whose  spirit  was  not  faithful  to 
God. 

9  The  children  of  Ephraim,  like  well- 
armed  archers,  that  turn  round  on  the  day 
of  battle, 

10  Kept  not  the  covenant  of  God,  and  in 
his  law  they  refused  to  walk; 

11  And  they  forgot  his  deeds,  as  also  his 
w^onders  which  he  had  permitted  them  to  see. 

12  In  the  presence  of  their  fathers  did  he 
do  wonders,  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  fields 
of  Zo'an. 

13  He  divided  the  sea,  and  caused  them  to 
pass  through;  and  he  made  the  waters  stand 
upright  as  a  wall. 

14  And  he  led  them  with  the  cloud  by 
day,  and  all  the  night  with  a  light  of  fire. 

15  He  split  rocks  in  the  wilderness,  and 
gave  them  drink  as  out  of  the  mighty  deep. 

10  And  he  brought  forth  running  streams 
out  of  the  rock,  and  caused  water  to  run  down 
like  rivers. 

17  But  they  repeated  to  sin  yet  more 
against  him,  rebelling  against  the  Most  High 
in  the  desert. 

18  And  they  tempted  God  in  their  heart, 
by  asking  food  for  their  desire. 

19  Yea,  they  spoke  against  God:  they 
said,  Will  God  be  able  to  set  in  order  a  table 
in  the  wilderness? 

20  Behold,  he  smote  the  rock,  so  that 
waters  gushed  out,  and  streams  overflowed  : 
shall  he  also  be  able  to  give  bread  ?  or  can 
he  provide  flesh  lor  his  people  ? 

21  Therefore,  when  the  Lord  heard  this, 
he  became  wroth :  and  a  fire  was  kindled 
against  Jacob,  and  anger  also  ascended 
against  Israel; 

22  Because  they  had  not  believed  in  God, 
and  had  not  trusted  in  his  salvation. 

23  Then  he  ordained  the  skies  from  above, 
and  the  doors  of  heaven  he  opened ; 

24  And  he  let  rain  down  upon  them  manna 
to  eat,  and  the  corn  of  heaven  gave  he  unto 
them. 

25  Angels'  bread  did  man  eat:  he  sent 
them  provision  to  satisfaction. 

2G  He  caused  an  east  wind  to  pass  along 
the  heavens :  and  he  led  forth  by  his  strength 
the  south  wind. 


PSALM  LXXVIII. 


27  And  he  let  rain  upon  them  flesh  (as 
plentiful)  as  the  dust,  and  winged  birds  like 
the  sand  of  the  sea; 

28  And  he  let  them  fall  in  the  midst  of 
their  eamp,  round  about  their  habitations. 

29  And  they  ate,  and  were  greatly  satisfied, 
and  what  they  longed  for  he  brought  unto 
them. 

30  They  were  not  estranged  from  their 
longing,  yet  was  their  food  in  their  mouth : 

31  when  the  wrath  of  God  ascended 
against  them,  and  he  slew  some  of  the  fattest 
of  them,  and  the  young  men  of  Israel  did  he 
strike  down. 

32  With  all  this  they  sinned  again,  and 
believed  not  in  his  wonders. 

33  Therefore  he  caused  tlieir  days  to  come 
to  an  end  in  nought,  and  their  years  in  dread. 

34  When  he  slew  them,  then  did  they 
seek  him,  and  they  retui-ned  and  inquired 
earnestly  after  God. 

35  And  they  remembered  that  God  was 
their  rock,  and  the  most  high  God  their  re- 
deemer. 

36  Nevertheless  they  prayed  insincerely 
to  him  with  their  mouth,  and  with  tlieir 
tongue  they  lied  unto  him. 

37  For  their  heart  was  not  firm  with  him, 
and  they  were  not  faithful  in  his  covenant. 

38  But  he,  being  merciful,  forgave"  the 
iniquity,  and  destroyed  (them)  not:  yea. 
many  a  time  turned  he  his  anger  away,  and 
did  not  awaken  all  his  fury. 

39  And  he  remembered  that  they  are  but 
flesh,  a  spii'it''  that  passeth  away,  and  re- 
turneth  not  again. 

•iU  How  oft  did  they  rebel  against  him  in 
the  wilderness,  grieve  him  in  the  desert! 

41  Yea,  they  once  more  tempted  God,  and 
set''  limits  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

42  They  remembered  not  his  hand,  the 
day  when  he  ransomed  them  from  the 
adversary ; 

43  When  he  displayed  in  Egypt  his  signs, 
and  his  wonderful  tokens  in  the  flelds  of  Zo'an. 

44  And  he  changed  their  rivers  into  blood : 


"  The  coustruction  of  the  verse  is  in  the  future  tense  in 
the  text,  giving  it  thus  a  general  sense,  that  God  is  al- 
ways merciful  and  acts  up  to  the  same  measure  of  good- 
ness he  showed  the  Israelites  in  the  desert. 

''  When  death  takes  place,  the  spirit  leaves  the  body 
nnd  returns  not  to  it  in  the  course  of  nature;  and  death 
would  be  final  unless  the  Creator  himself  gave  new  life. 


and   their  rumiing  streams,  that  they  could 
not  drink  (of  them). 

45  He  sent  out  among  them  various  wild 
beasts,  which  devoiu'ed  them;  and  frogs, 
which  destroyed  tliem. 

46  And  he  gave  unto  the  cricket  their  pro- 
ducts, and  their  labour  unto  the  locust. 

47  He  slew  with  hail  their  vines,  and  their 
sycamore-trees  with  ice-l)olts.'* 

48  And  he  surrendered  to  the  hail  their 
cattle,  and  their  herds  to  the  lightning's 
flashes. 

49  He  let  loose  against  them  the  fierceness 
of  his  anger,  wrath,  and  indignation,  and  dis- 
tress, a  host  of  angels  of  misfortune. 

50  He  levelled  a  path  for  his  anger;  he 
withheld  not  from  death  their  soul,  and  their 
life  he  surrendered  to  the  pestilence ; 

51  And  he  smote  all  the  first-born  in 
Egypt;  the  first  of  their  strength  in  the  tents 
of  Ham ; 

52  But  he  caused  his  own  people  to  depart 
like  flocks,  and  guided  them  like  a  drove  in 
the  wilderness. 

53  And  he  led  them  in  safety,  so  tiiat  tliey 
felt  no  dread;  but  the  sea  covered  over  their 
enemies. 

54  And  he  brought  them  to  his  holy  terri- 
tory, even  to  this  mount,  which  his  right 
hand  had  acquired. 

55  And  he  drove  out  from  before  them  na- 
tions, and  divided  them  by  the  measuring- 
line  as  an  inheritance,  and  he  caused  to  dwell 
in  their  tents  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

56  Yet  they  tempted  and  rebelled  against 
the  most  high  God,  and  his  testimonies  they 
kept  not; 

57  But  swerved  aside,  and  dealt  unfaith- 
fully like  their  fathers;  they  turned  about 
like  a  deceitfid  bow. 

58  And  they  provoked  him  to  anger  Avith 
their  high-jjlaces,  and  with  tlieir  graven 
images  they  moved  him  to  jealous}'. 

59  God  heard  this,  and  he  became  wroth, 
and  felt  greatly  disgusted  with  Israel ; 

60  And  he  cast  oft'  the  dwelling  at  Shiloh," 

"  So  Aben  Ezra  and  Eedak ;  meaning,  they  pretended 
that  his  power  was  exhausted  by  what  he  had  done. 
Rashi,  "they  prescribed  signs  to  God,"  wanted  proof  that 
he  was  with  them.  (Exod.  svii.  7.)  Sachs,  "they 
pained." 

*  Philippson.     Rashi,  "a  species  of  locusts." 
"  The  place  where  Joshua  erected  the  tabernacle. 

756 


PSALMS  LXXVIII.— LXXX. 


the   tabernacle  where  he  had  dwelt'  among 
men ; 

61  And  he  gave  up  his  strength  unto  cap- 
tivity, and  his  glory  into  the  adversary's 
hand. 

62  And  he  surrendered  his  people  unto 
the  sword;  and  with  his  inheritance  was  he 
wroth. 

63  His  young  men  the  fire  devoured;  and 
his  virgins  were  not  demanded  in  marriage. 

64  His  priests  fell  b}-  the  sword;  and  his 
Avidows  did  not  weep. 

65  Then  awoke  the  Lord  as  one  that  sleep- 
eth,  like  a  mighty  man  that  shouteth  by  rea- 
son of  wine. 

66  And  he  smote  his  enemies  backward: 
a  perpetual  disgrace  laid  he  on  them. 

67  Yet  was  he  disgusted  with  the  tent  of 
Joseph,  and  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  lie  made 
not  choice; 

68  But  he  chose  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the 
mount  Zion  which  he  loved. 

69  And  he  built  like  high  (mountains)'' 
his  sanctuary,  like  the  earth  which  he  hath 
ibunded  for  ever. 

70  And  he  made  choice  of  David  his  ser- 
vant, and  took  him  from  the  sheep-folds : 

71  From  following  the  ewes  with  young 
he  brought  him,  to  feed  Jacob  his  peoj^le,  and 
Israel  his  inheritance. 

72  And  he  fed  them  according  to  the  in- 
tegrity of  his  heart;  and  by  the  skilfulness 
of  his  hands  did  he  lead  them. 

PSALM  LXXIX. 

1  Tl  A  psalm  of  Assapli.  0  God!  nations 
have  entered  into  thy  heritage;  they  have 
profaned  thy  hol\'  temple ;  they  have  render- 
ed Jerusalem  heaps  of  ruins. 

2  They  have  given  the  dead  bodies  of  thy 
servants  as  food  unto  the  fowls  of  the  heaven, 
the  Hesh  of  thy  pious  ones  unto  the  beasts  of 
the  earth. 

o  They  Inive  shed  their  blood  like  water 
all  round  about  Jerusalem  :  and  there  is  no 
one  to  bury  them. 

4  We  are  become  a  reproach  to  our  neigh- 
Ijours,  a  scorn  and  derision  to  those  that  are 
round  about  us. 

°  .(uiiatliiin.  Philippson,  "  which  ho  had  placed  among 
men ."  ^  Rashi,  "like  the  heavens." 


'  Heb.  "arm." 

"  Rashi,  "und< 

75U 


tlic  fetters  nf  tjjd.se,"  fit:. 


5  How  long.  Lord?  wilt  thou  be  indignant 
for  ever?  shall  thy  jealousy  burn  like  fire? 

6  Pour  out  thy  fury  over  the  nations  that 
acknowledge  thee  not,  and  over  the  kingdoius 
that  have  not  called  on  thy  name. 

7  For  they  have  devoured  Jacob,  tmd  Inid 
waste  his  dwelling-place. 

8  Oh  remember  not  against  us  the  iniqui- 
ties of  oiu'  f\ithers:  make  haste,  let  thy  mer- 
cies come  to  our  aid ;  for  we  are  very  miserti- 
ble. 

9  Help  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  because 
of  the  glory  of  thy  name ;  and  deliver  us,  and 
atone  for  our  sins,  for  the  sake  of  thy  name. 

16  Wherefore  shall  the  nations  say.  Where 
is  their  God?  let  there  be  made  known  among 
the  nations  before  our  eyes,  the  vengeance  for 
the  blood  of  thy  servants  which  hath  been 
shed. 

11  Let  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner  cotne 
before  thee :  according  to  the  greatness  of  thy 
almighty  power"  pi-eserve'*  thou  those  that 
are  doomed  to  death ; 

12  And  recompense  unto  our  neighbours 
sevenfold  into  their  bosom  their  defiance 
wherewith  they  have  defied  thee,  0  Lord. 

13  But  we  thy  people  and  the  flock  of  thy 
pasture  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  for  ever: 
from  generation  to  generation  will  we  relate 
thy  praise. 

PSALM  LXXX. 

1  Tf  To  tlie  chief  musician  upon  Shoshan- 
nim;  an  'Eduth°  by  Assaph;  a  psalm. 

2  0  Shepherd  of  Israel,  give  ear,  thou 
that  leadest  Jo.seph  like  a  flock ;  thou  that 
dwellest  between  the  cherubims,  shine  forth. 

3  Before  Ephraim  and  Benjamin  and  Me- 
nasseh  awaken  thy  might,  and  come  to  our 
help. 

4  0  God,  cause  us  to  return,  and  let  thy 
countenance  shine,  that  we  may  be  saved. 

5  0  Lord  of  hosts,  how  long  shall  thy 
anger  smoke  against  the  prayer  of  tliv  jieo- 
ple? 

6  Thou  feedest  them  with  the  bread  of 
tears,  and  givest  them  tears  to  drink  in 
great  measure. 

7  Thou   renderest  us  a  contest  unto  our 

°  Probably  a  species  of  psalm,  like  Maskil,  for  "in- 
struction;" so'Edii/h,  "a  testimony."  So  renders  Rashi, 
who  conceives  that  the  Psalmist  indicates  and  prays  for 

three  eaptivities. 


PSALMi^  LXXX.  LXXXi. 


neighbours:  and  our  enemies   hold   derision 


among  themselves. 


8  0  God  of  hosts,  cause  us  to  return,  and 
let  thy  countenance  shine,  that  we  may  be 
saved. 

9  A  vine  didst  thou  remove  out  of  Egypt : 
thou  drovest  out  nations,  and  plantedst  it. 

10  Thou  didst  clear  out  a  place  before  it, 
and  it  struck  its  root  deeply,  and  it  filled  the 
land. 

11  Mountains  v?ere  covered  with  its  sha^ 
dow,  and  with  its  boughs  the  cedars  of  God. 

12  It  sent  out  its  tendrils  as  for  as  the 
sea,  and  unto  the  river  its  suckers. 

13  Wherefore  hast  thou  now  broken  down 
its  fences,  so  that  all  who  pass  by  the  way 
pluck  the  fruit  from  it? 

14  The  boar  out  of  the  forest  doth  gnaw  at 
it,  and  what  moveth  on  the  field  feedeth  on  it. 

15  0  God  of  hosts,  return;  I  pray  thee, 
look  down  from  heaven,  and  behold,  and 
think  of  this  vine; 

IG  And  of  the  sprout"  which  thy  right 
hand  hath  planted,  and  of  the  branch  that 
thou  hast  made  strong  for  thyself 

17  It  is  burnt  with  fire,  it  is  hewn  down: 
because  of  the  rebuke  of  thy  countenance  do 
they  perish. 

18  Let  thy  hand  be  over  the  man  of 
thy  right  hand,  over  the  son  of  man  whom 
thou  hast  made  strong  for  thyself 

19  Then  will  we  not  swerve  from  thee: 
revive  us  again,  and  we  will  call  on  thy 
name. 

20  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  cause  us  to  re- 
turn: let  thy  countenance  shine,  that  we 
may  be  saved. 

PSALM  LXXXI. 

1  Tl  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Gittith ; 
by  Assaph. 

2  Sing  aloud  unto  God  our  strength :  shout 
joyfully  unto  the  God  of  Jacob. 


"  Rashi,  Jonathan,  and  other  Jewish  interpreters. 
Others,  after  the  Septuagint,  take  it  as  an  imperative, 
from  nj :  "  and  establish  what  thy  right  hand  hath  planted 
and  the  son  whom  thou  hast  made  strong  fur  thyself" 

^  Some  suppose  these  to  be  the  words  of  the  Psalmist, 
referring  to  God,  whom  he  had  not  known,  and  whom  he 
now  heard.  Philippson  takes  them  as  the  words  of  God, 
who  says  that  he  heard  the  prayer  of  a  people  (Israel) 
that  had  not  known  him,  and  redeemed  them,  as  farther! 
deseribed.  Aben  Ezra,  "Then  I  (Israel)  liad  to  hearjl 
the  language  of  a  peoplv  I  did  not  understand  "  n 


3   Lif\  up  psalm,  and  bring  hither  tlie  (iin- 


at 

of      (Mil' 


brel,  the  pleasant  harp  with  the  psaltery. 

4  Blow  on  the   new  moon   the  cornet 
the    time    appointed,    on    the    day    of 
feast. 

5  For  this  is  a  statute  for  Israel,  an  ordi- 
nance by  the  God  of  Jacol). 

6  As  a  testimony  in  Jo.seph  did  he  ordain 
it,  when  he  went  out  over  the  land  of  Egypt. 
The  language  of  one  I  had  not  known  did 
I  hear." 

7  1  removed  from  the  burden  his  shoulder : 
his  hands  left  behind  the  burden-basket.'' 

8  In  distress  thou  didst  call,  and  1  deliver- 
ed thee;  I  answered  thee  in  the  secret''  of  the 
thunder:  I  proved  thee  at  the  waters  of  Me- 
ribah.     Selah. 

9  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  give  warn- 
ing unto  thee;  0  Israel,  if  thou  wouldst  but 
hearken  unto  me! 

10  There  shall  not  be  among  thee  a  foreign 
god;  nor  shalt  thou  bow  thyself  down  to  any 


strange  god. 
am 
thee 


11    I 

brought 


the   Lord   thy  God,   who  have 
up  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt: 


open  wide  thy  mouth,  and  I  will  fill  it. 

12  But  my  people  did  not  hearken  to  my 
voice;  and  Israel  was  not  willing  (to  Ibllow) 
me. 

13  So  I  let  them  go  in  the  stubbornness  of 
their  own  hearts:  and  they  walked  in  their 
own  counsels. 

14  Oh  that  my  people  would  hearken  unto 
me,  that  Israel  would  walk  in  my  ways! 

15  In  a  little  while  would  I  subdue  their 
enemies,  and  against  their  adversaries  would 
I  turn  my  hand. 

16  The  haters  of  the  Lord  should  offer 
flattery  unto  him ;  but  their"  time  should  en- 
dure for  ever. 

17  And  he  would  feed  him  with  the  best' 
of  wheat :  and  out  of  the  rock  would  I  satisfy 
thee  with  honey. 


"  After  Aben  Ezra;  ;'.  e.  the  basket  in  which  the  newly 
made  bricks  were  carried  to  the  kiln.  Rashi,  however, 
"the  cauldron,"  or  "pot,"  as  the  Israelites  had  to  per- 
form all  domestic  labour  besides  that  of  brickmaking. 

''  Rashi,  "thou  calledst  me  in  secret,  between  me  and 
thee,  and  I  answered  thee  publicly  with  the  voice  of 
thunder." 

"  3Iost  commentators  explain,  "the  pro.sperity  of  Is- 
rael;"  but  Rashi,  "the  punishment  of  the  enemies." 

'  Lit.  "the  fat  of  wheat."  A  similar  description  is 
found  in  Deut.  xxxii,  13,  14. 


PSALMS  LXXXII.— LXXXIT. 


PSALM  LXXXn. 

1  \  A  psalm  of  Assaph.  God  standeth  in 
the  c(  ngregation  of  God,  in  the  midst  of 
judges  doth  he  judge. 

2  How  long  will  ye  judge  unjustly,  and 
treat  with  fiivour  the  face  of  the  wicked? 
Selah. 

3  Judge  uprightly  the  poor  and  fatherless: 
do  justice  to  the  afflicted  and  indigent. 

4  Eelease  the  poor  and  needy:  deliver 
them  out  of  the  power  of  the  wicked. 

5  They  know  not,  nor  will  they  under- 
stand; in  darkness  do  they  walk  on:  all  the 
foundations  of  the  earth  are  moved. 

6  I  have  indeed  said,  Ye  are  gods;  and 
children  of  the  most  High  are  all  of  you. 

7  But  verily  like  men  shall  ye  die,  and 
like  one  of  the  princes  shall  ye  tall. 

8  Arise,  0  God,  judge  the  earth;  for  thou 
wilt  possess''  all  the  nations. 

PSALM  LXXXIIL 

1  ^  A  song  or  psalm  of  Assaph. 

2  0  God,  take  no  rest  for  thyself:  be  not 
silent  and  keep  not  still,  0  God! 

3  For,  lo,  thy  enemies  make  a  tumult, 
and  they  that  hate  thee  have  lifted  up  their 
head. 

4  Against  thy  people  they  take  crafty 
secret  device,  and  they  consult  against  those 
whom  thou  protectest. 

5  They  have  said.  Come,  and  let  us  cut 
them  off  from  being  a  nation;  and  the  name 
of  Israel  shall  be  remembered  no  more. 

6  For  they  have  consulted  cordially  toge- 
ther; against  thee  they  make  a  covenant: 

7  The  tents  of  Edom,  and  the  Ishmaelites ; 
Moiib,  and  the  Hagarenes; 

8  Gebal,  and  'Amnion,  and  'Amalek;  the 
Philistines  with  the  inhabitants  of  Tyre; 

9  Also  Asshur  is  joined  with  them;  they 
have  become  an  arm''  unto  the  children  of 
Lot.     Selah. 

10  Do  unto  them  as  (unto)  Midian;  as  to 
Sissera,  as  to  Jabin,  at  the  brook  Kishon: 


•  All  nations  shall  once  acknowledge  God.  Sforno, 
"tlidii  po8.sessest  the  righteous  among  all  nations."  Aben 
f]zra,  "thou  wilt  be  tlic  portion  of  those  who  call  on  thee 
among  all  the  nations." 

''  (■.  (?.  Assistants. 

"  lliishi  conceives  this  Psalm  to  be  a  prophecy  of  the 
captivity,  and  says  that  even  theu  Israel  desires  to  be  in 
the  courts  of  (Jod.  So  also  Sforno.  I'hilipjjson  takes 
768 


11  Who  were  annihilated  at  'En-dor;  they 
became  as  dung  for  the  ground. 

12  Render  them,  their  nobles,  like  'Oreb, 
and  like  Zeeb ;  yea,  like  Zebach  and  like  Ziil- 
munna'  all  their  princes; 

13  Who  said.  Let  us  conquer  for  ourselves 
the  dwellings  of  God. 

14  0  my  God,  render  them  like  the  this- 
tle-down, like  stubble  before  the  wind. 

15  As  the  fire  burneth  up  a  forest,  and  as 
the  flame  setteth  the  mountains  on  fire : 

16  So  pursue  them  with  thy  storm,  and 
with  thy  whirlwind  do  thou  terrify  them. 

17  Fill  their  faces  with  suame,  that  they 
may  seek  thy  name,  0  Lord! 

18  Let  them  be  made  ashamed  and  terri- 
fied for  ever  and  aye;  yea,  let  them  be  put 
to  the  blush  and  perish : 

19  That  they  may  know  that  thou,  whose 
name  is  the  Eternal,  art  by  thyself  alone,  the 
Most  High  over  all  the  earth. 

PSALM  LXXXIV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician  upon  Gittith, 
by  the  sons  of  Korach,  a  psalm. 

2  How  lovely  are  thy  dwelling-places,  0 
Lord  of  hosts ! 

3  My  soul  desired,"  yea,  it  also  longed  for 
the  courts  of  the  Lord:  my  heart  and  my 
flesh  shout  with  joy  unto  the  living  God. 

4  Even  as  the  sparrow  hath  found  a  house, 
and  the  swallow  a  nest  for  herself,  where  she 
may  lay  her  young: — (have  I  found)''  thy 
altars,  0  Lord  of  hosts,  my  King,  and  my 
God. 

5  Happy  are  they  who  dwell  in  thy  house : 
they  will  be  continually  praising  thee.  Se- 
lah. 

G  Happy  is  the  man  whose  strong  confi- 
dence is  in  thee,  (all)  whose  heart  reflecteth 
on  the  paths"  (of  righteousness). 

7  Passing  through  the  valley  of  weeping, 
they  will  change  it  into  a  spring:  also  the 
early  rain  covereth  it  with  blessings.*^ 

8  They  go  from  strength  to  strength,  each 
of  them  appeareth  before  God  in  Zion. 

it  to  be  a  hymn  of  one  who  had  been  compulsorily  ab- 
sent, and  had  just  returned  to  the  temple  precincts. 

■"  Rashi,  "at  thy  altars,  which  are  ruined  and  are  a 
resting-place  for  birds:"  the  version  in  the  text  is  partly 
after  K.  Judah  Ibn  Bil'ani,  followed  by  Mendelssohn, 
Sachs,  anil  Philipp.son.  "  After  Rashi. 

'  Philippsnn.  Jonathan,  "the  wicked  who  pass  tiirough 
the  depth  of  hell,  these  make  it  a  spring  with  their  tears; 


0  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  he.ir  my  jirayer: 
give  ear,  0  God  of  Jacob.     Selali. 

10  (Thou,)  our  shield,"  behold,  0  God,  and 
look  upon  the  face  of  thy  anointed. 

11  For  better  is  a  day  in  thy  courts  than 
a  thousand  (elsewhere) :  I  would  rather 
choose  to  wait  at  the  threshold  of  the  house 
of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of 
wickedness. 

12  For  a  sun  and  shield  is  the  Lord  God; 
grace  and  glory  Avill  the  Lord  give;  he  will 
not  withhold  any  good  from  those  that  walk 
with  integrity. 

13  0  Lord  of  hosts,  happy  is  the  man 
that  trusteth  in  thee. 

PSALM  LXXXV. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  the  sons  of 
Korach,  a  psalm. 

2  Thou  hast""  been  favourable,  0  Lord, 
unto  thy  land:  thou  hast  brought  back  the 
captivity  of  Jacob. 

3  Thou  hast  forgiven  the  iniquity  of  thy 
people:  thou  hast  covered  over  all  their  sin. 
Selah. 

4  Thou  hast  taken  away  all  thy  wrath: 
thou  hast  relinquished  the  fierceness  of  thy 
anger. 

5  Return  unto  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation, 
and  cause  thy  ill-will  toward  us  to  cease. 

6  Wilt  thou  be  wroth  with  us  for  ever? 
wilt  thou  extend  thy  anger  from  generation 
to  generation  ? 

7  Wilt  thou  not  (now)  revive  us  again, 
that  thy  people  may  rejoice  in  thee? 

8  Show  us  thy  kindness,  0  Lord,  and  grant 
us  thy  salvation. 

9  I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will 
speak;  for  he  will  speak  peace  unto  his  peo- 
ple, and  to  his  pious  ones :  only  let  them  not 
turn  again  to  folly. 

10  Surely,  nigh  is  his  salvation  unto  those 

but  blessings  will  cover  those  who  return  to  the  teach- 
ing of  the  law."  Kashi,  "they  will  confess  his 
justice,  and  will  invoke  blessings  on  those  who  have 
taught  them  righteousness."  But  these  are  merely  alle- 
gorical versions,  mio,  as  in  Joel  ii.  23,  means  "the  first 
rain,"  which  falls  in  November.  The  ver.se  then  means, 
"  Those  who  trust  in  God  will  regard  even  the  parched 
valley  through  which  they  have  to  pass,  as  it  were,  as 
one  supplied  with  springs;  and  then  indeed  will  all  be- 
come bright  for  them,  as  the  land  dried  up  by  the  long 
summer  heats  suddenly  is  wrapt  in  a  mantle  of  green 
when  tiic  early  rain  falls  in   Palestine;  and  so  will  they  I 


PSALMS  LXXXIV.— LXXXVL 

that  fear  him:  that  glory  may  dwell  in  our 
land. 

11  Kindness  and  truth  are  met  together: 
righteousness  and  peace  kiss  each  other. 

12  Truth  will  grow  up  out  of  the  earth, 
and  righteousness  will  look  down  from 
heaven. 

13  Yea,  the  Lord  will  also  give  the  good, 
and  our  land  will  yield  its  produc"^. 

14  Righteousness  will  walk  firmly  before 
him,  and  will  make  (level)  the  way  by  its 
steps. 

PSALM  LXXXVL 

1  ^  A  prayer  of  David.  Incline,  0  Lord, 
thy  ear,  answer  me ;  for  poor  and  needy  am  I. 

2  Preserve  my  soul ;  for  I  am  pious :  help 
thy  servant,  0  thou  my  God,  that  trusteth  in 
thee. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  me,  0  Lord;  for  unto 
thee  I  call  all  the  time. 

4  Cause  to  rejoice  the  soul  of  thy  servant; 
for  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

5  For  thou,  0  Lord,  art  good  and  forgiv- 


nig,  and  abundant  in  kindness  unto  all  that 
call  on  thee. 

6  Give  ear,  0  Lord,  unto  my  prayer,  and 
attend  to  the  voice  of  my  supplications. 

7  On  the  day  of  my  distress  will  I  call  on 
thee;  for  thou  wilt  answer  me. 

8  There  is  none  like  unto  thee  among  the 
gods,  0  Lord;  and  there  is  nothing  like  thy 
works. 

9  All  the  nations  whom  thou  hast  made 
shall  come  and  bow  themselves  down  before 
thee,  0  Lord;  and  they  shall  ascribe  honour 
unto  thy  name. 

10  For  great  art  thou,  and  doing  wondrous 
things :  thou  art  God  by  thyself  alone. 

11  Teach  me,  0  Lord,  thy  way;  I  will 
walk  firmly  in  thy  truth :  unite"  my  heart  to 
fear  thy  name. 


overcome  difficulty  after  difficulty  till  they  appear  duly 
before  God  at  his  residence. 

"  Redak.  Others  make  "shield"  the  object,  and  ren- 
der then,  "Behold  our  shield,  (the  chief  or  kinir,)  0 
God." 

"  Philippson,  "thou  hadst,"  and  so  in  all  the  con- 
struction to  ver.  4.  Jlcndelssohn,  "Formerly  thou  didst 
love  thy  land."  The  Psalm  is  either  a  prophecy  for  those 
returned  from  the  Babylonian  exile,  or  written  by  a  son 
of  Korach  soon  after  that  event. 

"  Meaning,  "let  all  the  desires  of  the  heart  be  directed 
•solely  to  the  fear  of  God." 

759 


PSALMS  LXXXVI— LXXXVIII. 


12  I  will  thank  thee,  0  Lord  my  God, 
with  all  my  heart,  and  I  will  honour  thy 
name  for  evermore. 

13  For  thy  kindness  is  great  toward  me: 
and  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  the 
grave'  of  the  lower  world. 

14  0  God,  the  presumptuous  are  risen  up 
against  me,  and  the  assembly  of  the  powerful 
wicked  have  sought  after  my  life,  and  have 
not  set  thee  before  them. 

15  But  thou,  0  Lord,  art  God,  full  of 
mercy,  and  gracious,  long-suflering,  and  abun- 
dant in  kindness  and  truth. 

16  Oh  turn  unto  me,  and  be  gracious  unto 
me:  give  thy  strength  unto  thy  servant,  and 
save  the  son  of  thy  handmaid. 

17  Display  on  me  a  sign  for  good,  that 
those  who  hate  me  may  see  it,  and  be 
ashamed;  because  thou,  Lord,  hast  helped 
me.  and  comforted  me. 

PSALM  LXXXVII. 

1  ^  By  the  sons  of  Korach;  a  psalm  or 
song.  It  is  founded''  by  him  on  holy  moun- 
tains. 

2  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more 
than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 

3  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0 
city  of  God.     Selah. 

4  I  will  make  mention  of  Rahab''  and 
Babylon  as  those  that  know  me;  behold,  here 
is  Philistia,  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia:"  "This 
man  was  ])orn  there." 

5  But  of  Zion  will  it  be  said,  "This  and 
that  man  were  Ijorn  in  her:"  and  the  Most 
High  himself  doth  establish  her. 

6  The  Lord  will  number  when  he  writeth 
down  nations,  "  This  man  was  horn  there." 
Selah. 

7  And  the  singers"  as  well  as  the  players 
on  instruments  shall  be  there:  all  my  springs 
(of joy)  are  in  thee. 


"  Redak.  Rashi,  "from  the  lowermost  hell,"  and  com- 
ments, "  for  the  sin  with  Bath-sheba',  when  Nathan  said  to 
liim,  'The  Lord  hath  let  thy  sin  pass  away,  thou  shalt 
not  die.'  " 

''  Mendelssohn  and  Sachs,  "his  foundation,"  i.e.  Jerusa- 
lem and  Zion.  Our  version  is  after  I'hilippson.  Herx- 
heimer,  "The  mountains  are  the  various  hills  on  which 
thy  holy  city  is  built."  Rashi  and  other  ancients  take 
this  as  a  part  of  the  title,  and  render,  "The  Psalmist  hath 
founded  it  (the  song)  in  behalf  of  the  holy  mountains." 

''  Meaning,  but  few,  here  and  there  one,  are  aequninted 


PSALM  LXXXVIII. 

1  ][  A  song  or  psalm  of  the  sons  of  Ko- 
rach, to  the  chief  musician  upon  Machalath- 
le'annoth,  a  Maskil  of  Heman  the  Ezrachite. 

2  0  Lord  the  God  of  my  salvation,  by  day 
do  I  cry,  (and)  at  night  I  am  before  thee. 

3  Let  uiy  prayer  come  unto  thy  presence ; 
incline  thy  ear  unto  my  entreaty. 

4  For  my  soul  is  sated  with  troubles ;  and 
my  life  draweth  nigh  unto  the  nether  world. 

5  I  am  counted  with  those  that  descend 
into  the  pit;  I  am  become  as  a  man  without 
vigour : 

6  Free^  among  the  dead,  like  the  slain 
that  dwell  in  the  grave,  whom  thou  remera- 
berest  no  more;  and  those  that  are  cut  oif 
by*^  thy  hand. 

7  Thou  hast  laid  nie  in  the  pit  of  the 
lower  world,  in  darkness,  in  the  depths. 

8  Upon  me  lieth  heavily  thy  fury,  and 
with  all  thy  billows  hast  thou  afllicted  me. 
Selah. 

9  Thou  hast  removed  my  acquaintances 
far  from  me;  thou  hast  rendered  me  an  abo- 
mination unto  them :  I  am  imprisoned,  and  I 
cannot  go  forth. 

10  My  eye  languisheth  by  reason  of 
aifliction:  I  call  on  thee,  0  Lord,  every  day, 
I  stretch  out  unto  thee  my  hands. 

11  Wilt  thou  display  wonders  to  the  dead? 
shall  the  departed  arise  (and)  thank  thee? 
Selah. 

12  Shall  thy  kindness  be  related  in  the 
grave?  thy  faithfulness  in  the  place  of  cor- 
ruption ? 

13  Shall  thy  wonders  be  acknowledged  in 
the  darkness?  and  thy  righteousness  in  the 
land  of  forgetfulness  ? 

14  Yet  I  cry  indeed  aloud  unto  thee,  0 
Lord;  and  in  the  morning  shall  my  prayer 
come  before  thee. 


with  God's  mercy  and  worship  him  ;  hence  they  will  have 
to  be  recorded  by  the  Lord  himself  when  he  reviews  the 
world;  but  in  Zion  all  are  God-fearing,  every  man  born 
there  is  holy  to  the  most  High. 

'  Rashi,  "All  my  thoughts  shall  sing  of  the  salvation 
like  those  who  play  festive  music."  In  our  version,  "in 
thee"  refers  to  Zion. 

'  {.  e.  Having  no  farther  concern  with  life,  either  to 
enjoy  or  to  act;  whereas  the  living  are  bound  to  be  duti- 
ful in  the  observance  of  charity  and  goodness. 

8  Rashi.  Others,  "from  tliy  hand,"  (.  e.  protection, 
incapable  of  happine«s. 


PSALMS  LXXXYIII.  LXXXIX. 


15  Why,  0  Lord,  wilt  thou  cast  off  my 
soul?  (why)  wilt  thou  hide  thy  face  from 
me? 

16  1  am  afflicted  aud  perishing  from"  my 
youth  up:  I  bear  thy  terrors,  1  am  distracted. 

17  Over  me  have  the  fires  of  thy  wrath 
passed;  thy  terrors  have  destroyed  nie; 

18  They  encompass  me  like  water  all  the 
time;  they  have  closed  in  round  about  me 
together. 

19  Thou  hast  removed  far  from  me  lover 
and  friend,  my  acquaintances  (are  in)*"  dark- 
ness. 

PSALM  LXXXIX. 

1  T[  A  Maskil  of  Ethan  the  Ezrachite. 

2  The  kindnesses  of  the  Lord  will  I  for  ever 
sing:  from  generation  to  generation  will  I 
make  known  thy  fiith fulness  with  my  mouth. 

3  For  I  have  said.  To  eternity  will  kind- 
ness be  built  up:  the  heavens — ^yea,  in  these 
wilt  thou  establish  thy  faithfulness. 

4  "  P  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  elect, 
I  have  sworn  unto  David  my  sei'vant, 

5  Unto  eternity  will  I  establish  thy  seed, 
and  1  will  build  up  thy  throne  from  genera- 
tion to  generation."     Selah. 

6  And  the  heavens  praise  thy  wonder,  0 
Lord  :  also  thy  faithfulness  in  the  assembly 
of  holy  ones. 

7  For  who  in  the  sky  can  be  compared 
unto  the  Lord?  who  can  be  likeiaed  unto  the 
Lord  among  the  sons  of  the  mighty  ?'' 

8  God  is  greatly  terrific  in  the  secret  coun- 
cil of  the  holy  ones,  and  fear-inspiring  over 
all  that  are  about  him. 

9  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  who  is  powerful, 
like  thee.  Eternal!  and  thy  faithfulness  is 
round  about  thee. 

10  Thou  rulest  over  the  pride  of  the  sea: 
when  its  waves  are  lifted  up,  thou  assuagest 
them. 


"  Rashi,  "from  being  shaken,"  as  one  shaketh  oflF  the 
dust;   hence,  "tremour,"  "anxiety." 

''  Redak.  R.ashi,  "by  niy  acquaintances  I  am  con- 
sidered in  the  dark,  and  I  am  withdrawn  from  them." 
Philippson,  "my  confidants  are — the  place  of  darkness," 
/'.  (=.  the  grave  alone  is  his  friend. 

"  The  words  of  God  in  2  Sam.  vii.  1'2,  referred  to,  not 
exactly  quoted,  in  regard  to  David  and  his  iamily,  which 
must  have  been  in  great  danger  when  this  psalm  was 
composed. 

*  Aben    Ezra,    "the    stars;"    Redak,    "angels;"    aud 
Philippson,  Sachs,  &c.,  "sous  of  God." 
4  V 


11  Thou  didst  crush  Eahab  as  one  that  is 
slain :  with  thy  strong  arm*  didst  thou  scat- 
ter thy  enemies. 

12  Thine  are  the  heavens,  also  thine  is  the 
earth :  as  for  the  world  and  what  iilleth  it, 
thou  hast  founded  them. 

13  The  north  and  the  south*^ — these  hast 
thou  created:  Tabor  and  Chermon  shall  re- 
joice in  thy  name. 

14  Thine  is  the  powerful  arm,  with  might: 
strong  is  thy  hand,  and  exalted  is  thy  right 
hand. 

15  Righteousness  and  justice  are  the  prop 
of  thy  throne:  kindness  and  truth  precede 
thy  presence. 

16  Happy  is  the  people  that  know  the 
cornet's  sound  :'^  0  Lord,  in  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  will  they  ever  walk  firmly. 

17  In  thy  name  will  they  be  glad  all  the 
day,  and  in  thy  righteousness  will  they  be 
exalted. 

18  For  thou  art  the  glory  of  their  strength  ; 
and  through  thy  favour  will  our  horn  be 
exalted. 

19  For  of"  the  Lord  is  our  shield;  and  of 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel  is  our  king. 

20  Then  spokest  thou  in  a  vision  to  th}- 
pious  (servant),  and  saidst,  "  t  have  bestowed 
help  to  one  that  is  mighty  ;  I  have  exalted 
a  youth'  out  of  the  people  ; 

21  I  have  found  David  my  servant;  with 
my  holy  oil  have  I  anointed  him ; 

22  With  whom  my  hand  shall  be  firndy 
established ;  also  my  arm  shall  strengthen 
him; 

23  The  enemy  shall  not  exact  from  him 
like  a  lender;  and  the  son  of  injustice  shall 
not  afflict  him; 

24  And  I  will  beat  down  before  his  face 
his  assailants,  and  those  that  hate  him  will  I 
plague. 

25  But  my  faithfulness  and  my  kindness 


'  Heb.  "the  arm  of  thy  strength." 

'  Lit.  "the  right  hand,"  which  is  the  south  when  the 
face  is  turned  to  the  east;  so  is  Tabor  on  the  west  of 
Palestine,  Chermon  on  the  east. 

^  The  peculiar  sounds  which  are  known  to  Israel,  which 
they  blow  at  their  festivals  at  the  sacrifices,  and  the  day  of 
Memorial  in  particular.   (See  Lev.  xxiii.  24;  Num.  x.  10.) 

''  i.  e.  By  God  is  the  shield,  the  king,  appointed.  The 
elevation  of  the  family  of  David  was  not  a  mere  matter 
of  chance,  but  a  display  of  the  divine  will,  and  to  be  fur 
the  future  also. 

'  Jonathan.     Redak,  "a  chosen  one." 

761 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


sliiill  be  with  liim :  and   thTOUgh   my  name 
shall  his  horn  be  exalted. 

26  And  I  will  place  on  the  sea  his  hand, 
and  on  the  rivers  his  right  hand. 

27  Hi  will  call  unto  me.  Thou  art  my 
father,  my  God,  and  the  rock  of  my  salva- 
tion. 

28  Also  I  will  appoint  him  my  first-born, 
the  highest  among  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

29  For  evermore  will  I  keep  for  him  my 
kindness,  and  my  covenant  shall  stand  fiiith- 
fully  with  him. 

30  And  I  appoint  for  ever  his  seed,  and  his 
throne  as  the  days  of  heaven. 

31  If  his  children  forsake  my  law,  and 
walk  not  in  my  ordinances; 

32  If  they  profane  my  statutes,  and  keep 
not  mv  commandments: 

33  "Then  will  I  visit  with  the  rod  their 
transgressions,  and  with  plagues  their  ini- 
quity. 

34  Nevertheless  my  kindness  will  I  not 
make  utterly  void  from  him,  and  I  will  not 
act  falsely  against  my  faithfulness. 

35  I  will  not  profane  my  covenant,  and 
what  is  gone  out  of  my  lips  will  I  not 
alter. 

36  One  thing  have  I  sworn  by  my  holiness, 
that  I  will  not  lie^  unto  David. 

37  His  seed  shall  endure  for  ever,  and  his 
throne  shall  be  like  the  sun  before  me. 

38  Like  the  moon  shall  it  be  firmly  esta- 
blished for  ever,  and  as  this  faithful  witness 
in  the  sky."    Selah. 

39  And  yet  thou  hast  cast  off  and  de- 
spised, thou  hast  become  wroth  with  thy 
anointed. 

40  Thou  hast  made  void  the  covenant  of 


'  Jonathan,  "ruin,"  or  "breach." 

'  Redak  explains  this  to  mean  the  time  of  the  Davidian 
rule,  which  lasted  but  a  short  time  compared  with  the 
length  of  the  captivity. 

'  Heb.  "for  ever."     Sachs,  "so  entirely." 

^  Aben  Ezra  comments,  "They  that  utter  the  defiance 
762 


thy  servant:  thou  hast  profaned,  down  to  the 
ground,  his  crown. 

41  Thou  hast  broken  down  all  his  fences: 
thou  hast  brought  his  strong-holds  to  terror." 

42  All  that  jjass  by  the  way  plunder  him: 
he  is  become  a  reproach  to  his  neighbours. 

43  Thou  hast  raised  up  the  right  hand  of 
his  assailants:  thou  hast  caused  all  his  ene- 
mies to  rejoice. 

44  Thou  hast  also  turned  the  edge  of  his 
sword,  and  hast  not  let  him  stand  erect  in 
the  battle. 

45  Thou  hast  made  his  brilliancy  cease; 
and  his  throne  hast  thou  thrown  down  to  the 
ground. 

46  Thou  hast  shortened  the  days  of  his 
youth :''  thou  hast  enshrouded  him  with 
shame.     Selah. 

47  IIow  long.  Lord,  wilt  thou  hide  thyself, 
continually?"  how  long  shall  thy  fury  burn 
like  fire? 

48  Remember  (what)  I  am,  what  my  du- 
ration is  (here),  for  what  nothingness  thou 
hast  created  all  sons  of  men ! 

49  What  man  is  there  that  can  live,  and 
shall  not  see  death?  that  can  deliver  his  soul 
from  the  power  of  the  nether  world?     Selah. 

50  Where  are  thy  former  kindnesses,  0 
Lord,  which  thou  hast  sworn  unto  David  by 
thy  truth? 

51  Remember,  Lord,  the  disgrace  of  thy 
servants;  that  I  bear  in  my  bosom  the  (bur- 
den) of  all  the  many  nations; 

52  That  thy  enemies  have  defied,  0  Lord; 
that  they  have  defied  the  footsteps'^  of  thy 
anointed. 

53  Blessed"  be  the  Lord  for  evermore. 
Amen,  and  Amen. 

are  the  enemies  of  the  Lord,  and  they  say  his  heels  are 
broken,  (meaning,  he — the  redeemer — cannot,)  wherefore 
he  is  not  come  as  yet." 

'  In  this  manner  end  all  the  various  books  of  the 
Psalms,  such  as  xli.  Ixxii.  Ixxxix.  cvii.  and  cl.,  which  see. 
Philippson  regards  their  terminations  as  doxologies. 


PSALMS  XC.  XCi. 


BOOK  FOURTH. 


PSALM  XC. 

1  ^  A  PRAYER  of  Moses  the  man  of  God. 
Lord,  a  place  of  refuge'  hast  thou  been  unto 
us  in  all  generations. 

2  Before  yet  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  thou  liadst  ever  produced  the  earth 
and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to  ever- 
lasting, thou  art  God. 

3  Thou  turnest  man  to  contrition,''  and 
sajest,  Return  }e  children  of  men. 

4  For  a  thousand  years  are  in  tliy  eyes 
but  as  the  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a 
watch  in  the  night. 

5  Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a 
flood;  they  are  as  a  sleep:  in  the  morning" 
(they  grow)  like  the  grass  which  changeth. 

6  In  the  morning  it  blossometh,  and  is 
changed :  in  the  evening  it  is  mowed  off,  and 
withereth. 

7  For  (thus)  are  we  consumed  by  thy 
anger,  and  by  thy  fury  are  we  terrified."* 

8  Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  thee, 
our  concealed  sins  before  the  light  of  thy 
countenance. 

9  For  all  our  days  are  passed  away  in  thy 
wrath :  we  consume  our  years  like  a  word 
that  is  spoken.*^ 

10  The  days  of  our  years  in  this  life'  are 
seventy  years;  and  if  by  uncommon  vigour 
they  be  eighty,  yet  is  their  greatness"  trouble 

*  Rashi.  Lit.  "dwelling,"  or  "place  of  abiding" 
against  danger;   hence,  "refuge." 

''  Rashi  and  Joseph  Kimchi,  who  conceive  that  suffer- 
ings brought  on  man  are  the  means  alluded  to,  to  efiect 
this  contrition ;  they  arc  followed  by  Mendelssohn  and 
Sachs.  NOT  stand  for  "contrite,"  in  Isaiah  Ivii.  15.  But 
Aben  Ezra,  "Thou  bringest  man  hack  (in  his  old  age)  to 
dissolution,  and  sayest,  Return  ye  (to  the  dust),  0  children 
of  men;"  and  so  translate  Philippson  and  Horxheimer. 

°  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra,  ^^hn  "  to  change."  Sachs  and 
others,  "In  the  morning  he  groweth  up  like  grass — in 
the  morning  he  blossometh  and  groweth  up,"  &c.  Redak, 
tiSni  in  ver.  6,  "he  is  renovated,"  as  though  it  were  in 
tlic  Iliphil  from  n'bnn,  which  has  this  meaning.  Phi- 
lippson insists  that  this  is  the  right  sense,  or  rather, 
"growing  constantly  larger,"  and  then  "in  the  evening  it 
is  cut  off,"  &c.  But  the  Psalmist  seems  to  say,  that  no 
sooner  has  man  produced  his  flower,  reached  his  best,  than 
he  changes  like  the  grass;  he  remains  but  a  moment  in  his 
glory;  and  evening  speedily  following,  he  is  then  mowed 
down  and  left  to  wither. 

*  Sachs,  "we  decay."  (See  Isaiah  Ixv.  'IH.) 


and  mishap;  for  it  soon  hasteneth  off,  and  we 
fly  away. 

11  Who  knoweth  the  strength  of  thy  an- 
ger, and  thy  wrath  which  is  like  the  fear  of 
thee? 

12  Let  us  then  know  how  to  number  our 
days,  that  we  may  obtain  a  heart  endowed 
with  wisdom. 

13  Return,  0  Lord,  how  long  yet?''  and 
bethink  thee  concerning  thy  servants. 

14  Oh  satisfy  us  in  the  morning  with  thy 
kindness,  that  we  may  be  glad  and  rtyoice 
throughout  all  our  days. 

15  Cause  us  to  rejoice  as  many  days  as 
those  wherein  thou  hast  alUieted  us,  the  years 
wherein  we  have  seen  unhappiness. 

16  Let  thy  act  be  visible  on  thy  servants, 
and  thy  majesty  over  their  children. 

17  And  may  the  beauty'  of  the  Lord  our 
God  be  upon  us;  and  the  work  of  our  hands 
do  thou  firmly  establish  upon  us:  yea,  the 
work  of  our  hands — firmly  establish  thou  it. 

PSALM  XCL 

1  ^  He''  who  sitteth  under  the  secret  pro- 
tection of  the  Most  High,  shall  rest  under  the 
shadow  of  the  Almighty. 

2  I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  who  is  my  refuge 
and  my  stronghold,  my  God,  in  wlioni  I  ever 
trust, 

3  That  he  will  surely  deliver  thee  from 

=  Rashi.  Philippson,  "sigh;"  (Isaiah  xvi.  7;  Jcr. 
xlviii.  31;  Ezek.  ii.  10.)  Mendelssohn,  "idle  talk." 
Herxheimer,  "thought." 

'  Jonathan.  Rashi  refers  onn  to  "our  iniquities;" 
thus,  "through  these  sins  are  the  days,  &c.  but  seventy 
years."  Sachs,  "  the  years  of  our  life — yea,  these  are 
seventy  years." 

8  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "strength,"  or  "youth,"  "for  it 
is  soon  cut  off."  Mendelssohn,  "pride."  Philippson, 
"  storm,"  /.  e.  the  uneasy,  stormy,  excited  state  of  exist- 
ence; but  I  know  not  whence  this  meaning  is  derived. 
The  word  3m  (A'oAai)  is  found  but  here;  hence  the  un- 
certainty of  its  derivation,  and  comiuentators  therefore 
expound  as  they  believe  the  context  warrants.  The  same 
is  the  case  with  other  words  of  the  kind. 

''  i.  e.  Shall  the  punishment  or  evil  endure'/ 

'  Sachs,  "grace."  MendeLssohn,  "kindliness."  Phi- 
lippson, "favour,"  or  "lovingncss." 

"  Philippson,  "He  who  sitteth  under  the  prcitection  of 
the  Most  High,  lodgeth  under  the  Ahuighty's  shadow:  I 
say  unto  the  Lord,  My  refuge,  &c. — for  he,  he  will  de- 
liver," &o. 

7G3 


PSALMS  XCl.— XCIII. 


the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from  the  pesti- 
lence of  destruction." 

4  With  his  pinions  will  he  cover  thee,  and 
under  his  wings  shalt  thou  find  shelter: 
shield  and  buckler  is  his  truth. 

5  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  of  the  terror  of 
the  night;  nor  of  the  arrow  that  flieth  by 
day ; 

6  Nor  of  the  pestilence  that  stalketh  in 
darkness;  nor  of  the  deadly  disease  that 
wasteth  at  noonday. 

7  There  shall  fall  at  thy  side  a  thousand, 
and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand;  unto 
thee  (however)  shall  it  not  come  nigh. 

8  Only  with  thy  eyes  shalt  thou  behold 
it,  and  see  the  recompense  of  the  wicked. 

9  Because  thou  hast  (said),*"  The  Lord  is 
my  protection ;  the  Most  High  hast  thou 
made  thy  refuge: 

10  No  evil  shall  befall  thee,  nor  shall  any 
plague  come  nigh  unto  thy  tent. 

11  For  his  angels  will  he  give  charge  con- 
cerning thee,  to  guard  thee  on  all  thy  ways. 

12  Upon  (their)  hands  shall  they  bear 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  not  dash  against  a  stone 
thy  foot. 

13  Upon  the  fierce  lion  and  asp  shalt  thou 
tread :  thou  shalt  trample  under  foot  the 
young  lion  and  serpent." 

14  Because  he  hath  fixed  his  desire  upon 
me,  therefore  will  I  release  him:  I  will  set 
him  on  high,  because  he  knoweth  my  name. 

15  He  will  call  on  me,  and  I  will  answer 
him:  with  him  will  I  be  in  distress;  Twill 
deliver  him,  and  grant  him  honour. 

16  With  length  of  dajs  will  I  satisfy  him, 
and  T  will  let  him  see  my  salvation. 

PSALM  xcn. 

1  Tl   A  psalm  or  song  for  the  sabbath  day. 

2  It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord,  and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name, 
0  Most  High  : 

3  To  tell  in  the  morning  of  thy  kindness, 
and  of  thy  faithfulness  in  the  nights, 

4  Upon    a   ten-stringed    instrument,    and 


"  I'hilippson  renders  nun  "wickedness;"  metaphorical, 
"  the  phigue  of  wickedness;"  not  the  actual  pestilence 
which  is  spoken  of  in  v.  6. 

''  llashi,  who  supplies  "said."  Others  take  these  as 
the  words  of  the  Psalmist,  "Because  thou,  0  Lord,  art 
luj  refuge." 

"  KlsewlxM-c  rendered  "dragon,"  "  monster,"  Ac. 
7t;i 


upon    the    psaltery;    and    with    the    sweet* 
sound  of  the  harp. 

5  For  thou  hast  caused  me  to  rejoice,  0 
Lord,  through  thy  doing:  because  of  the 
works  of  thy  hands  will  I  triumph. 

6  How  great  are  thy  works,  0  Lord!  ex- 
ceedingly  profound  are  thy  thoughts. 

7  A  brutish  man  knoweth  it  not,  and  a 
fool  cannot  understand  this. 

8  When  the  wicked  spring  up  like  herbs, 
and  when  all  the  workers  of  wickedness  do 
flourish:  it  is  that  they  may  be  destroyed 
evermore. 

9  But  thou  art  exalted  to  eternity,  0  Lord  ! 

10  For,  lo,  thy  enemies,  0  Lord,  for,  lo, 
thy  enemies  shall  perish:  all  the  workers  of 
wickedness  shall  be  scattered. 

11  But  thou  exaltest  my  horn  like  that 
of  a  reem :  T  am  anointed  with  fresh  oil. 

12  And  my  eye  looketh  on  (the  punish- 
ment of)  those  that  regard  me  with  envy: 
of  the  evildoers  that  rise  up  against  me  my 
ears  shall  hear  it. 

13  The  righteous  shall  spring  up  like  the 
palm-tree:  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon  shall  he 
grow  high. 

14  Planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  in  the 
courts  of  our  God  shall  they  spring  up. 

15  They  shall  still  flourish  in  high  old 
age;  they  shall  be  vigorous  and  covered 
with  foliage; 

16  To  declare  that  the  Lord  is  upright:  he 
is  my  rock,  and  there  is  no  faultiness  in  him. 

PSALM  xcin. 

1  ^  The  Lord  reigneth,  he  is  clothed  with 
excellency;  the  Lord  is  clothed,  he  hath 
girded  himself  with  strength :  (therefore)  also 
the  world  is  firmly  established,  that  it  cannot 
be  moved. 

2  Firmly  established  is  thy  throne  from 
the  beginning:  from  everlasting  art  thou 
(God). 

3  The  rivers  have  lifted  up,  0  Loud,  the 
rivers  have  lifted  up  their  voice;  the  rivers 
lift  up  their  waves. 

■•  One  opinion  cited  by  Aben  Ezra;  another  referred  to 
by  him  would  make  Hujgaymi  an  instrument,  perhaps  a 
guitar.  So  also  Philippson.  But  if  we  derive  [VJD  from 
Djn  "to  meditate,"  the  meaning  would  justly  be  the 
meditating-,  soothing,  or  sweet  sound  elicited  from  the 
strings  of  the  harp.  Hence,  Mendelssohn,  "waked  tc 
thinking  by  the  hnrp  " 


PSALMS  XCIII— XCV. 


4  (But)  more  than  the  noise  of  great  wa- 
ters, than  the  mighty  billows  of  the  sea,  is  the 
Lord  excellent  on  high. 

5  Thy  testimonies  are  exceedingly  stead- 
fast: in  thy  house  abideth  holiness,"  0  Lord! 
to  the  utmost  length  of  days. 

PSALM  XCIV. 

1^0  God,  of  vengeance,''  Lord!  0  God 
of  vengeance,  shine  forth. 

2  Lift  up  thyself,  0  Judge  of  the  earth! 
bring  a  recompense  upon  the  proud. 

3  How  long  shall  the  wicked,  0  Lord — 
how  long  shall  the  wicked  exult? 

4  They  sputter,  they  speak  hard  things: 
all  the  workers  of  wickedness  boast  them- 
selves. 

5  Thy  people,  0  Lord!  they  crush,  and 
thy  heritage  they  afflict. 

6  The  widow  and  the  stranger  they  slay, 
and  the  fatherless  thev  murder. 

7  And  they  say,  The  Lord  will  not  see,  and 
the  God  of  Jacob  will  not  take  notice  of  it. 

8  Understand,  ye  brutish  among  the  peo- 
ple :  and  ye  fools,  when  will  ye  become  intel- 
ligent? 

9  He  that  hath  planted  the  ear,  shall  he 
not  hear?  or  he  that  hath  formed  the  eye, 
shall  he  not  see? 

10  He  that  admonisheth"  nations,  shall  he 
not  correct?  is  it  not  he  that  teacheth  man 
knowledge?* 

11  The  Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts  of 
man.  that  they  are  nought. 

12  Happy  is  the  man  whom  thou  admo- 
nishest,  0  Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  thy 
law : 

13  That  thou  mayest  grant  him  repose 
from  the  days  of  evil,  until  the  pit  be  dug  for 
the  wicked. 

14  For  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  his  peo- 
ple, and  his  inheritance  will  he  not  forsake. 


"  Rashi.  Redak,  "  lioliness  graceth  thy  house." 
Others,  "beconieth  thy  house." 

"■  Vengeance  in  man  may  be  the  result  of  malevolence, 
because  he  is  subject  to  passion,  and  may  punish  unjustly; 
hence  we  are  prohibited  (Lev.  xix.  18)  from  taking  re- 
venge on  those  who  have  injured  us;  but  to  the  Omni- 
scient belongs  properly  the  prerogative  of  vengeance;  be- 
cause retribution  is  the  highest  prerogative  of  justice, 
and  this  the  more  in  Him  who  knows  all  secrets,  and  is 
not  liable  to  forgetfulness,  and  whose  very  chastisement  is 
mercy. 

°  ID'  generally  means  "to  chastise;"  and  so  do  Aben 


15  For  unto  righteousness  will  justice  re- 
turn; and  it  shall  be  followed  by  all  the  up- 
right in  heart. 

16  Who  will  rise  up  for  me  against  e\il- 
doers?  or  who  will  stand  forward  for  me 
against  the  workers  of  wickedness  ? 

17  Unless  the  Lord  had  ])een  a  help  unto 
me,  but  a  little  would  have  been  wanting 
that  my  soul  had  dwelt  in  the  silence  of  death. 

18  When  I  said,  My  foot  hath  slipped:  tliy 
kindness,  0  Lord,  sustained  me. 

19  In  the  multitude  of  my  (painful) 
thoughts  within  me,  thy  consolations  delight 
my  soul. 

20  Can  there  be  associated  with  thee  the 
throne  of  destructive  wickedness,  which  fram- 
eth  mischief  as''  a  law  ? 

21  They  band  themselves  together  against 
the  soul  of  the  righteous,  and  innocent  i^lood 
do  they  condemn. 

22  But  the  Lord  is  become  ni}^  defence, 
and  my  God,  the  rock  of  my  refuge. 

23  And  he  will  bring  back  upon  them 
their  own  injustice,  and  in  their  own  wicked- 
ness will  he  destroy  them:  (yea,)  he  will  de- 
stroy them — the  Lord  our  God. 

PSALM  XCV. 

1  ^  Oh  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord: 
let  us  shout  joyfully  to  the  rock  of  our  salva- 
tion. 

2  Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with 
thanksgiving,  and  shout  joyfully  unto  him 
with  psalms. 

3  For  a  great  God  is  the  Lord,  and  a  great 
King  above  all  gods; 

4  In  whose  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the 
earth;  and  wdiose  are  the  heights  of  moun- 
tains ; 

5  Whose  is  the  sea,  and  who  hath  made  it ; 
and  whose  hands  have  formed  the  dry  land. 

6  Oh  come,  let  us  prostrate  ourselves  and 


Ezra  and  Redak  explain  it,  as  having  reference  to  great 
national  calamities  like  the  flood,  &c. ;  but  Jonathan  ren- 
ders, "is  it  possible  that  he  who  gave  to  his  people  the 
law  should  not  chastise  them  when  they  are  guilty?" 
and  hence  Philippson,  generally,  as  in  our  version,  "  who 
warneth." 

''  Jonathan,  Mendelssohn,  and  others  connect  this  part 
of  verse  10  with  verse  11 :  "he  who  teacheth  man  know- 
ledge— the  Lord,  knoweth,"  &c. 

°  Rashi.  Others,  "against  the  law,"  i.  <".  of  God.  The 
mischief  this  confederacy  of  the  ungodly  do  is  contrary  to 
the  divine  commands. 

760 


PSALMS  XCV.— XCVIII. 


bow  down :  let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our 
Maker. 

7  For  be  is  our  God ;  and  we  are  the  peo- 
ple of  his  pasture,  and  the  flock  of  his  hand : 
yea,  this  day,  if  ye  will  hearken  to  his  voice. 

8  Harden  not  your  heart,  as  at  Meribah, 
as  on  the  day  of  the  temptation  in  the  wil- 
derness : 

9  When  your  fothers  tempted  me,  proved 
me,  although  they  had  seen  my  doing. 

10  Forty  years  long  did  I  feel  loathing  on 
that  generation,  and  I  said,  It  is  a  people  of 
an  erring  heart;  and  they  truly  acknowledged 
not  my  ways: 

11  So  that  I  swore  in  my  wrath,  tliat  they 
should  not  enter  into  my  rest. 

PSALM  XCVI. 

1  ^  Oh  sing  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song: 
sing  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  lands. 

2  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  bless  his  name:  an- 
nounce from  day  to  day  his  salvation. 

3  Relate  among  the  nations  his  honour, 
among  all  the  j^eople  his  wonders. 

4  For  the  Lord  is  great,  and  greatly 
praised :  he  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

5  For  all  the  gods  of  the  nations  are  idols; 
but  the  Lord  hath  made  the  heavens. 

6  Glory  and  majesty  are  before  him : 
strength  and  beauty  are  in  his  sanctuary. 

7  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord,  0  ye  families  of 
the  people,  ascribe  unto  the  Lord  honour  and 
strength. 

8  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord  the  honour  (due 
unto)  his  name:  bear  hither  a  present,  and 
come  unto  his  courts. 

9  Bow  down  unto  the  Lord  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness:  tremble  before  him,  all  ye 
lands. 

10  Say  among  the  nations,  "The  Lord 
reigneth;"  (therelbre)  also  the  world  is  ever 
firmly  established  that  it  shall  not  be  moved  : 
he  will  judge  the  people  in  equity. 

11  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the 
earth  be  glad:  let  the  sea  roar,  with  all  that 
filleth  it. 

12  Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is 
therein:  then  shall  all  the  trees  of  the  ftjrest 
sing  for  joy, 

13  Befoi'e  the  Lord;  for  he  cometh,  for  he 
comcth  to  judge  the  earth;  he  will  judge  the 
world  with  righteousness,  and  people  in  his 
truth. 

70G 


PSALM  XCVII. 


1  ][  The  Lord  reigneth:  let  the  earth  be 
glad ;  let  the  multitude  of  isles  rejoice. 

2  Clouds  and  thick  darkness  are  round 
about  him :  righteousness  and  justice  are  the 
support  of  his  throne. 

3  A  fire  goeth  before  him,  and  burnetii 
up  round  about  his  adversaries. 

4  His  lightnings  give  light  to  the  world : 
the  earth  seeth  it,  and  trembleth. 

5  The  mountains  melt  away  like  wax  at 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  at  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  of  all  the  earth. 

6  The  heavens  tell  of  his  righteousness, 
and  all  the  j^eople  see  his  glory. 

7  Made  ashamed  shall  be  all  that  serve 
graven  images,  that  boast  themselves  of  idols : 
unto  him  bow  down  all  the  gods. 

8  Zion  heareth  it,  and  rejoiceth;  and  glad 
are  the  daughters  of  Judah,  because  of  thy 
decrees,  0  Lord. 

9  For  thou,  0  Lord,  art  the  most  high 
above  all  the  earth:  thou  art  greatly  exalted 
above  all  gods. 

10  Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  hate  ye  the 
evil :  he  preserveth  the  souls  of  his  pious 
ones;  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked  he  ever 
delivereth  them. 

11  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and 
joy  for  the  upright  in  heart, 

12  Rejoice,  ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord,  and 
give  thanks  to  his  holy  memorial. 

PSALM  XCVIII. 

1  ^  A  psalm.  Oh  sing  unto  the  Lord  a 
new  song ;  for  he  hath  done  wonderful  things : 
his  right  hand  and  his  holy  arm  have  gotten 
him  the  victory. 

2  The  Lord  hath  made  known  his  salva- 
tion: before  the  eyes  of  the  nations  hath  he 
revealed  his  righteousness. 

3  He  hath  remembered  his  kindness  and 
his  truth  toward  the  house  of  Israel :  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the  salvation  of 
our  God. 

4  Shout  joyfully  unto  the  Lord,  all  the 
lands:  break  forth,  and  rtyoicc,  and  sing 
praises. 

5  Sing  praises  unto  the  Lord  with  the  hai"p, 
— with  the  harp,  and  the  voice  of  psalmody. 

6  With  trunipets  and  the  sound  of  cornet 
shout  joyfully  before  the  King,  the  Lord. 


7  Lot  tlie  sea  roar,  with  all  that  filleth  it; 
the  world,  with  thase  that  dwell  therein. 

8  Let  the  rivers  clap  their  hands;  let  the 
mountains  be  joyful  together, 

9  Before  the  Lord;  for  he  cometh  to  judge 
the  earth :  he  will  judge  the  world  with  right- 
eousness, and   people  with  equity. 


PSALMS  XCVIIL— CIL 

4  Enter  his  gates  with  thanksgiving,  his 
courts  with  praise :  give  thanks  unto  him, 
bless  his  name. 

5  For  the  Lord  is  good;  to  eternity  en- 
dureth  his  kindness;  and  unto  the  latest  ge- 
neration his  truth. 


PSALM  XCIX. 

1  Ti  The  Lord  reigneth ;  people  tremble : 
he  sitteth  enthroned  over  the  cherubim;  the 
earth  is  moved. 

'2  The  Lord  is  great  in  Zion;  and  he  is 
exalted  above  all  the  people. 

3  The}'  will  give  thanks  to  thy  name, 
great,  and  terrible,  (and)  holy  it  is ; 

4  And"  to  the  power  of  the  king  who 
loveth  justice  ;  thou  hast  established  equity ; 
justice  and  righteousness  hast  thou  truly 
executed  in  Jacob. 

5  Exalt  ye  the  Lord  our  God,  and  bow 
yourselves  down  before  his  footstool :  he  is 
holy.— 

6  Moses  and  Aaron  were  among  his  priests, 
and  Samuel  among  tliose  that  call  on  his 
name;  they  called  on  the  Lord,  and  he  an- 
swered them. 

7  In  the  pillar  of  cloud  he  used  to  speak 
unto  them:  they  kept  his  testimonies,  and 
the  statutes  which  he  had  given  unto  them. 

8  0  Lord,  our  God,  thou  didst  answer 
them :  thou  wast  a  forgiving  God  unto  them, 
yet  also  an  avenger  for  their  wrong  doings.'' 

9  Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  bow  your- 
selves down  before  his  holy  mount;  for  holy 
is  the  Lord  our  God. 

PSALM  C. 

1  ^  A  psalm  of  thanksgiving.  Shout  joy- 
fully unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  lands. 

2  Serve  the  Lord  with  joy;  come  before 
his  presence  with  triumphal  song. 

3  Know,  that  the  Lord  is  God  indeed :  it 
is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  his  are  we" — 
his  people  and  the  dock  of  his  pasture. 

'  So  Rnslii  and  other  coinniontators,  who  conceive  "  they 
will  "live  thanks"  is  to  be  understood  before  this  verse  also ; 
thus:  "And  they  will  praise  the  power  of  the  king,"  &c. ; 
but  Aben  Ezra,  "And  the  power  is  the  king's,  who  lov- 
eth justice." 

■•  So  Jonathan,  Rashi,  &c. ;  but  Aben  Ezra  and  Redak 
refer  it  to  the  rebellion  of  Koraeh,  and  we  should  then 
render,  "and  thou  didst  avenge  the  false  accusations 
against  them."     But  it  more  probably  means,  that  oven 


PSALM  CI. 

1  ^  By  David,  a  psalm.  Of  kindness  and 
justice  will  I  sing:  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  will  I 
sing  praises. 

2  I  will  carefully  regard  the  way  of  the 
perfect:  oh  when  wilt  thou  come  unto  me? 
I  will  walk  in  the  integrity  of  my  heart  in 
the  midst  of  my  house.'' 

3  I  will  not  set  before  my  eyes  a  godless 
thing;  to  commit  a  departure  (from  righteous- 
ness) do  I  hate;  it  shall  not  cleave  to  me. 

4  A  perverse  heart  shall  depart  from  me: 
evil  will  I  not  know. 

5  Whoso  slandereth  in  secret  his  neigh- 
bour, him  will  I  destroy :  whoso  hath  proud 
eves  and  a  haughtv  heart,  him  will  I  not 
sutler. 

6  My  eyes  shall  be  upon  the  faithful  of  the 
land,  that  they  may  ahide  with  me:  he  that 
walketh  in  the  way  of  the  perfect,  he  it  is 
that  shall  serve  me. 

•  7  He  that  practiseth  deceit  shall  not  dwell 
within  my  house :  he  that  speaketh  falsehoods 
shall  not  succeed  before  my  eyes. 

8  Every  morning  will  I  destroy  all  tlie 
wicked  of  the  land,  cutting  off  from  the  city 
of  the  Lord  all  the  wrong-doers. 

PSALM  CIL 

1  ^  A  prayer  of  the  afflicted,  when  he  is 
overwhelmed,  and  poureth  out  before  the 
Lord  his  complaint. 

2  0  Lord,  hear  my  prayer,  and  let  my  cry 
come  unto  thee. 

3  Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  on  the  day 
when  I  am  distressed;  incline  unto  me  thy 
ear;  on  the  d.ay  when  I  call,  answer  me 
speedily. 

the  beloved  of  God  do  not  escape  the  punishijiont  due  to 
their  transgressions,  so  even-handed  is  divi  le  justice. 
Philippson  regards  this  verse  as  applied  to  all  Israel,  not 
to  Moses,  Aaron,  and  Samuel. 

°  So  is  the  Kcii  iSi;  but  the  Kitih  is  xSl  "not  we  our- 
selves," we  are  not  the  architects  of  our  own  fortune.  Or 
might  it  not  be  thus  rendered  as  a  question,  "and  are  we 
not  his  people?"  &e. 

''  Rashi  explains,  "no  less  in  secret  than  in  public." 

767 


PSALMS  cii.  cm. 


4  For  my  days  vanish  in  smoke,  and  my 
bones  are  burning  like  a  hearth. * 

5  Struck  (by  heat)  like  the  herb  and  dried 
up  is  my  heart ;  for  I  forget  to  eat  my  bread. 

6  Because  of  the  voice  of  my  groaning  my 
bones  cleave  to  my  flesh. 

7  I  am  like  the  pelican  of  the  wilderness: 
I  am  become  like  the  owl  amid  ruins. 

8  I  watch,  and  I  am  become  like  a  (night-) 
bird  sitting  alone  upon  the  housetop. 

9  All  the  day  my  enemies  repi-oach  me: 
they  that  mock*"  me  swear  by  me. 

10  For  ashes  do  I  eat  like  bread,  and  my 
drink  I  mingle  with  weeping ; 

11  Because  of  thy  indignation  and  thy 
wrath ;  for  thou  hadst  lifted  me  up,  and  hast 
cast  me  down. 

12  My  days  are  like  a  shadow  that  de- 
clineth ;"  and  like  the  herb  I  wither. 

13  But  thou,  0  Lord,  wilt  sit  enthroned 
for  evpr ;  and  thy  memorial  is  unto  all  genera- 
tions. 

14  Thou  wilt  indeed  arise;  thou  wilt  have 
mer;cy  upon  Zion ;  for  it  is  time  to  favour  her, 
for  the  appointed  time  is  coming. 

15  For  thy  servants  hold  dear  her  stones, 
and  her  very  dust  they  cherish. 

16  Then  shall  nations  fear  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  and  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  thy 
glory: 

17  When  the  Lord  shall  have  built  up 
Zion,  he  appeareth  in  his  glory ; 

18  (When)  he  hath  regarded  the  prayer 
of  the  forsaken,  and  doth  not  despise  their 
prayer. 

19  This  shall  be  written  down  for  the 
latest  generation;  and  the  people  which  shall 
be  created  shall  praise  the  Lord. 

20  For  he  hath  looked  down  from  the 
height  of  his  sanctuary;  the  Lord  hath  cast 
from  heaven  his  view  to  the  earth; 

21  To  hear  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner; 
to  loosen  those  that  are  doomed  to  death: 

22  That  men  may  proclaim  in  Zion  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  his  praise  in  Jerusa- 
lem; 


"  Mendelssohn,  "are  consumed  as  a  firebrand." 

''  Rashi.     Redak,  "who  rave  about  me."     Philippson, 

"who  would  make  me  a  fool."     "Swear  by  me"  means 

that  they  say,  "  May  I  become  like  him,  if  I  have  done  so." 
"Others,  "lengthened,"  /.  c.   toward  night;   but  it  is 

the  same  as  declining — toward  oxtiuctiou  by  the  coming 

darkness. 

768 


23  When  people,  are  gathered  together, 
and  kingdoms,  to  serve  the  Lord. — 

24  He  hath  weakened  on  the  way  my 
strength;  he  hath  shortened  my  days. 

25  I  will  say,  0  my  God !  take  me  not 
away  in  the  midst  of  my  days:  throughout 
all  generations  are  thy  years. 

26  In  olden  times  didst  thou  la}'  the  found- 
ations of  the  earth ;  and  the  heavens  are 
the  work  of  thy  hands. 

27  These  will  indeed  perish,  but  thou  wilt 
ever  exist:  yea,  all  of  them  will  Avear  out 
like  a  garment;  as  a  vesture  wilt  thou  change 
them,  and  they  will  be  changed; 

28  But  thou  art  ever  the  same,  and  thy 
years  will  have  no  end. 

29  The  children  of  thy  servants  will  dwell 
(securely),  and  their  seed  will  be  firmly 
established  before  thee. 

PSALM  cm. 

1  •([  Of  David.  Bless,  0  my  soul,  the 
Lord,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  his  holy 
name. 

2  Bless,  0  my  soul,  the  Lord,  and  forget 
not  all  his  benefits: 

8  Who  forgiveth  all  thy  iniquities;  who 
healeth  all  thy  diseases; 

4  Who  redeemeth  from  the  pit*  thy  life; 
who  crowneth  thee  with  kindness  and  mer- 
cies; 

5  Who  satisfieth  with  happiness  thy  spi- 
rit," so  that  thy  youth  is  renewed  like  the 
eagle's  (plumage)  .*^ 

6  The  Lord  executeth  righteousness,  and 
justice  for  all  that  are  oppressed. 

7  He  made  known  his  ways  unto  Moses, 
unto  the  children  of  Israel  his  acts. 

8  Merciful  and  gracious  is  the  Lord,  long- 
suffering  and  abundant  in  kindness. 

9  Not  for  all  eternity  will  he  contend ;  nor 
will  he  for  ever  retain  his  anger. 

10  Not  in  accordance  with  our  sins  hath  he 
dealt  with  us;  nor  according  to  our  iniquities 
hath  he  requited  us. 

11  For  as  high  as  heaven  is  above  the 


"  Others,  "destruction." 

"  Aben  Ezra.    Jonathan,  "old  age."    Lit.  "ornament,"  ■ 
which  old  age  is  to  the  good,  and  the  spirit  to  the  chief 
of  God's  creation.     Redak,  "mouth."   (See  Ps.  sxxii.  9.) 

'  Rashi ;  but  Philippson  conceives  that  it  merely  means 
tliat  the  youth  spoken  of  should  be  renewed  to  be  as 
vigorous  as  the  eagle  is, 


PSALM8  cm.  CIV. 


earth,  so  mighty  is  his  kindness  toAvard  those 
tliat  fear  liim. 

12  As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so 
far  hath  he  removed  from  us  our  transgres- 
sions. 

13  As  a  father  hath  mercy  on  his  children, 
so  hath  the  Lord  mercy  on  those  that  fear 
him. 

14  For  he  knovveth  our  frame;"  he  remem- 
bereth  that  we  are  dust. 

15  As  for  man,  Hke  the  grass  are  his 
days:  as  the  blossom  of  the  field,  so  doth  he 
bloom. 

16  When  a  wind  but  passeth  over  it,*"  it 
is  gone,  and  its  place  will  recognise  it  no 
more. 

17  But  the  kindness  of  the  Lord  is  ironi 
everlasting  to  everlasting  over  those  that 
fear  him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  chil- 
dren's children, 

18  To  such  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to 
those  who  remember  his  precepts  to  execute 
them. 

19  The  Lord  hath  established  in  the  hea- 
vens his  throne;  and  his  kingdom  ruleth 
over  all. 

20  Bless  the  Lord,  ^-e  his  angels,  mighty 
in  strength,  that  execute  his  word,  hearken- 
ing unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 

21  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  his  hosts,  ye  his 
ministers,  that  execute  his  will. 

22  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works,  in  all 
the  places  of  his  dominion :  bless,  0  my  soul, 
the  Lord. 

PSALM  CIV. 

1  ^j  Bless,  0  my  soul,  the  Lord.  0  Lord 
my  God,  thou  art  very  great;  with  glory  and 
majesty  art  thou  clothed. 

2  (Thou  art  he)  who  wrappeth  himself  in 
light  as  with  a  garment;  who  stretcheth  out 
the  heavens  like  a  curtain ; 

3  Who  frameth  of  the  waters  tlie  beams  of 
his  upper-chambers;  who  maketh  the  clouds 

'  /.  e.  The  manner  we  were  made,  our  mind  wavering, 
our  body  perishable.  Others  think  li"  is  used  to  repre- 
sent the  dhposition,  either  good  or  bad,  of  man.  Phi- 
lippson  renders,"  our  framing,"  4.  e.  what  we  do. 

''  Philippson,  after  Rashi,  "over  him,"  "he  is,"  &c. 
Redak,  "so  will  his  (man's)  place,"  &c.  Rashi  explains 
"wind"  to  mean  "the  sickness  preceding  death." 

°  The  Psalmist  represents  the  first  appearance  of  the 
earth  after  the  creation,  perfect  in  its  mountains  and  val- 
leys, but  all  covered  over  with  the  sea,  (deep,  or  abyss,) 
4  W 


his  chariot;  who  walketh  along  upon  the 
wings  of  the  wind; 

4  Who  maketh  the  winds  his  messengers; 
the  flaming  fire  his  ministers ; 

5  Who  hath  founded  the  earth  upon  her 
bases,  that  she  should  not  be  moved  to  all 
eternity. 

6  Thou'  hadst  covered  the  deep  as  with 
a  garment :  above  the  mountains  stood  the 
waters. 

7  At  ihy  rebuke  they  fled,  at  the  voice  of 
thy  thunder  they  hastened  away. 

8  They  ascended  mountains;  they  went 
down  valleys,  unto  the  place  which  thou 
hadst  founded  for  them. 

9  Bounds  hast  thou  set  which  they  cannot 
pass  over,  that  they  return  not  again  to 
cover  the  earth. 

10  (Thou  art  he)  who  sendeth  springs 
into  the  valleys,'*  between  mountains  they  run 
along. 

11  They  give  drink  to  all  the  beasts  of  the 
field:  the  wild  asses  quench  (thereon)  their 
thirst. 

12  By  them  have  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
ever  their  habitation,  from  between  the 
branches  they  send  forth  their  voice. 

13  Who  watereth  the  mountains  from  his 
upper-chambers :  from  the  fruit  of  thy  works 
is  the  earth  satisfied. 

14  (Thou  art  he)  who  causeth  grass  to 
grow  for  the  cattle,  and  herbs  by"  the  service 
of  man,  that  he  may  bring  forth  bread  out 
of  the  earth ; 

15  And  wine  that  maketh  joyful  the  heart 
of  man.  (and)*^  oil  to  brighten  his  face,  and 
bread  which  strengtheneth  the  heart  of  man. 

IG  Full  of  sap  are  the  trees  of  the  Lord, 
the  cedars  of  Lebanon,  which  he  hath  plants 
ed; 

17  Where  the  birds  make  their  nests:  the 
stork — fir-trees  are  her  house. 

18  The  high  mountains  are  for  the  wild 
goats:  the  rocks  are  a  shelter  for  the  conies. 

which  has  to  retire  into  its  proper  receptable  at  God's  re- 
buke, unwilling  in  a  measure  to  lose  its  dominions,  but 
obeying  at  length  the  will  of  the  Creator. 

''  Redak.  Jonathan,  "sendeth  out  springs  to  become 
streams." 

'  Aben  Ezra,  &c.     Philippson,  "for  the  use  of  man." 
'  Rashi.       Sachs,   "that    his    countenance    may   shine 
more  than  oil."     Philippson,  "than  from  oil."      Herx- 
heimer,  "as  it  (the  wine)  maketh  the  face  more  shining 
than  oil." 

7t)9 


PSALMS  CIV.  CV. 


1 0  He  hath  made  the  moon  for  seasons :  the 
sun  knovveth  his  going  down. 

20  Thou  causest  darkness,  and  it  becometh 
night,  wherein  creep  forth  all  the  beasts  of 
the  forest. 

21  The  young  lions  roar  after  their  ]}Yey, 
and  ask  from  God  their  food. 

22  The  sun  ariseth,  they  withdraw  (to 
their  lairs),  and  lie  down  in  their  dens. 

23  Man  goeth  (then)  forth  unto  his  work, 
and  to  his  labour  until  the  evening. 

24  How  manifo'd  are  thy  works,  0  Lord! 
in  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all :  the 
earth  is  full  of  thy  riches." 

25  Here  is  this  great  and  wide-extended 
sea;  therein  are  moving  things  without  num- 
ber, living  creatures  both  small  and  great. 

26  There  the  ships  make  their  way: 
(there  also)  is  that  leviathan,  whom  thou 
hast  made  to  sport  therein. 

37  All  of  these  wait  upon  thee,  to  give 
them  their  food  in  its  due  season. 

28  What  thou  givest  them  they  gather :  thou 
openest  thy  hand,  they  are  satisfied  with  good. 

29  Thou  hidest  thy  face,  they  suddenly 
vanish :''  thou  takest  away  their  spirit,"  they 
perish,  and  to  their  dust  they  return. 

30  Thou  sendest  forth  thy  spirit,  they  are 
created;  and  thou  renewest  the  face  of  the 
earth. 

31  The  glory  of  the  Lord  will  endure  for 
ever;  the  Lord  will  rejoice  in  his  works: 

32  He  who  looketh  down  on  the  earth, 
and  she  treuibletli;  who  toucheth  the  moun- 
tains, and  they  smoke. 

33  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  while  I  live: 
I  will  sing  praises  to  my  God  while  I  exist. 

34  May  my  speech  be  agreeable  to  him :  I 
will  indeed  rejoice  in  the  Lord. 

35  May  the  sinners  cease  from  oft"  the 
earth,  and  the  wicked  be  no  more.  Bless,  0 
my  soul,  the  Lord.     Hallelujah.'^ 

PSALM  CV. 

1  ^[  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  call  on 


'  Lit.  "acquisitions." 

''  Mendelssohn,  aa  in  Isaiab  Ixv.  23,  the  sudden  or 
speedy  transition  from  life  to  death ;  here  the  effect  of 
God's  hiding  his  countenance.  Jonathan  and  others 
.simply,  "they  are  terrified."  Sachs,  "they  become  a 
prey  to  terror." 

'•  Others,  "breath;"   and  so  in  next  verse. 

''  'J'liis  is  a  conipiiiuid  word  from  iSSn  Imllihi,  "praise 
770 


his  name :  make  known  among  the  people  his 
deeds. 

2  Sing  unto  him,  sing  praises  unto  him: 
speak  of  all  his  wonderful  works. 

3  Glorify  yourselves  in  his  holy  name : 
let  the  heart  of  those  rejoice  that  seek  the 
Lord. 

4  Liquire  after  the  Lord  and  his  strength : 
seek  his  presence  evermore. 

5  Remember  his  wonderful  works  which 
he  hath  done;  his  tokens,  and  the  decrees  of 
his  mouth; 

6  0  ye  seed  of  Abraham  his  servant,  ye 
children  of  Jacob,  his  elect. 

7  He  is  the  Lord  our  God:  over  all  the 
earth  are  his  decrees. 

8  He  remembereth  his  covenant  for  evei", 
the  word  wliich  he  hath  commanded,  to  the 
thousandth  generation, 

9  Which  he  covenanted  with  Abraham; 
and  his  oath  unto  Isaac; 

10  And  which  he  established  unto  Jacob 
as  a  statute,  unto  Israel  as  an  everlasting 
covenant : 

11  Saying,  "Unto  thee  will  I  give  the 
land  of  Canaan,  as  the  portion''  of  your  in- 
heritance." 

12  When  they  were  but  a  few  men  in 
number;  yea,  very  few,  and  strangers  in  it; 

13  And  when  they  wandered  from  one  na- 
tion to  another,  from  one  kingdom  to  another 
people : 

14  He  suffered  no  man  to  oppress  them; 
yea,  he  reproved  kings  for  their  sake  ; 

15  (Saying,)  "Touch  not  my  anointed, 
and  do  my  prophets  no  harm." — 

10  And  he  called  for  a  famine  over  the 
land;  every  staff  of  bread  he  broke. 

17  He  sent  a  man  before  them;  for  a  ser- 
vant was  Joseph  sold; 

18  They  forced  into  fetters  his  feet;  in 
iron  was  his  body  put: 

19  Until  the  time  that  his  word  came'  to 
pass,  (when)  the  saying  of  the  Lord  had 
purified  iiim. 


ye,"  and  TV  Jali,  {yah,)  "the  Lord."  We  shall  leave  it 
untranslated,  as  it  has  passed  into  the  modern  languages  as 
a  familiar  word. 

'  Lit.  "cord,"  or  that  which  is  measured  by  a  survey- 
or's cord  or  line.     Others,  "lot." 

'  llashi  refers  "his  word"  to  God;  Aben  Ezra,  to 
Joseph,  i.  c.  whose  projiliecy  or  interpretation  was  ful- 
lillrd,  wliii-li  was  the  cause  of  bis  being  .sent  for. 


PSALMS  CV.  CVI. 


20  The  king*  sent  and  unfettered  him; 
the  ruler  of  people,  and  let  him  go  free. 

21  He  appointed  him  lord  of  his  house, 
and  ruler  of  all  his  jxissession : 

22  That  he  might  bind  his  princes  at  his 
pleasure;  and  teach  his  ancients  wisdom. 

23  Then  came  Israel  into  Egypt,  and 
Jacob  sojourned  in  the  land  of  Ham. 

24  And  he  increased  his  people  greatly, 
and  made  them  stronger  than  their  adver- 
saries. 

25  He  turned  their  heart  to  hate  his  peo- 
ple, to  deal  subtilely  with  his  servants. 

26  He  sent  Moses  his  servant,  Aaron  also 
whom  he  had  made  choice  of 

27  The}'  displayed  among  them  his  effectixe 
signs,  and  wondex's  in  the  land  of  Ham. 

28  He  sent  darkness,  and  made  it  dark; 
and  they  rebelled  not  against  his  word. 

29  He  changed  their  waters  into  blood, 
and  slew  their  fish. 

30  Their  land  brought  forth  frogs  in  ahun- 
dance,  in  the  very  chambers  of  their  kings. 

31  He  spoke,  and  there  came  various  wild 
beasts,  lice  also  within  all  their  boundary. 

32  He  gave  them  as  their  rain  hail,  and 
flames  of  fire  in  their  land. 

33  And  he  smote  their  vines  and  their  fig- 
trees,  and  broke  the  trees  within  their  bound- 
ary. 

3-1  He  spoke,  and  the  locusts  came,  and 
crickets,^  and  that  without  number; 

35  And  they  ate  up  all  the  herbs  in  their 
land,  and  ate  up  the  fruit  of  their  ground. 

36  And  he  smote  all  the  first-born  in  their 
laud,  the  first  of  all  their  strength. 

37  And  he  brought  them  forth  with  silver 
and  gold :  and  there  was  not  one  that  stum- 
bled among  his  tribes. 

38  Egypt  rejoiced  when  they  departed; 
for  the  dread  of  them  was  tallen  upon 
them. 

39  He  spread  out  a  cloud  for  a  covering, 
and  fire  to  give  light  in  the  night. 

40  The  people  asked,  and  he  brought 
quails,  and  with  heavenly  bread  he  satisfied 
them. 

41  He  opened  the  rock,  and  the  waters 
gushed  out:  they  ran  in  the  dry  places  like  a 
river. 


*  So  Rashi.      Aben  Ezra,  however,  "God  seut  a  king 
who  unfettered  him." 


42  For  he  remembered  his  holy  word  given 
to  Abraham  his  servant. 

43  And  he  Ijrought  forth  his  people  with 
gladness,  Avith  joyful  song  his  elect. 

44  And  he  gave  them  the  lands  of  nations; 
and  the  labour  of  people  they  obtained  as  an 
inheritance  : 

45  So  that  they  might  observe  his  statutes, 
and  keep  his  laws.     Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CVI. 

1  ^  Hallelujah.  Oh  give  thanks  unto  the 
Lord;  for  he  is  good ;  for  to  eternity  endureth 
his  kindness. 

2  Who  can  utter  the  mighty  acts  of  the 
Lord?  who  can  publish  all  his  praise? 

3  Happy  are  those  that  observe  justice, 
that  execute  righteousness  at  all  times. 

4  Remember  me,  0  Lord,  when  thou  fa- 
vourest  thy  people :  oh  visit  me  with  thy  sal- 
vation; 

5  That  I  may  look  on  the  happiness  of  thy 
elect,  that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  joy  of  thy  na- 
tion, that  I  may  glorify  myself  with  thy  in- 
heritance. 

6  We  have  sinned''  together  with  our  fa- 
thers, we  have  committed  iniquity,  Ave  have 
done  wickedly. 

7  Our  fathers  did  not  reflect  on  thy  won- 
ders in  Egypt:  they  remembered  not  the 
multitude  of  thy  kindnes.ses;  but  rebelled  at 
the  sea,  even  at  the  Red  Sea. 

8  Nevertheless  he  saved  them  for  the  sake 
of  his  name,  to  make  known  his  might. 

9  He  rebuked  the  Red  Sea  also,  and  it  was 
dried  np;  and  he  led  them  through  the 
depths,  as  through  the  wilderness. 

10  And  he  saved  them  from  the  hand  of 
him  that  hated  them,  and  redeemed  them 
from  the  liand  of  the  enemy. 

11  And  the  waters  covered  their  adversa- 
ries :  not  one  of  them  was  left. 

12  Then  believed  they  in  his  words,  they 
sang  his  praise. 

13  Speedily  they  forgot  his  work.s,  they 
waited  not  for  his  counsel ; 

14  And  they  felt  a  lustful  longing  in  the 
wilderness,  and  tempted  God  in  the  desert. 

15  And  he  gave  them  what  they  had 
asked;  but  sent  dryness  into  their  soul. 


Philippson,  as  in  Joel,  pS'  with  "gruh." 
The  uational  sius  since  the  exodus  arc  here  recounted. 

771 


PSALM  CVI. 


16  Moreover  they  envied'  Moses  in  the 
camp,  and  Aaron  the  holy  one  of  the  Lord. 

17  The  earth  opened  and  swallowed  up 
Dathan,  and  covered  over  the  company  of 
Abiram. 

18  And  a  fire  was  kindled  in  their  com- 
jjany:  the  flame  burnt  up  the  wicked. 

19  They  made  a  calf  in  Horeb,  and  bowed 
themselves  down  to  a  molten  image. 

20  And  they  exchanged  their  glory  for 
the  similitude  of  an  ox  that  eateth  herbs. 

21  They  foi'got  God  their  savioui',  who  had 
done  great  things  in  Egypt, 

22  Wonders  in  the  land  of  Ham,  terrible 
things  by  the  Red  Sea. 

23  He  therefore  spoke  of  destroying  them: 
had  not  Moses  his  elect  stood  in  the  breach 
before  him,  to  turn  away  his  fury,  that  he 
might  not  destroy. 

24  And  they  despised  the  pleasant  land, 
they  believed  not  in  his  word; 

25  But  they  murmured  in  their  tents,  they 
hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 

26  He  therefore  lifted  up  his  hand  against 
them,  to  cause  them  to  fall  in  the  wilder- 
ness; 

27  And  to  let  their  seed  fall  among  the 
nations,  and  to  scatter  them  in  the  lands. 

28  And  they  joined  themselves  unto  Ba'al- 
pe'or,  and  ate  the  sacrifices  of  the  dead.'' 

29  And  they  provoked  him  to  anger  with 
their  deeds :  and  there  broke  in  among  them 
the  plague. 

30  Then  stood  up  Phinehas,  and  executed 
judgment:"  and  the  plague  was  stayed. 

31  And  it  was  accounted  unto  him  for 
righteousness,  unto  all  generations  for  ever- 
more. 

32  They  angered  him  also  at  the  waters 
of  Meribah,  and  evil  happened  to  Moses  for 
their  sake ; 

33  Because  they  had  imbittered  his  spirit, 
and  so  he  spoke  thoughtlessly  with  his  lips. 


'  Rashi,  "they  made  Moses  angry." 


"  I.  e.  The  idols  which  are  inanimate,  in  opposition  to 
"the  living  God"  of  Israel. 
772 


34  They  did  not  exterminate  the  nations, 
that  the  Lord  had  indicated  to  them; 

35  But  they  mingled  themselves  among 
the  nations,  and  learned  their  doings. 

36  And  they  served  their  idols,  and  these 
became  unto  them  a  snare. 

37  Yea,  they  sacrificed  their  sons  and 
their  daughters  unto  the  evil  spirits; 

38  And  they  shed  innocent  blood,  the 
blood  of  their  sons  and  of  their  daughters, 
whom  they  sacrificed  unto  the  idols  of  Ca- 
naan: and  the  land  was  polluted  with  blood- 
guiltiness. 

39  Thus  were  they  made  unclean  through 
their  own  doings,  and  went  astray  with  their 
own  deeds. 

40  Therefore  was  the  wrath  of  the  Lord 
kindled  against  his  people,  and  he  felt  dis- 
gust for  his  own  inheritance. 

41  And  he  gave  them  up  into  the  hand  of 
the  nations:  and  there  ruled  over  them  those 
that  hated  them. 

42  And  their  enemies  also  oppressed  them  : 
and  they  were  subdued  under  their  hand. 

43  Many  times  did  he  deliver  them;  but 
they  rebelled  with  their  counsel,  and  they 
were  brought  low  through  their  iniquity. 

44  Nevertheless  he  looked  on  when  they 
were  in  distress,  when  he  heard  their  en- 
treaty. 

45  And  he  remembered  unto  them  his 
covenant,  and  he  bethought  him.self  accord- 
ing to  the  abundance  of  his  kindnesses ; 

46  And  he  caused  them  to  find  mercy**  be- 
fore all  those  that  had  carried  them  away 
captive. 

47  Save  us,  0  Lord  our  God,  and  gather 
us  from  among  the  nations,  to  give  thanks 
unto  thy  holy  name,  to  triumph  in  thy 
praise. 

48  Blessed  be  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
from  everlasting  even  to  everlasting:  and  let 
all  the  people  say.  Amen,  Hallelujah. 

°  Aben  Ezra;  but  Jonathan,  as  though  it  were  SSiin'i 
"and  he  prayed." 

*  Lit.  "And  he  gave  them  unto  mercy." 


PSALM  r\  II. 


BOOK  FIFTH. 


PSALM  CVIL 

1  Tl  Oh  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  he 
is  good;  for  unto  eternity  enchn'eth  his  kind- 
ness. 

2  Thus  let  the  Lord's  redeemed  say,  even 
those  whoni  he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand 
of  the  adversary ;' 

3  And  whom  he  hath  gathered  out  of  the 
(various)  lands,  from  the  east,  and  from  the 
west,  from  the  north,  and  from  the  sea.*" 

4  They  wandered  about  in  the  wilderness, 
in  the  desert  path;"  they  coidd  not  tind  an 
inhabited'^  city : 

5  Hungry  and  thirsty,  their  soul  within 
them  fainted. 

G  Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  when 
they  were  in  distress,  (and)  out  of  their  af- 
flictions he  delivered  them. 

7  And  he  led  them  forth  on  the  right  way, 
that  they  might  go  to  an  inhabited  city. 

8  They  (therefore)  shall  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  kindness,  and  (proclaim)" 
his  wonders  to  the  children  of  men ! 

9  For  he  satisfied  the  longing  soul,  and 
the  hungry  soul  he  filled  with  good. — 

10  Such  as  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  sha- 
dow of  death,  bound  in  misery  and  (fetters 
of)*^  iron; — 

11  Because  they  have  rebelled  against  the 
words  of  God,  and  have  contemned  the  coun- 
sel of  the  Most  High ; 

12  And  he  humbled  with  trouble  their 
heart;  they  stumbled,  and  there  was  none  to 
help; 

13  But  when  they  ci'y  unto  the  Lord  when 
they  are  in  distress,  he  saveth  them  out  of 
their  afflictions; 

14  He  bringeth  them  out  of  darkness  aij^ 


'  Aben  Ezra,  Redak  and  others,  the  same  as  my  "dis- 
tress." 

"  Sforno,  "  the  Red  Sea,"  which  is  to  the  south  of  Pa- 
lestine. Redak  remarks,  the  south  is  not  mentioned  be- 
cause, from  its  heat,  it  is  not  much  travelled. 

•  Sforno,  "trackless  desert;"  but  thus  is  precisely  the 
way  through  the  sea  or  desert,  immediately  obliterated. 

"^  Eug.  ver.  and  Philippson,  "a  city  to  dwell  in."  [ 

•  Aben   Ezra    and   Redak.     Others    supply   ntyj;   "MyN  i 
"and  for  his  wonders  (which  he  hath  done)  to,"  &c.  j 

'  Lit.  "prisoners  of  misery  and  iron."  i 


the  shadow  of  death,  and  teareth  their  bands 
asunder. 

15  The}'  (therefore)  shall  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  kindness,  and  (proclaim)  his 
wonders  to  the  children  of  men  ! 

16  For  he  hath  broken  the  doors  of  cop- 
per, and  the  bolts  of  iron  hath  he  hewn  asun- 
der.— 

17  Fools,  because  of  their  transgression, 
and  because  of  their  iniquities,  are  afflicted. 

18  All  manner  of  food  their  soul  abhor- 
reth;  and  they  draw  near  unto  the  gates  of^ 
death ; 

19  But  when  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  when 
they  are  in  distress,  he  saveth  them  out  of 
their  afflictions. 

20  He  sendeth  his  word  and  healeth  them, 
and  delivereth  them  from  their  graves.^ 

21  They  (therefore)  shall  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  kindness,  and  (proclaim)  his 
wonders  to  the  children  of  men ! 

22  They  shall  also  sacrifice  the  sacrifices 
of  thanksgiving,  and  relate  his  deeds  with 
joyful  song. — 

23  They  who  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships, 
who  do  business  on  great  waters; — 

24  These  have  seen  the  works  of  the  Lord, 
and  his  wonders  on  the  deep. 

25  For  lie  spoke,  and  he  raised  the  stormy 
wind,  which  lifteth  up  its  waves. 

26  They  would  mount  up  to  heaven,  they 
would  go  down  to  the  depths :  their  soul  was 
melted  because  of  their  danger.'' 

27'  They  would  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stag- 
ger like  a  drunken  man,  and  all  their  wisdom 
was  exhausted.' 

28  And  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  when 
they  were  in  distress,  and  he  brought  them 
out  of  their  afflictions. 


*  So  Redak.  Others,  "their  destruction."  In  the 
whole  construction  of  this  Psalm  the  future  alternates 
rapidly  with  the  past;  wherefore  cither  teuse  may  be 
adopted  in  the  translation. 

""  Redak.  Lit.  "evil,"  <•  <"•  misfortune,  or  the  conse- 
quence of  it;  here  evidently  the  danger  awaiting  the 
crew  from  shipwreck. 

'  Lit.  "was  swallowed."  Aben  Ezra,  "was  hidden  as 
though  it  were  not."  Eug.  ver.,  "they  are  at  their  wit's 
end."  Philippson,  "all  tiieir  wisdom  was  at  an  end." 
(.  c.  as  regards  devising  means  of  escape 

773 


PSALMS  CVIL— CIX. 


29  He  calmed  the  storm  into  a  whisper, 
and  stilled  were  the  waves  of  the  sea. 

30  And  they  were  rejoiced  because  they 
were  silent:  and  then  he  guided  them  unto 
their  desired  haven." 

•31  They  (therefore)  shall  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord  for  his  kindness,  and  (proclaim)  his 
wonders  to  the  children  of  men !'' 

32  And  they  must  exalt  him  in  the  con- 
gregation of  the  people,  and  in  the  assembly" 
of  the  elders  must  they  praise  him. — 

33  He  changeth  rivers  into  a  wilderness, 
and  water-springs  into  parched  ground; 

34  A  fruitful  land  into  a  salty  waste,  for 
the  wickedness  of  those  that  dwell  therein. 

35  He  changeth  the  wilderness  into  a  pool 
of  water,  and  desert  land  into  water-springs. 

36  And  there  he  causeth  to  dwell  the 
hungry,  that  they  may  found  an  inhabited 
city; 

37  And  they  sow  fields,  and  plant  vine- 
yards, that  they  may  j'ield  the  fruits  of  the 
(annual)  product.'' 

38  He  also  blesseth  them,  and  they  multi- 
ply greatly,  and  he  suflfereth  not  their  cattle 
to  diminish. 

39  They*"  were  also  diminished  and  bowed 
low  through  oppression,  misfortune,  and  sor- 
row: 

40  He  (then)  poureth  contempt  upon 
princes,  and  causeth  them  to  wander  in  a 
pathless  wilderness. 

41  And  he  exalte th  the  needy  from  misery, 
and  maketh  (his)  families  like  flocks. 

42  The  righteous  shall  see  it,  and  rejoice; 
but  all  wickedness  shall  stop  her  mouth. 

43  Whoever  is  wise,  let  him  observe  these 
things,  and  let  (all)  understand  the  kindness 
of  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CYUV 

1  ^  A  song  or  psalm  of  David. 

2  My  heart  is  firm,  0  God;  I  will  sing 
and  give  praise,  even  with  my  spirit. 


°  Rashi,  "boundary." 

^  The  Rabbins  say  that  four  classes  are  bound  to  re- 
turn public  thanks:  those  who  have  returned  from  a 
journey  through  the  wilderness,  who  have  been  impri- 
.soned,  been  sick,  and  lastly,  who  have  returned  from  sea. 
Moderns  interpret  this  Psalm  as  referring  to  those  re- 
turned from  the  Babylonian  exile,  and  explain  it  meta- 
phorically for  all  Israel,  who  had  undergone  various  mis- 
hap'; from  the  destruction  of  the  temple. 
77J 


.  3  Awake,  psaltery  and  harp :  I  will  wake 
up  the  morning-dawn. 

4  I  will  give  thee  thanks  among  the  jjeo- 
ple,  0  Lord  :  and  I  will  sing  praises  unto  thee 
ainong  the  nations. 

5  For  great  alcove  the  heavens  is  thy  kind- 
ness, and  thy  truth  reacheth  even  unto  the 
skies. 

6  Exalt  thyself  above  the  heavens,  0  God ; 
and  alcove  all  the  earth  thy  glory. 

7  In  oi'der  that  thy  beloved  may  be  de- 
livered: help  with  thy  riglit  hand,  and  an- 
swer me. 

8  God. hath  spoken  in  his  holiness:  I  will 
exult,  I  will  divide  Shechem,  and  the  valley 
of  Succoth  will  I  measure  out. 

U  Mine  is  Gil'ad,  and  mine  is  Menasseh; 
Ephraim  also  is  the  strong-hold  of  my  head; 
of  Judah  are  my  chiefs. 

10  Moab  is  my  washpot;  upon  Edom  will 
I  cast  my  shoe;  over  Philistia  will  I  triumph. 

11  Who  wuU  bring  me  into  the  fortified 
city?  who  will  lead  me  as  far  as  Edom? 

12  Behold,  it  is  thou,  0  God,  who  hast  cast 
us  off;  and  thou,  0  God,  goest  not  forth  with 
our  armies. 

13  Give  us  help  against  the  assailant; 
for  vain  is  the  help  of  man. 

14  Through  God  shall  we  do  valiantly ;  for 
he  it  is  that  will  tread  down  our  adversaries. 

PSALM  CIX. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  by  David,  a 
psalm.  0  God  of  my  praise,  do  not  keep 
silence. 

2  For  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  and  the 
mouth  of  deceit  are  opened  against  me:  they 
have  spoken  with  me  with  the  tongue  of 
falsehood. 

3  Also  with  words  of  hatred  have  they  en- 
compassed me,  and  they  fight  against  me 
without  a  cause. 

4  In  recompense  for  my  love^  are  they  my 
accusers,  while  I  have  nothing  but  prayer. 


°  Lit.  "seat,"  where  the  elders  sit  together. 

''  Redak,  "fruit  and  products." 

"  Mendelssohn  connects  the  verses  in  this  way:  "If 
they  are  diminished,  &c. — then  doth  he  pour  out  contempt 
upon  princes — and  delivcreth  the  needy  from  oppres- 
sion," &c. 

'  This  Psalm  is  from  1  to  6  the  same  as  Ps.  Ivii.  6,  8- 
12;  and  from  7  to  11  nearly  as  Ix.  7-14. 

*  Rashi,  "my  love  to  tliee." 


PSALMS  CIX.  ex. 


5  And  they  impose  evil  on  me  in  recom- 
pense for  good,  and  hatred  in  lieu  of  my  love. 

G  Appoint"  thou  a  wicked  man  over  him. 
and  let  an  accuser  stand  at  his  right  hand. 

7  When  he  is  to  be  judged,  let  him  go 
forth  guilty,  and  let  his  prayer  become  sin. 

8  Let  his  days  be  few,  and  let  another 
take  his  office.'' 

9  Let  his  children  be  fatherless,  and  his 
wife  a  widow. 

10  Let  his  children  be  continually  moving 
about,  and  beg,  and  let  them  seek  (their 
bread)  out  of  their  ruined  places. 

11  Let  the  creditor  lay  snares  after  all 
that  he  hath,  and  let  strangers  plunder  his 
labour. 

12  Let  him  have  none  that  extendeth 
kindness,  and  let  there  be  none  that  is  gra- 
cious to  his  fatherless  children. 

13  Let  his  posterity  be  cut  off:  in  another 
generation  let  their  name  be  blotted  out. 

14  Let  the  iniquity  of  his  fathers  be  re- 
membered by  the  Lord,  and  let  the  sin  of 
his  mother  not  be  blotted  out. 

15  Let  them"  be  before  the  Lord  continu- 
ally, that  he  may  cut  off  from  the  earth  their 
memory. 

16  For  the  reason  that  he  remembered  not 
to  show  kindness;  but  persecuted  the  poor 
and  needy  man,  and  the  grieved  in  heart  to 
put  him  to  death. 

17  As  he  loved  cursing,  so  let  it  come  over 
him :  and  as  he  delighted  not  in  blessing,  so 
let  it  be  far  from  him. 

18  And  he  clothed  himself  with  cursing  as 
with  his  garment:  and  it  cometh  like  water 
within  him,  and  like  oil  into  his  bones.'* 

19  Let  it  be  unto  him  as  a  garment  in 
which  he  wrappeth  himself,  and  for  a  girdle 
let  him  be  continually  girded  with  it. 

20  Let  this  be  the  reward  of  my  accusers 
from  the  Lord,  and  of  those  that  speak  evil 
against  my  soul. 

'  Mendelssohn  and  others  take  all  from  ver.  6  to  19  as 
the  curse  of  David's  enemies  against  him ;  while  the 
greater  part  of  the  commentators  regard  it  as  the  outbreak 
of  feeling  of  the  Psalmist  against  the  chief  of  those  who 
persecuted  him  relentlessly  without  the  least  regard  to 
justice.  Redak  conceives  this  one  to  be  Doeg,  who  be- 
trayed his  staying  with  Aehimelech  to  the  enraged  Saiil. 

•■  Rashi.     Redak,  "his  property,"  or  "his  wife." 

°  i.  e.  The  iniquity  and  sin  just  spoken  of. 

''  Philippson,  "as  water  and  oil  penetrate  substances,  so 
may  the  inner  part  of  the  wicked  be  penetrated  by  the  curse." 


21  But  thou,  0  Eternal  Lord,  deal  with 
me  for  the  s.ake  of  thy  name :  because  thy 
kindness  is  good,  deliver  thou  me. 

22  For  poor  and  needy  am  I,  and  my 
heart  is  deeply  wounded  within  me. 

23  Like  the  sliadow  when  it  declineth  do 
I  hasten  away:  I  am  driven  suddenly  off 
like  the  locusts." 

24  My  knees  stuml^le  through  fasting,  and 
my  flesh  faileth  of  fatness.' 

25  And  I  am  become  a  reproach  unto 
them :  when  they  see  me,  they  shake  their 
head. 

26  Help  me,  0  Lord  my  God :  0  save  me 
according  to  thy  kindness: 

27  That  they  may  know  that  this  is  thy 
hand;  that  thou,  Lord,  hast  truly  done  it. 

28  Let  them  then  curse,  but  do  thou  bless: 
when  they  arise,  let  them  be  made  ashamed ; 
but  let  thy  .servant  rejoice. 

29  Let  my  accusers  be  clothed  with  confu- 
sion, and  let  them  wrap  them,selves,  as  with 
a  mantle,  in  their  own  shame. 

30  I  will  thank  the  Lord  greatly  with  my 
mouth,  and  in  the  midst  of  many  will  I 
praise  him. 

31  For  he  ever  standeth  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  needy,  to  save  him  from  those  that 
judge^  his  soul. 

PSALM  ex. 

1  ^  By  David,  a  psalm.  The  Eternal 
saith  unto  my  lord.  Sit  thou  at  my  right 
hand,  until  I  pliice  thy  enemies  as  a  stool  for 
thy  feet. 

2  The  staff  of  thy  strength  will  the  Eter- 
nal stretch  forth  out  of  Zion :  rule  thou  in 
the  midst  of  thy  enemies. 

3  Thy  people  will  Ijring  freewill-gifts  on 
the  day  of  thy  power,  in  the  ornaments  of  ho- 
liness :  as  out  of  the  bosom  of  the  morning- 
dawn,  so  is  thine  the  dew  of  thy  youth.*" 

4  The  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  will  not  re- 


*  (■.  e.  Which  are  suddenly  destroyed  at  times  by  rain 
or  carried  away  by  a  storm.   (See  Exod.  x.  19.) 

'  Philippson,  "my  flesh  deceiveth,  because  there  is  no 
oil,"  ('.  e.  to  anoint  therewith,  anointing  being  omitted 
during  a  fast. 

*  Sacha,  "that  condemn  his  soul." 

''  i.  e.  The  dew,  the  emblem  of  blessing,  which  he  had 
so  long  deserved,  shall  now  come  to  him  as  the  actual  dew 
drops  on  the  earth,  so  to  say,  out  of  the  bosom  of  the 
morning-dawn.  This  ver.se  is  rendered  after  Philippson. 
Rashi,  interpreting  this  Psalm   as  applied  to  Abraham, 


PSALMS  CXI— cxnr. 


for 


ever 


pent  of  it,  Thou  slialt  be  a  priest' 
after  the  order  of  Mall<i-zeclek. 

5  The  Lord  at  thy  right  hand  crusheth 
kings  on  the  day  of  his  wrath. 

6  He  will  judge  among  the  nations — there 
shall  be  a  fulness  of  corpses — he  crusheth 
heads  on  a  wide-spread  land. 

7  From  the  brook  will  he  drink  on  the 
way:''  therefore  will  he  lift  up  the  head. 

PSALM  CXI. 

1  T[  Hallelujah.  I  will  thank  the  Lord 
with  all  (my)  heart,  in  the  council  of  the  up- 
right, and  in  the  congregation. 

2  Great  are  the  works  of  the  Lord,  they 
are  sought  for  (by  them)  in  all  their  desires.'' 

3  Glorious  and  majestic  is  his  doing,  and 
his  righteousness  endureth  for  ever. 

4  He  hath  made  a  memorial  for  his  won- 
derful works:  gracious  and  merciful  is  the 
Lord. 

5  He  hath  given  sustenance  unto  those 
that  fear  him:  he  will  for  ever  be  mindful 
of  his  covenant. 

6  The  power  of  his  works  hath  he  told 
unto  his  people,  that  he  might  give  them  the 
heritage  of  nations. 

7  The  works  of  his  hands  are  truth  and 
justice:  faultless**  are  all  his  precepts. 

8  They  are  well  supported  for  ever  and 
eternally:  they  are  framed  in  truth  and  up- 
rightness. 

9  Eedemption  hath  he  sent  unto  his  peo- 
ple; he  hath  commanded  his  covenant  for 
ever:   holy  and  to  be  feared  is  his  name. 

10  The  beginning  of  wisdom  is  the  fear  of 


the  Lord;   a 


good" 


understandino;   have   all 


renders,  "Thy  people  will  come  voluntarily  vinto  thee  on 
the  day  of  thy  gathering  an  army;  this  shall  be  thine  be- 
cause of  the  beauties  of  holiness  which  thou  hadst  from 
thy  earliest  age,  soon  after  thou  didst  leave  thy  mother's 
womb ;  to  thee  shall  be  accounted  the  way  of  righteousness 
which  thou  didst  follow  in  thy  youth,  to  be  as  pleasant 
as  the  dew."  Sachs,  accordingly,  "Thy  people,  volunta- 
rily coming  on  the  day  of  the  gathering  of  thy  army,  is  in 
holy  ornament;  out  of  the  bosom  of  the  morning-dawn 
(fiowcth)  unto  thee  the  dew  of  thy  youth." 

*  Aben  Ezra,  "minister,"  or  "servant,"  to  serve  the 
LoRlJ.  Malki-zedek  was  king  and  priest  at  Salem,  after- 
ward Jerusalem ;  and  so  the  king  it  is  said  here  shall  be 
both  temporal  chief  and  a  priest  in  the  general  sense,  not 
sacrificial,  or  servant  of  (xod.  So  also,  "you  shall  be 
unto  me  a  kingdom  of  priests."  (Exod.  xix.  6.)  This 
precisely  was  David,  as  in-  superintended  and  organized 
the  temple  worship,  without  infringing  on  the  oflfice  of 
77C 


that  fuUil   (his  commandments) :   his  praise' 
endureth  for  ever. 

PSALxM  CXII. 

1  ^  Hallelujah.  Happy  is  the  man  that 
feareth  the  Lord,  that  greatly  delighteth  in 
his  commandments. 

2  His  seed  shall  be  mighty  upon  earth : 
the  generation  of  the  upright  shall  be  bles.sed. 

3  Plenty  and  riches  shall  be  in  his  house, 
and  his  righteousness  shall  endure  for  ever. 

4  There  ariseth  in  the  darkness  a  light  to 
the  upright:  he  is  gracious,  and  merciful,  and 
righteous. 

5  Well''  will  it  be  with  the  man  who  is 
kind,  and  lendeth:  he  will  guide  his  affairs 
with  justice. 

6  Surely  unto  eternity  shall  he  not  be 
moved :  in  everlasting  remembrance  shall 
the  righteous  be  held. 

7  Of  an  evil  report  shall  he  not  be  afraid : 
his  heart  is  firm,  trusting  in  the  Lord. 

8  Well  supported  is  his  heart,  he  shall  not 
be  afraid,  until  he  looketh  on  (the  punish- 
ment of)  his  assailants. 

9  He  distributeth,  he  giveth  to  the  needy : 
his  I'ighteousness  endureth  for  ever;  his  horn 
shall  be  exalted  in  honour. 

10  The  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be  vexed; 
he  will  gnash  with  his  teeth,  and  melt  away : 
the  longing  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

PSALM  CXIII." 

1  ^  Hallelujah.  Praise,  0  ye  servants  of 
the  Lord,  praise  ye  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

2  Let  the  name  of  the  Lord  be  blessed 
from  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 


the  Aaronitic  priesthood,  in  which  a  stranger,  though 
king  of  Israel,  could  not  mingle. 

''  "In  the  haste  of  pursuit  the  king  will  not  stop  to 
have  the  water  brought,  but  drink  it  as  he  finds  it  on  his 
way." — Herxheimer.  But  Philippson,  "Wherever  he 
goes  God  provides  him  the  brook  to  quench  his  thirst, 
and  so  to  acquire  a  complete  victory." 

°  Sforno  and  Rabbi  Moreuus;  meaning,  the  righteous 
seek  for  the  works  of  the  Lord,  to  satisfy  themselves  in 
all  their  desires. 

■^  Iledak.    Lit  "faithful,"  "approved,"  or  "found  true." 

'  Others,  "good  success,"  &c. 

'  /.  e.  God's  praise.  Aben  Ezra  and  Redak,  "the 
praise  of  the  man  that  observcth  the  precepts,"  &c. 

'  Redak;  but  .Jonathan,  "the  good  man  hath  pity  on 
the  poor  and  lendeth." 

*■  This  and  Rsalms  exiv.  cxvii.  are  called  "the  (Egyp- 
tian) TTallcl." 


PSALMS  CXTII— CXV. 


3  From  the  rising  of  tlio  sun  unto  his  go- 
ing down  the  name  of  the  Lord  is"  }3raised. 

4  High  above  all  nations  is  tlie  Lord, 
above  the  heavens  is  his  glory. 

5  Who  is  like  the  Lord  our  God,  who 
dwelleth  on  high? 

6  Who  condescendeth''  to  view  what  is 
done  in  the  heavens,  and  on  the  earth? 

7  He  raiseth  up  out  of  the  dust  the  poor, 
fi'om  the  dunghill  he  liftetli  up  the  needy: 

8  That  he  may  set  him  with  princes,  even 
with  the  princes  of  his  people. 

9  He  causeth  the  barren  Avoman  to  dwell 
in  the  midst  of  (her)  household,''  the  joyful 
mother  of  children.     PLallelujah. 

PSALM  CXIV. 

1  ][  When  Israel  went  forth  out  of  Egypt, 
the  house  of  Jacob  from  a  people  of  a  strange 
language : 

2  Judah  became  his  sanctuary,  (and)  Is- 
rael his  dominion. 

3  The  sea  beheld  it,  and  fled :  the  Jordan 
was  driven  backward. 

4  The  mountains  skipped  like  wethers,  the 
hills  like  lambs. 

5  What  aileth  thee,  0  sea,  that  thou 
fleest?  thou,  0  Jordan,  that  thou  art  driven 
backward  ? 

6  Ye  mountains,  that  ye  skip  like  wethers  ? 
ye  hills,  like  lambs? 

7  At  the  presence  of  the  Lord  tremble,''  0 
earth,  at  the  pi-esence  of  the  God  of  Jacob; 

8  Who  changeth  the  rock  into  a  pool  of 
water,  the  flint  into  a  fountain  of  water. 

PSALM  CXV. 

1  ^  Not  for  our  sake,  0  Lord,  not  for  our 
sake,*  but  unto  thy  name  give  glory,  for  the 
sake  of  thy  kindness,  for  the  sake  of  thy 
truth. 


'  Redak.  Others,  "let  the  name  of  the  Lord  he 
praised." 

'■  Redak,  who  also  quotes  a  version  by  others,  "who 
dwelleth  so  high  in  heaven,  and  seeth  so  deep  on  the 
earth."  Rashi,  who  is  followed  by  Sachs,  &e.  :  "Who 
looketh  down  so  deeply,  (who  is)  in  heaven  and  on 
earth." 

"  Redak  and  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  allegorically,  "  Zion, 
who  is  like  a  barren  woman,  will  he  cause  to  be  inha- 
bited as  the  joyful  mother  of  children."  Philippson, 
"the  barren  one  of  the  house  he  causeth  to  dwell,  as,"  &c. 

''Aben  Ezra,  one  opinion,  "the  earth  trembleth ;" 
•bin  as  infinitive  absolute,  not  imperative.  But  Rashi, 
4  X 


2  Wherefore  should  the  nations  say, 
Where  now  is  their  God? 

3  Whereas  our  God  is  in  the  heavens: 
whatsoever  he  desireth  hath  he  done.^ 

4  Their  idols  are  silver  and  gold,  the  work 
of  the  hands  of  man. 

5  A  mouth  they  have,  but  speak  jiot; 
eyes  they  have,  but  see  not; 

6  Ears  they  have,  but  hear  not;  a  nose 
they  have,  but  smell  not. 

7  They  have  hands,"  but  they  touch 
not;  they  have  feet,  but  they  walk  not: 
nor  do  they  give  any  utterance  by  their 
throat. 

8  Like  them  are  those  that  make  them, 
every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

9  0  Israel,  trust  thou  in  the  Lord — he  is 
their  help  and  their  shield. 

10  0  house  of  Aaron,  trust  ye  in  the  Lord 
— he  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

11  Ye  that  fear*"  the  Lord,  trust  ye  in  the 
Lord — he  is  their  lielp  and  their  shield. 

12  The  Lord  hath  even  been  mindful  of 
us,  he  wall  bless  (us) ;  he  will  bless  the 
house  of  Israel;  he  will  bless  the  house  of 
Aaron ; 

13  He  Avill  bless  those  that  fear  the  Lord, 
the  small  together  with  the  great. 

14  May  the  Lord  increase  you  more  and 
more,  you  and  your  children. 

15  Blessed  are  ye  of  the  Lord,  who  made 
heaven  and  earth. 

16  The  heavens  are  the  heavens  of  the 
Lord;  but  the  earth  hath  he  given  to  the 
children  of  men. 

17  Not  the  dead  can  praise  the  Lord, 
nor  all  those  that  go  down  into  the  silence 
(of  death).' 

18  But  as  for  us,  we  will  bless  the  Lord 
fi'om  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore.  Hal- 
lelujah. 


"before  the  Lord  who  produceth  the  earth,"  as  though 
it  were  b'7innn. 

°  Rashi,  with  the  comment,  "deal  with  us."  Others, 
"Not  to  us  give  glory,  but  to  thy  name." 

'  Others,  "whatsoever  he  desireth  that  he  doeth." 

*  There  is  a  change  of  construction  in  the  text,  and 
might  be  rendered,  "as  regardeth  their  feet  these  do 
not  walk,"  &c. 

^  Rashi  here,  "the  proselytes;"  in  csviii.  4,  "the 
Levites."  Aben  Ezra,  "those  that  fear  God  among  all 
nations." 

'  Lit.  "silence,"  i.  e.  death  where  there  is  no  speech." 
(See  Ps.  xciv.  17.) 

777 


PSALMS  CXVI.— CXVIII. 


PSALM  CXVL 

1  ^  It  is  lovely  to  me*  that  the  Lord 
heareth  my  voice,  my  supplications. 

2  For  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto  me: 
therefore  throughout  all  my  days  will  I  call 
on  him. 

3  The  bands  of  death  had  compassed  me, 
and  the  pangs  of  the  nether  world  had  over- 
taken me;  I  had  met  with  distress  and  sor- 
row: 

4  I  then  called  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  release  my  soul. 

5  Grncious  is  the  Lord,  and  righteous; 
and  oui-  God  is  merciful. 

6  Tlie  Lord  preserveth  the  simple:  I  was 
m  miser}^,  and  he  helped  me. 

7  Return,  0  my  soul,  unto  thy  rest;  for 
the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee. 

8  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 
death,  my  eyes  from  tears,  my  feet  from  falling. 

9  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  lands 
of  life. 

10  I  believe,  therefore  will  I  speak:  I  was 
greatly  aflilicted; 

11  I  indeed  said  in  my  despondency. 
Every  man  is  a  liar.'' 

12  What  shall  I  give  in  return  unto  the 
Lord  for  all  his  bounties  toward  me? 

13  The  cup  of  salvation  will  I  lift  ujd,  and 
on  the  name  of  the  Lord  will  I  call. 

14  My  vows  will  I  pay  unto  the  Lord, 
yea,  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people. 

15  Grievous  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  is  the 
death  of  his  pious  ones. 

16  0  Lord,  truly  am  I  thy  servant;  I  am 
thy  servant, — the  son  of  thy  handmaid :  thou 
hast  loosened  my  fetters. 

17  Unto  thee  will  I  offer  the  sacrifice  of 
thanksgiving,  and  on  the  name  of  the  Lord 
will  I  call. 

18  My  vows  will  I  pay  unto  the  Lord, 
yea,  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people, 


*  Kashi  and  Abcn  Ezra.  Redak  supplies,  "the  Lord;" 
llius,  "I  love  (the  Lord),  because  the  Lord  heareth." 

''  liashi,  one  opinion,  "  I  said  in  my  haste  to  escape 
from  Saiil,  Every  man,  even  Samuel  who  had  anointed 
mc  as  king,  is  a  liar."  The  verses  thus  mean,  "At  pre- 
sent, seeing  the  fulfilment  of  God's  truth,  he  would  speak 
confidently — in  times  past  he  was  greatly  afflicted;  in  the 
despondency  (or  hastiness)  thence  occurring  he  had 
doubted  both  men  and  Providence;  all  words,  all  pro- 
phecy was  deemed  a  deception." 

°  Jonathan,   "  In    the    name    of   the   Lord   (I   trust), 


19  Li  the  courts  of  the  house  of  the  TjORD, 
in  thy  midst,  0  Jerusalem.     Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CXVIL 

1  T[  Praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations :  praise 
him,  all  ye  people. 

2  For  mighty  is  his  kindness  over  us:  and 
the  truth  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  ever. 
Hallelujah. 

PSALM  cxvin. 

1  Tl  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  he 
is  good ;  because  unto  eternity  endureth  his 
kindness. 

2  Let  Israel  then  say  so;  because  to  eter- 
nity endureth  his  kindness. 

3  Let  the  house  of  Aaron  then  say  so;  be- 
cause to  eternity  enduretli  his  kindness. 

4  Let  those  who  fear  the  Lord  then  say  so; 
because  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

5  From  the  midst  of  distress  I  called  on 
the  Lord:  the  Lord  answered  me  with  en- 
largement. 

6  The  Lord  is  for  me;  I  will  not  fear: 
what  can  a  man  do  unto  me? 

7  The  Lord  is  for  me,  among  those  that 
help  me:  therefore  shall  I  indeed  look  on  (the 
punishment  of)  those  that  hate  me. 

8  It  is  better  to  seek  shelter  with  the 
Lord  than  to  trust  in  man. 

9  It  is  better  to  seek  shelter  with  the  Lord 
than  to  tfust  in  princes. 

10  All  nations  encompassed  me  about;  but 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  I  will  surely"  cut 
them  off. 

11  They  encompassed  me  about;  yea, 
they  compassed  about;  but  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  I  will  surely  cut  them  of!'. 

12  They  encompassed  me  about  like  bees; 
they  blazed**  up  like  the  fire  of  thorns;  but  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  I  will  surely  cut  tliem  off. 

13  Thou  hast  thrust  violently  at  me  that 
I  might  fall;  but  the  Lord  assisted  me. 


therefore  will  I  destroy  them;"  supplying  "I  trusts,"  and 
rendering  o  as  "  because."  Philippsou  deems  it  useless 
to  supply  this,  and  translates,  " — in  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  for  I  destroy  them."  So  also  in  verses  11  and  12. 
^  Jonathan  and  Kashi,  the  latter  commenting  that  the 
root  "^yi  signifies  a  sudden  starting  from  a  spot,  such 
as  water  and  fire,  which  leave  their  starting-point  rapidly, 
especially  the  flame  when  it  is  quenched;  hence  also  the 
sudden  blazing  up  of  a  fire  of  dry  bushes,  which  is  there- 
upon speedily  quenched.  Aben  Ezra,  however,  renders 
it  with  "queuclied"  here  also. 


PSALMS  CXV'III.  CXIX. 


14  My  strength  and  8ong  is  the  Lokd,  and 
he  is  become  my  salvation. 

15  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is 
in  the  tents  of  the  righteous:  the  right  hand 
of  the  LdUD  doth  valiantly. 

16  The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  exalted: 
the  right  hand  of  the  Loud  dotli  valiantly. 

17  1  shall  not  die,  bub- 1  shall  live,  and  re- 
late the  works  of  the  Lord. 

18  Severely  hath  the  Lord  chastised  me; 
Ijut  unto  death  hath  lie  not  given  me  up. 

19  Open  to  me  the  gates  of  righteousness: 
I  ■will  enter  into  them,  I  will  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord. 

20  This  is  the  gate  which  belongeth  unto 
the  Lord,  the  righteous  shall  enter  thereljy. 

21  I  will  thank  thee;  for  thou  hast  an- 
swered" me,  and  art  become  my  salvation. 

22  The  stone''  which  the  builders  rejected 
is  become  the  chief  corner-stone. 

23  From  the  Lord  is  this  come  to  pass,  it 
is  marvellous  in  our  eyes. 

24  This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath 
made,  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  thei'eon. 

25  We  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  save  (us) 
now:  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  send  (us) 
now  prosperity. 

26  Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  :  we  bless  you  out  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

27  God  is  the  Lord,  and  he  giveth  us 
light:  bind  the  festive  sacritice  with  cords, 
(leading  it)"  up  to  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

28  Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  thank 
thee :  my  God,  I  will  exalt  thee. 

29  Oh  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  he 
is  good;  because  to  eternity  endureth  his 
kindness. 

PSALM  CXTX.* 

X  ALEI'H. 

1  ^  Happy  are  they  whose  way  is  perfect, 
who  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 

2  Happy  are  they  who  keep  his  testimo- 
nies, that  seek  him  with  all  their  heart. 


'  Jonathan.  Sachs,  Mendelssohn,  and  others,  "for  thou 
hast  afflicted  me." 

"  Rashi  comments,  "the  people  which  has  been  so 
low  among  idolaters." 

°  Redak.  Mendelssohn  renders  D^ry^j.'^  "wound  about 
with  myrtles."  Philippson  understands  the  closing  words, 
"till  the  blood  be  sprinkled  on  the  horns  of  the  altar." 


3  They  also  commit  no  injustice:  in  his 
ways  do  they  walk. 

4  Thou  thyself  hast  commanded  us  thy  pre- 
cepts, that  we  might  keep  (them)  diligently. 

5  Oh  that  my  ways  were  firmly  directed 
to  observe  thy  statutes! 

6  Then  would  I  not  be  made  ashamed, 
while  I  look  at  all  thy  commandments. 

7  I  will  thank  thee  with  uprightness  of 
heart,  when  I  learn  thy  righteous  ordinances. 

8  Thy  statutes  will  I  observe:  oh  forsake 
me  not  too  greatly. 

2  BET  EI. 

9  Wherewithal  shall  a  youth  keep  his  way 
pure  ?    by  guarding  it  according  to  thy  word. 

10  With  all  my  heart  have  I  sought  thee: 
oh  let  me  not  wander  astray  from  thy  com- 
mandments. 

11  In  my  heart  have  I  treasured  up  thy  say- 
ing, in  order  that  I  may  not  sin  against  thee. 

12  Blessed  art  thou,  0  Lord:  teach  me 
thy  statutes. 

13  With  my  lips  have  I  related  all  the 
ordinances  of  thy  mouth. 

14  On  the  way  of  th}^  testimonies  have  I 
been  glad,  as  over  all  wealth. 

15  On  thy  precepts  will  I  meditate,  and 
direct  my  look  unto  thy  paths. 

16  In  thy  statutes  will  I  seek"  my  delight: 
I  will  not  forget  thy  word. 

J  GIMEL. 

17  ^  Deal  bountifully  with  thy  servant: 
let  me  live,  that  I  may  observe  thy  word. 

18  Open  thou  my  eyes,  that  I  may  behold 
wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

19  A  stranger  am  I  on  the  earth :  hide  not 
from  me  thy  commandments. 

20  My  soul  is  broken  from  longing  for  thy 
ordinances  at  all  times. 

21  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  accursed  proud, 
who  go  erringly  astray  from  thy  command- 
ments. 

22  Roll  away  from  me  reproach  and  con- 
tempt; for  thy  testimonies  have  I  kept. 


''  This  Psalm  consists  of  176  verses,  and  is  divided  into 
22  sections,  each  one  consisting  of  8  verses,  all  of  which 
commence  with  the  same  letter  of  the  alphabet,  which  is 
thus  contained  eight  times  in  this  Psalm.  Each  verse 
contains  a  sentence  praising  the  law  of  God. 

'  Rashi,  "I  will  turn  my  attention  to,"  or  "busy  my- 
self with." 

779 


PSALM  CXTX. 


23  Although  even  princes  should  sit  and 
speak  against  me,  thy  servant  would  still 
meditate  on  thy  statutes. 

24  Also  thy  testimonies  are  my  delight, 
my  counsellors." 

"1  DALETH. 

25  ][  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust:  re- 
vive thou  me  according  to  thy  word. 

26  My  ways  do  I  relate  (to  thee),  and 
thou  ansAverest  me:  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

27  Cause  me  to  understand  the  way  of  thy 
precepts,  that  I  may  meditate  on  thy  wonders. 

28  My  soul  droppeth  away  from  grief:  sus- 
tain mo  according  to  thy  word. 

29  The  way  of  falsehood  do  thou  remove 
from  me,  and  grant  me  graciously  thy  law. 

30  The  Avay  of  truth  have  I  chosen :  thy 
ordinances  have  I  set  (before  me). 

31  I  have  adhered  unto  thy  testimonies: 
0  Lord,  put  me  not  to  shame. 

32  The  way  of  thy  commandments  will  I 
run ;  for  thou  wilt  enlarge  my  heart. 

n  HE. 

33  Tf  Teach  me,  0  Lord,  the  way  of  thy  sta- 
tutes, and  I  shall  keep  it  in  all  its  windings.** 

34  Give  me  understanding,  that  I  may 
keep  thy  law,  and  I  will  observe  it  with  all 
(my)  heart. 

o5  Guide  me  on  the  path  of  thy  command- 
ments ;  for  therein  do  I  find  my  delight. 

36  Incline  my  heart  unto  thy  testimonies, 
jind  not  to  desire  for  gain. 

37  Turn  away  my  eyes  from  beholding 
vanity:  on  thy  way  do  thou  give  me  life. 

38  Fulfil  unto  thy  servant  thy  promise" 
for  those  who  are  devoted  to  thy  fear. 

39  Cause  to  pass  away  my  disgrace  of 
which  I  have  dread;  for  thy  ordinances  are 
good. 

40  Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thy  pre- 
cepts :  through  thy  righteousness  do  thou  give 
my  life. 

1  VAV. 

41  ^[  And  let  thy  kindness  come  unto  me,  0 
Lord,  thy  salvation,  according  to  thy  promise. 

42  Then  shall  I  have  a  word  to  answer 


*  Heb.  "men  of  my  counsel." 

^  Rashi.     Aben   Ezra,  after  whom   Sachs,  "and   if  I 
keep  it,   (then    followcth)   its   reward."     Eng.   ver.  and 
I'hilippson,  "to  the  end." 
780 


the  one  that  reproacheth  me;  for  I  trust  in 
thy  word. 

43  And  snatch  not  the  word  of  truth  out 
of  my  mouth  too  greatly;  for  I  wait  for  thy 
ordinances. 

44  So  shall  I  observe  thy  law  continually 
for  ever  and  ever. 

45  And  I  will  walk  in  an  open  space;  foi 
thy  precepts  have  I  sought. 

46  And  I  will  speak  of  thy  testimonies  be- 
fore kings,  and  will  not  be  ashamed. 

47  And  I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  com- 
mandments, wliich  I  love. 

48  And  so  will  I  lift  up  my  hands  unto 
thy  commandments,  whicli  I  love,  and  I  will 
meditate  on  thy  statutes. 

r   ZAYIN. 

49  ]|  Remember  thy  word  unto  thy  servant, 
upon  which  thou  hast  caused  me  to  wait. 

50  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction, 
that  thy  promise  hath  revived  me. 

51  The  presumptuous  have  held  me  too 
greatly  in  derision :  yet  have  I  not  departed 
away  from  thy  law. 

52  I  remembered  thy  decrees  (which  were) 
from  olden  times,  0  Lord,  and  thus  comforted 
myself. 

53  Horror  seized  on  me  because  of  the 
wicked  that  forsake  thy  law. 

54  Songs  have  thy  statutes  been  unto  me 
in  the  house  of  my  pilgrimage. 

55  I  rememljered  in  the  night  thy  name, 
0  Lord,  and  observed  tliy  law. 

56  This  came  to  pass  unto  me,  because  I 
had  kept  thy  precepts. 

n  CHETH. 

57  Tl  My  portion  is  the  Lord,  have  I  said, 
that  I  might  observe  thy  words. 

58  I  make  entreaty  before  thee  Avith  all 
my  heart :  be  gracious  unto  me  according  to 
thy  promise. 

59  I  have  thought  over  my  ways,  and 
made  my  feet  return  unto  thy  testimonies. 

60  I  hastened,  and  delayed  not  to  observe 
thy  commandments. 

61  Companies  of  wicked  men  have  sur- 
rounded'' me;  but  I  have  not  forgotten  thy  law. 


°  1DN  "the  saying"  of  God,  )'.  e.  his  promise  through 
the  prophets. 

""  Jonathan.  Menachem,  "robbed,"  from  "ip  "booty," 
"plunder." 


PSALM  CXIX. 


62  At  midnights  do  I  constantly  rise  to 
give  thanks  unto  thee,  because  of  thy  right- 
eous decrees. 

63  An  associate  am  I  unto  all  that  fear 
thee,  and  unto  those  that  keep  thy  precepts. 

64  Of  thy  kindness,  0  Lord,  is  the  earth 
full :  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

to  TETH. 

65  T[  Thou  hast  shown  goodness  on  thy 
servant,  0  Lord,  according  to  thy  word. 

66  The  best  of  discernment  and  knowledge 
do  thou  teach  me;  for  in  thy  commandments 
do  I  believe. 

67  Before  I  was  afflicted"  I  was  in  error; 
but  now  I  observe  thy  saying. 

68  Thou  art  good,  and  doing  good:  teach 
me  thy  statutes. 

69  The  presumptuous  have  invented  false- 
hoods against  me;  but  I  will  with  all  my 
heart  indeed  keep  thy  precepts. 

70  Gross  as  fat  is  their  heart;  but  I  take 
truly  delight  in  thy  law. 

71  It  is  well  for  me  that  I  have  been  af- 
flicted, in  order  that  I  might  learn  thy  sta- 
tutes. 

72  Better  is  unto  me  the  law  of  thy  mouth 
than  tliousands  of  gold  and  silver. 

'  YOD. 

73  ^  Thy  hands  have  made  me  and  esta- 
blished me :  give  me  understanding,  that  I 
may  learn  thy  commandments. 

74  Those  that  fear  thee  will  see  me  and 
be  rejoiced;  Tbecause  I  have  waited  for  thy 
tvord. 

75  I  know,  0  Lord,  that  thy  decrees  are 
righteous,  and  that  in  faithfulness  thou  hast 
atflicted  me. 

76  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  kindness  come  to 
comfort  me,  according  to  thy  promise  unto 
thy  servant. 

77  Let  thy  mercies  come  unto  me,  that  I 
may  live;  for  thy  law  is  my  delight. 

78  Let  the  presumptuous  be  made  ashamed ; 
because  they  have  without  a  cause  dealt  per- 
versely with  me;  but  I  will  indeed  meditate 
on  thy  precepts. 

*  Rashi,  "before  I  had  studied  them;"  but  others,  as 
in  the  text,  that  affliction  taught  the  Psalmist  the  value 
of  religion. 

'  i.  e.  Shrivelled  up  like  a  leathern  water-bottle  hung 
up  to  dry  in  the  smoke. 


79  Let  those  that  fear  thee  return  unto 
me,  and  those  that  know  thy  testimonies. 

80  Let  my  heart  be  entire  in  thy  statutes, 
in  order  that  I  may  not  be  put  to  shame. 

D  CAPH. 

81  ^  My  soul  ardently  desii'eth  for  thy 
salvation :  for  thy  word  do  I  wait. 

82  My  eyes  look  eagerly  for  thy  promise, 
saying.  When  wilt  thou  comfort  me? 

83  For  I  am  become  like  a  bottle''  in  the 
smoke:   (yet)  do  I  not  forget  thy  statutes. 

84  How  many  are  the  days  df  thy  ser- 
vant? when  wilt  thou  execute  ju/tice  on  my 
persecutors  ? 

85  The  presumptuous  have  dug  pit.s°  for 
me,  which  is  not  in  accordance  with  thy  law. 

86  All  thy  commandments  are  founded  on 
truth :  without  cause  they  persecute  me ;  help 
thou  me. 

87  But  little  was  wanting  that  they  had 
consumed  me  upon  earth;  but  I  have  truly 
not  forsaken  thy  precepts. 

88  According  to  thy  kindness  give  me 
life,  that  I  may  observe  the  testimony  of  thy 
mouth. 


s 


LAiMED. 


89  ^  To  eternity,  0  Lord,  standeth  firm 
thy  word  with  the  heavens.** 

90  Unto  all  generations  endureth  thy 
faithfulness:  thou  hast  established  the  earth, 
and  she  standeth. 

91  According"  to  thy  ordinances  they  exist 
this  day;  for  all  are  thy  servants. 

92  Unless  thy  law  had  been  my  delights, 
I  should  long  since  have  been  lost  in  my  af- 
fliction. 

93  Never  will  I  forget  thy  precepts;  for 
with  them  thou  hast  kept  me  alive. 

94  Thine  am  I,  save  me;  for  thy  precepts 
have  I  sought. 

95  Wicked  men  have  waited  for  me  to  de- 
stroy me;  (but)  I  will  reflect  on  thy  testimo- 
nies. 

96  Of  all  perfection  have  I  seen  the  end; 
(but)  thy  commandment  is  exceedingly  ex- 
tended. 


°  As   wild   beasts    are  taken   in   pits    slightly  covered 
over. 

*  Redak,  who  comments,   "that  God  having  said   the 
heavens  should  exist,  they  will  endure  for  over." 

'  Redak,  "to  obey  thy  ordinances." 

781 


PSALM  CXIX. 


0   MEM. 


97  Tl  Oh  how  do  I  love  thy  law !  all  the  day 
is  it  my  meditation. 

98  Wiser  than  my  enemy  doth  th}'  com- 
mandment" make  me;  for  it  is  perpetually 
with  me. 

99  Above  all  my  teachers  have  I  obtained 
intelligence ;  for  thy  testimonies  are  my  medi- 
tation. 

100  More  than  the  elders  do  I  possess  un- 
derstanding; because  thy  precepts  do  I  keep. 

101  From  every  evil  path  have  I  with- 
holden  mj'  feet,  in  order  that  I  might  observe 
thy  word. 

102  From  thy  ordinances  have  I  not  de- 
parted; for  thou  hast  instructed  me. 

103  How  much  sweeter  are  to  my  palate 
thy  sayings  than  honey  to  my  mouth ! 

104  Through  thy  precepts  shall  I  obtain 
understanding:  therefore  do  I  hate  every 
path  of  falsehood. 

J  NUN. 

105  ^  A  lamp  unto  my  feet  is  thy  word, 
and  a  light  unto  my  path. 

106  I  have  sworn,  and  I  will  perform  it, 
to  observe  thy  righteous  ordinances. 

107  I  am  afflicted  exceedingly  much:  0 
Lord,  revive  me,  according  to  thy  word. 

108  Eeceive  in  fevour  the  freewill-offer- 
ings of  my  mouth,  I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord, 
and  teach  me  thy  ordinances. 

109  My  life  is  in  my  hand''  continually: 
yet  thy  law  do  I  not  forget. 

110  The  wacked  have  laid  a  snare  for  me: 
yet  have  I  not  erred  from  thy  precepts. 

111  I  have  taken  thy  testimonies  as  a 
heritage  to  eternity;  for  they  are  the  joy  of 
my  heart. 

112  I  have  inclined  my  heart  to  perform 
thy  statutes  always,  in  all  their  ways. 

D  SAMECH. 

113  ][  Those  of  divided  thoughts  I  hate; 
but  thy  law  do  I  love. 

114  My  shelter  and  my  shield  art  thou: 
for  thy  woi'd  do  I  wait. 

*  Aben  Ezra  explains  the  plunil  in  the.  original  as, 
"every  one  of  thy  comnianilmcnts." 

*■  /.  c.  Is  in  constant  danger. 

°  Rashi,  "protect,"  or  "deliver."    Lit.  "to  guarantee," 
{.  e.  against  evil.     Redak,  "give  delight  to." 
782 


115  Depart  from  me,  ye  evildoers,  that  I 
may  keep  the  commandments  of  God. 

116  Ujjhold  me  according  to  thy  promise, 
that  I  may  live,  and  let  me  not  be  made 
ashamed  of  my  hope. 

117  Support  me  that  I  may  be  placed  in 
safety,  and  I  will  direct  my  regard  unto  thy 
statutes  continually. 

118  Thou  hast  trodden  down  all  that  err- 
ingly  stray  from  thy  statutes;  for  falsehood 
is  their  deceit. 

119  Like  dross  dost  thou  put  away  all  the 
wicked  of  the  earth:  therefore  do  I  love  thy 
testimonies. 

120  My  flesh  trembleth  shudderingly  from 
dread  of  thee,  and  of  thy  decrees  am  I 
afraid. 

V  'AYIN. 

121  ^  I  have  executed  justice  and  rightr 
eousness :  leave  me  not  to  those  who  oppress 
me. 

122  Protect"  thy  servant  for  good:  let  not 
the  presumptuous  oppress  me. 

123  My  eyes  look  eagerly  for  thy  salva- 
tion, and  for  thy  righteous  promise. 

124  Deal  with  thy  servant  according  to 
thy  kindness,  and  thy  statutes  do  thou  teacli 
me. 

125  I  am  thy  servant:  give  me  under- 
standing, that  I  may  know  thy  testimonies. 

126  It  is  time  to  act''  for  the  Lord:  they 
have  broken"  thy  law. 

127  Therefore  do  I  love  thy  command- 
ments more  than  gold,  and  more  than  fine 
gold. 

128  Therefore  do  I  esteem  all  thy  precepts 
in  all  things  as  right :  every  path  of  falsehood 
do  I  hate. 

5  PE. 

129  ][  Wonderful  are  thy  testimonies: 
therefore  doth  my  soul  keep  them. 

130  The  opening-*^  of  thy  words  givetli 
light,  it  giveth  understanding  unto  the  simple. 

131  I  opened  my  mouth,  and  panted  for 
breath;  because  for  tliy  comnuuKluients  did 
I  long. 

*  Jonathan.  Redak,  "It  is  time  for  the  Lord  to  act," 
i.  e.  that  he  might  dispense  punishment. 

"  "Broken,"  as  in  Gen.  xvii.  14.  Eng.  ver.,  "made 
void,"  which  man  cannot  do  except  by  transgressing. 

'  rhilippson,  "  The  exposition,"  ('.  e.  what  they  teach 


PSALM  CXTX. 


132  Turn  thou  unto  nie,  and  be  gracious 
unto  nie,  as  is  thy  wont"  unto  those  that  love 
thy  name. 

133  My  steps  estabUsh  thou  through  thy 
promise,  and  sulTer  not  an}'  wrong  to  have 

"  dominion  over  me. 

134;  Deliver  me  from  the  oppression  of 
man,  and   I  will  observe  thy  precepts. 

135  Let  thy  face  shine  upon  thy  servant, 
and  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

136  Streams  of  water  have  run  down  my 
eyes;  because  they*  had  not  observed  thy 
law. 

V  TZADDE. 

137  *[[  Righteous  art  thou,  0  Lord,  and 
upright  are  thy  decrees. 

138  Thou  hast  commanded  thy  testimo- 
nies, as  righteous  and  f\iithful  exceedingly. 

139  My  zeal  destroyeth  me;  because  my 
assailants  have  forgotten  thy  words. 

140  Thy  promise  is  greatly  refined,  and 
thy  servant  loveth  it. 

141  I  am  little  and  despised:  yet  thy  pre- 
cepts have  I  not  forgotten. 

142  Thy  righteousness  is  an  everlasting 
righteousness,  and  thy  law  is  the  truth. 

143  Distress  and  trouble  have  overtaken 
me:  (yet)  are  thy  commandments  my  de- 
lights. 

144  Righteous  are  thy  testimonies  for  ever- 
lasting: give  me  understanding,  that  I  may 
live. 

p  KOPH. 

145  T[  I  have  called  with  all  my  heart: 
answer  me,  0  Lord:  thy  statutes  will  I  keep. 

140  I  have  called  on  thee,  save  me,  and 
I  will  observe  thy  testimonies. 

147  I  come  before  thee  in  the  dawn  of 
morning,  and  cry :  for  thy  word  do  I  wait. 

148  My  eyes  are  awake  before  the  night- 
watches,  tliat  I  may  meditate  in  thy  saying. 

149  Hear  my  voice  according  to  thy  kind- 
ness :  0  Lord,  according  to  thy  decree  do  thou 
grant  me  life. 

150  They  that  pursue  mischievous  devices 
draw  nigh :  from  thy  law  are  they  far. 

151  Near  art  thou,  0  Lord;  and  all  thy 
connnandments  are  the  truth. 


■  Sachs,  "as  is  proper  for,"  &c. 

^  Aben  Ezra  refers  this  to  the  eyes;  or  rentiers  )t  "  ipen." 


152  Of  old  already  I  knew  of  thy  testimo- 
nies; because  for  eternity  hast  tliou  founded 
them. 

n  llESH. 

153  Look  on  my  affliction,  and  release  me; 
for  thy  law  have  I  not  forgotten. 

154  Plead  my  cause,  and  deliver  me:  ac- 
cording to  thy  promise  do  thou  revive  me. 

155  Far  from  the  wicked  is  salvation;  be- 
cause thy  statutes  have  they  not  sought  for. 

156  Thy  mercies  are  abundant,  0  Lord; 
according  to  thy  decrees  do  thou  revive  me. 

157  Many  are  my  persecutors  and  my  as- 
sailants: yet  from  thy  testimonies  do  1  not 
turn  away. 

158  I  beheld  the  treacherous,  and  felt  dis- 
gust; because  they  observed  not  thy  saying. 

159  Behold  that  I  love  thy  precepts:  'O 
Lord,  accoi'ding  to  thy  kindness  do  thou  re- 
vive me. 

160  The  summif  of  thy  word  is  truth: 
and  the  whole  of  thy  righteous  judgment  en- 
dureth  for  ever. 

C  SHIN. 

161  ][  Princes  have  persecuted  me  with- 
out a  cause;  but  of  thy  word  standeth  my 
heart  in  dread. 

162  I  am  rejoiced  over  thy  promise,  as  one 
that  iindeth  great  spoil. 

163  Falsehood  I  hate  and  abhor;  but  thy 
law  do  I  love. 

164  Seven  times  in  the  day  do  I  praise 
thee  because  of  thy  righteous  decrees. 

165  Abundant  peace  have  they  who  love 
thy  law;  and  there  is  nothing  that  causeth 
them  to  stumble. 

166  I  have  hoped  for  thy  salvation,  0  Lord, 
and  thy  commandments  have  I  fulfilled. 

167  My  soul  hath  observed  thy  testimo- 
nies, and  I   love  them  exceedingly. 

168  I  have  observed  thy  precepts  and  thy 
testimonies;  because  all  my  ways  are  before 
thee. 

n  TAV. 

169  ^  Let  my  entreaty  come  near  before 
thee,  0  Lord:  according  to  thy  word  grant 
me  understandinii'. 


°  Sachs.     Ilerxheimer,  "the  sum."     (Esod.  xxx.  12.) 
ReJak,  "  Fropi  the  begiiiniiii'  is  thy  word  true." 

783 


PSALMS  CXIX.— CXXIII. 


170  Let  my  supplication  come  before  thee: 
according  to  thy  promise  do  thou  deliver  me. 

171  My  lips  shall  utter"  praise ;  because'' 
thou  wilt  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

172  My  tongue  shall  speak  loudly  of  thy 
promise ;  for  all  thy  commandments  are  right- 
eous. 

173  Let  thy  hand  be  (ready)  to  help  me; 
for  thy  precepts  have  I  chosen. 

174  I  have  longed  for  thy  salvation,  0 
Lord;  and  thy  law  is  my  delights. 

175  Let  my'soul  live,  and  it  shall  praise 
thee :  and  let  thy  decrees  help  me. 

176  I  have  gone  erringly  astray  like  a  lost 
sheep:  seek  thy  servant;  for  thy  command- 
ments have  I  not  forgotten. 

PSALM  CXX. 

1  TJ  A  song  of  the  degrees.'^  Unto  the 
Lord,  when  I  was  in  distress,  did  I  call,  and 
he  hath  answered  me. 

2  0  Lord,  deliver  my  soul  from  lips  of 
falsehood,  and  from  a  tongue  of  deceit. 

3  What  will  (God)"  give  unto  thee?  or 
what  will  he  add  unto  thee,  thou  tongue  of 
deceit? 

4  Sharpened  arrows  of  the  mighty,  with 
coals  of  the  broom-bush. 

5  Wo  is  me,  that  I  sojourn  in  Meshech," 
that  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar! 

6  Too  long  for  herself  hath  my  soul  dwelt 
with  him  that  hateth  peace. 

7  I  am  for  peace;  but  when  I  speak,  they 
are  for  war. 

PSALM  CXXL 

1  ^  A  song  for  the  degrees.  I  lift  up  my 
eyes  unto  the  mountains:  whence  shall  come 
my  help? 

2  My  help  is  from  the  Lord,  the  maker  of 
heaven  and  earth. 

3  He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  slip:  thy 
keeper  doth  not  slumber. 


*  Rashi.     Mendelssohn,  "flow  with." 

^  Aben  Ezra,  "when  thou  wilt  teach,"  &c. 

°  The  most  reasonable  signification  of  the  term  seems 
to  be  that  these  Psalms  were  sung  by  the  people  on  their 
pilgrimages  to  Jerusalem  at  the  festivals;  hence  Philipp- 
son,  "A  song  for  the  pilgrimages." 

''  So  does  Rashi,  after  one  opinion,  translate  and  con- 
nect these  two  verses;  and  they  mean,  that  deceit  will  at 
length  meet  with  the  heaviest  retribution,  as  the  arrow 
shot  unfailingly  liy  the  arm  of  a  hero,  and  the  unquenrli- 
able  coals  of  the  llulliem  (bru(ini-bush). 
784 


4  Behold,  he  slumbereth  not,  and  he  sleep- 
eth  not — the  keeper  of  Israel. 

5  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper :  the  Lord  is  thy 
shade,  he  is  on  thy  right  hand. 

6  By  day  the  sun  shall  not  strike  thee, 
nor  the  moon  by  night. 

7  The  Lord  will  guard  thee  against  all 
evil:  he  will  guard  thy  soul. 

8  The  Lord  will  guard  thy  going  out  and 
thy  coming  in  from  this  time  forth  and  for 
evermore. 

PSALM  CXXIL 

1  T[  A  song  of  the  degrees  by  David.  I 
was  rejoiced  when  they  said  unto  me.  Unto 
the  house  of  the  Lord  let  us  go. 

2  Our  feet  are  now  standing  within  thy 
gates,  0  Jerusalem ! 

3  Jerusalem,  which  art  built  as  a  city 
wherein  all  associate  together.' 

4  For  thither  go  up  the  tribes  of  the  Lord, 
as  a  testimoiiy^  for  Israel,  to  give  thanks 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

5  For  there  are  placed  chairs  for  (giving) 
judgment,  the  chairs  for  the  house  of  Da- 
vid.— 

6  Pray  ye  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem :  may 
those  that  love  thee  prosper. 

7  May  there  be  peace  within  thy  walls, 
prosperity''  within  thy  palaces. 

8  For  the  sake  of  my  brethren  and  my 
friends,  let  me  now  speak,  Peace  be  within 
thee. 

9  For  the  sake  of  the  house  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  will  I  seek  thy  good. 

PSALM  CXXIII. 

1  11  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Unto  thee  do 
I  lift  up  my  eyes,  0  thou  that  dwellest  in 
the  heavens. 

2  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  are 
directed  luito  tlie  luind  of  their  masters,  as 
the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her 


"  Rashi,  "This  is  the  complaint  of  the  congregation  of 
Israel,  who  have  dwelt  in  many  banishments."  Mcshecli, 
in  Armenia,  is  the  north;   Kedar,  in  Arabia,  the  south. 

'  Redak,  meaning,  where  all  the  tribes  of  Israel  meet. 
Sachs,  "like  an  entirely  compact  city."  Philippson, 
"  which  is  all  closed  in  together,"  i.  e.  with  walls,  and  yet 
full  of  beautiful  structures. 

*  To  acknowledge  that  they  are  God's  people 
their  God.  Philippson,  "as  an  institution,"  a  ' 
Israel." 

^  Philippson,  "(jiiiet."      Sachs,  "security." 


iiiid   he 
law  for 


PSALMS  CXXIIL— CXXVII. 


mistress:  thus  are  our  eyes  directed  unto 
the  Lord  our  God,  until  he  be  gracious 
unto  us. 

3  Be  gracious  unto  us,  0  Lord  !  be  gracious 
unto  us;  lor  we  are  overburdened  with  con- 
tempt." 

4  Our  soul  is  overburdened  with  the  scorn 
of  those  who  are  at  ease,  with  the  contempt 
of  the  proud  oppressors. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees  by  David.  If  it 
had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  for  us,  so 
should  Israel  say; 

2  If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  for 
us,  when  men  rose  up  against  us : 

3  Then  would  they  have  swallowed  us  up 
alive,  when  their  wrath  was  kindled  against 
us; 

4  Then  would  the  waters  have  overwhelm- 
ed us,  the  stream  would  have  passed  over  our 
soul ; 

5  Tlien  would  have  passed  over  our  soul 
the  presumptuous  waters. 

6  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  given 
us  up  as  a  prey  to  their  teeth. 

7  Our  soul  is  esca2Ded  like  a  bird  out  of 
the  snare  of  the  fowlers:  the  snare  is  broken, 
and  we  are  escaped. 

8  Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  the 
maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 

PSALM  CXXV. 

1  T[  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Those  who 
trust  in  the  Lord  are  like  mount  Zion,  which 
will  not  be  moved,  which  endureth  for  ever. 

2  Jerusalem  hath  mountains  round  about 
her:  and  (so)  is  the  Lord  round  about  his 
people,  from  this  time  forth  and  for  ever- 
more. 

3  For  the  sceptre  of  wickedness  shall  not 
rest  upon  the  lot  of  the  righteous:  in  order^ 
that  the  righteous  may  not  stretch  forth  their 
hands  unto  wrong-doing. 

"  Lit.  "for  much  are  we  satisfied  of  contempt." 
*  Rashi,  "because  the  righteous  do  not,"  &c. 
"Jonathan.     Others,  "them,  the  workers  of  wicked- 
ness, will  the  Lord  drive  away." 

'  Rashi  conceives,  and  after  him  Philippson,  this  Psalm 
to  be  a  petition  for  the  return  of  the  captives;  and  so  it 
is  here  translated. 

"  Jonathan.     Philippson,  r\Tti>  as  "those  who  return." 

'  Rashi.     Lit.  "in  the  south;"   some  explain  this  to 

mean  that  the  exiles  are  to  return  just  as  the  southern  tor- 

4  Y 


4  Do  good,  0  Lord,  unto  the  good,  and  to 
those  that  are  upright  in  their  hearts. 

5  But  as  for  those  who  turn  aside  unto  their 
crooked  ways,  them  will  the  Lord  drive 
away  with"  the  workers  of  wickedness;  but 
peace  shall  be  upon  Israel. 

PSALM  CXXVI. 

1  ][  A  song  of  the  degrees.  When  the  Lord 
bringeth''  back  again  the  captivity"  of  Zion, 
then  shall  we  be  like  dreamers. 

2  Then  shall  our  mouth  be  filled  with 
laughter,  and  our  tongue  with  singing:  then 
shall  they  say  among  the  nations.  Great 
things  hath  the  Lord  done  for  these. 

3  Great  things  would  the  Lord  have  done 
for  us,   (whereat)  we  sliould  be  joyful. 

4  Bring  back  again,  0  Lord,  our  captivity, 
like  rivulets  in  arid  land.*^ 

5  Those  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  with 
joyful  song. 

6  He  goeth  forth  indeed  and  weepeth,  that 
beareth  the  seed  for  sowing;  but  he  will 
surely  come  with  joyful  song  when  he  bear- 
eth (home)  his  sheaves. 

PSALM  CXXVII. 

1  T[  A  song  of  the  degrees  for  Solomon. 
Unless  the  Lord  do  build  the  house,  in  vain  ' 
labour  they  that  build  it  on  it :  unless  the 
Lord  guard  the  city,  in  vain  is  the  watch- 
man wakeful. 

2  It  is  in  vain  for  you  to  be  early  in  rising, 
to  be  late  in  sitting  up,  eating  the  bread  of 
painful  toils;  (for)  so  doth  he  give  unto  his 
beloved  during  sleep.*"' 

3  Lo,  children  are  an  inheritance  from  the 
Lord  :  a  reward  is  the  fruit  of  the  body. 

4  Like  arrows  in  the  hand  of  a  mighty 
man,  so  are  the  children  of  vouth.*" 

5  Happy  is  the  man  that  hath  his  quiver 
filled  with  them:  they  shall  not  be  put  to 
shame,  when  they  do  speak  with  the  enemies 
in  the  gate.' 


rents  are  filled  with  the  winter's  rain.  Philippson  more  ge- 
nerally, that  the  dry  land  might  obtain  water,  the  want  of 
which  makes  it  barren;  similar  to  which  will  the  return  of 
the  exiles  be  in  their  effect  on  the  world. 

'  i.  c.  While  the  worldly  toil  early  and  late,  God  gives 
his  blessing  to  the  righteous  while  they  yet  sleep;  hence 
the  folly  of  too  much  toil  with  nothing  but  self-reliance 

'  i.  e.  Children  born  while  the  parents  are  yet  in  vi- 
gorous age. 

'  i.  e.  When  they  defend  their  parents  before  the  judges. 

785 


PSALMS  CXXVIII— CXXXII. 


PSALM  CXXVIIL 

1  T[  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Happy  is 
every  one  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  walk- 
eth  in  his  ways. 

2  When  thou  eatest  the  Lihour  of  thy 
hands:  (then)  wilt  thou  be  happy,  and  it 
shall  be  well  with  thee. 

3  Thy  wife  is  (then)  as  a  fruitful  vine  in 
the  recesses  of  thy  house :  thy  children,  like 
olive-plants  round  about  thy  table. 

4  Behold,  truly  thus  shall  be  blessed  the 
man  that  feareth  the  Lord. 

5  May  the  Lord  bless  thee  out  of  Zion: 
and  see  thou  the  haj^piness  of  Jerusalem  all 
the  days  of  thy  life. 

6  And  see  thou  thy  children's  children: 
may"  there  be  peace  upon  Israel. 

PSALM  CXXIX. 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Many  a  time 
have  they  assailed  me  from  my  youth,  so 
should  Israel  say; 

2  Many  a  time  have  they  assailed  me  from 
my  youth :  yet  have  they  not  prevailed 
against  me. 

3  Upon  my  back  have  ploughmen  plough- 
ed; they  have  drawn  long  their  furrows: 

4  (Yet)  the  Lord  is  righteous;  he  hath 
cut  asunder  the  cords  of  the  wicked. 

5  May  all  be  put  to  shame  and  turned 
backward  tliat  hate  Zion; 

6  May  they  become  like  the  grass  of  the 
roofs,  which  withereth  before  it  is  pulled* 
up; 

7  Wherewith  the  mower  filleth  not  his 
hand;  nor  his  arm"  he  that  bindeth  sheaves. 

8  Nor  do  they  who  pass  by  say,  The  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord  be  with  you :  we  bless  you  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXXX. 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Out  of  the 
depths  have  I  called  thee,  0  Lord. 

°  Jonathan.     Retlak,  "  (and  see)  peace  over  Israel." 

''  Raslii.     Others,  "before  it  groweth." 

°  Rashi,  "the  upper  arm,"  wherein  sheaves  are  carried. 

■^  Sforno.  Others  simply,  "than  watchers  for  the 
morning,  watchers  for  the  morning;"  the  repetition  is 
then  to  denote  the  ardency  of  the  waiting  for  the  morn- 
ing after  watching  sleeplessly  the  whole  night. 

"  Rashi,  and  after  him  Mendelssohn  and  Philippson. 
Redak  and  others  take  Siaj  in  the  sense  of  "weaned," 
wid  say,  "As  the  child  just  weaned  is  fearful  of  walking 
780 


2  Lord,  listen  to  my  voice :  let  thy  ears  be 
attentive  to  the  voice  of  my  supplications. 

3  If  thou.  Lord,  shouldst  treasure  up 
iniquities,  0  Lord,  who  would  be  able  to 
stand  ? 

4  But  with  thee  there  is  forgiveness,  in 
order  that  thou  mayest  be  feared. 

5  I  hope  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  hope, 
and  for  his  word  do  I  wait. 

6  My  soul  (waitetli)  for  the  Lord,  more 
than  they  that  watch  for  the  morning  ex- 
pect* the  morning. 

7  Let  Israel  wait  for  the  Lord;  for  with 
the  Lord  there  is  kindness,  and  with  him  is 
redemption  in  abundance ; 

8  And  he  will  surely  redeem  Israel  from 
all  his  inicpiities. 

PSALM  CXXXI. 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees  by  David.  0 
Lord,  my  heart  was  not  haughty,  nor  were  my 
eyes  lofty :  neither  have  I  walked  after  mat- 
ters too  great,  or  those  too  wonderful  for  me. 

2  Surely  I  have  j^acified  and  stilled  my 
soul,  like  the  suckling"  on  its  mother's  breast : 
like  a  suckling  is  in  me  my  soul. 

3  Let  Israel  wait  for  the  Lord  from  this 
time  forth  and  for  ever  more. 

PSALM  CXXXIL 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Remember, 
0  Lord,  unto  David  all  his  afflictions; 

2  How  he  swore  unto  the  Lord;  how  he 
vowed  unto  the  mighty  One  of  Jacob : 

3  Surely,  I  will  not  enter  into  the  tent  of 
my  house,  nor  ascend  the  couch  of  my  re- 
pose ; 

4  I  will  not  grant  any  sleep  to  my  eyes, 
nor  to  my  eyelids  any  slumber: 

5  Until  I  shall  have  found  out  a  place  for 
the  Lord,  a  dwelling-place  for  the  mighty  One 
of  Jacob. 

6  "Lo,  we  heard  of  it  at  Ephratah:  we 
met  with  it  in  the  fields  of  the  forest  :'^  . 

without  its  mother's  support,  so  does  the  Psalmist  lean 
on  God  for  help." 

'  Verses  6  and  7  are  regarded  as  the  saying  of  the  peo- 
ple in  reply  to  the  first  verses,  containing  the  words  of 
David  which  are  continued  in  8-10.  "The  fields  of  the 
forest"  are  the  highlands  of  Lebanon.  The  ver.se  then 
means,  the  people  declare  they  heard  of  the  selection  of 
Zion  at  Bcthlcchem-Ephratah  in  tlio  south  and  on  Leba- 
non on  the  north ;  hence,  they  wish  to  go  tliither  to  see 
the  s;iuilii;irv. 


PSALMS  CXXXIL— (JXXXV. 


7  Let  us  then  go  into  his  dwelling;  let  us 
prostrate  ourselves  before  his  footstool." 

8  Arise,  0  Lord,  unto  thy  resting-place: 
thou,  and  the  ark  of  thy  strength. 

9  Let  thy  priests  be  clothed  with  righteous- 
ness; and  let  thy  pious  servants  shout  for  joy. 

10  For  the  sake  of  David  thy  servant  turn  ! 
not  away  the  face"  of  thy  anointed. 

11  The  LoKD  hath  sworn  mi  to  David  in 
truth;  he  will  not  turn  from  it:  "From  the 
fruit  of  thy  body  will  I  set  (some  one)  on  the 
tlirone  to  succeed  thee. 

12  If  thy  children  will  observe  my  cove- 
nant and  this  my  testimony  which  I  teach 
them:  then  also  shall  their  children  sit  for 
evermore  upon  the  throne  to  succeed  thee." 

13  For  the  Lord  hath  made  choice  of  Zion  : 
he  hath  desired  it  as  a  habitation  for  himself. 

14  This  is  my  x-esting-place  for  evermore: 
here  will  I  dwell;  for  I  have  desired  it. 

15  Her  provision  will  I  bless  abundantly: 
her  needy  ones  will  I  satisfy  with  liread. 

16  And  her  priests  will  I  clothe  with  sal- 
vation :  and  her  pious  ones  shall  shout  aloud 
for  joy. 

17  There  Avill  I  cause  to  grow  a  horn  unto 
David:  I  arrange  a  lamp  for  my  anointed. 

18  His  enemies  will  I  clothe  witli  shame; 
but  upon  himself  shall  his  crown  shine  bril- 
liantly.'' 

PSALM  CXXXIII. 

1  T[  A  song  of  the  degrees  by  David.  Be- 
hold, how  good  and  how  ^^leasant  it  is  when 
brethren''  dwell  closely  together  (in  union) ! 

2  (It  is)  like  the  precious  oiP  upon  the 
head,  running  down  upon  the  beard,  yea, 
Aaron's  beard,  which  runneth  down  upon 
the  upper  border  of  his  garments; 

3  Like  the  dew  of  Cherraon/  running  down 
upon  the  mountains  (jf  Zion ;  for  there  hath 
the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even  life 
for  evermore. 


"  ('.  e.  Refuse  not  the  prayer  of  Solomon  who  built  the 
temple.  ''  Rashi.     Others,  "  shall  blossom." 

•  °  i.  e.  The  Lsraelites,  who  are  brothers  in  faith.  Jona- 
than, "Zion  and  Jerusalem."  Aben  Ezra,  "the  priests," 
the  chief  of  whom  is  next  mentioned. 

^  Aaron,  symbolical  for  all  the  high-priests,  was  anoint- 
ed by  having  oil  poured  upon  his  head  :  this  ran  down 
naturally  upon  his  beard,  which  the  Asiatics  perfume, 
and  thence  to  the  upper  hem  of  his  garments;  thus  mak- 
ing all  penetrated  with  the  sweet  odour.  The  compari- 
son cxj)hiiiis  itself, 


PSALM  CXXXIV. 

1  ^  A  song  of  the  degrees.  Arise !''  bless 
ye  the  Lord,  ;dl  ye  servants  of  the  Lord  that 
stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  in  the  niglits. 

2  Lift  up  your  hands  toward  the  sanc- 
tuary, and  bless  the  Lord. 

3  May  the  Lord  bless  thee  out  of  Zion,  lie 
that  is  the  maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 

PSALM  CXXXV. 

1  T[  Hallelujah.  Praise  ye  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  praise  him,  0  ye  servants  of  the  Lord; 

2  Ye  that  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  our  God. 

3  Hallelujah;  for  the  Lord  is  good:  sing 
praises  unto  his  name;  for  it  is  lovely. 

4  For  Jacob  hath  the  Lord  chosen  unto 
himself,  Israel,  as  his  peculiar  treasure. 

5  For  I  well  know  that  the  Lord  is  gretit, 
and  that  our  Lord  is  above  all  gods. 

6  Whatsoever  the  Lord  willeth,  hath  he 
done  in  the  heavens,  and  on  the  earth,  in 
the  seas,  and  in  all  the  deeps. 

7  He  causeth  clouds  to  ascend  from  the 
ends  of  the  earth;  he  maketh  lightnings  with 
the  rain;  he  bringeth  forth  the  wind  out  of 
his  treasuries. 

8  (He  it  is)  who  smote  the  first-born  of 
Egypt,  botli  of  man  and  of  cattle ; 

9  Who  sent  signs  and  wonderful  tokens 
into  the  midst  of  thee,  0  Fgypt,  against  Pha- 
raoh, and  against  all  his  servants; 

10  Who  smote  many  nations,  and  slew 
mighty  kings; 

11  Sichon  the  king  of  the  Emorites,  and 
'Og  the  king  of  Bashan,  and  all  the  kingdonis 
of  Canaan; 

12  And  gave  their  land  as  an  inheritance, 
an  inheritance  unto  Israel  his  people. 

13  0  Lord,-  thy  name  (enduretli)  for  ever: 
0  Lord,  thy  memorial  is  throughout  all  gene- 
rations. 

'  Some  wish  to  read  [N'E'  Sioj>,  a  branch  of  ChcrnKin, 
instead  of  IVS  Zion.  Redak,  "And  as  the  dew  that  de- 
scendeth,"  &c.  Others,  "  the  clouds  that  are  gathered  at 
Chermon  let  out  their  3ew  on  the  mountains  of  Zion," 
which  appears  to  be  the  best  exposition.  The  abundance 
of  dew  in  summer  compensates  for  the  want  of  rain  in 
Palestine. 

'  run  generally  rendered  with  "behold,"  or  "lo,"  is  a 
sign  of  exclamation ;  here,  a  call  to  praise;  hence,  "arise." 

'  Philippson,  "The  Eternal  is  thy  name  for  ever;  the 
Eternal  is  tliv  memorial,"  &c. 


PSALMS  CXXXV.— CXXXVII. 


14  For  the  Loed  will  espouse  the  cause  of 
his  people,  and  concerning  his  servants  will 
he  bethink  himself. 

10  The  idols  of  the  nations  ai-e  silver  and 
gold,  the  work  of  the  hands  of  men. 

10  Mouths  they  have,  but  they  speak  not; 
eyes  they  have,  but  they  see  not ; 

17  Ears  they  have,  but  they  hear  not; 
neither  is  there  any  breath  in  their  mouth. 

18  Like  them  are  those  that  make  them, 
every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

19  0  house  of  Israel,  bless  ye  the  Lord; 
0  house  of  Aaron,  bless  ye  the  Lord; 

20  0  house  of  Levi,  bless  ye  the  Lord; 
ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  bless  the  Lord. 

21  Blessed  be  the  Lord  out  of  Zion,  even 
he  that  resideth  at  Jerusalem.     Hallelujah. 


PSALM  CXXXVI. 

1^0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord:  for  he 
is  good;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness. 

2  0  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  gods;  for 
to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

3  0  give  thanks  to  the  Lord  of  lords;  for 
to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

4  To  him  who  doth  great  wonders  alone; 
for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

5  To  him  that  made  the  heavens  with  un- 
derstanding; for  to  eternity  endureth  his 
]<indness. 

6  To  him  that  stretched  out  the  earth 
above  the  waters;  for  to  eternity  endureth 
his  kindness. 

7  To  him  that  made  great  lights;  for  to 
eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

8  The  sun  for  the  rule  by  day ;  for  to  eter- 
nity endureth  his  kindness; 

f)  The  moon  and  stars  for  the  rule  by  night; 
for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

10  To  him  that  smote  Egypt  in  their 
first-born;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness ; 

1 1  And  brought  out  Israel  from  the  midst 
of  them;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness ; 

12  With  a  strong  hand,  and  with  an  out^ 
stretched  arm;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his 
kindness. 


'  |{;ishi,  moaning  those  heartless  conquerors  who  asked 
the  captives  for  one  of  their  joyous  national  hymns.     Jona- 
than, "  that  robbed  us."     Sachs  and  others,  "oppressors." 
788 


13  To  him  who  divided  the  Red  Sea  into 
2)arts;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

14  And  caused  Israel  to  pass  through  the 
midst  of  it;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness ; 

15  But  overthrew  Pharaoh  and  his  host  in 
the  Red  Sea;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his 
kindness. 

16  To  him  who  led  his  people  through  the 
wilderness;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness. 

17  To  him  who  smote  great  kings;  for  to 
eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

18  And  slew  mighty  kings;  for  to  eternity 
endureth  his  kindness; 

19  Even  Sichon  the  king  of  the  Emorites; 
for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

20  And  'Og  the  king  of  Bashan;  for  to 
eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

21  And  gave  their  land  as  an  inheritance; 
for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

22  As  an  inheritance  unto  Israel  his  ser 
vant;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness; 

23  Who  hath  in  our  low  estate  remem- 
bered us;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness ; 

24  And  hath  freed  us  from  our  assailants; 
for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kindness ; 

25  Who  givetli  food  unto  all  flesh;  for  to 
eternity  endureth  his  kindness. 

26  0  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  the 
heavens;  for  to  eternity  endureth  his  kind- 
ness. 

PSALM  CXXXVII. 

1  ^  By  the  rivers  of  Bal)ylon,  there  we 
sat,  and  we  also  wept  when  we  remembered 
Zion. 

2  Upon  the  willows  in  her  midst  had  we 
hung  up  our  harps. 

3  For  there  our  captors  demanded  of  us 
the  words  of  song;  and  those  tliat  mocked* 
us,  joy,  (saying,)  Sing  for  us  one  of  the  songs 
of  Zion. 

4  How  should  we  sing  the  song  of  the 
Lord  on  the  soil  of  the  stranger? 

5  If  I  forget  thee,  0  Jerusalem,  may  my 
right  hand  forget — .*" 

6  May  my  tongue  cleave  to  my  palate  if  I 


'  i.  e.  After  lledak,  how  to  play  on  the  harp.  One 
opinion  quoted  by  Aben  Ezra,  "  may  ray  right  hand 
wither,"  or  "forget"  to  render  its  service. 


PSALMS  CXXXVII— CXXXIX. 


do  not  remember  thee :  if  I  recall"  not  Jeru- 
salem at  the  head  of  my  joy. 

7  Eemember,  0  Lord,  unto  the  children  of 
Edom  the  day  of  Jerusalem;  who  said,  Rase 
it,  rase  it,  even  to  her  veiy  foundation. 

8  0  daughter  of  Babylon,  who  art  wasted  j*" 
happy  he,  that  repayeth  thee  thy  recompense 
for  what  thou  hast  done  to  us. 

9  Happy  he,  that  seizeth  and  dasheth  thy 
babes  against  the  rock. 

PSALM  CXXXVIIL 

1  ^  By  David.  I  will  praise  thee  with 
my  whole  heart:  before  (thee),0  God," will  I 
sing  praise  unto  thee. 

2  I  wnll  bow  myself  down  before  thy 
holy  temple,  and  I  will  thank  thy  name  for 
thy  kindness  and  for  thy  truth;  for  thou 
hast  magnified  above  all  thy  name  thy  pro- 
mise.'* 

?j  On  the  day  when  I  called  didst  thou  an- 
swer me,  and  raise"  me  up  with  strength  in 
my  soul. 

4  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  will  give 
thanks  unto  thee,  0  Lord,  when  they  hear 
the  promises  of  thy  mouth. 

5  And  they  will  sing  on  tlie  ways  of  the 
Lord;  for  great  is  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

6  For  exalted  is  the  Lord,  yet  doth  he  re- 
gard the  lowly;  but  the  proud  he  punisheth*^ 
from  afar. 

7  If  I  should  walk  in  the  midst  of  distress, 
thou  wilt  revive  me:  against  the  wrath  of 
my  enemies  wilt  thou  stretch  forth  thy  hand, 
and  thy  right  hand  will  save  me. 

8  The  Lord  will  accomplish  (all)  in  my 
behalf;  0  Lord,  thy  kindness  endureth  for 
ever:  the  works  of  thy  own  hands  do  not 
abandon. 

PSALM  CXXXIX. 
1  ^   To  the  chief  musician,  by  David,  a 


*  Rashi.  Philippson,  "if  I  let  not  Jerusalem  trans- 
cend the  summit  of  my  jny." 

''  Jonathan  understands  the  word  mniy  as  an  active 
participle,  "  plunderer."  Redak,  "  that  is  to  be  de- 
stroyed," or  "doomed." 

°  Mendelssohn.  Rashi,  "before  the  chiefs  will  I  sing 
praises  unto  thee." 

^  The  fulfilment  of  the  promises  then  witnessed  exceed- 
ed, in  the  eyes  of  the  Psalmist,  all  what  had  been  told  of 
God  before:  "name,"  equal  to  "fame."  Aben  Ezra, 
"  thou  hast  magnified  over  all  (things)  thy  name  (and) 
thy  promise." 


psalm.      0  LdRn!    thou     hast    .searched    me 
through,  and  thou  knowest  (me). 

2  Thou  indeed  knowest  my  sitting  down 
and  my  rising  up,  thou  understandest  my 
thinking  while  yet^  afar  off. 

3  My  walking  and  my  lying  down  hast 
thou  limited,  and  with  all  my  ways  art  thou 
acquainted. 

4  For,  while  there  is  not  a  word  on  my 
tongue,  lo,  thou,  ()  Lord,  knowest  it  entirely. 

5  Behind  aiid  before  hast  thou  hedged  me 
in,  and  thou  placest  upon  me  thy  hand. 

6  Too  wonderful  is  such  knowledge  for 
me:  it  is  too  exalted,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 

7  Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  spirit?  or 
whither  shall  I  flee  away  from  thy  presence? 

8  If  I  should  ascend  into  lieaveu,  thou  art 
there;  and  if  I  should  make  my  lied  in  the 
nether  world,  behold,  thou  art  there. 

9  If  I  sliould  lift  up  the  wings  of  the 
morning-daAvn,  if  I  should  dwell  in  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  sea : 

10  Even  there  would  thy  hand  lead  me, 
and  thy  right  hand  would  seize  hold  of  me. 

11  If  I  said.  Surely  darkness  shall  en- 
shroud me,  and  into  night  (be  turned)  the 
light  about  me  : 

12  Yet  even  darkness  can  obscure  nothing 
from  thee;  but  the  night  will  shine  like  the 
day;  both  the  darkness  and  the  light  are 
alike  (to  thee). 

1-3  For  thou  possessest  my  reins:  thou 
hast  covered  me  in  my  mother's  womb. 

14  I  will  thank  thee  therefor,  that  I  am 
(so)  fearfully  (and)  wonderfully  made:  won- 
derful are  thy  works ;  and  that  my  soul 
knoweth  right  well. 

15  My  being  was  not  concealed  from  thee, 
when  I  was  made  in  secret,  when  I  was  (so 
to  say)  embroidered  in  the  lowest  parts  of  the 
earth. 

16  My  undeveloped  substance  did  thy  eyes 


'  Rashi;  or,  "madest  me  great."  Aben  Ezra, 
"strengthenedst."  Sachs,  "gavest  me  courage,  power 
of  victory  to  my  soul." 

'  Jonathan,  with  the  addition,  "from  (the  heavens) 
afar  oif."  Redak,  "and  being  high,  he  maketh  (his 
greatness)  known  from  afar."  Others,  "the  proud  he 
knoweth  afar  oflF." 

^  Redak:  t.  e.  before  the  thought  was  yet  framed. 
Rashi  and  Jonathan,  "thou  understandest  from  afar  how 
to  draw  me  into  companionship  with  thee."  "I'T  from 
i'l  "friend,"  "companion."  Others,  as  [r;?T  "think- 
ing." 

789 


PSALMS  CXXXIX  — CXLI. 


see;  and  in  thy  book  were  all  of  them  writ- 
ten down — the  days'  which  have  been  form- 
ed, while  yet  not  one  of  them  was  here. 

17  And  how  precious  are  unto  me  thy 
thoughts,  0  God.!  how  mightily  great  is 
tlieir  sum! 

18  Should  I  count  them,  they  would  be 
more  numerous  than  the  sand :  I  awake,*"  and 
I  am  still  with  thee. 

19  If  thou  wouldst  but  slay  the  wicked, 
0  God !  and  ye  men  of  blood,  dfejjart  from  me. 

20  Who  speak  of  thee  for  a  wicked  end, 
thy  enemies,  that  bear  (thy  name)  for  a  vain 
purpose. 

21  Behold,  those  that  hate  thee  I  ever 
hate,  0  Lord;  and  for  those  that  rise  up 
against  thee  do  I  feel  loathing. 

22  With  the  utmost  hatred  do  I  hate 
them :  enemies  are  they  become  unto  me. 

23  Search  me  through,  0  God,  and  know 
my  heart;  probe  me,  and  know  my  thoughts : 

24  And  see  if  there  be  a  way  of  perverse- 
ness"  in  me,  and  lead  me  on  the  way  of  eter- 
nity. 

PSALM  CXL. 

1  ^  To  the  chief  musician,  a  psalm  of 
David. 

2  Deliver  me,  0  Lord,  from  an  evil  man; 
from  a  man  of  violence  do  thou  keep  me ; 

3  Who  think  over  evil  (resolves)  in  their 
heart,  (who)  every  day  are  gathered  together 
for  war. 

4  They  have  sharpened  their  tongues  like 
a  serpent:  the  poison  of  the  adder  is  under 
their  lips.     Selah. 

5  Preserve  me,  0  Lord,  from  the  hands  of 
the  wicked;  from  the  man  of  violence  do 
thou  keep  me,  who  think  of  overthrowing 
my  steps. 

6  The  proud  Iiave  hidden  a  snare  for  me, 
and  cords;  they  have  s^jread  a  net  Isy  the 
side  of  (my)  track;  traps  have  they  set  for 
me.     Selah. 


*  Raslii,  who  explains,  "All  the  acts  of  man  and  the 
end  of  all  days  are  known  though  not  one  of  them  hath 
yet  existed."  But  Redak  supplies  "limb:"  "all  my 
limbs  wore  written  down,  coming  as  they  should  in  later 
times,  while  not  one  of  them  yet  existed." 

''  Abcn  Ezra;  but  Rashi,  "I  come  to  the  end  yp  of 
generations,  and  this  one  is  still  with  thee." 

°  Rashi  and  Redak.  Others,  "  the  way  of  pain,"  trou- 
ble. 

■*  Lit.  "arms,"  i.  e.  when  arms  arc  wielded — the  battle. 
700 


7  I  have  said  unto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my 
God :  give  ear,  0  Lord,  to  the  voice  of  my 
supplications. 

8  0  thou  Eternal  Lord,  the  strength  of  my 
salvation,  thou  hast  covered  my  head  on  the 
day  of  battle."* 

9  Grant  not,  0  Lord,  the  longings  of  the 
wicked ;  suffer  not  his  Avicked  device  to  suc- 
ceed: lest  they  exalt  themselves.     Selah. 

10  (As  for)  the  heads''  of  those  that  encom- 
pass me  about,  let  the  mischief  of  their  own 
lips  cover  them. 

11  Let  bupiing  coals  be  cast  upon  them: 
let  them  be  thrown  into  the  fire;  into  deep 
pits,*^  that  they  rise  not  up  again. 

12  Let  not  the  man  of  an  (evil)  tongue  be 
established  on  the  earth:  may  evil  hunt 
down  the  violent  man  to  his  downfall. 

13  I  know  that  the  Lord  will  procure 
right  for  the  afflicted,  (and)  justice  for  the 
needy. 

14  Surely  the  righteous  shall  give  thanks 
unto  thy  name :  the  upright  shall  dwell  be- 
fore thy  presence. 

PSALM  CXLI. 

1  ]J  A  psalm  of  David.  0  Lord,  I  call 
thee,  hasten  unto  me :  give  ear  unto  my 
voice,  when  I  call  unto  thee. 

2  May  my  prayer  be  valued  as  incense  be- 
fore thee,  the  lifting  up^  of  my  hands,  as  the 
evening  offering. 

3  Set,  0  Lord,  a  watch  unto  my  mouth : 
keep  a  guard  at  the  door  of  my  lips. 

4  Permit  not  my  heart  to  incline  after  any 
evil  thing,  to  practise  deeds  in  wickedness 
with  men  that  are  doers  of  wrong:  and  let 
me  not  eat  of  their  dainties. 

5  If  the  righteous  strike  me,  it  is  a  kind- 
ness; and  if  he  reprove  me,  it  is  (as)  oil 
poured  on  the  head,*"  my  head  shall  not  re- 
fuse it;  for  yet  my  prayer  also  (is  offered)  in 
their  sufferings.' 

6  Are  their  judges  fallen  down  through 

'  Rashi,  "The  troop  of  those  who  endeavour  to  turn  me 
away  from  thee."  B'SI  as  "the  sum,"  or  "the  collective 
body." 

'  Sachs,  after  an  Arabic  root,  "floods."  Rashi,  "bat- 
tles." 

*  Philippson,  "the  gift  of  my  hands." 

''  /.  i:  With  which  the  head  is  anointed.  (See  Ps. 
cxxxiii.  2.) 

'  This  verse  is  rendered  after  Philippson,  who  nearly 
fillnws  Jonathan,  who,  however,  joins,  "and  let  him  re- 


PSALMS  CXLI.— CXLIV. 


means  of  a  rock  :"  then  will  they  listen  to  my 
words ;  for  they  are  pleasant. 

7  As  when  one  cutteth  in  and  splitteth 
ojien  the  earth :''  so  are  our  bones  scattered 
for  the  mouth  of  the  grave. 

8  For  unto  thee,  0  Eternal  Lord,  are  my 
eyes  directed;  in  thee  do  I  trust:  pour  not 
out  my  life. 

9  Guard  me  from  the  power  of  the  snare 
which  they  luive  laid  for  me,  and  the  traps 
of  the  wrong-doers. 

10  Let  the  wicked  fall  into  their  own  nets, 
altogether — while  I  pass  safely  by. 

PSALM  CXLIL 

1  ^  A  Maskil  of  David,  when  he  was  in 
the  cave.     A  j^'ayer. 

2  With  my  voice  I  cry  unto  the  Lord  :  with 
my  voice  I  make  supplication  unto  the  Lokd. 

3  I  pour  out  before  him  my  grief:  my  dis- 
tress I  recite  before  him. 

4  When  my  spirit  was  overwhelmed  with- 
in me — and  thou  knowest  well  my  path — 
on  the  way  whereon  I  desired  to  walk  they 
had  secretly  laid  a  snare  for  me. 

5  Look"  to  the  right,  and  behold,  yea, 
there  is  no  man  that  recogniseth  me : 
(every)  refuge  is  lost  to  me ;  there  is  no  one 
that  careth*  for  my  soul. 

G  I  cried  unto  thee,  0  Lord:  I  said.  Thou 
art  my  refuge,  my  portion  in  the  land  of  life. 

7  Listen  unto  my  entreaty;  for  I  am  very 
miserable:  deliver  me  from  my  pursuers;  for 
they  are  too  mighty  for  me. 

8  Bring  forth  out  of  prison  my  soul,  that 
I  may  thank  th}^  name :  with  me  sliall  the 
righteous  crown  themselves,"  when  thou  wilt 
deal  bountifully  with  me. 

PSALM  CXLin. 

1  ^  A  psalm  of  David.  0  Lord,  hear 
my  prayer,  give  ear  to  my  supplications:  in 
thy  faithfulness  answer  me,  in  thy  righteous- 
ness. 

2  And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 


prove  me,"  to  the  first  part  of  the  verse,  and  continues, 
"the  oil  of  the  holy  greatness  shall  not  quit  my  head." 
Rashi  renders  the  conclusion  of  the  verse,  "  for  I  yet 
pray  against  their  evil  deeds — that  I  may  not  stumble 
through  them." 

"  Philippson,  after  Rashi;  the  latter  says  "rock" 
means,  the  evil  inclination,  which  is  as  hard  as  stone. 

^  Jonathan.  Rashi,  "  As  one  cutteth  (wood)  and  split- 
toth  open  the  earth,  so  are  our  bones  .scattered  to  reach  ! 


servant;  for  no  living  man  can  be  regarded 
righteous  before  thee. 

3  For  the  enemy  hath  pursued  my  soul ; 
he  hath  crushed  to  the  ground  my  life;  he 
hath  made  mo  dwell  in  darkness,  as  those 
that  are  dead  eternally.'' 

4  And  my  spirit  within  me  is  overwhelm- 
ed: in  my  bosom  is  my  heart  astounded. 

5  I  remember  the  days  of  olden  times;  I 
meditate  on  all  thy  doings:  on  the  work  of 
thy  hands  do  I  retlect. 

6  I  spread  forth  my  hands  unto  thee:  my 
soul  (longeth)  for  thee,  as  a  thirsty  land. 
Selah. 

7  Hasten,  answer  me,  0  Lord,  m}-  spirit 
faileth :  hide  not  thy  face  from  me,  tliat  I 
may  not  become  like  those  that  go  down  into 
the  pit. 

8  Cause  me  to  hear  in  the  morning  tliy 
Idndness;  for  in  thee  do  I  trust:  cause  me  to 
know  the  way  whereon  I  should  walk;  for 
unto  thee  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

9  Deliver  me,  0  Lord,  from  my  enemies: 
by  thee  do  I  seek  shelter. 

10  Teach  me  to  do  thy  will;  for  thou  art 
my  God:  thy  spirit  is  good;=  guide  me  on  a 
level  land. 

11  For  thy  sake,  0  Lord,  revive  me:  in 
thy  righteousness  bring  forth  out  of  distress 
my  soul. 

12  And  in  thy  kindness  destroy  my  ene- 
mies, and  annihilate  all  the  adversaries  of 
my  soul;  for  I  am  thy  servant. 

PSALM  CXLIV. 

1  T[  By  David.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  my 
Rock,  who  exerciseth  my  hands  for  tlie  bat- 
tle, my  fingers  for  the  war : 

2  My  kindness,  and  my  strong-hold;  my 
high  tower,  and  my  deliverer ;  my  shield,  and 
he  in  whom  I  trust;  who  subdueth  my  peo- 
ple under  me. 

3  Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  takest  cog- 
nizance of  him !  the  son  of  a  mortal,  that 
thou  regardest  him ! 


the  door  of  death  through  the  wickedness  of  the  sinner." 
In  this  sense  is  also  this  verse  rendered  here. 

"  Redak,  "I  look— I  behold." 

''  Lit.  "inquireth  for." 

"  Redak.     Rashi  and  Jonathan,  "for  my  sake  will  the 
righteous  oifer  a  crown  to  thee." 

'  Sforno,  who  comments,  "as  those  who  have  no  share  in 
eternal  life."    Aben  Ezra  and  Redak,  "dead  a  long  time." 

*  Sachs  and  others,  "  thy  gocjd  spirit  guide  me,"  &c. 

7'.il 


PSALMS  CXLIV.— CXLVI. 


4  Man  is  like  the  breath :  his  da}  s  are 
like  a  passing  shadow. 

5  0  Lord,  bend  thy  heavens,  and  come 
down :  touch  the  mountains,  that  they  may 
smoke. 

(i  Cast  forth  lightning,  and  scatter  them : 
send  out  tliy  arrows,  and  conibund  them. 

7  Stretch  out  thy  hands  from  above:  rid 
me,  and  deliver  me  out  of  great  waters,  from 
the  hand  of  the  children  of  the  stranger. 

8  Whose  mouth  speaketh  vanity,  and  whose 
right  hand  is  the  right  hand  of  falsehood. 

9  0  God,  a  new  song  will  I  sing  unto 
thee :  upon  the  ten-stringed  psaltery  will  I 
sing  praises  unto  thee. 

10  (Thou  art  he)  that  giveth  victory  unto 
kings:  who  riddeth  David  his  servant  from 
the  evil-bringing  sword. 

11  Kid  me,  and  deliver  me  from  the  hand 
of  the  children  of  the  stranger,  whose  mouth 
speaketh  vanity,  and  whose  right  hand  is  the 
right  hand  of  falsehood. 

12  So"  that  our  sons  may  be  like  plants, 
grown  up  in  their  youth:  our  daughters,  like 
corner-pillars,  sculptured  in  the  modeP  of  a 
palace. 

13  May  our  garners  be  full,  furnishing  all 
manner  of  store:"  our  sheep  bringing  forth 
thousands  and  ten  thousands  in  our  open 
pastui'es. 

14  May  our  oxen  be  strong  to  labour: 
may  there  be  no  breach,  nor  migration,  nor 
loud  complaint  in  our  streets. 

15  Happy  the  people,  that  fare  thus:  hap- 
py the  people,  whose  God  is  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLV. 

1  ^  A  hymn  of  praise  by  David.  I  will 
extol  thee,  my  God,  0  king;  and  I  will  bless 
thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

2  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee,  and  I  will 
praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

3  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  praised, 
and  his  greatness  is  unsearchable. 

4  One  generation  shall  praise  thy  works  to 
the  other,  and  thy  mighty  acts  shall  they  de- 
clare. 

5  On  the  majestic  glory  of  thy  excellence, 
and  on  thy  wondrous  deeds  will  I  meditate.* 


"  Others,  "  Truly  our  sons  are,"  &c. 
''  Meudelssohn,  "nur  daughters,  like  pillars,  sculptured 
!in  iirnamont  for  a  temple." 
702 


G  And  of  the  might  of  thy  terrible  acts 
shall  men  converse:  and  thy  greatness  will  I 
relate. 

7  The  memorial  of  thy  abundant  goodness 
shall  they  loudly  proclaim,  and  they  shall 
sing  joyfully  of  thy  righteousness. 

8  Gracious  and  merciful  is  the  Lord,  long- 
suffering,  and  great  in  kindness. 

9  The  Lord  is  good  to  all,  and  his  mercies 
are  over  all  his  works. 

10  All  thy  works  shall  thank  thee,  0 
Lord;  and  thy  pious  servants  shall  bless 
thee. 

1 1  Of  the  glory  of  thy  kingdom  shall  they 
converse,  and  of  thy  might  shall  they  speak: 

12  To  make  known  to  the  sons  of  men  his 
mighty  acts,  and  the  glorious  majesty  of  his 
kingdom. 

13  Thy  kingdom  is  a  kingdom  of  all  eter- 
nities, and  thy  dominion  (subsisteth)  through- 
out all  generations. 

14  The  Lord  upholdeth  all  who  are  falling, 
and  raiseth  up  all  those  who  are  bowed  down. 

15  The  eyes  of  all  wait  hopefully  upon 
thee,  and  thou  givest  them  their  food  in  its 
due  season. 

16  Thou  openest  thy  hand,  and  satisfiest 
the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

17  Righteous  is  the  Lord  in  all  his  ways, 
and  beneficent  in  all  his  works. 

18  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  those  who 
call  on  him,  to  all  who  call  on  him  in  truth. 

19  The  desire  of  those  who  fear  him  will 
he  fulfil,  and  their  cry  will  he  hear,  and  save 
them. 

20  The  Lord  preserveth  all  those  who 
love  him ;  but  all  the  wicked  will  he  destroy. 

21  The  praise  of  the  Lord  shall  my  mouth 
speak:  and  let  all  flesh  bless  his  holy  name 
for  ever  and  ever. 

PSALM  CXLVL 

1  ^  Hallelujah.  Praise,  0  my  soul,  the 
Lord. 

2  I  will  praise  the  Lord  throughout  my 
life :  I  will  sing  praises  unto  my  God  while  I 
have  any  being. 

3  Put  not  your  trust  in  princes,  in  the  son 
of  man,  in  whom  there  is  no  salvation. 


°  Heb.  "from  kind  to  kind." 
■^  Aben  Ezra.     Jonathan    and    Kodak, 
drous  acts  will  I  speak." 


'of  thy 


PSALMS  CXLVI.— CXLVIII. 


4  When  his  spu'it  g(X'th  fortli,  he  retiirn- 
eth  to  his  (native)  earth:  on  that  very  day 
perish  his  thoughts.' 

5  (But)  liappy  is  he  wlio  hath  the  God  of 
Jacob  lor  his  lielp,  whose  ho|)e  is  on  tlie  Lord 
his  God; 

G  Who  hatli  made  heaven,  and  earth,  the 
sea,  and  all  that  is  therein;  who  keepeth 
truth  for  ever; 

7  Who  executeth  justice  for  tlie  oppressed; 
who  giveth  Ijread  to  the  hungry:  the  Lord 
looseneth  the  prisoners; 

8  The  Lord  causeth  the  blind  to  see;''  the 
Lord  raiseth  up  those  who  are  bowed  down; 
the  Lord  loveth  the  righteous; 

9  The  Lord  guardeth  tlie  strangers;  the 
fatherless  and  widow  he  lielpetli  up;  but  the 
way  of  the  wicked  he  maketh  crooked. 

10  The  Lord  will  reign  for  ever,  even  thy 
God,  0  Zion,  unto  all  generations.  Hallelu- 
jah. 

PSALM  CXLVn. 

1  ^  Hallelujah;  for  it  is  good  to  sing 
praises  unto  our  God;  for  it  is  comel}-;" 
(him)  becoraeth  praise. 

2  The  Lord  buildeth  up  Jerusalem:  the 
outcasts  of  Israel  will  he  gather  together; 

3  He  that  healeth  the  broken-hearted,  and 
bindeth  up  their  hurts; 

4  Who  counteth''  the  number  of  the  stars ; 
who  calleth  them  all  by  (their)  names. 

5  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  abundant  in 
power:  his  understanding  is  immeasurable. 

6  The  Lord  helpeth  up  the  meek:  he 
bringeth  down  the  wicked  to  the  ground. 

7  Lift  up  a  song  unto  the  Lord  with 
thanksgiving;  sing  praises  unto  our  God  with 
the  harp; 

8  Who  covereth  the  heaven  with  clouds, 
who  prepareth  rain  for  the  earth,  who  caus- 
eth grass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains; 

9  Who  giveth  to  the  beast  its  food,  to  the 
young  ravens  which  cry." 

10  Not  in  the  strength  of  the  horse  hath 


'  Rashi.     Mendelssohn,  "wisest  resolves." 

"  Lit.  "openeth  the  blind." 

°  Philippson,  "because  he  (God)  is  lovely,  praise  be- 
cometh  him."  Sforno,  "because  he  delighteth  in  kind- 
ness, therefore,"  &c. 


■^  Mendelssohn,  "fixeth," 


'determineth.' 


"  The  ravens  are  said  to  throw  their  young  out  of  the 
nest  before  they  can  fly;  hence  God's  care  for  them. 


4Z 


he  delight:  nor  in  tlie  (swiftness'  of  the)  legs 
of  man  taketh  he  pleasure. 

11  The  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  those  that 
fear  him,  tliat  wait  for  his  kindness. 

12  Glorify,  0  Jerusalem,  the  Lord:  praise 
thy  God,  0  Zion. 

13  For  he  hath  strengthened  the  bars  of 
thy  gates;  he  hath  blessed  thy  children  in 
the  midst  of  thee; 

14  He  who  bestoweth  peace  in  thy  borders, 
who  satisfieth  thee  with  the  best  of  wheat; 

15  He  who  sendeth  forth  his  decree  unto 
the  earth:  how  swiftly  speedeth  his  word 
along ! 

16  He  who  dispenseth  snow  like  wool; 
who  streweth  about  the  hoarfrost  like  ashes; 

17  He  who  casteth  down  his  ice"  like 
pieces:  before  his  cold  who  can  stand? 

18  He  sendeth  out  his  word,  and  melteth 
them:  he  causeth  his  wind  to  blow,  and  wa- 
ters run  along."" 

19  He  declareth  his  word  unto  Jacob,  his 
statutes  and  his  ordinances  unto  Israel. 

20  He  hath  not  done  so  unto  any  nation : 
and  (his)  ordinances' — these  they  know  not. 
Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CXLYIIL 

1  Tl  Hallelujah.  Praise  ye  the  Lord  from 
the  heavens:  praise  him  in  the  heights. 

2  Praise  ye  him,  all  his  angels:  praise  ye 
him,  all  his  hosts. 

3  Praise  ye  him,  sun  and  moon :  praise 
him,  all  ye  stars  of  light. 

4  Praise  him,  ye  heavens  of  heavens,  and 
ye  waters  that  are  above  the  heavens. 

5  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord  ; 
for  he  commanded  and  they  were  created. 

G  And  he  established  them  for  ever  and 
to  eternity:  he  gave  a  decree  which  none 
shall  transgress."^ 

7  Praise  the  Lord  from  the  earth,  ye  sea- 
monsters,  and  all  deeps; 

8  Fire,  and  hail;  snow,  and  vapour;  thou 
storm-wind  that  fulfillest  his  word; 


'  Jonatlfan,  "not  in  the  legs  of  running  men  hath  he 
pleasure." 

'  Some,  "  hail,"  which  comes  down  in  pieces.     Eng. 
ver.,  "morsels,"  i.  c.  of  bread. 

''  Sachs,  after  Eedak,  "  they  run  off  in  water." 

'  Philippson  after  Hengstenberg,  "  and  laws  of  justice ;" 
because  heathen  laws  are  a  sad  mixture  of  right  and  wrong. 

■*  Rashi.     Redak,  "which  shall  not  pass  away." 

793 


PROVERBS  1. 


9  Ye  mountains,  and  all  hills;  fruitful 
trees,  and  all  cedars; 

10  Ye  beasts,  and  all  cattle;  creeping 
things,  and  winged  birds; 

11  Ye  kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  nations; 
ye  princes,  and  all  judges  of  the  earth  ; 

12  Young  men  and  also  virgins;  old  men, 
together  with  boys: — 

13  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord; 
for  his  name  alone  is  exalted;  his  majesty  is 
above  earth  and  heaven. 

14  He  also  exalteth  the  horn  of  his  people, 
a  2^ raise  unto  all  his  pious  servants,  (even) 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  a  people  near 
unto  him.     Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CXLTX. 

1  ^  Hallelujah.  Sing  unto  the  Lord  a 
new  song,  his  praise  in  the  congregation  of 
the  pious. 

2  Let  Israel  rejoice  in  his  Maker:  let  the 
children  of  Zion  exult  in  their  King. 

3  Let  them  praise  his  name  in  the  dance : 
with  the  timbrel  and  harp  let  them  sing 
praises  unto  him. 

4  For  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  his  peo- 
ple: he  will  adorn  the  meek  with  salvation. 

5  Let  the  pious  be  joyful  in  glory:  let 
them  sing  aloud  upon  their  couches. 


6  The  exalted  praises  of  God  are  in  their 
mouth,  and  a  two-edged  sword  is  in  their 
hand ; 

7  To  execute  vengeance  on  the  nations, 
and  chastisements  on  the  people; 

8  To  bind  their  kings  with  chains,  and 
their  nobles  with  fetters  of  iron ; 

9  To  execute  upon  them  the  judgment 
(which  is)  written :  this  is  an  honour"  for  all 
his  pious  servants.     Hallelujah. 

PSALM  CL. 

1  T[  Hallelujah.  Praise  ye  God  in  his 
sanctuary:  praise  him  in  the  expansion''  of 
his  power. 

2  Praise  him  for  his  acts  of  might:  jiraise 
him  according  to  the  abundance  of  his  greats 
ness. 

3  Praise  him  with  the  blowing  of  the 
cornet:  praise  him  with  the  psaltery  and 
harp. 

4  Praise  him  with  the  timbrel  and  dance: 
praise  him  with  stringed  instruments  and 
pipe. 

5  Praise  him  upon  the  clear-ringing  cym- 
bals: praise  him  upon  the  high-sounding 
cymbals. 

6  Let  every  thing  that  hath  breath"  praise 
the  Lord.     Hallelujah. 


THE  BOOK  OF  PROVERBS. 


CHAPTER  I 

1  T[  Tjie  proverbs  of  Solomon  the  son  of 
David,  the  king  of  Israel : 

2  To  know  wisdom  and  instruction  f 
to  comprehend  the  sayings  of  understand- 
ing; 


'  Sachs,  "  He  (God)  is  an  ornament  to  all,"  Ac. 

^  Eng.  ver.,  "firmament;"  more  correctly,  "the  ex- 
pansion," i.  e.  of  the  atmosphere. 

°  Not  alone  by  means  of  instruments  made  by  men, 
but  the  creatures  endowed  with  a  soul  themselves  shall 
continually  praise  the  Lord,  to  whom  praise  is  ilue  fnmi 
794 


3  To  accept  the  instruction  of  intelligence, 
righteousness,  and  justice,  and  equity; 

4  To  give  to  the  simple  prudence,  to  the 
youth  knowledge  and  discretion. 

5  The  wise  will  hear,  and  will  increase 
(his)  information;  and  the  man  of  under- 
standing will  obtain  wise  counsels :° 


all,  for  his  mercy  and  goodness,  which  are  without  end  or 
measure. 

^  1D1D  is  that  species  of  knowledge  proceeding  from  ex- 
perience; lit.  "correction,"  as  it  is  often  translated. 

"From  Slin  "the  pilot"  of  a  ship;  heuce,  Jonathan, 
X>"iU~'I!TD  "guidance,"   or  such  counsels  as  it  is   safe  to 


PROVERBS  I..  II. 


6  To  uiulerstand  a  proverb,  and  a  sage 
sentence ;"  the  words  of  the  wise,  and  their 
riddles. 

7  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning 
of  knowledge :  wisdoni  and  instru^ction  fools 
(alone)  despise. 

8  ^  Hear,  my  son,  the  instruction  of  thy 
father,  and  cast  not  ofi'  the  teaching  of  thy 
mother; 

9  For  a  wreath  of  grace  are  they  unto  thy 
liead,  and  chains  for  thy  throat. 

10  My  son,  if  sinnei's  wish  to  entice  thee, 
consent  thou  not. 

11  If  they  should  say.  Come  with  us,  let 
us  lie  in  wait  for  blood,''  let  us  Watch  in  con- 
cealment for  the  uselessly"  innocent; 

12  We  will  swallow  them  up  like  the 
grave  alive;  and  the  men  of  integrity,''  as 
those  that  go  down  into  the  pit; 

13  We  shall  find  all  (kinds  of)  precious 
wealth,  we  will  fill  our  houses  with  booty ; 

14  Thy  lot  must  thou  cast  in  our  midst; 
one  purse  shall  be  for  us  all : 

15  My  son,  walk  not  thou  on  the  way 
with  them;  withhold  thy  foot  from  their 
path ; 

16  For  their  feet  run  after  evil,  and  they 
make  haste  to  shed  blood. 

17  For  uselessly  is  the  net  spread'  out  be- 
fore the  eyes  of  every  winged  bird : 

18  While  they  lie  in  wait  for  their  (own) 
blood;  they  watch  in  concealment  for  their 
(own)  lives. 

19  So  are  the  paths  of  every  one  that  is 
greedy  after  (unlawful)  gain;  it  taketh  away 
the  life  of  those  that  own  it 

20  Wisdom  crieth  loudly  without;  in  the 
public  places  she  uttereth  her  voice ; 

21  At  the  corner  of  noisy  streets  she  call- 
eth,  at  the  entrances  of  gates;  in  the  city 
she  sayeth  her  speeches: 

22  How  long,  ye  simple  ones,  will  ye  love 

follow.  So  also  Philippson,  fiihrung.  There  is  no  single 
word  in  PJnglish  to  convey  this  idea;  hence  we  have  re- 
tained the  "wise  counsels"  of  the  English  version. 

'  Herxheimer.  Arnheim,  as  the  English  version,  "in- 
terpretation." 

"  Rashi,  "  to  shed  blood." 

°  i.  e.  Whose  innocence  cannot  save  him.  So  renders 
Philippson.  Ralbag,  "although  he  has  not  sinned  against 
us."  Herxheimer,  "without  danger,"  ;.  e.  we  need  ap- 
prehend no  danger  in  assailing  him  unawares. 

^  Aben  Ezra;  but  Ivashi,  "we  will  swallow  them  while 
they  are  entire." 


simfjlicity?  and  the  scorners  take  their  de- 
light in  scorning,  and  fools  hate  know- 
ledge ? 

23  Turn  back  to  my  admonition :  behold, 
I  will  pour*'  out  my  spirit  unto  you,  I  will 
make  known  my  words  unto  you. 

24  Whereas  I  called,  and  ye  refused ; 
I  stretched  out  my  hand,  and  no  man  was 
attentive  ; 

25  And  ye  have  set  at  nought  all  my 
counsel,  and  would  not  accept  my  admoni- 
tion: 

26  (Therefore)  I  also  will  truly  laugh  at 
your  calamity;  I  will  deride  (you)  when 
your  terror  cometh ; 

27  When  your  terror  cometh  like  the 
tempest-cloud,  and  your  calamity  hasteneth 
like  a  whirlwind;  when  there  come  upon 
you  distress  and  affliction. 

28  Then  will  they  call  me,  but  I  will  not 
answer;  they  will  seek  me  earnestly,  but 
they  shall  not  find  me ; 

29  For  the  reason  that  they  hated  know- 
ledge, and  the  fear  of  the  Lord  they  did  not 
choose ; 

30  (That)  they  would  not  attend  to  my 
counsel;  (that)  they  rejected  all  my  admoni- 
tion. 

31  Therefore  shall  they  eat  of  the  fruit  of 
their  own  way,  and  from  their  own  counsels 
shall  they  be  satisfied. 

32  For  the  defection  of  the  simple  will 
slay  them,  and  the  prosperity  of  fools  will 
cause  them  to  be  lost. 

33  But  he  that  hearkeneth  unto  me  shall 
dwell  safely,  and  shall  be  at  rest  from  the 
dread  of  evil. 

CHAPTER  IL 

1  ^  My  son,  if  thou  wouldst  but  accept 
my  woi'ds,  and  treasure  up  my  command- 
ments with  thee ; 


'  Arnheim,  "strewed  with  .seed."  Rashi  would  con- 
nect the  verses  so :  the  birds  conceive  the  seed  strewed 
in  the  net  is  there  for  no  purpose;  hence,  they  will 
snatch  at  it,  while  the  hunters  draw  in  the  cords,  as  they 
are  waiting  and  are  concealed  to  take  the  life  of  their 
prey.  According  to  this  view  the  word  own  must  not  be 
supplied.  Others,  however,  iuterpret,  "The  bird  seeing 
the  net  will  escape,  it  is  useless  to  catch  him,  and  so  will 
the  innocent  be  delivered  from  the  wicked,  while  the 
persecutors  themselves  are  caught  in  their  own  toils." 

'  True  wisdom,  the  fear  and  knowledge  of  God,  is  al- 
1  ways  accessible,  like  a  stream  of  water.    (Deut.  xss.  1-i.) 

795 


PROVERBS  n.  III. 


2  To  let  thy  ear  listen  unto  wisdom:  (if) 
thou  would.st  incline  thy  heart  to  understand- 
ing- 

o  For  if  thou  wilt  call  after  intelligence ; 
if  after  understanding  thou  wilt  lift  up  thy 
voice ; 

4  If  thou  wilt  seek  lier  as  silver,  and 
search  for  her  as  for  hidden  treasures: 

5  Then  wilt  thou  understand  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  knowledge  of  God  wilt 
thou  find. 

6  For  the  Lord  giveth  wisdom :  out  of  his 
mouth  (come)  knowledge  and  understanding. 

7  He  treasureth  up  sound  wisdom*  for  the 
righteous,  as  a  shield  to  those  that  walk  in 
integrity : 

8  That  men''  may  keep  the  paths  of  justice; 
and  the  way  of  his  pious  servants  doth  he 
guard. 

9  Then  wilt  thou  understand  righteous- 
ness, and  justice,  and  equity:  yea,  every 
track  of  goodness. 

10  For"  wisdom  will  enter  thy  heart,  and 
knowledge  will  be  pleasant  unto  thy  soul; 

11  Discretion  will  watch  over  thee,  under- 
standing will  keep  thee; 

12  To  deliver  thee  from  the  way  of  the 
bad,  from  the  man  that  speaketh  perverse 
things ; 

13  (From  those)  who  leave  the  paths  of 
uprightness,  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  dark- 
ness ; 

14  Who  rejoice  to  do  evil,  who  are  delight- 
ed in  the  perverseness  of  the  bad ; 

15  Who  as  regardeth  their  paths  are  crook- 
ed, and  froward  in  their  tracks. 

16  To  deliver  thee  from  the  adulteress,'' 
from  the  alien  woman  that  useth  flattering 
speeches ; 

17  That  forsaketh  the  friend  of  her  youth, 
and  forgetteth  the  covenant  of  her  God. 

18  For  she"  sinketh  unto  death — her  house, 
and  unto  the  departed  (lead)  her  tracks. 


°  Aben  Ezra.     Rashi  takes  it  as  equivalent  for  the  divine 
law.     Piiilipp.son,  "happiness." 

''  llashi,  Alien  P]zra,  &c.     Philippson,  "Watching  (/.  e. 
on  the  part  of  God)  the  paths  of  justice." 

'Jonathan.      Aben  Ezra,   "when  wisdom   entereth — 
then  will  discretion,"  &c. 

'^  So  llashi;  but  he  understands  by  the  term,  not  the 
adultrcss  proper,  but  idolatry,  which  is,  as  it  wore,  a 
breach  of  the  marriage  tie  between  God  and  Israel.  (See 
Hosea  ii.  21.)  The  "alien"  spoken  of  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  verse  is  also  one  "alien  to  virtue." 
'I'M 


19  All  that  come  unto  her  return  not 
aoain,  and  they  will  not  reach  the  paths  of 
life. 

20  In  order  that  thou  mayest  walk  in  the 
way  of  good  men,  and  observe  the  paths  of 
the  righteous. 

21  For  the  upright  will  dwell  on  the  earth, 
and  the  perfect  will  be  left  remaining  on  it. 

22  But  the  wicked  will  be  cut  ofi'  from  the 
earth,  and  the  treacherous  shall  be  plucked 
up  therefrom. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  T[  My  son,  forget  not  my  teaching,  and 
let  thy  heart  keep  my  commandments; 

2  For  length  of  days,  and  years  of  life,  and 
peace,  will  they  increase  unto  thee. 

3  Let  kindness  and  truth  not  forsake  thee; 
bind  them  about  thy  throat;  write  them 
upon  the  table  of  thy  heart: 

4  So  shalt  thou  find  grace  and  g(jod  fa- 
vour' in  the  eyes  of  God  and  man. 

5  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thy  heart: 
and  upon  thy  own  understanding  do  not 
rely. 

6  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and 
he  will  make  level  thy  paths. 

7  Be  not  wise  in  thy  own  eyes :  fear  the 
Lord,  and  depart  from  evil. 

8  It  will  be  healing  to  thy  body,^  and 
marrow  to  thy  bones. 

9  Honour  "the  Lord  with  thy  wealth,  and 
with  tlie  first-fruits  of  all  thy  products: 

10  So  shall  thy  storehouses  be  filled  with 
plenty,  and  with  new  wine  shall  thy  presses 
overflow. 

11  The  correction"*  of  the  Lord,  my  son, 
do  not  despise;  and  feel  no  loathing  for  his 
admonition; 

12  Becau.se  whomever  the  Lord  loveth  he 
admonisheth ;  and  as  a  father  who  delighteth 
in  (his)  son. 

13  Happy  the  man  that  hath  found  wis- 

"  Aben  Ezra;  i.  e.  death  is  her  proper  dwelling,  whi- 
ther her  conduct  leads  her.  llashi,  "Who  entereth  her 
house  is  on  the  declivity  leading  down  to  death."  Phi- 
lippson, "For  her  house  sinketh  unto  hell;"  but  n'^ 
house  is  masculine,  and  cannot  therefore  agree  with  nnty 
the  third  person  feminine. 

'  Lit.  "intelligence."     Others,  "success." 

'  Lit.  "  navel,"  the  soft  portion  of  the  body  against  /utiles. 

■"  The  sorrows  and  trials  of  life  are  the  means  God  em- 
ploys to  correct  man's  faults  and  to  admonisli  iiim  to 
amend. 


PROVERBS  III.  IV. 


(loin,   and   the    man    tliat   acquireth"  under- 
standing. 

14  For  the  obtaining*'  of  hor  is  better  than 
the  obtaining  of  silver,  and  better  than  fine 
gold  is  hor  product. 

15  She  is  more  precious  than  pearls ;  and  all 
the  things  thou  valuest  are  not  equal  unto 
her. 

16  Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand: 
in  her  left  are  riches  and  honour. 

1 7  Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and 
all  her  paths  are  peace. 

18  A  tree  of  life  is  she  to  those  that  lay 
hold  on  her:  and  every  one  that  firmly  grasp- 
eth  her  will  be  made  happy. 

19  ^  The  Lord  hath  through  wisdom 
founded  the  earth:  he  hath  established  the 
heavens  through  underst.anding. 

20  By  his  knowledge  were  the  depths 
split  open,  and  the  skies  drop  down  the 
dew. 

21  My  son,  let  them  not  be  removed  from 
thy  eyes;  keep  (before  thee)  sound  wisdom 
and  discretion: 

22  And  they  will  be  life  unto  thy  soul, 
and  grace  to  thy  throat. 

23  Then  wilt  thou  walk  in  safety  on  thy 
way,  and  thy  foot  will  not  strike  (against 
aught)  : 

24  When  thou  layest  thyself  down,  thou 
shalt  feel  no  dread;  and  as  thou  liest  down, 
thy  sleep  shall  be  pleasant. 

25  Thou  needest  not  to  be  afraid  of  sud- 
den dread,  neither  of  the  (unlooked-for)  tem- 
pest over  the  wicked,  when  it  cometh. 

26  For  the  Lord  will  be  thy  confidence, 
and  he  will  guard  thy  foot  from  being  caught. 

27  Withhold  not  a  benefit''  from  him  who 
is  deserving  it,  when  it  is  in  the  power  of 
thy  hand  to  do  it. 

28  Say  not  unto  thy  neighbour.  Go,  and 
return,  and  to-morrow  will  I  give:  when 
thou  hast  it  by  thee. 

29  Contrive  not  against  thy  neighbour  any 
evil,  when  he  dwelleth  in  safety  with  thee. 


'  Rashi,  "to  be  so  ready  with  it,  that  he  can  spread  it 
abroad  to  others." 

''  Ralbag;  but  Rashi,  literally,  "exchanges,"  or  "mer- 
chandise." 

°  Ralbag.  Zunz  and  Eng.  ver.,  "to  whom  is  it  due." 
Rashi,  one  opinion,  "Hinder  not  thy  friend  to  do  good  to 
the  poor  who  meritcth  it,  wlicn  thou  hast  even  the  power 
to  do  so." 


30  Quarrel  not  with  any  man  without 
cause,  if  he  have  done  thee  no  harm. 

31  Envy  not  the  man  of  violence,  and 
choose  none  of  his  ways. 

32  For  the  froward  is  an  abomination  to  the 
Lord;  but  with  the  upright  is  his  good-will." 

33  The  curse  of  the  Lord  is  in  the  house 
of  the  wicked;  but  the  habitation  of  the 
righteous  will  he  bless. 

34  If  (it  concern)  the  scornful  he  will  him- 
self render  them  a  scorn ;  but  unto  the  lowly 
doth  he  give  grace. 

35  The  wise  shall  inherit  glory;  but  fools 
shall  obtain  disgrace  as  their  portion."    • 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  Hear,  ye  children,  the  correction  of  a 
father,  and  attend  to  know  understanding. 

2  For  good  information  do  I  give  you:  my 
teaching  must  ye  not  forsake. 

3  For  I  was  a  son  unto  my  father,  a  tender 
and  an  only  child  before  my  mother. 

4  And  he  instructed  me,  and  said  unto  me. 
Let  thy  heart  grasp  firmly  my  words:  ob- 
serve my  commandments  and  live. 

5  Acquire  wisdom,  acquire  understanding: 
forget  not,  and  depart  not  from  the  sayings 
of  my  mouth. 

6  Forsake  her  not,  and  she  will  watch 
over  thee :  love  her,  and  she  will  keep  thee. 

7  The  beginning  of  wisdom  is.  Acquire 
wisdom:  and  with  all  thy  acquisition  acquire 
understanding. 

8  Hold  her  in  high  esteem,'^  and  she  will 
exalt  thee :  she  will  bring  thee  to  honour, 
when  thou  embracest  her. 

9  She  will  give  to  thy  head  a  wreath  of 
grace :  a  crown  of  ornament  will  she  deliver" 
to  thee. 

10  Hear,  0  my  son,  and  accept  my  say- 
ings: and  they  will  increase  unto  thee  the 
years  of  life. 

11  In  the  way  of  wisdom  have  I  instructed 
thee:  I  have  led  thee  in  the  tracks  of  upright- 
ness. 


**  Lit.  "secret;"  hence,  Arnheim,  "confidence,"  or 
"good-will;"  because  those,  to  whom  we  impart  our  se- 
crets, must  have  first  our  friendship. 

°  Rashi.  Ralbag,  one  opinion,  "shall  be  removed  by 
disgrace." 

'  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "Glean  for  her,"  *.  c.  seek  for 
her  with  ardour  wherever  she  may  bo  found. 

*  Abcii  Ezra.     Others,  "will  eni'iiiupass  thee." 

TP7 


PROVERBS  IV.  V. 


12  When  thou  walkest,  thy  step  shall  not 
be  narrowed ;  and  when  thou  runnest,  thou 
shalt  not  stumble. 

13  Lay  fast  hold  of  correction ;  let  her  not 
go:  keep  her;  for  she  is  thy  life. 

14  Enter  not  into'  the  path  of  the  wicked, 
and  step  not  on  the  way  of  the  bad. 

15  Avoid  it,  pass  not  through  by  it,  turn 
off  from  it,  and  pass  away. 

16  For  they  sleep  not,  except  they  have 
done  evil;  and  their  sleep  is  robbed  away, 
unless  they  cause  some  to  stumble. 

17  For  they  eat  the  bread  of  wickedness; 
and  the  wine  of  violence  do  they  drink. 

18  But  the  path  of  tlie  righteous  is  as  the 
early  morning"  lig^it?  that  shineth  more  and 
more  brightly  until  the  height  of  noonday.* 

19  The  way  of  the  wicked  is  like  dark- 
ness :  they  know  not  against  what  they  stum- 
ble. 

20  T[  My  son,  attend  to  my  words,  unto 
my  sayings  incline  thy  ear. 

21  Let  them  not  slip  away  from  thy  eyes: 
guard  them  in  the  midst  of  thy  heart. 

22  For  they  are  life  unto  every  one  of 
those  that  find  them,  and  to  all  his  body  a 
healing. 

23  Above  all  that  is  to  be  guarded,  keep 
thy  heart;  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life. 

24  Remove  from  thee  frowardness"  of 
mouth;  and  perverseness  of  lips  put  away  far 
from  thee. 

25  Let  thy  eyes  look  right  forward,  and 
let  thy  eyelids  see  straight  out  before  thee. 

26  Balance  well  the  track  of  thy  foot,  and 
let  all  thy  ways  be  firmly  right. 

27  Turn  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the 
left :  remove  thy  foot  from  evil. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Tl  My  son,  attend  unto  my  wisdom;  to 
my  understanding  incline  thou  thy  ear: 


•  Kalbag.    Philippson,  "a.s  the  upward-beaming  light," 
i.  e.  of  the  sua. 

"  Rashi.  Lit.  "the  establishment  of  day." 
°  Arnheira,  "Remove  from  thyself  crookedness  [Phi- 
lippson, "obliquity"]  of  the  mouth;  and  distortion  [Phi- 
lippson, " croukiiig"]  of  the  lips  put  away  far  from  thee;" 
which  Rashi  explains,  that  we  sliould  take  care  not  to  be 
ill  spoken  of  by  others;  Philippson,  that  we  should  be  so 
full  of  truth  as  nut  to  use  distortions  when  we  speak, 
whicli  betoken  falsehood.  But  that,  as  is  said  in  the  next 
verse,  we  should  be  straightforward  and  look  men  in  the 
face,  conscious  of  our  tiuthfuluess. 
7U8 


2  Tliat  thou  mayest  observe  discretion, 
and  that  thy  lips  maj'  keep  knowledge. 

3  For  as  of  fine  honey  drop  the  lips  of  an 
adulterous  woman,  and  smoother  than  oil  is 
her  jialate; 

4  But  her  end  is  bitter  as  wormwood,  it  is 
sharp  as  a  two-edged  sword. 

5  Her  feet  go  down  to  death,  her  steps 
take  firm  hold  on  the  nether  world : 

6  So  that  she  cannot  balance  the''  path  of 
life ;  her  tracks  are  unsteady,  and  she  know- 
eth  it  not. 

7  ][  And  now,  0  ye  children,  hearken 
unto  me,  and  depart  not  from  the  sayings 
of  my  mouth. 

8  Remove  far  from  her  thy  way,  and  come 
not  nigh  to  the  door  of  her  house; 

9  That  thou  mayest  not  give  up  unto 
others  thy  vigour,"  and  thy  years  unto  the 
cruel ; 

10  That  strangers  may  not  satisfy  them- 
selves with  thy  strength,  and  with  thy  exer- 
tions, in  the  house  of  an  alien : 

11  While  thou  moanest  at  thy  end,  when 
thy  flesh  and  thy  body  are  coming  to  their 
end, 

12  And  thou  sayest,  How  have  I  hated 
correction,  and  how  hath  my  heart  rejected 
reproof; 

13  While  I  hearkened  not  to  the  voice  of 
my  instructors,  and  to  my  teacliers  I  inclined 
not  my  ear ; 

14  But  little  more*^  was  wanting,  and  I  had 
been  in  all  (kinds  of)  unhappiness  in  the 
midst  of  the  congregation  and  assembly. 

15  Drink  water  out  of  thy  own  cistern, 
and  running  waters  out  of  thy  own  well. 

16  So  will  thy  springs  overflow  abroad; 
and  in  the  open  streets  will  be  thy  rivulets 
of  water  f 

17  They  will  be  thy  own  only,  and  not 
those  of  strangers  with  tliee. 


''  Philippson,  after  Jonathan ;  but  Rashi,  "  Weigh  not 
near  her  the  path  of  life,  choosing  to  do  one  thing  or  the 
other;  for  the  tracks  of  a  harlot  are  unsteady  and  they 
lead  to  perdition,  and  thou  wilt  not  be  able  to  take  heed 
till  thou  stumblest  and  fallest." 

"  Lit.  "glory,"  or  "respectability,"  here  what  makes 
the  j'outh  respected,  viz.  his  manly  vigour. 

'  Ralbag;  but  Rashi,  "for  a  trifle  have  I  been  brought 
unto  all  manner  of  evil."  Philippson  conceives  tliis  to 
mean  the  arraignment  on  trial  for  adultery,  wliicii  would 
have  caused  the  speaker's  death. 

'  After  Aben  Ezrii,  who  understands  herewith  a  multi- 


PROVERBS  V.  VI. 


18  Thy  fountain  will  be  blessed;  and  re- 
joice with  the  wife  of  thy  youth, — 

19  The  lovely  gazelle  and  the  graceful 
chamois:  let  her  bosom  satisfy  thee  abun- 
dantly at  all  times;  with  her  love  be  thou 
ravished  continually. 

20  And  why  wilt  thou,  my  son,  be  ravish- 
ed with  an  adulteress,  and  embrace  the  bosom 
of  an  alien  woman  ? 

21  For  before  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  the 
ways  of  man,  and  all  his  tracks  doth  he 
weigh  in  the  balance. 

22  His  own  iniquities  will  truly  catch  the 
wicked,  and  with  the  cords  of  his  sin  will  he 
be  held  firmly. 

23  He  will  indeed  die  for  want  of  correc- 
tion; and  through  the  abundance  of  his  folly 
will  he  sink  into  error. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  My  son,  if  thou  hast  become  surety 
for  thy  friend,  if  thou  hast  struck  thy  hand" 
for  a  stranger; 

2  If  thou  art  ensnared  through  the  words 
of  thy  mouth,  if  thou  art  caught  through  the 
words  of  thy  mouth  : 

3  (Then)  do  this, by  all  means,  my  son, 
and  deliver  thyself,  because  thou  art  come 
into  the  power*"  of  thy  friend,  Go  hasten  to 
him,  and  urge"  thy  friend. 

4  Grant  not  any  sleep  to  thy  eyes,  nor 
slumber  to  thy  eyelids. 

5  Deliver  thyself  as  a  roebuck  from  the 
hand  (of  the  hunter),  and  as  a  bird  from  the 
hand  of  the  fowler. 

6  ^  Go  to  the  ant,  thou  sluggard ;  look  on 
her  ways,  and  become  wise. 

7  She,  that  hath  no  prince,  officer,  or 
ruler, 

8  Provideth  in  the  summer  her  provision, 
gathereth  in  harvest-time  her  tbod. 

9  How  long,   0    sluggard,   wilt    thou    lie 

tude  of  children  springing  from  a  happy  and  faithful 
married  life.  Others  apply  it  all  metaphorically  to  wis- 
dom. 

"  i.  e.  Giving  a  pledge,  by  striking  in  the  hand  of  the 
person  who  is  to  receive  assurance  of  payment. 

'  Lit.  "hand,"  metaphorical  for  "grasp,"  or  "power." 
°  Rashi,  who  explains  3m  "multiply  friends,''  upon 
him  that  he  maj'  forgive  thco  if  thou  canst  not  pay; 
and  DSinn  "  open  him  thy  hand  to  pay  if  thou  hast  the 
means."  Arnheim,  after  Aben  f]zra,  "cast  thyself  at  his 
feet,  then  canst  thou  defy  the  friend,"  ('.  r.  the  one  who 
does  not  pay  his  debt. 


down?    when    wilt    thou    arise    out    of  thy 
sleep  ? 

10  "A  little  (more)  sleep,  a  little  slumber, 
a  little  folding  of  the  hands  in  lying  down;" 

11  But  then  will  thy  poverty  come  like  a 
rover,*  and  thy  want  as  a  man  armed  with 
a  shield. 

12  A  Godless  per.son  is  a  man  of  in- 
justice, who  walketh  with  a  distorted  mouth. 

13  He  blinketh  with  his  eyes,  he  scrap- 
eth"  with  his  feet,  he  pointeth  with  his  fin- 
gere; 

14  Perverseness  is  in  his  heart,  he  con- 
triveth  evil  at  all  times ;  Jie  scattereth  abroad 
discord.' 

15  Therefore  shall  suddenly  come  his  cala- 
mity: miawares  shall  he  be  broken  without 
a  remedy. 

16  Six  things  there  are  which  the  Lord 
hateth  ;  and  seven  are  an  abomination  unto 
his  spirit : 

17  Haughty  eyes,  a  tongue  of  falsehood, 
and  hands  that  shed  innocent  blood, 

18  A  heart  that  contriveth  plans  of  in- 
justice, feet  that  hasten  to  run  after  evil, 

19  A  false  witness  that  eagerly  uttereth 
lies,  and  him  that  scattereth  abroad  discord 
among  brethren. 

20  j[  Keep,  0  my  son,  the  commandment 
of  thy  father,  and  reject  not  the  teaching 
of  thy  mother: 

21  Bind  them  upon  thy  heart  continually, 
tie  them  about  thy  throat. 

22  When  thou  walkest,  it  shall  lead  thee; 
when  thou  best  down,  it  shall  watch  over 
thee;  and  when  thou  art  awake  it  shall  con- 
verse with  thee. 

23  For  the  commandment  is  a  lamp,  and 
the  law  is  light;  and  the  way  of  life  are  the 
admonitions  of  correction : 

24  To  guard  thee  against  a  bad  woman, 
from  the  flattery  of  an  alien  tongue.^ 


*  Septuagint,  "xaxoj  o^oirtopos;"  hence,  Herxheimer, 
"vagabond."  Philippson,  "robber;"  but  the  word  "rover" 
expresses  perfectly  the  Hebrew  iSna  and  all  the  other 
ideas  of  these  commentators. — A  man  supplied  with  a 
shield  makes  an  attack  and  at  the  same  time  wards  off 
the  blows  of  the  other;  or  the  same  as  "irresistible." 

'Philippson  and  Eng.  vcr.,  "he  speaketh,"  i.  e.  ht 
does  not  speak  out,  but  by  distortion  of  the  mouth,  by 
scraping  with  the  foot  and  pointing  with  the  finger,  he  in- 
fers a  falsehood  which  he  dares  not  to  utter. 

'  Lit.  "quarrels,"  "disputes." 

^  Jonathan,  "the  tongue  of  an  alien  woman." 


PROVERBS  VI.  VII. 


25  Covet  not  her  beauty  in  thy  heart,  and 
let  her  not  conquer  thee  with  her  eyelids. 

26  For  by  means  of  a  harlot"  (one'  is 
Ijrought  down)  to  the  last  loaf  of  bread :  and 
an  adulterous  woman  will  even  hunt  for  the 
precious  life. 

27  Can  a  man  gather  up  fire  in  his  lap, 
and  shall  his  clothes  not  be  burnt  ? 

28  Can  a  man  walk  along  upon  hot  coals, 
and  shall  his  feet  not  be  burnt  ? 

29  So  it  is  with  him  that  goeth  in  to  his 
neighbour's  wife:  no  one  that  toucheth  her 
shall  remain  unpunished. 

30  Men  do  not  despise  the  thief,  if  he  steal, 
to  gratify  his  craving  when  he  is  hungry: 

31  And  if  he  be  found,  he  must  pay  seven- 
fold; all  the  wealth  of  his  house  must  he 
give. 

32  But  whoso  committeth  adultery  with  a 
woman  lacketh  sense:  he  that  is  the  de- 
stroyer of  his  soul,  will  alone  do  this. 

33  Plague  and  disgrace  will  he  meet  with; 
and  his  reproach  will  not  be  blotted  out. 

34  For  jealousy  is  the  fury  of  a  husband, 
and  he  will  not  spai'e  on  the  day  of  ven- 
geance. 

35  He  will  not  regard  the  appearance  of 
any  ransom;  and  he  will  not  be  content, 
though  thou  give  ever  so  many  bribes. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Tf  My  son,  observe  my  saynigs,  and  my 
commandments  nuist  thou  treasure  up  with 
thee. 

2  Observe  my  commandments,  and  live: 
and  my  teaching  as  the  apple  of  thy  eyes. 

3  Bind  them  around  thy  fingers,  write 
them  upon  the  table  of  thy  heart. 

4  Say  unto  wisdom,  Thou  art  my  sister; 
and  call  understanding  thy  kinswoman  : 

5  That  they  may  keep  thee  from  an  adul- 
terous woman,  from  an  alien  that  useth  tiat- 
tering  speeches. 

G  For  through  the  window  of  my  house, 
tlirough  my  lattice  did  I  (once)  look  out, 


*  i.  e.  The  company  with  dis.sohitc  women  iu  general 
will  ruin  even  the  wealthiest  and  lead  to  penury;  but 
:i'lultory  will  endanger  life  even. 

''  Meaning,  he  was  first  observed  loitering  about  at 
dusk,  and  he  continued  till  it  was  quite  dark. 

°  Arnheini.  Philippson,  "of  a  deceitful  tongue." 
![cr.xlu<inier,  "concealed  intention." 

■' Lit.  "She  hnnlciM'd  licr  face  and  saiil,"  &c. 

goo 


7  And  I  beheld  among  the  simple  ones,  I 
discerned  among  the  jouths,  a  lad  void  of 
sense ; 

8  He  was  passing  through  the  market- 
place near  her  corner;  and  he  stepped  along 
on  the  way  to  her  house, 

9  In  the  twilight,''  in  the  evening  of  the 
day,  in  the  depth  of  the  night  and  when  it 
was  dark: 

10  And,  behold,  a  woman  came  to  meet 
him  with  the  attire  of  a  harlot,  and  obdurate" 
of  heart. 

11  (She  is  noisy  and  ungovernable;  in 
her  house  her  feet  never  rest; 

12  At  one  time  she  is  in  the  street,  at  an- 
other in  the  open  places,  and  near  every 
corner  doth  she  lurk,) 

13  And  she  caught  hold  of  him,  and  kissed 
him,  and  with  an  impudent  face'"  she  said  to 
him, 

14  "I  had  bound  myself  to  bring  peace- 
oflferings;  this  day  have  I  paid  my  vows: 

15  Therefore  am  I  come  forth  to  meet 
thee,  to  seek  thy  presence  diligently,  and  I 
have  found  thee. 

16  With  tapestry  coverings  have  I  decked 
my  bed,  with  embroidered  coverlids'"  of  the 
fine  linen  of  Egyijt. 

17  I  have  sprinkled  my  couch  with  myrrh, 
aloes,  and  cinnamon. 

18  Come,  let  us  indulge  in  love  until  the 
morning:  let  us  delight  ourselves  with  dalli- 
ances. 

19  For  the  man  is  not  in  his  house,  he  is 
gone  on  a  journey  a  great  way  ofi': 

20  The  bag  of  money  hath  he  taken  with 
him,*^  by  the  day  of  the  new-moon  festival 
only  will  he  come  home." 

21  She  seduced  him  l)y  the  aljundance  of 
her  reasoning:''' by  the  flattery  of  her  lips  she 
misguided  him. 

22  He  followed  after  her  suddenly,  as  an 
ox  goeth  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  in  fetters'" 
to  his  correction,  the  fool : 

23  Till    an    arrow    cleaveth    throuoh    his 


'  Jonathan,  Abcn  Ezra,  and  I'hilippson.  Halbag,  tak- 
ing Dn^in  as  chains  or  gold  ornaments,  supposes  riUDn 
to  be  "cords." 

'  Heb.  "in  his  hand." 

s  Lit.  "information,"  or  "doctrine;"  here  the  voliibility 
of  false  reasoning. 

''  Arnheim.  Jonathan  takes  DDj'  to  nuan  dni:,  and 
renders   as  "the  dog  to  coirection,"  and   takes  ViN  fur 


PROVERBS  VII.  VIII. 


liver;  as  a  bird  hasteneth  into  tlio  snare, 
and  knoweth  not  that  it  is  done  to  take  bis 
life. 

24  T[  And  now,  0  cbildron,  bcarken  unto 
me,  and  listen  to  the  sayings  of  my  mouth. 

25  Let  not  thy  heart  turn  aside  to  her 
ways,  do  not  go  astray  on  her  patlis. 

26  For  many  deadly  wounded  hath  she 
caused  to  fall:  yea,  very  numerous  are  all 
those  slain  by  her. 

27  The  wa^s  to  the  nether  world  is  her 
house,  leading  down  to  the  chambers  of 
death. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Behold.  wij<doni  ralleth,  and  understand- 
ing sendeth  forth  her  voice. 

2  On  the  top  of  high  places,  l)y  the  way- 
side, at  the  house  where  there  are  (many) 
paths  doth  she  place  herself 

3  Alongside  of  gates,  at  the  opening  of  the 
city,  at  the  entrance  of  the  town  (-doors) 
doth  she  call  loudlv, 

4  Unto  you,  0  men,  I  call,  and  my  voice 
(goeth  forth)  to  the  sons  of  men. 

5  Learn,  0  ye  simple,  to  understand  pru- 
dence :  and,  ye  fools,  be  ye  of  an  understand- 
ing heart. 

G  Hear!  for  of  noble  things  will  I  speak; 
and  the  opening  of  my  lips  shall  be  of  what 
is  equitable. 

7  For  truth  uttereth  my  palate  ever,  and 
the  abomination  of  my  lips  is  wickedness. 

8  In  righteousness  are  all  the  sayings  of 
my  mouth,  there  is  in  them  nothing  crooked 
or  perverse. 

U  They  are  all  evident  to  the  man  of  un- 
derstanding, and  correct  to  those  that  have 
obtained  knowledge. 

10  Accept  my  correction,  and  not  silver; 
and  knowledge  rather  than  choice  gold. 

11  For  wisdom  is  better  than  pearls;  and 
all  the  things  that  men  wish  for  are  not 
equal  to  her. 


S'N  "  the  Jeer,"  and  connects  it  with  the  next  verse  :  "  And 
like  the  deer  who  receiveth  the  flying  arrow  in  his  liver." 
Philippson,  after  Rosenmiiller,  and  others,  "as  a  deer 
springeth  in  the  net,"  taking  IDIO  as  synonymous  with 
"net." 

'  Philippson,  "and  nobly  all  the  judges  of  the  earth." 
''  Aben  Ezra.     Eashi,  "I  have  a  great  inheritance  to 
give  to  my  friends." 

"Jonathan.     Lit.  "acquired."  | 

&  A 


12  I  wisdom  dwell  with  prudence,  and  the 
knowledge  of  discreet  thoughts  do  I  discover. 

13  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  to  hate  evil, 
pride  and  arrogance,  and  the  evil  way:  and 
the  mouth  of  perverseness  do  I  hate. 

14  Mine  are  counsel  and  sound  wisdom :  I 
am  understanding;  nn'ne  is  nnght. 

15  Through  me  do  kings  reign,  and  chief- 
tains give  decrees  (in)  righteousness. 

IG  Through  me  do  princes  rule,  and  the 
nobles,"  even  all  the  judges  of  the  earth. 

17  I  indeed  love  those  that  love  me;  and 
those  that  seek  me  earnestly  shall  find  me. 

18  Riches  and  honour  are  with  me,  yea, 
enduring  wealth  and  righteousness. 

19  My  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  and  than 
fine  gold;  and  my  products,  than  choice  sil- 
ver. 

20  On  the  road  of  righteousness  do  I  walk 
firmly,  in  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  justice: 

21  That  I  may  cause  those  that  love  me 
to  inherit  a  lasting  possession  ;*"  and  their 
treasures  will  I  fill. 

22  ^  The  Lord  created''  me  as  the  begin- 
ning of  his  way,  the  firsf*  of  his  works  from 
the  commencement. 

23  From  eternity  was  I  appointed  chief, 
from  the  beginning,  from  the  earliest  times 
of  the  earth. 

24  When  there  were  yet  no  depths,  was  I 
brought  forth ;  when  there  were  yet  no  springs 
laden  heavily  with  water. 

25  Before  the  mountains  were  yet  sunk 
down,""  before  the  hills  was  I  Ijrought  forth : 

26  While  as  yet  he  had  not  made  the 
land  and  open  fields,  nor  the  chief^  of  the 
dust  of  the  world. 

27  When  he  prepared  the  heavens,  I  was 
there;  when  he  drew  a  circle'^  over  the  face 
of  the  deep ; 

28  When  he  fastened  the  skies  above; 
when  the  springs  of  the  deep  became  strong; 

29  When  he  assigned  to  the  sea  his  decree, 
that  the   waters   should   not  transoress    his 


^  Aben  Ezra  and  Arnheim.  Philippson,  DID  as  a  pre- 
position, '■'■hifure  his  works,  long  ago." 

"  As  though  the  mountains  were  dropped  down  on 
their  bases  by  the  hands  of  the  Creator. 

'  Kashi;  meaning,  "the  first  man,  Adam."  Philipp- 
son, "the  total  of  the  unfruitful  dust  of  the  world." 
Others,  "the  highest."  Arnheim,  after  Aben  Ezra, 
"the  beginning." 

*  Jialbag,  "the  globe  of  the  earth." 

801 


PROVERBS  VIII.  IX.  X. 


order;"  when  he  established  firmly  the  found- 
ations of  the  earth : 

30  Then  was  I  near  him,  as  a  nursling; 
and  I  was  day  by  day  (his)  delights,  playing 
before  him  at  all  times; 

31  Playing  in  the  world,  his  earth ;*"  and 
having  my  delights  with  the  sons  of  men. 

32  ^  And  now,  0  children  (of  men),  hearken 
unto  me !  for  hapjjy  are  those  that  observe 
my  ways. 

33  Hear  correction,  and  be  wise,  and  reject 
it  not. 

34  Happy  is  the  man  that  hearkeneth 
unto  me,  watching  day  by  day  at  my  gates, 
waiting  at  the  posts  of  my  doors. 

35  For  he  who  findeth  me  findeth  life, 
and  he  obtaineth  favour  from  the  Lord. 

36  But  he  that  sinneth  against  me  doth 
violence  to  his  own  soul :  all  those  that  hate 
me  love  death. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ]f  Wisdom  hath  built  her  house;  she 
hath  hewn  out  her  seven  pillars ; 

2  She  hath  killed  her  cattle;  she  hath 
mingled  her  wine ;  she  hath  also  set  in  order 
her  table. 

3  She  hath  sent  forth  her  maidens:  she 
inviteth  (her  guests)  ujion  the  top"  of  the 
highest  places  of  the  town. 

4  Whoso  is  simple,  let  him  turn  in  hither: 
as  for  him  that  is  void  of  sense,  she  saith  to 
him, 

5  "Come,  eat  of  my  bread,  and  drink  of 
the  wine  which  I  have  mingled. 

6  Forsake  simplicity,  and  live ;  and  go  on- 
ward on  the  way  of  understanding. 

7  He  that  correcteth  a  scorner  acquireth 
for  himself  abuse ;  and  he  that  reproveth  the 
wicked  getteth  himself  a  blemish. 

8  Do  not  correct  a  scorner,  lest  he  hate 
thee :  reprove  a  wise  man,  and  he  will  love 
thee. 

9  Give  to  the  wise  (instruction),  and  he 
will  become  yet  wiser:  impart  knowledge  to 
the  righteous,  and  he  will  increase  his  infor- 
mation. 

10  The  commencement  of  wisdom  is  the 


•  Arnheim,  "that  the  water  should  not  pass  beyond 
its  shore,"  V3  the  mouth  of  the  sea;  but  others,  "the 
nrder  of  God." 

•'  Abcn  E/,r:i,.      Olli.  rs,  "on  tlie  globe  of  liis  earth." 
801i 


fear  of  the  Lord;  and  the  knowledge  of  the 
Most  Holy  One"*  is  understanding. 

11  For  through  me  shall  thy  days  be  mul- 
tiplied, and  the  years  of  thy  life  shall  be  in- 
creased unto  thee. 

12  If  thou  art  become  wise,  thou  art  wise 
for  thyself;  but  if  thou  art  a  scorner,  thou 
alone  wilt  have  to  bear  it." 

13  The  woman  of  folly  is  noisy:  she  is 
simple,  and  knoweth  not  what  (to  do). 

14  And  she  sitteth  at  the  door  of  her 
house,  upon  a  chair  in  the  high  places  of  the 
town. 

15  To  call  the  wayfarers  who  go  straight 
forward  on  their  jjaths. 

Ki   Who.so  is  simple,  let  him  turn  in  hi 
ther;  and  as  for  him  that  is  void  of  sense, 
she  saith  to  him, 

17  "Stolen  waters  are  sweet,  and  bread 
of  secrecy  is  pleasant." 

18  But  he  knoweth  not  that  the  departed 
are  there ;  that  in  the  depths  of  the  nether 
world  are  her  guests. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  The  proverbs  of  Solomon.  A  wise 
son  causeth  (his)  father  to  rejoice;  but  a 
foolish  son  is  the  grief  of  his  mother. 

2  Treasures  of  wickedness  will  not  profit 
aught;  but  righteousness  will  deliver  from 
death. 

3  The  Lord  will  not  suffer  the  soul  of  the 
righteous  to  famish;  but  the  sinful  desires 
of  the  wicked  will  he  cast  away. 

4  He  becometh  poor  that  laboureth  with 
an  indolent  hand;  but  the  hand  of  the  dili- 
gent maketli  rich. 

5  He  that  gathereth  in  summer  is  an  in- 
telligent son;  (but)  he  that  sleepeth  in 
harvest  is  a  son  that  causeth  shame. 

6  Blessings  come  upon  the  head  of  the 
righteous;  but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked 
covereth  violence. 

7  The  memory  of  the  just  is  (destined)  to  be 
blessed;  but  the  name  of  the  wicked  shall  rot. 

8  The  wise  in  heart  will  accept  command- 
ments; but  he  that  is  a  fool  in  his  speaking" 
will  stumble. 


"  Lit 

"  Ab 

'and  the 

•  Ileb 


backs." 
en  Ezra,  as  though  it  were  D'tyip  D'nSx. 
he  knowledge  of  holy  men,"  &c. 
~    ■     flips." 


Othe 


fool 


PROVERBS  X.  XT. 


9  He  that  walkctli  uprightly  ever  wallteth 
securely;  but  he  that  perverteth  his  ways 
will  be  punished. 

10  He  that  winketh  with  the  eye  causeth 
vexation;  and  he  that  is  a  fool  in  his  speak- 
ing will  stumble. 

11  A  source  of  life  is  the  mouth  of  the 
righteous;  but  the  luouth  of  the  wicked  cover- 
eth  violence. 

12  Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes;  but  love 
throweth  a  cover  over  all  transgressions. 

13  On  the  lips  of  the  man  of  understand- 
ing there  is  found  wisdom;  but  a  rod  is  for 
the  back  of  him  that  is  void  of  sense. 

14  Wise  men  treasure  up  knowledge;  but 
the  mouth  of  the  foolish  is  an  approaching 
teiTor." 

15  The  wealth  of  the  rich  man  is  his 
strong  town :  the  terror  of  the  poor  is  their 
poverty. 

16  The  labour  of  the  righteous  (tendeth) 
to  life:  the  product  of  the  wicked  is  for  sin. 

17  On  the  way  unto  life  is  he  that  ob- 
serveth  correction ;  but  he  that  forsaketh  re- 
proof is  in  error. 

18  He  that  hideth  hatred  hath  lips  of 
ftilsehood ;  and  he  that  spreadeth  abroad  an 
evil  report,  is  a  fool. 

19  In  a  multitude  of  words  transgression 
cannot  be  avoided;  but  he  that  refraineth  his 
lips  is  intelligent. 

20  (Like)  choice  silver  is  the  tongue  of  the 
righteous:  the  heart  of  the  wicked  is  worth 
but  very  little. 

21  The  lips  of  the  righteous  feed  many; 
but  fools  die  through  lack  of  sense.*" 

22  The  blessing  of  the  Lord  it  is  which 
maketh  rich,  and  painful  labour  addeth  no- 
thing thereto. 

23  It  is  as  sport  to  a  fool  to  do  wicked 
deeds;  but  a  man  of  understanding  hath  wis- 
dom." 

24  What  the  wicked  dreadeth,  that  will 
come  upon  him;  but  the  longing  of  the  right- 
eous will  God  grant. 

25  As  the  whirlwind  passeth  by,  the  wick- 


'  Aruht'im.  Jonathan,  "destruction;"  and  so  wher- 
ever the  word  nnrrs  occurs. 

^  Aben  Ezra,  "fools  die  through  means  of  one  void  of 
sense,  who  misleadcth  them." 

'  Rashi,  "As  it  is  sport  to  the  fool  to  do  wicked  deeds, 
BO  is  wisdom  (sport)  to  the  man  of  understanding." 

''  Arnheim,  "but  it  is  a  terror  to  the  workers,"  &c. 


ed  is  no  more;  but  the  righteous  is  an  ever- 
lasting foundation. 

26  As  vinegar  is  to  the  teeth,  and  as 
smoke  is  to  the  eyes:  so  is  the  sluggard  to 
those  that  send  him. 

27  The  fear  of  the  Lord  increaseth  (man's) 
days;  but  the  years  of  the  wicked  will  l)e 
shortened. 

28  The  expectation  of  the  righteous  is  joy ; 
but  the  hope  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

29  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  a  strong-hold  to 
the  upright;  but  terror''  is  destined  to  the 
workers  of  injustice. 

30  The  righteous  shall  never  be  removed; 
but  the  wicked  shall  not  inhabit  the  earth. 

31  The  mouth  of  the  just  uttereth"  Avis- 
dom;  but  the  tongue  of  perverseness  shall  be 
cut  out. 

32  The  lips  of  the  righteous  know  (how  to 
obtain)  favour;  but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked 
(speaketh)  perverseness. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1  Balances  of  deceit  are  an  abomination  of 
the  Lord;  but  a  full  weight  (obtaineth)  his 
favour. 

2  When  pride  cometh,  then  cometh  dis- 
grace; but  with  the  modest  there  is  Avisdom. 

3  The  integrity  of  the  upright  guideth 
them;  but  the  cunning  of  the  treacherous 
destroyeth  them. 

4  Wealth  cannot  profit  on  the  day  of 
wrath  ;*^  but  righteousness  will  deliver  from 
death. 

5  The  righteousness  of  the  perfect  maketh 
even  his  way;  but  by  his  own  wickedness 
will  the  wicked  fall. 

6  The  righteousness  of  the  upright  will  de- 
liver them ;  but  through  their  own  sinful  de- 
sires are  the  treacherous  caught. 

7  When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  (his)  hope 
vanisheth ;  and  the  expectation  of  (his)  chil- 
dren'' is  lost. 

8  The  righteous  is  delivered  out  of  dis- 
tress, and  the  wicked  cometh  in  his  stead. 

9  With  his  mouth  doth  the  hypocrite  de- 


'  Rashi.     Others,  "produceth." 

'  When  God  punishes. 

s  Rashi,  taking  d'JIN  as  "strength,"  in  the  sense  it  is 
found  in  Gen.  xlix.  3.  Philippson,  "  his  expectation  of 
power,"  as  apposition  to  "the  hopes"  first  spoken  of. 
Jonathan,  "of  the  men  who  do  unjustly,"  as  though  its 
singular  were  spelled  avcii  instead  of  on. 

803 


PROVERBS  XI.  XII. 


strov  his  neighbour;  but  througli  knowledge 
arc  the  righteous  delivered. 

10  When  it  goeth  well  with  the  righteous, 
the  town  rejoiceth  loudly:  and  when  the 
wicked  perish,  there  is  joyful  shouting. 

11  Through  the  blessing  of  the  upright  a 
city  is  exalted;  but  through  the  mouth  of  the 
wicked  it  is  pulled  down. 

12  He  that  despiseth  his  neighbour  is  void 
of  sense;  but  a  man  of  understanding  main- 
taiueth  silence. 

13  He  that  walketh  about  as  talebearer  re- 
vealeth  secrets;  but  he  that  is  of  a  faithful 
spirit  concealeth  the  matter. 

14  Where  there  is  no  wise  guidance,  a 
people  must  fall;  but  (it  will  obtain)  help 
through  the  nuiltitude  of  counsellors. 

15  With  evil  will  he  be  overwhelmed  that 
is  surety  for  a  stranger;  but  he  that  hateth 
giving  the  hand  as  pledge  is  safe. 

16  A  woman  endowed  with  grace  will 
surely  obtain  honour;  and  the  powerful"  will 
obtain  riches. 

17  The  man  of  kindness  doth  good  to  his 
own  soul;  but  he  that  troubleth  his  own 
flesh  is  cruel. 

18  The  wicked  practiseth  a  work  of  false- 
hood;'' but  he  that  soweth  righteousness  (ob- 
taineth)  the  reward  of  truth. 

19  He  who  is  firm  in  righteousness  at- 
ta'meth  to  life:  and  he  that  pursueth  evil 
(dotli  it)  to  his  own  death. 

20  An  abomination  of  the  Loud  are  those 
of  a  perverse  heart;  but  his  favour  is  for 
those  who  are  unblemished  in  their  way. 

21  The  hand  (of  God)  being  against  (Ids) 
hand,'"  the  bad  num  shall  not  go  unpunished; 
but  the  seed  of  the  righteous  shall  escape. 

22  As  a  golden  ring  in  a  swine's  snout,  so 
is  a  handsome  woman  that  hath  thrown  off 
discretion.** 

23  The  desire  of  the  righteous  is  only 
good ;  but  the  hope  of  the  wicked  is  the  wrath 
(of  God). 

24:  There  is  a  man  that  scattereth  gifts, 
and  yet  his  wealth  is  increased :  and  there  ii? 

'  llashi,  and  so  Philippson,  gives  D'y'">i',  a  bad  sense, 
"those  who  are  tyrannical  or  unjustly  exacting;"  but 
Ilcrxhcinicr  thinks  it  merely  intended  to  represent  here 
the  "industrious,"  "hardy  labourers." 

"'  Arnheim,  "the  wicked  ac(|uire  a  worthless  gain." 
°  So    llashi    and    Aben    Ezra.       .Jonathan,   "  FIc    that 
stretcheth  out  his  Iiand  against  his  neighbour."     Some, 


one   that  withholdeth   more  than  is   proj)er, 
and  still  cometli  only  to  want. 

25  A  beneficent  soul  will  be  abundantly 
gratified;"  and  he  that  refresheth  (others) 
will  be  also  refi'eshed  himself. 

26  Him  that  withholdeth  corn,  the  people 
will  denounce;  but  blessing  Avill  be  heaped 
upon  the  head  of  the  one  that  selleth  it. 

27  He  that  diligently  searcheth  after  good 
seeketh  favour;  but  if  one  inquireth  after  evil, 
it  will  come  unto  liim. 

28  He  that  trusteth  in  his  riches  will 
surely  fall;  but  the  righteous  shall  grow  like 
the  leaves  (of  a  tree). 

29  He  that  troubleth  his  own  house  will 
inherit  the  wind;  and  the  fool  will  become 
the  servant  to  the  wise  of  heart. 

30  The  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  of  the  tree 
of  life;  and  the  wise  draweth  souls  to  him- 
self 

31  Behold,  the  righteous  is  recompensed 
on  the  earth:  how  much  more  the  wicked 
and  the  sinuer."^ 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Whoso  loveth  correction  loveth  know- 
ledge;  but  he  that  hateth  reproof  is  brutish. 

2  The  gn(xl  obtaineth  favour  of  the  Loud; 
but  a  man  of  wicked  devices  will  he  con- 
demn. 

3  A  num  cainiot  be  firmly  established  by 
wickedness;  but  the  root  of  the  righteous 
will  not  be  moved. 

4  A  virtuous  woman  is  a  crown  to  her 
husband ;  but  as  rottenness  in  his  bones  is 
one  that  bringeth  shame  (on  him). 

5  The  thoughts  of  the  righteous  are  jus- 
tice :  the  best  counsels  of  the  wicked  are 
deceit. 

6  The  woi'ds  of  the  wicked  are  of  lying  in 
wait  for  blood;  but  the  mouth  of  the  upright 
will  deliver  them. 

7  The  wicked  are  suddenly  overthrown, 
and  are  no  more ;  but  the  hoflse  of  the  right- 
eous will  endure. 

8  In  accordance  with  his  intelligence  is  a 


"from  hand  to  iiaiid,"  i.  e.  though  the  evil  pass  from  one 
generation  to  another.  Philippson,  after  Ewald,  "The 
hand  I  pledge,"  or  "  is  pledged  that,"  &c.,  /.  c  it  is  certain. 

. ''  I'hilippson,  "  that  is  without  morals."  Others,  "grace." 

''  Ijit.  "made  fat," — "watered." 

'  llashi  comments,  "How  much  more  must  the  wicked 
be  ultimately  punished,  either  iu  life  or  in  dcalii," 


PROVERBS  XII.  XIII. 


man  praised;  hut  he  that  is  perverse  of  heart 
will  eoiiie  to  be  despised. 

9  Better  is  he  that  is  lightly  esteemed  who 
hatli  a  servant,  than  he  that  aimeth  after 
honour,  ;iud  lacketh  bread. 

10  A  righteous  man  careth  for  the  life  of 
his  Ijeast;  but  the  mercies  of  the  wicked  are 
cruelty. 

11  He  that  tilleth  his  ground  will  be  satis- 
fied with  bread;  but  he  that  runneth  after 
idle  persons  is  void  of  sense. 

12  The  wicked  is  covetous  for  the  net  of 
evil  men ;  but  (God)  giveth  root"  to  the 
righteous. 

13  In  the  transgression  of  his  lips  is  the 
snare  of  the  wicked;  but  the  righteous  com- 
eth  out  of  distress. 

14  From  the  fruit  of  his  mouth  will  a 
man  be  satisfied  with  what  is  good  ;  and  the 
recompense  of  a  man's  hands  will  be  brought 
back  unto  him. 

15  The  way  of  a  fool  is  straight  in  his  own 
eyes;  but  he  that  hearkeneth  unto  counsel  is 
wise. 

IG  The  wrath  of  the  fool  is  known  on  the 
very  day;  but  he  that  concealeth  the  disgrace 
is  prudent. 

17  He  that  uttereth  truth  announce th 
righteousness ;  but  a  ttxlse  witness,  deceit. 

IS  There  is  some  one  that  useth  words 
(which  are)  like  the  thrusts  of  a  sword;  but 
the  tongue  of  the  wise  is  healing. 

19  The  lip  of  truth  will  stand  firm  for 
ever;  but  only  for  a  moment  the  tongue  of 
falsehood. 

20  Deceit  is  in  the  heart  of  those  that  con- 
trive evil;  but  for  the  counsellors  of  peace 
there  is  joy. 

21  No  wrong  can  come  unawares  to  the 
righteous;  but  the  wicked  are  full  of  evil. 

22  An  abomination  of  the  Lord  are  lips  of 
fiilsehood;  but  they  that  deal  in  fiiithfulness 
(obtain)  his  favour. 


•  So  Arnlieim  and  others,  after  Jonathan,  who,  how- 
ever, merely  gives,  "the  root  of  the  righteous  shall  en- 
dure." Eashi,  however,  "the  root  of  the  righteous  shall 
yield  fruit."  Aben  Ezra,  "shall  strike  into  the  ground," 
i.  e.  become  deeply  rooted. 

^  Rashi  and  Ralbag,  who  conceive  that  Solomon  says 
it  is  unfit  for  men  to  entertain  care  either  for  the  present 
or  future,  but  he  should  remove  it  by  relying  on  God. 
In  this  view  is  njNT  "care,"  a  feminine  noun,  the  object. 
Others,  for  this  once,  make  :h  "the  heart,"  generally 
masculine,  a  feminine,  and  the  object  of  the  verse,  and 


23  A  prudent  man  concealeth  (his)  know- 
ledge; but  the  heart  of  fools  proclaimeth 
(their)  folly. 

24  The  hand  of  the  diligent  will  bear 
rule;  but  the  indolent  must  become  tribu- 
tary^ 

25  If  there  be  care  in  the  heart  of  man  let 
him  suppress  it;  and  a  good  word  will  change 
it  into  joy.** 

26  The  righteous  is  more  excellent"  than 
his  neighbour;  but  the  way  of  the  wicked 
leadeth  them  astray. 

27  The  indolent  roasteth  not  that  which 
he  hath  caught  in  hunting;  but  the  most  pre- 
cious wealth  of  man  is  diligence.'* 

28  On  the  path  of  righteousness  there  is 
life ;  and  on  her  pathway  there  is  immor- 
tality. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  A  wise  son  (becometh  so)  by  the  cor- 
rection of  his  father;  but  a  scorner  hearken- 
eth not  to  rebuke. 

2  From  the  fruit  of  a  man's  mouth  doth 
he  eat  what  is  good ;  but  the  longing  of  tlie 
treacherous  is  for  violence. 

3  He  that  watcheth  his  mouth  guardeth 
his  soul;  but  he  that  openeth  wide  his  lips 
(prepareth)  himself  destruction." 

4  The  sluggard  longeth  (in)  his  soul,  and 
there  (cometh)  nothing;  but  the  soul  of  the 
diligent  will  be  abundantly  gratified. 

5  The  righteous  hateth  tlie  word  of  false- 
hood; but  the  wicked  bringeth  shame  and 
dishonour. 

6  Righteousness  keepeth  (him  that  is)  u]> 
right  on  his  way;  but  wickedness  pervertetli' 
the  (man  of)  sin. 

7  There  is  some  one  that  pretendeth  to  be 
rich  without  having  any  thing:  another  that 
pretendeth  to  be  poor  while  having  abundant 
wealth. 

8  As  the  ransom  of  a  man's  life  (hath  he 


translate,  "  Care  in  a  man's  heart  will  bend  it  down ; 
but  a  good  word  will  cause  it  to  rejoice."  Philippson 
adopts  both  constructions,  the  first  for  the  beginning, 
and  the  other  for  the  conclusion  of  the  verse. 

°  Rashi,  "  the  righteous  yieldeth  (his  wrath)  to  his 
neighbour."  Arnheira,  "warneth  his  neighbour,"  i.  c. 
to  make  him  do  right. 

^  Arnheim.  Rashi,  "the  wealth  of  a  man  who  is  dili- 
gent is  precious." 

•  Others,  "terror." 

'  Philippson,  "produoeth  the  sinners  downfall." 

80.5 


PROVERBS  XIII.  XIV. 


often  to  give)"  liis  I'iches;  but  the  poor  hear- 
eth  no  threat. 

9  The  light  of  the  righteous  burneth  joy- 
fully;'' but  the  lamp  of  the  wicked  will  be 
quenched. 

10  Only  through  presumptuous  conduct 
doth  man  produce  contention;  but  with  the 
well-advised  is  wisdom. 

11  Wealth  (gotten)  by  vain  deeds  will"  be 
diminished;  but  he  that  gathereth  by  close 
labour"^  will  increase  it. 

12  Expectation  long  deferred  maketh  the 
heai-t  sick;  but  a  tree  of  life  is  a  desire  which 
is  fulfilled. 

13  Whoso  despiseth  the  word  shall  fall  in 
debt  to  it ;"  but  he  that  feareth  the  command- 
ment will  be  rewarded. 

14  The  instruction  of  the  wise  is  a  source 
of  life,  (teaching)  to  avoid  the  snares  of 
death. 

15  Good  intelligence  giveth  grace;  but  the 
way  of  the  treacherous  is  hard.*^ 

16  Every  prudent  man  acteth  with  know- 
ledge; but  a  fool  spreadeth  abroad  his  folly. 

17  A  wicked  messenger  falleth  into  un- 
happiness;  but  a  faitliful  ambassador  (bring- 
eth)  healing.  "~ 

18  Poverty  and  disgrace  will  overtake 
him  that  rejecteth  correction;  but  he  that 
observeth  admonition  will  be  honoured. 

19  A  desire  accomplished  is  pleasant  to 
the  soul ;  but  it  is  abomination  to  fools  to  de- 
part from  evil. 

20  He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  will 
become  wise;  but  he  that  associateth  with 
fools  will  be  destroyed.^ 

21  Evil  pursueth  the  sinners;  but  the 
righteous  will  (God)  repay  with  happiness. 

22  A  good  man  leaveth  an  inheritance  to 
his  children's  children;  but  the  wealth  of 
the  sinner  is  treasured  up  for  the  righteous 


23 


Much    food    Ijringeth    the    new-tilled 


■  Arnheim,  Pliilippson,  &c.,  after  Ralbag  and  Aben 
Ezra;  i.  e.  wealth  often  becomes  dangerous  because  of 
the  cupidity  of  rulers  and  malice  of  iuforraers;  but  the 
poor  escape  this  danger. 

''  Lit.  "rejoiceth,"  i.  e.  it  shines  as  though  it  felt  joy. 

°  Aben  Ezra.  Herxheimer,  "  Wealth  is  diminished 
through  vanity." 

"  Heb.  "upon  the  hand." 

'  Rashi.  By  despising  the  word  of  God  we  incur 
Tuilt — as  it  were,  fall  in  debt  for  the  good  neglected. 

'  Rashi    comments,    "grievous    to    him    and    other,^." 
J'hilippsoti,  "  destructive. " 
800 


ground*"   of  the   poor;    but   there   are    many 
others  that  are  taken  away  through  injustice. 

24  He  that  withholdeth  his  rod  hateth  his 
son;  but  he  that  loveth  him  chastiseth  him 
betimes. 

25  The  righteous  eateth  to  satisfy  his  de- 
sire (to  eat) ;  but  the  belly  of  the  wicked 
always  suffereth  want. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  The  wise  among  women  buildeth  her 
house;  but  the  foolish  pulleth  it  down  witli 
her  own  hands. 

2  In  his  uprightness  walketh  he  that  fear- 
eth the  Lord;  but  perverse  in  his  ways  is  he 
that  despiseth  him. 

3  In  the  mouth  of  the  foolish  is  a  stick 
(for  his)  pride;  but  the  lips  of  the  wise  will 
preserve  them. 

4  Where  no  oxen  are,  is  the  crib  clean ; 
but  the  abundance  of  harvests  is  (onl^) 
through  the  strength  of  the  ox. 

5  A  faithful  witness  will  not  lie;  but  a 
false  witness  constantly  uttereth  lies. 

6  A  scorner  seeketh  wisdom,  and  there  is 
none;  but  knowledge  is  easy  to  the  man  of 
understanding. 

7  Go  far  away  from  a  foolish  man,  else 
thou  wilt  (never)  know'  the  lips  of  know- 
ledge. 

8  The  wisdom  of  the  prudent  is  to  under- 
stand his  way;  but  the  folly  of  fools  is  de- 
ceit.'' 

9  The  fool  maketh  a  mockery'  of  guilt; 
but  among  the   upright  there  is  good-will. 

10  The  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitterness; 
and  with  its  joy  can  no  stranger  intermed- 
dle. 

11  The  house  of  the  wicked  will  be  de- 
stroyed; but  the  tent  of  the  upright  will 
flourish. 

12  There  is  many  a  way  which  seemeth 


*  Heb.  "broken  in  pieces." 

''  Philippson;  meaning,  a  piece  of  ground  laboriously 
reclaimed  by  the  poor  brings  an  abundant  return,  whereas 
others  perish  for  the  injustice  they  practise.  Others 
render  the  verse,  "Abundance  of  food  giveth  the  field  to 
the  poor,  while  wealth  is  dissipated  through  improper 
acting."  Ralbag,  "  Much  food  is  obtained  through  the 
tillage  of  the  poor." 

'  Rashi. 

"  Both  self-deception  and  deceiving  others. 

'  Aben  Ezra.  Arnheim,  "(between)  the  fools  is  guilt 
the  interpreter,  but  benevolence  between  the  upright." 


PROVEEBS  XIV.  XV. 


oven   before   a  man ;   but  its   end   are  ways 
unto  death. 

13  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  feeleth 
pain ;  and  at  its  end  joy  is  sorrow. 

14  The  backslider  in  heart  will  have 
enough  of  his  own  ways;  and  from  liini  (de- 
parteth)  the  good  men.* 

15  The  simple  believeth  every  word;  but 
the  prudent  man  understandeth  his  steps. 

16  A  wise  man  is  fearful,  and  departeth 
from  evil;  but  the  fool  exciteth  hiinself,  and 
is  confident. 

17  He  that  is  soon  angry  committeth 
folly;  and  a  man  of  wicked  devices  is  hated. 

18  The  simple  inherit  folly;  but  the  pru- 
dent crown  themselves  with  knowledge. 

19  The  bad  sink  down  before  the  good; 
and  the  wicked  are  at  the  gates  of  the  righl> 
eous. 

20  Even  to  his  own  neighbour  is  the  poor 
man  hateful;  but  the  friends  of  the  rich  are 
many. 

21  He  that  despiseth  his  neighbour  is  a 
sinner;  but  he  that  is  gracious  to  the  poor — 
happiness  attend  him ! 

22  Behold,  those  who  contrive  evil  are  in 
error;  but  kindness  and  truth  attend  on  those 
who  contrive  what  is  good. 

23  In  all  painful  labour  there  is  profit; 
but  mere  words  of  the  lips  (lead)  only  to 
want 

24  The  crown  of  the  wise  is  their  riches; 
but  the  folly  of  fools  is  (only)  folly. 

25  A  deliverer  of  souls  is  the  true  witness; 
but  a  witness  of  deceit  uttereth  lies. 

26  In  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  strong 
confidence  (of  man),  and  unto  his  children 
will  it  be  a  place  of  shelter. 

27  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  source  of 
life,  (teaching)  to  avoid  the  snares  of  death. 

28  In  the  multitude  of  people  is  the  king's 
glory ;  but  in  the  want  of  a  population  is  the 
downfall  of  the  prince. 

29  He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  of  great  un- 
derstanding; but  he  that  is  hasty  of  spirit 
holdeth  up  (to  view)  his  folly. 

30  A  sound  heart  is  the  life  of  the  body; 
but  jealousy  is  the  I'ottenness  of  the  bones. 

31  He  that  oppresseth  the  poor  blasphem- 


'  Ralbag.  Aben  Ezra,  vh}>0  "from  his  leaves,"  mean- 
ing the  lightest  good  deeds,  "will  the  good  man  be  satis- 
fied."      Philippson,    "from     his    deeds,"   &c.       Others, 


eth  his  Maker;  Init  he  that  is  gracious  to  the 
needy  honoureth  him. 

32  Through  his  own  evil  is  the  wicked 
thrust  down;  but  even  in  his  death  doth  the 
righteous  have  confidence. 

33  In  the  heart  of  the  man  of  understand- 
ing restoth  wisdom  ;  ])ut  (the  little  which  is) 
in  the  bosom  of  tools  is  nuide  known. 

34  Righteousness  exalteth  a  people;  Init 
the  disgrace  of  nations  is  sin. 

35  The  king's  favour  is  bestowed  on  an  in- 
telligent servant;  but  his  wrath  is  against 
him  that  deserveth  shame. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  A  soft  answer  turneth  away  fury;  but  a 
mortifying  word  stirreth  up  anger. 

2  The  tongue  of  the  wise  maketh  know- 
ledge acceptable;  but  the  mouth  of  fools  sput- 
tereth  out  folly. 

3  In  every  jilace  are  the  eyes  of  the  IxtRi), 
looking  on  the  bad  and  the  good. 

4  A  healing  (word)  of  the  tongue  is  a  tree 
of  life;  but  perverseness  therein  is  a  breach 
to  the  spirit. 

5  A  fool  contemneth  the  correction  of  his 
father;  but  he  that  observeth  admonition 
will  become  prudent. 

6  In  the  house  of  the  righteous  there  is 
much  treasure;  but  in  the  income  of  the 
wicked  is  trouble. 

7  The  lips  of  the  wise  scatter  knowledge ; 
but  the  heart  of  fools  is  not  reliable. 

8  The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomi- 
nation of  the  Lord;  but  the  prayer  of  the 
upright  (obtaineth)  his  favour. 

9  An  abomination  of  the  Lord  is  the  way 
of  the  wicked;  but  him  that  pursueth  right- 
eousness will  he  love. 

10  An  evil  correction''  is  (destined)  for 
him  that  forsaketh  the  (right)  path :  he  that 
hateth  admonition  will  die. 

11  The  nether  world  and  corruption  are 
open  before  the  Lord:  how  much  more  then 
the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men ! 

12  A  scorner  loveth  not  that  one  should 
admonish  him:  unto  the  wise  doth  he  not 
go. 

13  A  merry  heart  cheereth  up  the  counte- 


"from  what  is  in  him."     Jonathan,  "from  his  piety.'- 
Rashi,  "above  the  wicked  will  be  the  good  man." 
''  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "Correction  is  evil  to,"  &c. 

807 


PROVERBS  XV.  XVI. 


nance;   but  when  the  heart  feeleth  pain  the 
spirit  is  depressed. 

14  Tlie  heart  of  the  man  of  understanding 
seeketh  knowledge;  but  the  mouth  of  fools 
feedeth  on  folly. 

15  All  the  days  of  the  afllicted  are  evil; 
but  he  that  is  of  a  cheerful  heart  hath  a  con- 
tinual feast. 

IG  Better  is  little  with  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  than  great  treasure  and  confusion  there- 
with. 

17  Better  is  an  allowance  of  herbs  when 
love  is  there,  than  a  stall-fed  ox  and  hatred 
therewith. 

18  A  man  of  fury  stirreth  up  strife;  but 
he  that  is  slow  to  anger  assuageth  conten- 
tion . 

19  The  way  of  the  slothful  man  is  like  a 
hedge  of  tliorns;  but  the  path  of  the  upright 
is  a  levelled  (road). 

20  A  wise  son  causeth  his  father  to  re- 
joice ;  but  a  foolish  man  despiseth  his  mother. 

21  Folly  is  joy  to  him  that  is  void  of  sense; 
but  a  man  of  understanding  walketh  straight 
forward. 

22  Plans  are  frustrated  without  consulta- 
tion ;  but  through  a  multitude  of  counsellors 
canst  thou  maintain  thyself 

23  A  man  hath  joy  by  the  answer  of  his 
mouth;  and  a  word  (spoken)  at  the  proper 
time,  how  good  is  it! 

24  The  path  of  life  (leadeth)  upward  for 
the  intelligent,  in  order  that  he  may  avoid 
the  nether  world  beneath. 

25  The  Lord  will  tear  down  the  house  of 
the  proud;  but  he  will  set  up  firmly  the 
boundary  (-stone)  of  the  widow. 

26  An  abomination  of  the  Lord  are  the 
thoughts  of  the  bad  man ;  but  pleasant 
speeches  are  pure  (before  him). 

27  lie  that  is  greedy  after  gain  troubleth 
his  own  house;  but  he  that  hateth  gifts  will 
live. 

28  The  heart  of  the  righteous  reflecteth  to 
answer;  but  the  month  of  the  wicked  sput^ 
tereth  out  evil  things. 


*  i.  e.  Such  admonitions  as  lead  to  life  eternal. 

"  Rashi,  who  explains,  "he  puttcth  in  order  his  counsel 
and  his  words  in  his  heart."  Lit.  "orderiugs,"  or  "ar- 
rangings." 

°  Philippson,  "  the  answering  (of  (lie  prayer")  of  the 
tongue." 

"  ITeb.  "roll." 
808 


29  The  Lord  is  far  from  the  wicked;  but 
the  prayer  of  the  righteous  doth  he  hear. 

30  (What  is  pleasant  to)  the  light  of  the 
eyes  rejoiceth  the  heart :  a  good  report  giveth 
marrow  to  the  bones. 

31  The  ear  that  heareth  the  admonition 
of"  life  will  ever  abide  in  the  midst  of  the 
wise. 

32  He  that  rejecteth  correction  despiseth 
his  own  soul ;  but  he  that  heareth  admoni- 
tion acquireth  intelligence. 

33  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  correction 
for  wisdom;  and  before  honour  there  must 
come  humility. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Unto  man  belong  the  resolves'"  of  the 
heart;  but  from  the  Lord  cometh  the  expres- 
sion" of  the  tongue. 

2  Every  one  of  the  ways  of  a  man  is  pure 
in  his  own  eyes;  but  the  Lord  measureth 
the  spirits. 

3  Commit^  unto  the  Lord  thy  works,  and 
thy  plans  will  be  firmly  established. 

4  Every  thing  hath  the  Lord  wrought  for 
its  destined  end :"  yea,  even  the  wicked  for 
the  day  of  unhappiness. 

5  An  abomination  of  the  Lord  is  every 
one  that  is  proud  of  heart :  the  hand  (of  God) 
being  against  (his)  hand,'^  he  shall  not  go  un- 
punished. 

0  Through  kindness  and  truth  is  iniquity 
atoned  for;  and  by  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
(men)  depart  from  evil. 

7  When  the  Lord  receiveth  in  favour  a 
man's  ways,  he  inaketh  even  his  enemies  to 
be  at  peace  with  him. 

8  Better  is  a  little  with  righteousness,  than 
great  incomes  through  injustice. 

9  A  man's  heart  deviseth  his  way;  but 
the  Lord  directeth  firmly  his  steps. 

10  There  should  be  a  wise  sentence  on  the 
lips  of  the  king:  his  mouth  should  never 
commit  a  trespass  in  judging. 

11  A  just  balance  and  scales  belong  to  the 
Lord  :  his  work  are  all  the  weights  in  the  bag.'' 


"  Ralbag;  i.  e.  every  thing  is  adapted  to  the  end  for 
which  it  was  made,  and  even  wickedness  meets  its  end  in 
the  punishment  which  it  naturally  produces.  Rashi, 
"Every  thing  hath  the  Lord  made  for  his  own  glorifica- 
tion." 

'  See  note  to  xi.  2L 

"  (Joiiipare  with  xi.  1. 


PROVERBS  xvi.  xvii. 


12  It  should  1)0  an  abomination  to  kings 
to  commit  wickedness;  for  through  righteous- 
ness (alone)  can  a  throne  be  established. 

13  Righteous  lips  (should  obtain)  the  fa- 
vour of  kings;  and  him  that  speaketh  up- 
rightly should  they" love. 

14  The  fury  of  a  king  is  like  the  messen- 
gers of  death;  but  a  wise  man  will  appease  it. 

15  In  the  light  of  the  king's  countenance 
there  is  life;  and  his  favour  is  as  a  cloud  of 
the  latter  rain. 

16  How  much  better  is  it  to  obtain  wisdom 
than  gold  !  and  to  obtain  understanding  is 
l)referable  to  silver ! 

17  The  highway  of  the  upright  is  to  de- 
part from  evil:  he  preserveth  his  soul  that 
vvatcheth  his  way. 

18  Before  downfall  (goeth)  pride,  and  be- 
fore stumbling,  haughtiness  of  spirit. 

19  Better  it  is  to  be  of  an  humble  spirit 
with  the  lowly,  than  to  divide  spoil  with  the 
proud. 

20  He  that  reflecteth  on  a  matter  wisely 
will  find  happiness;  and  whoso  trusteth  in 
the  Lord — happiness  attend  him! 

21  The  wise  in  heart  is  called  a  man  of 
understanding;  and  the  sweetness  of  the  lips 
increaseth  information. 

22  Intelligence  is  a  source  of  life  unto  its 
possessor;  but  the  correction  of  fools  is  folly. 

2.3  The  heart  of  the  wise  maketli  his 
mouth  intelligent,  and  upon  his  lips  he  in- 
creaseth information. 

21  (Like)  the  droppings  of  honey  are  pletv 
sant  sayings,  sweet  to  the  soul,  and  healing 
to  the  bones. 

25  There  is  many  a  way  which  seemeth 
even  before  a  man,  but  its  end  are  the  ways 
unto  death. 

26  The  desire  of  the  laljourer  laboureth 
for  him;  for  his  mouth  imposeth  it  on  him. 

27  An  ungodly  man  diggeth  up  mischief, 
and  on  his  lips  there  is  as  it  were  a  scathing 
fire. 

28  A  perverse  man  scattereth  strife;  and 
a  whisperer  separateth  confident  friends. 

29  The  man  of  violence  misleadeth  his 
neighbour,  and  maketh  him  go  on  a  way 
which  is  not  good. 

"  Lit.  "he,"  or  every  one  that  is  king. 
"  Rashi,  "words  of  pride."     Others,  "excellent;"  but 
"  high-toned"  embraces  both  shades  of  meaning. 

°  So  Jonathan.     Others   render  rS>'3   "the   one   who 
5  B 


30  lie  shutteth  his  eyes  to  devise  perverse 
things:  when  he  compresseth  his  lips  then 
hath  he  fully  resolved  on  evil. 

31  An  ornamental  crown  is  the  hoary 
head,  on  the  way  of  righteousness  can  it  be 
found. 

32  One  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than 
a  hero;  and  he  that  ruleth  his  spirit,  than 
the  conqueror  of  a  city. 

33  In  the  lap  the  lot  is  cast;  but  from  the 
Lord  cometh  the  whole  of  its  decision. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  Better  is  a  piece  of  dry  bread,  and  (juiet 
therewith,  than  a  house  full  of  the  sacrifices 
of  contention. 

2  An  intelligent  servant  will  have  rule 
over  a  son  that  bringeth  shame,  and  ainong 
the  brothers  will  he  have  part  of  the  inherit- 
ance. 

3  The  crucible  is  for  silver,  and  the  fur- 
nace for  gold;  but  the  Lord  probeth  the 
hearts. ' 

4  An  evil-doer  listeneth  to  unjust  lips: 
falsehood  giveth  ear  to  a  tongue  that  bringeth 
destruction. 

5  Whoso  mocketh  the  poor  blasphemeth 
his  Maker:  he  that  is  glad  at  calamities  will 
not  remain  unpunished. 

6  The  crown  of  old  men  are  children's 
children;  and  the  ornament  of  children  are 
their  fathers. 

7  High-toned  language"  is  not  seemly  to  a 
worthless  i'ool :  and  yet  much  less  the  lan- 
guage of  falsehood  to  a  noble. 

8  As  a  precious  stone  appeai'eth  a  bribe  in 
the  eyes  of  him  that  obtaiueth"  it:  whither- 
soever it  turneth,  it  prospereth. 

9  He  that  covereth  a  transgression  seeketh 
love;  but  he  that  repeateth  a  matter  sepa- 
rateth confident  friends. 

10  A  reproof  peuetratcth  more  deeply  into 
a  wise  man,  than  a  hundred  stripes  into  a 
fool. 

11  Only  rebellion'  doth  a  bad  man  seek: 
therefore  a  cruel  messenger  will  be  sent  out 
against  him. 

12  A  man  may  meet  a  slie-])oar  robbed  of 
her  whelps,  but  not  a  fool  in  his  folly. 


hath  it  to  give."  But  the  verse  is  a  warning,  as  in  Dout. 
xvi.  19,  against  the  taking  of  bribes,  as  else  justice  will 
be  perverted. 

''  Philippson,  "Only  evil  doth  the  rebel  seek." 

809 


PROVERBS  XVlI.  XVIII. 


13  Whoso  bestoweth  evil  in  return  for 
good — evil  shall  not  depart  from  his  house. 

14  As  one  letteth  loose  (a  sti-eam)  of  wa- 
ter, so  is  the  beginning  of  strife :  therefore  be- 
fore it  be  enkindled,"  leave  oif  the  contest. 

15  He  that  declareth  the  wicked  innocent, 
and  he  that  condemneth  the  righteous,  yea, 
both  of  them  are  equally  an  aljomination  to 
the  Lord. 

IG  Wherefore  is  the  purchase-money  in 
the  hand  of  a  fool  to  acquire  wisdom,  seeing 
he  hath  no  sense? 

17  A  friend  loveth  at  all  times,  and  as  a 
brother  is  he  born  for  (the  time  of)  distress. 

18  A  man  void  of  sense  pledgeth  his  hand, 
and  becometh  surety  for  his  friend. 

19  He  loveth  transgression  that  loveth 
quarrel;  and  he  that  maketh  high  his  door'' 
seeketh  destruction. 

20  He  that  hath  a  froward  heart  will  not 
find  happiness;  and  he  that  hath  a  perverse 
tongue  will  fall  into  evil. 

21  He  that  begetteth  a  fool  (doth  it)  to 
his  sorrow;  and  the  father  of  a  worthless 
fool  cannot  have  any  joy. 

22  A  merry  heart  causeth  a  healthy  ap- 
pearance of  the  countenance  f  but  a  depressed 
spirit  drieth  up  the  bones. 

23  A  wicked  man  taketh  a  bribe  out  of 
the  bosom,  to  pervert  the  paths  of  justice. 

24  Wisdom  is  before  him  that  hath  under- 
standing; but  the  eyes  of  a  fool  are  at  the 
ends  of  the  earth.'' 

25  A  foolish  son  is  a  vexation  to  his 
father,  and  bitterness  to  her  that  hath  born 
him. 

26  To  punish  the  just  with  a  fine  even  is 
not  good,  nor  to  strike  the  noble  (-hearted) 
for  (their)  equity.' 

'  Philippson,  after  Jonathan.  Rashi,  ;?Sji-\n  like  n'7Jnn, 
"before  it  be  laid  open,"  and  adds,  "thy  shame."  Abcn 
Ezra,  "mingled,"  "intermeddled  with."  Arnheim,  "it 
breaketh  forth." 

'' •/.  c.  According  to  Rashi,  "speaking  proudly,"  as 
though  it  read,  "opening  the  door  of  his  mouth."  Ac- 
cording to  Ralbag,  "who  exalteth  himself  above  and  de- 
spiseth  others." 

°  llashi.  Jonathan,  "maketh  the  body  healthy." 
Aben  Ezra,  "doth  good  like  medicine." 

''  /.  e.  Wisdom  is  easily  found  by  the  intelligent;  the 
fool  looks  too  far,  and  does  not  find  her. 

°  Ralbag.  Philippson,  IB''  Si'  "and  to  strike  the  noble 
cxceedcth  all  equity."  Arnheim,  "Punish  the  righteous 
when  he  doth  wrong,  and  smite  tlie  noble  fir  the  sake  of 
equity." 

8J0 


27  He  that  holdeth  back  his  speeches  hath 
knowledge;  and  he  that  is  sparing*^  of  his 
spirit  is  a  man  of  understanding. 

28  Even  a  fool,  when  he  keepeth  silence, 
is  counted  wi.se :  he  that  shutteth  his  lips  (is 
esteemed)  a  man  of  understanding. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  He  that  separateth  himself  (from  God) 
seeketh  his  own  desires :  at  evei'y  sound  wis- 
dom is  he  enraged.^ 

2  A  fool  hath  no  delight  in  understanding, 
but  in  laying  open  what  is  in  his  heart. 

3  When  the  wicked  cometh,  then  cometh 
also  contempt,  and  with  dishonouraljle  acts, 
disgrace. 

4  Like  deep  waters  are  the  words  of  a 
(wise)  man's  mouth,  and  a  bubbling  brook  is 
the  well-spring  of  wisdom. 

5  It  is  not  good  to  favour  the  person  of 
the  wicked,  to  wrest  (the  cause  of  the)  right- 
eous in  judgment. 

6  The  lips  of  the  fool  come  with  conten- 
tion, and  his  mouth  calleth  for  blows. 

7  The  mouth  of  the  fool  is  a  destruction  to 
himself,  and  his  lips  are  the  snare  of  his  soul. 

8  The  words  of  a  whisperer  are  as  wounds,*" 
and  they  go  down  indeed  into  the  innermost 
parts  of  the  body. 

9  He  also'  that  showeth  himself  slothful  in 
his  work  is  a  brother  to  the  destroyer. 

10  Tf  The  name  of  the  Lord  is  a  strong 
tower,  whereunto  the  righteous  runneth,  and 
is  placed  in  safety. 

11  The  rich  man's  wealth  is  his  strong  town, 
and  as  a  towering  wall  in  his  own  conceit. 

12  Before  downfoU  the  heart  of  man  be- 
cometh haughty,  and  before  honour  goeth 
humility. 


'  i.  e.  He  does  not  say  all  he  knows.  Philippson, 
"the  cool-spirited,"  after  the  Ketih. 

*  Rashi  and  Philippson.  Rashi,  however,  renders  as 
in  xvii.  14,  "among  the  men  his  shame  will  be  laid  open." 
And  Philippson,  after  Sa'adyah,  "from  mankind."  Aben 
Ezra,  "  He  that  separateth  him.self  (from  his  kindred)  to 
seek  wisdom  which  he  longeth  for,  will  mingle  with  all 
the  men  of  sound  wisdom." 

''  Arnheim  and  others  render  the  word  D'DnSno  with 
"dainty  food;"  meaning  the  words  of  a  man  who  slily 
conveys  slanderous  information  arc  pleasant  to  one  who 
hears  them,  if  he  be  fond  of  them,  while  they  at  the  same 
time  penetrate  the  very  heart  of  man  and  leave  their 
effects  there. 

'  Philippson  explains  "also"  as  saying,  "though  the 
judgment  against  the  slothful  is  severe,  it  is  still  true." 


PROVERBS  XVIII.  XTX. 


13  When  one  returneth  an  answer  before 
he  understandeth  (the  question),  it  i.s  folly 
imto  him  and  shame. 

14  The  spirit  of  a  man  will  readily  bear 
his  disease;  but  a  depressed  spirit  who  can 
bear  ? 

1;")  The  heart  of  the  man  of  understanding 
will  obtain  knowledge;  and  the  ear  of  the 
wise  seeketh  knowledge. 

16  A  man's  gift  maketh  room  for  him,  and 
before  great  men  will  it  lead  him. 

17  He  that  is  first  in  his  cause  seemeth 
just;  but  when  his  neighbour  cometh,  then 
will  it  be  investigated." 

18  The  lot  causeth  disputes  to  cease,  and 
it  decideth''  between  the  mighty. 

19  A  brother  offended  is  harder  (to  be 
won)  than  a  strong  town ;  and  quarrels 
(among  brothers)  are  like  the  Ijars  of  a 
castle. 

20  From  the  fruit  of  a  man's  mouth  Ls  his 
body  satisfied:  with  the  product  of  his  lips 
doth  he  satisfy  himself 

21  Death  and  life  are  in  the  power  of  the 
tongue,  and  they  that  love  it  will  eat  its 
fruit. 

22  Whoso  hath  found  a  wife  hath  found 
happiness,  and  hath  obtained  favour  from  the 
Lord. 

23  The  poor  speaketh  entreatmgly ;  but 
the  rich  answereth  roughly. 

24  A  man's  many  companions  are  hurtful" 
to  him;  but  there  is  many  a  friend  that 
cleaveth  closer  than  a  1)rother. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  Better  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his 
integrity,  than  one  of  perverse  lips,  who  is 
a  fool. 

2  Also  in  the  want  of  knowledge  in  the 
soul  there  is  nothing  good;  and  he  that 
hasteneth  with  his  feet  misseth  the  right 
path. 

3  The  folly  of  a  man  perverteth  his  way, 
and  against  the  Lord  will  his  heart  rage. 


'  Meaning,  when  a  man  relates  his  cause  to  a  judge  he 
can  make  his  own  side  appear  just;  but  when  his  oppo- 
nent comes,  then  can  the  matter  be  properly  investigated. 
Hence,  no  judge  should  listen  to  an  accusation  till  both 
parties  are  before  him,  that  he  may  be  impartial. 

"  Lit.  "  separateth." 

°  Ralbag,  Arnheim,  &c. 

*  So  is  the  Kerih;  but  Philippson,  and  so  Jonathan 
and  others,  render  the  Kftib  x'?,  "should  he  pui'sue  pro- 


4  Wealth  bringeth  many  friends;  Init  the 
poor  becometh  separated  from  his  (only) 
friend. 

5  A  false  witness  shall  not  remain  unpu- 
nished, and  he  that  uttereth  lies  shall  not 
escape. 

6  Many  will  entreat  the  favour  of  the 
liberal  man;  and  every  one  is  the  friend  to 
him  that  bestoweth  gilts. 

7  All  the  brothers  of  the  poor  hate  him: 
how  much  more  do  his  friends  go  far  away 
from  him!  he  pursueth  (their)  promises;  but 
these  are  (all)  that  he  hath.'' 

8  He  that  getteth  intelligence  lovetli  his 
own  soul:  he  that  guardeth  understanding 
will  find  happiness. 

9  A  false  witness  shall  not  remain  unpu- 
nished, and  he  that  uttereth  lies  shall  perish. 

10  Delicacy  is  not  seemly  for  a  fool:  much 
less  for  a  servant  to  have  rule  over  princes. 

11  It  is  intelligence  in  man  to  be  slow  in 
his  anger,  and  it  is  his  glory  to  pass  over  a 
transgression. 

12  Like  the  roaring  of  a  young  lion  is  the 
wrath  of  a  king:  as  dew  upon  the  hei'bs  is 
his  favour. 

13  A  calamity  unto  his  father  is  a  foolish 
son;  and  a  continual  dropping  are  the  quar- 
rels of  a  wife. 

14  House  and  wealth  are  an  inheritance 
from  fathers;  but  from  the  Lord  (cometh) 
an  intelligent  wife. 

15  Slothfulness  casteth  (man)  into  a 
deep  sleep;  and  an  indolent  soul  will  suffer 
hunger. 

16  He  that  observeth  the  commandment 
guardeth  his  own  soul;  but  he  that  disre- 
gardeth  (directing)  his  ways  (aright)  shall 
die. 

17  He  lendeth  unto  the  Lord  that  is  libe- 
ral to  the  poor,  and  his  good  deed  will  he 
repay  unto  him. 

18  Chastise  thy  son,  for  there  is  hope;  and 
let  not  thy  soul  spare  (him)  tor  his  crying." 

19  A  man  of  great  fury  must  suffer  punish- 

mises,  (i.  e.  those  frequently  made  him,)  he  cannot  find 
them  any  more." 

'  Ralbag,  in'an  hamitho  for  hcim/ntho.  Raslii,  "but 
do  not  let  thy  passion  rise  to  smite  him  so  that  he  die." 
Arnheim,  "  Chastise  thy  son  while  there  is  yet  hope ;  and 
thou  wilt  then  not  desire  to  slay  him."  Philippson, 
nearly  like  Rashi,  "and  do  not  let  thy  soul  crave  to  slay 
him."  Thus  advising  moderate  but  not  cruel  punish- 
ment. 

811 


meiit ;  for  if  thou  deliver  him,  thou  must  still 
do  it  again." 

20  Hearcounsel,  and  accept  correction,  in  or- 
der tliat  thou  mayest  be  wise  in  thy  latter  end. 

21  There  are  many  thoughts  in  a  man's 
heart;  but  the  counsel  of  the  Lord  alone 
will  stand  firm. 

22  The  longing  of  a  m.an  is  (to  exercise)'' 
his  kindness;  and  a  poor  man  is  better  than 
a  liar. 

2.3  The  fear  of  the  Lord  leadeth  unto  life: 
and  he  (that  hath  it)  shall  abide  satisfied;  he 
shall  not  be  visited  with  evil. 

24  When  a  slothful  man  hath  hidden  his 
hand  in  the  dish,"  then  will  he  not  even 
bring  it  back  to  his  mouth. 

25  Smite  a  scorner,  and  the  simple  will 
become  prudent;  and  if  one  that  hath  under- 
standing be  admonished,  he  will  understand 
knowledge. 

20  He  that  plundereth  his  father,  and 
chaseth  away  his  mother,  is  a  son  that  bring- 
eth  shame  and  dishonour. 

27  Cease,  my  son,  to  hear  the  instruction 
that  causeth  (thee)  to  err  from  the  sayings  of 
knowledge.'' 

28  An  ungodly  witness  scorneth  at  justice, 
and  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  swalloweth 
mischief. 

29  Punishments  are  prepared  for  scorners, 
and  stripes  for  the  back  of  fools. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is  noisy; 
and  whosoever  indulgeth  therein  will  never 
be  wise. 

2  Like  the  roaring  of  a  young  lion  is  the 
dread  of  a  king:  whoso  provoketh  him  to 
anger  sinneth  against  his  own  soul. 

3  It  is  an  honour  for  a  man  to  cease  from 
■,v  contest;  but  every  fool  enrageth  himself 

4  Because  it  is  winter's  cold,  will  the  slug- 
gard not  plough:  when  he  therefore  seeketh 
in  the  harvest  time,  there  will  be  nothing. 


PROVERBS  XIX.  XX. 

5  Like  deep  water  is  counsel  in  the  heart 


"  Aben  Ezra.  Raslii  renders,  "  if  thou  save  thy  enemy 
when  thou  seest  evil  coming  to  him,  thou  wilt  prolong  thy 
years." 

''  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "the  good-will  of  the  world  for  a 
man  is  his  kindness."  Philippson,  "In  accordance  with 
a  man's  desire  is  what  he  lovcth." 

°  Rashi;  meaning,  when,  as  thi^y  do  in  the  East,  they 
Bit  round  the  dish  to  take  out  tlie  meat  with  their  fingers, 
the  slntlifiil  lias  put  his  hand  iu  it,  he  is  too  lazy  to 
812 


of  man ;  but  the  man  of  understanding  will 
draw  it  out. 

6  Most  men  will  proclaim  every  one  his 
own  kindness  f  but  who  can  find  a  faithful 
man  ? 

7  The  righteous  walketh  in  his  integrity: 
happy  will  be  his  children  after  him. 

8  A  king  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  of 
justice  scattereth  away  with  his  eyes  all  evil. 

9  Who  can  say,  I  have  made  my  heart 
pure,    I  am  cleansed  from  my  sin? 

10  Divers  weights,  and  divers  measures, 
are  both  of  them  alike  an  abomination  of  the 
Lord. 

11  Even  a  child  maketh  himself  known 
by  his  doings,  whether  his  work  will  be  pure, 
and  whether  it  will  be  upright. 

12  The  ear  that  heareth,  and  the  eye  that 
seeth,  the  Lord  hath  made  both  of  them 
alike. 

13  Love  not  sleep,  lest  thou  come  to  po- 
verty :  open  thy  eyes,  so  wilt  thou  be  satisfied 
with  bread. 

14  It  is  bad,  it  is  bad,  saith  the  buyer; 
but  when  he  is  gone  his  way,  then  doth  he 
boast. 

15  There  is  gold,  and  a  multitude  of 
pearls;  but  a  precious  vessel  are  the  lips  of 
knowledge. 

16  Take  away  his  garment,  because  he  hath 
become  surety  for  a  stranger;  and  on  account 
of  a  strange  woman  take  a  pledge  from  him. 

17  Bread  of  fixlsehood  is  pleasant  to  a  man; 
but  afterward  his  mouth  will  be  fdled  with 
gravel-stones. 

18  Plans  are  established  by  counsel;  and 
with  wise  reflection  conduct  war. 

19  He  that  goeth  about  as  a  talebearer  re- 
vealeth  secrets:  therefore  meddle  not  with 
him  that  enticeth  with  his  lips. 

20  Whoso  curseth  his  father  or  his  mother 
— his  lamp  shall  be  quenched  in  obscure 
darkness. 


0th. 


'bo- 


bring  it  back  to  his  mouth  with  the  food. 
som." 

^  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "Cease,  my  son,  to  go  astray 
from  the  sayings  of  knowledge  to  hear  correction."  Phi- 
lippson, "Cease  but  once,  my  son,  to  hear  correction, 
thou  wilt  soon  go  astray,"  &c. 

"  Ralbag  and  Aben  Ezra;  but  Rashi,  "Most  men  will 
rely  on  their  friends  who  promise  them  kindness  in 
their  necessity,"  &c. 


PROVERBS  XX.  XXT. 


21  An  inheritance  hastily  gotten"  at  the 
beginning  will  at  its  end  not  be  blessed. 

22  Do  not  say,  I  will  recompense  evil; 
(but)  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  he  will  help 
thee. 

23  Divers  weights  are  an  abomination  of 
the  Lord;  and  a  deceitful  l)alance  is  not  good. 

24  From  the  Lord  are  the  steps  of  man 
(ordained) ;  but  man — how  can  he  under- 
stand his  own  way? 

25  It  is  a  snare  to  a  man  to  sanctify  things 
hastily,''  and  to  make  inquiry  only  after  hav- 
ing made  vows. 

2G  A  wise  king  scattereth  the  wicked,  and 
turneth  over  them  the  threshing-wheel.'' 

27  A  lamp  of  the  Lord  is  the  soul  of  man, 
searching  all  the  inner  chambers  of  the  body. 

28  Kindness  and  truth  will  watch  over  a 
king,  and  he  will  prop  up  through  kindness 
his  throne. 

29  The  ornament  of  young  men  is  their 
strength ;  and  the  glory  of  old  men  is  a  hoary 
head. 

30  The  bruises  of  a  wound  are  cleansing 
means  for  the  bad,  and  stripes  (will  reach) 
the  inner  chambers  of  the  Ijody. 

CHAPTER  XXL 

1  Like  brooks  of  water  is  a  king's  heart  in 
the  hand  of  the  Lord  :  whithersoever  it  pleas- 
eth  him  doth  he  turn  it. 

2  Every  way  of  a  man  is  straight  in  his 
own  eyes ;  but  the  Lord  weigheth  the  hearts. 

3  To  exercise  righteousness  and  justice  is 
more  acceptable  to  the  Lord  than  sacrifice. 

4  Haughtiness  of  the  eyes,  and  an  immo- 
derate heart,  are  the  sinful  field'  of  the 
wicked. 

5  The  plans  of  the  diligent  tend  only  to 
plenty;  but  every  hasty  man  is  (destined) 
only  to  want. 

6  The  getting  of  treasures  by  a  tongue  of 
falsehood  is  like  the  fleeting  breath  of  those 
that  seek  death. 

7  The  robbery  of  the  wicked  will  drag 
them  away;  because  they  refuse  to  execute 
justice. 

"  So  the  Kcii;  but  the  Ketib,  "accursed  at  the  begin- 

'  Arnheim,  Herxheimer,  and  Philippson.  Aben  Ezra, 
"tn  devour  what  is  holy." 

°  He  threshes  them  in  his  anger,  as  the  wheel  does  the 
grain  on  the  threshing-floor. 


8  Perverse  is  the  way  of  the  man  that  is 
estranged  (from  goodness) ;  but  as  fur  the 
pure,  his  work  is  upright. 

9  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  a 
roof,  than  with  a  quarrelsome  woman  in  a 
roomy"  house. 

10  The  soul  of  the  wicked  longeth  for  evil : 
his  neighbour  fiudeth  no  grace  in  his  e3es. 

11  When  the  scorner  is  punished,  the  sim- 
ple is  made  wise :  and  when  the  wise  is 
taught  intelligence,  he  I'eceiveth  knowledge. 

12  The  righteous*^  regardeth  attentively 
the  house  of  the  wicked;  (but  God)  over- 
turneth  the  wicked  into  unhappiness. 

13  Whoso  stoppeth  his  ears  against  the 
cry  of  the  poor,  he  also  will  cry  himself,  but 
shall  not  be  answered. 

14  A  gift  in  secret  pacifieth  anger,  and  a 
bribe  in  the  bosom,'^  strong  fury. 

15  It  is  joy  to  the  righteous  to  execute 
justice;  but  it  is  a  terror  to  wrong-doers. 

16  The  man  that  wandereth  astray  out  of 
the  way  of  intelligence  shall  rest  in  the  as- 
sembly of  the  departed. 

17  He  that  loveth  pleasure''  will  be  a  man 
of  want:  he  that  loveth  wine  and  oil  will  not 
become  rich. 

18  The  wicked  shall  be  a  ransom  for  the 
righteous,  and  the  treacherous  shall  be  put 
in  the  stead  of  the  npriglit. 

19  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  desert  land, 
than  with  a  quarrelsome  and  vexatious  wo- 
man. 

20  There  are  a  desirable  treasure  and  oil 
in  the  dwelling  of  the  wise;  but  a  foolish 
man  will  swallow  it  up. 

21  He  that  pursueth  righteousness  and 
kindness  will  find  life,  righteousness,  and  ho- 
nour. 

22  A  wise  man  scaloth  the  city  of  the 
mighty,  and  casteth  down  the  strength  in 
which  they  trusted. 

23  Whoso  guardeth  his  mouth  and  his 
tongue  guardeth  his  soul  against  distresses. 

24  The  presumptuous  and  proud,  scorner 
is  his  name,  dealeth  in  the  wi-ath  of  presump- 
tion. 

^  Jonathan,  "and  the  light  of  the  wicked  is  sin;"  i: 
ni'er  as  nair. 

"  Lit.  "a  house  of  society,"  ('.  c  where  many  can  dwell 
'  Rashi  refers  "Righteous"  also  to  God. 
«  I.  e.  Privately  conveyed,  unseen  by  men. 


■■  Lit.  "joy." 


813 


PROVERBS  XXII.  XXIII. 


25  The  longing  of  the  slothful  will  kill 
him;  for  his  hands  refuse  to  labour. 

26  All  the  day  he  feeleth  a  great  longing; 
but  the  righteous  giveth  and  withholdeth 
not. 

27  The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abo- 
mination: how  much  more,  when  he  bringeth 
it  with  a  sinful  purpose?" 

28  A  lying  witness  shall  perish;  but  the 
man  that  is  obedient*  (to  the  law)  can  speak 
for  ever. 

29  A  Avicked  man  showeth  impudence  in 
his  face;  but  as  for  the  upright,  he  will  con- 
sider well  his  way. 

30  There  is  no  wisdom  nor  understanding 
nor  counsel  against  the  Lord. 

31  The  horse  is  prepared  for  the  day  of 
battle;  but  with  the  Lord  is  the  victory. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  A  good  name  is  preferable  to  abundant 
riches,  and  good  grace,  to  silver  and  to  gold. 

2  The  rich  and  poor  meet  together:  the 
Lord  is  the  maker  of  them  all. 

3  The  prudent  foreseeth  the  evil,  and  hid- 
eth  himself;  but  the  simple  pass  on,  and  are 
punished. 

4  The  reward  of  humility  (and)"  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  are  riches,  and  honour,  and  life. 

5  Thorns  and  snares  are  on  the  way  of  a 
perverse  man:  he  that  doth  guard  his  soul 
will  keep  far  from  them. 

6  Train  up  the  lad  in  accordance  with  his 
course:''  even  when  he  groweth  old,  will  he 
not  depart  from  it. 

7  A  rich  man  ruleth  over  the  poor,  and 
the  borrower  is  servant  to  the  man  that 
lendeth. 

8  He  that  soweth  injustice  will  reap  wrong- 
doing; and  the  rod  of  God's  wrath  will  not 
fail." 

'  Jonathan,  "in  sin."  Philippson,  "with  a  scandalous 
act." 

'  Rashi,  who  refers  this  obedience  specially  to  the 
prohibition  of  false  testimony.  Rosenmuller,  "who  saith 
what  he  hath  heard." 

°  Rashi  and  other  commentators  do  not  supply  anr?, 
but  give :  "  the  reward  of  humil'ity  are  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,"  &c. 

■^  ?'.  e.  According  to  his  peculiar  character  and  capacity; 
ilirccting  thus  the  parent  to  watch  over  the  early  deve- 
bipmcnt  of  the  mind,  and  to  correct  any  vicious  propen- 
sity.    Eng.  ver.,  "Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should 

8H 


9  A  man  of  a  benevolent  eye  will  indeed  be 
blessed;  for  he  giveth  of  his  bread  to  the  poor. 

10  Drive  away  the  scorner,  and  strife  will 
go  off;  and  then  will  cease  contention  and 
dishonour. 

11  He  that  loveth  wath  a  pure  heart,  and 
hath  grace  on  his  lips,  will  have  the  king  as 
his  friend. 

12  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  guard  knowledge,'' 
and  he  overturneth  the  words  of  the  treach- 
erous. 

13  The  slothful  saith.  There  is  a  lion  with- 
out, in  the  midst  of  the  streets  shall  I  be 
murdered. 

14  A  deejj  pit  is  the  mouth  of  adulterous 
women:  he  that  hath  obtained  the  indignar 
tion  of  the  Lord  will  foil  thereinto. 

15  When  folly  is  bound  fost  to  the  heart 
of  a  lad,  the  rod  of  correction  must  remove  it 
for  from  him. 

16  He  that  oppresseth  the  poor  to  increase 
his  riches,  (must  at  length)"  give  to  the  rich, 
and  come  only  to  want. 

17  Incline  thy  ear,  and  hear  the  words  of 
the  wise,  and  apply  thy  heart  unto  my  know- 
ledge. 

18  For  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  if  thou  keep 
them  within  thy  bosom,  if  they  be  altogether 
firmly  seated  upon  thy  lips. 

19  That  thy  trust  may  he  in  the  Lord, 
have  I  made  them  known  to  thee  this  day, 
yea,  even  to  thee. 

20  Have  not  I  written  for  thee  excellent 
things  in  counsels  and  knowledge, 

21  That  I  might  make  thee  know  recti- 
tude, the  sayings  of  truth ;  that  thou  mightest 
bring  back  answers  of  truth  to  those  that 
send  thee? 

22  ^  Rob  not  the  poor,  because  he  is  poor, 
neither  crush  the  afflicted  in  the  gate ;'' 

23  For  the  Lord  will  plead  their  cause, 

"Philippson;  lit.  "  will  be  complete."  Arnheim,  "he 
completeth  the  rod  of  his  own  punishment."  Rashi, 
"the  rod  with  which  he  exerciscth  his  wrathful  rule  shall 
fail,"  /.  e.  come  to  an  end.  The  difficulty  is  in  the  word 
hSd  which  is  generally  intransitive. 

'  Arnheim,  "the  wise,"  as  though  it  road  n;n  ty'X 
"the  man  of  knowledge." 

^  Rashi.  Jonathan,  "  He  that  oppresseth  the  poor 
heapeth  upon  himself  shame;  he  that  giveth  to  the  rich, 
will  procure  himself  want."  Ralbag,  "He  that  oppre.-is- 
eth  the  poor  niaketh  him  rich,  (i.  e  escitcth  him  to 
more  labour;)  he  that  giveth  to  the  rich  bringeth  him 
to  want,"  '  i-  e.  In  the  court  of  justice, 


PROVERBS  XXII.  XXIII. 


and   despoil  the    life    of  those    that  despoil 
them. 

24  Make  no  friendship  with  a  man  given 
to  anger;  and  with  a  man  of  fury  thou  must 
have  no  intercourse: 

25  Lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a 
snare  for  thy  own  soul. 

2(3  Be  not  one  of  those  that  pledge  their 
hand,  or  of  those  that  are  sureties  for  debts. 

27  If  thou  have  nothing  to  pay,  why 
should  he  take  away  thy  bed  from  under 
thee? 

28  Remove  not  the  ancient  landmark, 
which  tliy  fathers  have  established. 

29  Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  diligent  in  his 
work?  before  kings  may  he  place  himself: 
let  him  not  place  himself  before  obscure  men. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  When  thou  sittest  to  eat  with  a  ruler, 
consider  diligently  what  is  before  thee; 

2  For  thou  puttest  a  knife  to  thy  throat, 
if  thou  be  a  man  of  a  craving  desire. 

3  Do  not  long  for  his  savoury  meats;  for 
they  are  deceitful  food. 

4  Fatigue  thyself  not  to  become  rich :  be- 
cause thoxi  hast  understanding,  forljear." 

5  When  thou  lettest  merely  thy  eyes  fly 
over  it,  it  is  no  more;  for  it  will  ever 
make  itself  wings:  like  an  eagle  will  it  fly 
toward  heaven. 

6  Tl  Eat  not  the  bread  of  a  man  with  an 
evil  eye,  and  do  not  long  for  his  savoury 
meats ; 

7  For  as  though  there  were  a  division''  in 
his  soul,  so  doth  he  act:  Eat  and  drink,  saith 
he  to  thee;  but  his  heart  is  not  with  thee. 

8  Thy  morsel  which  thou  hast  eaten  must 
thou  spit  out,  and  thou  hast  wasted  thy  plea- 
sant words. 

9  Speak  not  before  the  ears  of  a  fool;  for 
he  will  despise  the  intelligence  of  thy  words. 

10  Remove  not  the  ancient  landmark,  and 
into  the  fields  of  the  fatherless  must  thou  not 
enter ; 


"Jonathan.  Others,  "leave  off  thy  resolves."  Eng. 
ver.,  "cease  from  thine  own  wisdom." 

^  Herxheimer.  Jonathan,  "  As  though  there  were  a 
high  gate,  so  is  it  in  his  soul."  Arnheim,  "For  like  one 
who  weigheth  something  which  may  cost  his  life,  so  is  he." 
Rashi,  "As  though  one  were  to  pour  bitterness  in  his 
soul."  All  these  opinions  are  founJed  upou  the  supposed 
meaning  of  the  word  ^y&  found  here  alone  as  a  verb. 


11  For  their  redeemer  is  strong;  he  will 
indeed  plead  their  cause  with  thee. 

12  Apply  thy  heart  unto  instruction,  and 
thy  ears  to  the  sayings  of  knowledge. 

13  Withhold  not  from  a  lad  correction; 
for  if  thou  beat  him  with  the  rod,  he  will  not 
die. 

14  Thou  wilt  indeed  beat  him  with  the 
rod;  but  thou  wilt  deliver  his  soul  from  per- 
dition." 

15  My  son,  if  thy  heart  be  wise,  my  heart 
shall  rejoice,  even  mine. 

16  And  my  reins  shall  exult  when  thy 
lips  speak  what  is  equitable. 

17  Let  not  thy  heart  be  envious'^  against 
sinners;  but  (remain)  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord 
all  the  time. 

18  For  surely  there  is  a  future,  and  thy 
hope  will  not  be  cut  oIF. 

19  Hear  thou,  my  son,  and  become  wise, 
and  guide  thy  heart  on  the  right  way. 

20  Be  not  among  those  that  drink  wine 
immoderately,  among  those  that  over-indulge 
in  eating  flesh ; 

21  For  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  will 
come  to  poverty;  and  drowsiness  clotheth  a 
man  in  rags. 

22  Hearken  unto  thy  fiither  that  hath  be- 
gotten thee,  and  despise  not  thy  mother  al- 
though" she  be  old. 

23  Buy  the  truth  and  sell  it  not;  (also) 
wisdom,  and  instruction,  and  understanding. 

24  The  fiither  of  the  righteous  will  be 
greatly  glad,  and  he  that  Ijegetteth  a  wise 
child  will  have  joy  through  him. 

25  Let  (then)  thy  father  and  thy  mother 
rejoice,  and  let  her  that  hath  born  thee  be 
glad. 

26  Give,  my  son,  thy  heart  unto  me,  and 
let  thy  eyes  watch'  my  ways. 

27  For  a  harlot  is  a  deep  ditch,  and  a 
strange  woman  is  a  narrow  well. 

28  She  also  lieth  in  wait  like  a  robber, 
and  she  increaseth  the  treacherous^  among 
men. 


°  Rendered   elsewhere    "grave,"    "nether  world,"    or 
"hell." 

*  Philippson,  "Do  not  excite  thyself  about  sinners,  but 
rather  about  the  fear,"  &c. 

"  Aben  Ezra.     Arnheim  and  Eng.  ver.,  "when  she  is." 
Philippson,  "because." 

'  The  Kefib  would  require,  "  have  pleasure  on  my  ways." 

8  Philippson,  "who  act  treacherously  against  men." 

81§ 


PROVERBS  XXIII.  XXIV. 


29  Who  liath  wo?  who  hath  sorrow?  who 
hath  quarrels?  who  hath  complaints?  who 
hath  wounds  without  cause?  who  hath  red- 
ness of  eyes  ? 

30  They  that  tarry  late  over  the  wine: 
they  that  come  to  seek  for  mixed  drink. 

31  Do  not  look  on  the  wine  when  it  look- 
etli  red,  when  it  giveth  its  colour"  in  the  cuj), 
when  it  glideth  down  so  readily. 

32  At  the  last  it  will  bite  like  a  serpent, 
and  like  a  basilisk  will  it  sting. 

33  Thy  eyes  will  see  strange  forms,  and 
thy  heart  will  speak  perverse  things. 

34  And  thou  wilt  be  like  one  that  lieth 
down  in  the  heart  of  tlie  sea,  or  as  he  that 
lieth  on  the  top  of  a  mast.'' 

35  "They  smote  me,  (but)  I  suffered  no 
pain;  they  struck  me  hard,  (but)  I  felt  it 
not:  when  shall  I  awake?  I  will  continue  to 
seek  it  again." 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  Be  thou  not  envious  of  bad  men,  and  do 
not  long  to  be  with  them 

2  For  their  heart  meditate th  destruction, 
and  of  mischief  do  their  lips  speak. 

3  Through  wisdom  is  a  house  built;  and 
through  understanding  is  it  firmly  established ; 

4  And  through  knowledge  are  chambers 
filled  with  all  manner  of  precious  and  plea- 
sant wealth. 

5  A  wise  man  is  (always)  in  power;  and  a 
man  of  knowledge  fortifieth  (his)  strength. 

6  For  by  wise  counsel  canst  thou  conduct 
thy  war;  and  there  is  help''  in  a  multitude  of 
counsellors. 

7  Wisdom  is  too  high  for  a  fool :  in  the 
gate  can  he  not  open  his  mouth. 

8  Him  that  deviseth  to  do  evil,  men  call  a 
master  of  wicked  devices. 

9  The  counsel''  of  folly  is  sin;  and  an  abo- 
mination to  men  is  the  seorner. 

10  If  tliou  despond"  on  the  day  of  dis- 
tress, thy  strength  is  small. 


'  Others,  "as  it  castotli  its  beads  in  the  cup." 
••  Jonathan,  "like  the  pilot  that  sloepcth  at  the  helm." 
Thilippson,  "like  one  that  sicepoth  in  front  of  the  rud- 
der." 

°  Comp.  xi.  14;  xx.  18. 
*  Rashi.     Others,  "the  thought." 
'  liaslii,  "If  thou  liast  let  thy  friend  sink,"  &c. 
'  Jonathan,  taking  DX  not  as  usual  for  "if,"  but  as  an 
unusual  affirmative.     Some,  however,  connect  this  verse 
810 


11  Deliver  those  that  are  taken  unto  death, 
and  those  that  are  moved  away  to  the  slaugh- 
ter hold  back.*^ 

12  If  thou  shouldst  say.  Behold,  we  know 
not  this  man  :  lo,  he  that  weigheth  hearts 
will  truly  regard  it,  and  he  that  keepeth  thy 
soul  will  surely  know  it;  and  he  will  give  a 
recompense  to  man  according  to  his  doing. 

13  Eat  honey,  my  son,  because  it  is  good; 
and  the  fine  honey,  which  is  sweet  to  thy 
palate : 

14  So  obtain  the  knowledge  of  wisdom  for 
thy  soul;  when  thou  hast  found  her,  then 
shall  there  be  a  (hapj^y)  future,-  and  thy  hope 
shall  not  be  cut  off. 

15  Lie  not  in  wait,  0  wicked  man!  against 
the  dwelling  of  the  righteous ;  waste  not  his 
resting-place ; 

IG  For  though  tlie  righteous  were  to  fall 
seven  times,  he  will  rise  up  again;  but  the 
wicked  shall  stumble  into  misfortune.^ 

17  At  the  fall  of  thy  enemy  do  not  rejoice; 
and  at  his  stumbling  let  not  thy  heart  be 
glad : 

18  Lest  the  Lord  see  it,  and  it  be  displeas- 
ing in  his  eyes,  and  he  turn  away  from  him 
his  wrath. 

19  Fret  not  thyself  because  of  evil-doers, 
neither  be  thou  envious  of  the  wicked ; 

20  For  there  will  be  no  (happy)  future  for 
the  bad  man:  tlie  lamp  of  the  wicked  will  be 
quenched. 

21  My  son,  fear  the  Lord  and  the  king: 
with  those  that  are  desirous  to  change  do  not 
mingle  thyself; 

22  For  suddenly  will  their  calamity  arise ; 
and  who  knoweth  the  ruin  of  both  of 
them  ? 

23  These  things  also  are  for  the  wise.*" 
To  have  respect  of  persons  in  judgment  is 
not  good. 

24  Him  that  saith  unto  the  wicked.  Thou 
art  righteous,  will  the  people  denounce,  him 
will  nations  hold  accursed; 


with  the  preceding,  "thy  strength  is  small  if  thou  for- 
bearest,"  &c.  Arnheiui  eonnects  the  end  of  this  with 
the  next  verse,  thus:  "if  thou  shouldest  forbear,  sayiftg, 
behold,"  &c. 

^  Ralbag,  "will  stumble  through  one  mishap." 
^  So    the    ancient    commentators:    "These    sentences 
which  follow  are  to  be  regarded  by  the  wise."     But  the 
moderns  take  this  as  a  heading  for  a  small  collection  of 
proverbs,  and  render,  "Also  these  are  from  the  wise." 


ARTA>;EK'>:E;iS    I-ROCLAIMING    KKEEDOM    to    the   JEVvS. 


PROVERBS  XXIV.  XXV. 


25  But  to  those  that  punish"  deli-ht  shall 
be  .given,  and  upon  them  shall  come  the 
blessing  of  the  good. 

26  Men  will  kiss  the  lips  of  him  that  giv- 
eth  a  proper  answer. 

27  Prepare  without  thy  work,  and  make 
it  fit  in  the  field  for  thyself:''  and  afterward 
build  thy  house. 

28  Be  not  without  cause  a  witness  against 
thy  neighbour;  for  wouldst  thou  beguile 
with  thy  lips? 

29  Say  not,  As  he  hath  done  to  me  so  will 
I  do  to  him:  I  will  recompense  every  man 
according  to  his  doing. 

30  By  the  field  of  a  slothful  man  I  once 
pas.sed  along,  and  by  the  vineyard  of  a  man 
void  of  sense : 

31  And,  lo,  it  was  all  grown  over  with 
thorns,  nettles  had  covered  its  surface,  and 
its  stone-wall  was  broken  down. 

32  And  when  I  had  indeed  beheld  (this) 
I  took  it  to  my  heart:  I  saw  it,  and  received 
a  warning. 

83  "A  little  (more)  sleep,  a  little  slumber, 
a  little  folding  of  the  hands  in  lying  down;" 

34  But  then  will  thy  povert_y  come  like  a 
rover;  and  thy  wants  as  a  man  armed  with 
a  shield. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ][  Also  these  are  the  proverbs  of  Solo- 
mon, which  the  men  of  Hezekiah  the  king  of 
Judali  have  collected. 

2  It  is  the  honour  of  God  to  conceal  a 
thing;  but  the  honour  of  kings  is  to  search 
out  a  matter. 

3  As  are  the  heavens  for  height,  and  the 
earth  is  for  depth,  so  should  the  heart  of 
kings  be  unsearchable. 

4  Take  away  the  dross  from  the  silver, 
and  there  will  come  forth  a  vessel  for  the 
melter."^ 

5  Take  away  the  wicked  from  before  the 
king,  and  his  throne  will  be  firmly  established 
in  righteousness. 

6  Do  not  glorify  thyself  in  tlie  presence  of 
the  king,  and  force'  thyself  not  into  the  place 
of  great  men ; 

7  For  better  it  is  that  it  be  said  unto  thee, 

'  «.  e.  Who  punish  the  wicked.     Others,  "who  admo- 
nish, in  general."     Arnheim,  "who  decide  (correctly)." 
■i  I'hilippson,  "cultivate  well  thy  field." 
'  Others,  "goldsmith,"  or  "worker  in  gold  and  silver." 
5C 


"Come  up  hither,"  than  that  thou  shouldst 
be  put  lower  in  the  presence  of  the  prince, 
w^hich"  thy  own  eyes  have  (often)  seen. 

8  Do  not  proceed  to  a  contest  hastily,  lest 
(thou  know  not)  what  thou  wilt  Itave  to  do 
at  its  end,  when  thy  neighbour  hath  put  thee 
to  confusion. 

9  Carry  on  thy  cause  with  thy  neighbour; 
but  lay  not  open  the  secret  of  another: 

10  Lest  lie  that  heareth  it  put  thee  to 
shame,  and  thy  infani}-  never  be  removed.' 

11  Like  apples  of  gold  among  figures  of' 
silver  is  a  word  spoken  in  a  proper  manner. 

12  As  an  ear-ring  of  gold,  and  a  pendant  of 
fine  gold,  so  is  a  wise  reprover  toward  an  ear 
that  listeneth. 

13  As  the  cooling  of  snow  on  a  harvest- 
day,  so  is  a  fiiithful  messenger  to  those  that 
send  him;  for  he  refresheth  the  soul  of  his 
master. 

14  Like  clouds  and  wind  without  rain,  so 
is  a  man  that  vaunteth  falsely  of  a  gift. 

15  By  long  Ibrbearing  is  a  prince  persuad- 
ed, and  a  soft  tongue  breaketh  bones. 

16  Hast  thou  found  hone}?  eat  so  much 
as  is  sulficient  lor  thee:  lest  thou  consume  too 
much  of  it,  and  have  to  vomit  it  forth. 

17  Make  thy  foot  scarce  in  the  house  of 
thy  friend  :  lest  he  have  too  much  of  thee, 
and  so  hate  thee. 

18  A  Ijattle-axe,  and  a  sword,  and  a  sharp- 
ened arrow  is  a  man  that  testifieth  as  a  false 
witness  against  his  neighbour. 

19  Like  a  broken  tooth  and  a  foot  out  of 
joint,  is  confidence  in  a  treacherous  nuui  in  a 
time  of  distress. 

20  (As)  he  that  taketh  off  his  garment 
on  a  cold  day,  (as)  vinegar  is  upon  natron:  so 
is  he  that  singeth  songs  before  an  unhappy 
heart. 

21  If  thy  enemy  be  hungry,  give  him 
bread  to  eat;  and  if  he  be  thirsty,  give  him 
water  to  drink; 

22  For  though  thou  gatherest  coals  of  fire 
upon  his  head,  yet  will  the  Lord  repay  it 
unto  thee. 

23  The  north  wind  bringeth  forth  rain :  so 
doth  secret  talking,^  'iiigry  countenances. 

24  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  the  corner  of  a 


"  Lit.  "stand." 

'  Rashi.     Jonathan,  "wlmra  thy  eyes  have  seen. 

'  Lit.  "return." 

*  Lit.  "a  tongue  of  secrecy." 

817 


PROVERBS  XXV.  XXVI. 


roof,  than  with  a  quarrelsome  woman  even  in 
a  roomy  house. 

25  As  cold  water  is  to  a  fainting  soul,  so 
are  good  news  from  a  far-off  country. 

26  Like  a  turbid  spring  and  a  corrupt 
fountain,  is  a  righteous  man  that  giveth  way 
before  the  wicked. 

27  To  eat  too  much  honey  is  not  good:  so 
is  it  honour  to  set  a  limit  to  men's  honour. 

28  Like  a  city  that  is  broken  in,  and  is 
without  walls:  so  is  the  man  that  hath  no 
control  over  his  spirit. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  As  snow  is  in  summer,  and  as  rain  in 
harvest :  so  is  honour  not  seemly  to  a  fool. 

2  As  the  bird  (cometh)  to  flit  away,  as  the 
swallow,  to  fly  off:  so  will  an  undeserved 
curse  not  come  (to  fulfilment). 

3  A  whip  is  for  the  horse,  a  bridle  for  the 
ass,  and  a  rod  for  the  fool's  liack. 

4  Do  not  answer  a  fool  accoi'ding  to  his 
folly,  lest  thou  also  become  equal  unto  him. 

•J  Answer  a  fool  according  to  his  folly,  lest 
he  be  wise  in  his  own  eyes." 

6  He  choppeth  off  the  feet,  and  drinketh 
vexation,*'  that  sendeth  important  messages 
by  the  hand  of  a  fool. 

7  Too  feebly  hang  down"  the  thighs  on  a 
lame  man :  so  is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of 
fools. 

8  As  is  the  one  that  bindeth  a  stone  fast* 
in  a  sling,  so  is  he  that  giveth  honour  to  a 
fool. 

9  (As)  a  thorn  that  is  come  into  the  hand 
of  a  drunkard,  so  is  a  parable  in  the  mouth 
of  fools. 

10  A  master  injureth  all  things  when  he 
hireth  a  fool  or  hireth  mere  rovers." 

11  As  a  dog  returneth  to  his  vomit,  so 
doth  a  fool  repeat  to  act  in  his  folly. 

12  When  thou  seest  a  man  wise  in  his 


"  Herxheimer  simply  explains,  that  we  arc  told  not  to 
answer  a  fool  after  his  own  manner,  for  that  would  make 
us  his  ecjuals;  but  to  reply,  in  case  our  silence  would  in- 
duce him  to  become  more  confirmed  in  his  conceit. 

''  Arnheim,  lit.  "violence." 

"  Abcn  Ezra.  Rashi,  "Too  high  appear  the  thighs  of 
other  men  to  the  lame;  and  so  is  a  parable  difficult  of 
attainment  in  the  mouth  of  a  fool."  Philippson,  "as  when 
the  lame  lifteth  up  his  thigh." 

''  Kashi,  meaning,  as  it  is  useless  to  tie  a  stone  which 
you  mean  to  hurl  away.  Aben  Ezra,  "As  when  one 
tieth  a  stone  in  a  fine  garmcntj"  nojl":  like  jOJIN,  &c. 
»18 


own  eyes,  then  is  there  more  hope  for*^  a  fool 
than  for  him. 

13  The  slothful  saith.  There  is  a  leopard 
in  the  way :  a  lion  is  between  the  streets. 

14  As  a  door  turneth  upon  its  hinges,  so 
doth  the  slothful  upon  his  bed. 

15  Hath  the  slothful  hidden  his  hand  in 
the  dish,  it  wearieth  him  to  bring  it  back 
again  to  his  mouth. 

16  The  slothful  is  wiser  in  his  own  eyes, 
than  seven^  men  that  can  give  wise  answers. 

17  As  is  one  that  taketh  hold  of  a  dog  by 
the  ears,  so  is  he  that  passing  by  becometh 
excited  about  a  dispute  which  concerneth 
him  not. 

18  As  one  fatigueth''  himself  shooting  off 
firebrands,  arrows,  and  death: 

19  So  is  the  man  that  hath  cheated  his 
neighbour,  and  saith.  Behold,  I  am  only  jest- 
ing. 

20  Where  there  is  no  wood,  the  fire  goeth 
out:  so  where  there  is  no  whisperer,  strife 
is  silenced. 

21  As  char-coals  are  added  to  burning 
coals,  and  wood  to  fire:  so  is  a  contentious 
man  fitted  to  enkindle  a  dispute. 

22  The  words  of  a  whisperer  are  as  wounds, 
and  they  go  down  into  the  innermost  cham- 
bers of  the  body. 

23  Like  silver  dross  laid  over  an  earthen 
vessel,  so  are  burning  lips  with  a  bad  heart. 

24  With  his  lips  dissembleth  he  that  hat- 
eth,  and  within  himself  layetli  he  up  deceit: 

25  Though  he  make  his  voice  sound 
ever  so  graciously,  believe  him  not;  for  there 
are  seven  abominations  in  his  heart. 

26  If  one's  liatred  be  covered  by  deception, 
then  shall  be  laid  bare  his  wickedness  before 
a  (whole)  assembly. 

27  Whoso  diggeth  a  pit  will  fall  therein; 
and  upon  him  that  rolleth  a  stone,  will  it 
return. 


Ralbag,  "  As  one  putteth  a  precious  stone  amid  common 
pebbles,"  from  Djl  "to  cast  stones." 

"  Philippson.  But  the  verse  is  variously  rendered. 
Rashi  takes  31  as  "the  Master  of  the  world,"  SSino 
"produceth,"  "bringeth  forth,"  "God  who  hath  brought 
forth  all,  employeth  both  the  fool  and  idlers."  Others, 
"As  an  archer  who  woundeth  all,  is,"  &c. 

'  Philippson,  "  to  be  hoped  for  from  a  fool  than  from 
him." 

*=  Arnheim,  "the  seven  wise  counsellors,"  i.  e.  of  state. 

''  Rashi,  as  in  Gen.  xlvii.  13.  Others,  "As  a  madman 
shootclh  uff, " 


PROVERBS  XXVI.  XXVII.  XXVIII. 


28  A  lying  tongue  hatoth  those  that  are 
crushed  by  it;  and  a  flattering  mouth  pre- 
pareth  (others')  downfall. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  Make  no  boast  for  tli3self  of  the  coming 
day;'  for  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day 
may  bring  forth. 

2  Let  another  man  praise  thee,  and  not 
thy  own  mouth  ;  a  stranger,  and  not  thy  own 
lips. 

3  A  stone  hath  heaviness,  and  the  sand, 
Aveight;  but  a  fool's  wrath  is  heavier  than 
both  of  them. 

4  Fury  hath  its  cruelty,  and  anger  its 
overwhelming  j^ower;  but  who  is  able  to 
stand  before  jealousy  ? 

5  Better  is  open  reproof  than  concealed 
love. 

6  Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend ;  but 
deceptive''  are  the  kisses  of  an  enemj-. 

7  The  satisfied  soul  treadeth  under  foot 
fine  honey;  but  to  the  hungry  soul  every 
bitter  thing  is  sweet. 

8  As  a  bird  that  wandereth  away  from  her 
nest,  so  is  a  man  that  wandereth  away  from 
his  place. 

9  Oil  and  perfume  cause  the  heart  to  re- 
joice, and  so  do  the  sweet  words  of  a  friend 
more  than  one's  own  counsel." 

10  Thy  own  friend,  and  thy  father's  friend, 
thou  must  not  forsake ;  but''  into  thy  bro- 
ther's house  enter  not  on  the  day  of  thy  cala- 
mitv :  better  is  a  near  neighbour  than  a  dis- 
tant  brother. 

11  Become  wise,  my  son,  and  cause  my 
heart  to  rejoice,  that  I  may  give  an  answer 
to  him  that  reproacheth  me. 

12  The  prudent  foreseeth  the  evil,  and  hid- 
eth  himself;  but  the  simple  pass  on,  and  are 
punished. 

13  Take  his  garment,  for  he  became  surety 
for  a  stranger;  and  on  account  of  an  alien  w^o- 
nian  take  a  pledge  of  him. 

14  When  one  saluteth  his  friend  with  a 
loud  voice,  when  rising  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, it  will  be  counted  a  curse  to  him." 


"  Hcb.  "tlac  day  of  to-morrow." 

••  Jonathan,  "evil."     Rashi,  "large,"  /.  f.  burdensome. 
°  Rashi.      Others,    "so    is    the    friend    sweet    through 
hearty  counsel." 

^  Aroheim,  "  then  wilt  thou  not  have  need  to  enter,"  etc. 


15  A  continual  dropping  on  a  very  rainy 
day  and  a  t'.ontentious  woman  are  alike. 

16  He  that  would  conceal  her  might  con- 
ceal the  wind,  and  as  (fragrant)  oil  on  his 
right  hand,  which  would  jjetray  itseU7 

17  Iron  is  sharpened  by  iron:  so  doth  a 
man  shar})en  himself  on  the  countenance  of 
his  friend. 

18  Whoso  guardeth  the  fig-tree  will  eat  its 
fruit :  so  he  that  watcheth  over  his  master 
will  be  honoured. 

19  As  the  water  (showeth)  to  the  face  the 
(reflected)  face :  so  doth  the  heart  of  man 
show  itself  to  man. 

20  The  nether  world  and  the  ^^lace  of  cor- 
ruption are  never  satisfied:  so  are  the  e^es 
of  man  never  .satisfied. 

21  (As)  the  fining-pot  is  for  silver,  and 
the  furnace  for  gold :  so  is  a  man  (proved)  ac- 
cording to  his  praise. 

22  Though  thou  shouldst  pound  the  fool 
in  a  mortar,  in  the  midst  of  grains  of  wheat 
with  a  pestle:  still  would  his  folly  not  depart 
from  him. 

23  Endeavour  to  know  well  the  appearance 
of  thy  flocks,  direct  thy  attention'^  to  thy 
herds ; 

24  For  property  endureth  not  for  ever, 
nor  doth  the  crown  remain  for  all  genera- 
tions. 

25  When  the  grass  is  past,  young  verdure 
showeth  itself,  and  then  are  gathered  the 
herbs  of  the  mountains. 

26  The  sheep  are  for  thy  clothing,  and  he- 
goats  are  the  purchase-price  of  a  field. 

27  And  thou  wilt  have  enough  of  goats' 
milk  for  thy  food,  for  the  food  of  thy  house- 
hold, and  the  support  for  thy  maidens. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  Every  wicked  fleeth  when  no  man  pur- 
sueth;  but  the  righteous  are  like  the  confi- 
dent young  lion. 

2  When  there  is  transgression  in  a  land, 
it  hath  many  for  its  princes;  but  under  a 
man  of  understanding  and  knowledge  (its) 
prosperity  will  long  continue. 


^  Obtrusivcncss  being  not  rarely  a  token  of  insincerity. 

'  Wind  cannot  bo  held  fast,  nor  can  the  scent  or  nmrk 
of  oil  bo  concealed  when  poured  on  the  hand.  I'hilijjp- 
son,  "and  his  right  hand  holdeth  oil  fast." 

«  Heb.  "set  thy  heart." 

819 


PROVERBS  XXVITI.  XXIX. 


3  A  poor  mnn''  that  oppresseth  the  indi- 
gent is  like  a  .sweeping  rain  which  bringeth 
no  bread. 

4  The)'  that  forsake  the  law  praise  the 
wicked;  Ijut  such  as  observe  the  law  contend 
with  them. 

5  Bad  men  understand  not  justice;  but 
they  tliat  seek  the  Lord  understand  all  things. 

6  Better  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his 
intesirity,  than  he  that  is  perverse  in  his 
ways,  though  he  be  rich. 

7  Wiioso  keepeth  the  law  is  an  intelligent 
son ;  Ijut  he  that  is  a  companion  of  gluttons 
bringeth  dishonour  on  his  fixther. 

8  lie  that  increaseth  his  wealth  by  interest 
and  usury  will  gather  it  for  him  that  will  be 
kind  to  the  poor. 

9  When  one  turneth  away  his  ear  so  as 
not  to  listen  to  the  law,  even  his  prayer  be- 
cometh  an  abomination. 

10  Whoso  causeth  the  upriglit  to  go  astray 
on  an  evil  way,  will  surely  fall  into  his  own 
ditch  ;  but  the  men  of  integrity  will  inherit 
what  is  good. 

11  The  rich  man  is  wise  in  his  own  eyes; 
but  the  indigent  that  hath  understanding  can 
search  him  through. 

12  When  the  righteous  exult,  there  is 
great  splendour;  but  when  the  wicked  rise 
up,  a  man  hath  to  be  sought  for. 

13  lie  that  concealeth  his  transgressions 
will  not  prosper;  l)ut  whoso  confesseth  and 
forsaketh  them  will  obtain  mercy. 

14  Happy  is  the  man  that  always  dread- 
eth  (to  do  evil);  but  he  that  hardeneth  his 
heart  will  fall  into  unhappiness. 

15  As  a  roaring  lion,  and  a  greedy  bear, 
so  is  a  wicked  ruler  over  an  indigent  people. 

16  The''  prince  that  is  void  of  understand- 
ing is  also  a  great  oppressor;  (i)ut)  he  that 
hateth  unjust  gain  will  prolong  his  days. 

17  Tf  A  man  oppressed  by  the  load  of  hav- 
ing shed  human  l)lo()d  will  Hee  even  to  the 
pit:  let  no  man  hold  him. 

18  Whoso  walketh  in  integrity  will  be 
saved;  but  he  that  walketh  j^erversely  on 
two  paths,  will  fall  on  one.° 

'  Ra.slii,  "an  ignorant,  judge." 

''  Otliprs,  as  an  address,  "0  prince,  void  of  understand- 
ing, }iut  rich  in  oppression!  he  that,"  &e. 
"  Others,  "at  once." 

''  Arniieini,  "  nor  tliat  n  man  sliould  transgress  for,"  ite. 
•  Abcn   Ezra,   and    so   is    liie    Massorctic   punctuation. 
820 


19  He  that  tilleth  his  ground  will  have 
plenty  of  bread;  but  he  that  runneth  after 
idle  persons  will  have  enough  of  poverty. 

20  A  faithful  man  will  abound  with  bless- 
ings; but  he  tliat  maketh  haste  to  be  rich 
will  not  go  unpunished. 

21  To  have  respect  to  persons  is  not  good; 
because**  even  for  a  piece  of  bread  will  a  man 
transgress 

22  He  that  is  eager  for  wealth  is  a  man  of 
an  evil  eye,  and  he  knoweth  not  that  want 
will  come  upon  him. 

23  He  that  reproveth  a  man  after  (my  ex- 
ample)" will  obtain  more  grace  than  he  that 
flattereth  with  the  tongue. 

24  Whoso  robbeth  his  father  or  his  mo- 
ther, and  saith.  It  is  no  transgression, — the 
same  is  a  companion  of  a  destroyer.' 

25  He  that  hath  an  insatiable  desire^  stir- 
reth  up  strife;  but  he  that  putteth  his  trust 
in  the  Lord  will  l)e  al)undantly  gratified. 

20  He  that  trusteth  in  his  own  sense  is  a 
fool;  but  whoso  walketh  in  wisdom,  will  ever 
escape. 

27  He  that  giveth  unto  the  poor  will  not 
have  any  want ;  but  he  that  hideth  his  eyes 
will  have  an  abundance  of  curses. 

28  When  the  wicked  rise,  men  conceal 
themselves;  but  when  they  perish,  the  right- 
eous increase. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  A  man  that,  having  received  many  ad- 
monitions, still  hardeneth  his  neck,  will  sud- 
denly be  broken,  and  this  without  remedy. 

2  When  the  righteous  are  in  authority,'' 
the  people  will  rejoice;  but  wdien  the  wicked 
beareth  rule,  the  people  groan. 

3  The  man  that  loveth  wisdom  causeth 
his  ftxther  to  rejoice;  but  he  that  keepeth 
company  with  harlots  wasteth  (his)  wealth. 

4  A  king  will  through  the  exercise  of  jus- 
tice establish  (the  welfare  of)  a  land;  but  one 
that  loveth  gifts'  overthroweth  it. 

5  A  man  that  flattereth  his  neighljour 
sjireadeth  a  net  for  his  steps.  ; 

6  In  the  transscression  of  a  man  there  is 

But    Rashi    takes    'inx    adverbially,    "will    ultimately 
find." 

'  Ileb.  "a  destroying  man." 

^  Rashi.     Philippson,  "the  conceited  arrogant." 

^  Ralbag.     Jonathan,  "when  the  righteous  increase." 

'  Others,  "that  inipo.seth  many  taxes." 


PROVERBS  XXIX.  XXX. 


an  evil"  snare;  but  the  righteous  ever  singeth 
and  rejoiceth. 

7  The  righteous  considereth  the  cause  of 
the  indigent ;  hut  the  wicked  will  not  un- 
derstand the  knowledge  (of  justice). 

8  Scornful  me\\  will  kindle  (confusion)  in  a 
town;  but  the  wise  turn  away  wrath. 

9  If  a  wise  man  contend  with  a  foolish 
man,  whether  he  be  angry  or  whether  he 
laugh,  (he  will  have)  no  rest. 

10  Men  of  blood  hate  the  guiltless  one; 
but  the  upright  seek  (to  preserve)  his  life. 

11  A  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind;  but  the 
wise  holdeth  it  back. 

12  If  a  ruler  listen  to  the  word  of  false- 
hood, all  his  servants  become  wicked. 

13  The  poor  and  the  man  of  exactions 
meet  tou;ether :  the  Lord  enli"hteneth  the 
eyes  of  both  of  them. 

14  When  a  king  judgeth  in  truth  the 
indigent,  his  throne  shall  stand  firiidy  for  ever. 

15  The  rod  and  reproof  impart  wisdom; 
but  a  lad  abandoned  to  himself  bringeth 
shame  on  his  mother. 

IG  With  tlie  increase  of  the  wicked''  trans- 
gression increaseth;  but  the  righteous  shall 
yet  look  on  their  downfall. 

17  Correct  thy  son,  and  he  will  procure 
thee  rest:  yea,  he  will  give  delight  unto  thy 
soul. 

18  Without  a  prophetic  vision  a  people  jjc- 
come  unruly;  but  when  it  observeth  the  law, 
then  will  it  be  happy. 

19  Not  with  words  (alone)  can  a  servant 
be  connected ;  for  though  he  understand,  there 
will  be  no  response. 

20  Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  hasty  in  his 
words?  there  is  more  hoj^e  for  a  fool  than  for 
him. 

21  If  one  rear  his  servant  delicately  from 

*  After  the  Mas.soretic  punctuation,  llaslii  and  others, 
"of  the  bad  man  is  (his)  snare." 

*■  Ainheim,  "When  the  wicked  obtain  authority." 
°  Aben  Ezra,     llashi,  "he  will  be  at  length  a  ruler." 
''  See  Lev.  v.  i. ;  he  is  summoned  to  testify,  and  his  own 
guilt  seals  his  lips,  and  thus  he  incurs  the  punishment  of 
offending  Heaven  by  his  silence. 

"  Rashi,  "The  snare  of  sin  causeth  terror  unto  man." 
'  Rashi  considers  all  these  words  as  merely  allegorical 
names  applied  to  Solomon  :  Ayur,  "  the  gatherer;"  YoJcdi, 
"the  dispenser,"  i.  e.  of  wisdom;  Ithiel,  "Uod  with  me," 
because  he  had  trusted  in  his  wisdom;  Itlilel  and  VkknJ, 
"God  is  with  me  and  I  shall  prevail;  though  I  multiply 
horses,  wives  and  gold,  I  shall  not  stumble;"  and  "to" 
is  to  be  taken  as  concerning,  and  as  applied  to  himself. 


his  youth,  then  will  he  at  length   JHToine  ns 
(his)  son." 

22  A  man  of  anger  stirreth  up  strife;  and 
a  man  of  fury  aboundeth  in  transgression. 

23  The  pride  of  a  man  will  humble  him; 
but  the  humble  in  spirit  will  attain  to  honour. 

24  Whoso  divideth  with  a  thief  hateth  his 
own  soul:  he  heareth  tlie  adjuration''  and 
dareth  not  to  tell. 

25  The  dread  of  man  jjringeth  a  snare;'' 
but  whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Lord  will 
be  upheld  in  safety. 

26  Many  seek  the  fiiA'oiu-  of  a  ruler;  Init 
from  the  Lord  cometh  justice  for  man. 

27  An  abomination  of  the  righteous  is  an 
unjust  man:  and  an  al)omination  of  the  wick- 
ed is  one  who  is  upiight  in  (his)  way. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ^1  The  words  of  Agur  the  son  of  Yakeh, 
even  the  prophecy :  the  man  said  unto  Ithiel, 
even  unto  Ithiel  and  Ukkal,' 

2  "  Surely  I  am  more  brutish  tluin  any 
man,  and  have  not  the  understanding  of  a 
common  man. 

3  Nor  have  I  learned  wisdom,  so  that  I 
should  have  knowledge  of  the  Holy  One. 

4  Who  was  it  that  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  came  down  again?  who  gathered  the 
wind  in  his  fists?  who  bound  the  waters  in  a 
garment?  who  set  up  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth?  what  is  his  name,  and  what  is  his 
son's  name,  if  thou  knowest  it?" 

5  Every  saying  of  God  is  purified:  he  is 
a  shield  unto  those  that  put  tlieir  trust  in 
him. 

6  Do  not  add  aught  unto  his  words:  lest 
he  reprove  thee,  iind  thou  Ije  found  a  liar. 

7  ^f  Two  things  do  I  request  of  thee :  deny 
them  not  to  me  before  I  die. 


Aben  Ezra  considers  Ithiel  and  TJkkal  as  scholars  of  the 
wise  man  Agur  named  here,  otherwise  unknown.  Phi- 
lippson  believes  Ithiel  and  Ukkal  to  be  mere  ideal  names, 
like  Rashi,  though  regarding  Agur  ben  Yakeh  as  an  actual 
being.  He  conceives  the.se  words  to  represent  two  classes 
of  persons,  the  believer,  "  God  with  me,"  and  the  doubter, 
"who  is  to  be  consumed,"  not  as  Rashi,  from  by  "to  be 
able,"  but  as  from  Sdx  (Pual  participle,)  "The  to-be- 
consumed."  Verses  2  to  4  are  then  the  words  of  the 
doubter;  5  and  7  the  reply  of  the  pious;  and  it  is  the 
same  whether  we  take  it  as  a  self-communing  or  the  an- 
swer of  Agur  to  his  scholars.  Otherwise,  they  are  the 
reflection  of  a  sage  who  professes  his  inability  to  account 
for  all  things  on  natural  ground,  wherefore  reliance  on 
God's  word  becomes  both  duty  and  the  best  of  wisdom. 

821 


PROVERBS  XXX.  XXXI. 


0  Vanity"  and  l^iiig  words  do  tliou  remove 
far  from  me;  neither  poverty  nor  riches  give 
thou  unto  me ;  let  me  eat  the  bread  apjoointed 
unto  me : 

9  Lest  I  become  over-full,  and  deny  thee, 
and  say,  "Who  is  the  Lord?  or  lest  I  become 
poor,  and  steal,  and  trespass  against  the  name 
of  my  God. 

10  T[  Do  not  calumniate  a  servant  unto  his 
master:  lest  he  curse  thee,  and  thou  incur 
guilt. 

11  There  is  a  generation  that  curseth  its 
Aitlier,  and  doth  not  bless  its  mother. 

12  There  is  a  generation  tliat  is  pure  in  its 
own  eyes,  and  yet  is  not  washed  (clean)  of 
its  filthiness. 

13  There  is  a  generation — 0  how  lofty  are 
its  eyes!  and  its  eyelids  are  so  lifted  up. 

14  Thei'e  is  a  generation,  whose  teeth  are 
as  swords,  and  whose  cutting  teeth  are  as 
knives,  to  devour  the  jjoor  from  off  the  earth, 
and  the  needy  from  among  men. 


15  ][   Insatiability''   hath 


two  daughters, 
(crying,)  Give,  give.  There  are  three  things 
that  are  never  satisfied,  yea,  four  things 
which  never  say.  Enough  : 

16  The  netherworld;  and  a  barren  womlj; 
the  earth  which  is  not  satisfied  with  water; 
and  the  fire  which  never  saith.  Enough. 

17  The  eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father, 
and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  this  shall 
the  ravens  of  the  valley  pick  out,  and  the 
young  eagles  shall  eat  it. 

18  ^  Three  things  there  are  which  are  too 
wonderful  for  me ;  and  four,  which  I  know 
not: 

19  The  way  of  the  eagle  in  the  air;  the 
way  of  a  serpent  upon  a  rock ;  the  way  of  a 
ship  in  the  heart  of  the  sea;  and  the  way  of 
a  man  with  a  young  woman. 

20  Such  is  the  way  of  an  adulterous  wo- 
man: she  eateth,  and  wipeth  her  mouth,  and 
saith,  I  have  done  no  wrong. 

21  T[  Under  three  things  the  earth  trem- 


*  In  the  sense  of  false,  unreal  things. 

''  Philippson.  nplS;>  is  variously  explained ;  some  take 
it  as  "leech,"  hence  "the  insatiable."  Rashi,  "the 
nether  world."  Others,  "fate,"  "vainpyre."  Aben 
Ezra,  nSlp;>  'Akidah  "injustice."  Arnhcim,  as  the  name 
of  the  author  "Of  'Alukah:  Two  daughters  say,  Give, 
give."  Philippson  takes  "give,  give"  as  the  name  of 
the  daughters  of  insatiability. 

-  Others,  "The  lizard  takcth  hold  (cjf  walls)  with  her 
hands." 

822 


bloth,    and    under    four   which    she   cannot 
bear : 

22  Under  a  servant  when  he  becometh 
king,  and  a  worthless  fool  when  he  hath 
eaten  enough  bread; 

23  Under  an  odious  wonfan  when  she  is 
married,  and  a  bondwoman  when  she  dis- 
possesseth  her  mistress. 

24  ^  There  are  four  which  are  the  little 
ones  of  the  earth,  and  they  are  nevertheless 
exceedingly  wise : 

25  The  ants  are  a  people  not  strong,  there- 
fore do  they  prepare  in  the  summer  their 
food ; 

26  The  conies  are  but  a  feeble  people, 
therefore  do  they  place  on  the  rocks  their 
houses ; 

27  The  locusts  have  no  king,  and  yet  they 
go  forth  in  troops  altogether; 

28  The  spider*"  thou  canst  catch  with 
(thy)  hands,  and  yet  she  is  in  the  palaces 
of  a  king. 

29  ^  Three  there  are  that  have  a  stately 
step,  and  four, that  are  stately  in  going: 

30  The  lion,  the  mightiest  among  beasts, 
who  turneth  not  round  from  before  any 
one; 

31  The  light-legged  greyhound,''  and  the 
he-goat;"  and  a  king,  against  whom  there  is 
no  rising  up.*^ 

32  If  thou  hast  become  degraded  by  lifting 
up  thj'self,  or  if  thou  hast  devi.sed  evil,  put 
thy  hand  to  thy  mouth ; 

33  For  the  pressure^  of  milk  bringeth  forth 
butter,  and  the  pressure  of  the  nose  bringeth 
forth  blood :  so  the  pressure  of  wrath  bring- 
eth forth  strife. 

CHAPTER  XXXL 

1  T[  The  words  of  king  Lemuel,""  the  pro- 
phecy with  which  his  mother  instructed  him. 

2  What  (hast  thou  done),'  0  my  son?  and 
what,  0  son  of  my  body?  and  what,  0  son 
of  my  vows  ? 

*  Others,  "the  horse  girded  around  the  loins." 

°  Others,  "the  leading-wether,"  who  goes  before  the 
flock. 

'  Dlp'^N.  Others,  "people,"  with  whom  the  people 
are. 

^  Butter  is  said  to  be  produced  in  the  East  by  pressing 
cream  in  a  goat's  skin. 

'  Lcmnel,  or  as  more  correctly  in  ver.  4,  LemoeJ, 
"given,"  or  "devoted  to  God." 

'  Rashi.     Others,  "what  ("shall  T  say)?" 


PROVERBS  XXXI. 


3  Give  not  unto  women  tliy  vigour,  nor 
thy  ways  to  those  that  ruin  kings. 

4  Not  for  Icings,  O  Lenioel,  not  for  kings 
(is  it  fitting)  to  drink  wine,  nor"  for  princes, 
strong  drinlv : 

5  Lest  either  might  drink,  and  forget  what 
is  written  in  the  Law,  and  pervert  the  cause 
of  all  the  afflicted. 

6  Give  strong  drink  unto  him  tliat  is  ready 
to  perish,  and  wine  unto  those  wlio  have  an 
embittered  soul. 

7  Let  such  a  one  drink,  and  forget  his 
poverty,  and  remember  his  trouble  no  more. 

8  Open  thy  mouth  for  the  dumb,  for  the 
cause  of  all  fiitherless  children.'' 

9  Open  thy  moutli,  judge  righteously,  and 
decide  the  cause  of  the  poor  and  needy. 

10  Tl  Who  can  find  a  virtuous  woman? 
for  far  above  pearls  is  her  value. 

11  The  heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely 
trust  in  her,  and  he  will  not  see  his  gain" 
diminish. 

12  She  treateth  him  well  and  not  ill,  all 
the  days  of  her  life. 

1.3  She  seeketh  for  w^ool  and  flax,  and 
worketh  with  her  willing  hands. 

14  She  is  become  like  the  merchant's 
ships:  from  afar  doth  she  bring  her  food. 

15  And  she  riseth  while  it  is  yet  night, 
and  giveth  provision  to  her  household,  and  a 
task  to  her  maidens. 

16  She  thinketh  of  a  field,  and  buyeth  it: 
with  the  fruit  of  her  hands  she  planteth  a 
vineyard. 

17  She  girdeth  with  sti-ength  her  loins, 
and  giveth  vigour  to  her  arms. 

°  Rashi.  Ralbag  taking 'X  as  "where,"  gives,  "It  is 
not  for  princes  to  say,  '  Where  is  strong  drink?'" 

'' Rashi,  r|Sn  "to  change,"  whcse  help  hath  passed 
away.     Aben  Ezra,  "who  are  destined  to  death." 

'  Aruheim.     Lit.  "booty,"  or  "t>poil." 


18  She  perceiveth  that  her  profit'  is  good: 
(therefore)  her  lamp  goeth  not  out  by  night. 

19  She  stretcheth  out  her  hands  to  the 
spindle,  and  her  palms  hold  fast  the  distaff. 

20  She  spreadeth  out  wide  her  open  palm 
to  the  poor :  yea,  her  hands  she  stretcheth 
forth  to  the  nt'edy. 

21  She  hath  no  fear  for  her  ln)usehold  of 
the  snow;  for  all  her  household  are  clothed 
in  scarlet." 

22  Tapestry-covering  she  maketh  for  her- 
self: of  linen  and  purple  is  her  attire. 

23  Well  known  is  in  the  gates  her  hus- 
band, when  he  sitteth  with  the  elders  of  the 
land. 

24  Fine  tunics  she  maketh,  and  selleth 
them,  and  girdles  she  furnisheth  unto  the 
merchant. 

25  Strength  and  dignity  are  her  clothing: 
and  she  smileth  at  the  coming  of  the  last 
day.f 

26  She  openeth  her  mouth  with  wisdom, 
and  the  law  of  kindness  is  on  her  tongue. 

27  She  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her 
household,  and  the  bread  of  idleness  she  doth 
not  eat. 

28-  Her  children  rise  up,  and  call  her 
blessed;  her  husband,  also,  and  he  praiseth 
her: 

29  "  Many  daughters  have  done  virtuously; 
but  thou  excellest  them  all." 

30  False  is  grace,  and  vain  is  beauty:  a 
woman  only  that  feareth  the  Lord  shall  in- 
deed be  praised. 

31  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands,  and 
let  her  own  works  praise  her  in  the  gates. 

"  Eng.  ver.,  "merchandise,"  i.  e.  what  the  merchant 
obtains,  "profit." 

"  i.  e.  Woollen  garments,  which  were  coloured;  in  op- 
position to  the  linen  uncoloured  summer  clothes. 

'  Rashi. 

823 


THE  BOOK  OF  JOB, 


3VK   -li3D. 


CHAPTER  T. 

1  ^1  There  was  a  man  in  the  land  of  'Uz, 
Job"  was  bis  name;  and  this  man  was  per- 
fect and  upright,  and  fearing  God,  and 
eschewing  eviL 

2  And  tliere  were  born  unto  hitn  seven 
sons  and  three  daughters. 

3  And  his  cattle  consisted  of  seven  thou- 
sand sheej),  and  three  thousand  camels,  and 
five  hundred  yoke  of  oxen,  and  five  hundred 
she-asses,  and  he  had  a  very  great  store  of 
servants  I*"  .so  that  this  num  was  greater  than 
all  the  sons  of  the  east. 

4  And  his  sons  used  to  go  and  prepare  a 
feast  in  the  house  of  every  one  on  his  day; 
and  they  sent  and  invited  their  three  sisters 
to  eat  and  to  drink  with  them. 

5  And  it  happened,  when  the  days  of  the 
feast  were  .gone  round,  that  Job  sent  and 
sanctified  them,  and  he  then  rose  up  early  in 
the  morning,  and  offered  burnt^offerings  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  all  of  them;  for  Job 
said.  It  may  be  that  my  sons  have  sinned, 
and  have  renounced"  God  in  their  heart.  In 
this  maimer  used  Job  to  do  all  the  time. 

G  Now  it  happened  on  a  certain  day,  when 
tlie  sons  of  God  came  to  present  themselves 
before  the  Lord,  that  the  Accuser  also  came 
in  the  midst  of  them. 

7  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Whence  comest  thou?  And  the  Accuser  an- 
swered the  Lord,  and  said.  From  roaming 
over  the  earth,  and  from  wandering  through 
it. 

8  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Hast  thou  directed  thy  attention''  toward  my 
servant  Job;  for  there  is  none  like  him  on  the 
earth,  a  man  perfect  and  upright,  who  fear- 
eth  God,  and  escheweth  evil? 

"  Properly,  Tyt/olj. 

"  Others,  "agriculture."     (See  Gon.  xxvi.  14.) 
'  113  certainly  can  mean  "blaspheme,"  as  in  1  Kings 
x.xi.  10;    but  it  means  also  to  bless  at  parting,  to  say, 
"farewell;"    heuce,  "renounce,"  and  afterward  to  "blas- 


9  Then  answered  the  Accuser  the  Lord, 
and  said,  Is  it  for  nought  that  Job  feareth 
God? 

10  Behold,  thou  hast  indeed  placed  a  fence 
about  him,  and  about  his  house,  and  about 
all  that  he  hath,  on  every  side:  the  work  of 
his  hands  hast  thou  Ijlessed,  and  his  cattle  are 
far  spread  out  in  the  land. 

H  But  stretch  only  forth  thy  hand  and 
touch  all  that  he  hath,  and  (see)  whether  he 
will  not  renounce  thee  to  thy  face. 

12  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Behold,  all  that  is  his  be  in  thy  power;"  only 
against  Iiimself  slialt  thou  not  stretch  forth 
thy  hand.  The  Accuser  went  thereupon 
away  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  it  happened  on  a  certain  day,  when 
his  sons  and  his  daughters  were  eating  and 
drinking  wine  in  the  house  of  their  first-born 
brother, 

14  That  a  messenger  came  unto  Job,  and 
said.  The  oxen  were  ploughing,  and  the  she- 
asses  were  feeding  beside  them : 

15  When  the  Sabeans  made  an  incursion, 
and  took  them  away,  and  the  young  men 
they  slew  with  the  edge  of  the  sword ;  and  I 
am  escaped,  none  but  my.self  alone,  to  tell  it 
unto  thee. 

IG  This  one  was  yet  speaking,  when  an- 
other came,  and  said,  A  fire  of  God  fell  from 
heaven,  and  burnt  among  the  sheep  and  the 
young  men,  and  consumed  them;  and  I  am 
I  escaped,  none  but  myself  alone,  to  tell  it  unto 
thee. 

17  This  one  was  yet  speaking,  when  an- 
other came,  and  said.  The  Chaldeans  posted 
themselves  in  three  divisions,  and  made  an 
inroad  against  the  camels,  and  took  them 
away,  and  the  young  men  they  slew  with 
the  edge  of  the  sword;  and   1  am    escaped, 

pheme,"  to  ".speak  disrespectfully,"  or  "bidding  farewell 
to  allegiance"  to  God  or  the  civil  government.  Rashi 
and  Aben  Ezra  give  "blasphemed."  Jonathan,  "made 
^"SO'  "  '  Lit.  "Ilast  thou  set  thy  iieart  upon." 

«  Hcb    "liMud  " 


JOB  I.  II.  III. 


none    luit     iiivsclf    mIuhc.     fo     tdl    it    unto 
tlico. 

18  While  thi.s  one  was  yet  speaking,  there 
came  also  another,  and  sai<l.  Thy  sons  and 
thy  daughters  were  eating  and  drinking  wine 
in  the  house  of  their  (irst-born  brother : 

19  When,  behold,  a  violent  wind  came 
from  the  direction  of  the  wilderness,  and 
Ktruek  against  the  four  corners  of  the  house, 
so  that  it  fell  upon  the  _yonng  men,  and  they 
died ;  and  I  am  escaped,  none  but  myself 
alone,  to  tell  it  unto  thee. 

20  Then  arose  Job,  and  rent  his  robe,  and 
shaved  his  head,  and  fell  down  upon  tlie 
ground,  and  prostrated  himself, 

21  And  he  said,  Naked  came  I  out  of  my 
mother's  womb,  and  naked  shall  I  return 
thither:"  the  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away;  may  the  name  of  the  Lord  be 
blessed. 

22  With  all  this  did  Job  not  sin,  and  at- 
tributed no  injustice  to  God.'' 

CHAPTER  n. 

1  ^  And  it  happened  (again)  on  a  certain 
day,  when  the  sons  of  God  came  to  present 
themselves  before  the  Lord,  that  the  Accuser 
also  came  in  the  midst  of  them  to  present 
himself  before  the  Lord. 

2  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Whence  comest  thou  now?  And  the  Accuser 
answered  the  Lord,  and  said,  From  roaming 
over  the  earth,  and  from  wandering  through 
it. 

3  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Hast  thou  directed  thy  attention  toward  my 
servant  Job;  for  there  is  none  like  him  on 
the  earth,  a  man  perfect  and  upright,  who 
feareth  God,  and  escheweth  evil?  and  he  is 
still  holding  fast  to  his  integrity,  and  thou 
hast  incited  me  against  him,  to  destroy  him 
without  cause. 

4  Then  answered  the  Accuser  the  Lord, 

"  The  general  mother — the  earth. 

^  Rashi.  Others,  "  he  uttered  nothing  offensive  to 
God." 

"  Rashi  comments,  "Limb  for  limb;  this  is  the  way  of 
man  when  he  sees  a  sword  extended  over  his  head,  he 
will  ward  it  off  with  his  arm;  how  much  more  will  he  be 
likely  to  yield  all  his  wealth  to  save  his  life;  and  this 
one  well  knoweth  within  himself  that  he  is  guilty,  there- 
fore ho  grieveth  not  for  his  money;"  and  we  may  add, 
"for  his  children,  as  nothing  is  so  dear  to  a  man  as  his 
own  life." 

5  D 


and  said.  Skin  for  .skin:"  yea,  all  that  a  man 
hath  will  he  give  in  behalf  of  his  life. 

5  But  stretch  only  forth  thy  hand,  and 
touch  his  bone  and  his  ilesh,  and  (see)  whe- 
ther he  will  not  renounce  thee  to  thy  face. 

6  Then  said  the  Lord  unto  the  Accuser, 
Behold,  he  is  in  thy  hand:  only  take  care  of 
his  life. 

7  Thereupon  went  the  Accuser  forth  from 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  he  smote  Job 
with  a  sore  inflammation,''  from  the  sole  of 
his  foot  unto  the  crown  of  his  head. 

8  And  (Job)  took  himself  a  potsherd  to 
scrape  himself  therewith,  while  he  was  sit- 
ting down  among  the  ashes. 

9  Then  said  his  wife  unto  him.  Art  thou 
still  holding  i^ist  to  thy  integrity?  renounce" 
God,  and  die. 

10  But  he  said  unto  her.  Thou  speakest  as 
one  of  the  worthless  women  would  speak. 
What?  should  we  accept  the  good  alone  from 
God,  and  the  evil  we  should  not  accept? 
With  all  this  did  Job  not  sin  with  his  lips. 

11  ^f  When  now  the  three  friends  of  Job 
had  heard  of  all  this  evil  that  was  come  over 
him.  they  came  every  one  from  his  own  place, 
Eliphaz  the  Themanite.  and  Bildad  the  Shu- 
chite,  and  Zophar  the  Na'amathite;  and  they 
met*^  toirether  to  come  to  condole  w^ith  him 
and  to  comfort  him. 

12  And  when  they  lifted  up  their  eyes  afar 
off,  and  they  recognised  him  not,  they  lifted 
up  their  voice,  and  wept;  and  they  rent 
every  one  his  robe,  and  strewed  dust  upon 
their  heads  toward  heaven. 

13  They  likewise  sat  down  with  him  on 
the  ground  seven  days  and  seven  nights;  but 
no  one  spoke  a  word  unto  him ;  for  they  saw 
that  his  pain  was  very  great. 

CHAPTER  III. 
1  After  this  time  Job  opened  his  mouth, 
and  cursed  his  day. 

^  JTHy  a  disease  which  produces  a  discoloration  of  the 
skin,  inflammation  of  any  kind;  here  supposed  to  be 
elephantiasis. 

°  Some  would  render  this  verse,  "praise  God,"  fur 
what  he  has  done.  Others  again,  "say  farewell;"  again, 
"thank  him  for  past  favours  and  then  die  by  thy  own 
hand."  Rashi  agrees  with  this  version  of  the  end  of  the 
verse,  as  he  says  mi  "is  imperative."  With  this  view 
agrees  well  the  answer  of  .Job,  stating  it  to  be  our  duty  to 
submit  to  the  evil  as  well  as  to  accept  the  good. 

'  Eng.  ver.,  "they  had  made  an  appointment,"  &c. 

825 


JOB  ITT.  IV. 


2  ^  And  Jol)  commenced,  and  said, 

3  Oh  that  the  day  whereon  I  was  born 
might  perish,  and  the  night"  Avhen  it  was 
said,  There  hath  been  a  male  child  conceived. 

4  May  that  day  be  (covered  witli)  dark- 
ness; may  not  God  from  above  inqnire  for  it, 
and  may  no  light  beam  upon  it. 

5  Oh  that  darkness  and  tlie  shadow  of 
death  might  defile''  it;  may  a  cloud  rest 
upon  it;  may  the  blackness*"  of  the  dny  ter- 
I'ify  it. 

6  Yon  night — let  darkness  seize  upon  it; 
let  it  not  be  united''  to  the  days  of  the  year; 
let  it  not  come  into  the  number  of  the  (pe- 
riods lighted  by  the)  moon. 

7  Lo,  may  that  night  be  solitary,  let  no 
song  of  joy  occur  thereon. 

8  Let  those  denounce  it  that  curse  the 
day,  who  are  ready  to  raise  up  their  mourning 
cry." 

9  Let  the  stars  of  its  twilight  be  darkened ; 
let  it  hope  for  light,  and  there  be  none ;  and 
let  it  not  behold  the  eyelids  of  the  morning- 
dawn; 

10  Because  God  closed  not  against  me  the 
doors  of  the  womb,  and  thus  concealed  trou- 
l:)le  from  my  eyes. 

11  Why  did  I  not  die  (the  moment  I  is- 
sued) from  the  womb  ?  (why)  was  I  not  born 
merely  to  perish  at  once? 

12  Wherefore  were  knees  ready  to  receive 
me?  and  for  what  purpose  were  breasts 
there  that  I  might  suck? 

13  For  now  should  I  be  lying  still  and 
be  quiet;  I  should  sleep:  then  would  I  be  at 
rest, 

14  With  kings  and  counsellors  of  the 
earth,  who  build  up  ruined  places  for  them- 
selves ; 

15  Or  with  princes  possessing  gold,  who 
fill  their  houses  with  silver; 

16  Or  as  an  untimely  birth,  hidden  (from 
view)  I  should  not  exist;  as  infants  that 
never  have  seen  the  light; 


'  Jonathan,  "and  the  night  which  said." 

'■  Hashi  and  Abon  Ezra.  Others,  "Maj'  darkness,  &c. 
olaiiii  it  back  as  their  own ;"  Snj  as  "  to  redeem  from  those 
who  liave  no  equitable  right  of  permanent  possession." 

"  llalbag.  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra,  "pestilential  va- 
pours," &c. 

''  Others,  "Let  it  not  be  glad  among,"  &c. 

'  Ralbag.  Aben  Ezra  and  others  take  m''l'7  to  mean, 
as  elsewhere,  Tjevialhnn,  a  sea-mon.ster;  and  we  should 
820 


17  There  (wTierej  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling;  and  where  the  exhausted  weary 
are  at  rest; 

18  (Where)  the  prisoners  repose  together, 
(and)  they  hear  no  more  the  taskmaster's  voice. 

19  The  small  with  the  great  is  there,  and 
the  servant  free  from  his  master. 

20  Wherefore  givetli  He  now  light  to  the 
labour-laden,  and  life  unto  the  bitter  in  soul? 

21  Who  Avait  for  death,  which  (cometh) 
not;  and  who  dig  for  it  sooner  than  for  hid- 
den treasures; 

22  Who  would  rejoice  even  to  exulting, 
who  would  be  glad  could  they  but  find  a 
grave  ? 

23  (Why  is  light  given)  to  a  man  whose 
way  is  hidden,  and  around  whom  God  hatli 
placed  a  fence  ?'^ 

24  For  before  my  food  cometh  my  groan- 
ing, and  like  the  water  are  poured  forth  my 
loud  complaints. 

25  Because  what  I  greatly  dreaded  is  come 
upon  me,  and  what  I  apprehended  is  come 
unto  me. 

26  I  have  had  no  safety,  and  no  quiet, 
and  no  rest;  and  (now)  harrowing  trouble  is 
come. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ][  Then  answered  Eliphaz  the  Thema- 
nite,  and  said, 

2  If  we  essay^  to  address  a  word  to  thee, 
wilt  thou  be  wearied?  yet  who  is  able  to  re- 
frain from  speaking?'' 

3  Behold,  thou  hast  (ere  this)  corrected 
many,  and  weak  hands  thou  wast  wont  to 
strengthen. 

4  Him  that  stumbled  thy  words  used  to 
uphold,  and  to  sinking  knees  thou  gavest 
vigour. 

5  Yet  now,  when  it  cometh  to  thee,  thou 
art  wearied:  it  toucheth  even  thee,  and  thou 
art  terrified. 

6  Is  not  then  thy  fear  of  God  still  thy  con- 


then  translate,  "who  are  prepared  to  raise  up  the  sea- 
monster,"  ?■.  e.  by  their  enchantments. 

'  Meaning,  barred  the  egress  from  evil;  first,  by  hiding 
the  path  which  he  should  travel,  and  then  keeping  him 
locked  up  within  the  bounds  of  misery. 

^Jonathan.  Rashi,  "Art  thou  wearied  because  one 
temptation  hath  come  to  thee?"  Aben  Ezra,  no:  for 
Ntyj  "  if  we  lift  up  our  word?" 

''  Tjit.  "who  is  able  to  reprove  with  words?" 


JOB  IV.  r. 


fidence,"  tliy  hope   equal  to  tlie  integrity  of 
thy  ways? 

7  Remember,  I  pray  thee,  who  ever  perish- 
ed, being-  innocent?  .or  where  were  the  right- 
eous destroyed? 

8  Even  as  I  have  seen,  that  those  who 
plough  wrong-doing,  and  sow  trouble,  have  to 
reap  the  same. 

9  Before  the  breathing  of  God  they  perish, 
and  before  the  breath  of  his  nostrils  they 
come  to  their  end. 

10  The  roaring  of  the  lion,  and  the  voice 
of  the  fierce  lion,  and  the  teeth  of  the  young 
lions,  are  broken. 

1 1  The  old  lion  perisheth  for  lack  of  prey, 
and  the  whelps  of  the  lioness  have  to  scatter 
themselves  abroad. 

12  But  to  me  a  word  came  by  stealth,  and 
my  ear  took  in  a  scarcely  perceptible  whisper 
thereof, 

13  In  intense  thoughts  out  of  visions  of 
the  night,  when  deep  sleep  falleth  on  men : 

14  Dread  came  over  me,  with  trembling, 
and  it  caused  all  my  bones  to  shudder. 

15  Then  flitted  a  spirit  past  before  my 
face ;  the  hair  of  my  body  stood  up : 

16  It  stood  still,  but  I  could  not  recognise 
its  form ;  a  iigure  was  before  my  eyes,  a  slight 
whisper,  then  a  (louder)  voice  I  heard,  say- 

17  Can  a  mortal  be  more  righteous''  than 
God?  or  can  a  man  be  more  pure  than  his 
xMaker? 

IS  Behold,  in  his  servants  he  putteth  no 
trust,  and   his  angels  he  chargeth  with  folly : 

19  How  much  less  in  those  that  dwell  in 
houses  of  clay,  whose  foundation  is  in  the 
dust,  who  are  crushed  till  they  come  to  be 
eaten  by"  the  moth? 

20  From  morning  to  evening  are  they 
broken  to  pieces:  without  laying  it  (to  heart) 
they  perish  for  ever. 

21  Behold,  their  excellency  which  is  in 

"  Raslii,  ■jnboD  "thy  folly,"  "was  then  thy  fear,  thy 
hope,  the  integrity  of  thy  ways  but  sheer  folly  in  thee?" 

'  LiJwenthal  and  Philippson,  "  Is  a  mortal  righteous  be- 
fore Grod,"  &c. 

°  So  doth  Rashi  explain  ■'ja'?  "before." 

^  Arnheim  and  others,  "the  babbler." 

'  Jonathan.  Rashi  makes  D'DS  equal  to  □'Nns  "  the 
thirsty,"  and  translates:  "some  one  of  the  thirsty  will 
snatch  at,"  &c.  Philippson,  "  whether  he  fetch  it  out  of 
thornhedges  or  snatch  up  his  wealth  with  snares." 

'  Aben  Ezra;   so   also   Philippson,  who    renders,  lite- 


them  is  torn  away:  the^'  die,  and  this  with- 
out wisdom. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Do  but  call :  is  there  one  that  will  an- 
swer thee?  and  to  whom  of  the  saints  wilt 
thou  turn  thyself? 

2  For  vexation  will  prove  death  to  a  fool- 
ish man,  and  jealousy  will  slay  the  simple.'' 

3  I  have  myself  seen  the  foolish  taking 
root;  but  I  suddenly  held  his  habitation  as 
accursed. 

4  His  children  are  far  from  help,  and  men 
crush  them  in  the  gate,  with  no  one  to 
deliver  them. 

5  (He  it  is)  whose  harvest  the  hungry 
eateth  up.  and  taketh  it  even  out  of  the 
thorns,  and  the  robber*  snatcheth  eagerly 
after  their  substance. 

6  For  wrong  doth  not  come  forth  out  of 
the  dust,  neither  doth  trouble  grow  up  out  of 
the  ground; 

7  But  man  is  born  unto  trouble,  as  young 
birds*^  take  up  their  flight. 

8  I,  however,  would^  have  besought  God, 
and  unto  God  would  I  have  committed  my 
cause ; 

9  Who  doth  great  things  which  are  un- 
searchable, marvellous  things  till  they  are 
without  number; 

10  Who  giveth  rain  upon  the  surface  of 
the  earth,  and  sendeth  out  waters  over  the 
face  of  the  fields ; 

11  To  set  up  the  lowly  on  high,  that 
those  who  mourn  may  rise  high  to  happi- 
ness ;'' 

12  (But)  who  frustrate th  the  plans  of  the 
crafty,  so  that  their  hands  cannot  execute 
their  well-devised  counsel ; 

13  Who  catcheth  the  wise  in  their  own 
craftiness;  and  the  advice  of  the  perverse  is 
hastened  on  headlong; 

14  By  day  they  meet  with  darkness,  and 


rally,  "as  the  children  of  the  lightning  (that  fly  with 
lightning  speed)  fly  up  high."  Others,  "the  children 
of  the  flame,"  »'.  e.  the  sparks.  The  meaning  is,  wrong- 
doing brings  evil;  men  are  prone  to  sin;  hence,  they 
prepare  themselves  trouble,  just  as  sure  as  sparks,  or 
birds,  fly  upward;   but  all  is  in  strict  justice. 

*  Rashi,  who  comments,  "  Had  afliiction  seized  on  me, 
I  would  have  entreated  God  with  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion." 

'' Rendered  elsewhere,  "salvation;"  here  the  opposite 
to  mouvninff. 

^  b27 


JOB  V.  vr. 


n,s  though  it  wore  night  they  grope  about  in 
the  noon  of  day ; 

15  But  who  saveth  from  the  sword,  from 
their  mouth,  and  from  the  hand  of  the 
mighty,  the  needy  one  : 

iG  And  so  Cometh  to  the  indigent  hope, 
and  iniquity  stoppeth  lier  mouth. 

17  Behold,  happy  is  the  man  whom  God 
admonisheth :  despise  then  not  the  correction 
of  the  Ahnighty. 

18  For  he  it  is  that  woundeth,  and  bind- 
eth  up:  he  smiteth,  and  his  hands  do  heaL 

19  In  six  distresses  will  he  deliver  thee; 
and  in  seven  there  shall  no  evil  touch  thee. 

20  In  famine  he  redeemeth  thee  from 
death;  and  in  war  from  the  power  of  the 
sword. 

21  Against  the  scourge  of  the  tongue  shalt 
thou  be  hidden;  and  thou  needest  not  be 
afraid  of  destruction  when  it  cometh. 

22  At  destruction  and  famine  canst  thou 
laugh;  and  thou  needest  not  to  have  any 
fear  of  the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

23  For  with  the  stones  of  the  field  shalt 
thou  have  thy  covenant;  and  the  beasts  of 
the  field  shall  be  at  peace  with  thee. 

24  And  thou  shalt  know  that  there  is 
peace  in  thy  tent;  and  thou  wilt  look  over 
thy  habitation,"  and  shalt  miss  nothing. 

25  And  thou  shalt  know  that  thy  seed  is 
numerous,  and  thy  oflspring  as  the  herbage 
of  the  earth. 

26  Thou  wilt  go  in  a  ripe  age''  unto  the 
grave,  as  a  shock"^  of  corn  is  carried  home  in 
its  season. 

27  Behold  this,  we  have  searched  it  out,  so  it 
is :  hear  it,  and  do  thou  note  it  well  for  thyself 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  Oh   that  my  vexation    could   be    truly 


'  Arnheim,  "thy  pasture." 

''  Rashi.     Philippson,  after  Ram  bam,  "full  of  vigour." 

°  Philippson, "  when  the  grave's  hillock  is  raised  in  its  sea- 
son." ty'lJ,  after  Sa'adyah,  not  "shock,"  but  the  "grave's 
hillock."  ''  Aben  Ezra,  "the  juiec  of  the  mallow." 

"  Philippson,  who  comments:  "as  unwillingly  as  a 
man  tastes  unsalted  food,  so  little  can  the  sufferer  bear 
disease  without  complaining;  Job  saying  this  to  justify 
his  complaint,  as  being  iji  the  nature  of  things,  and  not 
rcbellicm."  Herxheimer  and  Eng.  ver.,  "What  ray  soul 
refused  to  touch  are  now  the  food  of  my  sickness." 

'  Rashi,  "I  would  entreat  his  forgiveness  that  he 
should  not  spare  me."  Jonathan,  "thoni;h  T  burn  in 
828 


weighed,    and    my   calamity — oh    that    men 
might  lift  it  up  in  the  balances  at  once  I 

3  For  now  it  is  already  heavier  than  the 
sand  of  the  sea :  therefore  are  my  words  con- 
fused. 

4  For  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  ai'c 
within  me,  the  poison  whereof  my  si)irit 
drinketh  in :  the  terrors  of  God  set  them- 
selves in  array  against  me. 

5  Doth  the  wild  ass  bray  over  the  grass? 
or  loweth  the  ox  over  his  fodder? 

6  Is  ever  tasteless  food  eaten  without  salt? 
or  is  there  any  flavour  in  the  white  of  an 


po-o*?^ 


7  My  soul  refuseth  to  touch  them:  they 
are  unto  me  like  disgusting"  food. 

8  Oh  that  some  one  would  grant  the  ac- 
complishment of  my  request;  and  that  God 
would  grant  me  the  fulfilment  of  my  hope! 

9  Yea,  that  it  would  please  God  that  he 
might  crush  me:  that  he  would  let  loose  his 
hand,  and  make  an  end  of  me! 

10  Then  would  this  be  still  my  comfort; 
yea,  I  would  rejoice*^  in  my  pain  while  he 
would  not  spare :  that  I  have  not  gainsaid 
the  commands  of  the  Holy  One. — 

11  What  is  my  strength,  that  I  should 
wait?  and  what  my  end,  that  I  should  yet 
longer  retain  my  patience  ?* 

12  Is  the  strength  of  stones  my  strength? 
or  is  my  flesh  brazen? 

13  Truly,  am  I  not  without  my  help  in 
me  ?  and  is  not  wise  counsel  driven  far  away 
from  me? 

14  As*"  though  I  were  one  who  refuseth 
kindness  to  his  friend,  and  forsaketh  the 
fear  of  the  Almighty  : 

15  My  brothers  are  treacherous  as  a  brook, 
like  flowing  brooks  they  pass  along;' 

16  Which  are  made  turbid''  by  reason  of 
the  ice,  wherein  the  snow  hideth  itself; 


pain  and  he  will  not  spare."  The  various  versions,  "en- 
treat," "burn,"  and  "rejoice,"  are  given  by  different  coni- 
^mentators  of  the  word  "no,  only  found  in  this  verse. 

*  After  Rashi,  taking  b'SJ  as  "will,"  "desire,"  "plea- 
sure." 

"■  Rashi  and  Jonathan.  Ralbag,  "Shall  the  man  that 
suffereth  have  di.sgrace  from  his  friend,  saying  he  hath 
for.saken,"  &o.  Philippson  and  others,  "To  the  sufferer 
kindness  is  due  from  his  friend,  even  though  he  forsake 
the  fear  of  the  Almighty." 

'  Philippson,  "which  overflow."  Arnheim,  "like  the 
brooks  of  valleys." 

"  Rashi  would  render,  "which  become  ice  by  rea.son  of 


JOB  VI.  VII. 


17  At  the  time  when  they  feel  the  warmth, 
they  vanish ;  wlien  it  is  hot,  they  are  quench- 
ed out  of  their  phxee. 

18  The  paths  of  their  course  wind  them- 
selves along;*  they  go  up  in  the  wilderness 
and  are  lost. 

19  The  caravans  of  Thema  look  hither, 
the  travelling  companies  of  Sheba  hope  for 
them ; 

20  But  they  stand  ashamed  because  they 
had  trusted;  thej-  come  thither  and  are  made 
to  blush. 

21  For  truly  now  ye  are  like  such  a  one: 
ye  see  my  terrible  state,  and  are  afraid. 

22  Have  I  then  ever  said,  Give  me  some- 
thing, and  out  of  your  property  offer  a  l)ribe 
in  ray  behalf? 

23  And  deliver  me  from  the  hand  of  the 
adversary?  and  redeem  me  from  the  hand  of 
tyrants? 

21  Teach  me,  and  I  will  indeed  remain 
silent;  and  wherein  I  have  erred  give  me  to 
understand . 

25  How  pleasant  are  straightforward 
words!  but  what  doth  your  arguing  prove? 

26  Do  ye  think  to  reprove''  words,  and  (to 
regard)  as  wind  the  speeches  of  one  that  is 
despairing? 

27  Yea,  ye  would  cast  any  thing  upon  the 
fatherless,  and  ye  would  dig  a  pit  against 
your  frientl. 

28  But  now,  if  it  please  you,  turn  your- 
selves toward  me,  and  (say)  whether  I  would 
lie  before  your  f\ice. 

29  Reflect  again,  I  pray  you,  there  will  be 
no  wrong:  yea,  reflect  once  more,  my  right- 
eousness (will  be  found)  therein. 

30  Is  there  any  wrong  on  my  tongue?  or 
should  my  palate  not  understand  (if  I  spoke) 
what  is  iniquitous?" 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  Is  there  not  a  limited  time  of  service  to 

the  cold,  which  are  hidden  by  means  of  the  snow,"  which 
covers  the  course  of  the  stream,  so  that  no  one  can  obtain 
water  from  it  to  quench  his  thirst. 

"  Meaning,  these  brooks,  being  at  first  nearly  empty, 
glide  along  iu  the  deep  ravines,  and  at  length  meet  the 
sands  of  the  desert  where  they  disappear.  Philippson 
applies  niniN,  as  in  ver.  19,  to  caravans:  "The  caravans 
bend  thither  their  way,  they  get  into  the  wilderness  and 
perish."  Ver.  20  completes  the  picture  :  the  guide  as- 
sures the  travellers  that  a  stream  can  be  found  at  a  cer- 
tain place ;  they  reach  it,  but  find  it  empty. 


a  mortal  upon  earth  ?  are  not  his  days  also 
like  the  days  of  a  hired  labourer? 

2  As  a  servant  ea2;erlv  louiieth  for  the 
shadow,  and  as  a  hired  labourer  hopetli  lor 
his  reward: 

3  '■So  was  I  compelled  to  possess  months  of 
vanity,  and  nights  of  trouble  were  counted' 
out  unto  me. 

4  When  I  lie  down,  I  say,  When  shall  I 
arise,  and  the  nighf  be  gone?  and  I  am 
wearied  with  tossings  about  till  the  dawn  of 
day. 

5  My  flesh  is  covered  with  worms  and 
clods  of  dust :  my  skin  is  burst  open,  and  be- 
come loathsome. 

6  My  diiys  hasten  away  more  swiftly  than 
a  weaver's  shuttle,  and  they  come  to  an  end  in 
the  absence  of  hope. 

7  Oh  remember  that  nothing  but  a  breath 
is  my  life;  that  my  eye  will  not  again  see 
happiness; 

8  The  eye  of  him  that  seeth  me  now  will 
not  behold  me  again  :  (thou  fixest)  thy  eyes 
upon  me,  and  I  am  no  more. 

9  As  the  cloud  vanisheth  and  passeth 
away:  so  will  he  that  goeth  down  to  the 
nether  world  not  come  up  again. 

10  He  will  return  no  more  to  his  house,  and 
his  place  will  not  recognise  him  any  more. 

11  Therefore  will  1  also  not  restrain  my 
mouth;  I  wiW  speak  in  the  anguish  of  my 
spirit;  I  will  complain  in  the  bitterness  of 
my  soul. 

12  Am  I  a  sea,  or  a  monster,  that  thou 
settest  a  watch  over  me? 

13  For  should  I  say.  My  bed  shall  comfort 
me,  my  couch  shall  help  me  bear  my  com- 
plaint: 

14  Then  wouldst  thou  frighten  me  with 
dreams,  and  with  visions  wouldst  thou  ter- 
rify me; 

15  ,So  that  my  soul  would  choose  stran- 
gling, death  rather  than  these  limbs'  of  mine. 


''  Rashi,  "Will  you  prove  your  words,  which  are  at  last 
mere  words  and  valueless  speeches?" 

°  These  two  verses  are  given  after  Rashi.  Philippson 
renders  the  last  clause,  "should  my  palate  not  feel  suifer- 
ings? 

''  Or  "ordained  for." 

"  Rashi,  taking  ^^J,'  "evening,"  for  nVS  "night,"  the 
beginning  for  the  whole;  but  Philippson,  "the  evening 
extendcth  itself  out." 

'  After  Rashi,  literally,  "liones,"  (',  e,  the  framework 
of  the  bodj'. 

^  P39 


JOB  VII.  VIII.  IX. 


16  I  loathe'  it;  I  cannot  live  for  ever:  let 
nie  alone;  for  my  days  are  but  nought. 

17  What  is  the  mortal,  that  thou  shouldst 
make  hiin  great?  and  that  thou  shouldst 
direct  thy  heart  toward  him  ? 

18  And  that  thou  shouldst  visit  him 
eveiy  morning,  probe  him  every  moment? 

19  How  long  wilt  thou  not  turn  thy  re- 
gard from  me,  nor  let  me  loose  till  I  swallow 
down  my  spittle  ?•" 

20  If  I  have  sinned,  what  (injury)  can  I 
cause  unto  thee,  0  thou  Guardian  of  men? 
why  hast  thou  set  me  as  an  object  for  thee 
to  strike  at,  so  that  I  am  become  a  burden 
to  myself? 

21  And  why  wilt  thou  not  forgive  my 
transgression,  and  let  my  iniquity  pass  away? 
for  soon"  must  I  lie  down  in  the  dust;  and 
thou  wilt  seek  for  me,  but  I  shall  be  no 
more. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  T[  Then  answered  Bildad  the  Shuchite, 
and  said, 

2  How  long  wilt  thou  speak  these  things? 
and  (let)  like  a  mighty  wind  be  the  words  of 
thy  mouth? 

3  Should  God  pervert  justice?  or  should 
the  Almighty  pervert  righteousness? 

4  If  thy  children  have  sinned  against  him, 
then  did  he  send  them  ofi"  through  the  means 
of*  their  transgression. 

5  If  thou  wilt  earnestly  seek  for  God,  and 
make  thy  supplication  to  the  Almighty; 

6  If  thou  become  pure  and  upright :  surely 
then  will  he  watch  over  thee,  and  restore  thy 
righteous  habitation. 

7  And  thy  beginning  will  have  been 
small;  because  thy  latter  end  will  grow  up 
greatly. 

8  For  ask,  I  pray  thee,  of  an  earlier  gene- 
ration, and  prepare  thyself  to  (stand  b}')  the 
research  of  their  fathers ; — 

9  For  we  are  but  of  yesterday,  and  know 
nothing,  because  a  (mere)  shadow  are  our 
days  upon  earth ; — 

10  Behold,    these  will  truly  teach   thee, 

*  PhilippsoD,  "I  melt  away." 

^  This  is  a  proverbial  expression  among  the  Arabs  to 
the  present  day,  signifying  the  same  as,  "Let  me  draw 
my  breath." 

"Anonymous.       Lit.    "now."       Arnheiui,    "for    now 
would  I  lie,"  &c, 
830 


they  will  speak  unto  thee,  and  out  of  their 
very  heart  will  they  bring  forth  words : 

11  Can  the  bulrush  shoot  upward  without 
mire?  can  the  meadow-grass  grow  up  without 
water? 

12  It  is  yet  in  its  greenness,  not  yet  cut 
down,  when  it  withereth  before  any  other 
grass. 

13  So  are  tlie  paths  of  all  that  forget  God; 
and  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite  will  perish : 

14  (It  is  he)  whose  trust  will  be  cut  off, 
and  but  a  spider's  web  is  that  in  which  he 
confideth. 

15  He  leaneth  against  his  house,  but  it' 
shall  not  stand:  he  layetli  fast  hold  on  it,  but 
it  shall  not  remain  erect. 

16  He  is  in  full  vigour  before  the  sun,  and 
over  his  garden  his  shoots  go  forth. 

17  His  roots  are  twisted  about  a  stone- 
heajD,  he  selecteth  (for  himself)  a  jjlace  of 
stones. 

18  But  when  men  destroy  him  from  his 
place,  then  will  it  deny  him,  saying,  I  have 
never  seen  thee. 

19  Behold,  this  is  the  joy  of  his  way,  and 
out  of  the  (same)*^  dust  others  will  grow 
up. 

20  Behold,  God  will  not  reject  a  perfect 
man,  and  will  not  hold  fast  by  their  hand  the 
evil-doers : 

21  Till  he  fill  thy  mouth  with  laughing, 
and  thy  lips  with  joyful  shouting. 

22  they  that  hate  thee  shall  be  clothed 
with  shame ;  and  the  tent  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  no  more. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  Truly  I  know  that  it  is  so:  and  how 
could  a  mortal  be  righteous  before  God? 

3  If  he  were  desirous  to  enter  into  a  con- 
test with  him,  he  could  not  give  him  one  an- 
swer out  of  a  thousand. 

4  He  is  wise  of  heart,  and  mighty  in 
strength :  who  hath  hardened  himself  against 
him,  and  escaped  unscathed? 

5  (He  it  is)  who  removeth  mountains,  and 


''  Rashi.  Their  own  sins  are  become  the  means  of 
their  punishment. 

"  Arnheim,  "  but  he  tihall  not  stand,"  &c. 

'  Arnheim.  Rashi,  "And  from  those  who  were  as 
low  as  the  dust  another  will  grow  up  (to  receive  his 
greatness)," 


JOB  TX.  X. 


they  know  it  not,  yea,  wlion  ho  overturneth 
thorn  in  his  anger; 

6  Who  shaketh  the  earth  loose  out  of  her 
place,  that  her  pillars  tremlile; 

7  Who  speakoth  to  the  sun,  and  he  shineth 
not,  and  around  the  stars  he  placeth  a 
seal ; 

8  Who  spread  out  the  heavens  by  himself 
alone,  and  treadeth  upon  the  hillocks  of  the 
sea ; 

9  Who  made  the  Bear,  Orion,  and  the 
Pleiades,  and  the  chambers  of  the  south ; 

10  Who  dotli  great  things  which  are 
quite  unsearchable,  and  wonders  which  are 
quite  without  number. 

11  Lo,  were  he  to  go  past  by  me,  I  should 
not  see  him ;  and  were  he  to  pass  along,  I 
should  not  perceive  him. 

12  Behold,  were  he  to  snatch  aught  away, 
who  could  hold  him  back?  who  would  say 
unto  him.  What  dost  thou  ? 

13  God  will  not  withdraw  his  anger:  be- 
neath him  sink  down  the  helpers  of  the 
proud." 

14  How  much  less  then  could  I  answer 
him,  and  select  my  words  (to  contend)  with 
him  ? 

15  Whom,  were  I  even  righteous,  I  could 
not  answer?  to  him  that  condemneth  me  I 
could  (only)  make  supplication. 

16  Or  were  I  to  call,  and  he  would  answer 
me,  I  could  yet  not  believe  that  he  would 
give  ear  unto  my  voice — 

17  He  that  bruiseth  me  with  (his)  tempest, 
and  multiplieth  my  wounds  without  a  cause. 

18  He  suffereth  me  not  to  recover  my 
breath;  but  feedeth  me  overmuch  with  bitter 
tilings. 

19  If  it  regard  strength,  lo,  he  is  the  power- 
ful; and  if  justice,  who  will  cite  him  for  me 
to  appear? 

20  If  I  were  righteous''  even,  my  own 
month  would  condemn  me:  were  I  innocent, 
it  would  still  prove  me  perverse. 

21  I  am  innocent;"  I  will  not  have  regard 
for  myself;  I  will  despise  my  life. 

22  One  thing  is  (certain),''  therefore  have 


'  Philippson,  "resistance."  Arnheim,  "the  proud 
props."     Kashi,  "of  Rahab,"  /.  r,  Egypt. 

'■Arnheim,  "(But)  if  I  be  righteous,  shall  my  own 
mouth  condemn  me?  if  I  be  innocent,  shall  it  convict  me 
of  wicliod  devices?"  and  so  also  v.  21. 

°  Job  repeats,  he  is  guiltless,  and  avers,  that  he  cares 


I  said  it.  The  innocent  and   the  wicked   he 
bringeth  to  their  end. 

23  If  a  scourge  should  slay  suddenly,  he 
will  mock  at  the  trial  of  the  guiltless. 

24  Is  a  land  given  up  into  the  hand  of  the 
wicked?  he  covereth  the  faces  of  its  judges: 
if  this  be  not  the  truth,  who  is  it  then? 

25  And  my  days  pass  swifter  than  a  run- 
ner: they  flee  away,  they  see  no  happiness, 

26  They  hasten  along  like  pirate"  ships : 
like  the  eagle  that  stoopeth  down  upon  his 
food. 

27  If  I  say,  I  will  forget  my  complaint,  I 
will  leave  oft"  my  sorrowful  countenance,  and 
recover  my  cheerfulness : 

28  0  then  would  I  be  in  dread  of  all  my 
jjains;  I  know  that  thou  wilt  not  declare  me 
innocent. 

29  I  must  ever  be  guilty:  why  then  should 
I  fotigue  myself  for  nought? 

30  If  I  were  to  wash  myself  in  snow-water, 
to  cleanse  myself  in  the  purity  of  my  hands : 

31  Even  then  wouldst  thou  plunge  me  in 
the  ditch,  that  my  own  clothes  would  render 
me  abhorred. 

32  For  he  is  not  a  man,  like  me,  that  I 
could  answer  him,  that  we  should  enter  toge- 
ther into  a  contest. 

33  There  is  no  one  who  can  decide  be- 
tween us,  who  could  lay  his  hand  upon  us 
both. 

34  Let  him  but  remove  from  me  his  rod, 
and  let  not  his  dread  terrify  me: 

35  Then  would  I  speak,  and  not  fear  him ; 
for  the  like  I  feel  not  within  me. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  My  soul  is  disgusted  with  my  life;  I  will 
give  free  vent  to  my  complaint  over  mj-self; 
I  will  speak  in  the  bitterness  of  my  soul. 

2  I  will  say  unto  God,  Do  not  condemn 
me;  let  me  know  for  what  cause  thoii  con- 
tendest  against  me. 

3  Is  it  well  for  thee  that  thou  shouldst 
oppress,  that  thou  shouldst  reject  the  labour 
of  thy  hands,  and  shed  light  upon  the  coun- 
sel of  the  wicked? 

not  for  himself,  (lit.  "my  soul,")  whether  death  ensue 

this  avowal  or  not. 

■"  Rashi;   Arnheim,  &c.  "It  is  all  the  same." 

'  Ralbag.     Rashi,  Ehdi,  as  the  name  of  a  river  which 

flows   rapidly.     Aben   Ezra,    "Ebch,   a    city."     Others, 

"papyrus  ships." 

831 


JOB  X.  XI. 


4  Hast  thou  eyes  of  flesh  ?  or  wilt  thou 
see  as  a  mortal  seeth  ? 

5  Are  thy  days  as  the  days  of  a  mortal, 
or  are  thy  years  as  the  days  of  a  man, 

6  That  thou  inquirest  after  my  iniquity, 
and  searchest  after  my  sin  ? 

7  Still  it  is  within  thy  knowledge  that  I 
-am  not  wicked,  and  there  is  none  that  can 

deliver  me  out  of  thy  hand. 

8  Thy  hands  have  carefully  fashioned  me 
and  made  me;  every  thing  is  in  harmony  all 
round  about ;  and  yet  thou  dost  destroy  me ! 

9  Remember,  I  beseech  thee,  that  as  though 
I  were  clay  hast  thou  made  me;  and  wilt 
thou  cause  me  to  return  again  unto  the  dust ?^ 

10  Behold,  like  milk  didst  thou  pour  me 
out,  and  like  cheese  didst  thou  curdle  me. 

11  With  skin  and  flesh  didst  thou  clothe 
me,  and  with  bones  and  sinews  didst  thou 
cover  me.*" 

12  Life  and  kindness  didst  thou  grant  me, 
and  thy  providence  watched  over  my  spirit. 

13  And  yet  these  things  hadst  thou  trenr 
sured  up  in  thy  heart:  I  know  that  this  was 
(resolved)  within  thee. 

14  If  I  have  sinned,  then  dost  thou  watch 
me,  and  from  my  iniquity  thou  wilt  not  de- 
clare me  guiltless. 

15  If  I  be  wicked,  wo  unto  me;  and  if  I 
be  righteous,  I  can  still  not  lift  up  my  head ; 
I  am  sated  with  disgrace,  and  ever  seeing 
my  aflliction; 

16  And  it"  constantly  increascth ;  like  a 
fierce  lion  dost  thou  hunt  for  me;  and  again 
thou  showest  thyself  continually  wonderful 
on  me ; 

17  Thou  ever  renewest  thy  witnesses 
against  me,  and  causest  thy  indignation  to 
grow  strong  against  me;  changes  and  multi- 
tudes (of  sufferings)  are  around  me. 

18  Wherefore  then  didst  thou  bring  me 
forth-  out  of  the  womb?  Oh  that  I  had 
perished,  and  that  no  eye  had  seen  me  ! 

'  Rashi,  affiruiativcly,  "and  (at  last)  thou  wilt  cause 
me  to  return  unto  dust." 

^  Ralbag.  Others,  "And  thou  didst  branch  out  within 
nie  bones  and  sinews."   Arnheim,  "  wovest  within  me,"  &c. 

°  Aben  Ezra.  Ralbag,  "  Oh  that  it  might  grow  strong, 
so  that  thou  niightcst  hunt  me  up  like  a  lion,  (who  slay- 
cth  at  once;)  but  thou,"  Ac.  Rashi,  "It  is  sufficiently 
great  in  thy  estimation  to  liuut  for  me  as  though  I  were 
a  lion."  Arnheim,  "Is  my  head  lifted  up — like  one 
huuteth  a  lion  thou  wouldst  hunt  me." 

'' Rashi.  Lit.  "where  it  shineth  like  gloom."  I'hi- 
832 


19  That  I  were  as  though  I  had  not  been, — 
had  been  borne  from  the  womb  to  the  grave. 

20  Lo!  my  days  are  but  few:  cease,  then, 
withdraw  from  me  (thy  hand),  that  I  may 
recover  my  cheerfulness  a  little, 

21  Before  I  go,  and  return  not,  to  the  land 
of  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death, 

22  A  land  of  utter  gloom,  as  of  the  darkness 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  without  any  order, 
and  the  light  of  which''  is  like  utter  gloom. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1  ^  Then  answered  Zophar  the  Na'ama- 
thite,  and  said, 

2  Shall  a  nudtitude  of  words  not  be  an- 
swered? and  is  it  so  that  a  man  full  of  talk 
shall  be  deemed  in  the  right? 

3  Thy  inventions  are  to  bring  men  to  si- 
lence; and  when  thuu  utterest  thy  mucking 
no  one  is  to  cause  thee  to  feel  abashed ! 

4  For  thou  bust  said  (to  God),  My  doctrine 
is  pure,  tmd  I  am  become  clean  in  thy  eyes. 

5  But  oh  that  God  would  but  speak,  and 
open  his  lips  against  thee; 

6  And  that  he  would  declare  unto  thee 
the  secrets  of  wisdom;  for  it  is  double  to  that 
which  is  really  in  our  possession  :  and  thou 
wouldst  experience  tliat  God  overlooketh" 
unto  thee  much  of  thy  iniquity. 

7  Canst  thou  find  out  the  experience  of 
God?  or  canst  thou  find  (the  way)  unto  the 
utmost  limit  of  the  Almighty  ? 

8  It  is  as  high  as  heaven ;  what  canst  thou 
effect?  it  is  decjjer  than  the  nether  world; 
what  canst  thou  know  ? 

9  Longer  than  the  earth  is  its  measure, 
and  broader  than  the  sea. 

10  If  he  j^ass  b}',  and  surrender  (one  to 
suffering),  and  call  together  an  assembly,' 
who  can  hinder  him? 

11  For  he  knoweth  the  men  of  vanity: 
he  seeth  the  wrong-doer  and  him'''  who  con- 
sidereth  not; 

lippson,  "  where  the  light  is  uncertain,  like  the  twilight 
gloom."  SaN  would  then  mean,  not  perfect  darkness,  but 
that  gray,  uncertain  glimmer  before  perfect  night  sets  in. 

*  Lit.  "forgettcth,"  i.  e.  ho  acts  as  though  he  had  for- 
gotten. Rashi,  "that  thou  art  indebted  to  God  for  thy 
iniquity." 

'  i.  c.  To  hold  a  trial.  Abcn  Ezra  renders  obrr  with 
"If  he  destroy." 

*  Phili]ipson,  "Though  men  should  not  notice  it." 
Rashi,  "although  he  appcarcth  not  to  notice  it,"  i.  e.  by 
delaying  the  punishment. 


JOB  XII.  XIII. 


12  And  the  licartless  who"  acquireth  iii- 
telligt'uce,  and  him  who  is  (like)  the  colt  of 
tlie  wild  ass  who  is  transtbrmed  into  a 
man. 

13  If  thou  truly  direct  (aright)  thy  heart, 
and  spread  out  thy  hands  toward  him: — 

14  If  wrong  be  in  thy  hand,  put  it  far 
away,  and  let  not  wickedness  dwell  in  thy 
tents. 

15  For  then  canst  thou  lift  up  thy  face 
free  from  blemish:  yea,  thou  wilt  stand 
steadfast,  and  needest  not  to  fear; 

16  Because  thou  wilt  truly  forget  thy  trou- 
ble, and  as  a  waterllood  that  is  passed  away 
wilt  thou  remember  it; 

17  And  brighter  than  the  noon  of  day  will 
thy  earthly  existence  arise;  and  thy  obscurity 
will  be  like  thy  morning. 

18  And  thou  wilt  feel  trust,  because  there 
is  hope :  yea,  thou  wilt  search  about  carefully, 
and  thou  wilt  lie  down  in  safety. 

19  Also  thou  wilt  stretch  thyself  out  (to 
rest),  with  none  to  make  thee  afraid;  and 
many  will  entreat  thy  favour. 

20  But  the  eyes  of  the  wicked  shall  fail, 
and  the  means  of  escape  will  vanish  from 
them,  and  their  (sole)  hope  shall  be  the 
breathing  out  of  their  soul.*" 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  T[  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  Truly  ye  are  indeed  the  (right  kind  of)" 
people,  and  with  you  wisdom  must  die  out. 

3  I  also  have  sense  like  you;  I  do  not  fell 
short  conii)ared  with  you :  and  who  possesseth 
not  such  things  as  these? 

4  I  am  as  one  laughed  at  by  his  friend,'' 
who  calleth  upon  God,  while  he  answereth 
him :  (yea,)  a  laughing-stock  though  right- 
eous and  innocent. 

5  To  the  unfortunate  there  is  given  con- 
tempt— according    to    the    thoughts    of  him 

*  Rashi  would  render  this  verse,  "  And  so  will  the  heart- 
less acquire  a  heart,  to  return  unto  God;  and  he  who  was 
like  the  colt  of  the  wild  ass  will  teach  himself  to  become 
a  new  man,  to  watch  over  his  course  of  life-" 

'■  )■.  ('.  Death.     Ralbag  renders  n-ja  "grief,"  "care." 

°  Philippson  and  others,  merely,  "you  are  the  people," 
i.  e.  every  one. 

''  Wolfson,  "I,  the  laughing-stock  of  my  friend,  would, 
were  God  to  answer  my  prayer,  become  a  joy  of  the 
righteous  and  innocent." 

"  Ralbag.  Philippson,  "  For  misfortune  there  is  con- 
tempt; ease  to  the  cunning;  a  push  for  those  who  slip;" 

5£ 


that  is    at   ease —  prepared    (also)    for   those 
whose  foot  slippeth." 

6  Prosperous  are  the  tents  of  robbers,  and 
security  is  given  to  those  that  provoke  God, 
to  him  who  carrieth  his  god'  in  his  hand. 

7  Yet,  do  only  ask  of  the  beasts,  and  they 
will  instruct  tliee;  and  the  fowls  of  the  hea- 
vens, and  they  will  tell  it  thee; 

8  Or  speak  to  the  earth,  and  she  will 
instruct  thee ;  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea  will 
inform  thee: 

9  Who  knoweth  not  through  all  these 
that  the  hand  of  the  Lokd  hath  wrought 
this? 

10  (He)  in  whose  hand  is  the  soul  of  every 
living  thing,  and  the  spirit  of  all  the  Ijodie.s 
of  men  ? 

11  Doth  not  the  ear  try  words,  as  the  pa- 
late tasteth  food  for  itself? 

12  So*  is  with  the  ancients  wisdom,  and 
with  (those  of)  length  of  days  understand- 
1  n  o' 

13  That  with  Jiim  are  wisdom  and  strength, 
his  are  counsel  and  understanding. 

14  Behold,  he  pulleth  down,  and  there  can 
be  no  rebuilding:  he  locketh  (the  prison) 
upon  a  man,  and  there  can  be  no  opening. 

15  Behold,  he  restraineth  the  waters,  and 
they  dry  up;  or  he  suflereth  them  to  flow,  and 
they  overturn  the  earth. 

16  With  him  are  strength  and  counsel: 
his  are''  the  deceived  and  the  deceiver. 

17  He  leadeth  counsellors  away  bereft  of 
sense,  and  maketh  the  judges  fools. 

18  He  looseth  the  bond  of  kings,  and  bind- 
eth  a  girdle'  around  their  loins. 

19  He  leadeth  priests  away  bereft  of  sense, 
and  the  powerful  he  causeth  to  walk  on  crook- 
ed paths. 

20  He  removeth  the  speech  from  trusty 
speakers,  and  taketli  away  the  intelligence 
of  the  aged. 


taking  ninty;>S  as  "  one  who  dealeth  in  cunning  thoughts ;" 
and  |Oj  from  nDi  "to  be  laiuc;"  hence  a  thrust  or  push 
which  makes  the  slipping  lameness. 

'  Aben  Ezra  and  Ralbag;  but  Rashi,  "to  whom  God 
hath  bestowed  it  into  his  hand."  Philippson,  "who  rely 
on  their  own  hand  as  God." 

'  Rashi  ;   Aruheim,  "is  there  wisdom  in  ancients?"  &c. 

''  Aben  Ezra,  "to  him  (are  known)  the  deceived,"  &e. 

'  Rashi  explains,  "At  first  when  they  please  him  he 
gives  them  strength  and  power  to  rule."  Others,  "He 
putteth  the  girdle  with  wliicli  slaves  tie  up  their  garments 
to  labour  around  tlieir  loins." 

833 


JOB  XIII.  XIV. 


21  He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes,  and 
the  belt  of  the  mighty  he  looseneth.* 

22  He  layeth  open  deep  things  from  the 
midst  of  darkness,  and  bringeth  out  unto 
light  the  shadow  of  death. 

23  He  permitteth  the  nations  to  become 
great,  and  destroyeth  them:  he  spreadeth 
out  the  nations,  and  leadeth  them  away. 

24  He  taketh  away  the  sense  of  the  chiefs 
of  the  people  of  the  land,  and  causeth  them 
to  wander  astray  in  a  wilderness  Avhere  there 
is  no  way. 

25  They  grope  in  the  dark  without  light, 
and  he  causeth  them  to  wander  astray  like  a 
drunken  man. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Lo,  all  (this)  hath  my  eye  seen,  my  ear 
hath  heard  and  noted  it  for  itself; 

2  As  much  as  ye  know,  do  I  .also  know :  I 
do  not  tall  short  compared  with  you. 

3  However,  I  would  gladly  speak  to  the 
Almighty;  and  to  argue  with  God  do  I  de- 
sire. 

4  But  ye  are  inventors  of  falsehood,''  phy- 
sicians of  no  value  are  all  of  you. 

5  Oh,  who  would  grant  that  ye  might 
keep  a  profound  silence !  and  it  would  be 
accounted  unto  you  as  wisdom. 

6  Do  hearken  but  to  my  reasoning,  and 
listen  to  the  pleadings  of  my  lips. 

7  Will  ye  speak  wrong  things  for  God? 
and  will  ye  speak  for  him  deceitfully? 

8  Will  ye  show  liim  undue  favour,  when 
_\e  contend  for  God? 

9  Will  it  be  well  if  he  should  search  you 
out?  or  as  one  ovei'reacheth  another  mortal, 
do  ye  expect  to  overreach  him  ? 

10  He  will  surely  reprove  you,  if  in  secret 
you  show  him  undue  favour. 

11  Doth  not  his  excellency  terrify  you? 
and  his  dread  fall  upon  you? 

12  The  things  you  remember  are  mere  pro- 
verbs of  ashes,  your  high-places  are  high-places' 
of  clay. 

13  Keep  silence  toward  me,  that  I  may 


'  Meaning,  takinj:  away  their  strength;  the  belt  being 
the  receptacle  of  the  swnrJ  and  other  light  arms. 

''  Arnheim,  "false  quacks." 

°  Meaning,  their  wisely  remembered  ,«aying.s  are  wortli- 
less  as  though  composed  of  ashes;  their  lofty  reasoning 
as  weak  as  fortitications  of  clay.  Others,  'Sb'O  "arc  like," 
"Your  menjorials  are  like  ashes,"  &«. 


indeed  speak,   and   let  pass   over  me  what 
will. 

14  Whatever  it  may  cost,  I  will*  take  my 
Hesh  in  my  teeth,  and  my  life  will  I  put  in 
my  hand. 

15  Lo,  though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust 
in  him :"  only  I  will  argue  my  own  ways  be- 
tbre  him. 

16  Even  he  will  come  to  my  assistance; 
for  a  hypocrite  cannot  come  before  him. 

17  Listen  well  to  my  word,  and  to  my 
demonstration  with  your  ears. 

18  Behold  now,  I  have  arrayed  my  cause: 
I  know  that  I  shall  be  indeed  justified. 

19  Who  is  he  that  will  contend  with  me? 
for  now,  if  I  keep  silence,  I  must  perish.*^ 

20  Only  two  things  do  not  unto  me :  then 
will  I  not  hide  myself  from  thy  presence. 

21  Remove  thy  hand  far  from  me;  and 
let  not  thy  dread  terrify  me. 

22  Then  call  thou,  and  I  will  answer;  or 
let  me  speak,  and  do  thou  reply  to  me. 

23  How  many  are  my  iniquities  and  sins? 
my  transgression  and  my  sin  let  me  know. 

24  Wherefore  wilt  thou  hide  thy  face,  and 
regard  me  as  an  enemy  unto  thee? 

25  Wilt  thou  terrify  a  leaf  driven  about  (by 
the  wind)  ?  and  wilt  thou  pursue  dry  stubble? 

26  That  thou  writest  bitter  decrees  against 
me,  and  assignest  unto  me  the  iniquities  of 
my  youth ; 

27  And  (that)  thou  puttest  my  feet  in  the 
stocks,  and  watchest  narrowly  all  my  paths; 
(and)  settest  for  thyself  a  mark  upon  the 
soles''  of  my  feet  ? 

28  And  yet  the  body  decayeth  like  a  rot^ 
ten  thing,  as  a  garment  that  the  moth  hath 
eaten. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  Man  born  of  a  woman  is  short  of  days, 
and  sated  Avith  harrowing  trouble. 

2  Like  a  flower  he  cometh  forth,  and  is 
cut  down :  and  he  fleeth  like  a  shadow,  and 
remaineth  not. 

3  And  yet  on  such  a  one  dost  thou  open 


''  i.  e.  Will  brave  every  danger. 

'Arnheim,  "Lo,  were  he  to  .slay  me,  it  would  only 
be  what  I  expect." 

'  Ralbag.    Fhilippson,  "for  then  I  would  be  silent,"  kc 

*  Heb.  "roots;"  meaning,  man  is  so  circum.scribed, 
having,  .so  to  say,  a  mark  on  his  soles,  that  be  cannot 
take  a  step  unpcrccived  by  God 


JOB  XIV.  XV. 


thy  eyes,  and   me  thou   bringest  into  judg- 
ment with  thee? 

4  Who  can  make  a  clean  thing  out  of  an 
unclean?  not  one  (thing). 

5  Seeing  that  his  days  are  determined,  the 
number  of  his  months  are  (fixed)  with  thee, 
that  thou  hast  set  his  bounds  which  he  can- 
not pass : 

G  Turn  thyself  from  him  that  he  may  re- 
cover from  his  pain,  and  l)e  able  to  enjoy 
like  a  hired  labourer  his  day. 

7  For  there  is  hope  for  the  tree:  if  it  be 
cut  down,  it  ma}'  still  sprout  again,  while  its 
3()ung  shoot  will  not  cease. 

8  If  even  its  root  become  old  in  the  earth, 
and  its  stock  die  in  the  dust: 

9  Yet  tlirough  the  scent  of  water  will  it 
flourish  (again),  and  produce  boughs  as 
though  it  were  newly  planted. 

10  But  man  dieth,  and  lieth  powerless:  yea, 
the  son  of  earth  departeth — and  where  is  he? 

11  The  waters  run  oflt'  from  the  sea,  and 
the  river  faileth  and  drieth  up: 

12  So  doth  man  lie  down,  and  riseth  not; 
till  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they  will  not 
awake,  and  will  not  be  roused  out  of  their 
sleep. 

13  Oh  who  would  grant  that  thou  mightest 
hide  me  in  the  nether  world,  that  thou  might- 
est conceal  me,  until  thy  wrath  be  appeased, 
that  thou  mightest  set  for  me  a  fixed  time, 
and  remember  me  then ! 

14  Or,  when  a  man  dieth,  will  he  live 
again?  all  the  days  of  my  time  (if  service 
would  I  then  wait,  till  (the  hour  of)  my 
release  were  come. 

15  Do  thou  call,  and  I  will  trul}'  answer 
thee :  have  a  desire  for  the  work  of  thy 
hands. 

16  Yet  now  thou  numberest  my  ste])s; 
and  thou  waitest"  not  with  (the  punishment 
of)  my  sin. 

17  Sealed  up  in  a  bag  is  my  transgression, 
and  thou  yet  addest  to  my  iniquity. 

18  But  truly  a  falling  mountain  will  crum- 

'  Kashi.  Others,  interrogatively,  "dust  tlmu  not 
■watch  over  my  iniquity  ?  and  thou  iniaginest  yet  addi- 
tions to  my  iniquities." 

"■Rashi;  but  he  translates,  "thou  sweepost  away  its 
fragments  to  become  dust,"  &c.  I'hilippson,  "its  frag- 
ments is  swept  off  by  the  dust  of  the  earth."  Ralbag, 
rrrrilD  like  H'-jtid  "  their  flood  (of  the  water)  sweepeth 
away  the  dust,"  &e. 

°  Rashi,  referring,  as  in   the   text,  to   the   state  after 


ble,  and  (even)   a  rock   is  moved  out  of  its 
place. 

19  The  water  weareth  out  stones;  thou 
swee^jest  away  their  fragments''  (like)  the 
dust  of  the  earth :  and  so  thou  destroyest 
the  hope  of  man. 

20  Thou  assailest  Inm  with  might  witliout 
ceasing,  till  he  passetli  away :  thou  changest 
his  countenance,  and  sendest  him  off. 

21  His  children  acquire  honour,  but  he 
knoweth  it  not:  and  they  are  esteemed  little, 
but  he  perceiveth  nothing  of  them. 

22  But  his  body,''  on  him,  feeleth  pain, 
and  his  soul  will  mourn  for  him. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Eliphaz  the  Thema- 
nite,  and  said, 

2  Should  a  wise  man  utter  windy  know- 
ledge, and  fill  his  inward  parts  with  the  east 
wind  ? 

3  Should  he  reason  with  a  speech  wliicli 
availetli  nothing?  and  with  words  in  which 
there  is  no  profit? 

4  Yea,  thou  truly  niakest  void  the  fear  (of 
God),  and  diminishest  devotion  before  God. 

5  For  thy  iniquity  teacheth  thy  mouth,  so 
that  thou  choosest  the  language  of  the  crafty. 

6  Thy  own  mouth  must  condemn  thee, 
but  not  I:  yea,  thy  own  lips  will  testify 
against  thee. 

7  Wast  thou  born  as  the  first  man?  or 
wast  thou  brouglit  forth  before  the  hills? 

8  Hast  thou  listened  to  the  secret  counsel 
of  God?  and  is  wisdom  therefore  of  little 
esteem  with  thee  ?'' 

9  What  knowest  thou,  that  we  do  not 
know?  what  understandest thou, which  is  not 
with  us? 

10  Both  the  grayheaded  and  the  very  aged 
are  among  us, — richer  than  thy  father  in 
days. 

11  Are  the  divine  consolations  too  little 
for  thee?  and  the  word  that  was  so  mild'' 
with  thee? 

death.     Ralbag  refers  it  to  the  state  of  sickness  before 
death,  and  renders,  "his  soul  in.  him  mourneth." 

'' Wolfson,  after  Aben  p]zra.  Others,  "Hast  thou 
taken  away,"  "made  it  less  where  it  was,"  i.  e.  with  God, 
and  render,  "and  hast  thou  abstracted  for  thyself  wis- 
dom?" 

"  Rashi,  t3xS  as  "pleasant,"  "soft,"  "imperceptible  al- 
most," "gentle  to  the  touch."  Aben  Ezra,  "in  secret." 
Aruheim,  "was  the  word  too  indistinct  for  theer' 

835 


JOB  XV.  XVI. 


12  Whither  cloth  tli}'  heart  carry  thee 
away?  and  what  do  thy  eyes  gaze  at? 

13  That  thou  shouldst  turn  against  God 
tliy  spirit,  and  utter  (such)  words  out  of  thy 
mouth? 

14  What  is  man,  that  he  should  be  pure? 
and  that  he  who  is  born  of  woman  should  be 
declared  righteous  ? 

15  Behold,  in  his  holy  ones  he  putteth  no 
trust;  and  the  heavens  are  not  pure  in  his 
eyes : 

16  How  much  more  then  the  abominable 
and  corrupt,  the  man  who  drinketh  like  water 
wi'ong-doing? 

17  I  will  instruct"  thee,  hear  me;  and  what 
I  have  seen  will  I  relate; 

18  Which  wise  men  have  ever  told,  and 
have  not  concealed,  as  they  obtained''  it  from 
their  fathers; 

19  Unto  whom  alone  the  earth  was  given, 
and  into  whose  midst  no  stranger  ever  entered. 

2U  All  his  days  is  the  wicked  plagued  with 
pain,  and  the  number  of  years  which  are  laid 
by  for  the  tyrant. 

21  A  sound  of  terrors  is  in  his  ears  :  du- 
ring peace  will  the  waster  come  over  him. 

22  He  beheveth  not  that  he  shall  return 
out  of  darkness,  and  he  is  looked  for  by  the 
sword. 

23  He  wandereth  abroad  for  bread,  (say- 
ing,) Where  is  it?  he  knoweth  that  there  is 
ready  at  his  hand  the  day  of  darkness. 

24  Distress  and  anguish  terrify  him: 
assail  him  with   might,  as   a   king   prepared 
for  the  battle." 

25  Because  he  had  stretched  out  against 
God  his  hand,  and  strengthened  himself 
against  the  Almighty; 

20  (And)  he  liad  run  against  him,  with 
an  (extended)  neck,  with  the  thick  round- 
ings  of  his  bucklers; 

27  Because  he  had  covered  his  face  with 
his  fat,  and  had  made  thick  folds  of  fat  on 
his  flanks; 

28  And  he  had  dwelt  in  abandoned  cities, 


they 


"  Lit.  "show." 

''  Kalbag;  ('.  e.  the  wisddiii  derived  from  their  prede- 
cessors; but  Rashi,  literally,  "and  eoncealcd  it  not  from 
their  fathers." 

°  Kalbag  and  Abcn  Kzra.  Kashi,  "as  on  a  king  des- 
tined to  bell." 

^  Jonathan.  Others,  literally,  "his  mouth,"  as  though 
his  own  breath  were  enough  to  destroy  the  wicked. 

'  llalb:if.',  "my  limb.s,"  the  company  forming  the  body. 


in  houses  which  none  inhabited,  which  were 
destined  to  be  ruinous  heaps. 

29  (Yet)  will  he  not  remain  rich,  neither 
will  his  wealth  endure,  nor  will  he  attain 
their  perfection  on  earth. 

30  He  will  never  depart  out  of  darkness : 
the  flame  shall  dry  up  his  shoots,  and  he  will 
depart  by  the  breath  of  God's  mouth.'' 

31  Let  him  that  goeth  astray  not  trust  in 
vanity;  for  vanity  will  be  what  he  obtaineth 
thereby. 

32  Even  before  his  time  will  it  be  overfull, 
and  his  branches  will  not  be  green. 

33  He  will  .shake  off  like  the  vine  his  un- 
ripe grapes,  and  cast  ofl"  like  the  olive  his 
blossoms. 

34  For  the  assembly  of  hypocrites  will  re- 
main desolate,  and  iirv  will  consume  the 
tents  of  bribery. 

35  They  conceive  trouble,  and  bring  forth 
wrong-doing,  and  their  body  prepareth  de- 
ceit. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  T[  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  I  have  heard  many  things  such  as  these: 
troublesome  comforters  are  ye  all. 

3  Shall  there  be  any  end  to  words  of 
wind?  or  what  compelleth  thee  that  thou 
shouldst  answer  ? 

4  I  also  could  well  speak  as  ye  do:  if  your 
soul  were  but  in  my  soul's  stead,  I  could 
overwhelm  you  with  words,  and  could  shake 
my  head  at  you. 

5  But  I  would  strengthen  you  with  my 
mouth,  and  the  condolence  of  my  lips  should 
restrain  (your  grief). 

6  Though  I  were  to  speak,  my  pain  would 
not  be  restrained ;  and  though  I  should  for- 
bear, what  will  go  away  from  me? 

7  But  now  he  hath  made  me  weary:  thou 
hast  made  desolate  all  my  company.'" 

8  And  thou  hast  filled  me  with  wrinkles,' 
they  are  my  witnesses;,  and  my  leanness  riseth 
up  for  me,  giveth  its  testimony  to  my  face. 

'  Ealbag.  I'hilippson  and  others  refer  tlio  verses  7  to 
10,  not  to  God,  but  to  .Job's  friends,  eliiefly  Eliphaz;  and 
render:  "But  now  he  liatli  wearied  me — thou  hast  de- 
stroyed all  my  friendship,  and  bast  presM'd  me  hard — be 
beeame  a  witness,  rose  up  against  me  with  lies,  be  testi- 
fied against  me  in  my  own  presence;  his  wrath  teareth 
me  in  pieces;  ha!  he  persceuteth  me,  he  gnasbeth  bis 
teeth  against  me,  my  adversary  looketh  at  me  with  fiery 
looks,"  &c. 


JOB  XVI.  xvn. 


9  In  his  wnith  he  tearetli  me  to  pieces, 
and  assaileth  me;  he  gnasheth  over  me  with 
his  teeth ;  my  adversary  sendeth  threatening" 
looks  at  me. 

10  They  now  open  wide  against  nio  their 
month;  reproachlnlly  they  smite  my  cheek: 
altogetlier  do  tliey  assemble  against  me. 

11  God  hath  surrendered  me  to  the  unjust, 
and  cast  me  down  into  the  hands  of  the 
\\icked. 

12  1  was  at  ease,  but  he  hath  crushed  me; 
he  hath  also  grasped  me  by  the  neck,  and 
shaken  me  to  pieces,  and  set  me  up  unto 
himself  as  a  mark; 

1?)  His  archers  encompass  me  round  about; 
he  cleaveth  my  reins  asunder,  and  doth  not 
pity;  he  poureth  out  upon  the  ground  my  gall; 

14  He  breaketh  me  down  with  breach 
upon  breach;  he  runneth  against  me  like  a 
mighty  man. 

15  Sackcloth  have  I  sewed  upon  my  skin, 
and  my  horn  I  roll  in  the  dust.'' 

16  My  face"  gloweth  from  weeping,  and 
on  my  eyelids  resteth  the  shadow  of  death : 

17  Not  because  any  violence  is  in  my 
hands,  and  while  my  prayer  is  pure. 

18  Earth!  do  thou  not  cover  up  my  blood, 
and  let  no  place  restrain"*  my  cry. 

19  Even  now,  behold,  my  witness  is  in 
the  heavens,  and  one  that  testifieth  for  me 
is  on  high. 

20  Are  my  friends  my  defenders?  unto 
God  my  eye  poureth  out  (its  tears). 

21  And  oh  that  a  man  might  plead""  with 
God,  as  one  son  of  earth  with  the  other ! 

22  For  when  the  numbered  years  are 
passed,  then  must  I  travel  a  path  whence  I 
cannot  return. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  My  spirit  is  broken,  my  days  are  cut 
short,  the  grave  is  ready  for  me. 


'  Lit.  "he  sharpeneth  his  eyes  at  me." 

"' Rashi,  "Upon  my  cicatrizeJ  wound  have  I  sewed 
sackcloth,  and  defiled  in  the  dust  my  s^plendour;"  pp 
being  often,  "ray  of  light."  But  horn  is  the  emblem  of 
power  here  no  less  than  elsewhere. 

"  Rashi,  "is  shrivelled." 

■•  Rashi,  "let  no  place  swallow  up  my  cry,  but  let  it 
ascend  to  heaven."  Philippson,  "let  no  space  limit  my 
cry."     Lit.  "let  there  be  no  place  for,"  &c. 

'  Rashi  and  Ralbag.  Philippson,  "that  he  may  plead 
for  a  man  before  God,  (('.  e.  him,self,)  and  judge  the  son 
of  earth  for  his  friend."      Aruheim,  "that  he  may  argue 


2  Yet  truly  tlio.sc  that  mock  are  \\ith 
me,  and  on  their  oflendings  nnist  my  eye 
rest. 

3  And  thou,  (Creator!)  attend,  I  pray  thee, 
be  my  surety  with  thyself:  who  else  is  there 
that  would  strike  hands  with  me? 

4  For  thou  hast  concealed  their  Jieart 
against  intelligence:  therelbre  art  thou  not 
exalted  (through  them).*^ 

T)  Everyone  of  them  s})eaketh  deceptively*'' 
to  his  friends:  may  also  the  eyes  of  his  chil- 
dren tail. 

G  And  he  hath  placed  me  here  as  a  by- 
word unto  nations;  and  I  become  openly  as 
a  place  of  abomination.'' 

7  Therefore  is  my  eye  dim  from  vexation, 
and  my  limbs  are  .all  of  them  like  a  sha- 
dow. 

8  Upright  men  must  be  astonished  at  this, 
and  the  innocent  must  arouse  liimself  against 
the  hypocrite. 

9  Yet  will  the  righteous  hold  finnly  on  to 
his  way;  and  he  that  is  clean  of  hands  will 
acquire  additional  strength. 

10  But  all  of  you,  do  only  return,  and 
come  but  (to  me) :  and  yet  I  shall  not  find 
among  you  one  wise  man. 

11  My  days  are  j^ast,  my  resolves  are 
broken  otf,  (even  the  thoughts) — the  po.s- 
sessions  of  my  heart. 

12  These  would  change  the  night  into 
day,  the  light  as  near'  in  the  presence  of 
darkness, — 

13  When  I  hope  for  the  netlier  world  as 
my  house;  in  the  darkness  have  I  spread 
my  couch ; 

14  When  I  call  to  corruption.  Thou  art 
my  father:  Thou  art  my  mother,  and  my 
sister,  to  the  worms. 

15  Ay,  where  is  then  my  hope?  as  for  my 
hope,  who  will  see  it  (fulfilled)  ? 

16  Let  then  my  limbs  sink  down  to  the 


with  a  man  who  hath  a  contest  with  God,  as  one  .s(m  of 
earth  with  the  other." 

'  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "thou  wilt  not  exalt  (them)." 

*  Rashi,  &c.  Philippson,  "As  my  portion  hath  he  as- 
signed me  friends."  The  difficulty  is  in  the  word  phnh 
which  is  of  uncertain  derivation,  being  either  "part,"  or 
"flattery — smoothness  of  tongue." 

^  Jonathan,  the  same  as  Tlwpeth,  near  Jerusalem, 
where  the  idols  were  worshipped.  So  also  Aben  Ezra, 
"as  the  place  of  Thopeth  before  the  children  of  men." 
Others,  "as  one  who  is  to  be  spit  in  the  face." 

'  Rashi,  "as  newly  come." 

837 


JOB  XVII.  XVI IT.  XIX. 


nether  world:   truly  in  the  dust  al(Mie  there 
is  rest  for  all." 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Bildad  the  Shucliite, 
and  said, 

2  When  will  ye  at  length  put  an  end  to 
words?  Come  to  an  understanding,  and  after- 
ward let  us  speak. 

3  For  what  cause  are  we  counted  as  beasts, 
reputed  stupid  in  your  eyes? 

4  Thou,  the  one  that  teareth  himself  to 
pieces  in  his  anger — shall  for  thy  sake  the 
earth  be  forsaken,  and  the  rock*"  be  moved 
away  out  of  its  place? 

5  Ah,  truly  the  light  of  the  wicked  will 
be  quenched,  and  the  spark"  of  his  fire  shall 
not  give  light.  ' 

6  The  light  becometh  dark  in  his  tent, 
and  his  lamp  will  be  quenched  above  him. 

7  His  powerful  steps  will  be  narrowed, 
and  his  own  counsel  will  cast  him  down. 

8  For  he  is  driven  into  the  net  by  his  own 
feet,  and  he  taketh  his  walk  upon  a  snare. 

9  The  trap  wall  seize  him  by  the  heel,  and 
the  robber*  will  jjrevail  over  him. 

10  The  cord  is  hidden  for  him  in  the  ground, 
and  a  trap  is  set  for  him  on  tlie  pathway. 

11  All  around  do  terrors  scare  him,  and 
cha.se  him  as  he  walketh  along.'' 

12  His  first-born*^  will  suffer  hunger,  and 
calamity  will  be  ready  for  his  wife." 

13  It  will  devour  the  limbs  of  his  body: 
yea,  the  first-born''  of  death  will  devour  his 
limljs. 

14  Then  will  be  plucked  up  out  of  his 
tent  his  confidence,  and  (the  evil)  will  urge 
him  forward  to  the  king  of  terrors. 

15  It  will  dwell  in  his  tent,  because  it  is 
no  more  his:  there  will  be  strewed  sulphur 
on  his  habitation. 

IG  Beneath,  his  roots  will  be  dried  uj),  and 
above  will  his  boughs  be  cut  away. 

17   His  remembrance  vanisheth  from  the 


'  Rashi.  Philippson,  "In  the  solitude  of  the  grave  all 
ilescend,  when  we  rest  together  in  the  dust."  Arnheini, 
"To  the  bars  of  the  nether  world  they  descend,  when  we 
^^0  down  to  the  dust  altogether."  The  difBculty  here  is  in 
the  word  n3,  which  the  first  interprets  as  "  limbs,"  the 
other  as  "solitude,"  and  the  last  as  "bars." 

"  Ilashi,  "the  Creator  be  moved  from  his  knowledge 
and  wont."  °  Others,  "flame." 

'  The  one  who  has  laid  the  .snare. 
838 


earth,  and  no  name  remainetli  lor  him  in  the 
streets. 

18  Men  will  thrust  him  out  from  light 
into  darkness,  and  out  of  the  world  will  they 
drive  him. 

19  He  will  have  neither  son  nor  grandson 
among  his  people,  nor  any  that  escapeth  in 
the  places  of  his  sojourning. 

20  Because  of  his  (calamitous)  day  are 
they  that  come  after  him  astonished,  and  they 
that  went  before  are  seized  with  shuddering. 

21  Yea,  such  are  the  dwellings  of  the  un- 
just, and  this  is  the  place  of  one  that  knew 
not  God. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  T[  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  How  long  will  ye  grieve  my  soul,  and 
crush  me  with  words? 

3  These  ten  times  have  ye  reproached  me: 
ye  are  not  a.^hamed  when  ye  show  yourselves 
as  strangers  to  me." 

4  Yea,  if  it  be  indeed  that  I  have  erred, 
let  my  error  remain  with  myself 

5  But  if  indeed  ye  wish  to  magnify  your- 
selves above  me,  and  to  prove  against  me  my 
disgrace : 

6  Then  know  for  certain  that  God  hath 
bent  me  down,  and  hath  laid  his  net  all 
around  me. 

7  Behold,  I  cry  out  concerning  the  vio- 
lence (done  me),  but  I  am  not  answered:  I 
entreat  aloud,  but  there  is  no  justice. 

8  My  road  hath  he  fenced  up,  so  that  I 
cannot  pass  out;  and  on  my  paths  he  placeth 
darkness. 

9  My  glory  hath  he  stripped  from  me,  and 
removed  the  crown  of  my  head. 

10  He  hath  jJuUed  me  down  on  every 
side,  and  I  am  going  hence;  and  he  hath 
rooted  up  like  a  tree  my  hope. 

11  He  hath  also  kindled  against  m.e  his 
wrath,  and  he  counteth  me  with  himself  as 
one  of  his  adversaries. 


"  Lit.  "at  his  feet." 

'  Jonathan;    lit.  "his  strength." 

8  Jonathan.  Lit.  ^'Sv  "rib."  Gen.  i.  21.  Others, 
"His  strength  wasteth  from  hunger,  and  calamity  is  ready 
at  his  side." 

''  A  trusty  servant  of  death,  such  as  hunger,  war,  pesti- 
lence. 

'  Jonathan.  Furst,  "ye  condemn  me."  Others,  "ye 
show  yourselves  insolent  to  nie." 


JOB  XIX.  XX. 


12    Altosiether  come  on    his   tr 


make  level   anaiiist   me    tlieir 


oops 


way, 


an 


and 
d  en- 


camp round  about  my  tent. 

13  My  brothers  hatli  he  removed  far  from 
me,  and  my  acquaintance  are  entirely  es- 
tranoed  from  me. 

14  My  near  of  kin  have  withdrawn,  and 
those  befriended  by  me  have  forgotten  me. 

15  Ye  that  sojourn  in  my  house,  and  my 
maid-servants,  regard  me  as  a  stranger:  an 
alien  am  I  become  in  their  eyes. 

16  I  call  for  my  servant,  but  he  will  not 
answer,  though  I  were  to  entreat  him  with 
my  mouth. 

17  My  breath  is  become  nauseous  to  my 
wife,  and  my  caressing,  to  the  children  of  my 
own  body. 

18  Yea,  children  even  despise  me:  I  rise 
up,  but  they  speak  against  me. 

19  All  that  have  had  my  confidence  abo- 
minate me;  and  those  whom  I  have  loved 
are  turned  against  me. 

20  To  my  skin  and  to  my  flesh  my  bones 
do  cleave,  and  I  must  sustain  myself  with 
the  gum.s"  of  my  teeth. 

21  Spare  me,  spare  me,  0  ye,  my  friends; 
f(jr  the  hand  of  God  hath  touched  me. 

22  Why  will  ye  persecute  me  as  God 
(hath  done),  and  will  never  be  satisfied  with 
my  flesh? 

2-3  Oh  who  would  but  grant,  that  my  words 
might  be  written  down !  oh  who  would  grant 
that  they  were  entered  in  a  book ! 

24  That  they  were  hewn  with  an  iron  pen 
and  (blackened  with)*'  lead  for  eternity  in  the 
hard  rock ! 

25  And  well  I  know  that  my  redeemer 
liveth,  and  that  he  will  remain  as  the  last  after 
the  creatures'"  of  the  dust  (are  passed  away) ; 

26  And  after  my  skin  is  cut  to  pieces  will 
this"*  be:  and  then  freed  from  my  body  shall 
I  behold  God; 


'  After  Rambain.  Lit.  "and  I  make  my  escape  with 
the  skin  of  my  teeth."  The  meaning  is,  that  the  teeth 
having  fallen  out,  he  just  contrives  to  chew  enough  with 
the  gums  to  sustain  life. 

''  So  doth  Rashi  explain  this  verse.  Philippson,  "with 
an  iron  style  in  lead." 

°  Rashi,  taking  -\2j;  "the  dust,"  as  "those  formed  of 
the  dust."     Philippsou,  "over  my  dust." 

^  After  Jonathan.  Rashi,  however,  "  in  my  flesh  shall 
I  see  the  judging  God." 

°  Lbwenthal,  taking  'S  "for  me"  as  tididS  "for  my 
hiippiness  " 

•  After  Philippson,   ii   "a  stranger"  or  "an    enemy." 


27  Whom  I  shall  my.self  behold  to  mV 
happiness,"  and  whom  my  eyes  will  see,  and 
not  as  a  stranger,'  (when  even)  my  reins  are 
consumed  within  my  bosom. 

28  But  if  ye  should  say,  Ilow  will  we 
pursue  him?  seeing  the  root^  of  the  matter  is 
Ibund  in  me : 

29  Then  have  dread  for  yourselves  of  the 
sword;  for  the  wrath  (which  ye  excite)  is  an 
iniquity  that  bringeth  the  sword ;  in  order 
that  ye  may  know  there  is  one  that  judgcth 
(in  the  world). 

CHAPTP]R  XX. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Zophar  the  Na'ama- 
thite,  and  said, 

2  Even  therefore  do  mv  iinnost  thoughts 
give  me  an  answer,  and  for  this  reason  do  I 
feel  a  strong  excitement  within  me. 

3  Reproof  which  casteth  shame  on  me 
must  1  hear:  yet  out  of  my  understanding 
will  the  spirit  give  me  an  answer. 

4  Dost  thou  know  this?  from  the  very  be- 
ginning of  things,  from  the  very  time  when 
man  was  placed  upon  earth  it  was, 

5  That  the  triumphal  shouting  of  the 
wicked  is  ever  of  but  a  recent  date,  and  the 
joy  of  the  hypocrite  endureth  only  for  a  nh>- 
ment. 

6  Though  his  exaltation  should  mount  up 
to  the  heavens,  and  his  head  should  reacli 
unto  the  clouds : 

7  Yet  when  he  but  turneth  round  will  he 
vanish  for  ever;  those  who  have  seen  him 
will  say.  Where  is  he? 

8  Like  a  dream  will  he  fly  away,  and  nieit 
will  find  him  no  more :  yea,  he  will  be 
cha.sed  away  like  a  vision  of  the  night. 

9  If  an  eye  have  surveyed  him,  it  will 
not  do  so  again,  and  it  will  not  behold  him 
any  more  in  his  place. 

10  Ills    children   will    sufier    oppression*" 

Others  render,  "My  own  eyes  shall  see  him,  and  no 
stranger,"  /.  *■.  he  will  not  need  to  take  the  assertion  of 
another,  as  he  himself  will  obtain  correct  and  unequivocal 
knowledge  of  the  Almighty. 

*  /.  e.  The  cause  of  his  suffering  was  his  own  conduct. 
Rashi,  however,  "And  if  ye  should  say,  Why  should  we 
persecute  him,  and  what  is  the  root  of  the  matter  on 
which  he  dependeth  ?  (you  will  never  comprehend  all 
this  happiness)." 

''  Rashi,  from  Vi*i,  "to  crush,  oppress."  Aben  p]zra, 
"seek  the  favour  of  the  poor,"  from  nvi  "to  please," 
"to  receive  in  favour;"  here  in  the  Pie/  form,  "to  seek 
for  favour." 

839 


JOB  XX.  XXT. 


from  the  indigont,  and  Lis  Imnds  will  have 
to  restore  his  (ill-gotten)  wealth. 

11  (Now)  his  bones  are  full  of  his  youth- 
ful vigour;"  but  it  will  (suddenly)  lie  down 
with  him  in  the  dust. 

11^  If  the  evil  be  sweet  in  his  mouth,  he 
will  conceal  it  under  his  tongue;    . 

18  He  will  cherish  it,  and  not  forsake  it; 
and  hold  it  back  witliin  his  palate: 

14  His  food  is  thus  changed  within  his 
bowels,  and  becometh  the  venom  of  asps 
witliin  him. 

10  The  wealth  which  he  hath  swallowed, 
will  he  have  to  vomit  uj)  again :  God  will 
drive  it  out  of  his  belly. 

16  The  poison  of  asps  will  he  have  to 
suck :  the  viper's  tongue  will  slay  him. 

17  He  shall  not  look  with  pleasure  on 
streams,  on  flowing  brooks  of  lioney  and 
cream. 

18  He  restoreth  what  he  hath  laboured  for, 
and  wall  not  swallow  it  down:  however  much 
he  may  have  obtained*"  by  toil,  he  will  not 
have  any  joy  of  it. 

19  Because  he  oppressed  and  forsook  the 
indigent;  because  he  took  violently  away  a 
house,  shall  he  not  rebuild  it ; 

20  Because  he  knew  not  quietness  in  his 
bosom,  shall  he  not  escape  through  what  is 
the  most  precious  to  him. 

21  Nothing  was  spared  from  his  craving 
to  eat :  therefore  shall  his  wealth  not  pros- 
per.*^ 

22  In  the  fulness  of  his  abundance  will 
distress  assail  him :  every  hand  of  (those  he) 
troubled  will  come  against  him. 

23  In  order  to  fill  his  belly,  (God)  will 
send  out''  against  him  the  fury  of  his  wrath, 
and  will  rain  it  upon  him  for  his  eating. 

24  If  he  flee  from  the  iron  weapon,  the 
brazen  bow  Avill  strike  him  through. 

25  He  draweth  it,  and"  it  cometh  out  of 
the  body;  yea,  out  of  his  gall  the  glittering 
(arrow)  cometh  forth :  over  him  come  the  ter- 
rors (of  death) . 


"Jonathan  and  Kaslii.  Al)eu  Ezra,  "bis  secret  sins, 
which  will  lie,"  &c. ;  but  the  singular  "it"  of  3Jtyn  must 
refer  to  that  possessed  by  VOlSj»,  i.  e.  the  strength  or 
vigour. 

"  llashi,  "  When  that  which  lie  hath  exchanged  is  great 
wealth,  then  will  he  come  to  want,  and  have  no  joy  of 
it."  minn  must  be  understood  here,  "  the  exchanee  for 
toil."  ^ 

8:n 


20   Entire  darkness  is  laid  by  for  his  treor 
sures:  a  fire  not  urged  by  blowing  will  con 
sume  him ;  it  will  destroy  any  one  that  is  left 
in  his  tent. 

27  The  heavens  will  lay  open  his  iniquity; 
and  the  earth  will  raise  herself  up  against 
him. 

28  The  product  of  liis  house  will  be  ba- 
nished, flowing  away  on  the  day  of  his 
wrath. 

29  This  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man 
from  God,  and  his  decreed  heritage  from 
God. 

CHAPTER  XXL 

1  *\\  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  Hear,  0  hear  my  speech,  and  let  this  be 
wherewith  you  give  consolations. 

3  Bear  with  me  that  I  may  indeed  speak: 
and  after  my  speaking,  then  canst  thou  mock. 

4  As  for  me, — is  against  man  my  com- 
plaint? and  if  this  be  so,  why  should  my 
spirit  not  be  impatient? 

5  Turn  yourselves  unto  me,  and  be  as- 
tounded, and  lay  your  hand  upon  your 
mouth. 

6  Yea,  when  I  think  of  it,  I  am  terrified, 
and  shuddering  seizeth  hold  of  my  flesh. 

7  Wherefore  do  the  wicked  live,  become 
old,  yea,  grow  strong  in  power? 

8  Their  seed  is  firmly  established  in  their 
presence  with  them,  and  their  offs^iring  are 
before  their  eyes. 

9  Their  houses  are  at  peace  without  any 
dread,  and  no  rod  of  God  (cometh)  over 
them. 

10  The  bull  of  each  one  gendereth,  and 
disappointeth  not:  the  cow  of  each  one  calv- 
eth,  and  castetli  not  her  young. 

11  They  send  forth  their  little  ones  like 
a  flock,  and  their  children  skip  about  (with 

joy)- 

12  They  sing  to  the  timbrel  and  harp,  and 
rejoice  at  the  sound  of  the  pipe. 

13  They  wear  out  their  days  in  happiness. 


°  Arnheim.  Rashi  renders  the  first  part  of  the  verse, 
"He  loft  nothing  of  his  food  to  divide  among  the  poor." 

''  Rashi.  Others,  "When  he  is  about — then  will  Grod, 
&c. — while  he  is  eating." 

°  Arnheim,  after  Rashi,  "He  draweth  (it)  and  it 
cometh  forth  out  of  its  scabbard,  (niJ,  not  "body,"  but 
"the  scabbard  of  a  sword;")  and  the  glittering  arrow 
passcth  nut  of  its  pnisnn  over  him  (with)  terrors." 


JOB  XXT.  XXII. 


and  ill  a  nioiiK'nt  they  go  down  to  the  nether 
world. 

14  And  yet  they  say  unto  God,  "De- 
part from  us;  and  the  knowledge  of  thy 
"ways  we  desire  not. 

15  What  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  should: 
serve  him?  and  what  profit  shall   we   have, 
if  we  entreat  him  urgently?" 

IG  Lo,  not  in  their  hand"  doth  their  hap- 
piness rest!  The  counsel  of  the  wicked  be 
(still)  far  from  me. 

17  IIow  often  is  the  lamp  of  the  wicked 
quenched?''  and  how  often  cometli  over  them 
their  calamity  ?  and  doth  (God)  distribute 
their  lot  in  his  anger  ? 

18  Are  they  as  straw  before  the  wind,  and 
as  chaff  which  the  storm  stealeth  away?" 

19  Should  God  lay  up  for  his  children  his 
wrong-doing?  it  were  better  that  he  reward 
him,  that  he  might  know  it  himself. 

20  His  own  eyes  ought  to  see  his  downfall, 
and  from  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty  ought 
he  to  drink. 

21  For  what  cai'e"*  hath  he  for  his  house- 
hold after  him,  when  the  number  of  his 
months  is  all  apportioned  to  him? 

22  Is  this  fitting  God,"  who  teacheth  know- 
ledge? him  who  judgeth  tliose  that  are  high- 
est? 

23  That  this  one  dieth  in  his  full  strength, 
being  wholly  at  ease  and  quiet; 

24  His  vessels  being  full  of  healthy  tluid, 
and  the  marrow  of  his  bones  being  well  moist- 
ened : 

25  While  this  other  dieth  with  an  embit- 
tered soul,  and  hath  never  partaken  of  any 
happiness;' 

26  (And  yet)  together  they  must  lie  down 
in  the  dust,  and  the  worms  will  cover  them  ? 

27  Behold,  I  know  your  thoughts,  and  the 
opinions  which  ye  wrongfully  devise  against 
me. 

28  For  ye  say.  Where  is  the  house  of  the 
noble-minded  ?  and  where  is  the  tent  of  the 
dwelHng-places  of  the  wicked? 

'  Rashi,  "Is  not  their  happiness  in  their  hand?" 

''  Philippson  conceives  thut  Job  quotes  the  assertions  of 
his  friends,  and  shows  their  defects.  (See  xviii.  5,  &c. ; 
XX.  10,  28.) 

'  Others,  affirmatively,  "  they  are  as  straw,"  and  so 
also  the  end  of  verse  17. 

"  Rashi.     Lit.  "desire." 

'  Philippson.     Rashi,  "Is  one  of  you  in  God's  place, 
who  will  teach  knowledge  liow  this  is?" 
6  F 


29  Have  ye  not  asked  the  wayfarers? 
surely  their  token  ye  cannot  disregard, 

30  That  the  bad  man  is  reserved  for  the 
day  of  calamity,  (that  the  wicked)  are  car- 
ried forward  to  the  day  of  wrath. 

31  (But)  who  will  tell  him  to  his  face  of 
his  wa}?  and  who  will  repay  him  wluit  he 
hath  done? 

32  Yea  he  will  indeed  Ije  carried  to  the 
grave,  and  men  will  quickly  think  of  his 
monument: 

33  Sweet  are  to  liiin  the  clods  of  the  val- 
ley; and  after  him  succeedeth  every  man,  as 
those  that  were  before  him  are  without  num- 
ber. 

34  How  then  will  ye  comfort  me  with 
vanity?  and  of  your  answers  there  remain- 
eth  only  deception. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  *(\  Then  answered  Eliphaz  the  Thema- 
iiite,  and  said, 

2  Can  a  man  be  serviceable^  unto  God? 
Truly  the  intelligent  is  serviceable  unto  him- 
self 

3  Is  it  any  pleasure  to  the  Almighty  that 
thou  art  righteous?  or  is  it  any  gain  to  him, 
that  thou  makest  thy  ways  perfect? 

4  Is  it  out  of  fear  of  thee  that  he  will  re- 
proach thee?  or  go  with  thee  into  judgment? 

5  Is  not  thy  evil  great  ?  and  no  end  to  thy 
iniquities  ? 

6  For  thou  hast  taken  a  pledge  from  thy 
brothers  for  nought,  and  stripped  the  naked 
of  their  clothing. 

7  Thou  hast  not  given  water  to  the  weary 
to  drink,  and  from  the  hungry  thou  hast  with- 
holden  bread. 

8  But  as  for  the  man  of  a  sti'ong  arm,  he 
obtained*"  the  land,  and  the  highly  honoured 
could  dwell  therein. 

9  Widows  hast  thou  sent  away  empty,  and 
the  arms  of  the  fatherless  have  been  broken. 

10  Therefore  are  snares  round  about  thee, 
and  sudden  dread  terrifieth  thee. 


'  Lit.  "  hath  not  eaten  of." 

*  Rashi  would  translate,  "  Can  a  man  teach  God,  when 
he,  the  intelligent,  teacheth  men  knowledge?"  or  "Can 
man  labour  for  the  benefit  of  God?"  &c.  ID'S;?  is  referred 
by  Rashi  to  "mankind;"  others,  to  "himself,"  although 
it  is  a  plural  form. 

'  Rashi,  "Shalt  thou,  because  thou  art  of  a  strong  arm, 
obtain  the  land,   and  shall  the   highly  honoured  dwell 
i  therein?" 

841 


JOB  XXII.  xxin. 


11  Or  seest  thou  not  the  (hirkness?  and 
the  abundance  of  water  which  covereth  thee? 

12  Is  not  God  in  the  height  of  heaven? 
and  beholding*  the  highest  elevation  of  the 
stars,  however  high  they  are? 

13  But  thou  sayest,  "What  doth  God 
know?  can  he  judge  behind  the  darkness? 

14  Tliick  clouds  are  a  covering  for  him,  so 
that  he  will  not  see;  and  he  walketh  along 
on  the  c  rcle  of  lieaven." 

15  Wilt  thou  (thus)  observe  the  path  of 
ancient  times  which  the  men  of  injustice 
have  trodden? 

16  Who  were  shrivelled  up  before  their 
time,  wliose  foundation  was  flooded''  away 
like  a  river ; 

17  Who  said  unto  God,  "Depart  from  us:' 
and  what  wrought  tlie  Almighty  for  them? 

18  And  yet  it  was  he  that  filled  their 
houses  with  good  things;  but  the  counsel  of 
the  wicked  be  (still)  far  from  me. 

19  The  righteous  will  see  it,  and  be  glad; 
and  the  innocent  will  laugh  them  to  scorn. 

20  "Is  not  he  destroyed  that  I'ose  up 
against  us,  and  hath  not  the  fire  consumed 
what  they  had  left?'"" 

21  Do  but  become  acquainted  with  him, 
and  be  at  peace:  thereby  will  happiness 
eome  unto  thee. 

22  Do  but  accept  instruction  from  his 
mouth,  and  lay  up  his  sayings  in  thy  heart. 

23  If  thou  return  to  the  Almighty,  thou 
shalt  be  Ijuilt  up,  so  thou  wilt  l)ut  remove 
wrong-doing  tar  away  from  thy  tents. 

24  And  throw'"  down  in  the  dust  precious 
metals,  and  (the  gold  of)  Opliir  to  the  stones 
of  the  brooks : 

25  Then  will  the  Almighty  be  thy  precious 
metal,  and  brightly-shining  silver  unto  thee. 

26  For  then  wilt  thou  have  in  the  Al- 
mighty thy  delight,  and  thou  canst  lift  up 
unto  God  thy  face. 

27  Thou  wilt   make    entreaty  unto    him. 


'  Kashi,  as  in  x.  15.     Others,  "Look  at  the  head  of 
the  stars,  how  high  they  are." 

"  Rashi,  "over  whose  foundation  a  river   was  poured 
forth." 

°  After  Arnheim.     Rashi,   however,   ijo'p    "the   high 
estate;"   dIiT  "the  excellence"  of  that  generation. 

^  Lowenthal  and  others,  after  llalbag,  nxn  "  as  gold 
ore."  But  Jonathan,  "And  plaee  on  the  dust  a  strong 
fortress,  and  as  the  rocks  of  brooks  the  gold  of  Ophir: 
then  will  the  Almighty  be  to  thee  a  strong  fortress,  and 
more  than  silver  be  the  strength  of  thy  exaltation." 
842 


and  he  will   hear    thee,  and   thy  vows  wilt 
thou  pay. 

28  And  if  thou  decree  a  thing,  it  will  be 
fulfilled  unto  thee;  and  upon  thy  ways  the 
light  will  shine. 

29  For  when  men  are  brought  low/  thou 
wilt  say.  Pride  (hath  done  it) ;  but  those  of 
lowly  eyes  (God)  will  help. 

30  He  will  even  deliver  him  who  is  not 
guiltless :  and  thou  wilt  be'  delivered  by  the 
purity  of  thy  hands. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  Even  now  is  my  complaint  bitter:  my 
suffering  is  heavier  than  my  groans. 

3  Oh  who  would  grant  that  I  knew  where 
I  might  find  him!  tliat  I  might  attain  to  his 
judgment  throne! 

4  I  would  put  in  order  before  him  my  cause, 
and  my  mouth  would  I  fill  with  arguments. 

5  I  should  know  the  words  which  he 
might  answer  me,  and  understand  what  he 
might  say  unto  me. 

6  Would  he  with  his  power  contend 
against  me?  he  would  truly  not  lay  such 
doings  to  my  charge.^ 

7  There  would  an  upright  one*"  argue  with 
him ;  and  I  should  be  allowed  to  escape  for 
ever  by  my  judge. 

8  But,  lo,  I  go  eastward — and  he  is  not 
there;  and  to  the  west — and  I  cannot  per- 
ceive him ; 

9  When  he  doth  great  things  at  the  north, 
I  behold  him  not;  he  hideth  himself  in  the 
south — and  I  see  him  not. 

10  But  he'  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take: 
were  he  to  probe  me,  I  should  come  forth  as 
gold. 

11  On  his  steps  my  foot  hath  held  fast:  his 
way  have  I  kept,  and  swerved  not. 

12  From  the  commandment  of  his  lips 
have  I  also  not  moved  awaj- :   as  a  fixed  sta- 


'  A  ben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "When  men  are  brought  low, 
tliou  canst  say,  they  shall  be  lifted  up,  and  it  will  be." 

'  Aben  Ezra  supplying  nnx  "thou  wilt  be  delivered." 
lie  also  renders  'pj  'N  "the  isle  of  the  iunocent." 

8  Rashi;  meaning,  "only  justice,  not  false  charges, 
would  he  obtain  from  God."  Aben  Ezra,  "No,  he 
would  have  regard  for  me."  R^ilbag,  "he  would  put 
(strength)  in  me." 

'' Rashi,  "My  righteousness  would  be  clear  before 
him." 

'  Though  God  is  unseen,  he  knows  the  deeds  of  man. 


JOB  XXIII.  XXIV. 


tute'  for  me  have  I  treasured  up  the  sayings 
of  his  mouth. 

lo  But  he  is  unchangeably  one,*  and  who 
can  turn  hina?  and  what  his  will  desireth, 
even  that  he  doth. 

14  For  he  will  bring  to  completion  what 
hath  been  destined  for  me:  and  like  these 
hath  he  many  other  things  with  him. 

15  Therefore  am  I  terrified  at  his  pre- 
sence: I  Avill  reflect,  and  be  in  dread  of  him. 

16  Still  God  hath  made  timid  my  heart, 
and  the  Almighty  hath  terrified  me; 

17  Because  I  was  not  destroyed  before 
this  darkness,  and  because  he  hath  not  hid- 
den from  my  face  (this)  gloom. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  Why  are  not  times  (of  punishment) 
treasured  up''  by  the  Almighty,  and  why 
do  his  adorers  not  see  his  days  (of  retribu- 
tion) ? 

2  (The  wicked)  remove  landmarks:  they 
rob  flocks,  and  feed  them.'' 

3  They  drive  away  the  ass  of  the  father- 
less, they  take  in  pledge  the  widow's  ox. 

4  They  chase  the  needy  out  of  the  high- 
way: altogether  hide  themselves  the  poor  of 
the  earth. 

5  Behold,"  as  wild  asses  in  the  wilderness 
go  they  forth  to  their  work,  rising  betimes 
after  (their)  ]3rey:  the  desert  yieldeth  food 
for  them  and  for  their  young  men. 

6  In  the  field  they  reap  their  food  ■,^  and  in 
the  vineyard  of  the  wicked  they  gather  the 
fruit. 

7  The}-  cause  (the  poor)  to  spend  the 
night  naked,  without  clothing  and  without 
any  covering  in  the  cold. 

8  Through  the  sweeping  rain  of  the  moun- 

*  Rashi,  "more  than  my  apportioned  food  have  I,"  &c. 

'  Others,  "  He  persevereth  in  one  thing,  and  who  can 
gainsay  him  ?" 

°  Liiweuthal,  Herxheimer,  and  Philippson.  Arnheim 
and  Eng.  ver.,  "Why — since  from  the  Almighty,  destinies 
are  not  hidden — do  not  those  who  know  him  see  his  days 
(of  punishment)?" 

''  ('.  e.  They  have  no  fear  nor  shame  in  exhibiting  their 
wrongfully  obtained  pcssessions. 

'  Rashi  and  others  conceive  verses  5  and  6  to  represent 
the  rubbers;  Philippson,  the  state  of  the  poor,  who  have 
to  seek  for  means  to  sustain  life :  he  renders  also  verse  7, 
"They  (the  poor)  spend  their  nights,"  &c.  Others, 
again,  imagine  this  and  verse  8  also  to  refer  to  the  rob- 
bers, especially  the  Bedouins,  who  are  often  in  the  greatest 
want,  notwithstanding  their  dishonest  mode  of  life.     But 


tains  are  they  made  wet,  and  for  want  of  a 
shelter  do  they  embrace  the  rock. 

9  The  others  pluck  from  the  breast  the 
fatherless,  and  the  garment^  of  the  poor  they 
take  in  pledge. 

10  They  cause  him''  to  go  naked  without 
clothing,  and  from  the  hungry  they  take 
away  the  sheaf: 

11  Within  their  wiills  do  they  make  oil, 
they  tread  their  winepresses,  and  suffer  thirst. 

12  Out  of  a  populous  city  is  groaning  heard, 
and  the  soul  of  the  deadly  wounded  crieth 
out:  yet  God  regardeth  it  not  as  an  offence. 

13  Yon  men  are  of  those  that  rebel  against 
the  light:  they  know  not  its  ways,  nor  abide 
in  its  paths. 

14  With  the  earliest  light  riseth  the  mur- 
derer, he  slayeth  the  poor  and  needy,  and  in 
the  night  he  becometh  like  the  thief 

15  And  the  eye  of  the  adulterer  watcheth 
for  the  twilight,  saying.  No  eye  will  see  me; 
and  placeth  a  covering  on  his  face. 

16  They  break  into  houses  in  the  dark,  in 
"the  daytime  they  lock  themselves  in:'  they 

know  not  the  light. 

17  For  to  all  of  these  alike  is  the  morning 
as  the  shadow  of  death ;  for  they  are  familiar 
with  the  terrors  of  the  shadow  of  death. 

18  Swift''  are  such  men  (to  flee)  on  the 
face  of  the  water;  accursed  is  their  field  on 
the  land;  none  of  them  turneth  himself  to 
the  way  of  the  vineyards. 

19  Drought  and  heat  speedily  consume  the 
snow-waters:  so  doth  the  grave  those  who 
have  sinned. 

20  The  mother  that  bore  such  a  one  will 
forget  him;  the  worm  will  feed  sweetly  on 
him;  he  will  be  no  more  remembered;  and 
like  a  tree  will  wickedness  be  broken. 


we  must  then  assume  that,  as  early  as  Job,  Arabia  was  in 
the  same  condition  it  is  now. 

'  Aben  Ezra,  -h'b^,  not  "his  food,"  lit.  "fodder,"  but 
iS  "hi  "not  his," — "they  hold  harvest  in  a  field  not 
theirs."  «  Ralbag. 

''  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra.  Arnheim,  "These  (the  poor) 
go  about  naked  without  clothes,  and  hungering  do  they 
carry  sheaves." 

'  Others, — "  the  houses  which  in  the  daytime  they 
had  marked  for  themselves." 

'  Ralbag  and  Aben  Ezra.  Philippson,  "Swift  is  he  on 
the  face  of  the  waters;  if  his  portion  be  accursed  on  the 
land,  he  turneth  no  more  the  way  to  the  vineyards.  In 
the  desert  and  in  the  heat  they  plunder,  in  the  snow-wa- 
ter of  the  deep  they  sin."  Arnheim  and  Herxheimer 
nearly  so,  with  some  variations. 

813 


JOB  XXIV.— XXVII. 


21  lie  ill-treateth  the  barren  that  beareth 
not;  and  to  tlie  widow  he  actetli  not  well. 

22  But  he''  also  draweth  down  the  mighty 
with  his  power:  when  he  riseth  up,  no  one 
is  sure  of  life. 

23  To  such  (God)  granteth  to  be  in  safety, 
that  he  may  find  su23port;  and  His  eyes  are 
upon  their  ways. 

24  They  are  exalted;  in  but  a  little  while 
they  are  no  more;  and  tliey  are  brought  down 
low :  like  all  others  are  they  gathered  in,  and 
like  the  top  of  the  ear  of  corn  are  they  cut 
off.'' 

25  But  if  it  be  not  so,  who  will  prove  me 
a  liar,  and  render  as  nought  my  word? 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  Then  answered  Bildad  the  Shuchite, 
and  said, 

2  Dominion  and  dread  are  with  him:  he 
maketh  peace  in  his  high  places. 

3  Can  the  number  of  his  hosts  be  given? 
and  over  whom  riseth  not  his  light? 

4  How  then  can  man  be  justified  with 
God?  or  how  can  be  pure  one  that  is  born  of 
woman  ? 

5  Behold,  even  as  regardeth  the  moon, 
that  is  not  bright:  yea,  the  stars  are  not 
pure  in  his  eyes. 

6  How  much  less  the  mortal,  the  mere 
worm?  and  the  son  of  earth,  the  mere  mag- 
got? 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  If  Then  answered  Job,  and  said, 

2  What  assistance  hast  thou  given  to  the 
powerless?  (how)  hast  thou  helped  the  arm 
without  strength? 

3  How  hast  thou  counselled  the  unwise? 
and  what  sound  wisdom  hast  thou  made 
known  so  i^lentifully? 

4  To  whom  hast  thou  told  words?  and 
whose  spirit  came  from  thee? 

"  Rashi  supplies  here  also  "God" — "God  draweth 
down  these  mighty  ones  to  punishment :  their  day  Com- 
eth, and  they  trust  not  their  life."  But  the  whole  of 
thi.s  chapter  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  render,  as  the 
imagery  is  so  rapid,  and  every  one  of  the  commentators 
forms  his  own  opinion. 

"  i.  e.  The  wicked  die  often  without  pain ;  they  sin  and 
depart  hence  like  the  good. 

°  When  God  surveys  the  world,  tlie  dead  are  again  pre- 
sent (born)  under  his  view. 

"•  After  l'inlip|ison  ;  /.  r.  (ind  expanded  the  essence  of 
Si  I 


5  The  departed  are  called  into  being"  be- 
neath the  waters,  and  their  inhabitants. 

6  Naked  is  the  nether  world  before  him, 
and  there  is  no  covering  for  the  place  of  cor- 
ruption. 

7  He  stretched  out  the  north  over  empty 
space;  he  suspended  tlie  earth  on  nothing; 

8  He  bound  up  the  waters  in  his  clouds; 
and  the  cloud  bursteth  not  under  tlieir 
weight; 

9  He  closed  up  the  surface  of  his  throne, 
spreading  over  it  his  cloud ; 

10  A  fixed  limit  he  compassed  off  over*" 
the  face  of  the  waters,  for  the  division  of  the 
light  and  darkness. 

11  The  pillars  of  heaven  tremble  greatly, 
and  are  astounded  at  his  rebuke. 

12  By  his  power  he  split"  in  pieces  the 
sea,  and  by  his  understanding  he  crushed 
(its)  pride: 

13  By  his  breath  the  heavens  (acquired) 
beauty;  his  hand  hath  created  the  flj'ing  ser- 
pent. 

14  Lo,  these  are  ends  of  his  ways;  for  how 
slight  a  whisper  is  heard  (by  us)  of  him ! 
but  the  thunder  of  his  mighty  deeds  who  can 
understand  ? 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  Job  continued  taking  up  his  pa- 
rable, and  said, 

2  As  God  liveth,  who  hath  removed  justice 
from  me;  and  by  the  Almighty,  who  hath 
embittered  my  soul : 

3  All  the  while  my  breath  is  in  me,  and 
the  spirit  of  God  is  in  my  nostrils, 

4  Shall  my  lips  not  speak  any  wrong,  nor 
shall  my  tongue  utter  deceit. 

5  Far  be  it  from  me  that  I  should  justify 
you :  till  I  depart  hence  will  I  not  allow  (any 
one)  to  take  my  integrity  away  from  me. 

6  I  have  laid  fast  hold  on  my  righteous- 
ness, and  I  will  not  let  it  go :  my  heart  shall 

light  over  the  deep.  (Gen.  i.  2,  3.)  Rashi,  "God  drew 
a  circle  over  the  water  to  last  till  light  and  darkness  be 
no  more."  Wolfson,  "His  law  limitoth  the  water,  and 
fixeth  the  ends  of  light  and  darkness."  Arnheim,  "  He 
drew  a  circle  on  the  face  of  the  water  to  the  limit  of  light 
and  darkness."  Aben  Ezra  explains,  "to  where  light 
and  darkness  are  separated." 

°  Rashi,  after  whom  Arnheim,  referring  to  the  creation. 
But  Philippson,  "he  stirreth  up  the  sea — breaketh  the 
storm — the  heavens  become  clear — and  the  flying  serpent 
(constellation  Ophhifhtis)  appeareth  in  the  sky  " 


JOB  XXVII.  XXVIIT. 


not  reproach  me  (for  my  conduct)  during  all 
inv*  life. 

7  Like  the  wicked  is''  (therefore)  ni}-  ene- 
my, and  he  that  riseth  up  against  me  like  a 
wrong-doer. 

8  For  what  is  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite, 
when-  he  hath  gained  unjust  wealth,  when 
God  casteth  forth  his  soul? 

9  Will  God  hear  his  cry,  when  distress 
Cometh  upon  him? 

10  Or  can  he  find  delight  in  the  Ahnighty? 
can  he  call  on  God  at  all  times? 

11  I  will  instruct  you  concerning  what  is 
in  the  hand  of  God  :  (the  way)  which  is  with 
the  Almighty-  will  I  not  conceal. 

12  Lo!  ye  yourselves  have  all  beheld  it: 
why  is  it  then  that  ye  deal  in  such  vanities? 

13  This''  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man 
with  God,  and  the  portion  of  tyrants,  which 
they  shall  receive  from  the  Almighty. 

14  If  his  children  be  multiplied,  it  is  only 
for  the  sword ;  and  his  offspring  will  not  be 
satisfied  with  bread. 

15  Those  of  his  that  are  left  to  escape 
will  be  buried  by  death ;  and  his  widows  will 
not  be  able  to  weep. 

16  Though  he  heap  up  silver  as  the  dust, 
and  prepare  garments  (as  plentifully)  as  the 
clayj 

17  He  may  prepare,  but  the  righteous  will 
clothe  himself  (therewith),  and  the  silver  the 
innocent  will  divide. 

18  He  buildeth  his  house  like  the  moth, 
and  like  a  hut  that  a  keeper  hath  made. 

19  Rich  will  he  lie  down,  but  will  not  be 
gathered  (into  the  grave)  f  one  openeth  his 
eyes,  and  he  is  no  more. 

20  Like  a  flood  will  terror  overtake  him, 
in  the  night  a  tempest  will  steal  him  away. 

'  Rashi.  Others,  "  my  heart  shall  not  cast  blame  on 
one  of  in_y  days."     , 

•'  After  Rashi,  who  regards  'rr  •'  he  will  be,"  as  the 
cnnsec|iienec  of  the  preceding  verse.  So  also  Philippson 
and  Liiwcnthal;  not  "Let  my  enemy  be." 

"  Jonathan.  Philipp.son,  "For  what  is  the  hope  of  the 
ungodly?  that  God  should  cut  off,  that  he  should  take 
away  his  soul." 

''  Philippson  considers  verses  13  to  23  as  containing  a 
recapitulation  of  the  arguments  of  Job's  friends,  which  he 
had  already  refuted,  and  called  them  hence  "vanities." 
Rashi,  however,  views  this  passage  as  meaning:  Job  says, 
"  Ye  have  seen  all  I  relate ;  why  then  will  ye  be  hypo- 
crites, in  saying  vain  things  of  God?" 

'Rashi.  Others,  "He  layeth  himself  down  being 
rich;  but  he  will  not  be  (so)  buried;  if  he  were  to  open 
|iis  eyes-^it  would  bo  gone." 


21  The  east  \viiid  will  lift  him  up,  and  he 
must  be  gone;  and  it  hurk^th  liim  like  a 
storm  out  of  his  place. 

22  And  (Godif  will  cast  (evil)  upon  him. 
and  have  no  pity :  out  of  his  hand  (his 
wealth)"  will  surely  escape. 

23  Men  will  clap  their  liands  over  him, 
and  will  hiss  after  him  out  of  his  place. 

CHAPTER  XXVin. 

1  For  truly  there  is  a  source  for  the  silver, 
and  a  place  for  the  gold  which  men  refine. 

2  Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  dust,  and  the 
stone  is  melted  into  copper. 

3  x\n  end  doth  he  set  to  darkness,  and  the 
very  utmost  limit  doth  he  search  out,  the 
stones  of  darkness,  and  ot  the  shadow  of 
death. 

4  He  breaketh  a  channel''  far  from  the  in- 
habited place;  those  of  unsteady  foot,*  the 
poorest  of  men  move  (there  alwut). 

5  The  earth,  out  of  which  cometh  forth 
bread,  is  under  its  surfice  turned  up  as  it 
were  with  fire. 

6  Her  stones  are  the  place  whence  the 
sapphire  cometh;  and  golden  dust  is  also 
there ; 

7  (On  the)  path  which  no  bird  of  prey 
knoweth,  and  whicli  the  vulture's  eye  hath 
not  surveyed; 

8  (Which)  ravenous  beasts  have  never 
trodden,  over  which  the  lion  hath  never 
passed. 

9  To  the  flinty  rock  he  stretcheth  forth 
his""  hand;  he  overtumeth  the  mountains 
from  the  root. 

10  Amid  rocks  he  heweth  out  canals; 
and  every  precious  thing  doth  his  eye  be- 
hold. 


'  Rashi.     Philippson  refers  it  to  the  storm. 

s  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "his  friend  will  flee  far  away." 
Herxheimer,  "He  casteth  away  all  that  is  on  him,  and 
spareth  not;  he  only  desireth  to  flee  from  its  power  (of 
the  storm);"  so  also  Philippson,  the  last  clause  of  the 
verse. 

'■  The  simplest  explanation  of  this  difficult  verse  is  to 
assume,  with  Herxheimer  and  others,  that  it  refers  to 
mining,  where  channels  and  galleries  are  broken,  wherein 
the  most  miserable  of  men,  often  slaves  and  criminals, 
have  to  take  out  the  ore  at  the  peril  of  life. 

'  Lit.  "who  are  forgotten  by  the  foot;"  explained  by 
Philippson  as  "those  who  from  their  confinement  in 
mines  are  un.steady  in  their  walk." 

''  Rashi  and  Aben  l'>,ra  refer  verses  fl  to  11  to  God, 
as  having  done  so  at  the  creation;  but  other  commenta- 
tors think  they  refer  to  man  in  his  mining  operations. 

S46 


JOB  XXVIII.  XXIX. 


11  The  various  dropijings"  of  water  he 
aniteth  into  streams,  and  what  is  hidden  he 
bringeth  forth  to  light. 

12  ^  But  wisdom — where  shall  she  be 
found?  and  where  is  the  place  of  understand- 
ing? 

13  Man  knoweth  not  her  value;  and  she 
is  not  to  be  found  in  the  land  of  the  liv- 
ing. 

14  The  deep  saith,  Not  in  me  is  she :  and 
the  sea  saith,  She  is  not  with  me. 

15  No  fine  gold  can  be  given  in  lieu  of 
her,  and  silver  cannot  be  weighed  out  as  her 
price. 

16  She  cannot  be  valued  with  the  gold  of 
Ophir,  with  the  precious  onyx,  or  the  sa]^- 
phire. 

17  She  cannot  be  estimated  after  gold  and 
glass;  and  not  in  exchange  for  her  (can)  ves- 
sels of  refined  gold  (be  taken.) 

18  Coral  and  crystal  will  not  be  thought  of; 
and  the  value  of  wisdom  is  above  pearls. 

19  She  cannot  be  estimated  after  the  topaz 
of  Ethiopia,  nor  can  she  be  valued  with  pure 
gold. 

20  ^  But  wisdom — wlience  cometh  she? 
and  where  is  the  place  of  understanding? 

21  Yea,  she  is  hidden  from  the  eyes  of  all 
living,  and  from  the  fowls  of  the  heavens  is 
she  concealed. 

22  Perdition  and  death  say.  With  our  ears 
have  we  heard  a  report  of  her. 

23  God  (alone)  understandeth  her  way, 
and  he  knoweth  her  place; 

24  For  he  looketh  to  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
(whatever  is)  under  the  whole  heaven  doth 
he  see. 

25  When  he  imparted  weight  unto  the 
wind ;  and  (when)  the  waters  he  established 
by  measure; 

26  When  he  made  a  law  for  the  rain,  and 
a  way  for  the  lightning  of  (his)  thunders : 

27  Then  did  he  see  her,  and  make  her 
known ;  he  established  her,  and  also  searched 
her  out. 

28  And  he  said  unto  man,  Behold,  the 
fear  of  the  Loid,  that  is  wisdom;  and  to 
eschew  evil  is  understanding. 

'  Philippson;  i.  e.  the  various  rills  wliicli  issue  forth  in 
the  mine  are  united  into  large  canals,  thnt  the  work  may 
go  forward. 

'' Lit.  "autumn,"  /.  e.  the   season  when   all   is   ripe. 
Others,  "youth." 
846 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  And  Job  continued  to  take  up  his  pa- 
rable, and  said, 

2  Who  will  give  me  back  months  like 
those  which  are  past,  days  like  those  when 
God  guarded  me ; 

3  When  his  lamp  shone  over  my  head, 
when  by  his  light  I  could  walk  in  dark- 
ness; 

4  As  I  was  in  the  days  of  my  abundance,'' 
when  the  confidence"'  of  God  was  upon  my 
tent; 

5  When  the  Almighty  was  3'et  with  me, 
when  my  servants  stood  round  about  me; 

6  When  I  bathed  my  steps  in  cream,  and 
the  rock  poured  out  near  me  streamlets  of 
oil! 

7  When  I  went  out  to  the  gate  close  by 
the  city,  when  in  the  open  place  I  established 
my  seat: 

8  Young  men  saw  me,  and  hid  themselves; 
and  the  aged  rose  up,  and  remained  stand- 
ing; 

9  Princes  stopped  in  the  midst  of  (their) 
words,  and  laid  their  hand  on  their  mouth; 

10  The  voice  of  nobles  was  ari-ested,  and 
their  tongue  cleaved  to  their  palate. 

11  For  the  ear  that  heard  me  called  me 
happy ;  and  the  eye  that  saw  me  bore  witness 
for  me ; 

12  Because  I  delivered  the  poor  that  cried, 
and  the  fatherless,  yea,  that  had  none  to  help 
him. 

13  The  blessing  of  him  that  was  ready  to 
perish'^  came  upon  me ;  and  the  heart  of  the 
widow  I  caused  to  sing  for  joy. 

14  I  took  righteousness  as  my  garment, 
and  it  clothed  me:  as  a  robe  and  a  mitre  was 
justice  unto  me. 

15  Eyes  was  I  to  the  blind;  and  feet  to 
the  lame  was  I. 

16  A  father  was  I  to  the  needy;  and  the 
cause  of  him  I  knew  not  I  used  to  investi- 
gate. 

17  And  I  broke  the  cutting-teeth  of  the 
wrong-doer,  and  out  of  his  teeth  I  cast  down 
his  prey. 

°  Lit.  "secret,"  or  "secret  counsel."  So  Rashi,  "When 
the  pious  of  the  generation  came  to  my  tent  to  be  fortified 
in  God's  law."     Others,  "friendship." 

*  Others,  "that  had  to  roam  about,"  or  "the   unliap- 

V7-" 


JOB  XXIX.  XXX. 


18  And  I  said  then,  "In  the  midst  of  my 
nest  shall  I  depart  hence,  and  like  the  sand" 
shall  I  have  many  days. 

19  I\Iy  root  will  stand  open  for  the  water, 
and  the  dew  will  lodge  on  my  boughs. 

20  My  glory  will  ever  be  new  with  me, 
and  my  bow  will  acquire  fresh  strength  in 
my  hand." 

21  Unto  me  men  listened,  and  waited,  and 
watched  in  silence  for  my  counsel. 

22  After  nn'  words  they  made  no  reply, 
and  my  speech  dropped  on  them  (like  dew) . 

2.S  And  they  waited  for  me  as  for  the  rain, 
and  they  opened  wide  their  mouth  as  for  the 
latter  rain. 

24  I  smiled  on  those  that  had  lost  their 
confidence;''  and  the  light  of  my  countenance 
they  never  cast  down. 

25  I  chose""  their  way  for  them,  and  I  sat 
as  chief,  and  dwelt  as  a  king  in  his  army,  as 
one  that  comforteth  mourners. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  But  now  thev  who  are  vounger  than  I 
in  years  laugh  at  me,  whose  fathers  I  scoi'n- 
ed  to  put  as  equals  with  the  dogs  of  my 
ilocks. 

2  Yea,  what  possible  use  can  the  strength 
of  their  hands  be  unto  me,  over  whom  old 
age  hath  passed  fruitlessly  ? 

3  Who  suffer  of  want  and  famine  in  soli- 
tude; who  tlee'"  into  the  wilderness  (where 
all  is)  darkness,  ruin,  and  desolation; 

4  Who  crop  oft"  mallows'"  by  the-  liushes, 
and  have  broom-bush  roots  as  their  bread; 

5  Who  are  driven  forth  from  among  (men), 
who  are  shouted  after  as  though  they  were 
thieves, 

6  To  dwell  in  the  caverns*^  of  the  valleys, 
in  holes  of  the  earth,  and  on  naked  clifts. 

7  Among  the  bushes  they  shriek:  under 
briers'^  they  are  huddled  together, 

8  The  children  of  the  worthless,  yea,  the 

'  Easlii,  after  Talmud  Sanliedriii,  108  h.  "^in  as  the 
name  nf  a  bird,  "the  phoenix;"   so  also  Arnhcim. 

''  Lowenthal  and  Philippsnn,  i:t3N'  kS  "  those  who  have 
no  confidence;"  but  Aben  Ezra,  ""When  I  smiled  on 
them,  they  would  not  believe  it,"  &c. 

°  Philippson,  "^A'hen  I  chose  to  be  among  them,  I  sat 
at  the  head." 

*  Philippson,  "who  gnaw  the  growth  of  the  desert, 
which  is  long  since  desolate  and  waste." 

'  Arnheim  and  others,  "salty  herbs." 

'  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "in  frightful  valleys." 


children  of  the  nameless,  who  were  outcasts 
from  the  land. 

9  But  now  I  am  become  their  song,  and 
I  am  become  a  byword  unto  them. 

10  They  loathe  me,  they  keep  themselves 
far  from  me,  and  frt)m  my  face  they  withhold 
not  their  spittle. 

11  Because  he  hath  loosened  the  cord  of 
my  bow,''  and  afllicted  me,  they  have  also 
cast  oft'  the  bridle  before  me. 

12  Against  my  right  hand  rise  up  this 
swarm  of  worthless  youths :  they  push  away 
my  feet,  and  they  level  against  me  their  cala- 
mity-bringing paths. 

!  13  They  destroy  my  footpath,  they  help 
forward  my  downfall,  without  any  one  to  aid 
them. 

14  As  (through)  a  broad  breach  they  come: 
amidst  a  loud  noise  they  rolled  themselves 
along. 

15  Terror's  have  turned  their  face  against 
me;  they  chase  like  the  wind  my  glory;  and 
like  a  cloud  is  my  happiness  passed  away. 

16  And  now  my  soul  is  poured  out  over 
me;  the  days  of  affliction  have  seized  on  me; 

17  All  night  it  holloweth  out  my  bones 
out  of  my  body;  and  my  pursuers'  take  no 

'  rest. 

18  Through  the  Almighty's  power''  is  my 
garment  made  unknown:  like  the  opening 
of  my  coat  hath  he  enclosed'  me. 

19  He  hath  cast  me  into  the  mire,  and  I 
am  become  like  dust  and  ashes. 

20  I  cry  aloud  unto  thee,  but  thou  answer- 
est  me  not :  I  stand  up,  and  thou  fixest  thy 
regard  against  me. 

21  Thou  art  changed  into  a  cruel  master 
toward  me :  with  the  strength  of  thy  hand 
thou  assailest  me. 

22  Thou  liftest  me  up  to  the  wind;  thou 
causest  me  to  pass  away,  and  dissolvcst  in  mo 
all  wise  counsel."" 

23  For  I  know  that  thou  wilt  bring  mo 

^  Eashi,  "nettles,"  and  so  rendered  elsewhere;  here, 
however,  evidently  something  higher,  which  they  could 
hide  among.  ''  Rashi. 

'  Jonathan  and  Rashi,  as  in  ver.  3.  Ralbag,  "my 
pulses."    Philippson  and  others,  "  those  that  gnaw  at  me." 

"  Herxheiriier  and  others  refer  riD  2"»3  to  God,  who  be- 
comes the  subject  in  ver.  20. 

'  /.  e.  As  tightly  as  the  upper  edge  of  the  undcr-eoat 
fits  round  the  neck,  so  hath  God  hemmed  him  in  with 
pain. 

"  Ralbag,  taking  rrtSTi  in  the  sense  it  is  found  in  Pro- 

847 


JOB  XXX.  XXXI. 


back  to  death,  and  to  the  house  of  assembly 
for  all  the  living. 

24  But  doth  not  a  man  stretch  out  his 
hand  among  ruins?  or  doth  one  not  cry  out 
therefrom  (for  help)  when  he  meeteth  his 
downfall  ?'^ 

25  Did  not  I  weep  for  him  that  was  hard 
pressed  by  misfortune?  was  not  my  soul 
grieved  for  the  needy? 

26  That  I  hoped  for  good,  but  there  came 
evil;  and  I  waited  for  light,  and  there  came 
darkness ! 

27  My  bowels  heave,  and  rest  not:  the 
days  of  affliction  have  overcome  me. 

28  I  walk  about  mournfull}'  without  sun- 
light: when  I  rise  up,  in  the  assembly,  I 
cry  M'ith  pain. 

29  I  am  become  a  brother  to  (howling) 
monsters,  and  a  companion  to  ostriches. 

30  My  skin  hangeth  down  black  from  me, 
and  my  bones  are  burnt  from  heat. 

31  And  thus  is  changed  to  mourning  my 
harp,  and  my  pipe  to  the  sound  of  weeping. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1  A  covenant  had  I  made  with  my  ejes: 
how  then  should  I  fix  my  look  on  a  virgin? 

2  And  what  would  then  have  been  my 
portion  of  God  from  al)ove  ?  and  what  lot 
of  the  Almighty  from  on  high  ? 

3  Is  not  calamity  (ready)  for  the  unjust? 
and  misfortime  for  the  wrong-doers? 

4  Behold,  he  truly  seeth  my  ways,  and 
numbereth  all  my  steps; 

5  (And  knoweth)  whether  I  have  walked 
with  vain  desires,  or  if  my  foot  hath  hastened 
after  deceit. 

6  Let  him  weigh  me  then  in  a  righteous 
balance,  and  let  God  acknowledge  my  integ- 
rity. 

7  If  my  step  have  turned  aside  from  the 
(proper)  way,  and  my  heart  have  walked 
after  my  eyes,  and  if  any  blemish  have 
cleaved  to  my  hands: 

8  Then  let  me  sow,  and  let  another  eat; 
and  let  what  I  have  growing  be  roolsd  out. 


verbs.  Rashi,  "thou  dissolve.'it  me  by  weakness."  Phi- 
lippson  and  Lowcnthal,  as  riNHyn  "  amidst -a  loud  noise," 
I.  r.  of  the  .storm. 

"  Lowenthal    and    Philippson.       Jonathan,    "But    lie 

(God)  will  not  lay  violent  hand  in  wrath  on  men  when 

they  pray  to  him    in    time   of  affliction."     Horxhcimor, 

"But   may  ho  not  stretch   out  his   hand  against  ruins; 

848 


9  If  my  heart  have  been  beguiled  toward 
a  woman,  or  if  I  have  lain  in  wait  at  my 
neighbour's  door: 

10  Then  may  my  wife  labour  at  the  mill 
for  another,  and  may  strangers  ill-use  her; 

11  For  this  would  be  incest;  yea,  it  would 
be  an  iniquity  (to  be  punished  by)  the  judges; 

12  For  it  would  be  a  fire  that  consumeth 
doAvn  to  the  place  of  corruption,  and  would 
root  out  all  my  products. 

13  If  ever  I  cast  aside  the  justice  due  to 
my  man-servant  and  my  maid-servant,  when 
they  contended  with  me : 

14  What  then  could  I  do  when  God  should 
rise  up?  and  Avhen  he  should  investigate, 
what  could  I  answer  him  ? 

15  Did  not  he  that  made  me  make  him 
born  of  a  woman  ?  and  did  not  the  same  one 
fashion  us  in  the  womb? 

16  If  ever  I  denied  the  wish  of  the  indi- 
gent, or  ever  allowed  the  eyes  of  the  widow 
to  fail  (in  vain  hopes); 

17  Or  if  ever  I  ate  my  bread  by  myself 
alone,  and  the  fatherless  did  not  eat  thereof; 

18  (For  from  my  youth  he  was  brought 
up  with  me,  as  though  we  were  of  one''  father, 
and  I  have  guided  her  (as  though  she  was 
sprung)  from  my  mother's  womb;) 

19  If  ever  I  saw  any  one  perishing  for 
want  of  clothing,  or  the  needy  without  cover- 
ing; 

20  If  his  loins  have  not  blessed  me,  and  if 
he  have  not  been  warmed  w'ith  the  fleece  of 
my  sheep; 

21  If  I  have  swung  my  hand  against  the 
fatherless,  because  I  saw  in  the  gate  those 
that  would  help  me : 

22  Tlien  may  my  shoulder  fall  from  my 
shoulder-blade,  and  my  arm  be  broken  from 
the  channel-bone ; 

23  For  dreaded  I)y  me  was  the  calamitous 
punishment  of  God,  and  against  his  highness 
I  can"  accomplish  nothing. 

24  If  I  have  made  gold  my  confidence,  or 
have  said  to  the  fine  gold,  Thou  art  my  trust; 

25  If  ever  I  rejoiced  because  my  wealth 


or  do  they  (death  and  the  grave)  find  help  in  their  de- 
struction?" Others,  "He  will  not  lay  his  hand  on  the 
grave ;  surely  in  the  downfall  (of  death)  there  is  help  fur 
all."      The  verse  is  very  diificult  and  obscure. 

''  Wolfson;  but  Rashi,  "this  virtue  raised  me  like  a 
father,"  &c. 

°  J'hilippson,  "could." 


JOB  XXXT.  XXXIT. 


was  abuiidant.   and   because    my  hand   had 
gotten  much; 

26  If  ever  I  looked  at  the  hght  (of  the 
sun)  when  he  shone  brightly  and  on  the 
moon  walking  in  splendour; 

27  And  my  heart  became  misled  in  secret, 
and  my  hand  kissed  my  mouth:" 

28  This  also  were  an  iniquity  to  be  pu- 
nished by  the  judge;  for  thus  would  I  have 
denied  the  God  that  is  above. 

29  If  ever  I  rejoiced  at  the  downfall  of 
him  that  hated  me,  or  was  elated  when  evil 
befell  him; — 

30  But  I  sufiered  not  my  mouth  to  sin  by 
denouncing  with  a  curse  his  soul; — 

31  If  the  men  of  my  tent  said  not,  Oh  is 
there  one  that  is  not  satisfied  of  his  tlesh; — 

32  In  the  street  a  stranger  had  not  to 
lodge;  my  doors  I  held  open  to  the  road- 
side ; 

33  If  I  covered  up  my  transgressions  like 
a  common  man,  by  hiding  in  my  bosom  my 
ini(iuity; 

34  Because  I  dreaded  the  great  multitude, 
or  because  the  contempt  of  families  did  ter- 
rify me,  so  that  I  kept  silence,  and  dared  not 
to  go  out  of  the  door;*" — 

35  Oh  who  will  bring  me  one  that  would 
hear  me!  behold,  here  is  my  plea;  may  the 
Almighty  answer  me ;  and  any  record"  which 
my  opponent  may  have  written, — 

36  Surely  upon  my  shoulder  would  I  carry 
it:''  I  would  bind  it  as  a  crown  unto  me. 

37  The  number  of  my  steps  would  I  tell 
him:  as  (to)  a  prince  would  I  go  near  unto 
him. — 

38  If  my  land  ever  cried  out  because  of 
me,  or  if  its  furrows  wept  together; 

39  If  I  ever  consumed  its  strength  with- 
out payment,  or  caused  the  soul  of  its 
owners'"  to  grieve : 

40  Then  may  instead  of  wheat,  thorns 
come  forth,  and  instead  of  barley,  cockle. 
(Here  end  the  words  of  Job.) 


*  i'.  e.  Offering  the  sligbtest  token  of  homage,  by  touch- 
ing the  mouth  with  the  hand,  as  was  probably  the  cus- 
tom of  idolaters  of  the  Zabean  kind. 

^  The  conclusion  of  the  sentence  is  in  verse  40. 
°  TDD  docs  not  mean  necessarily  "book,"  but  any  con- 
nected writing.  Others,  "  lot  my  opponent  write,"  &c. 

*  Eashi,  and  so  Arnheim,  "I  would  carry  him  (the 
opponent)  on  my  shoulder,  I  would  bind  crowns  on  him 

for  my  sake." 

60 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1  Tf  So  had  these  three  men  abstained 
from  answering  Job;  because  he  was  right- 
eous in  his  own  eyes. 

2  ll  Thereupon  was  kindled  the  wrath  of 
Elihu  the  son  of  Barachel  the  Buzite,  of  the 
fiimil}'  of  Ram:  against  Job  was  his  wrath 
kindled,  because  he  had  declai'ed  himself 
more  righteous  than  God. 

3  And  against  his  three  friends  was  his 
wrath  kindled;  because  they  had  found  no 
answer,  and  yet  had  condemned  Job. 

4  Now  Elihu  had  held  back  toward  Job 
(his)  words;  because  the  others  were  older  in 
days  than  he. 

5  But  when  Elihu  saw  tliat  there  was  no 
answer  in  the  mouth  of  these  three  men, 
then  was  his  wrath  kindled. 

6  Tl  And  Elihu  the  son  of  Barachel  the 
Buzite  commenced,  and  said,  Young  am  I 
in  days,  and  ye  are  very  old:  therefore  I 
hesitated  and  feared  to  show  you  what  I 
know. 

7  I  had  said.  Days  shall  speak,  and  multi- 
tude of  years  shall  make  wisdom  known. 

8  But  it  is  the  spirit  in  man,  and  the 
breath  of  the  Almighty  which  giveth  them 
understanding.^ 

9  Not  those  rich  in  years  must  be  always 
wise :  neither  do  the  aged  constantly  under- 
stand what  is  just. 

10  Therefore  do  I  say.  Hearken  to  me:  I 
also  will  show  forth  what  I  know  myself. 

11  Behold,  I  waited  for  your  words:  I 
gave  an  attentive  ear  to  your  reasonings,  till 
you  might  have  searched  out  the  (proper) 
words. 

12  And  now  I  understand  you  fully,  and, 
behold,  there  is  none  that  convinceth  Job,  or, 
that  answereth  his  speeches  among  you. 

13  Say  then  not.  We  have  found  wisdom: 
God  will  thrust  him  down,  not  man.^ 

14  But  he  hath   not  directed   anv  words 


'  Rashi,  "those  who  occupied  it  as  tillers  on  half  pro- 
fit." Others  render,  "caused  its  owners  to  breathe 
out  their  soul." 

'  Jonathan,  "In  truth  the  spirit  of  prophecy  is  in  man, 
and  the  word  of  God  giveth  them  understanding." 

*  Wolfson,  "the  one  who  is  no  man."  The  text  as 
here  given  is  simple,  "  God  will  convince  him,  not  a  man ;" 
and  this  was  the  wisdom  they  had  discovered,  that  (iod 
would  ultimately  prove  that  Job  had  sinned. 

849 


JOB  XXXII.  XXXIII. 


against  me:   and  with  your  speeches  will  1 
not  answei'  him. 

15  They  are  dismayed,  they  answer  no 
more:  words  have  escaped  away  from  them. 

16  And  should  I  wait  (longer),  because 
they  cannot  speak,  because  they  stand  still 
and  answer  no  moi'e? 

17  (But)  I  also  will  surely  answer  my 
part,  I  myself  also  will  show  lijrth  what  I 
know ; 

18  For  I  am  full  of  words,  the  spirit  in  my 
bosom  urgeth  me  hard. 

19  Behold,  my  bosom  is  like  (fresh)  wine 
which  hath  not  been  opened:  like  new"  bot- 
tles it  is  ready  to  burst. 

20  I  will  speak,  that  I  may  breathe  freer: 
I  will  open  my  lips  and  answer. 

21  On  no  account  wall  I  show  undue  fa- 
vour to  any  man,  and  to  no  son  of  earth  will 
I  give  flattering  titles. 

22  For  I  know  not  to  give  flattering  titles; 
(for  else)  my  Maker  would  speedily  carry 
me  away. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  Therefore  do  thou  but  hear,  0  Job,  my 
speeches,  and  give  ear  to  all  my  words. 

2  Behold  now,  I  have  opened  my  mouth, 
my  tongue  speaketh  in  my  mouth.'' 

3  Out  of  my  straightforward  heart  (come) 
my  sayings;  and  my  lips  utter  kuowdedge 
clearly. 

4  The  spirit  of  God  hath  made  me,  and 
the  breath  of  the  Almighty  giveth  me  life. 

5  If  thou  canst,  answer  me,  array  thyself 
before  me,  stand  forward. 

G  Behold,  I  am  in  the  same  relation  as 
thyself  toward  God:''  I  myself  also  am  cut 
out  of  the  clay. 

7  Behold,  dread  of  me  cannot  terrify  thee, 
and  my  pressure*  will  not  be  too  heavy  upon 
thee. 

8  But  thou  hast  said  before  my  ears,  and 
the  sound  of  the  words  I  still  hear, 


'  ?'.  e..  Bottles  containing  new  wine,  the  fermentation 
of  wliich  bursts  them. 

"  Hob.  "pahite." 

"  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "I  am  here,  as  thou  hast  asked, 
in  God's  place,  and  for  him  do  I  speak  his  words." 

''  Jonathan  and  Rashi.  '-JOX  from  tj^x  "to  force,"  "to 
urge;"  h(mce  the  noun,  "that  which  presscth  hard" — 
"tiie  burden."  Abcn  Ezra,  "my  hand,"  like  '£3:3  with 
paragogic  N. 

•  Rashi,  "pretexts." 
860 


9  "  I  am  pure  without  transgression,  I  am 
cpiite  clean;   and  there  is  no  iniquity  in  me: 

10  Yet,  behold,  he  findeth  hateful  back- 
sliding*"  on  me,  he  regardeth  me  as  an  enemy 
unto  him; 

11  He  putteth  my  feet  in  the  stocks,  he 
watcheth  all  my  paths." 

12  Behold,  in  this  thou  art  not  just:  I 
will  answer  thee ;  for  God  is  far  greater  than 
a  mortal. 

13  Why  dost  thou  contend  against  him? 
for  with*^  all  his  words  will  he  not  give  an 
answer. 

14  For  God  speaketh  once,  yea  twice:  (yet 
man)  regardeth  it  not. 

15  In  a  dream,  in  a  vision  of  the  night, 
when  deep  sleep  falleth  upon  men,  in  slum- 
bers upon  the  couch: 

16  Then  doth  he  lay  open  the  ear  of  men, 
and  sealeth  it  with  their  warning;^ 

17  To  remove  the  son  of  earth  (from  his 
intended)  deed ;  and  he  covereth  up  pride 
from  man ; 

18  He  withholdeth  his  soul  from  the  pit, 
and  his  life  from  passing  away  by  the  sword. 

19  And  so  is  he  admonished  by  pain  upon 
his  couch,  and  all  his  bones  with  violent 
(aches)." 

20  So  that  his  inclination'  abhorreth  bread, 
and  his  soul,  the  most  agreeable  food. 

21  His  flesh  is  consumed  away,  that  it 
cannot  be  seen;  and  his  bones  that  were  not 
seen  stick  out. 

22  Yea,  his  soul  draweth  near  unto  the 
pit,  and  his  life  to  those  that  slay. 

23  If  there  be  now  about  him  one  single 
angel,  as  defender,  one  out  of  a  thousand,  to 
tell  for  man  his  uprightness :'' 

24  Then  is  he  gracious  unto  him,  and 
saith.  Release  him  from  going  down  to  the 
pit,  I  have  found  an  atonement. 

25  His  flesh  becometh  full  again  as  in 
youth:  he  returneth  to  the  days  of  his  boy- 
hood. 


'  i.  c.  Only  partially  he  reveals  his  acts  to  man.  Herx- 
hcimer,  "concerning."  Liiwenthal,  "  that  he  giveth  no 
answer  concerning  all  his  doings," 

^  Rashi,  "Ho  sealeth  and  bindeth  them  with  sufFeringa 
for  their  iniquity." 

^  Ralbag.  Rashi,  "all  his  bones  that  were  so  strong." 
Loweiithal  and  others,  "  with  violent  contest  in  his  limbs." 

'  Lit.  "life;"  here  the  appetite  necessary  to  .sustain  life. 

"  Philippson:  "If  there  come  to  him  one  angel  aa 
interpreter — to  tell  man  what  is  just  fur  him." 


JOB  XXXITT.  XXXIY. 


26  lie  will  offer  his  entreaty  unto  Cod, 
and  he  will  receive  him  in  favour,  that  he 
may  see  his  face  with  joy :  so  doth  He  re- 
compense unto  the  mortal  his  i-i^hteousness. 

27  He  then  should  assemble"  men  around, 
and  say,  "I  had  sinned,  and  perverted  what 
is  right,  yet  have  I  not  received  a  like  return."'' 

28  Thus  he  redeemetli  his-  soul  from  pass- 
ing into  the  pit,  and  his  life  will  look  joy- 
ously on  the  light. 

29  Lo,  all  these  things  doth  God  two  or 
three  times  with  man; 

30  To  bring  back  his  soul  from  the  pit, 
that  she  may  shine  in  the  light  of  life. 

31  Listen  well,  0  Job,  hearken  unto  me: 
keep  silence,  and  I  will  truly  speak. 

32  If  thou  hast  any  words,  answer  me: 
speak,  for  I  wish  to  justify  thee. 

33  If  not,  hearken  thou  unto  nie  :  keep 
silence,  and  I  will  teach  thee  wisdom. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  And  Elihu  commenced,  and  said, 

2  Hear,  0  ye  wise  men,  my  words;  and 
ye  that  have  knowledge,  give  ear  unto  me. 

3  For  the  ear  prol^eth  words,  as  tlie  palate 
tasteth  the  food.'* 

4  Let  us  choose  for  ourselves  what  is  just: 
let  us  acknowledge  between  ourselves  what 
is  good. 

5  For  Job  hath  said,  "I  am  righteous;  and 
Cod  hath  taken  away  justice  from  me. 

6  Should  I  lie  concerning  the  justice  due 
me?  incurable  is  (my  wound  from)  the  ai'- 
row  I  bear  in  me  without  any  ti'ansgres- 
sion." 

7  What  man  is  there  like  Job,  who  drink- 
eth  scorning  like  water, 

8  And  is  on  the  road  to  keep  company 
with  the  wrong-doers,  and  to  walk  M'ith  men 
of  wickedness? 

9  For  he  hath  said,  "It  profiteth  a  man 
nothing  when  he  acteth  according  to  the 
pleasure  of  Cod." 

10  Therefore   ye    men    of  sense   hearken 


*  Kasbi,  from  rrilty  "a  row."  Lowentlial  and  others, 
"he  will  sing  aloud  among  men." 

*  Rashi.  Others,  "which  profited  me  nothing,"  as  in 
Esther  vi.  13. 

°  So  the  Keri.  Philippson  and  LiJwenthal,  after  the 
Kelib,  make  this  a  continuation  of  verse  27,  and  render, 
"  he  hath  delivered  my  soul,"  &c. 

^  Lit.  "to  eat." 


unto  me:  far  is  it  from  Cod  to  practise  wick- 
edness; and  from  the  Almighty  to  do  wrong! 

11  For  the  work  of  a  son  of  earth  doth  he  re- 
compense unto  him,  and  according  to  the  path 
of  man  doth  he  permit  things  to  occur  to  him. 

12  Yea,  surely  Cod  will  not  condemn  un- 
jftstly,  nor  will  the  Almighty  pervert  justice. 

13  Who  hath  given  him  a  charge  concern- 
ing the  earth?  or  who  hath  intrusted  (him)' 
the  whole  woi'ld? 

14  If  he  were  to  set  his  heart  upon  man, 
he  would  gather  unto  himself  his  spirit  and 
his  breath ; 

15  All  flesh  would  perish  together,  and  the 
son  of  cartli  would  return  again  unto  dust. 

16  If  then  thou  wishest  to  understand, 
hear  this:  give  ear  to  the  sound  of  my 
words. 

17  Is  it  possible  that  he  who  liateth  justice 
should  govern?  or  wilt  thou  condemn  the 
righteous  mighty  One? 

18  (Is  it  fit)  to  say*^  to  a  king.  Thou  art 
worthless?  and  to  princes,  Ye  are  wicked? 

19  Whereas  he  is  one  that  showeth  no  fa- 
vour to  chieftains,  and  distinguisheth  not  the 
rich  before  the  indigent;  for  all  of  them  are 
the  work  of  his  hands. 

20  In  a  moment  will  they  die,  and  in  the 
midst  of  the  night,  people  are  moved,  and 
pass  away:  and  the  mighty  wall  be  removed 
without  a  human  hand. 

21  For  liis  eyes  are  upon  the  ways  of  man, 
and  all  his  steps  doth  he  see. 

22  There  is  no  darkness,  nor  shadow  of 
death,  where  the  evil-doers   can  hide  them 
selves. 

23  For  he  need  not  direct/^  (his  attention) 
a  long  time  upon  man,  that  he  should  enter 
into  judgment  before  God. 

24  He  breaketh  down  mighty  men  without 
(long)  searching,  and  placeth  otliers  in  their 
stead. 

25  For  the  reason  that  he  knoweth  their 
deeds:  therefore  he  overturneth  them  in  the 
night,  and  they  are  crushed. 


"  Aben  Ezra,  "  who  created  the  whole  world  ?"  Lb- 
wenthal,  "  who  watcheth,"   &c. 

'  Rashi,  Jonathan,  Aben  Ezra,  kc.  Others,  after  the 
Septuagint,  "Who  saith  to  a  king,  Thou  art  worthless, 
and  to  princes,  Ye  are  wicked  ?" 

*  Rashi,  "For  be  will  not  lay  undue  charges  on  man, 
that  he  should  have  to  enter  into  a  trial  before  God."  The 
text  here  means,  God's  knowledge  is  always  sure. 

851 


JOB  XXXIV.  XXXV. 


2C  Among  wicked  men"  doth  he  strike 
them,  in  the  pLice  where  (many)  see  them; 

27  Because  they  have  departed  from  follow- 
ing him,  and  have  not  considered  all  his  ways, 

28  Bringing  before  them  the  cry  of  the 
indigent,  and  the  cry  of  the  afflicted  which 
he  had  to  hear. 

29  When  he  now  granteth  rest,  who  will 
condemn  (him)  ?  and  when  he  hideth  his 
face,  who  can  behold  him?  whether  it  be 
against  a  nation,  or  against  one  man,  it  is 
the  same : 

30  That  no  hypocritical  man  may  reign, 
that  such  shall  not  be  a  snare  to  the  people.'' 

31  For  truly  it  is  only  fitting  to  say  unto 
God,  "I  bear  (cheerfully),  I  will  not  do  any 
wrong ; 

32  What  I  cannot  see  myself,  do  thou  truly 
teach  me;  if  I  have  done  what  is  unjust,  I 
will  do  so  no  more." 

33  Should  he  then  according  to  thy  view 
send  a  recompense,  because  thou  hast  rejected 
him?  "Because  thou  must  choose,  and  not 
I?"°  and  what  thou  knowest,  do  speak. 

34  Men  of  sense  will  say  unto  me,  and 
every  wise  man  who  heareth  me, 

35  That  Job  hath  not  spoken  with  know- 
ledge, and  that  his  words  are  without  intel- 
ligence. 

36  Oh  that  Job"*  may  therefore  be  probed 
continually,  in  order  to  give  answers  against 
sinful  men." 

37  For  he  addeth  unto  his  sin  transgres- 
sion: among  us  he  uttereth  too  many  loud 
words,*^  and  multiplieth  his  speeches  against 
God. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  ^  Then  commenced  Elihu,  and  said. 


*  Raslii,  "In  their  own  place  dotli  he  strike  the  wick- 
ed." Others,  "because  they  are  wicked."  Others,  "in 
lieu  of  the  (/.  e.  as  though  they  were)  wicked."  The 
difficulty  is  in  the  word  nnn,  literally,  "under." 

''  Lowcnthal  and  Hcrxheinier.  Philippson,  "That 
there  may  not  reign  a  hypocrite,  one  of  those  who  mis- 
lead the  people."  Arnheim,  gives  the  last  part,  "nor  a 
people  be  a  snare." 

°  Arnheim,  after  Rashi,  who  refer  "rejected"  to  Job's 
words:  "I  despise  it,  I  wish  to  live  always."  The  words, 
"thou  must  choose,"  are  regarded  as  Elihu's  speaking 
in  the  name  of  God.  Philippson,  "Behold,  on  thee  too 
will  he  accomplish  it.  For  thou  must  reject  it,  thou 
must  accept  it,  not  I;  and  what  thou  hast  now  discovered 
as  true,  that  do  thou  speak;"  /.  r.  he  calls  on  Job  to  ac- 
eept  or  reject  his  theory  of  the  divint'  gcivcniiueiit. 

a52 


2  Dost  thou  deem  this  to  be  just,  that  thou 
hast  said,  "My  righteousness  is  more  than 
God's?" 

3  For  thou  sayest,  "  What  benefit  will  it 
be  unto  thee?  what  more  profit  shall  I  have, 
than  if  I  had  sinned  ?" 

4  I  will  truly  reply  unto  thee  with  words, 
and  unto  thy  friends  with  thee. 

5  Look  unto  the  heavens,  and  see;  and 
gaze  on  the  skies  which  are  higher  than  thou. 

6  If  thou  sin,  what  dost  thou  effect  against 
him  ?  and  if  thy  transgressions  be  multiplied, 
what  canst  thou  do  unto  him  ? 

7  If  thou  be  righteous,  what  givest  thou 
him?  or  what  doth  he  accept  out  of  thy 
hand? 

8  A  man  like  thyself  thy  wickedness  may 
reach,  and  a  son  of  earth  thy  righteousness. 

9  By  reason  of  the  multitude  of  oppres- 
sions (the  wicked)  cause  men  to  cry:  these 
complain  aloud  because  of  the  arm  of  the 
mighty. 

10  But  (man)-  saith  not,  Where  is  God 
my  maker,  Avho  bestoweth  joyful  songs  even 
in  the  night; 

11  Who  teacheth  us  more  than  the  beasts 
of  the  earth,  and  maketh  us  wiser  than  the 
fowls  of  the  heavens? 

12  There  do  they  cry,  but  he  answereth 
not;   because  of  the  pride  of  evil  men. 

13  Only  what  is  false''  will  God  not  hear, 
nor  will  the  Almighty  regard  it. 

14  Although  thou  sayest,  thou  canst  not 
see  him :  yet  the  decision  is  before  him ;  and 
do  thou  wait  for  him.' 

15  But  now,  because  his  anger  hath  pu- 
nished nothing,''  shall  he  not  greatly  take 
cognizance  of  the  multitude  of  sins? 

16  But  Job  openeth  wide  his  mouth  for 


''  Jonathan,  "^N  from  n3N,  "to  desire,"  "it  is  my  wish." 
Others,  from  3N,  " ftither,"  "O  my  heavenly  Father!" 

"  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "because  of  his  answer  after  the 
manner  of  sinful  men." 

'  Rashi  and  Aben  p]zra.  Others,  "he  elappcth  (his) 
hands;"   hence,  Philippson,  "he  scorneth." 

*  /.  e.  The  sufferers  cry,  but  think  not  on  God.  Rashi, 
however,  "The  wicked  saith  not,  &c.  who  cutteth  down 
the  evil  in  the  night,"  referring  to  Amraphel,  tlie 
fjgyptians  and  other  sinners. 

''  /.  f.  The  crying  of  those  spoken  of  in  verse  9  is  deceit- 
ful, they  think  not  of  God. 

'  Arnheim,  "it,"  i.  c.  the  decision. 

'  Jjowenthal.  Rashi,  "And  now  know  that  his  ])resent 
visitation  on  thee  is  nothing,  and  he  hath  not  fully  re 
garded  the  multitude  (of  thy  sins)." 


JOB  XXXV.  XXXVI. 


noni:lit:   witliout  knowle(l,i;v   he   iR'apeth    up 
words, 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

1  T[  Then  continued  Elihii,anil  said, 

2  Wait  for  me  a  little,  and  I  will  instruct 
thee;  for  (I  have)  still  some  words  on  God's 
behalf 

3  I  will  lift  up  my  knowledge  for  him" 
who  is  afxr,  and  for  my  jNIaker  will  I  obtain- 
righteousness. 

4  For  truly  no  falsehood  is  (in)  my  words: 
one  that  is  upright  in  (his)  opinions  (dealeth 
now)  with  thee. 

5  Behold,  God  is  mighty,  and  despiseth 
not  any  :   he  is  mighty  in  strengtli  oi'  intel- 

'lect.'' 

6  He  permitteth  not  the  wicked  to  live; 
but  he  procureth  justice  for  the  afflicted. 

7  He  withdraweth  not  his  eyes  from  the 
righteous;  but  (he  placeth  them)  with  kings'" 
on  the  throne:  3-ea,  he  doth  establish  them 
for  ever,  and  they  are  exalted. 

8  And  if  they  be  bound  in  fetters,  and  if 
they  be  entangled''  in  the  cords  of  affliction : 

9  Then  doth  he  tell  them  of  their  work, 
and  of  their  transgressions,  when  they  had 
become  strong. 

10  And  he  openeth  thus  their  ear  to  cor- 
rection, and  saith  that  they  should  return 
from  wrong-doing. 

11  If  they  hearken  and  serv-e  (him),"  they 
will  spend  their  days  in  happiness,  and  their 
years  in  pleasures. 

12  But  if  they  hearken  not,  they  will  pass 
away  through  the  sword,  and  they  will  perish 
in  want  of  knowledge. 

13  But  the  hypocrites  in  heart  persevere'' 
in  wrath;  they  will  not  offer  entreaty  when 
he  bindeth  them: 

"  God ;  as  in  the  end  of  the  verse. 

"Heb.  "heart." 

■=  Philippson,  "And  kings  on  the  throne,  he  letteth 
•hem  sit  continually,  and  maketh  them  still  higher."  nxi 
m  this  manner,  not  "with,"  but  merely  as  the  sign  of 
the  objective  case. 

"  Lit.  "caught." 

'  Rashi.     Others,  "subject  themselves." 

'  Rashi;  literally,  "lay  up  anger,"  i.  e.  they  utter  their 
blasphemy,  as  though  they  suffered  wrong  at  the  hands 
of  God. 

^  Lit.  "their."  | 

"  Herxheimer.     Philippson,  "Also  thee  hath  excited, 
not  distress,  but  abundance,  there  was  nothing  firm  under  ! 
it;  and   what  was   set   on    thy  table   so   full   of  fatness.  | 


14  Their  .soul  will  die  in  youth,  and  tlieir 
life,  among  the  incestuous. 

15  He  delivereth  the  afflicted  through  his 
affliction,  and  openeth  through  oppression 
his°  ear. 

IG  And  also  thee  hath  he  incited  away 
from  the'' jaws  of  distress  into  a  wide  space, 
on  the  site  of  which  there  is  no  straitness; 
and  what  is  set  on  thy  table  is  full  of  fa1> 
ness. 

17  But  if  thou  art  full  of  the  judgment  of 
the  wicked:  (divine)  judgment  and  decree 
will  support  each  other. 

18  For  tliere  would  be  fury,  if  aught  were 
to  incite  thee  to  utter  an  abundance  (of  re- 
bellious words);'  and  the  greatness  of  the 
infliction  must  not  mislead  thee. 

19  Will  he  esteem  thy  riches?''  no,  not 
gold  ore,  nor  all  the  highest  forces  of 
strength. 

20  Desire  then  not  eagerly  the  night, 
when  nations  pass  away  in  their  place. 

21  Take  heed,  turn  not  thyself  to  wrong- 
doing, so  that  thou  wouldst  choose  this 
because  of  (thy)  affliction. 

22  Behold,  God  is  exalted  by  his  power: 
who  is  an  instructer  like  him? 

23  Who  hath  given  him  a  charge  concern- 
ing his  way?  or  who  hath  ever  said.  Thou 
hast  acted  unjustly? 

24  Reflect,  that  thou  shouldst  magnify  his 
work,  which  (other)  men  have  beheld.' 

25  All  men  have  looked  at  it  (with  as- 
tonishment) ;  the  mortal  gazeth  at  it  from 
afar. 

26  Behold,  God  is  great,  and  we  compre- 
hend him  not,  the  number  of  his  years  can 
truly  not  be  searched  out. 

27  For  he  taketh  away"  drops  of  w'ater, 
which  are  purified  into  rain  in  his  mist; 


Therefore  thou  art  full  of  the  guilt  of  the  wicked,  and 
decree  and  justice  follow  thereupon.  But  the  fury — let 
not  this  incite  thee  against  the  chastisement,  (p21i/,  not 
abundance,  but  a  blow  with  the  hand,)  and  let  the  great- 
ness of  the  atonement  not  mislead  thee." 

'  Rashi;  Herxheimer,  "The  abundance  of  the  fury 
must  not,"  &c. 

■^  Arnheim,  "Would  this  be  equal  to  thy  prayer?  No 
gold,  and  nothing  gained  through  exertions."  Herx- 
■  heimer,  "Should  he  ordain  help  for  thee  without  distress, 
and  without  any  exertion  of  strength?" 

'  Lbwenthal,  "praise,"  or  "sing." 

"  The  vapours  arise  from  the  water  on  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  and  though  the  sea  is  salt  and  briny,  the  rain  conies 
down  pure  aud  swert  after  being  held  in  the  atmosphere. 

8.53 


JOB  XXXVI.  XXXVII. 


28  These  drop  down  out  of  the  skies ;  they 
distil  upon  the  multitude  of  men. 

29  But  (what  man)  can  understand  the 
outspreadings  of  the  clouds?  the  tumult  of 
his"  tabernacle? 

30  Behold,  he  spreadeth  out  over  it  his 
light,  and  covereth  up  the  roots*  of  the  sea. 

31  For  by  means  of  them  he  judgeth  na- 
tions, he  giveth  food  in  superfluity. 

32  (His)  hands''  he  covereth  with  light; 
and  he  commandeth  it  to  strike  the  one  who 
striveth  against  him. 

33  The  noise  of  his  storm  telleth  of  it,  yea, 
the  cattle  also,  of  the  rising  tempest.'' 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

1  At  this  also  my  heart  trembleth,  and  is 
moved  upward  out  of  its  place. 

2  Hear,  0  hear,  the  rattling  of  his  thunder, 
and  the  storm's  roar  that  goeth  out  of  his 
moutli. 

3  Under  the  whole  heavens  he  letteth  it 
loose,  and  his  lightning  over  the  ends  of  the 
earth. 

4  Behind  it  roareth  the  thunder;  he  thun- 
dereth  with  his  majestic  voice;  and  lie  hold- 
eth  them  not  back  when  his  voice  is  heard. 

5  God  thundereth  with  his  marvellous 
voice :  he  doth  great  things,  which  we  cannot 
comprehend. 

G  For  to  the  snow  he  saith,  Be  thou  on 
the  earth:  likewise  to  the  pouring  rain,  and 
to  the  pouring  rains  of  his  strength. 

7  He  sealeth  it  on''  the  hand  of  every  man, 
tliat  all  men  whom  he  hath  made  may 
know  it. 

8  Then  retire  the  beasts  into  (their)  dens, 
and  rest  in  their  lairs. 

9  Out  of  (his)  chamber  cometh  the  whirl- 
wind, and  out  of  the  north'  the  cold. 

'  Figurative  for  "the  thunder,"  the  noise  (or  "crash- 
ing"— Herxheimer)  in  God's  tabernacle,  the  overhanging 
sky. 

"  /.  e.  The  bottom. 

°  Herxheimer;  meaning,  God's  hands  are,  so  to  say, 
covered  with  his  lightnings,  and  he  hurls  them  against 
tho'st  who  rise  up  against  him;  ;?'j3a  "who  meeteth;" 
or,  ;i3  Li.wenthal,  "who  is  to  be  met,"  or  "struck." 
llashi,  in  the  light  of  "one  who  prayeth,"  and  translates, 
"The  (violence  of)  hands  covereth  up  the  light  (for,  the 
rain  which  is  to  enlighten,  refresh  the  earth);  but  he  or- 
daineth  it  to  come  in  answer  to  him  who  meeteth  him  with 
prayer." 

''  This  verse  is  mainly  given  after  Aben  Ezra. 

'Jonathan.     Aben   Ezra,   "It  (the  rain)  keepeth  all 


10  From  the  breathing  of  God  ice  is  given, 
and  the  broad  waters  become  solid.^ 

11  Also  with  moisture''  he  loadeth  the 
cloud;  (and)  he  scattereth  the  cloud  of  his 
lightning; 

12  And  it  is  turned  round  about  by  his 
guidance,  to  execute  what  he  commandeth 
it  upon  the  face  of  the  world,  the  earth. 

13  Whether  it  be  as  a  chastising  rod — if 
this  be  destined  for  his  earth — or  for  kind- 
ness, doth  he  cause  it  come. 

14  Give  ear  unto  this,  0  Job :  stand  still, 
and  consider  well  the  wonders  of  God. 

15  Dost  thou  know  how  God  hath  imposed 
(a  law)  on  them,  and  (how)  he  hath  caused 
the  light  of  his  cloud  to  shine? 

IG  Dost  tliou  know  aught  about  the  ba- 
lancings of  the  clouds,  the  wondrous  works 
of  him  who  is  perfect  in  knowledge? 

17  (Thou)  who  clothest  thyself  with 
warm  garments,  when  He  giveth  the  earth 
rest  from  the  south  wind? 

IS  Hast  thou  with  him  spread  out  the 
skies,  which  are  strong  even  as  a  molten 
mirror? 

19  Let  us  know  what  we  shall  say  unto 
him:  we  cannot  set  aught  in  order  (before 
him)  because  of  darkness. 

20  Can  (all)  be  related  of  him,  when  I 
speak  (ever  so  much)  ?  or  if  a  man  talk 
(of  him)  even  till  he  be  swallowed  up  (in 
death) ? 

21  Yet  now  men  see  not  the  light  which 
is  bright  in  the  skies,  when  the  wind  hath 
passed  along,  and  purified  them, 

22  The  golden  (light)  that  cometh  out  of 
the  north:   around  God  is  terrible  majesty. 

23  The  Almighty,  whom  we  cannot  find 
out,  excellent  in  power,  and  in  justice,  and 
abounding  in  righteousness,  will  not  afflict: 

men  within  their  houses."  But  it  means  here,  that  God 
impresses  this  deeply  on  man,  that  all  may  recognise  his 
power. 

'  Kalbag;  but  Philippson,  iu  the  sense  this  word  is 
found  in  the  Mishnah,  renders  it  with  "bottles,"  as 
though  the  cold  were  tied  up  in  wine-skins,  to  be  let 
loose  when  needed. 

8  I'hilippsou,  pxin  "hard  like  metal."  Others,  "strait- 
ened." 

''  n  "moisture,"  after  one  opinion  cited  by  Aben 
Ezra;  another  is  to  take  n3  as  "brightness:"  ".\lso 
when  a  bright  sky  chaseth  away  the  cloud,"  &c. 

'  Philippson ;  meaning,  man,  when  the  south  (summer) 
wind  ceases  to  blow,  must  uecds  clothe  himself  warmly  j 
so  weak  is  he;  and  he  will  know  the  ways  of  God? 


JOR  XXXVII.  XXXVIII. 


24    Therefore   do   men   fear   him;"   lie 
specteth  not  any  that  are  Avise  of  heart. 


re- 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

1  ][  Then  did  the  Lord  address  Job  out 
of  the  storm-wind,  and  said, 

2  Who  is  this  that  casteth  darkness  (on 
my)  counsel  by  words  without  knowledge? 

3  Do  but  gird  uy)  like  a  mighty  man  thy 
loins:  and  I  will  ask  thee,  and  do  thou  in- 
form me. 

4  Where  wast  thou  when  I  laid  the  founda- 
tions of  the  earth?  tell  it,  if  thou  hast''  any 
understanding  (of  it). 

5  Who  fixed  her  measurements,  if  thou 
knowest  it?  or  who  stretched  the  measuring- 
line  over  her? 

6  Upon  what  are  her  foundation-pillars 
placed  at  rest?"  or  who  laid  her  corner-stone: 

7  When  altogether  sang  the  morning  stars 
in  gladness,  and  shouted  for  joy  all  the  sons 
of  God? 

8  And  who  closed  up  with  doors  the  sea, 
when,  issuing  forth,  it  came  out  of  the  deep 
bosom  of  the  earth  ? 

9  When  I  made  the  clouds  its  garment, 
and  thick  tog  its  swaddling-cloth, 

10  And  when  I  decreed  for  it  my  law,* 
and  set  (for  it)  bars  and  doors, 

11  And  said.  Thus  far  mayest  thou  come, 
but  no  farther;  and  here  shall  be  stayed  (thy 
strength)"  in  the  pride  of  thy  waves? 

12  Didst  thou  ever,  in  all  thy  days,*^  com- 
mand the  morning;  didst  thou  ever  assign 
the  morning-dawn  its  place: 

13  That  it  might  lay  hold  of  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  so  that  the  wicked  might  be  shaken 
out  therefrom? 

14  She  is  changed  as  the  sealing-clay  :^  and 
(all  things)  stand  as  though  newly  clad.*" 

15  And  from  the  wicked  is  their  light 
withdrawn,  and  the  high-raised  arm  is 
broken. 

16  Didst  thou  ever  penetrate  as  far  as  the 


'  Arnbeim,  "Therefore  fear  ye  him,  0  mortals!"  Phi- 
lippson,  "yet  do  not  see  him  the  wise  in  spirit." 

"  Heb.  "knowest  understanding." 

°  Lit.  "made  to  sink." 

^  Jonathan.  Rashi,  "I  have  set  for  it  broken-in  shores 
(to  restrain  it),  and  these  are  its  law,  which  it  cannot 
pass." 

°  Aben  Ezra. 

'  Aruheim,  "  Uast   thou  commanded   during   all,"  &c. 

'  During  the  dark,  nothing  is  prominent  on  earth;  but 


springs  of  the  sea?  or  wander  through  the 
bottom  of  the  deep  ? 

17  Were  the  gates  of  death  ever  laid  open 
unto  thee  ?  or  canst  thou  see  the  doors  of  the 
shadow  of  death  ? 

1 8  Hast  thou  a  clear  understanding  of  the 
breadth  of  the  earth?  Tell  it,  if  thou  know- 
est it  all. 

19  Where  is  the  way  (to  the  spot  where) 
the  light  dwelleth  ?  and  the  darkness — where 
is  its  place, 

20  That  thou  mightest  take  each  to  its 
l)oundarv,  and  that  thou  miditest  mark  the 
pathways  to  its  house? 

21  Thou  (surely)  knowest  it;  because  thou 
wast  then  born,  and  the  number  of  thy  days 
is  great ! 

22  Didst  thou   ever  enter  into   the   trea- 


tl 


le 


suries   of  the   snow?   or   canst  thou   see 
treasuries  of  the  hail, 

23  Which  I  have  reserved  for  the  time  of 
distress,  for  the  day  of  fight  and  battle? 

24  Where  is  the  way  (to  the  spot  where) 
the  light  divideth  itself,  (where)  the  east 
wind  is  scattered  over  the  earth? 

25  Who  hath  divided  ofl'  watercour,ses  for 
the  overflowing  rain,  and  a  way  for  the 
lightning  (tliat  is  followed  by)  thunders, 

26  To  bring  rain  on  a  land,  void  of  men; 
on  a  wilderness  wherein  no  son  of  earth  (is 
found) ; 

27  To  satisfy  waste  and  desolate  lands; 
and  to  promote  the  growth  of  the  tender 
grass  ? 

28  Hath  the  rain  a  father?  or  who  hath 
begotten  the  drops  of  the  dew  ? 

29  Out  of  whose  womb  cometh  forth  the 
ice?  and  the  hoary  frost  of  heaven — who 
giveth  birth  to  it? 

30  (When)  like  a  stone  the  waters  are 
congealed,'  and  the  face  of  the  deep  is  bound 
in  fetters? 

31  Canst  thou  bind  together  the  chains  of 
the  Pleiades,  or  loosen  the  bands  of  Orion  ? 

with  the  dawn  of  day,  every  thing  appears  in  a  new  im- 
pression, as  the  clay  is  changed  by  the  impression  of  the 
seal.  Clay  seals  were  appended  to  documents,  as  has 
been  exhibited  in  the  late  discoveries  of  Layard  in  the 
ruins  of  Nineveh. 

''  Aben  Ezra,  who  supplies  "men."  Philippson,  "(the 
wicked)  hide  themselves  as  with  a  garment." 

'  Heb.  "hide  themselves,"  ('.  e.  to  the  eye  the  water  is 
hidden  by  being  ice.  Others,  "(.^s  with)  a  stone  the 
waters  are  hidden." 

»5j 


JOB  XXXVIII.  XXXIX. 


32  Canst  thou  bring  furtli  the  constella- 
tions of  the  zodiac,  each  in  its  season?  or 
canst  thou  guide  the  Bear  with  its  young?" 

33  Knowest  thou  the  laws  of  heaven?  or 
dost  thou  aj^point  its  rule  on  tlie  earth? 

34  Canst  tliou  lift  up  to  the  clouds  thy 
voice,  that  the  abundance  of  waters  may 
cover  thee? 

35  Canst  tliou  send  out  lightnings,  that 
they  may  go,  and  say  unto  thee,  Here  are  we? 

36  Who  hath  put  wisdom  in  the  dark 
clouds?''  or  who  hath  given  understanding  to 
the  bright  meteors? 

37  Who  ordaineth"  the  skies  with  wisdom? 
or  who  emptieth  out  the  bottles  of  heaven, 

38  Wlien  tlie  dust  is  poured  out  as  molten 
metal,  and  the  clods  are  made  to  cleave  fast 
together? 

39  Dost  thou  liunt  i'or  the  lioness  her  prey? 
and  suppliest  thou  the  food  for  the  young 
lions, 

40  When  they  are  couched  in  their  lairs, 
rest  in  the  thicket, lying  in  wait? 

41  Who  provideth  for  the  raven  his  provi- 
sion? wdien  his  young  ones  cry  unto  God, 
and  wander  about  for  lack  of  food? 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

1  Knowest  thou  the  time  when  the  cha- 
mois" of  the  rock  bring  forth?  or  markest 
thou  when  the  hinds  do  calve? 

2  Numberest  thou  the  montlis  of  gestation 
which  they  complete?  and  knowest  thou  the 
time  when  they  bring  forth  ? 

3  They  bend  themselves;  they  drop  their 
young  ones;  they  throw  ofl"  their  pains. 

4  Their  littles  ones  become  strong;  they 
grow  up  in  the  open  field;  they  go  forth,  and 
return  not  unto  them. 

5  Who  sent  out  the  wild  ass  free?  or  who 
loosened  the  bonds  of  tlie  forest-ass? 

G  To  whom  I  assigned  the  wilderness  as  his 
house,  and  the  salty  land  as  his  dwellings. 


'  This  is  said  to  signify  the  three  stars  called  the  tail 
of  the  Bear. 

'' Lowenthal,  taking  mna,  rendered  in  Ps.  li.  8  "in- 
ward parts,"  for  what  is  not  distinctly  seen;  so  'OB'  (from 
nDty  "to  behold,")  what  is  readily  seen,  here  the  brilliant 
meteors.  Jonathan  renders,  "  Who  hath  put  wisdom  in 
the  reins,  or  who  hath  given  understanding  to  the 
heart?"  Philippson,  "images  of  light — images  of  the 
dr." 

'  Rashi.  Others,  "  Who  numbereth  the  clouds ;"  but 
their  niiiribcring  requires  organization,  hence  "ordaJMcfh." 


7  He  laugheth  at  tlie  noise  of  a  town,  and 
the  shoutings  of  the  driver  he  heareth  not. 

8  What  he  espieth  on  the  mountains  is  his 
pasture,  and  after  every  green  thing  doth 
he  search. 

9  Will  the  forest'Ox''  be  willing  to  serve 
thee,  or  will  he  stay  over  night  at  thy  crib? 

10  Canst  thou  bind  the  forest-ox  with  a 
rope  (to  labour)  in  the  furrow  ?  or  will  he 
harrow  valleys,  following  after  thee  ? 

11  Wilt  thou  trust  him,  because  his 
strength  is  great?  and  wilt  thou  leave  to 
him  thy  labour? 

12  Wilt  thou  confide  in  him,  that  he 
should  bring  home  thy  seed,  and  gather  it 
into  thy  threshing- floor? — 

13  The  wing  of  the  ostrich  moveth  joy- 
fully: hath  she  the  pinions  and  plumage  of 
the  careful  stork?" 

14  (No,)  for  she  intrusteth  her  eggs  to  the 
earth,  and  letteth  them  be  hatched  out  on  the 
dust; 

15  And  she  forgetteth  that  a  foot  may 
crush  thein,  or  that  the  beast  of  the  field 
may  stamp  them  down. 

IG  He  hath  made  her  callous  against  her 
young,  as  though  they  were  not  hers:  her 
labour  is  in  vain,  (but  she  feeleth)  no  dread; 

17  Because  God  hath  denied  her  wisdom, 
and  he  hath  not  imparted  to  her  understand- 
ing. 

18  At  the  time  she  raiseth  herself  up  on 
high,  she  laugheth  at  the  horse  and  his  rider. 

19  Dost  thou  give  the  horse  strength?  dost 
thou  clothe  his  neck  with  the  rolling  mane?'^ 

20  Canst  thou  make  him  jump  like  a  lo- 
cust? his  majestic  snort  is  terrible. 

21  Men  spy  about  in  the  valley,  and  lie 
rejoiceth  in  his  strength :  he  goeth  forth  to 
meet  the  armed  array.*-' 

22  He  laugheth  at  fear,  and  is  not  dismay- 
ed; and  turneth  not  back  from  before  the 
sword. 


■'  Arnheim  leaves  on  untranslated,  "reem."  Philipp- 
son, "buifalo." 

"  Lowenthal.  Philippson,  m'Dn,  not  as  the  name, 
"stork,"  but  a  feminine  adjective  from  TDn,  and  renders, 
"is  therefore  lovely  her  pinion  and  her  plumage?" 
Wolfson,  "See  how  pleasant  is  the  wing  of  the  singing 
birds,  the  flight  and  plumage  of  the  stork;  and  there  is 
one  that  leaveth  her  eggs,"  &c. 

'  Lowenthal  and  others.  Kashi,  no>n  "terror,"  "shud- 
dering;" so  Philippson.  Others,  "  thunder."  Jonathan, 
"power."  *  lieb.  "armour." 


JOB  XXXIX.  XL. 


23  Over  him  rattle  the  quiver,  the  glitter- 
ing spear  and  the  lanee. 

24  With  impatient  noise  and  rage  he  hol- 
loweth'  (with  his  hoof)  the  ground,  and  keej)- 
eth  not  quiet  when  the  cornet's  voice  (is 
heard) . 

25  Midst  the  sound  of  the  cornet  be  utter- 
eth  his  joylul  neigh ;''  and  from  afar  he  per- 
ceiveth"  the  battle,  the  loud  call'"  of  the  cap- 
tains, and  the  battle-cry. — 

2G  Is  it  through  tlij  understanding  that 
the  havrk  tiieth  along,  and  spreadeth  out  his 
wings  toward  the  south? 

27  Or  is  it  by  thy  order  that  the  eagle  doth 
mount  upward,  and  buildeth  high  up  his 
nest? 

28  On  a  rock  he  dwelleth,  and  spendeth 
his  nights,  on  a  rocky  crag  and  mountain 
fastness. 

29  From  there  he  espieth  his  food,  from 
afar  can  his  eyes  behold. 

30  His  young  ones,  also,  sip  up  blood :  and 
where  the  slain  lie,  there  is  he. 

CHAPTER  XL. 

1  ^  And  the  Lord  addressed  Job,  and 
said, 

2  Will  he  that  contendeth  with  the  Al- 
mighty yet  find  fault?  let  him  that  reproveth 
God  answer  this. 

3  *\\  Then  answered  Job  the  Lord,  and 
said, 

4  Behold,  I  am  too  vile:  what  shall  I 
answer  thee?  my  hand  do  I  place  on  my 
mouth. 

5  Once  have  I  spoken;  but  I  will  not  an- 
swer: yea,  twice;  but  I  will  not  repeat  it 
again. 

6  ^  Then  answered  the  Lord  unto  Job 
out  of  the  storm-wind,  and  said, 

7  Do  but  gird  up  like  a  mighty  man  thy 
loins:  I  will  ask  thee,  and  do  thou  inform 
me. 

8  Wilt  thou  indeed  annul  my  decree?  wilt 

*  Rashi.  Others,  "he  drinketh  iu,"  he  acts  as  though 
he  could  drink  in  the  land  between  him  and  the  enemy. 

"  Lit.  "he  saith,  Aha!" 
=  Lit.  "smelleth." 
"  Lit.  "thunder." 

'  This  description  is  supposed  to  refer  to  the  hippopo- 
tamus, or  the  river-horse,  which  lives  on  vegetables. 
'  Philippson,  "sinews." 

•  Lbwenthal  and  others.  Ralbag,  "are  strong  pieces 
of  steel."     Aben  Ezra,  "are  strong  like  brass." 

5  H 


thou  condemn  me,  in  order  that  thou  mayest 
appear  righteous? 

9  But  if  thou  hast  an  arm  like  God,  or 
if  thou  canst  thunder  loudly  like  him: 

1(1  Then  do  deck  thyself  with  excellence 
and  greatness,  and  clothe  thyself  in  majesty 
and  glory. 

11  Scatter  abroa.d  the  ragings  of  thy 
wrath,  and  look  on  every  proud  one,  and 
humble  him. 

12  Look  on  every  proud  one,  and  bend 
him  low ;  and  tread  down  the  wicked  in  their 
place. 

13  Hide  them  in  the  dust  altogether:  bind 
up  their  faces  in  concealment. 

14  Then  will  I  also  myself  praise  thee, 
when  thy  own  right  hand  hath  helped 
thee. 

15  Only  behold  Behemoth,"  which  I  made 
near  thee :  grass  he  eateth  like  the  ox. 

IG  Only  see,  (how  great)  is  his  strength  in 
his  loins,  and  his  force,  in  the  muscles*^  of 
his  belly. 

17  He  stretcheth  out  his  tail  like  a  cedar: 
the  sinews  of  his  loins  are  closely  wrapped 
together. 

18  His  bones  are  like  pipes'  of  brass:  hia 
frame  is  like  bars  of  iron. 

19  He  is  the  first  in  rank  of  the  works  of 
God:  he  that  made  him  can  alone  bring*'  his 
sword  near  unto  him. 

20  But  truly  the  mountains  bear  for  him 
his  food,  and  all  tlie  beasts  of  the  field  play 
there.' 

21  Under  shady  trees  he  lieth  down,  in 
the  covert  of  the  reeds,  and  swamp. 

22  Shady  trees  cover  him  as  his  shadow: 
willows  of  the  brook  encompa.ss  him  about. 

23  Behold,  a  river  sweepeth  violently 
along,  but  he  hasteneth  not  away:  he  re- 
maineth  quiet,  though  a  Jordan  rusheth  up 
to  his  mouth. 

24  Can  one  catch  him  before  his  eyes? 
pierce  his  nose  by  means  of  snares  ?'^ — 

''  Eashi.     Others,  "furni.sheth  him  with   his  sword," 

I.  e.  the  two  long  teeth,  twentj-six  to  thirty  inches  long, 
used  to  mow  down  the  herbage  and  for  formidable  defence. 

'  Meaning,  his  great  strength  is  not  used  to  injure  those 
around  him. 

''  Philippson,  giving  this  verse  an  interrogative  sense. 
Herxheimer,  "  Yet  do  men  catch  him  before  his  eye.?," 
&c.  Aruheim,  "With  his  eyes  would  he  sweep  away 
who  would  attempt  to  pierce  his  nose  with  snares."  Rashi, 
"God  taketh  him  by  looking  at  Iiini." 

Sn7 


JOB  XL.  XLI. 


tongue 


crocodile'' 
to  sink 


25''    Canst   thou   draw  out    the 
with  a  fishhook?  or  cause  his 
into  the  baited  rope? 

26  Canst  thou  put  a  reed°  through  his 
nose?  or  bore  his  jaw  through  with  a  thorn? 

27  Will  he  address  many  supplications 
unto  thee?  or  will  he  speak  submissively 
unto  thee? 

28  Will  he  make  a  covenant  with  thee? 
that  thou  couldst  take  him  as  a  servant  for 
ever? 

29  Canst  thou  play  with  him  as  with  a 
bird?  and  tie  him  up  for  thy  maidens? 

30  Can  companions  waylay"^  him?  can 
they  divide  hira  among  merchants? 

31  Canst  thou  fill  his  skin  with  barbed 
irons?  and  (pierce)  with  a  fish-spear  his  head? 

32  La\'  thy  hand  upon  him ;  think  of  the 
battle:  thou  wilt  never  do  it  again. 

CHAPTER  XLI. 

1  Behold,  his  expectation  was  deceived: 
even  at  his  mere  sight  is  he  cast  down. 

2  None  is  so  daring  that  he  would  stir 
him  up:  and  who  is  there  that  will  stand  up 
before  me? 

3  Who  hath  shown  me  favour,"  that  I 
should  repay  him?  whatsoever  is  under  the 
whole  heaven  is  mine. — 

4  I  will  not  conceal  (the  account  of)  his 
limbs,  nor  the  relation  of  his  might,  nor  the 
grace  of  his  proportion.*^ 

5  Who  hath  ever  laid  open  the  front  of 
his  garment?  or  who  can  penetrate  into  his 
double  row  of  teeth  ? 

6  Who  hath  opened  the  doors  of  his  face? 
all  round  about  his  teeth  abideth  terror. 

7  What  pride  is  there  in  (his)  strong 
shields;  he  is  locked  up  as  with  a  close  seal. 

°  Vilith  tliis  verse  the  English  version  commences  chap, 
xli. 

''  Heb.  Livyatlian,  "Leviathan." 

"  Rashi  conceives  this  to  be  a  species  of  strong  hook. 

'  Rashi.  Bensev,  "sell  him  as  merchandise."  Aben 
Ezra,  "make  a  banquet  of  him." 

"  Philippson,  "Who  would  assail  me,  that  I  should 
have  to  repay  him?" 

'  Ralhag.  Rashi,  Aben  Ezra,  and  others  connect  vcr. 
4  with  3.  Rashi  renders,  "I  would  not  be  silent  to- 
ward his  children  (of  the  righteous)  for  the  great  deeds 
he  hath  done  and  the  pleasant  prayers  he  hath  offered." 
If(!rxheimer  renders  the  verse  interrogatively,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  Krri,  ^'n  "to  him,"  for  nS  "not:"  "Shall 
I  be  silent  concerning,  &c.  and  his  plea.sant  worth  ?" 

*  Rashi,  "the  waves  even  of  sea  or  river  are  diminish- 
858 


8  One  is  joined  to  another;  and  no  breath 
can  come  between  them. 

9  They  are  fitted  closely  one  to  another: 
they  are  interlocked,  that  they  cannot  be 
severed. 

10  From  his  sneezing  there  beameth  forth 
a  light,  and  his  eyes  are  like  the  eyelids  of 
the  morning-dawn. 

11  Out  of  his  mouth  issue  burning  torches, 
sparks  of  fire  escape  (therefrom). 

12  Out  of  his  nostrils  cometh  forth  smoke, 
as  out  of  a  seething-pot  or  caldi'on. 

13  His  breath  kindleth  coals,  and  a  flame 
cometh  out  of  liis  mouth. 

14  In  his  neck  abideth  strength,  and  be- 
fore him  danceth  terror  joyfully. 

15  The  flakes  of  his  flesh  are  fitted  closely 
together:  they  are  as  molten  metal  on  him, 
immovable. 

16  His  heart  is  firm  like  a  stone:  yea,  as 
firm  as  the  nether  millstone. 

17  At  his  lifting  himself  up  the  mighty 
are  terrified :  the  waves  also  are  lessened.^ 

18  If  one  overtake  him  with  the  sword,  it 
cannot  hold:    nor  the   spear,  the  dart,*"  and 


armour. 

19  He    esteemeth 
brass  as  rotten  wood. 

20  The  child  of  the 


iron    as    straw,    (and) 
bow'    cannot  make 


him  flee:  into  stubble  are  slingstones  changed 
unto  him. 

21  Clubs  are  esteemed  as  stubble,  and 
he  laugheth  at  the  whirring  of  the  lance. 

22  Beneath  him  are  sharp-pointed  ^ot- 
sherds,""  he  spreadeth  out,  (as' it  were,  a)  thresh- 
ing-roller upon  the  mire. 

23  He  causeth  the  deep  to  boil  like  a  pot : 
he  rendereth  the  sea  like  an  apothecary's 
mixture.' 

ed  as  he  passes  over  them."  Arnheim,  "they  are  made 
dizzy  because  of  the  waves,"  i.  e.  the  crocodile's  course 
marked  by  the  ripple  deprives  them  of  courage.  Philipp- 
son, "they  are  made  dizzy  because  of  the  wounds  they 
expect."  Ijiiwenthal,  "because  they  fail  to  inflict  wounds 
on  him." 

''  Rashi,  i'DD  as  an  adjective,  "the  heavy  spear  and  ar- 
mour." 

'  Rashi,  "the  archer."     Others,  "the  arrow." 

^  "  Potsherds"  means  to  express  the  scales  which  have 
the  rough  pointed  appearance  of  a  potsherd ;  and  when 
he  lies  down  in  the  mire,  he  leaves  an  iujpression  as 
though  a  pointed  "threshing-roller"  bad  been  spread  out 
there.    Rashi,  "he  spreadeth  out  shining  scales  upon,"  &c. 

'  i.  e.  Frothy.  Philippson  explains  (as  in  Ezekiel  xxiv. 
]0)  a  mixture  where  all  the  ingredients  are  stirred  up  to- 


JOB  XLT.  XLir. 


24  Behiml  him  he  causeth  his  jxithway  to 
shine,  (so  that)  men  esteem  the  deep  to  be 
hoary. 

25  There  is  none  ujjon  earth  that  rnleth 
over  him,  who  is  made  to  be  witliout 
dread. 

26  He  looketh  upon  all  that  is  high :  he  is 
the  king  over  all  the  ravenous  beasts. 

CHAPTER  XLH. 

1  ][  Then  answered  Job  unto  the  Lord, 
and  said, 

2  I  acknowledge  that  thou  art  able  to  do 
every  thing,  and  that  no  deep  plan  of  thine 
can  be  restrained. 

.3  Who  is  he  that  dareth  to  conceal  (thy) 
counsel  without  knowledge?  Trulj'  I  have 
spoken  of  what  I  understood  not,  of  things 
too  wonderful  for  me,  which  I  knew  not. 

4  Oh  do  ])ut  hear  (me),  and  I  will  indeed 
speak :  I  will  ask  of  thee,  and  do  thou 
inform  me. 

5  I  had  only  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing 
of  the  ear;"  but  now  my  eye  hath  seen 
thee. 

6  Therefore  I  reject  (what  I  have  said),^ 
and  repent;  because  I  am  dust  and  ashes. 

7  T[  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  the  Lord 
had  spoken  these  words  unto  Job,  that  the 
Lord  said  to  Eliphaz  the  Themanite,  My 
wrath  is  kindled  against  thee,  and  against 
thy  two  friends;  because  3'e  have  not  spoken 
of  me  properly,  like  my  servant  Job. 

8  And  now  take  unto  yourselves  seven 
bullocks  and  seven  rams,  and  go  to  my  ser- 
vant Job,  and  offer  up  a  burnt-offering  in  your 
behalf;  and  my  servant  Job  shall  pray  for 
you ;  for  him  alone  will  I  receive  favourably, 
so  as  not  to  deal  with  you  after  your  folly ; 


gether,  here  sand,  mud,  claj',  all  .appearing  as  though 
they  were  boiling. 

'  i.  e.  As  report  had  represented  God,  not  as  he  is,  in- 
scrutably wise,  as  he  now  had  revealed  himself. 

"■  Aben  Ezra,  and  so  also  the  Massorah.  Others,  "I 
repent  in  dust  and  ashes."     Rashi,  "I  despise  my  life. 


because  ye  have  not  spoken  of  me  [Ji'opcrly, 
like  my  .servant  Job. 

9  Then  went  Eliphaz  the  Themanite  and 
Bildad  the  Sliucliite  and  Zophar  the  Na'ama- 
thite,  and  did  in  accordance  with  what  the 
Lord  had  spoken  to  them:  and  the  Lord  re- 
ceived Job  in  favour. 

10  And  the  Lord  brought  back  the  capti- 
vity of  Job,  when  he  prayed  in  behalf  of  his 
friends;  and  the  Lord  increased  all  that  Job 
had  had  twofold. 

11  And  then  came  unto  him  all  his  bro- 
thers, and  all  his.  sisters,  and  all  that  had 
been  of  his  acquaintance  before,  and  ate 
bread  with  him  in  his  house;  and  they  con- 
doled with  him,  and  comforted  him  for  all 
the  evil  that  the  Lord  had  brought  upon 
him;  and  they  gave  him,  every  one,  a  kessi- 
tah,°  and  every  one  an  earring  of  gold. 

12  And  the  Lord  blessed  the  latter  end  of 
Job  more  than  his  beginning:  and  he  had 
fourteen  thousand  sheep,  and  six  thousand 
camels,  and  a  thousand  yoke  of  oxen,  and  a 
thousand  she-as.ses. 

13  He  had  also  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

14  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  first 
Jemimah ;''  and  the  name  of  the  second,  Ke- 
ziah;  and  the  name  of  the  third,  Keren-hap- 
puch. 

15  And  there  were  not  found  such  hand- 
some women  as  the  daughters  of  Job  in  all 
the  land;  and  their  father  gave  them  an  in- 
heritance among  their  bi'others. 

16  And  Job  lived  after  this  one  hundred 
and  forty  years;  and  he  saw  his  sons,  and 
his  sons'  sons,  even  four  generations. 

17  Then  died  Job,  being  old  and  full  of 
days. 


and  I  would  comfort  myself  if  I  were  dwelling  in  the 
grave  to  return  to  dust  and  ashes." 

°  A  silver  coin.   (See  Gen.  xxxiii.  19.) 

■*  These  names  are  explained,  "Brightness  of  day," 
"The  sweet-scented  cassia,"  and  "The  painting-horn,'' 
used  to  ornament  the  eyes. 

859 


THE  SONG  OF  SOLOMON, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  song  of  songs,  which  is  Solo- 
mon's. 

2  Oh  that  he  might  kiss  me  with  the 
kisses  of  his  mouth;  for  thy  caresses  are 
more  pleasant  than  wine. 

3  To  the  smell  are  thy  fragrant  oils  plea- 
sant, (like)  precious  oil  poured  forth  is  thy 
name  (famous  afar) :''  therefore  do  maidens 
love  thee. 

4  Oh  draw  me,  after  thee  will  we  run :  the 
king  hath  brought  me  into  his  chambers;  we 
will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee;  we  will  recall 
thy  caresses,  more  (pleasant)  than  wine;  with- 
out deceit"  (all)  love  thee. — 

5  Black  am  I,  yet  comely,  0  daughters  of 
Jerusalem,  like  the  tents  of  Kedar,  like  the 
curtains  of  Solomon. 

6  Look  not  so  at  me,  because  I  am  some- 
what black,  because  the  sun  hath  looked 
fiercely  at  me:  my  mother's  children  were 
angry  with  me;  they  ajjpointed  me  to  be 
keeper  of  the  vineyards;  but  my  vineyard, 
which  is  my  own,  have  I  not  kept. — 

7  Tell  me,  0  thou  whom  my  soul  loveth, 
where  thou  feedest?  where  lettest  thou  thy 
flock  rest  at  noon?  for  why  should  I  appear 
like  a  vailed  mourner''  by  the  flocks  of  thy 
companions? — 

8  If  thou  knowest  this  not,  0  thou  fairest 

*  This  .=!ong,  ascribed  to  the  wise  king  of  Israel,  has  al- 
ways been  regarded  as  an  exposition  of  the  love  of  God 
for  his  people.  It  is  represented  under  the  image  of  a 
country  maiden,  Shulanimith,  who  is  desirous  of  being 
reunited  to  her  friend  to  whom  she  is  betrothed,  but  from 
whom  now  separated  at  the  court  of  King  Solomon.  The 
king,  in  addressing  her,  calls  her  "  my  beloved"  'n"j,n ;  her 
betrothed  calls  her  rhj  "bride,"  or  hSd  Tinx  "my  sister 
bride;"  the  chorus  of  court  ladies,  D"tyj3  r[B"r\  "fairest  of 
women."  The  poem  consists  of  a  nuinlicr  of  conversations : 
the  speakers  being  readily  distinguished,  th(uigh  not  named. 
(After  Ilerxheimer's  Introduction;  yet  there  appears  at 
times  some  variation  in  the  above  modes  of  address.) 

''  Rashi:  "When  sweet  oil  is  sealed  up  in  a  flask,  its 
geent  is  not  difTiisod:   open  it,  and  pour  it  into  another 
VBHSel,  its  scent  is  carried  far." 
800 


of  women,  go  but  forth  in  the  footsteps  of  the 
flock,  and  feed  thy  kids  around  the  shepherds' 
dwellings. — 

9  Unto  the  horse  in  Pharaoh's  chariot  do  I 
compare  thee,  my  beloved. 

10  Comel_y  are  thy  cheeks  between  strings 
(of  pearls),  thy  neck  with  rows  (of  jewels). 

11  Chains  of  gold  will  we  make  for  thee 
with  studs  of  silver. — 

12  While  the  king  sitteth  at  his  table,  my 
spikenard"  sendeth  lorth  its  (pleasant)  smell. 

13  A  bundle  of  myrrh  is  my  friend  unto 
me,  that  resteth  on  my  bosom. 

14  A  copher-cluster*^  is  my  friend  unto  me 
in  the  vineyards  of  'En-gedi. — 

15  Lo,  thou  art  beautiful,  my  beloved:  lo, 
thou  art  beautiful:  tliy  eyes  are  those  of  a 
dove. — 

16  Lo,  thou  art  beautiful,  my  friend,  also 
pleasant:  also  our  couch  is  (made  in  the) 
green  (wood). 

17  The  beams  of  our  house  are  cedar,  and 
our  wainscoting*  of  cypress-trees. 

CHAPTER  XL 

1  I  am  the  rose*"  of  Sharon,  the  lily  of 
the  valleys. — 

2  Like  the  lily  among  the  thorns,  so  is  my 
beloved  among  the  young  maidens. — 

3  Like  the  aj^ple-tree  among  the  trees  of 
the  forest,  so  is  my  friend  among  the  young 

°  Rashi.  Others,  "the  upright  love  thee."  Sachs, 
"with  justice  men  love  thee." 

^  Rashi.  Others,  "like  a  suspected  person;"  but  Phi- 
lippson,  referring  to  Jer.  xliii.  12,  where  the  shepherd  is 
represented  as  wrapping  his  cloak  around  him  against  the 
storm,  renders  here  T\^Oy,  one  who  in  wandering  about  has 
put  on  a  cloak  as  a  protection  against  au  unexpected  storm. 

'  This  is  said  to  be  an  extract  from  the  root  of  an  In- 
dian plant,   Valeriana ja(am,ansi. 

'  Supposed  to  be  the  Lawsonia  alba,  with  many  ever- 
green leaves,  and  flowers  of  an  agreeable  scent  which 
hang  in  clusters. 

«  Aben  Ezra,  one  opinion,  "our  wafer-troughs  are  of 
marble." 

''  Arnheim,  "  n.-ircissus."  Sachs,  "I  he  lily  of  Sharon, 
the  rose  of  the  valleys." 


SOLOMON'S  SONG  II.  III.  IV. 


men:   under  liis  shadow  do  I   ardently  wish 
to  sit,  and  his  tVuit  is  sweet  to  mj'  palate. 

4  He  brought  me  to  the  banqueting-house,* 
and  his  l^anner  over  me  was  love. 

5  Strengthen  me  with  llagons  ol' wine,*"  re- 
fresh me  with  apples;  for  sick  of  love  am  I. 

6  Oh  that  his  left  liand  might  be  under 
my  head,  and  that  his  right  might  eml)race  me. 

7  I  adjure  you,  0  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
by  the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field, 
that  ye  awaken  not,  nor  excite  my  love,  till 
it  please  (to  come  of  itself) ." — 

8  The  voice  of  my  friend!  behold,  there 
he  Cometh,  leaping  over  the  mountains,  skip- 
ping over  the  hills. 

U  My  friend  is  like  a  roebuck  or  the  fiiwn  of 
the  hinds:  behold,  there  he  standeth  behind 
our  wall,  looking  in  at  the  windows,  seeing 
through  the  lattice. 

10  My  friend  commenced,  and  said  unto 
rae.  Rise  thee  up,  my  beloved,  my  fair  one, 
and  come  along. 

11  For,  lo,  the  winter  is  past,  the  rain  is 
over  and  gone  its  way. 

12  The  tlowers  are  seen  in  the  land;  the 
time  of  the  (birds')  singing  is  come,  and  the 
voice  of  the  turtle-dove  is  heard  in  our  land; 

13  The  fig-tree  perfumeth  its  green  figs, 
and  the  vines  with  young  grapes'*  give  forth 
a  (pleasant)  smell.  Arise  thee,  my  beloved, 
my  foir  one,  and  come  along. 

14  0  my  dove,  who  art  in  the  clefts  of  the 
rock,  in  the  recesses  of  the  clifis,  let  me  see 
thy  countenance,  let  me  hear  thy  voice;  for 
th}'  voice  is  sweet,  and  thy  countenance  is 
comely. — 

15  Seize  for  us  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes, 
that  injure  the  vineyards;  for  our  vine^-ards 
have  young  grapes. 

16  My  friend  is  mine,  and  I  am  his — that 
feedeth  among  the  lilies. 

17  Until  the  day  become  cool,  and  the 
shadows  flee  away,  turn  about,  my  friend, 
and  be  thou  like  the  roebuck  or  the  fixwn  of 
the  hinds  upon  the  mountains  of  separation. 

CHAPTER  III. 
1  ^  On    my  couch   during    the    nights    I 


'  Heb.   "house    of  wine."     A  great   entertainment  is 
called  "wine-drinking,"  as  it  takes  place  on  such  occasions. 
*■  Philippson,  "cakes  of  raisins." 
'  Philippson. 
"  Rashi,     Abou  Ezi' 


vines  in  blooiUj"  &c. 


souiilit  him  whom    m\  soul  lovetli :    I  souulit 
him,  but  I  found  him  not. 

2  Oh,  I  must  rise  now,  and  go  about  in  the 
city,  in  the  streets,  and  in  the  open  places;  I 
will  .seek  him  whom  my  soul  loveth:  I  sought 
him,  but  I  found  him  not. 

3  Then  foiuid  me  the  watchmen  that 
walked  about  the  city.  "Have  ye  seen  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth?" 

4  Scarcely  had  I  passed  away  from  them, 
when  I  found  him  whom  my  soul  loveth :  I 
laid  fast  hold  of  him,  and  would  not  let  him 
go,  until  I  had  brought  him  into  my  mother's 
house,  and  into  the  chamber  of  her  that  had 
born  me. 

5  I  adjure  you,  ye  daughters  of  Jei'usalem, 
by  the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  field, 
that  ye  awaken  not,  nor  excite  my  love,  till 
it  please  (to  come  of  it.self). — 

6  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  from  the 
wilderness,  like  pillars  of  smoke,  perfumed 
with  myrrh  and  frankincense,  with  all  spicy 
powders  of  the  merchant? 

7  Behold,  it  is  the  bed,"  which  is  Solo- 
mon's, sixty  valiant  men  are  round  about  it, 
of  the  valiant  ones  of  Israel. 

8  All  of  them  are  girded  with  the  sword, 
are  expert  in  war;  ever)'  one  hath  his  sword 
upon  his  thigh,  because'  of  the  terror  in  the 
nights. 

9  A  palanquin  did  king  Solomon  make  for 
himself  out  of  the  wood  of  Lebanon. 

10  The  pillars  thereof  he  made  of  silver, 
its  coverlid  of  gold,  its  seat  of  purple:  its 
inner  part  is  arranged  lovely,^  by  the  daugh- 
ters of  Jerusalem. 

11  Go  forth,  and  look,  0  ye  daughters  of 
Zion,  on  king  Solomon,  with  the  crown  where- 
with his  motlier  hath  crowned  him  on  the 
day  of  his  espousals,  and  on  the  day  of  the 
joy  of  his  heart. — 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Behold,  thou  art  beautiful,  my  beloved, 
behold,  thou  art  beautiful:  thy  dovelike  eyes 
(look  forth)  from  behind  thy  vail;  thy  hair 
is  like  a  flock  of  goats,  that  come  quietly 
down  from  mount  Gil'ad. 

'  Others,  "litter,"  "palanquin,"  in  which  the  king  was 

carried,  surrounded  by  his  guards. 

'  Arnheim,  "fearless,"  "without  fear  in  the  nights." 
«  Philippson,  after  Herder,  taking  nans  as  an  adverb 

not  "love,"  but  "lovely." 

^§1 


2  Thy  teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  well-selected 
sheep,  which  are  come  up  from  the  washing, 
all  of  which  bear  twins,  and  there  is  not  one 
among  them  that  is  deprived  of  her  3'oung. 

3  Like  a  thread  of  scarlet  are  thy  lips,  and 
thy  mouth"  is  comely:  like  the  half  of  a 
pomegranate  is  the  upper  part  of  thy  cheek 
behind  thy  vail. 

4  Thy  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  Da- 
vid built  on  terraces,''  a  thousand  shields 
hang  thereon,  all  the  quivers  of  the  mighty 
men. 

5  Thy  two  breasts  are  like  two  fawns, 
the  twins  of  the  roe,  that  feed  among  the 
lilies. 

6  Until  the  day  become  cool,  and  the  sha- 
dows flee  away,  will  I  get  me  to  the  moun- 
tain of  myrrh,  and  to  the  hill  of  frankin- 
cense. 

7  Thou  art  altogether  beautiful,  my  be- 
loved, and  there  is  no  blemish  on  thee. — 

8  Come  with  me  from  Lebanon,  0  bride, 
with  me  from  Lebanon :  look  about  from  the 
top  of  Amanah,  from  the  top  of  Senir  and 
Chermon,  from  the  lions'  dens,  from  the 
leopards'  mountains. 

9  Thou  hast  ravished  my  heart,  0  my 
sister,  (my)  bride;  thou  hast  ravished  my 
heart  with  one  of  thy  eyes,  with  one  chain 
of  thy  neck. 

10  How  beautiful  are  thy  caresses,  0  my 
sister,  (my)  bride!  how  much  more  pleasant 
are  thy  caresses  than  wine !  and  the  smell  of 
thy  fragrant  oils  more  than  all  spices. 

11  Of  sweet  honey  drop  thy  lips,  0  bride: 
honey  and  milk  are  under  thy  tongue;  and 
the  scent  of  thy  garments  is  like  the  scent  of 
Lebanon. 

12  A  locked-up  garden  is  my  sister,  (my) 
bride;  a  locked-up  spring,  a  sealed  fountain. 

13  Thy  sprouts  are  an  orchard  of  pome- 
granates, with  precious  fruits,  copher  and 
spikenard ; 

14  Spikenard  and  saffi'on;  calamus  and 
cinnamon,  with  all  the  trees  of  frankincense; 
myrrh  and  aloes,  with  all  the  chief  of  spices; 

15  A  garden-spring,  a  well  of  living  waters, 
and  flowing  down  from  Lebanon. — 

16  Awake,  0  north  wind;  and  come  thou, 
0  south ;  blow  over  my  garden,  that  its  spices 


SOLOMON'S  SONG  IV.  V. 

may  flow  out.     Let  my  friend  come  into  his 
garden,  and  eat  its  precious  fruits. — 


•  Rashi,  "thy  speech;"  but  evidently  here  the  means 
by  which  speech  is  uttered,  "the  mouth." 
862 


CHAPTER  V. 

1  I  am  come  into  my  garden,  my  sister, 
(my)  bride;  I  have  plucked  my  myrrh  with 
my  spice;  I  have  eaten  my  sugar-cane"  with 
my  honey;  I  have  drunk  my  wine  with  my 
milk:  eat,  ye  companions;  drink,  yea,  drink 
abundantly,  ye  friends. — 

2  I  slept,  but  my  heart  was  awake :  (there 
was)  the  voice  of  my  beloved  that  knocked, 
"Open  for  me,  my  sister,  my  beloved,  my 
dove,  my  guiltless  one;  for  my  head  is  filled 
with  dew,  and  my  locks  with  the  drops  of 
the  night." 

3  I  have  put  off" my  coat:  how  shall  I  put 
it  on?  I  have  washed  my  feet:  how  shall  I 
defile  them? 

4  My  friend  stretched  forth  his  hand 
through  the  opening,  and  my  inmost  parts 
were  moved  for  him. 

5  I  rose  up  myself  to  open  for  my  friend; 
and  my  hands  dropped  with  myrrh,  and  my 
fingers  with  fluid  myrrh,  upon  the  handler 
of  the  lock. 

6  I  indeed  opened  for  my  beloved ;  but  my 
beloved  had  vanished,  and  was  gone:  my 
soul  had  failed  me  while  he  was  speaking;  I 
sought  him,  but  I  could  not  find  him ;  I  called 
him,  but  he  answered  me  not. 

7  Then  found  me  the  watchmen  that 
walked  about  the  city;  they  smote  me,  they 
wounded  me :  they  took  away  my  vail  from 
me,  they  that  watched  the  walls. 

8  I  adjure  you,  0  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
if  ye  find  my  beloved,  what  will  ye  tell  him? 
that  I  am  sick  of  love. — 

9  What  is  thy  friend  more  than  another's 
friend,  0  thou  fairest  of  women?  what  is  thy 
friend  more  than  another's  friend,  that  thus 
thou  adjurest  us? — 

10  My  friend  is  white  and  ruddy,  distin- 
guished among  ten  thousand. 

11  His  head  is  bright  as  the  finest  gold, 
his  locks  are  like  waving  foliage,  and  black 
as  a  raven. 

12  His  eyes  are  like  (those  of)  doves  by 
streamlets  of  waters,  bathed  in  milk,  well 
fitted  in  their  setting. 


'  Fiirst. 
armoury." 


Rashi,    "for    urnanient."     Otliors,    "as 

•  Raslii. 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  V.  VI.  VIT. 


13  His  cheeks  are  as  a  bod  of  spices,  as 
turrets  of  sweet  porfuincs:''  his  lips,  Hke  lilies, 
dropping  with  fluid  myrrh. 

14  Ilis  hands  are  like  wheels  of  gold  beset 
with  the  chrysolite:  his  body,  an  image  made 
of  ivory  overlaid  with  sapphires. 

15  His  legs  are  like  pillars  of  marble,  rest- 
ing upon  sockets  of  fine  gold:  his  countenance 


10  Who  is  this  that  shineth  forth  like  the 
morning-dawn,  beautiful  as  the  moon,  bright 
as  the  sun,  terrible  as  armies  encamped  round 
their  banners? 

11  Into  the  nut-garden  was  I  gone  down, 
to  look  about  among  the  plants"  of  the  valley, 
to  see  whether  the  vine  had  blossomed,  wlie- 
tlier  the  pomegranates  had  budded. 

12  1  knew  not  (how  it  was),*"  my  soul  made 


is  as  Lebanon,  excellent''  like  the  cedars. 

16  His  palate  is  full  of  sweets,  and  every    me  (like)  the  chariots  of  my  noble  people 
thing  in  him  is  agreeable.    This  is  my  friend, 
and  this  is  my  beloved,  0  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem.— 


CHAPTER  VL 

1  Whither  is  thy  friend  gone,  0  fixirest  of 
women?  whither  hath  thy  friend  turned  him- 
self? that  we  may  seek  him  with  thee?- 


CHAPTER  YU." 

1  Return,  return,  0  Shulammith;  retum, 
return,  that  we  may  look  upon  thee.  "What 
will  ye  see  in  the  Shulammith?"  As  though 
it  were  the  dance  of  a  double  company .'^ 

2  How  beautiful  are  thy  steps  in  sandals, 
0   prince's   daughter!   the   roundings   of  thy 


to  feed  in  the  gardens, 


2  My  beloved  is  gone  down  to  his  garden,    thighs  are  like  jewelled  ornaments,  the  work 

of  the  hands  of  the  artificer. 

3  Thy  navel  is  like  a  round  goblet  which 
lacketh  not  the  mixed  wine:  thy  body  is  like 
a  heap  of  wheat  fenced  about  with  lilies. 

4  Thy  two  breasts  are  like  two  fawns,  the 
twins  of  the  roe. 

5  Thy  neck  is  like  a  tower  of  ivory;  thy 
eyes  are  like  the  pools  in  Cheshbon,  by  the 
gateof  Bath-rabbim;  thy  nose  is  like  the  tower 
of  Lebanon  which  looketh  toward  Damascus. 

6  Thy  head  upon  thee  is  like  Carmel,  and 
the 'hair  of  thy  head  like  purple:  a  king  is 
held  bound  in  the  tresses.*' 

7  How  beautiful  and  how  pleasant  art 
thou,  0  love,  in  thy  attractions ! 

8  This  thy  stature  is  like  a  palm-tree,  and 
thy  breasts  are  like  clusters  of  grapes. 

9  I  thought,  I  wish  to  climb  up  the  palm- 
tree,  I  wish  to  take  hold  of  its  boughs;  and, 
oh,  that  thy  breasts  might  be  like  clusters  of 
the  vine,  and  the  smell  of  thy  nose  like  ap- 
ples ; 

10  And  thy  palate  like  the  best  wine,  that 
glideth  down  for  my  friend  gently,  exciting'' 
the  lips  of  those  that  are  asleep. — 


to  the  beds  of  spicei 
and  to  gather  lilies. 

8  I  am  my  friend's,  and  my  friend  is  mine : 
he  that  feedeth  among  the  lilies. — 

4  Thou  art  beautiful,  0  my  beloved,  like 
Thirzah,  comely  like  Jerusalem,  terrible  as 
armies  encamped  round  their  banners. 

5  Turn  away  thy  eyes  from  me,  for  they 
have  excited  me :  thy  hair  is  like  a  flock  of 
goats  that  come  quietly  down  from  mount 
Gil'ad. 

6  Thy  teeth  ai-e  like  a  flock  of  ewes  which 
are  come  up  from  the  washing,  all  of  which 
bear  twins,  and  there  is  not  one  among  them 
that  is  deprived  of  her  young. 

7  Like  the  half  of  the  pomegranate  is  the 
upper  part  of  thy  cheek  behind  thy  vail. 

8  Sixty  are  the  queens,  and  eighty  the 
concubines,  and  the  young  women  without 
number; 

9  But  one  alone  is  my  dove,  my  guiltless 
one;  she  is  the  only  one  of  her  mother,  she 
is  the  chosen  of  her  that  bore  her:  maidens 
see  her,  and  call  her  happy;  yea,  queens  and 
concubines,  and  praise  her. 

"  Lit.  "mixtures  of  spices."  Herxheimer,  "towers  of 
spices."  *■  Others,  "a  growth  like  cedar-trees." 

°  Aben  p]zra,  "fruits." 

^  Philippsou  coranients,  "Before  I  was  aware,  the  feel- 
ing awakened  within  me  made  me  like  the  chariots 
violently  urged  forward."  (See  also  2  Kings  ii.  12, 
"Israel's  chariot,"  applied  to  P]lijah.)  Arnheim,  "My 
desire  placed  me  among  the  chariots  of  my  noble  peo- 
ple :"  this  version  would  take  these  words  as  spoken  by 
the  maiden ;  in  our  text,  as  those  of  the  king. 


'  In  the  English  version,  chap.  vii.  commences  at  ver.  2. 

'  Zunz.  Philippson  explains,  the  desire  is  to  see  her 
walk,  which  is  as  graceful  as  the  steps  taken  in  a  dance 
where  two  rows  of  expert  dancers  exercise  their  skill. 

•  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "water-troughs,"  which  is  ex- 
plained by  Arnheim,  "even  a  king  would  be  held  en- 
tranced by  such  charms  at  the  water-troughs  of  the  shep- 
herds." 

^  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "causing  to  speak."  I'iillijjp- 
son,  "moistening." 

863 


RUTH  1. 


11  I  am  my  frieiidV,  and  toward  me  is  his 
desire. 

12  Come,  my  friend,  let  us  go  forth  into 
the  field;  let  us  spend  the  night  in  the  vil- 
lages; 

13  Let  us  get  up  early  to  tlie  vineyards; 
let  us  see  if  the  vine  have  blossomed,  whether 
the  young  grape  have  opened  (to  the  view), 
whether  the  pomegranates  have  budded  :  there 
will  I  give  my  caresses  unto  thee. 

14  The  mandrakes  give  forth  (their)  smell, 
and  at  our  doors  are  all  manner  of  precious 
fruits,  new  and  also  old:  0  my  friend,  these 
have  I  laid  up  for  thee. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Oh  that  some  one  would  make  thee  as 
my  brother  that  hath  sucked  my  mother's 
breasts!  should  I  then  find  thee  without,  I 
would  kiss  thee;  and  yet,  people  would  not 
despise  me. 

2  I  would  lead  thee,  I  would  bring  thee 
into  my  mother's  house,  thou  shouldst  teach 
me:*  I  would  cause  thee  to  drink  of  spiced 
wine,  of  the  sweet  juice  of  my  pomegranate. 

3  Oh  that  his  left  hand  might  be  under 
my  head,  and  that  his  right  hand  might  em- 
brace me. 

4  I  adjure  you,  0  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
why  will  ye  awaken,  and  why  will  ye  excite 
my  love,  until  it  please  (to  come  of  itself)* — 

5  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  from  the 
wilderness,  leaning  upon  her  friend? — Under 
the  apple-tree  have  I  waked  thee  up;  there 


thy  mother  brought  thee  forth;  there  brought 
thee  forth  she  that  bore  thee. 

6  Set  me  as  a  seal  upon  thy  heart,  as  a 
seal  upon  thy  arm;  for  strong  as  death  is 
love;  violent  like  the  nether  world  is  jeal- 
ousy; its  heat  is  the  heat  of  fire,  a  tlame  of 
God. 

7  Many  waters  are  not  able  to  quench 
love,  nor  can  the  rivers  flood  it  away :  if  a 
man  were  to  give  all  the  wealth  of  his  house 
for  love,  men  would  utterly  despise  him. — 

8  We  have  a  little  sister,  and  she  hath  yet 
no  breasts:  what  shall  we  do  for  our  sister  on 
the  day  when  she  shall  be  spoken  for? 

9  If  she  be  a  wall,  we  will  build  upon  her 
a  palace  of  silver:  and  if  she  be  a  door,  we 
will  enclose  her  with  boards  of  cedar. — 

10  I  am  a  wall,  and  my  breasts  are  like 
towers:  then  was  I  in  his  eyes  as  one  that 
found  favour.'' 

11  Solomon  had  a  vineyard  at  Ba'al-ha- 
mon;  he  had  given  up  the  vineyard  unto 
the  keepers;  every  one  was  to  bring  for  its 
fruit  a  thousand  pieces  of  silver. 

12  My  vineyard,  which  was  mine,  was  be- 
fore me :  thine,  0  Solomon,  be  the  thousand, 
and  let  two  hundred  be  for  those  that  keep 
its  fruit. — 

13  "Tliou  that  dwellest  in  the  gardens, 
the  companions  listen  for  thy  voice:  oh  let 
me  hear  it." 

14  Flee"  away,  my  friend,  and  be  thou  like 
the  roebuck,  or  the  fawn  of  the  hinds,  upon 
the  mountains  of  spices. 


THE  BOOK  OF  RUTH, 


mn  n 


h^D. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  Tl  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  when 
the  judges  judged,  that  there  was  a  famine  in 
tlie  land:  and  there  went  a  certain  man  of 

'  Others,  after  Aben  Ezra,  making  -noSn  the  third 
feminine,  "who  would  tcacli  iiie."  Aiiiheini,  "where  she 
teacheth  nic." 


Beth-lechem-judah  to  sojourn  in  the  fields  of 
Molib,  he,  and  his  wife,  and  his  two  sons. 

2  And  the  name  of  the  man  M'as  Elime- 
lech,  and  the  name  of  his  wife  Na'omi/  and 
the  name  of  his  two  sons  Machlon  and  Kil- 

'  Heb.  "peace." 

"  Siie  sings,  with  some  variation,  the  words  of  ii    17. 

''  Arnheiiii  and  others  .spell  the  name,  No'omi. 


EUTH  I.  II. 


yon,  Ephrathites  of  Beth-lcflieni-judali.  And 
they  came  into  the  fields  of  Moiib,  and  re- 
mained there. 

3  Thereupon  died  Ehmelooh  Na'omi's  hus- 
band; and  she  was  left,  with  her  two  sons. 

4  And  they  took  themselves  wives  of  the 
women  of  Moiib;  the  name  of  one  was  'Or- 
pah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Ruth :  and 
they  dwelt  there  about  ten  years. 

5  And  then  died  also  both  of  these.  Mach- 
lon  and  Kilyon,  and  the  woman  was  left 
(deprived)  of  her  two  children  and  her  hus- 
band. 

6  Then  did  she  arise  with  hei'  diuighters- 
in-law,  and  returned  homeward  I'rom  the 
fields  of  Moab;  for  she  had  heard  in  the  fields 
of  Moab  that  the  Lord  had  thouj^ht  of  his 
people  in  giving  them  bread. 

7  Therefore  she  went  forth  out  of  the 
place  where  she  had  been,  and  her  two 
daughters-in-law  (were)  with  her;  and  they 
went  on  their  way  to  return  unto  the  land 
of Judah. 

8  Then  said  Na'omi  unto  her  two  daugh- 
ters-in-law, Go,  return  each  one  to  her  mo- 
ther's hou.se :  may  the  Lord  deal  kindly  with 
you,  as  ye  have  dealt  with  the  dead,  and  with 
me. 

9  May  the  Lord  grant  unto  you  that  ye 
may  find  rest,  each  one  in  the  house  of  her 
husband.  Then  she  kissed  them,  and  they 
lifted  up  their  voice,  and  wept. 

10  And  they  said  unto  her,  (No,)  for  truly 
we  will  return  with  thee  unto  thy  people. 

11  Then  said  Na'omi,  Return  back,  my 
daughters:  why  will  ye  go  with  me?  are 
there  yet  any  more  sons  in  my  womb,  that 
they  may  become  your  husbands? 

12  Return  back,  my  daughters,  go;  for  I 
am  too  old  to  become  (the  wife)  of  any  man; 
yea,  if  I  were  even  to  think,  I  ha\e  hope; 
shoiild  I  even  obtain  this  night  a  husband. 
and  should  also  bear  sons: 

13  Would  ye  wait  in  hopes  for  them  till 
they  were  grown?  would  ye  debar  yourselves 
for  them  so  as  not  to  become  the  wives  of 
any  man?  not  so,  my  daughters;  for  I  feel 
much  more  bitter  pain  than'  yon ;  because 
the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  gone  out  against  me. 

14  And  they  lifted  up  their  voice  and  wept 


'  Others,  "  I  feel  a  very  bitter  grief  for  your  sake." 
Aiuheiiu,  -'ffitliout  you." 

61 


a  long  time;  and  'Orpah  kissed  her  mother- 
in-law  ;  but  Ruth  cleaved  unto  her. 

15  And  she  said,  Behold,  thy  sister-in-law 
is  returned  back  unto  her  {people,  and  unto 
her  gods:  return  thou  after  thy  sister-in-law. 

16  But  Ruth  said.  Urge  me  not  to  leave 
thee,  to  return  from  following  thee;  for  whi- 
ther thou  goest,  will  I  go;  and  where  thou 
lodgest,  will  I  lodge:  thy  people  shall  be  my 
people,  and  thy  God  my  God. 

17  Where  thou  diest,  will  I  die,  and  there 
will  1  be  buried:  may  the  Lord  do  so  to  me, 
and  may  he  so  continue,  if  aught  but  death 
shall  part  me  from  thee. 

18  When  she  thus  saw  that  she  was  per- 
sisting to  go  with  her,  she  left  off  speaking 
unto  her. 

19  So  these  two  went  until  they  came  to 
Beth-lechem.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
they  entered  Beth-lechem,  that  all  the  city 
was  in  a  commotion  about  them,  and  people 
said.  Is  this  Na'omi? 

20  And  she  said  unto  them.  Call  me  not 
Na'omi,''  call  me  Mara;  for  the  Almighty 
hath  dealt  very  bitterl^^  with  me. 

21  I  went  out  full,  but  empty  hath  the 
Lord  brought  me  home  again :  why  then  will 
ye  call  me  Na'omi,  seeing  the  Lord  hath  tes- 
tified'' against  me,  and  the  Almighty  hath 
sent  me  affliction? 

22  So  did  Na'omi  return,  and  Ruth  the 
Moabitess,  her  daughter-in-law,  with  her, 
who  had  returned  out  of  the  fields  of  Moab: 
and  they  came  to  Beth-lechem  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  barley-harvest. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  And  Na'omi  had  a  kinsman  of  her  hus- 
band's, a  mighty,  valiant  man,  of  the  family 
of  Eliiiielech,  whose  name  was  Bo'az. 

2  And  Ruth  the  Moabitess  said  unto 
Na'omi,  Let  me  go,  I  pray  thee,  into  the 
field,  and  glean  ears  of  corn  after  him  in 
whose  eyes  I  shall  find  grace.  And  she  said 
unto  her.  Go,  m}'  daughter. 

3  And  she  went,  and  came,  and  gleaned  in 
the  field  after  the  reapers:  and  the  accident 
happened  to  her,  that  it  was  a  part  of  the 
field  belonging  unto  Bo'az,  who  was  of  the 
family  of  Elimelech. 

''  Naomi,  "pleasant;"   Mara,  "bitter." 
°  Rashi;  i.  e.  showu  his  di.spleasure  by  his  dispensatios- 

865 


RUTH  II.  III. 


4  And,  behold,  Bo'az  came  from  Beth- 
lechem,  and  he  said  unto  the  reajoers.  The 
Lord  be  with  you.  And  they  said  unto  him, 
May  the  Lord  bless  thee. 

5  Then  said  Bo'az  unto  his  young  man 
that  was  appointed  over  the  reapers,  Whose 
maiden  is  this? 

6  And  the  young  man  that  was  appointed 
over  the  reapers  answered  and  said,  It  is 
a  Moabitish  maiden  that  is  returned  with 
Na'omi  out  of  the  fields  of  MoJib; 

7  And  she  said,  Let  me  glean,  I  pray  you, 
and  gather  among  the  sheaves  after  the 
reapers:  so  she  came,  and  hath  remained 
ever  from  the  morning  even  until  now;  it 
is  but  a  little  while  that  she  hath  sat  down 
in  the  house. 

8  Then  said  Bo'az  unto  Ruth,  Hearest 
thou  not,  my  daughter?  Go  not  to  glean  in 
another  field,  neither  go  away  from  this ;  but 
keep  close  company  with  my  own  maidens. 

9  Let  thy  eyes  be  on  the  field  which  they 
may  reap,  and  go  thou  after  them;  behold,  I 
have  charged  the  young  men  that  they  shall 
not  touch  thee:  and  when  thou  art  thirsty, 
go  unto  the  vessels,  and  drink  of  that  which 
the  young  men  may  draw. 

10  Thereupon  she  fell  on  her  face,  and 
bowed  herself  to  the  ground,  and  said  unto 
him,  Why  have  I  found  grace  in  thy  eyes, 
that  thou  shouldst  take  cognizance  of  me, 
seeing  I  am  but  a  stranger? 

11  But  Bo'az  answered  and  said  unto  her, 
It  hath  fully  been  told  me,  all  that  thou  hast 
done  unto  thy  mother-in-law  after  the  death 
of  thy  husband ;  and  how  thou  hast  forsaken 
thy  father  and  thy  mother,  and  the  land  of 
thy  birth,  and  art  come  unto  a  people  which 
thou  knewest  not  yesterday  or  the  day  be- 
fore. 

12  May  the  Lord  recompense  thy  work, 
and  may  thy  reward  be  complete  from  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  under  whose  wings 
thou  art  come  to  seek  shelter. 

13  Then  said  she,  Let  me  find  grace  in 
thy  eyes,  my  lord;  for  thou  hast  comforted 
me,  and  because  thou  hast  spoken  (kindly) 
unto  the  heart  of  thy  handmaid,  though  I  be 
not  like  one  of  thy  handmaids. 

14  And  Bo'az  said  unto  her.  At  mealtime 

'  Philippson,  "because  he  (Bo'az)  hath  not  withdrawn 
his  kindness." 

""  Lit.  "one  of  our  redeemers,"  /.  e.  whose  business  it 


come  near  hither,  and  eat  of  the  bread,  and 
dip  thy  morsel  in  the  vinegar.  And  she 
seated  herself  iDeside  the  reapers :  and  he 
reached  her  parched  corn,  and  she  ate,  and 
was  satisfied,  and  had  some  left. 

15  Then  did  she  arise  to  glean:  and  Bo'az 
commanded  his  young  men,  saying,  Even  be- 
tween the  sheaves  let  her  glean,  and  do  not 
cause  her  to  feel  any  shame; 

16  And  ye  shall  also  draw  out  some  lor 
her  from  the  bundles  on  purpose,  and  leave 
it,  tliat  she  may  glean  it,  and  ye  shall  not 
rebuke  her. 

17  So  she  gleaned  in  the  field  until  the 
evening;  and  when  she  beat  out  what  she 
had  gleaned,  it  was  about  an  ephah  of  barley. 

18  And  she  took  it  up,  and  she  went  into 
the  city ;  and  her  mother-in-law  saw  what 
she  hail  gleaned;  and  she  brought  forth,  and 
gave  to  her  what  she  had  left  over  after  she 
was  satisfied. 

19  And  her  mother-in-law  said  unto  her, 
Where  hast  thou  gleaned  to-day?  and  where 
hast  thou  wrought?  may  he  that  took  cogni- 
zance of  thee  be  blessed.  And  she  told  her 
mother-in-law  with  whom  she  had  wrought, 
and  said.  The  name  of  the  man  with  whom  I 
wrought  to-day  is  Bo'az. 

20  Then  said  Na'omi  unto  her  daughter- 
in-law,  Blessed  be  he  unto  the  Lord,  who" 
hath  not  withheld  his  kindness  from  the  liv- 
ing and  from  the  dead.  And  Na'omi  said 
unto  her,  The  man  is  nearly  related  unto  us, 
he  is  one  of  our  next  kinsmen.'' 

21  And  Ruth  the  Moiibitess  said,  He  hath 
also  said  unto  me.  Thou  shalt  keep  close 
company  with  my  young  men,  until  they 
have  ended  all  my  harvest. 

22  Then  said  Na'omi  unto  Ruth  her  daugh- 
ter-in-law. It  is  good,  my  daughter,  that  thou 
go  out  with  his  maidens,  and  that  men  mav 
nof  meet  with  thee  in  any  other  field. 

23  So  she  kept  close  company  with  the 
maidens  of  Bo'az  in  gleaning  until  the  end  of 
the  barley-harvest  and  of  the  wheat-harvest; 
and  she  dwelt  with  her  mother-in-law. 

CHAPTER  in. 
1    Then    said    Na'omi    her    mother-in-law 
unto  her.  My  daughter,  behold  I  will  seek 

is  to  redeem  the  property  sold  by  a  kinsman.  (See  Lev. 
XXV.  125.) 

°  Arnlieiui,  "treat  thee  ill." 


RUTH  III.  IV. 


for  tlioe  a  resting-phace,  where  it  may  be  well 
with  thee. 

2  And  now,  behold,  Bo'az  is  our  kinsman, 
he  with  whose  maidens  thou  hast  been.  Lo, 
he  is  winnowing  the  barley  to-night  in  the 
threshing-floor. 

?>  Therefore  bathe,  and  anoint  th^-self  and 
put  thy  garments  upon  thee,  and  go  down  to 
the  threshing-floor;  (but)  make  thyself  not 
known  unto  the  man,  until  he  shall  have 
finished  eating  and  drinking. 

4  And  it  shall  be,  when  he  lieth  down, 
that  thou  shalt  note  the  place  where  he  will 
lie,  and  thou  shalt  then  go  in,  and  lift  up  the 
covei'ing  that  is  on  his  feet,  and  lay  thyself 
down :  and  he  will  tell  thee  what  thou  shalt 
do. 

5  And  she  said  unto  her,  All  that  thou 
sayest  unto  me  will  I  do. 

6  And  she  went  down  unto  the  threshing- 
floor,  and  did  in  accordance  with  all  that  her 
mother-in-law  had  commanded  her. 

7  And  Bo'az  ate  and  drank,  and  his  heart 
became  merry;  and  he  then  went  in  to  lie 
down  at  the  end  of  the  heap  of  corn:  and 
she  came  in  softly,  and  lifted  up  the  covering 
that  was  on  his  feet,  and  laid  herself  down. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass  at  midnigiit,  that 
the  man  became  terrified,  and  bent  himself 
forward;  and,  behold,  a  woman  was  lying  at 
his  feet. 

9  And  he  said.  Who  art  tliou?  And  she 
said,  I  am  Ruth  thy  handmaid  :  spread  there- 
fore thy  skirt  over  thy  handmaid  ;  for  thou 
art  a  near  kinsman. 

10  And  he  said.  Blessed  be  thou  unto  the 
Lord,  my  daughter;  for  thou  hast  shown 
more  kindness  in  the  last  instance  than  the 
first,  by  not  going  after  the  young  men,  whe- 
ther they  be  poor  or  rich. 

11  And  now,  my  daughter,  fear  not:  all 
that  thou  mayest  say  will  I  do  for  thee;  for 
all  (the  men  in)  the  gate  of  my  people  know 
that  thou  art  a  virtuous  woman. 

12  And  now.  it  is  indeed  true  that  I  am 
thy  near  kinsman;"  nevertheless,  there  is  a 
kinsman  nearer  than  I. 

13  Remain  liere  this  night,  and  it  shall  be 
in  the  morning,  that  if  he  will  redeem  thee, 
well,  let  him  redeem;  but  if  he  be  not  will- 


•  Lit. 
er,"  &c. 


'that  T  am   a  redeemer,  but  there  is  a  redeem- 


ing to  redeem  thee,  then  will  I  redeem  thee, 
as  the  Lord  liveth :  lie  still  until  the  morning. 

14  And  she  lay  at  his  feet  until  the  morn- 
ing; and  she  rose  up  before  one  could  know 
another.  And  he  said.  It  must  not  Ijc  known 
that  this  woman  came  into  the  threshing-floor. 

15  Also  he  said.  Bring  hither  the  cloak 
that  tliou  hast  upon  thee,  and  lay  hold  of  it. 
And  she  laid  hold  of  it,  and  he  measured  six 
(measures)  of  barley,  and  laid  it  on  her,  and 
went  into  the  city. 

16  And  she  came  to  her  mother-in-law, 
and  she  said.  How  is  it  with  thee,  my  daugh- 
ter? And  she  told  her  all  that  the  man  had 
done  to  her. 

17  And  she  said.  These  six  measures  of 
barley  gave  he  unto  me;  for  he  said  to  me, 
Thou  shalt  not  come  empty  to  thy  motlier-in- 
law. 

18  Then  said  she.  Remain  still,  my  daugh- 
ter, until  thou  know  how  the  matter  will  fall 
out;  for  the  man  will  not  rest,  until  he  have 
finished  the  matter  this  day. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  But  Bo'az  went  up  to  the  gate,''  and 
sat  down  there;  and,  behold,  the  kinsman  of 
whom  Bo'az  had  spoken  came  passing  by; 
and  he  said  unto  him,  Turn  aside  hither,  sit 
down  here,  such  a  one.  And  he  turned  aside, 
and  sat  down. 

2  And  he  took  ten  men  of  the  elders  of 
the  city,  and  said.  Sit  ye  down  here.  And 
they  sat  down. 

3  And  he  said  unto  the  kinsman,  Na'omi, 
that  is  returned  out  of  the  field  of  Moal), 
hath  to  sell"  a  parcel  of  land,  which  was  our 
brother  Elimelech's. 

4  And  I  thought  to  inform  thee  of  it,  say- 
ing. Buy  it  before  those  sitting  here,  and  be- 
fore the  elders  of  my  people.  If  thou  wilt  re- 
deem it,  redeem  it;  but  if  thou  wilt  not  re- 
deem it,  then  tell  me,  that  I  may  know;  for 
there  is  none  beside  thee  to  redeem  it,  and  I 
am  after  thee.     And  he  said,  I  will  redeem  it. 

5  Then  said  Bo'az,  On  the  day  that  thou 
buyest  the  field  out  of  the  hand  of  Na'omi, 
thou  buyest  it  also  from  Ruth  the  Moiibitess, 
the  wife  of  the  dead,  to  raise  up  the  name  of 
the  dead  upon  his  inheritance. 


*"  The  plaee  for  the  mngistrntes  to  meet  in. 
'  PhilippiBon;   literally,  "hath  sold." 


8G7 


LAMENTATIONS  T. 


6  And  the  kinsman  said,  I  am  not  able  to 
redeem  it  for  myself,  lest  I  injure  my"  own 
inheritance:  redeem  thou  what  I  should  re- 
deem for  thyself;  for  I  am  not  able  to  redeem 
it. 

7  Now  this  was  formerly  the  custom  in  Is- 
rael at  a  redeeming  and  at  an  exchanging,  to 
confirm  any  thing,  that  a  man  pulled  off  his 
shoe,  and  gave  it  to  the  other;  and, this  was 
the  manner  of  testimony  in  Israel.  ' 

8  Thereupon  said  the  kinsman  unto  Bo'az, 
Buy  it  for  thee.  And  he  pulled  off  his  shoe. 

9  And  Bo'az  said  unto  the  elders,  and  unto 
all  the  people,  Ye  are  witnos.ses  this  day,  that 
I  have  bought  all  that  belonged  to  Elimelech, 
and  all  that  belonged  to  Kilyon  and  Mach- 
lon,  out  of  the  hand  of  Na'omi. 

10  And  also  Ruth  the  Moabitess,  the  wife  of 
Machlon,  have  I  obtained  for  myself  as  my 
wife,  to  raise  up  the  name  of  the  dead  upon 
his  inheritance,  that  the  name  of  the  dead 
ma_v  not  be  cut  off  from  among  his  brethren, 
and  from  the  gate  of  his  place :  ye  are  wit- 
nesses this  day. 

11  And  all  the  people  that  were  in  the 
gate,  and  the  elders,  said,  (We  are)  witnesses. 
The  Lord  grant  that  the  woman  that  is  com- 
ing into  thy  house  be  like  Eachel  and  like 
Leah,  who  did  both  build  up  the  house  of 
Israel :  and  acquire  thou  wealth  in  Ephrathah, 
and  let  thy  name  become  famous  in  Beth- 
lechem ; 

12  And  may  thy  house  be  like  the  house 


of  Perez,  whom  Thamar  bore  unto  Judah 
through  the  seed  which  the  Lord  will  give 
thee  of  this  young  woman. 

13  And  Bo'az  took  Ruth,  and  she  became 
his  wile,  and  he  went  in  unto  her :  and  the 
Lord  gave  her  conception,  and  she  bore  a  son. 

14  And  the  women  said  unto  Na'omi, 
Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  allowed 
to  be  wanting  unto  thee  a  kinsman  this 
day:  and  may  his  name  become  famous  in 
Israel. 

15  And  may  he  be  unto  thee  one  who  re- 
fresheth  thy  soul,  and  who  nourisheth  thy 
old  age;  for  thy  daughter-in-law,  who  loveth 
thee,  hath  born  him,  she  who  is  better  to 
thee  than  seven  sons. 

16  And  Na'omi  took  the  child,  and  laid  it 
in  her  lap,  and  she  became  a  nurse  unto  it. 

17  And  the  neighbouring  women  gave 
him  a  name,  saying.  There  hath  been  a  son 
born  unto  Na'omi:  and  they  called  his  name 
'Obed,  who  is  the  father  of  Jess^,  the  father 
of  David. 

18  And  these  are  the  generations  of  Perez: 
Perez  begat  Chezron; 

19  And  Chezron  begat  Ram;  and  Ram.  be- 
gat 'Amminadab; 

20  And  'Amminadab  begat  Nachshon ;  and 
Nachshon''  begat  Salmah; 

21  And  Salmon  begat  Bo'aa;  and  Bo'az 
begat  'Obed; 

22  And  'Obed  begat  Jess6,  and  Jess6  begat 
David. 


THE  BOOK  OF  LAMENTATIONS, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  Oh  how  doth  she  sit  solitary — the 
city  that  was  full  of  people  is  become  like  a 
widow !  she  that  was  so  great  among  the  na- 


»  Rashi  says,  he  feared  to  cast  a  reproach  upon  the  pro- 
bable issue  of  the  Eiarriago  by  taking  a  Moabitess;  Jona- 
than, that  ho  feared  to  take  another  wife,  being  married 
already,  not  to  destroy  his  domestic  peace;  Herxheimer, 
858 


tions,  the  princess  among  the  provinces,  is  be- 
come tributary ! 

2  She  weepeth  sorely  in  the  night,  and 
her  tears  are  on  her  cheeks;  she  hath  none 
to  comfort  her  among  all  her  lovers:  all  her 

that  by  purchasing  the  land,  which  must  go  to  the  child 
of  Ruth,  he  would  diminish  his  own  mcan.^  by  so  much 
as  he  paid  for  the  land. 

''  As  Nachshon  came  out  of  Kgypt,  and  as  it  wa.^  about 


LAMENTATIONS  I. 


friends  liivve  dealt  treacherously  toward  her, 
they  are  become  her  enemies. 

3  Exiled  is  Judah  because  of  affliction,  and 
because  of  the  greatness  of  servitude;  she 
dwelleth  indeed  among  the  nations,  she  find- 
eth  no  rest :  all  her  pursuers  have  overtaken 
her  between  the  narrow  passes.' 

4  The  ways  to  Zion  are  in  mourning,  be- 
cause none  come  to  the  solemn  feasts ;  all  her 
gates  are  desolate;  her  priests  sigh;  her  vir- 
gins moan,  and  she  suffereth  herself  from 
bitter  grief 

5  Her  adversaries  are  become  chiefs,  her 
enemies  prosper;  for  the  Lord  hath  caused 
her  to  grieve  because  of  the  multitude  of  her 
transgressions:  her  babes  are  gone  into  capti- 
vity before  the  adversary. 

6  And  there  is  gone  forth  from  the  daugh- 
ter of  Zion  all  her  splendour:  her  princes 
are  become  like  harts  that  have  found  no 
pasture,  and  they  flee  without  strength  before 
the  pursuer. 

7  Jerusalem  remembereth  in  the  days  of 
her  affliction  and  of  her  miseries  all  her  mag- 
nificent things  which  have  been  in  the  days 
of  old:  when  her  people  fell  into  the  hand  of 
the  adversary,  with  none  to  help  her,  the 
adversaries  looked  at  her,  they  laughed  at  the 
cessation  (of  her  glory) . 

8  A  grievous  sin  did  Jerusalem  commit, 
therefore  is  she  become  a  wanderer:  all  that 
honoured  her  hold  her  in  contempt,  because 
they  have  seen  her  nakedness;  she  also  sigh- 
eth,  and  turneth  (ashamed)  backward. 

9  (With)  her  uncleanness  on  her  skirts,  she 
thought  not  other  latter  end  :  therefore  is  she 
come  down  wonderfully,  without  one  to  com- 
fort her.  Behold,  O  Lord,  my  affliction  ;  for 
the  enemy  hath  become  great  (above  me).'' 

10  His  hand  hath  the  adversary  spread  out 
over  all  her  magnificent  things;  for  she  hath 
seen  nations  entering  into  her  sanctuary,  of 
whom  thou  didst  command  that  they  should 
not  enter  into  thy  congregation. 

11  All  her  people  sigh,  they  are  seeking 

470  years  between  the  Exodus  and  David's  birth,  it  is 

supposed  that  several  links  are  left  out  in  the  genealogy 
between  him  and  Salmah  or  Salmon  ;  or  between  the  latter 
and  Bo'az. 

•  Rashi ;  /.  e.  places  where  escape  is  impossible.  Jona- 
than, "the  boundaries."  Philippson  and  Eng.  ver., 
"straits,"  or  "distresses." 

'■  Jonathan.  iVj-iiheini,  "hath  done  terrible  (great) 
things." 


bread;  they  have  given  their  precious  things 
for  food  to  refresh  their  soul:  see,  0  Loud, 
and  look,  how  I  have  been  brought  low. 

12  "I  adjure''  you,  all  that  pass  this  way, 
behold,  and  see  if  there  be  any  pain  like  unto 
my  pain,  which  hath  been  inflicted  on  me, 
wherewith  the  Lord  hath  aggrieved  me  on 
the  day  of  his  fierce  anger. 

13  From  on  high  hath  he  sent  a  fire  into 
my  bones,  and  breaketh''  (them)  one  by  one: 
he  hath  spread  a  net  lor  my  feet,  he  hath 
caused  me  to  return  backward ;  he  hath  made 
me  desolate,  sick  all  the  day. 

14  Bound  fast"  is  the  yoke  of  my  tran.s- 
gressions  by  his  hand, — ^they  are  wreathed, 
and  come  up  upon  my  neck;  he  hath  made 
my  strength  to  stumble:  the  Lord  hath  given 
me  up  into  the  hands  of  (those  against  whom) 
I  am  not  able  to  rise  up. 

15  The  Lord  hath  trodden  under  foot  all 
my  might}'  men  in  the  midst  of  me;  he  hath 
called  an  assembly  against  me  to  crush  my 
young  men :  a  winepress  hath  the  Lord  trod- 
den over  the  virgin,  the  daughter  of  Judah. 

16  For  these  things  do  I  weep;  my  eye, 
my  eye  runneth  down  with  water;  because  far 
from  me  is  the  comforter  that  should  refresh 
my  soul:  my  children  are  in  misery,^  becau.se 
the  enemy  hath  j^revailed." 

17  Zion  spreadeth  forth  her  hands,  with- 
out one  to  comfort  her;  the  Lord  hath  given 
a  charge^  concernino;  Jacob  to  all  his  ad- 
versaries  round  about  him :  Jerusalem  is  be- 
come as  an  unclean  woman  amonc;  them. 

18  "Righteous  is  the  Lord;  for  against  his 
orders  have  I  rebelled :  oh  do  hear,  all  ye 
people,  and  see  my  pain !  my  virgins  and  my 
young  men  are  gone  into  captivity. 

19  I  called  for  my  lovers,  but  they  deceived 
me :  my  priests  and  my  elders  perished  in  the 
city;  for  they  sought  food  for  themselves  to 
refresh  their  soul. 

20  See,  0  Lord!  how  I  am  in  distress;  my 
bowels  are  heated ;  my  heart  is  tui'ned  round 
within  me;  because  I  have  grievously  rebel- 

'  Jonathan,  taking  xiS  as  abridged  for  n'7N  "  to  swea  ;' 
hence,  Philippson,  "Mark  well."  Eng.  ver.,  "Ts  it  no- 
thing to  you?"  Rashi,  "May  such  (evil)  not  come  on 
you,"  or  "To  you  hath  this  not  happened." 

^  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "it  ruleth  in  them." 

'  Rashi,  npB':  "marked,"  "pointed,"  that  thoy  m-iy 
not  be  forgotten. 

'  Lit.  "desolate," 

'  i.  c.  They  should  come  and  destroy. 

sua 


LAMENTATIONS  I.  II. 


led :  abroad  bereavetli  the  sword,  at  home,  like 
the  pestilence.^ 

21  They  hear  how  greatly  I  sigh,  (yet) 
there  is  none  to  comfort  me;  all  my  enemies 
have  heard  of  my  misfortune,  they  are  glad 
that  thou  hast  done  it:  oh  that  thou  wouldst 
bring  the  day  which  thou  hast  proclaimed 
(against  me) ,"  that  they  may  become  like  me. 

22  Let  all  their  wickedness  come  before 
tliee,  and  do  unto  them  as  thou  hast  done 
unto  me  because  of  all  my  transgressions; 
for  many  are  my  sighs,  and  my  heart  is 
sick." 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ]|  Oh  how  hath  the  Lord  covered  in  his 
anger  the  daughter  of  Zion  with  a  cloud;  he 
hath  cast  down  from  heaven  unto  the  earth 
the  ornament  of  Israel;  and  he  hath  not 
remembered  his  footstool  on  the  day  of  his 
anger ! 

2  The  Lord  hath  destroyed  and  hath  not 
pitied  all  the  habitations  of  Jacob;  he  hath 
thrown  down  in  his  wrath  the  strong-holds 
of  the  daughter  of  Judah;  he  hath  thrown 
them  down  to  the  ground:  he  hath  defiled 
the  kingdom  and  its  princes. 

3  He  hath  hewn  away  in  his  fierce  anger 
the  whole  horn  of  Israel;  he  hath  drawn 
back  his  right  hand  from  before  the  enemy; 
and  he  burnt  against  Jacob  like  a  tlaming  fire, 
which  devoureth  round  about. 

4  He  bent  his  bow  like  an  enemy ;  he  held 
out  his  right  hand  as  an  adversary,  and  slew 
all  that  were  pleasant  to  the  e^e:  in  the  tent 
of  the  daughter  of  Zion  did  he  pour  out  like 
fire  his  fury. 

5  The  Lord  became  like  an  enemy;  he  de- 
stroyed Israel,  he  destroyed  all  her  palaces, 
he  ruined  her  strong-holds;  and  he  increased 
in  the  midst  of  the  daughter  of  Judah  groan- 
ing and  wailing. 

6  And  he  violently  wasted,"  as  if  it  were  a 
garden,  his  tabernacle;  he  destroyed  his  place 
of  assembly :  (yea,)  the  Lord  hath  caused  to 
be  forgotten  in  Zion  the  solemn  feast  and  the 
day  of  rest,  and  hath  despised  in  the  indigna- 
tion of  his  anger  both  king  and  priest. 

'  Lit.  "death."    Others,  "as  death  doth  in  the  house." 
''  Rashi.     Philipp.son,  "ou  which  thou  mayest  proclaim 

that  they  shall  be  like  me." 

'  Kaslii,  taking  o'DITl  as  "cutting  away."     Philippson, 

'•as  on  a  p;arden  cast  he  down  his  fences." 
S/0 


7  The  Lord  hath  cast  off  his  altai,  he  hath 
made  void  his  sanctuary,  he  hath  snrrer.derc-<.l 
into  the  hand  of  the  enemy  the  walls  of  Lc< 
palaces:  they  have  made  their  voice  to  re- 
sound in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  as  on  a  day 
of  a  solemn  feast. 

8  The  Lord  had  resolved  to  destroy  th^ 
wall  of  the  daughter  of  Zion;  he  stretched 
out  the  measuring-line,  he  withdrew  not  his 
hand  from  destroying:  and  he  caused  the 
rampart  and  the  wall  to  mourn;  together 
they  languish. 

9  Sunk  into  the  ground  are  her  gates;  he 
hath  ruined  and  broken  her  bars:  her  king 
and  her  princes  are  among  the  nations  with- 
out any  law;  her  prophets  also  obtain  no 
more  any  vision  from  the  Lord. 

10  The  elders  of  the  daughter  of  Zion  sit 
upon  the  ground,  they  keep  silence;  they 
have  thrown  dust  upon  their  head;  they 
have  girt  themselves  with  sackcloth:  the 
virgins  of  Jerusalem  have  brought  down  low 
their  head  to  the  ground. 

11  My  eyes  do  fail  with  tears,  my  bowels 
are  heated,  my  liver  is  poured  upon  the  earth, 
because  of  the  breach  of  the  daughter  of  my 
people;  because  babes  and  sucklings  faint 
away  in  the  streets  of  the  town. 

12  To  their  mothers  they  say.  Where  is 
corn  and  wine?  when  they  faint  away  like 
the  deadly  wounded  in  the  streets  of  the  city, 
when  their  soul  is  poured  out  on  the  bo- 
som of  their  mother. 

1.3  What  shall  I  take  to  witness*  for  thee? 
what  shall  I  compare  unto  thee,  0  daughter 
of  Jerusalem?  what  shall  I  find  equal  to  thee, 
that  I  may  comfort  thee,  0  virgin  daughter 
of  Zion  ?  for  great  like  the  sea  is  thy  breach ; 
who  can  bring  healing  to  thee? 

14  Thy  prophets  foresaw  for  thee  vain  and 
deceptive  things;  and  they  did  not  lay  open 
thy  iniquity,  to  cause  thy  backsliders  to  re- 
turn ;  but  they  foresaw  for  thee  prophecies  of 
falsehood  and  seduction." 

15  All  that  pass  by  (this)  way  clap  their 
hands  on  account  of  thee;  they  hiss  and 
shake  their  head  over  the  daughter  of  Jeru- 
salem :   (saying,)   Is  this   the  city  that  men 


*  Aben  Ezra,  "What  witnesses,  to  whom  the  like  hath 
happened?"     Philippson,  "How  shall  I  admonish  thee?" 

•  Meaning,  had  the  prophets  but  done  their  duty,  had 
they  spoken  the  truth,  the  Israelites  might  have  repented; 
but  they  flattorod  them;  hence  the  ruin  that  came. 


LAMENTATIONS  II.  III. 


called  The  perfection  of  beauty,  The  joy  for 
all  the  earth? 

16  All  thy  enemies  open  wide  their  mouth 
against  thee;  they  hiss  and  gnash  their  teeth; 
they  say,  We  have  swallowed  her  up:  ah, 
truly  this  is  the  day  that  we  hoped  for;  we 
have  found,  we  have  seen  it. 

17  The  Lord  hath  done  what  he  had  re- 
solved ;  he  hath  accomplished  his  word  which 
he  had  ordained  already  in  the  days  of  old; 
he  hath  thrown  down,  and  hath  not  pitied: 
and  he  hath  caused  to  rejoice  over  thee  thy 
enemy,  he  hath  raised  on  high  the  horn  of 
thy  adversaries. 

18  Their  heart  crieth  unto  the  Lord.  0 
thou  wall  of  the  daughter  of  Zion,  let  tears 
run  down  like  a  stream  day  and  night ;  allow 
thyself  no  rest;  let  not  the  apple  of  thy  eye 
be  still. 

19  Arise,  complain  aloud  in  the  night,  in 
the  beginning  of  the  watches;  pour  out  like 
water  thy  heart  before  the  face  of  the  Lord : 
lift  up  toward  him  thy  hands  because  of  the 
life  of  thy  babes,  that  faint  away  for  hunger 
at  the  corner  of  all  the  streets. 

20  See,  0  Lord,  and  behold!  to  whom 
Iiast  thou  ever  done  the  like?  Shall  women, 
then,  eat  their  own  fruit,  the  babes  they  have 
tenderly  nursed?  or  shall  there  be  slain  in 
the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  the  priest  and  the 
prophet  ? 

21  There  lie  down  on  tlie  ground  in  the 
streets  the  lad  and  the  ancient;  my  virgins 
and  nry  young  men  ai'e  fiillen  by  the  sword : 
thou  hast  slain  on  the  day  of  thy  anger ;  thou 
hast  slaughtered,  thou  hast  not  pitied. 

22  Tliou  hast  called,  as  it  were  on  a  fes- 
tive day,  my  evil  neighbours"  from  round 
about;  and  there  was  not  on  the  day  of  the 
Lord's  anger  one  that  escaped  or  remained : 
those  that  I  had  tenderly  nursed  and  reared 
up  my  enemy  brought  to  their  end. 

CHAPTER  in. 

1^1  am  the  man  who  hath  seen  affliction 
by  the  rod  of  his  wrath. 

2  Me  hath  he  driven  out,  and  led  into 
darkness,  but  not  into  light. 


*  Rashi.  Aben  Ezra,  "terrors."  Philippson,  "riot- 
ous assemblages." 

"  Rashi,  miD  as  the  verb  of  TD  "thorn."  Arnheini, 
"turneth  upside  down."     Others,  "turned  aside." 

"  /".  '•.  The  arrows. 


3  Surely  against  me  doth  he  turn  again 
and  again  his  hand  all  the  day. 

4  He  hath  caused  my  flesh  and  my  skin  to 
wear  out,  he  hath  broken  my  bones. 

5  He  hath  built  around  me,  and  encom- 
passed me  with  poison  and  hardship. 

6  In  dark  places  hath  he  set  me  to  dwell, 
like  the  dead  of  olden  times. 

7  He  hath  placed  a  fence  round  about  me, 
that  I  cannot  get  out :  he  hath  made  heavy 
my  chain. 

8  Also  when  I  cry  aloud  and  make  en- 
treaty, he  shutteth  out  my  prayer. 

9  He  hath  fenced  up  my  ways  with  hewn 
stone,  my  paths  hath  he  made  crooked. 

10  A  bear  lying  in  wait  is  he  to  me,  a  lion 
in  secret  places. 

11  On  my  waj's  hath  he  placed  thorns^ 
and  torn  me  in  pieces :  he  hath  made  me  de- 
solate. 

12  He  hath  bent  his  bow,  and  placed  me 
as  a  mark  for  the  arrow. 

13  He  hath  caused  to  enter  into  my  reins 
the  children"  of  his  quiver. 

14  1  am  become  a  laughing-stock  to  all  my 
people,  their  (jeering)  song  all  the  day. 

15  He  hath  sated  me  with  bitter  things, 
he  hath  made  me  drunken  with  wormwood. 

16  He  hath  also  broken  my  teeth  with 
gravel-stones,  he  hath  covered  me  with  ashes. 

17  And  my  soul  hath  given  up  all  thoughts 
of  peace :   I  forget  happiness. 

18  And  I  said.  Lost  is  my  strength,'"  my 
expectation  also  from  the  Lord. 

19  Eemembering  my  affliction  and  (the 
cause  of)  my  complaint,  is  wormwood  and 
poison. 

20  Remembering  (this)  continually  my 
soul  is  bowed  down  deeply  within  me. 

21  (Yet)  this  answer  will  I  give  to  my 
heart:  therefore  will  I  wait  (in  confidence). 

22  It  is  through  the  Lord's  kindness  that 
we  are  not  consumed,"  because  his  mercies 
have  no  end; 

23  They  are  new  every  morning:  great  is 
thy  faithfulness. 

24  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul, 
therefore  will  I  wait  for  him. 

^  Rashi,  "my  eternal  portion."  Arnheim,  "victory." 
Jonathan,  "  My  strength  and  the  good  I  hoped  for  from 
the  LoKD." 

°  Rashi,  one  opinion,  "For  the  kindnesses  of  the  Lord 
do  not  cease." 

871 


LAMENTATIONS  III. 


25  The  Lord  is  good  unto  those  that  hope 
in  him,  to  the  soul  that  seeketh  him. 

26  It  is  good  tliat  one  should  wait  and 
this  in  silence  for  the  salvation  of  tlie  Lord. 

27  It  is  good  for  a  man  that  lie  bear  the 
yoke  in  his  youth ; 

28  That  he  sit  in  solitude  and  he  silent; 
because  He  hath  laid  it  upon  him; 

29  That  he  put  his  mouth  in  the  dust; 
perhaps  there  still  is  hope ; 

30  That  he  offer  his  cheek  to  him  that 
smiteth  him;  that  he  be  satisfied  with  re- 
proach. 

31  For  tlie  Lord  will  not  cast  off  for  ever; 

32  But  though  he  have  caused  grief,  yet 
will  he  have  mercy  according  to  the  abun- 
dance of  his  kindnesses. 

33  For  he  doth  not  afflict  of  his  own  will, 
and  aggrieve  the  children  of  men. 

34  To  crush  under  his  feet  all  the  prisoners 
of  the  earth, 

35  To  pervert  tlie  justice  (due  to  man) 
before  the  face  of  the  Most  High, 

36  To  subvert  a  man  in  his  contest — should 
the  Lord  not  see  this?" 

37  Who  is  he  tliat  saitli  aught,  and  it  cometh 
to  pass,  when  the  Lord  hath  not  ordained  it? 

38  Do  not  out  of  the  mouth  of  the  Most 
High    come   both 
good? 

39  Wherefore  should  a  livin"'  man  com- 
plain?  let  every  man  complain''  because  of 
ins  sins. 

40  Let  us  search  through  and  investigate 
our  ways,  and  let  us  return  to  the  Lord. 

41  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our  hands 
unto  God  in  the  heavens. 

42  We  have  indeed  transgressed  and  re- 
belled:  thou  hast  truly  not  pardoned. 

43  Thou  hast  covered  (us)'  with  thy  an- 
ger, and  made  pursuit  after  us:  thou  hast 
slain,  thou  hast  not  pitied. 

44  Thou  hast  covered  thyself  with  a  cloud, 
that  no  prayer  should  pass  through. 

45  As  something  loathsome  and  rejected 

'  Jonatlian.  Verses  34-.3()  state  thus  several  cases  of 
wrong-doing;  and  Jeremiah  then  asks  himself,  whether 
the  Lord  must  not  sec  and  condemn  it;  consequently  it  is 
not  to  be  expected  that  (Ind  would  willingly  and  arbitrarily 
do  himself  injustice  by  afflicting  the  just.  Rashi  ren- 
ders, "The  Lord  doth  not  approve  this,  and  it  hath  not 
entered  his  tlioughts  to  do  so." 

"'  Haslii.  Others  continue  the  question,  "Why  will 
iuan  conii'lain  while  he  liveth,  every  man  over  his  sin.»?" 


the   evil    things    and   the 


hast  thou  rendered  us  in    the  midst  of  the 
people. 

46  Wide  have  all  our  enemies  opened 
against  us  their  mouth. 

47  Terror  and  a  snare  are  come  upon  us, 
(with)  desolation  and  breaches. 

48  With  streams  of  water  runneth  my  eye 
down,  because  of  the  breach  of  the  daughter 
of  my  people. 

49  My  eye  trickleth  down,  and  resteth  not, 
without  any  intermission, 

50  Till  the  Lord  look  down,  and  behold 
from  heaven. 

51  My  eye  afTecteth''  my  soul  because  of 
all  the  daughters  of  my  city. 

52  Those  who  are  my  enemies,  without  a 
cause, have  chased  me  about  like  a  bird. 

53  They  have  shut  up"  in  the  dungeon  my 
life,  and  have  cast  stones  u^ion  me. 

54  Waters  streamed  over  my  head :  I  said, 
I  am  cut  off. 

55  I  called  on  thy  name,  0  Lord,  out  of 
the  dungeon  of  the  lowest  depth. 

56  Tliou  didst  hear  my  voice:  hide  not 
thy  ear  to  give  me  enlargement'  at  my  cry. 

57  Thou  wast  ever  near  on  the  day  that  I 
called  on  thee :  thou  saidst.  Fear  not. 

58  Thou  didst  plead,  0  Lord,  the  causes 
of  my  soul:  thou  didst  (before  this)  redeem 
my  life. 

59  Thou  hast  (now)  seen,  0  Lord,  the 
wrong  I  suffer:  judge  thou  my  cause. 

60  Thou  hast  seen  all  their  vengeance,  all 
their  plans  against  me. 

61  Thou  hast  heard  their  reviling,  0  Lord, 
all  their  plans  against  me, 

62  The  speeches'^  of  those  that  rise  up 
against  me,  and  their  device  against  me  all 
the  day. 

63  Oh  look  upon  their  sitting  down,  and 
their  rising  up:    I   am  their   (jeering)   song. 

64  Bender  unto  them  a  recompense,  0 
Lord,  according  to  the  work  of  their  hands. 

65  Give  them  confusion''  of  heart,  thy  curse 
be  upon  them. 

"  Jonathan,  Rashi,  and  Aben  Ezra.  Arnheini,  "  thy- 
self." 

''  Jonathan,  who  supplies,  "  the  weeping  of."  Rashi, 
"My  eye  is  defaced  because  of  myself  more  than  all 
the,"  &c. 

"  Rashi,  "shut  up,"  "bound."  Others,  "they  have  cut 
off."  'Jonathan,  'Lit.  "lips." 

■■  Philippson.  Rashi,  "breach."  Zunz,  "what  their 
heart  concealeth."     Herxheimer,  "obstinacy." 


LAMENTATIONS  III.  IV.  V. 


on  Pursue  tlioiu  in  anger  ami  destroy  from 
under  the  heavens  of  the  Lokd. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  Oh  how  is  the  gold  become  dim  I  how 
is  the  most  fine  gold  changed !  how  are  the 
stones  of  the  sanctuary  poured  out  at  the  cor- 
ners of  every  street. 

2  The  precious  sons  of  Zion,  valued  equal  to 
pure  gold,  how  are  thej-  now  esteemed  as  earth- 
en pitchers,  the  work  ol'the  hands  of  the  potter! 

o  Even  wild  beasts  offer  the  breast,  they 
give  suck  to  their  young  ones:  the  daughter 
of  my  people  is  Ijecome  cruel,  lil^e  the  os- 
triches" in  the  wilderness. 

4  The  tongue  of  the  suckling  cleaveth  to 
its  palate  by  reason  of  thirst:  Ijahes  ask  for 
bread,  there  is  not  one  to  break  it  for  them. 

5  Those  that  used  to  eat  daint}'  food  are 
desolate  in  the  streets:  they  that  were  reared 
up  on  scarlet  now  embrace  dunghills. 

6  For  greater  is  the  iniquity  of  the  daugh- 
ter of  my  people  than  the  sin  of  Sodom,  tluit 
was  overthrown  as  it  were  in  a  moment,  and 
no  human  hands  were  laid  on  her. 

7  lier  crowned  princes  were  purer  than 
snow,  they  were  whiter  than  milk,  they  were 
more  brilliant  in  body  than  pearls,  more  than 
the  sapphire,  their  countenance : 

8  Darker  than  black  is  now  their  visaure; 
they  are  not  to  be  recognised  in  the  streets; 
their  skin  is  shrivelled  fast  upon  their  bones; 
it  is  dry,  it  is  become  like  wood. 

9  Happier  are  those  slain  by  the  sword 
than  those  slain  by  hunger;  for  tho.se  poured 
forth  their  blood,  being  pierced  through, — 
(these  perislied)  without  the  fruits  of  the  field.'' 

10  The  hands  of  merciful  women  cooked 
their  own  children  :  they  became  food  unto 
them  in  tlie  downfall  of  the  daughter  of  my 
people. 

11  The  Lord  hath  let  loose  all  his  fury; 
he  hath  poured  out  the  fierceness  of  his  an- 
ger; and  he  hath  kindled  a  fire  in  Zion,  which 
hath  devoured  her  foundations. 

12  The  kings  of  the  earth,  and  all  the  in- 
habitants of  the  woi-ld,  would  not  believe 
that  an  adversary  or  an  enemy  could  ever 
onter  within  the  gates  of  Jerusalem. 


'  Job  sxxix.  14. 

"  Partly  after  Jonathan,  referring  Druy  to  the  first  men- 
tioned, those  actually  slain  ;  and  niy  nuijj-io  to  the  second, 
"without  the  fruits  of  the  field."  So  also  Aruheim.  Phi- 
5  K 


13  (But  it  hath  liM[)pened)  because  of  the 
sins  of  her  prophets,  the  iniquities  of  her 
priests,  that  had  shed  in  the  midst  of  her 
the  blood  of  the  righteous. 

14  They  wandered  about  blindly  in  the 
sti'eets,  they  became  defiled  with  blood :  so  that 
men  were  not  able  to  touch  their  garments. 

15  Depart,  ye  unclean,  they  called  out  unto 
them;  depart,  depart,  touch  not.  So  they 
flee  away  and  also  wander  about:  men  say 
among  the  nations.  They  shall  no  more  so- 
journ there." 

16  The  anger  of  the  Lord  hath  divided 
them ;  he  will  no  more  look  at  them :  the 
faces  of  the  priests  they  respected  not,  and 
the  elders  they  spared  not. 

17  Even  now  our  eyes  anxiously  wait  for 
our  valueless  help :  in  our  waiting  have  we 
waited  for  a  nation  that  cannot  help. 

18  They  hunt  our  steps,  that  we  cannot 
walk  in  our  streets:  our  end  is  near,  our  days 
are  full ;  for  our  end  is  come. 

19  Swifter  were  our  pursuers  than  the 
eagles  of  heaven :  upon  the  mountains  did 
they  hotly  follow  us,  in  the  wilderness  did 
they  lie  in  wait  for  us. 

20  The  breath  of  our  nostrils,  the  anoint- 
ed of  the  Lord,  was  caught  in  their  pits,  he, 
of  whom  we  said.  Under  his  shadow  shall  we 
live  among  the  nations. 

21  Be  glad  and  rejoice,  0  daughter  of 
Edom,  that  dwellest  in  the  laud  of  'Uz:  also 
unto  thee  shall  the  cup  pass;  thou  wilt  be 
drunken,  and  make  thyself  naked."* 

22  Brought  to  an  end  is  thy  iniquity,  0 
daughter  of  Zion ;  He  will  no  more  carry 
tliee  away  into  exile:  He  visiteth  thy  ini- 
quity, 0  daughter  of  Edom;  He  layeth  open 
thy  sins. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  If  Remember,  0  Lord,  what  hath  oc- 
curred to  us,  look  down,  ami  behold  our  dis- 
grace. 

2  Oiu-  inheritance  is  turned  over  to  stran- 
gers, our  houses  to  aliens. 

3  Orphans  are  we  become,  and  (we  are) 
without  a  father,  our  mothers  are  like  wi- 
dows. 


lippson  renders,  "for  these  pour  forth  their  blood,  pierced 
through,  not  earing  for  the  fruits  of  the  field." 

°  /.  e.  In  their  land,  made  unclean  by  them. 

''  Rashi,  "thou  wilt  vomit,"  or  "empty  thyself." 

873 


ECCLESIASTES  I. 


4  Our  water  have  we  drunk  for  money: 
our  wood  Cometh  to  us  for  a  purchase 
price. 

5  Up  to  our  necks  are  we  pursued :  we  are 
fatigued,  and  no  rest  is  allowed  us. 

6  To  Egypt  do  we  stretch  out  our  hand,  to 
Asshur,  to  be  satisfied  with  bread. 

7  Our  fathers  have  sinned,  and  are  no 
more ;  but  we  have  indeed  to  bear  their  ini- 
quities. 

8  Servants  rule  over  us:  no  one  delivereth 
us  out  of  their  hand. 

9  At  the  peril  of  our  life  must  we  bring- 
home  our  bread,  because  of  the  sword  of  the 
wilderness. 

10  Our  skin  gloweth  like  an  oven,  because 
of  the  heat  of  famine. 

11  Women  have  they  ravished  in  Zion, 
virgins,  in  the  cities  of  Judah. 

12  Princes  were  hanged  up  by  their  hand: 
the  faces  of  elders  were  not  honoured. 

13  Young  men  they  bore  to  the  mill,  and 
boys  stumbled  under  the  wood." 


14  The  elders  have  ceased  from  the  gate, 
young  men,  from  their  singing. 

15  Ceased  hath  the  joy  of  our  heart:  our 
dance  is  changed  into  mourning. 

IG  Fallen  is  the  crown  of  our  head:  wo  to 
us,  for  we  have  sinned. 

17  Because  of  this  is  our  heart  made  sick; 
for  these  things  are  our  eyes  dimmed; 

18  Because  of  the  mount  of  Zion  which  is 
wasted,  foxes  walk  about  on  it. 

19  0  thou.  Lord,  wilt  truly  abide  for  ever, 
thy  throne  existeth  throughout  all  genera- 
tions. 

20  Wherefore  wilt  thou  forget  us  for  ever? 
wilt  thou  forsake  us  for  so  long  a  time? 

21  Cause  us  to  return,  0  Lord,  unto  thee, 
and  we  will  return :  renew  our  days  as  of 
old. 

22  For  wunldsf'  thou  entirely  reject  us,  be 
wroth  with  us  to  the  uttermost? 

[21  Cause  us  to  return,  0  Lord,  unto  thee, 
and  we  will  I'eturn:  renew  our  days  as  of 
old.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ECCLESIASTES, 


CHAPTER  L 

1  T[  The  words  of  Koheleth,''  the  son  of 
David,  the  king  in  Jerusalem. 

2  Vanity*  of  vanities,  saith  Koheleth,  va- 
nity of  vanities:  all  is  vanity. 

3  What  profit  hath  a  man  of  ail  his  toil 
which  he  toileth  under  the  sun? 

4  One  generation  passeth  away,  and  an- 
other generation  cometh ;  but  the  earth  endur- 
eth  for  ever. 


'  i.  r.  While  carrying  heavy  loads  of  wood. 

''  Herxheimer.  Philippson  and  Sachs,  "  Wouklst  thou 
have  rejected  us?"  Rashi,  "Thou  shouldst  not  have 
rejected  us  (for  our  sins)  nor  been  angry  with  us  too 
much,  as  thou  hast  been  wrotli ;"  but  the  sense  is  in  all 
the  same.  Amheim,  "For  truly  thou  hast  rejected  us, 
been  angry  with  us  exceedingly  niucli  " 

°  n'7np  Koh.i'lith,  is  rendered  "the  prcMcher;"  the  root 
')  Snp  Kiihdl,  "to  assemble;"  hence  it  signifies  either, 
»7i 


5  The  sun  also  riseth,  and  the  sun  goeth 
down,  and  striving  to  reach  his  place  he 
riseth  again  there. 

G  Going-  toward  the  south,  and  turning 
round  toward  the  north,  the  wind  moveth 
roinid  al)out  continually;  and  around  its  cir- 
cles doth  the  wind  return  again. 

7  All  the  i-ivers  run  into  the  sea;  yet 
the  sea  is  never  full:  unto  the  place  whi- 
ther' the  rivers  go,  thither  will  they  continue 
to  go. 


as  Rashi  states,  "who  had  gathered  up  much  wisdom,"  or 
"who  spoke  in  public  assemblies," — "the  preacher,"  or 
"orator." 

•^  Philippson,  "Nothingness,"  and  so  throughout. 

*  Some,  and  among  them  Rashi,  refer  the  first  part  of 
verse  6  to  the  sun:  "in  the  day  he  goeth  to  the  south,  at 
night  lie  goeth  round  to  the  north." 

'  liashi,  "whence  the  rivers  c(ime,  tiiither  will  llii'y  re- 
turn." 


ECCLESTASTES  I.  II. 


8  AW  tliii\gs  weary  themselves"  (constants 
ly) ;  man  cannot  utter  tliem  :  the  eye  is  never 
satisfied  with  seeing,  nor  the  ear  filled  with 
hearing. 

9  That  which  hath  been,  is  tiie  same 
which  will  be;  and  that  which  hath  been 
done,  is  the  same  which  will  be  done;  and 
there  is  nothing  new  under  the  sun. 

10  If  there  be  any  thing  whereof  it  is  said, 
See,  this  is  new:  it  hath  already  been  in 
olden  times  which  were  before  us.'' 

11  (Only)  there  is  no  recollection  of  former 
(generations) ;  and  also  of  the  later  ones,  that 
are  to  be — of  these  (likewise)  there  will  be 
no  recollection  with  those  that  will  be  still 
later. 

12  I  Koheleth  was  king  over  Israel  in  Je- 
rusalem. 

13  And  I  directed  my  heart  to  inquire  and 
to  search  out  by  wisdom  concerning  all  that  is 
done  under  the  heavens :  this  is  an  evil  em- 
ployment which  God  hath  given  to  the  sons 
of  man  to  bu.'^y  themselves  therewith. 

14  I  saw  all  the  deeds  that  are  done  under 
the  sun:  and,  behold,  all  is  vanity  and  a  tor- 
ture of  the  spirit." 

.15  What  is  crooked  cannot  be  made 
straight ;  and  that  which  is  defective  cannot 
be  numbered. 

IG  I  spoke  with  my  own  heart,  saying,  Lo,  I 
have  truly  obtained  greater  and  more  wisdom 
than  all  those  who  have  been  before  me  over 
Jerusalem :  yea,  my  lieart  had  seen  much  wis- 
dom and  knowledge. 

17  And  I  directed  my  heart  to  know  wis- 
dom, and  to  know  madness  and  folly;  (but) 
I  have  perceived  that  this  also  is  a  torture  of 
the  spirit. 

18  For  where  there  is  much  wisdom  there 
is  much  vexation ;  and  he  tliat  increaseth 
knowledge  increaseth  pain. 

CHAPTER  II. 
1  Come,  then,  I  said  in  my  heart,  I  will 
have  a  taste  of  joy,  and  thou  shalt  see  what 
is  good;  but,  behold,  this  also  was  vanity. 

'  Aben  Ezra;  i.  r.  are  acting  ceaselessly.  Rashi, 
"cause  fatigue." 

'  Philippson,  after  Ewald,  "that  which  happeneth  in 
owT  presence  happened  already  long  since  in  olden  times." 

"Jonathan.  Aben  Ezra,  ''feeding  the  wind."  (Hosea 
sii.  2.)     Philippson,  "striving  for  wind." 

''  R.ashi.     Lit.  "draw."     Philippson,  "to  guide." 

'  Kashi.     Jonathan,   ''warm    and   hot  baths."     Aben 


2  Of  laughter  I  said.  It  maketli  one  mad : 
and  of  joy,  What  doth  this  do? 

3  I  resolved  in  my  heart  to  indulge*  my 
\H)dy  with  wine,  while  my  heart  guideth  it- 
self with  wisdom;  and  to  lay  last  hold  on 
folly,  till  I  might  see  what  it  is  that  is  good 
for  the  sons  of  men,  which  they  should  do 
under  the  heavens  during  tlie  number  of  the 
days  of  their  life. 

4  I  made  great  works:  I  built  myself 
houses ;   I  planted  myself  vineyards ; 

5  I  made  myself  gardens  and  orchards, 
and  I  planted  therein  trees  of  all  kinds  of 
fruit ; 

G  I  made  myself  pools  of  water,  to  water 
therewith  the  forest  overgrown  with  trees; 

7  I  bought  men-servants  and  maid-ser- 
vants, and  I  had  likewise  those  born  in  my 
house;  I  had  also  great  pos.sessions  of  cattle 
and  Hocks  above  all  that  had  been  before  me 
in  Jerusalem. 

8  I  gathered  unto  myself  also  silver  and 
gold,  and  the  choice  treasures  of  kings  and  of 
the  provinces :  I  procured  myself  male  singers 
and  female  singers,  and  the  delights  of  the 
sons  of  men,  wagons  and  chariots." 

9  So  was  I  great,  and  obtained  more  than 
all  that  had  been  before  me  in  Jerusalem: 
also  my  wisdom  remained*^  with  me. 

10  And  whatsoever  my  eyes  desired  I  re- 
fused them  not;  I  withheld  not  my  heart  from 
any  joy ;  for  my  heart  was  rejoiced  witli  all 
my  toil,  and  this  was  my  portion  of  all  my 
toil. 

11  But  when  I  turned  myself  (to  look)  on 
all  my  works  that  my  hands  had  wrought, 
and  on  the  toil  that  I  had  toiled  to  accom- 
plish :  then,  behold,  all  was  vanity  and  a 
torture  of  the  spirit,  and  there  was  no  profit 
under  the  sun. 

12  And  then  I  turned  myself  to  behold 
wisdom,  and  madness,  and  folly;  for  what 
(can)  the  man  (do)  that  cometh  after  the 
king?  (only)  that  which  (others)  have  done 
already." 

13  But  I  saw  indeed  that  wisdom  hath  the 

Ezra,  "female  captives  as  concubines."  With  the  latter 
Arnheim  agi-ees.  Philippson  and  Herxheimer,  '-many 
wives."  The  word  mw  occurs  but  here,  and  is  of  uncer- 
tain derivation.  '  Jonathan,  "and  a.ssisted  nie." 

^  Aben  Ezra;  meaning,  the  experience  of  those  inferior 
in  rank  to  the  king  cannot  be  any  more  happy  than  hia 
own ;  he  can  only  do  as  others  have  done,  and  find  no 
satisfaction  in  the  pursuit  of  mere  carnal  pleasures. 

875 


ECCLESIASTES  II.  III. 


advtmtage  over  folly,  as  great  as  the  advan- 
tage of  light  over  darkness. 

14  Tl  e  wine  man  Jiath  his  eyes  in  his 
head,  while  the  fool  walketh  in  darkness;  but 
I  myself  perceived  then  also  that  one  occur- 
rence will  befixU  all  of  tliem. 

15  Then  said  I  in  my  heart,  The  same 
that  befalleth  the  fool  will  also  befall  even 
me:  and  why  have  I  tlien  l)een  wiser?  Then 
spoke  I  in  my  heart,  that  this  is  also  vanity. 

16  For  there  is  no  recollection  of  the  wise 
any  more  than  of  the  fool  for  ever:  seeing 
that  which  hath  long  ago  been  will,  in  the 
days  that  are  coming,  all  be  forgotten.  And 
how  doth  the  wise  die  equally  with  the 
fool! 

17  Therefore  I  hated  life;  because  I  felt 
displeased  with  the  work  that  is  wrought 
under  the  sun;  for  all  is  vanity  and  a  torture 
of  the  spirit. 

18  Yea,  I  hated  also  all  my  toil  with  which 
I  had  toiled  under  the  sun ;  because  I  should 
have  to  leave  it  unto  the  man  that  will  be 
after  me. 

19  And  who  knoweth,  whether  he  will  be 
a  wise  man  or  a  fool  ?  yet  will  he  have  full 
sway  over  all  my  toil  wherein  I  have  toiled, 
and  wherein  I  have  shown  myself  wise  un- 
der the  sun.     Also  this  is  vanity. 

20  Therefore  I  turned  about  to  cause  my 
heart  to  give  up  thinking  of  all  the  toil 
wherewith  I  had  toiled  under  the  sun. 

21  For  there  is  many  a  man  whose  toil 
is  in  wisdom,  and  in  knowledge,  and  with 
energy:  yet  to  a  man  that  hath  not  toiled 
therefor  must  he  give  it  as  his  portion.  Also 
this  is  vanity  and  a  great  evil. 

22  For  what  doth  a  man  obtain  of  all  his 
toil,  and  of  the  torture"  of  his  heart,  where- 
with he  toileth  under  the  sun? 

23  For  all  his  days  are  fidl  of  pains,  and 
vexation  is  (mingled  with)  his  employment: 
yea,  even  in  the  night  his  heart  taketh  not 
rest.     Also  this  is  vanity. 

24  It  is  not  a  good''  thing  (inherent)  in 
man  that  he  should  eat  and  drink,  and  that 
he  should  make  his  soul  enjoy  happiness  for 


•  Rashi.     Eng.  ver.,  "vexation."     Philipp.son,  ".striv- 
ing."    Arnheim,  "thinking." 

"Jonathan,   "Nothing  is  good  for   man,   but  that  he 
fihoiil.!,"  &c. 

°  Septuagint  reail.s,  ij03  "from  him;"   thu.s,  "For  who 
cau  eat — unless  it  be  from  him?"   i.  e.  God. 
870 


his  toil.     Also  this  have  T  seen,  that  it  cometh 
out  of  the  hand  of  God. 

25  For  who  can  well  eat,  or  who  can  en- 
joy earthly  things  more  than  I?'' 

26  For  to  a  man  who  is  good  in  his  pre- 
sence (God)  giveth  wisdom,  and  knowledge, 
and  joy ;  but  to  the  sinner  he  giveth  employ- 
ment, to  gather  uja  and  to  bring  together, 
that  he  may  give  it  to  him  that  is  good  before 
God.  Also  this  is  vanity  and  a  torture  of 
the  spirit. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  For  every  thing  there  is  a  season ;  and  a 
(proper)  time  is  for  every  pursuit  under  the 
heavens. 

2  (There  is)  a  time  to  be  born,  and  a  time 
to  die ;  a  time  to  plant,  and  a  time  to  pluck 
up  what  hath  been  planted; 

3  A  time  to  kill,  and  a  time  to  heal;  a 
time  to  break  down,  and  a  time  to  build  up ; 

4  A  time  to  weep,  and  a  time  to  laugh;  a 
time  to  mourn,  and  a  time  to  dance; 

5  A  time  to  throw  away  stones,  and  a  time 
to  gather  up  stones;  a  time  to  embrace,  and  a 
time  to  be  far  from  embracing; 

6  A  time  to  seek,  and  a  time  to  let  things 
be  lost;  a  time  to  keep,  and  a  time  to  throw 
away ; 

7  A  time  to  rend,  and  a  time  to  sew;  a 
time  to  keep  silence,  and  a  time  to  speak; 

8  A  time  to  love,  and  a  time  to  hate;  a 
time  of  war,  and  a  time  of  peace. 

9  What  profit  hath  (now)  he  that  worketh 
in  that  wherein  he  toileth? 

10  I  have  seen  the  emploj'ment,  which 
God  hath  given  to  the  sons  of  men  to  busy 
themselves  therewith. 

11  Every  thing  hath  he  made  beautiful  in 
its  (proper)  time:  he  hath  also  placed  the 
eternity''  in  their  heart,  without  a  man's  be- 
ing able  to  find  out  the  work  that  God  hath 
made  from  the  beginning  to  the  end. 

12  1  know  that  there  is  nothins;  good  (in- 
herent)  in  them,  but  for  every  one  to  rejoice, 
and  to  do  what  is  good  during  (all)  his  life. 

13  For  also   that  every  man    should  eat 


■'  Aben  Ezra,  who  explains,  "  Man  acts  as  though  he 
would  live  for  ever;  and  because  he  is  so  occupied  in 
worldly  matters,  he  has  no  understanding  of  God's  work- 
ing." Others  render,  "he  hath  also  placed  the  world," 
i.  I',  worldly  wisdom,  according  to  Ra^hi;  others,  desire 
for  worldly  things.     I'hilippson,  "eternal  duration." 


ECCLESIA8TE8  ITT.  TV. 


ami  drink,  and  enjo}-  what  is  good  for  all  his 
toil,  is  likewise  a  gift  of  God. 

l-l  1  know  that  whatsoever  God  doth, 
tlii.t  will  be  for  ever;  to  it  nothing  can  be 
added,  and  from  it  there  is  nothing  to  be 
diminished:  and  God  hath  so  made  it,  that 
men  shoidd  be  afraid  of  him. 

15  Tliat  which  hath  been  hath  long  since 
appeared  (again)";  and  what  is  to  be  hath 
already  been;  and  God  seeketh  (again)  that 
which  is  sped  away.*" 

IG  And  moreover  I  have  seen  under  the 
sun,  (that  in)  the  place  of  justice,  even  there 
was  wickedness;  and  (that  in)  the  place  of 
righteousness,  even  there  was  wickedness. 

17  I  said  in  my  heart,  God  will  judge  the 
righteous  and  the  wicked;  ibr  there  is  a  time 
for  every  pursuit;  and  on  account  of  every 
deed  there  (will  he  judge)." 

18  1  said  in  m}-  heart  concerning  the  speak- 
in-g''  of  the  sons  of  men,  that  God  might  make 
it  clear  to  them,  and  that  they  might  see 
that  they  by  themselves  are  but  beasts. 

19  For  that  which  befalleth  the  sons  of 
men  befalleth  beasts;  even  the  same  thing  be- 
falleth them;  as  the  one  dieth,  so  dieth  the 
other;  yea,  they  have  all  one  kind  of  spirit: 
so  that  the  preeminence  of  man  alx)ve  the 
beast  is  nought;  for  all  is  vanity. 

20  Every  thing  goeth  unto  one  place: 
every  thing  came  from  the  dust,  and  every 
thing  returueth  to  the  dust. 

21  Who  knoweth  the  spirit  of  the  sons  of 
man"  that  ascendeth  upward,  and  the  spirit 
of  the  beast  that  descendeth  downward  to 
the  earth?' 

22  And  so  did  I  perceive  that  there  is 
nothing  better,  than  that  a  man  should  re- 
joice in  his  own  works;  for  that  is  his  por- 
tion; for  who  can  bring  him  to  look  with 
pleasure  on  what  will  be  after  him? 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  And  I  turned  about,  and  Ijeheld  all  the 
oppressed  that  are  made  so  under  the  sun: 


'  Philippson,  distinguishing  between  n'D  "was,"  and 
Xin  "is;"  but  Rashi,  "what  bath  been  is  past,  and  we 
have  seen  it  or  beard  of  it  " 

*"  Jonathan  and  Rashi,  "lookcth  after  the  persecuted." 

°  Rashi. 

'■  Rashi,  "aiTOganee."  Abeu  Ezra,  "because  of  the 
3ons  of  men  whom  God  hath  selected,  I  see  that,"  &c. 
Philippson,  "it  is  to  prove  God,  and  to  see  that,"  &c. 


and.  behold,  thei'e  are  the  tears  of  the  op- 
pressed, and  they  have  no  comforter;  and 
from  the  hand  of  their  oppressors  they  suf- 
fer violence;*^  and   they    have  no  comforter. 

2  Thereu[)on  praised  I  the  dead  tha'fc  are 
already  dead,  more  than  the  living  who  are 
still  alive; 

3  And  as  happier  than  both  of  them,  him 
who  hath  not  yet  come  into  being,  who  hath 
not  seen  the  evil-doing  that  is  done  under  the 
sun. — 

4  Again,  I  beheld  all  the  toil,  and  all  the 
energy  in  doing,  that  it  is  (from)  the  envy 
of  one  man  of  his  neighbour.  Also  this  is 
vanity  and  a  torture  of  the  spirit. 

5  The  fool  foldeth  his  hands  together,  and 
eateth  his  own  ilesh. 

6  Better  is  a  handful  of  quiet,  than  both 
the  hands  full  of  toil  and  torture  of  the  spirit. 

7  Then  I  turned  about,  and  I  saw  a  vanity 
under  the  sun. 

8  There  is  one  alone,  and  he  hath  not  a 
companion ;  yea,  he  hath  neither  son  nor  bro- 
ther: yet  is  there  no  end  to  all  his  toil;  his 
eye  also  is  not  satisfied  with  riches.  Yet  for 
whom  do  I  toil,  and  deprive  my  soul  of  good? 
Also  this  is  vanity,  yea,  it  is  a  bad  employment. 

9  Two  are  better  than  one;  because  they 
will  have  a  good  reward  for  their  toil. 

10  For  if  they  fiUl,  the  one  will  lift  up  his 
fellow;  but  wo  to  the  single  one  that  falleth; 
for  he  hath  no  companion  to  lift  him  up. 

11  Also,  if  two  lie  together,  then  will  they 
become  wann ;  but  how  can  one  person  alone 
become  warm? 

12  And  if  a  man  could  overpower  him,  the 
single  one,  two  would  stand  up  against  him: 
and  a  threefold  cord  cannot  quickly  be  torn 
asunder. 

13  Better  is  a  poor  and  a  wise  youth  than 
an  old  and  foolish  king,  who  knoweth  not 
how  to  be  admonished  any  more. 

14  For  out  of  the  prison  cometh  the  one*" 
to  reign: 


whereas  also  in  his  kinmlom   the 


other  becometh  poor. 


'  So  must  it  be  rendered  after  the  Massorah ;  the  mo- 
derns, however,  render  it,  "whether  it  ascend,"  &c. 

'  Philippson  regards  verses  19-21  as  the  speaking  of 
the  worldly,  which  Knbeleth  cites  in  verse  18;  con- 
sequently, all  contradiction  to  himself  is  thus  avoided. 

^  HD  here  the  effect  of  "power,"  "wrong,"  "violence." 

''  Arnheim;  but  he  renders  the  last  part,  "so  is  theotiier 
with    his  royal   dignity  one  born  poor."     Tiash.i,  giving 


ECCLESIASTES  IV.  V. 


15  I  have  seen  all  the  living  who  walk 
under  the  sun,  being  with  the  second  child 
that  is  to  stand  up  in  his  stead. 

16  There  was  no  end  to  all  the  people, 
(belonging)  to  all  that  have  been  before  them  : 
they  also  that  come  after  will  not  rejoice  in 
him.  Surely  this  also  is  vanity  and  a  torture 
of  the  spirit. — 

17°  Watch  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the 
house  of  God,  and  be  near  to  hearken  (to  his 
will),  more  than  to  give  the  sacrifice  of  fools; 
for  they  consider  not  that  they  do  evil  (to 
themselves)  .** 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Suffer  not  thy  mouth  to  be  rash,  and  let 
thy  heart  not  be  hasty  to  utter  any  word  be- 
fore God;  for  God  is  in  the  heavens,  and  thou 
art  upon  the  earth  :  therefore  let  thy  words 
be  few. 

2  For  a  dream  cometh  through  beinsi-  much 


the  matter;  for  one  that  is  high  watclieth 
over  the  high;  and  over  them,  the  highest 
Power. 

8  But  the  advantage  of  a  land  in  all  things 
is,  a  king  who  is  subject  to  the  country.*^ 

9  He  that  loveth  money  will  never  be 
satisfied  with  money;  nor  he  that  loveth 
abundance,  with  any  increase.  Also  this  is 
vanity. 

10  When  prosperity  increaseth,  those  that 
consume  it  (likewise)  increase:  and  what  ad- 
vantage is  there  to  its  owner,  saving  to  see 
(it)  with  his  ej-es? 

11  Sweet  is  the  sleep  of  the  labouring 
man,  whether  he  eat  little  or  much;  but  the 
overabundance  of  the  rich  will  not  sutler 
him  to  sleeiD. 

12  There  is  a  sore  evil  wliich  I  have  seen 
under  the  sun,  (namely,)  riches  reserved  for 
their  owner  to  his  own  hurt. 

13  And  these  riches  are  lost  through  an 


eraplojed  (with   something),    and    the  voice  ;;  unfortunate  event ;^  and  he  begetteth  a  son, 


of  a  fool  cometh  with  a  multitude  of  words. 

3  When  thou  niakest  a  vow  unto  God,  do 
not  delay  to  pay  it;  for  he  hath  no  pleasure 
in  such  fools:  that  which  thou  hast  vowed 
must  thou  pay. 

4  It  is  better  that  thou  shouldst  not  vow, 
than  that  thou  shouldst  vow  and  not  pay. 

5  Suffer  not  thy  mouth  to  cause  thy  body'' 
to  sin;  and  say  thou  not  before  the  messen- 
ger,'' that  it  was  an  error:  wherefore  should 


and  hath  not  the  least  in  his  hand: 

14  As  he  came  forth  out  of  his  mother's 
womb,  naked  will  he  return  to  go  as  he  came ; 
and  not  the  least  Avill  he  carry  off  for  his  toil, 
which  he  might  take  away  with  him.'' 

15  And  also  this  is  a  sore  evil,  that  in  all 
points  as  he  came,  so  must  he  go :  and  what 
profit  hath  he  that  hath  toiled  for  the  wind? 

16  All  his  days  also  had  he  to  eat  in  dark- 
ness, and  hath  had  much  vexation  and  wrath 

God  be  angry  beceaise  of  thy  voice,  and  de-    with  his  sickness." 

stroy  the  work  of  thy  hands  ?  !      17   Behold,  what  I  have  truly  seen    as   a 

6  For  in  the  multitude"  of  dreams  and  good  thing,  that  it  is  fitting  to  eat  and  to 
vanities  there  are  also  many  words;  but  drink,  and  to  eujoy  the  good  of  all  one's  toil 
rather  fear  thou  God.  il  that  he  taketli  under  the  sun  the  number  of 

7  If  thou  see  the  oppression  of  the  poor,  i  the  days  of  his  life,  which  God  hath  given 
and  violence   done   to  justice   and  righteous- ■' him;  for  this  is  his  portion. 

ness  in  a  province,  do  not  feel  astounded  at  |      18  Also   every  man   to  whom   God  hath 


the  second  part  a  good  sense,  "for  even  in  his  kingdom 
becometh  he  (unlike  other  rulers)  humble  to  the  wise;" 
hence  he  is  worthy  to  rule.  Philippson,  "For  out  of 
prison  can  a  man  come  to  bo  a  ruler;  so  also  can  one  be- 
ciime  poor  in  his  kingdom." 

'  In  the  English  version  this  is  the  first  verse  of  chap.  v. 

'  So  Rash i.  Aniheim,  "for  they  wish  not  to  know, 
in  order  to  do  evil."  Pliilippson,  "then  will  men  not 
uudorstaiid  to  do  evil." 

°  Rashi,  "thy  children,"  on  whom  unfulfilled  vows 
would  be  punished. 

■*  Rashi;  /'.  e.  who  is  sent  to  demand  payment.  Others, 
"the  angel,"  he  who  punishes  the  sinner  by  God's  uiis- 
Biou. 

878 


'  Philippson.  Rashi  renders,  "For  despite  a  multi- 
tude of  dreams,  vanities,  and  many  words  (men  may  say 
to  thee):  do  thou  only  fear  God." 

'  Philippson.  Rashi's  explanation  is  somewhat  para- 
phrastic. Aben  Ezra,  "a  king  who  tilleth  himself  the 
field."  Philippson  ingeniously  takes  miy,  not  as  a  single 
field,  but  tiie  whole  country;  like  2Nra  nty  "the  fields — 
country  of  Moilb  " 

*  Arnheim,  "striving;"  rendered  elsewhere,  "employ- 
ment;" but  we  have  followed  Philippson.  It  might,  per- 
haps, be  given  with  "speculation." 

^  Lit.  "in  his  hand  " 

'  Meaning,  the  constant  wrathful  anxiety  was  a  disease 
which  jiermitted  him  not  the  least  enjoyment. 


ECCLESIASTES  V.  VI.  VIT. 


given  riches  and  property,  and  iiatli  given 
him  power  to  eat  thereof,  and  to  take  his  por- 
tion, and  to  rejoice  in  his  toil — this  is  the 
gift  of  God. 

lU  Let  him  then  remember,  that  the  dajs 
of  his  life  are  not  many,  that  God  hath  an- 
swered" him  with  the  jo}'  of  his  heart. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  There  is  an  evil  which  I  have  seen 
under  the  sun,  and  it  is  great  on  men  ■} 

2  (There  is  many)  a  man  to  whom  God 
hatli  given  riches,  property,  and  honour,  and 
nothing  is  wanting  for  his  soul  of  all  that  he 
longethfor:  yet  God  empowereth  him  not  to 
eat  theieof,  but  a  stranger  will  consume  it. 
This  is  vanity,  and  it  is  an  evil  disease. 

3  If  a  man  were  to  beget  a  hundred  chil- 
dren, and  live  many  years,  so  that  the  days 
of  his  years  were  many,  and  his  soul  were  not 
satisfied  witli  what  is  good,  and  he  have  not 
had  even  a  burial :  then  do  I  say,  that  an 
untimely  birth  is  better  than  he. 

4  For  in  vaniiy  it  came,  and  in  darkness  it 
departeth,  and  with  darkness  will  its  name 
be  covered. 

5  Moreover  it  never  saw  the  sun,  and 
knew  nothing:  this  hath  more  rest  than  the 
other. 

6  Yea,  though  he  were  to  live  a  thousand 
years  twice  told,  and  had  not  seen  any  good 
— doth  not  every  one  go  to  one  place? 

7  All  the  toil  of  a  man  is  for  his  mouth ; 
and  yet  is  his  desire  never  filled. 

8  For  what  hath  the  wise  more  than  the 
fool?  what  hath  the  poor,  that  knoweth  to 
walk  (properly)  before  the  living? 

9  Better  is  what  one  seeth  with  the  eyes 
than  the  wandering''  of  the  desire.  Also  this 
is  vanity  and  a  torture  of  the  spirit. 

10  That  which  hath  been  is  already  called 
by  its  name,  and  it  is  known  that'^  he  is  a 
man :  and  he  is  not  able  to  contend  with  him 
that  is  mightier  than  he. 

11  For  there  are  many  things  that  increase 


•  Rashi,  "God  will  testify  for  his  joy  of  heart,  that  it 
was  to  do  good." 

*■  Rashi,  "it  is  frequent  among  men." 

°  Philippson,  "than  to  let  the  desire  have  free  scope;" 
OJplaining,  "It  is  better  to  be  satisfied  with  the  attainable 
than  to  unbridle  the  passions  and  to  be  at  enmity  with 
mankind." 

*  PbilippsoUj  "what  a  man  is." 


vanity:  what  advantage  (cometh  thence)  fcr 
man  ? 

12  For  who  knoweth  what  is  good  for 
man  in  this  life,  the  uumlter  of  the  days  of 
his  vain  life,  that  he  should  spend  them  as  a 
shadow?  for  who  can  tell  a  man  what  will 
be  after  him  under  the  sun? 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  A  good  name  is  better  than  precious  oil, 
and  the  day  of  death,  better  than  the  day  of 
one's  birth. 

2  It  is  better  to  oo  to  the  house  of  mourn- 
ing  than  to  go  to  the  house  of  feasting;  inas- 
much as  that  is  the  end  of  all  men:  and  let 
the  living  lay  it  to  his  heart. 

3  Better  is  vexation  than  laughing;  for 
through  the  sadness  of  the  countenance  the 
heart  is  made  better. 

4  The  heart  of  the  wise  is  in  the  house  of 
mourning;  but  the  heart  of  fools  is  in  the 
house  of  joy. 

5  It  is  better  to  hear  the  rebuke  of  the 
wise,  than  that  a  man  should  hear  the  song 
of  fools. 

6  For  as  the  crackling  of  thorns  under  a 
pot,  so  is  the  laughter  of  the  fool.  Also  this  is 
vanity. 

7  For  (exercising)  oppression  maketh  a 
wise  man  mad;  and  bribery  corrupteth  the 
heart." 

8  Better  is  the  end  of  a  thing  than  the  be- 
ginning thereof:  better  is  the  patient  in  spirit 
than  the  proud  in  spirit. 

9  Be  not  rash  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry; 
for  anger  resteth  in  the  bosom  of  fools. 

10  Thou  must  not  say,  How  was  it  that 
the  former  days  were  better  than  these?  for 
it  is  not  out  of  wisdom  that  tliou  askest  con- 
cerning this. 

11  Wisdom  is  better  than'  an  inheritance, 
yea,  preferable  for  those  that  see  the  sun;"^ 

12  For  under  the  shadow''  of  wisdom  (a 
man  is  equally  well  as)  under  the  shadow  of 
money;  but  the  superior  excellency  of  know- 


"  Rashi,  "For  contending  (with  a  fool)  maketh  a  wise 
man  mad,  and  causcth  the  intelligence  given  (by  God)  to 
be  lost." 

'  Dj?  "compared  with,"  "more,"  as  above  ii.  16.  Herx- 
heimer,  "wisdom  is  as  good  as  an  inheritance."  Aru- 
heim,  "good  with  an,"  &c. 

*  1.  e.  Men  who  can  look  on  the  sun. 

"■  Meaning,  "under  the  protcctiou,"  &.C. 


ECCLESIASTES  VII.  VIII. 


ledge  is,  that  wisdom  givetli  life  to  him  that 
possesseth  it. 

13  Consider  (then)  the  work  of  God;  for 
who  can  make  straight  what  he  hath  made 
crooked  ? 

14  On  the  day  of  prosperity  be  happy,  but 


on  the  day  of  adversity  look   on:    also  this  !  perience 


the  woman,  whose  heart  is  snares  and  nets, 
and  whose  hands  are  bonds :  he  that  is  deemed 
good  before  God  will  escape  from  her;  but 
the  sinner  will  be  caught  by  her. 

27  Behold,  this  have  I  found,  saith  Kohe- 
leth,  (adding)   one  to  the  other,  to  find  ex- 


hath  God  made  in  equal  measure  with  the  | 
other,  to   the  end  that  man  should  not  find 
the  least  to  censure"  him. 

15  All  things  have  I  seen  in  the  days  of 
my  vanity:  there  is  many  a  righteous  man 
that  perisheth  in  his  righteousness,  and  there 
is  many  a  wicked  man  that  liveth  long  in  his 
wickedness. — 

16  Be  not  righteous  over  much;  neither 
show  thyself  over  wise:  why  wouldst  thou 
destroy  thyself? 

17  Be  not  wicked  over  much,  and  be  no 
fool :  why   wouldst  thou  die  before  thy  time  ? 

18  It  is  good  that  thou  shouldst  take  hold 
of  that,  and  that  also  from  this  thou  with- 
draw not  thy  hand ;  for  he  that  feareth  God 
will  come  forth  out  of  them  all.*' 

19  Wisdom  giveth  more  strength  to  the 
wise  than  ten  rulers  whicli  were  in  the  city. 

20  For  no  man  is  so  righteous  upon  earth, 
that  he  should  do  always  good,  and  never 
sin. — 

21  Also  take  no  heed  unto  all  the  words 
that  are  spoken :  lest  tliou  hear  thy  servant 
cursing  thee. 

22  For  oftentimes  also  doth  thy  own  heart 
know  that  thou  thyself  likewise  hast  cursed 
others. — 

23  All  this  have  I  proved  by  wisdom :  I 
said,  I  will  be  wise;  but  it  was  far  from  me. 

24  Far  is  what  formerly  was  so,  and  what 
was  deep  remaineth  deep :  who  can  find  it  out? 

25  Then  I  turned  myself  about  together 
Avith  my  heart  to  know,  and  to  search,  and  to 
seek  out  wisdom,  and  experience,''  and  to 
know  the  wickedness  of  folly,  and  the  foolish- 
ness" of  madness. 

26  And  I  find  as  more  bitter  than  death 


*  Rashi.     Philippson,  "nothing  beyond  this." 

^  Koholeth  recommends  avoiding  extremes;  to  obey 
God  in  all  things, — not  to  be  wiser  and  better  than  the 
law. 

"  p^BTl  "the  account,"  "calculation,"  from  iBTl  "to 
think;"  hence  the  result  of  all  this — the  experience  in 
life. 

'  PhiliiJ|isnii.  IIiT.xhi'inier,  "wickedness,  folly, foolish- 
ness, ami  madness." 


regardeth  the  oath 


28  What  my  soul  constantly  sought,  but 
I  found  it  not:  one  man  among  a  thousand 
did  I  find;  but  a  woman  among  all  these  did 
I  not  find. 

29  Lo,  this  only  did  I  find,  that  God  hath 
made  man  upright;  but  they  have  sought 
for  many  (sinful)  devices, 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Who  is  like  the  wise?  and  who  knoweth 
(as  well)  the  explanation  of  a  thing?  a  man's 
wisdom  enlighteneth  his  face,  and  the  bold- 
ness of  his  face  will  be  lessened.'" 

2  I  (counsel  thee),  Keep  the  king's*^  com- 
mand,  and    that   which 
(to  him  taken)  by  God. 

3  Be  not  hasty  to  go  out  of  his  presence ; 
engage  not  in  an  evil  thing;  for  whatsoever 
pleaseth  him,  can  he  do; 

4  Because  the  word  of  a  king  is  powerful ; 
and  who  may  say  unto  him.  What  doest 
thou?— 

5  Whoso  keepeth  the  commandment  will 
experience  no  evil  thing:  and  a  wise  man's 
heart  knoweth  both  time  and  the  just  conse- 
quence. 

C  Because  for  every  pursuit  there  is  a 
time  and  a  just  consequence  ;  for  the  evil  of 
man  (resteth)  hea\ily  upon  him.^ 

7  For  he  knoweth  not  that  which  will  be; 
for  who  can  tell  liim  how  it  will  be? 

8  No  man  hath  control  over  the  spirit  to 
detain  the  spirit;  and  tliere  is  no  control  over 
the  day  of  death;  and  there  is  no  representa- 
tive*"  in  that  war;  and  wickedness  will  not 
deliver  those  that  practise  it. 

9  All  this  have  I  seen,  and  directed  my 
heart  unto  every  work  that  is  done  under  the 

°  Aben  Ezra  explains  that  the  truly  wise  hi'ars  humi 
lity,  not  arrogance,  in  his  face. 

'  Rashi  refers  King  to  God,  the  sovereign  of  all;  "and 
because  of  the  oath  we  took  at  Horeb"  (to  God). 

*  Philipp.soii ;  but  Rashi,  "when  the  evil  of  man  is 
great  upon  him;"  for  then  the  punishment  folhiws. 

^  Rashi,  who  explains,  "It  will  not  do  to  .say,  I  will 
send  my  son  or  servant."  Philippson,  "there  is  no 
escape."     Aben  Ezra,  "no  weapon  availeth." 


ECCLESIASTES  VIIT.  TX. 


sun :  there  is  a  time  when  one  man  ruleth 
over  another  to  his  own  injury. 

10  Then  also  did  I  see  the  wicked  buried, 
wlio  had  gone  to  their  rest;  but  those  who 
had  acted  correctl}"  had  to  go  away  from  the 
holy  place,  and  were  forgotten  in  the  city. 
Also  this  is  vanity. 

11  Because  the  punishment  against  evil 
deeds  is  not  executed  speedily,  therefore  is 
the  heart  of  the  sons  of  men  filled  up  in  them 
to  do  evil. 

12  But  let  a  sinner  do  evil  a  hundred 
times,  and  (God)  withhold  long  his  punish- 
ment from  him:  still  do  I  truly  know  for  cer- 
tain that  it  will  be  well  with  those  that  fear 
God,  because  they  are  afraid  of  him; 

13  And  that  it  will  not  be  well  with  the 
svicked,  and  that  he  will  not  endure  many  days, 
like  the  shadow ;  because  he  is  not  afraid  of  God. 

14  There  is  a  vanity  which  is  done  upon 
the  earth,  that  there  are  righteous  men,  unto 
Avhom  it  happeneth  in  accordance  with  the 
deeds  of  the  wicked:  again,  there  are  wicked 
men,  to  whom  it  happeneth  in  accordance 
with  the  deeds  of  the  righteous.  I  said  that 
this  also  is  vanity. 

15  Therefore  do  I  praise  jo}iidness,  that 
there  is  nothing  better  for  man  under  the  sun, 
than  to  eat,  and  to  drink,  and  to  be  joyful; 
for  this  will  adhere  to  him  in  his  toil,  during 
the  days  of  his  life  which  God  hath  given 
him  under  the  sun. — 

16  When  I  applied  my  heart  to  know  wis- 
dom, and  to  see  the  employment  that  is  done 
upon  the  earth,  how  even  neither  by  day  nor 
by  night  sleep  is  seen  in  the  eyes  of  some  men : 

17  Then  did  I  see  (in)  the  whole  work  of 
God,  that  a  man  is  not  able  to  find  out  the 
work  that  is  done  under  the  sun;  inasmuch 
as  tiiou^h  a  man  were  to  toil  to  seek  for  it, 
he  would  yet  not  find  it ;  and  even  if  the 
wise  were  to  think  to  know  it,  he  would  yet 
not  be  able  to  find  it. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  For  all  this  did  I  reflect  over''  in  my 
heart  and  to  explain  all  this,  that  the  right- 


eous, and  the  wise,  and  their  services,  are  in 
the  hand  of  God:  that  man  knoweth  neither 
love  nor  hatred;"  it  is  all  (ordained)  before 
them ; 

2  Every  thing  as  it  is  to  happen  to  all; 
there  is  but  one  occurrence  for  the  righteous, 
and  for  the  wicked;  for  the  good  and  for  the 
clean,  and  for  the  unclean;  and  for  him  that 
sacrificeth,  and  for  him  that  sacrificeth  not ; 
as  is  the  good,  so  is  the  sinner;  he  that  swear- 
eth,  as  he  that  feareth  an  oath. 

3  This  is  an  evil  among  all  things  that  are 
done  under  the  sun,  that  there  is  one  occur- 
rence for  all,  and  that  also  the  heart  of  the 
sons  of  men  is  full  of  evil,  and  that  madness 
is  in  their  heart  while  they  live,  and  after 
this  they  go  to  the  dead. 

4  For  whoever  is  yet  united*  wdth  all  the 
living  hath  still  hope;  for  a  living  dog  fareth 
better  than  a  dead  lion. 

5  For  the  living  know  that  they  will  die; 
but  the  dead  know  not  the  least;  nor  have 
they  longer  any  reward;''  for  their  memory 
is  forgotten. 

6  Also  their  love,  and  their  hatred,  and 
their  envy,  are  now  already  lost;  and  they 
will  have  never  more  a  portion  in  all  that  is 
done  under  the  sun. 

7  Go,  eat  with  joy  thy  bread,  and  drink 
with  a  merry  heart  thy  wine,  if  God  have' 
already  received  thy  works  in  favour. 

8  At  all  times  let  thy  garments  be  white, 
and  let  oil  not  be  wanting  on  thy  head. 

9  Enjoy  life  with  the  wife  whom  thou 
lovest  all  the  days  of  the  life  of  thy  vanity, 
which  God  hath  given  thee  under  the  sun, 
(yea,)  all  the  days  of  thy  vanity;  for  this  is 
tiiy  portion  in  this  life,  and  in  thy  toil  with 
which  thou  toilest  under  the  sun. 

10  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do 
with  thy  might,  that  do;  for  there  is  no 
work,  nor  experience,  nor  knowledge,  nor 
wisdom,  in  the  nether  world,  whither  thou 
goest." — 

11  I  turned  about,  and  saw  under  the  sun, 
that  the  race  is  not  to  the  swift,  nor  the  bat- 
tle  to   the   mighty;   and  that  also   the  wase 


'  Alien  Ezra;  but  Eashi,  p  with  "so,"  "when  they  \  '  Kdheleth  .speak.s  here  merely  of  earthly  life,  and  the 
had  thus  acted."  •■  Heb.  "set  to  my  heart."       ii  reward  of  this  terminates  with  death.      (See  next  verso.) 

°  ;■.  c.  Whether  this  will  result  from  his  labour. — Phi-  \  '  That  is,  if  a  man  have  acted  to  please  God,  he  may 
LiprsoN.  I:  freely  enjoy  life.     Others,  "for  God  hath,"  Ac. 


■"  The   Ke'ih  '\n2'   would    require    this   version: 
who  is  exempt?  all  the  livinsj  have  hope." 
6L 


'For 


^  As  man  knows  not  what  may  come,  let  him  fulfil  all 
duties  accessible  to  him,  regardless  of  the  future. 

881 


ECCLESIASTES  IX.  X. 


.have  no  bread,  nor  yet  the  men  of  under- 
.stauding  riches,  nor  yet  men  of  knowledge  fa- 
vour; but  time  and  fate"  will  overtake  them 
all. 

12  For  man  al!>o  knoweth  not  his  time, 
like  the  fishes  that  are  caught  in  an  evil  net, 
and  like  the  birds  that  are  caught  in  the 
snare :  like  the.se  are  the  sons  of  men  en- 
snared at  an  evil  time,  when  it  falleth  upon 
them  suddenly. 

13  Also  in  this  manner  have  I  seen  wisdom 
under  the  sun,  and  it  seemed  great  unto  me: 

14  There  was  a  little  city,  and  the  men 
therein  were  few;  and  tliere  came  against  it 
a  great  king,  who  enclosed  it,  and  built 
around  it  great  works  of  siege; 

15  But  there  was  found  in  it  a  poor  wise 
man,  and  he  delivered  the  city  by  his  wis- 
dom; yet  no  man  had  thought  of  that  same 
poor  man. 

l(j  Then  said  I,  Wisdom  is  better  than 
might:  although  the  poor  man's  wisdom  is 
held  in  contempt,  and  his  words  are  not 
heard. 

17  The  words  of  wise  men  heard  in  quiet 
are  better  than  the  cry  of  him  that  ruleth 
among  fools. 

18  Wisdom  is  better  than  weapons  of  war; 
but  one  siiuier  causeth  much  good  to  be  lost. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Dead  flies  cause  the  precious  oil  of  the 
apothecary  to  become  stinking  and  foaming: 
so  doth  a  little  folly  him  that  is  valued  for 
wisdom  and  honour.'' 

2  Tlie  heart  of  a  wise  man  is  at  his  right 
hand;  but  the  heart  of  a  fool  is  at  his  left. 

3  Yea  also,  on  whatever  way  the  fool 
walketh,  doth  he  lack  proper  sense,"  and  he 
saith  to  idl  that  he  is  a  fool. 

4  If  the  spirit  of  the  ruler  rise  up  against 
thee,  leave  not  thy  place;  for  submissiveness 
cau.seth  great  offences  to  lie  avoided.** 


5  There  is  an  evil  which  I  have  seen  un- 
der the  sun,  like  an  error  which  proceedeth 
from  the  ruler: 

6  Folly  is  set  in  great  high  places,  and 
the  rich  sit  in  lowness. 

7  I  have  seen  servants  on  horses,  and 
princes  walking  like  servants  upon  the 
ground. — 

8  He  that  diggeth  a  pit  will  fall  into  it; 
and  him  who  breaketli  down  a  fence — a  ser- 
pent will  bite  hiui. 

9  Whoso  removeth  stones  will  be  hurt 
through  them;  and  he  that  cleaveth  wood 
will  be  endangered'"  thereby. 

10  If  the  iron  be  blunt,  and  man  do  not 
whet  the  (?dge,  then  must  he  exert  more 
strength;  but  the  advantage  of  making  it 
properly  sharp  is  wisdom. 

11  If  the  serpent  do  bite  because  no  one 
uttered  a  charm,  then  hath  the  man  that  can 
use  his  tongue  (in  charming)  no  preference. — 

12  The  Avords  of  a  wise  man's  mouth 
(bring)  grace;  but  the  lips  of  a  fool  will  de- 
stroy himself 

13  The  beginning  of  the  words  of  his 
mouth  is  foolishness;  and  the  last  that  com- 
eth  out  of  his  mouth  is  evil-jjrimiins;  madness. 

14  The  fool  also  multiplietli  words;  (but) 
a  man  cannot  know  what  is  to  be;  and  what 
is  to  be  after  him,  who  can  tell  him? 

15  The  toil  of  the  foolish  will  weary  every 
one  of  them,  because  he  knoweth  not  how  to 
go  to  the  city.*^ — 

16  Wo  to  thee,  0  land,  when  th}'  king  is 
lowminded,^  and  when  th}'  princes  eat  in 
the  mornino; !'' 

17  Happy  art  thou,  0  land,  when  thy  king 
is  noble-spirited,  and  thy  princes  eat  in  pro- 
per time,  for  strengthening,  and  not  for  glut- 
tony !' — 

18  Through  slothful  hands^  the  rafters  will 
sink;  and  through  idleness  of  the  hands  the 
house  will  become  leaky. 


"  i'J3  "that  which  is  to  happen,"  or  "fate,"  as  it  is  a 
divine  decree,  not  "chauce." 

''  Ahcn  Ezra;  but  Rashi,  "so  is  a  little  folly  weightier 
t    ■.n  wisdom  and  power,"  because  it  destroys  both. 

'  Lit.  "his  heart." 

''  Lit.  "to  lie  down."  Jouathan,  "cause  to  be  forgot- 
ten." 

'  Aben  Ezra;  but  Rashi,  "will  be  made  warm  there- 
by;" because  pD,  in  the  sense  of  "endanger,"  is  only 
found  in  the  Aramaic,  but  not  in  the  Hebrew,  unless 
here. 


'  i.  c.  lie  goes  a  roundabout  way,  and  hence  becomes 
wearied,  while  the  wise  finds  out  the  shortest  road  in  all 
pursuits  of  life. 

^  Lit.  "a  lad;"  here,  one  who  is  satisfied  with  low  pur- 
suits. 

^  "Eating  and  drinking  in  the  morning  is  odious  to  the 
orientals,  who  eat  little  in  the  morning,  and  take  their 
principal    meal    toward   evening."     (See   Isa.   v.    H.)  — 

PlIILII'PSON. 

'  Lit   "drinking." 
''  .\ljcn  Ezra, 


ECCLESIASTES  X.  XI.  XII. 


19  For  gay  pleasure  they  prepare  a  feast, 
and  wine  is  to  make  the  Hving  joyful ;  but 
nioTaey  procureth'  all  things. 

20  Even  in  thy  tliought  thou  nuist  not 
f;urse  a  king;  and  in  thy  bed-chambers  do 
not  curse  the  rich;  for  a  bird  of  the  air  can 
carry  the  sound,  and  that  which  hath  wings 
can  tell  the  word. 

CHArTER  XI. 

1  Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  face  of  the 
waters;^  for  after  many  days  wilt  thou 
find  it  again. 

2  Give  a  portion  to  seven,  and  also  to 
eight;  for  thou  knowest  not  what  evil  may 
come  upon  the  earth. — 

o  If  the  clouds  be  full  of  rain,  the}-  will 
empty  it  out  upon  the  earth;  and  if  the  tree 
fall  towai'd  the  south,  or  toward  the  north,  on 
the  place  where  the  tree  falleth,  there  will  it 
remain. 

4  He  that  watcheth  the  wind  will  not  sow; 
and  he  that  gazeth  on  the  clouds  will  not 
reap. 

5  As  thou  knowest  not  which  is  the  way 
of  the  wind,  as  little  as  what  is  enclosed  in 
the  womb  of  her  that  is  with  child:  even  so 
thou  canst  not  know  the  works  of  God  who 
maketh  all. 

6  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the 
evening  let  not  thy  hand  rest;  for  thou  know- 
est not  which  will  succeed,  whether  this  or 
that,  or  whether  both  of  them  will  be  alike 
good. 

7  Truly  the  light  is  sweet,  and  it  is  a  plea- 
sant thing  for  the  eyes  to  see  the  sun ; 

8  For  if  a  man  live  (even)  many  years, 
let  him  rejoice  in  them  all;   and  let  him  re- 


*  Lit.  "answereth." 

'  i.  e.  Do  acts  of  kiudness,  though  there  appears  uo  ad- 
vantage to  thj-self ;  be  kind  also  to  many — literally,  seveii 
and  eight,  an  indefinite  number. 

"  Both  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra  interpret  this  verse  in  this 
way:  "See  what  the  end  will  be,  if  thou  follow  the  incli- 
nation of  the  heart;  since  punishment  will  thence  result." 
(otherwise  it  may  mean,  that  man  should  well  take  heed 
to  regulate  his  conduct  by  the  divine  will,  and  not  follow 
blindly  his  heart  and  eyes,  (Num.  xv.  oil;)  as  otherwise 
he  will  meet  the  punishment  due  to  transgression. 

■^  The  keepers,  "the  watchmen,"  are  supposed  by  some 
to  signify  the  hands, — Jonathan,  "the  ribs;"  "the  men  of 
m'.ght,"  "the  legs;"  "the  gi-iuders,"  the  "teeth;"  "the 
lookers-out,"  "the  eyes;"  "the  two  doors,"  "the  lips;" 
"the  mill,"  "the  mouth," — but  Eashi,  the  "stomach:" 
"the  daughters  of  song."  c.xjiluins  Kashi,  "when  all  the 


member  the  days  of  darkness;  for  they  will 
be  man_y ;  all  that  cometh  is  vanity. 

9  Rejoice,''  0  young  man,  in  thy  childhood ; 
and  let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of 
thy  youthl'ul  vigour,  and  walk  firmly  in  the 
ways  of  thy  heart,  and  in  (the  direction 
which)  thy  eyes  see;  but  know  thou,  that 
concerning  all  these  things  God  will  bring 
thee  into  judgment. 

10  And  remove  vexation  from  thy  heart, 
and  cause  evil  to  pass  away  from  thy  body; 
for  childhood  and  the  time  when  the  head  is 
black  are  vanity. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  But  reniemlx'r  also  thy  Creator  in  the 
days  of  thy  youthful  vigour,  while  the  evil 
days  are  not  yet  come,  nor  those  years  draw 
nigh  of  which  tliou  wilt  say.  I  have  no  plea- 
sure in  them ; 

2  While  the  sun,  and  the  light,  and  the 
moon,  and  the  stars,  are  not  yet  darkened,  and 
the  clouds  return  not  again  after  the  lain; 

3  On  the  day  when  the  watchmen'  of  the 
house  will  tremble,  and  the  men  of  might 
will  bend  themselves,  and  the  orinders  stand 
idle,  because  they  are  become  few,  and  those 
be  darkened  that  look  through  the  windows; 

4  And  when  the  two  doors  on  the  streets 
will  be  locked,  while  the  sound  of  the  mill 
becometh  dull,  and  m;in  risetli  up"  at  tlie 
voice  of  the  bird,  and  all  the  daughters  of 
song  are  brought  low  ; 

5  Also  when  men  will  he  afraid  of  every 
elevation,  and  are  terrified  on  every  way,  and 
the  almond-tree  will  refuse  (its  blossom),'  and 
the  locust  will  drag  itself  slowly  along,  and 
the  desire  will  gainsay  compliance;  because 


song  of  singers  appears  dull  in  his   ears," — Philippson, 
"  the  several  notes  become  unintelligible." 

'  Philippson,  "and  the  voice  of  man  rise  to  shrillness, 
like  the  voice  of  a  bird." 

'  Aben  Ezra.  Rashi,  "will  blossom,"  which  he  ex- 
plains, "that  old  age  will  suddenly  overtake  him,  as  the 
almond-tree  blos.someth  before  other  trees."  Others,  as  ex- 
pressing the  whiteness  of  the  head,  like  the  almond-tree 
when  covered  with  blossoms.  Philippson  takes  it  as  an 
image  of  wakefulness,  which  is  man's  in  the  vigoiu-  of 
life,  as  also  the  general  activity'  which  characterizes  the 
young  man,  which  ceases  when  he  gets  old.  "The  lo- 
cust" is  emblematic  of  the  case  and  readiness  with  which 
the  strong  man  labours;  whereas  in  age  this  activity  be- 
comes less  and  less,  as  though  the  locust,  otherwise  .so 
nimble,  had  to  drag  its  light  weight  as  a  burden.  Rocl.ui 
renders,  "when  the  locust  even  becometh  burdensome." 

b83 


ESTHER  I. 
and    the 


man   goelh    to   his    eternal    home, 
mourners  go  about  the  streets; 

6  While  the  silver  cord"  is  not  yet  torn 
loose,  and  the  golden  bowl  is  not  crushed, 
and  the  pitcher  is  not  broken  at  the  fountain, 
and  the  wheel  is  not  crushed  at  the  cistern ; 

7  When  the  dust  will  return  to  the  earth 
as  it  was,  and  the  spirit  will  return  unto 
God  who  gave  it. — 

8  Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  Koheleth:  all 
is  vanity. — 

9  And  in  addition  to  this  that  Koheleth 
was  wse,  he  continually  also  taught  the  peo- 
ple knowledge,  and  he  probed,  and  searched 
out,  and  composed  many  proverbs. 

10  Koheleth  sought  to  find  out  accept- 
able words,  and  that  which  would  be  written 
down  uprightl}',  even  words  of  truth. 


11  The  words  of  the  wise  are  like  goads, ,  of)  man.] 


and  like  luvils  fastened  (are  the  words  of)  tiit; 
men  of  the  assemblies,''  which  are  given  by 
one  shepherd. 

12  But  more  than  all  these,  my  son,  take 
warning  for  thyself:"  the  making  of  many 
books  would  have  no  end ;  and  much  preach- 
ing is  a  weariness  of  the  flesh. 

13  The  end  of  the  matter  is,  let  us  hear 
tlie  whole:'*  Fear  God,  and  keep  his  com- 
mandments; for  this  is  the  whole  (duty  of) 
man. 

14  For  every  deed  will  God  bring  into 
the  judgment    concerning   every  thing  that 

I  hath    been    hidden,  whetiier   it  be   good,  or 

i  whether  it  be  bad. 

[13  The  end  of  the  matter  is,  let  us 
hear  the  whole :  Fear  God,  and  keep  his 
commandments;  for  this  is  the  whole  (duty 


THE  BOOK  OF  ESTHER, 


inDN*  rhiD. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  days  of 
Achashverosh,  of  the  same  Achashverosh 
who  reigned,  from  India  even  unto  Ethiopia, 
over  a  hundred  and  seven  and  twenty  j^ro- 
vinces, 

2  In  those  days,  when  this  king  Achash- 
verosh was  sitting  on  the  throne  of  his 
kingdom,  which  was  in  Shushan  the  capi- 
tal,'' 

3  That,  in  the  third  year  of  his  reign,  he 

'  This  is,  as  Philippson  well  observes,  a  description  of 
the  body  in  general,  not  necessarily,  as  some  suppose,  the 
spinal  marrow,  &c. 

''  /.  '■■  The  assemblies  of  the  learned.   (See  Prov.  xxv.  1.) 

'  Rashi;  meaning,  a  man  should  be  more  on  his  guard 
t'ii'.Ji  even  is  recommended  directly  in  the  words  of  the 
wise;  for  all  cannot  be  written,  and  too  much  s/iu/^  (as 
he  renders  jn'?)  would  give  more  weariness  than  man 
"eultJ  hear;  but  at  the  end  it  is  requisite  a  man  should 
obey  God  in  all,  (yrsV/}  as  "to  be  obeyed,")  and  observe 
the  aommaiiduients.  Aben  Ezra,  "take  care  not  to  make 
ir  ^I'lichase  many  books." 

*  Moaning,  "Let  us  sum  up  all  and  hear  what  it  is." 
S84 


made  a  feast  unto  all  his  princes  and  his  ser- 
vants, the  army  of  Persia^  and  Media,  the 
nobles  and  the  princes  of  the  provinces  who 
were  near  him : 

4  When  lie  showed  the  riches  and  the 
glory  of  his  kingdom,  and  the  brilliance  (and) 
the  splendour  of  his  greatness,  during  many 
days,  a  hundred  and  eighty  days. 

5  And  when  these  days  were  completed, 
the  king  made  unto  all  the  people  that  were 
found  in  Shushan  the  capital,  unto  every  one, 
from  the  great  even  to  the  small,  a  feast  of 

Others,  "All  is  understood  (to  be):  Fear  God,"  &c.  I 
would  merely  remark,  that  though  the  sense  of  this  chap- 
ter is  nowi.se  diiScuIt  to  ascertain,  the  particular  phrases 
are  full  of  difficulties.  The  whole  book  is  a  calm  view  of 
life;  and  Koheleth  admonishes,  that  as  all  is  so  un.satisfac- 
tory,  no  pursuit  certain  of  success,  and  as  man  is  account- 
able, it  becomes  his  duty  to  obey  God  unhesitatingly,  for 
herein  lies  all  our  hope  of  happiness;  "tiiis  is  the  wlmle 
man,"  since  the  greatest  success  and  the  hmgest  life  will 
not  exempt  us  from  punishment. 

"  Lit.  "the  palace"  or  "temple;"  here,  the  city  where 
the  winter  residence  of  the  Persian  kings  was. 

'  Ileb.  "Parass  and  Wadai. 


ESTHER  I,  If. 


seven  days,  in  the  court  of  tlie  garden  of  the 
king's  pahice; 

G  (Where  were)  white,"  green,  and  blue 
(hangings),  fastened  with  cords  of  fine  linen 
and  })urple,  on  rollers  of  silver  and  jjillars  of 
marble;  couches  of  gold  and  silver,  upon  a 
pavement  of  green,  and  white,  and  yellow, 
and  black  marble. 

7  And  they  gave  them  to  drink  in  vessels 
of  gold, — the  vessels  being  diverse  one  from 
the  other, — and  the  royal  wine  was  in  abun- 
dance, according  to  the  ability''  of  the 
king. 

8  And  the  drinking  was,  according  to  the 
(king's)  order,  without  compulsion ;  for  so  had 
the  king  enjoined  on  all  the  officers  of  his 
house,  to  do  according  to  the  pleasure  of 
every  man. 

9  ]|  Also  Vashti  the  queen   made  a  feast  | 
for  the  women,  in  the  royal  house  which  be- 
longed to  king  Achashverosh.  ] 

10  On  the  seventh  day.  when  the  heart  of 
the  king  was  merry  with  wine,  he  ct)mmanded 
Mehuman,    Biztha,    Charbona,    Bigtha,    and  1 
Abagtha,    Zethar,    and    Carcass,    the    seven 
chamberlains  that  served  in  the  presence  of 
king  Achashverosh, 

11  To  bring  Vashti  the  queen  before  the 
king  (ornamented)  with  the  royal  crown,  to 
show  the  people  and  the  princes  her  beauty; 
for  she  was  handsome  in  appearance. 

12  But  queen  Vashti  refused  to  come  at 
the  word  of  the  king  brought  by  the  hand 
of  the  chamberlains;  and  the  king  was  veiy 
wroth,  and  his  fury  burnt  in  him. 

13  ^  Then  said  the  king  to  the  wise  men, 
who  knew  (the  occurrences  of)  the  times;  for 
so  (came)  every  affair  of  the  king  before  all 
acquainted  with  law  and  state  institutions; 

14  And  tliose  next  unto  him  were  Car- 
shena,  Shethar,  Admatha,  Tharshish,  Meress, 
Marsena,  and  Memuchan,  the  seven  princes 
of  Persia  and  Media,  who  could  see  (at  all 
times)  the  king's  face,  who  sat  in  the  first 
rank  in  the  kingdom : 

15  What  should  according  to  law  be  done 
with    queen    Vashti;     because    she    had    not 

°  Philippson,  "Hangings   of  white   linen,   cotton,   and 
blue  woollen  stuflFs  were  suspended  with  cords  of  byssus 
;ind  puiplo  on  silver  rings  and  marble  columns;  divans  I 
of  gold  and  silver  brocade,  on  a  pavement  of  alabaster  ' 
and  marble  and  bright  stone  and  black  marble."    Others, 
"mother  of  pearl  and  tortoise  shell." 


fulfilled  the  oi-der  of  king  Achashverosh  by 

the  hand  of  the  chamberlains? 
I      16  ^  Then  said  Menuichan  before  the  king 

and  the  princes.  Not  against  the  king  alone 

hath  Vashti  the  (jueen  done  wrong,  but  also 
'  against  all  the  princes,  and  against  all  the 

people  that  are  in  all  the  provinces  of  king 

Achashverosh. 

17  For  the  conduct  of  the  queen  will  go 
abroad  unto  all  the  women,  so  that  they  will 
despise  their  husbands  in  their  eyes,  when  it 
shall  be  reported,''  King  Achashverosh  ordered 
Vashti  the  queen  to  be  brought  into  his  pre- 
sence, but  she  came  not. 

18  And  even  this  day  will  the  ladies  of 
Persia  and  Media,  who  have  heard  of  the 
conduct  of  the  queen,  say  this  unto  all  the 
princes  of  the  king;  and  there  will  arise  too 
much  contempt  and  quarrel.'' 

19  If  it  please  the  king,  let  there  go  forth 
a  royal  order  from  him,  and  let  it  be  written 
among  the  laws  of  the  Persians  and  the 
Medes,  that  no  one  transgress  it,^  That 
Vashti  come  no  more  before  king  Achash- 
verosh: and  let  the  king  give  her  royal 
dignity  unto  another  that  is  better  than 
she. 

20  And  when  the  king's  decree  which  he 
will  make  shall  be  published  throughout  all 
his  kingdom,  however  great  it  is:  all  the  wives 
will  show  respect  to  their  husbands,  unto 
every  one,  from  the  great  even  to  the  small. 

21  And  the  speech  was  pleasing  in  the 
eyes  of  the  king  and  of  the  princes ;  and  the 
king  did  according  to  the  speech  of  Memu- 
chan. 

22  And  he  sent  letters  unto  all  the  pro- 
vinces of  the  king,  unto  every  province  ac- 
cording to  its  writing,  and  to  eveiy  people 
according  to  its  language,  that  every  man 
should  bear  rule  in  his  own  house,  however' 
he  may  speak  according  to  the  language  of 
his  peai)le. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  Tl  After  these  events,  when  the  fur^  of 
king  Achashverosh  was  appeased,  Ii«  louieiii 

^  Philippson,  "manner;"   (and  so  in  ii.  18.) 
°  Others,  "because  they  will  say." 
'■  Lit.  "wrath;"   here,  what  excites  it,  doin>;:ldo  <{U9r- 
rels. 

'  Abeu  Ezra,  "that  it  be  not  abolished." 
'  Rashi,  "and  make  her  speak  in  the  language,'  &c. 

88i 


ESTHER  II. 


bered  Vashti,  and   what  .she  had  done,  and 
what  had  been  decreed  concerning  her. 

2  Then  said  the  king's  young  men,  his 
servants,  Let  there  be  sought  for  the  king 
virgins  handsome  in  appearance; 

3  And  let  the  king  appoint  officers  in  all 
the  provinces  of  his  kingdom,  that  they  may 
gather  together  all  the  young  virgins,  hand- 
some in  appearance,  unto  Shushan  the  capital, 
into  the  house  of  the  women,  under  the  cus- 
tody of  Ilege  the  king's  chamberlain,"  the 
keeper  of  the  women;  and  let  them  give 
them  their  customary  anointings; 

4  And  let  the  maiden  who  may  be  pleas- 
ing in  the  eyes  of  the  king  become  queen  in- 
stead of  Vashti:  and  the  speech  was  pleasing 
in  the  eyes  of  the  king,  and  he  did  so. 

5  ^  There  was  a  certain  Jew  in  Shushan 
the  capital,  whose  name  was  Mordecai,  the 
son  of  Ya'ir,  the  son  of  Shim'i,  the  son  of 
Kish,  a  Benjamite; 

G  Who  had  been  carried  away  into  exile 
from  Jerusalem  with  the  exiles  who  had 
been  exiled  with  Jeconyah,  the  king  of  Judah, 
whom  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of  Babylon 
had  carried  into  exile. 

7  And  he  had  brought  up  Hadassah,  that 
is  Esther,  the  daught^er  of  his  uncle;  for  she 
had  neither  father  nor  mother,  and  the 
maiden  was  beautiful  in  form  and  handsome 
in  appearance;  and  when  her  father  and 
mother  were  dead,  Mordecai  had  taken  her 
to  himself  as  a  daughter. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king's 
order  and  his  decree  were  heard,  and  when 
many  maidens  were  brought  together  unto 
Shushan  the  capital,  under  tlie  custody  of 
Ilegai,  that  Esther  also  was  l^rought  unto 
the  king's  house,  under  the  custody  of  Hegai, 
the  keeper  of  the  women. 

9  And  the  maiden  was  pleasing  in.  his 
eyes,  and  she  obtained  favour  Ijefore  him ; 
ai;(l  he  made  haste  to  give  her  her  anoint- 
ings, with  her  presents,  and  the  seven  maid- 
ens, who  were  selected  to  be  given  her,  out 
of  the  king's  house:  and  he  preferred  her 
and  her  maidens  with  the  best  things  in  the 
house  ol'  the  women. 

10  P^sther  told  nothing  of  her  people  or 
of  her  descent ;  for  Mordecai  had  c  arged  her 
that  she  should  not  tell. 


680 


More  properly,  "eunuch." 


11  And  day  by  day  did  Mordecai  walk  be- 
fore the  court  of  the  house  of  women,  to  as- 
certain the  well-being  of  Esther,  and  what 
would  be  done  with  her. 

12  And  when  the  turn  of  every  maiden 
was  come  to  go  in  unto  king  Achashve- 
rosh,  at  the  expiration  (of  the  time)  that  she 
had  been  treated  according  to  the  custom  of 
the  women,  twelve  months;  for  so  were  the 
days  of  their  anointings  accomplished,  six 
months  with  the  oil  of  myrrh,  and  six  months 
with  sweet  odours,  and  with  other  ointments 
of  the  women ; 

13  And  thus  came  the  maiden  unto  the 
king;  (and)  whatsoever  she  asked  for  was 
given  her  to  go  with  her  out  of  the  house 
of  the  women  as  far  as  the  house  of  the 
king. 

14  In  the  evening  she  went,  and  in  the 
morning  she  returned  unto  the  second  house 
of  the  women,  to  the  custody  of  Sha'ashgas, 
the  king's  chamberlain,  the  keeper  of  the 
concubines:  she  used  not  to  come  again  unto 
the  king,  except  the  king  desired  for  her,  and 
she  was  called  by  name. 

15  And  when  the  turn  of  Esther,  the 
daughter  of  Abichayil,  the  uncle  of  Mordecai, 
who  had  taken  her  to  himself  as  a  daughter, 
was  come  to  go  in  unto  the  king,  she  required 
nothing  but  what  Hegai  the  king's  chamber- 
lain, the  keeper  of  the  women,  said:  and 
Esther  obtained  grace  in  the  eyes  of  all  those 
that  beheld  her. 

[  16  And  Esther  was  taken  unto  king  Ach- 
ashverosh,  unto  his  royal  house,  in  the  tenth 
month,  which  is  the  month  Tebeth,  in  the 
seventh  year  of  his  reign. 

17  And  the  king  loved  Esther  above  all 
the  women,  and  she  obtained  grace  and  i'avour 
before  him  more  than  all  the  virgins ;  and  he 
l)laced  the  royal  crown  upon  her  head,  and 
made  her  queen  instead  of  Vashti. 

18  And  the  king  made  a  great  feast  unto 
all  his  princes  and  his  servants,  the  feast  of 
Esther;  and  he  made  a  release  of  taxfs  to 
the  provinces,  and  gave  presents,  according 
to  the  ability  of  the  king. 

I'J  And  when  virgins  were  gathei'ed  tosje- 
ther  the  second  time,  then  was  Mordecai  sit- 
ting in  the  king's  gate. 

20  (But)  Esther  had  not  yet  told  of  her 
descent  nor  her  people;  as  Mordecai  liad 
cliarged  her;  and  Esther  did  (fulfil)  the  order 


ESTHER  TI.  III. 


of  Mnnlcoai,  equally  as  when  she  was  under 
his  guardianship. 

21  T[  In  those  da3's,  wliile  Mordecai  was  sit- 
tino-  in  the  kins-'s  gate,  Biuthan  and  Theresh, 
two  chamberlains  of  the  king,  of  those  who 
kept  the  door,  became  wroth,  and  sought  to 
lay  (their)  hand  on  king  Aclia-shverosh. 

22  And  the  thing  became  known  to  Mor- 
decai, and  he  told  it  unto  Esther  the  queen; 
and  Esther  said  it  to  the  king  in  tlie  name 
of  Mordecai. 

23  And  the  thing  was  inquired  into  and 
found  true;  and  they  were  both  of  them 
hanged  on  a  gallows ;"  and  it  was  written  in 
the  book  of  chronicles  before  the  king. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  \  After  these  events  did  king  Achashve- 
rosh  make  great  Haman  the  son  of  Hamme- 
datha  the  Agagite,  and  he  advanced  him; 
and  he  placed  his  seat  above  that  of  all  the 
princes  that  were  with  him. 

2  And  all  the  king's  servants,  that  were  in 
the  king's  gate,  bent  the  knee  and  prostrated 
themselves  to  Haman;  for  so  had  the  king 
commanded  concerning  him;  but  Mordecai 
bent  not  the  knee  nor  prostrated  himself 

3  Then  said  the  king's  servants,  who  were 
in  the  king's  gate,  unto  Mordecai.  Why  traiis- 
gressest  thou  the  king's  command? 

4  Now  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  spoke 
unto  him  day  by  day,  and  he  hearkened  not 
unto  them,  that  they  told  it  to  Haman,  to  see 
whether  the  woi'ds  of  Mordecai  would  be  able 
to  stand;  for  he  had  told  them  tliat  he  was  a 
Jew. 

5  And  when  Haman  saw  that  Mordecai 
bent  not  the  knee,  nor  prostrated  himself  to 
him,  Haman  became  full  of  fury. 

G  But  it  appeared  too  contemptible  in  his 
eyes  to  lay  his  hand  on  Mordecai  alone;  for 
they  had  told  him  of  the  people  of  Mordecai: 
therefore  Haman  sought  to  destroy  all  the 
Jews  that  were  throughout  all  the  kingdom 
of  Achashverosh,  the  people  of  Mordecai. 

7  In  the  first  month,  that  is  the  month 
Nissan,  in  the  twelfth  year  of  king  Achash- 
verosh, some  one  cast  the  Pur,''  that  is,  the 


*  Lit.  "tree,"  or  "wood."     Arnheim,  "pole." 
'  According  to  heathen   customs,  he  resorted   to   this 
method,  as  a  species  of  divination,  to  discover  the  month 
and  da}'  when  it  would  be  most  propitious  to  attempt  the 
destruction  of  the  hated  people. 


lot,  before  Ilaman  from  day  to  day.  and  from 
month  (to  month),  to  the  twelfth  month, 
which  is  the  month  Adar. 

8  \  Then  .said  Haman  unto  king  AchaAiive- 
rosh.  There  is  one  people  scattered  yet  .sepa- 
rate'' among  the  nations  in  all  the  provinces 
of  thy  kingdom ;  and  their  laws  are  diiferent 
from  those  of  evei\\'  people;  while  they  do 
not  execute  the  laws  of  the  king;  and  it  is 
no  profit  for  the  king  to  tolerate  them."* 

9  If  it  be  pleasing  to  the  king,  let  (a  de- 
cree) be  written  to  destroy  them;  and  ten 
thousand  talents  of  silver  will  I  weigh*  out 
into  the  hands  of  those  that  have  the  charge 
of  the  busine.><s,  to  bring  (the  same)  into  the 
king's  treasurie.s. 

10  And  the  king  drew  his  signet-ring  from 
off  his  hand,  and  gave  it  unto  Haman  the 
son  of  Hammedatha  the  Agagite,  the  adver- 
sary- of  the  Jews. 

11  And  the  king  said  unto  Haman,  The 
silver  is  given  to  thee,  that  people  also,  to  do 
therewith  as  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  eyes. 

12  Then  were  called  the  king's  scribes  in 
the  first  month  on  the  thirteenth  day  there- 
of, and  there  was  written  all  just  as  Haman 
had  commanded  unto  the  king's  lieutenant>, 
and  to  the  governors  that  were  over  every 
province,  and  to  the  princes  of  every  people, 
to  every  province  according  to  its  writing, 
and  to  every  people  according  to  it.s  language: 
in  the  name  of  king  Achashverosh  was  it 
written,  and  it  was  sealed  with  the  king's 
signet-ring. 

13  And  the  letters  were  sent  by  the  tww- 
ners  unto  all  the  king's  provinces,  to  destroy, 
to  kill,  and  to  exterminate  all  the  Jews,  from 
young  to  old,  little  ones  and  women,  on  one 
day,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  twelfth 
month,  which  is  the  month  Adar,  and  to 
plunder  their  property  as  spoil. 

14  A  copy  of  the  writing,  to  be  giv4-n  out 
as  a  law  in  every  province,  was  published 
unto  all  the  nations,  that  they  might  be  ready 
against  that  day. 

15  The  runners  went  out  with  all  speed 
wdth  the  king's  decree,  and  the  law  \va.-;  gi\en 
out  in  Shushan  the  capital:  and  the  king  and 


°  Philippson.     Others,  "and  dispersed." 

■^  Philippson,  "to  leave  them  at  rest." 

"  This  term  is  equivalent  to  "paying;"  but  as  large 
sums  are  generally  transferred  by  weight,  it  is  preferred 
to  the  more  minute  expression  of  "counting  out." 

887 


ESTHER  III.  IV.  V. 


Haman  sat  down  to  drink;   but  the  city  of 
Shushan  was  perplexed. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  When  Mordecai  ascertained  all  that 
had  been  done,  Mordecai  rent  his  clothes,  and 
j)ut  on  sackcloth  (strewed)  with  ashes,  and 
went  out  into  the  midst  of  the  city,  and  cried 
with  a  loud  and  a  bitter  cry ; 

2  And  thus  he  came  up  to  the  front  of  the 
king's  gate;  for  none  dared  to  enter  into  the 
kino-'s  oate  clothed  with  sackcloth. 

3  And  in  each  and  every  province,  m 
every  place  whither  the  king's  decree  and  his 
law  had  reached,  there  was  great  mourning 
for  the  Jews,  with  fasting,  and  weeping,  and 
wailing;  and  a  sackcloth  (strewed)  with 
ashes  Ijecame  the  bed  of  the  great." 

4  Then  came  the  maidens  of  Esther  with 
her  chamberlains  and  told  it  her;  and  the 
queen  was  exceedingly  terrified ;  and  she  sent 
garments  to  clothe  Mordecai,  and  to  remove 
his  sackcloth  from  him;  but  he  accepted 
them  not. 

5  Then  called  Esther  for  Hatach,  one  of 
the  king's  chamberlains,  whom  he  had  ap- 
pointed to  attend  upon  her,''  and  gave  him  a 
charge  for  Mordecai  to  know  what  this  was, 
and  why  this  was. 

6  So  Hatach  went  forth  to  Mordecai  unto 
the  street  of  the  city,  which  was  before  the 
king's  gate. 

7  And  Mordecai  told  him  all  that  had  hap- 
pened unto  him,  and  of  the  fixed  sum  of 
money  which  Haman  had  promised  to  weigh 
out  into  the  treasuries  of  the  king  for  the 
Tews,  to  desti'oy  them. 

8  Also  the  copy  of  the  writing  of  the  law 
that  had  been  given  out  in  Shushan  to 
destroy  them  he  gave  to  him,  to  show  it 
unto  Esther,  and  to  tell  her  (all),  and  to 
charge  her  that  she  should  go  in  unto  the 
king,  to  make  supplication  unto  him,  and  to 
present  a  request  before  him  for  her  people. 

9  And  Hatach  came  and  told  Esther  the 
words  of  Mordecai. 

10  And  Estlier  said  unto  Hatach,  and  gave 
liim  a  charge  unto  Mordecai, 

11  All  the  king's  servants,  and  the  people 

*  Arnheim.  Others,  "mauy  put  on,"  or  "laid  them- 
selves ia  sackcloth  with  ashes." 

''  Lit.  "whom  he  had  cau.sed  to  .stand  before  her." 
"Arnheim   renders,   "For   I  am   lost  in  either    case," 
HHH 


of  the  king's  provinces,  do  know,  that  every 
one,  whether  man  or  woman,  who  should 
come  unto  the  king  into  the  inner  court,  who 
is  not  called,  there  is  but  one  law  for  him.,  to 
put  him  to  death,  except  the  one  to  whom 
the  king  .should  hold  out  the  golden  sceptre, 
for  he  will  be  suffered  to  live;  but  I  have  not 
been  called  to  come  in  unto  the  king  these 
thirty  days. 

12  And  they  told  Mordecai  the  words  of 
Esther. 

13  Then  said  Mordecai  to  bring  this  an- 
swer back  to  Esther,  Imagine  not  in  thy  soul 
to  be  able  to  escape  in  the  king's  house  out 
of  all  the  Jews. 

14  For  if  thou  do  indeed  maintain  silence 
at  this  time,  enlargement  and  deliverance 
will  arise  to  the  Jews  from  another  place; 
but  thou  and  thy  father's  house  will  perish : 
and  who  knoweth  whether  thou  hast  not  for 
a  time  like  this  attained  to  the  royal  dignity  ? 

15  Then  said  Esther  to  bring  this  answer 
l)ack  to  Mordecai, 

16  Go,  as.semble  together  all  the  Jews  who 
are  now  present  in  Shushan,  and  fast  ye  for 
me,  so  that  ye  neither  eat  nor  drink  three 
days,  either  night  or  day ;  also  I  myself  with 
my  maidens  will  fast  in  like  manner;  and 
then  will  I  go  in  unto  the  king,  which  is  not 
according  to  the  law ;  and  if  I  then  perish,  I 
perish." 

17  And  Mordecai  went  about,  and  did  in 
accordance  with  all  that  Esther  had  charged 
him. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  third  day, 
that  Esther  put  on  her  royal  apparel,  and 
placed  herself  in  the  inner  court  of  the  king's 
house,  opposite  the  king's  apartment;'^  and 
the  king  was  sitting  upon  his  royal  throne 
in  the  royal  apartment,  opposite  to  the  en- 
trance of  the  house. 

2  And  it  happened,  when  the  king  saw 
Esther  the  queen  standing  in  the  court,  that 
she  obtained  grace  in  his  eyes;  and  the  king 
held  out  to  Esther  the  golden  sceptre  that 
was  in  his  hand;  and  Esther  drew  near,  and 
touched  the  top  of  the  sceptre. 

and  explains:  "For  if  I  pretermit  the  death-bringing  ap- 
proach  of  the   king,  and   the  destruction   overtakes   my 
people,  then  will  I  also  not  live." 
■*  ,\rnhcim.     Lit.  "house." 


ESTHER  V.  Vi. 


B  Tlien  said  the  kiiijj;'  unto  hev,  What  wilt 
thou,  queen  Esther?  and  what  is  thy  request? 
if  it  be  equal  to  half"  of  the  kingdom  it  shall 
still  be  given  thee. 

4  And  Esther  said.  If  it  seem  good  unto 
the  king,  let  the  king  and  Haman  come  this 
day  unto  the  b.anquet  which  I  have  prepared 
lor  him. 

5  Then  said  the  king,  Bring  Haman  quick- 
ly hither  to  fulfil  the  word  of  Esther:  so 
came  the  king  with  Haman  to  the  banquet 
Avhich  Esther  had  jDrepared. 

6  And  the  king  said  unto  Esther  at  the 
banquet  of  wine.  What  is  thy  petition?  and 
it  shall  be  granted  thee:  and  what  is  thy  re- 
quest? even  if  it  be  equal  to  half  of  the  king- 
dom, it  shall  still  be  done. 

7  Then  answered  Esther,  and  said.  My 
petition  and  my  request  are, 

8  If  I  have  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the 
king,  and  if  it  please  the  king  to  grant  my 
petition,  and  to  fulfill  my  refjuest,  that  the 
king  may  come  with  Haman  to  the  ):)anquet 
which  I  will  prei^are  for  them,  and  to-morrow 
will  I  do  according  to  the  word  of  the  king. 

9  And  Haman  went  forth  on  that  day  joy- 
ful and  with  a  glad  heart;  but  when  Haman 
saw  Mordecai  in  the  king's  gate,  who  did  not 
rise  up,  nor  move  out  of  the  way  for  him, 
then  was  Haman  filled  against  Mordecai 
with  fury. 

10  Nevertheless  Haman  refrained  liim- 
self,  and  went  to  his  house:  he  then  sent  and 
had  his  friends  brought  in  with  Zeresh  his 
wife. 

11  And  Haman  recounted  to  them  the 
glory  of  his  riches,  and  the  multitude  of  his 
children,  and  all  the  things  wherein  the  king 
had  made  him  great,  and  how  he  had  ad- 
vanced him  above  the  princes  and  the  ser- 
vants of  the  king. 

12  And  Haman  said  (farther),  Yea,  Esther 
the  queen  did  not  let  any  one  come  in  with 
the  king  unto  the  banquet  that  she  had  pre- 
pared but  myself:  and  also  for  to-morrow  am 
I  invited  nnto  her  with  the  king. 

13  Yet  all  this  profiteth  me  nothing,  every'' 

"  An  assurance  and  eneourao;ement  for  hor  to  ask,  since 
s'lie  could  scarcely  think  of  demanding  a  favour  which  ' 
could  at  all  equal  the  extent  ofiFercd  her  by  the  king. 
The  more  admirable  is  the  prudence  of  Esther,  who  said 
that  only  on  the  morrow  would  she  make  use  of  the  gra- 
cious permission. 

0  M 


time  that  T  see  Mordecai  the  Jew  sittin,T  in 
the  king's  gate. 

14  Then  said  unto  him  Zeresh  his  wife 
with  all  his  friends.  Let  them  make  a  gallows 
of  lifty  cubits  high,  and  in  the  morning  speak 
unto  the  king  that  they  may  hang  Mordecai 
thereon;  and  then  go  thou  in  with  the  king 
unto  the  banquet  joyfully.  And  the  thing 
pleased  Haman;  and  he  had  the  gallows 
made. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  1|  In  that  night  sleep  lied  from  the  king, 
and  he  ordered  to  bring  in  the  book  of  the 
memorable  events  of  the  chronicles;  and  they 
were  read  before  the  king. 

2  And  it  was  found  written,  that  Mordecai 
had  told  of  Bigthana  and  Theresh,  two  cham- 
berlains of  the  king,  of  thase  who  kept  the 
door,  who  had  souglit  to  lay  (their)  hand  on 
king  Achashverosh. 

3  And  the  king  said.  What  honour  and 
distinction  have  been  done  to  Mordecai  for 
this?  Then  said  the  king's  young  men,  his  ser- 
vants, Tliere  hath  nothing  been  done  with 
him. 

4  And  the  king  said,  W\\o  is  in  the  court? 
Now  Haman  was  come  into  the  outer  court 
of  the  king's  house,  to  say  unto  the  king  to 
hang  Mordecai  on  the  gallows  which  he  had 
prepared  for  him. 

•5  And  the  king's  young  men  said  unto  him. 
Behold,  Haman  is  standing  in  the  court.  And 
the  king  said.  Let  him  come  in. 

6  So  Haman  came  in;  and  the  king  said 
unto  him,  What  shall  be  done  with  the  man 
whom  the  king  desireth  to  honour?  And 
Haman  said  in  liis  heart,  To  whom  would 
the  king  desire  to  do  lionour  more  than  to 
myself? 

7  Haman  therefore  said  to  the  king,  (For) 
the  man  whom  the  king  desireth  to  honour, 

8  Let  them  bring  a  royal  apparel  which 
the  king  hath  worn,''  and  a  horse  on  which 
the  king  hath  ridden,  and  let  there  be  placed 
a  royal  crown  on  his  head. 

9  And  let  the   apparel  and  the  horse   be 


''  Arnheim.  Others,  "so  long  as  I  see." 
°  Arnheim,  after  Jonathan,  renders  this:  "The  apnarcl 
which  the  king  wore,  and  the  horse  on  which  he  rode 
when  the  royal  crown  was  placed  on  his  head."  Aben 
Ezra  thinks  that  the  crown  was  to  be  put  on  the  horse's 
head. 


ESTHER  VI.  VIT.  VIII. 


given  into  the  hand  of  one  of  the  king's 
princes,  of  the  most  noble,  that  thej  may 
array  the  man  whom  the  king  desireth  to 
honour,  and  let  them  cause  him  to  ride  on 
the  horse  through  the  streets  of  the  city,  and 
proclaim  before  him.  Thus  shall  be  done  to 
the  man  whom  the  king  desireth  to  honour. 

10  Then  said  the  king  to  Haman,  Make 
haste,  take  the  apparel  and  the  horse,  as  thou 
hast  spoken,  and  do  thus  to  Mordecai  the 
Jew,  tiiat  sitteth  at  the  king's  gate:  leave 
out  nothing  of  all  that  thou  hast  spoken. 

11  And  Haman  then  took  the  apparel  and 
the  horse,  and  arrayed  Mordecai,  and  caused 
him  to  ride  through  the  streets  of  the  city, 
and  proclaimed  ])etbre  him.  Thus  shall  be 
done  unto  the  man  whom  tlie  king  desireth 
to  honour. 

12  And  Mordecai  thereupon  returned  to 
the  king's  gate;  but  Haman  hastened  to  his 
house, mourning,  and  having  his  head  covered. 

13  And  Haman  related  to  Zeresh  his  wife 
i'.nd  to  all  his  friends  all  that  had  befallen 
him :  then  said  unto  him  his  wise  men  and 
Zeresh  his  wife,  If  Mordecai,  before  whom 
thou  hast  begun  to  fall,  be  of  the  seed  of  the 
Jews,  thou  wilt  not  prevail  against  liim.  but 
thou  wilt  surely  fall  before  him. 

14  They  were  yet  speaking  with  him. 
when  the  king's  chamberlains  arrived,  and 
they  hastened  to  bring  Haman  unto  the  ban- 
quet which  Esther  had  prepared. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  And  the  king  came  with  Haman  to  drink 
with  Esther  the  queen. 

2  And  the  king  said  unto  Esther  also  on 
the  second  day  at  the  banquet  of  wine.  What 
is  thy  petition,  queen  Esther?  and  it  shall  be 
granted  thee:  and  what  is  thy  request?  even 
if  it  be  equal  to  half  the  kingdom,  it  shall 
still  be  done. 

3  Then  answered  Esther  the  queen  and 
said,  If  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  eyes,  0 
king!  a,nd  if  it  be  pleasing  unto  the  king,  let 
my  life  be  given  me  at  my  petition,  and  my 
j)eople  at  my  request; 

4  For  we  have  been  sold,  I  and  my  people, 
to  be  destroyed,  to  be  slain  and  to  be  exter- 
minated; and  if  we  had  been  only  sold  for 
bondmen  and  bondwomen,  I  would  have  re- 


llashi.    Pliilipp.son,  "  maketli  no  compensation  for,"  &c. 
S90 


mained  silent;    for   the  adversary  regardeth 
not  the  damage  of  the  king. 

5  ][  Then  spoke  king  Achashverosh  and 
said  unto  Esther  the  queen,  Who  is  this,  and 
where  is  he,  whose  heai-t  hath  emboldened 
him  to  do  so? 

6  And  Esther  said,  An  adversary,  and  ini- 
mical man,  this  wicked  Haman.  Then  became 
Haman  terrified  before  the  king  and  the 
queen. 

7  And  the  king  arose  hi  his  fury  from  the 
banquet  of  wine,  and  went  into  the  palace- 
garden:  and  Haman  remained*  behind  to 
make  request  for  his  life  of  Esther  the  queen; 
for  he  saw  that  there  was  evil  fully  deter- 
mined against  him  by  the  king. 

8  And  when  the  king  returned  out  of  the 
palace-garden  into  the  apartment  of  the  ban- 
quet of  wine,  Haman  was  fallen  upon  the 
couch  whereon  Esther  was:  then  said  the 
king.  Will  he  even  do  violence  to  the  queen 
before  me  in  the  house?  The  word  had  just 
come  out  of  the  king's  mouth,  when  they 
covered  Haman's  face. 

9  Then  said  Charbonah,  one  of  the  cham- 
berlains, before  the  king,  Behold,  there  is  also 
the  gallows,  which  Haman  hath  had  made 
for  Mordecai,  who  hath  spoken  well  for  the 
king,  standing  in  the  house  of  Haman,  fifty 
culjits  high.  And  the  king  said.  Hang  him 
thereon. 

10  So  they  hanged  Haman  on  the  gallows 
which  he  had  prepared  for  Mordecai,  and  the 
fury  of  the  king  was  appeased. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Tl  On  that  day  did  king  Achashverosh 
give  the  house  of  Haman  the  adversary  of 
the  Jews  unto  Esther  the  queen:  and  Mor- 
decai came  before  the  king;  for  Esther  had 
told  what  he  was  unto  her. 

2  And  the  king  took  ofi'  his  signet^ring 
which  he  had  taken  away  from  Haman,  and 
gave  it  unto  Mordecai:  and  J]sther  appointed 
Mordecai  over  the  house  of  Haman. 

3  Tf  And  Esther  spoke  again  before  the 
king,  and  i'ell  down  at  his  feet,  and  wept,  and 
besought  liim  to  do  away  the  evil  of  Haman 
the  Agagite,  and  his  device  which  he  had  de- 
vised against  the  Jews. 

4  And  the  king  held  out  toward  Esther 


^  Others,  "  stood  up." 


ESTHER   VITI.   [X. 


signet-rill 


the  golden  sceptre;    and   Esthei'  arose,  and 
stood  up  before  the  king; 

5  And  she  said,  If  it  be  pleasing  to  the 
king,  and  if  I  have  found  grace  before  him, 
and  the  thing  seem  proper  before  the  king, 
and  T  be  pleasing  in  his  eyes,  let  it  be  written 
to  recall  the  letters,  the  device  of  Ilaman  the 
son  of  Haminedatha  the  Agagite,  which  he 
hath  written  to  exterminate  the  Jews  who 
are  in  all  the  provinces  of  the  king. 

6  For  how  could  I  endure  to  look  on  the 
evil  that  is  to  befall  my  people?  and  how 
could  I  endure  to  look  on  the  extermination 
of  my  kindred? 

7  ^  Then  said  king  Achashverosh  unto 
Esther  the  queen  and  to  Mordecai  the  Jew, 
Behold,  the  house  of  Hamau  have  I  given  to 
Esther,  and  him  have  they  hanged  on  the 
gallows,  because  he  had  stretched  out  his 
hand  against  the  Jews. 

8  But  ye"  write  yourselves  concerning  the 
Jews,  as  it  may  be  good  in  your  eyes,  in  the 
king's  name,  and  seal  it  with  the  kinii's  sis- 
net-ring;  for  a  writing  which  is  written  in 
the  kiiiu's  name,  and  sealed  with  the  kint-'s 

a 

:,  cannot  be  recalled. 

9  Then  were  called  the  king's  scribes  at 
that  time  in  the  third  month,  tliat  is,  tlie 
month  Sivan,  on  the  three  and  twentieth  day 
thereof;  and  it  was  written  all  just  as  Mor- 
decai commanded  to  the  Jews,  and  to  the 
lieutenants,  and  the  governors  and  the  princes 
of  the  provinces  who  were  from  India  unto 
Ethiopia,  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  pro- 
vinces, unto  every  province  according  to  its 
writing,  and  unto  every  people  according  to 
its  language,  and  to  the  Jews  according  to 
their  writing,  and  according  to  their  language. 

10  And  he  wrote  in  the  name  of  king 
Achashverosh,  and  sealed  it  with  the  king's 
signet-ring,  and  he  sent  letters  through  means 
of  the  swift''  messengers  on  horseback,  and 
riders  on  mules,  camels,  and  young  dromeda- 
ries :" 

11  That  the  king  had  granted  to  the  Jews 
who  were  in  every  city  to  gather  themselves 


'  In  the  commentary  to  the  book  of  Esther,  by  Aaron 
Ilalle  Wolfsohn,  this  is  thus  explained:  "All  that  is  in 
my  power  to  do  I  have  done;  Haman  has  been  punished, 
and  I  have  thus  shown  my  abhorrence  of  the  crime  which 
he  meditated.  But  as  the  laws  of  Persia  cannot  be  re- 
pealed, yon  shall  be  authorized  by  a  decree  equal  to  the 
former  to  protect  yourselves  against  the  malignity  of  your 


together,  and  to  stand  forward  for  tiieir  life, 
to  destroy,  to  slay,  and  to  exterminate  all  tlie 
military  strength  of  the  people  and  province 
that  would  assault  them,  both  little  ones  and 
women,  and  to  plunder  their  property  as 
spoil, 

12  On  one  day  in  all  the  provinces  of  king 
Achashverosh,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the 
tweltth  month,  which  is  the  month  Adar. 

13  A  copy  of  the  writing  to  be  given  out 
as  a  law  in  every  province,  was  puljlished 
unto  all  nations,  and  that  the  Jews  should  be 
read)-  against  that  day  to  avenge  themselves 
on  their  enemies. 

1  i  The  swift  messengers  that  rode  upon 
mules  and  camels  went  out,  being  hastened 
and  hurried  forward  with  the  command  of 
the  king:  and  the  law  was  given  out  at  Shu- 
sh an  tlie  capital. 

15  ^  And  Mordecai  went  out  from  the 
presence  of  the  king  in  a  royal  apparel  of 
blue  and  white,  and  with  a  great  crown  of 
gold,  and  with  a  cloak  of  fine  linen  and  pur- 
ple: and  the  city  of  Shushan  was  glad  and 
joyful. 

16  For  the  Jews  there  was  light,  with  joy 
and  gladness,  and  honour. 

17  And  in  every  province,  and  in  every 
city,  whithersoever  the  king's  command 
reached  with  his  law,  there  were  joy  and 
gladness  for  the  Jews,  entertainments  and 
a  feast-day:  and  many  of  the  people  of  the 
land  became  Jews ;  for  the  dread  of  the  Jews 
had  fallen  upon  them. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  And  in  the  twelfth  month,  that  is,  the 
month  Adar,  on  the  thirteenth  day  there- 
of, when  the  king's  command  with  his  law 
drew  near  to  be  put  in  execution,  on  the  day 
that  the  enemies  of  the  Jews  had  hoped  to 
have  j^ower  over  tliem,  which  had  been 
changed  nevertheless,  so  that  the  Jews  had 
power  over  those  that  hated  them, 

2  The  Jews  assembled  together  in  their 
cities,  throughout  all  the  provinces  of  king 


adversaries,  by  putting  to  death  every  one  from  whom 
you  may  apprehend  any  danger."  This  view  will  alsr 
account  for  the  destruction  of  their  enemies  by  the  Jews, 
while  they  touched  none  of  their  property. 

''  Lit.  "runners." 

"  Arnbeim,  "riders  on  dromedaries,  (or  swift  horses,) 
mules,  the  children  of  mares." 

891 


ESTHER  IX. 


Acliashveroph,  to  stretch  out  their  hand 
against  those  that  had  sought  their  injury  : 
and  no  man  could  keep  standing  before  them; 
for  the  dread  of  them  had  fallen  upon  all  the 
nations. 

3  And  all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  and 
the  lieutenants,  and  the  governors,  and  the 
superintendents  of  the  affairs  of  the  king, 
elevated  the  Jews;  because  the  dread  of  Mor- 
decai  had  fallen  upon  them. 

4  For  Mordecai  was  great  in  the  king's 
house,  and  his  fame  went  throughout  all  the 
provinces;  for  the  man  Mordecai  became 
greater  and  greater. 

5  And  the  Jews  smote  all  their  enemies' 
with  the  stroke  of  the  sword,  and  slaughter, 
and  extermination;  and  they  acted  with  those 
that  hated  them  according  to  their  pleasure. 

6  And  in  Shushan  the  capital  the  Jews 
slew  and  exterminated  five  hundred  men. 

7  And  Parshandatha,  and  Dalphon,  and 
Aspatha, 

8  And  Poratha,  and  Adalya,  and  Aridatha, 

9  And  Parmashtha,  and  Arissai,  and  Ari- 
dai,  and  Vayzatha, 

10  Tlie  ten  sons  of  Haman  the  son  of 
Hammedatha,  the  adversary  of  the  Jews,  did 
they  slay;  but  to  the  spoil  did  they  not 
stretch  forth  their  hand. 

11  On  that  same  day  came  the  number  of 
those  that  were  slain  in  Shushan  the  capital 
before  the  king.  i 

12  Then  said  the  king  unto  Esther  the! 
queen,  In  Shushan  the  capital  have  the  Jews 
slain  and  exterminated  five  hundred  men,  and 
the  ten  sorts  of  Haman :  what  have  they  done 
in  the  rest  of  the  king's  provinces?  Now  what 
is  thy  petition?  and  it  shall  be  granted  thee: 
and  what  is  thy  request  farther?  and  it  shall 
be  done. 

13  Then  said  Esther,  If  it  please  the  king, 
let  it  to-morrow  also  be  gi-anted  to  the  Jews 
who  are  in  Shushan  to  do  according  to  the 
law  of  this  day,  and  let  the  ten  sons  of  Ha- 
man be  hanged  on  the  gallows. 

°  It  must  not  be  supposed  that  this  was  indiscriminate 
slaughter  of"  all  against  whom  the  Jews  had  conceived  ha- 
tred, but  it  only  says  that  those  perished  who  had  actually 
been  prepared  to  exterminate  the  Jew.s.  See  alsoiii  1  l,:iiid 
compare  with  ix.  16,  where  it  says,  "and  stood  forward  tor 
their  life."  Phili[)pson  correctly  remarks,  that  though  the 
number  of  the  slaughtered  enemies  only  is  given,  it  is  high- 
ly probable  that  many  Jews  also  perished  in  this  internal 
Warfare  which  thus  occurred  in  the  Persian  kingdom. 
892 


14  And  the  king  ordered  that  it  should  be 
done  so;  and  the  law  was  given  out  at  Shu- 
shan; and  the  ten  sons  of  Haman  were 
hanged. 

15  And  the  Jews  tliatwere  in  Shushan  as- 
sembled together  also  on  the  fourteenth  day 

Of  the  month  Adar,  and  slew  at  Shushan 
three  hundred  men;  but  to  the  spoil  they  did 
not  stretch  forth  their  hand. 

16  And  the  remaining  Jews  that  were  in 
the  king's  provinces  assembled  together,  and 
stood  forward  for  their  life,  and  procured  rest 
from  their  enemies,  and  slew  of  those  that 
hated  them  seventy  and  five  thousand;  but 
to  the  spoil  did  they  not  stretch  forth  their 
hand, 

17  On  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  month 
Adar,  and  they  rested  on  the  fourteenth  day 
thereof,  and  made  it  a  day  of  entertainment 
and  joy. 

18  But  the  Jews  tliatwere  at  Shushan  as- 
sembled together  on  the  thirteenth  day  there- 

j  of,  and  on  the  fourteenth  thereof,  and  rested 
on  the  fifteenth  thereof,  and  made  it  a  day 
of  entertainment  tind  joy. 

19  Therefore  do  the  Jews  of  the  villages, 
that  dwell  in  the  unwalled  towns,  make  the 
fourteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar  as  one  of 
joy  and  entertainment,  and  a  feast-day,  and 
of  sending  portions"  one  to  another. 

20  And  Mordecai  wrote  down  these  events ; 
and  he  sent  letters  unto  all  the  Jews  that 
were  in  all  the  provinces  of  king  Achashve- 
rosh,  those  nigh  and  those  far  away, 

21  To  take  it  on  themselves  as  a  duty, 
that  they  should  celebrate  the  fourteenth  day 
of  the  month  Adar,  and  the  fifteenth  day  of 
the  same  in  each  and  every  year, 

22  Like  those  days  whereon  the  Jews  had 
rest  from  their  enemies,  and  the  month  which 
was  changed  imto  them  from  sorrow  to  joy, 
and  from  mourning  into  a  feast-day:  to  make 
them  days  of  entertainment  and  joy,  and  of 
sending  portions  one  to  the  other,  and  gifts 
to  the  needy." 

'  That  is,  portions  of  food :  this  custom  is  still  exten- 
sively observed. 

"  As  in  the  decree  of  Haman  there  was  no  distinction 
made  between  rich  and  poor,  as  all  were  thereby  doomed 
to  destruction,  it  is  proper  that  every  one  .should  have 
cause  to  be  joyful  in  all  future  generations;  the  poor 
should  of  right  therefore  be  remembered  on  this  day 
especially  by  their  more  wealthy  neighbours,  so  that  they 
too  miiy  bless  the  Loud  iu  joy  and  plenty 


DANIEL  T. 


23  And  the  Jews  took  upon  themselves 
that  wliich  tliey  had  begun  ah'eady  to  do.  and 
that  which  Mordecai  had  written  unto  them. 

24  Because  Haman  the  son  of  Hammeda- 
tha,  the  Agagite,  the  adversary  of  all  the 
Jews,  had  devised  against  the  Jews  to  exter- 
minate them,  and  had  cast  the  Pur,  that  is, 
the  lot.  to  destroy  them,  and  to  exterminate 
tiieni. 

25  But  %vhen  (Esther)  came  before  the 
king,  he  ordered  by  that  letter  that  his  wick- 
ed device,  which  he  had  devised  against  the 
Jews,  should  return  upon  his  own  head:  and 
they  hanged  him  and  his  sons  on  the  gal- 
lows. 

26  Therefore  did  they  call  these  days  Pu- 
rim,  after  the  name  of  the  Pur:  therefore,  be- 
cause of  all  the  words  of  this  letter,  both  for 
that  which  they  had  experienced  thereby, 
and  for  that  which  had  occurred  unto  them, 

27  The  Jews  confirmed  it  as  a  duty,  and 
took  upon  themselves,  and  upon  their  seed, 
and  upon  all  such  as  join  themselves  unto 
them,  so  that  no  one  should  fail  therein,  tliat 
they  would  celebrate  these  two  days  accord- 
ing to  their  prescription,  and  at  their  ap- 
pointed time,  in  each  and  every  year. 

28  And  these  days  are  remembered  and 
celebrated  throughout  each  and  every  gene- 
ration, every  family,  every  province,  and 
every  city ;  and  these  days  of  Purim  will  not 
pass  away  from  the  midst  of  the  Jews,  nor 
will  their  memorial  cease  from  their  seed. 


29  ^f  Then  wrote  Esther  the  queen,  the 
daughter  of  Abichayil,  with  Mordecai  the 
Jew,  with  all  due  strength,  to  confirm  this 
letter  of  Purim  the  second  time. 

30  And  he  sent  letters  unto  all  the  Jews, 
to  the  hundred  and  twenty-seven  provinces 
of  the  kingdom  of  Achashverosh,  words  of 
peace  and  truth, 

31  To  confirm  these  davs  of  Purim  in 
their  times,  just  as  Mordecai  the  Jew  and 
Estiier  the  queen  had  enjoined  on  them,  and 
as  they  had  confirmed  for  themselves  and  for 
their  seed,  the  matters  of  the  fastings  and 
their  prayers. 

32  And  the  order  of  Esther  confirmed 
these  matters  of  Purim;  and  it  was  written 
in  the"  book. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Tl  And  king  Achashverosh  imposed  a 
tribute  upon  the  land,  and  the  isles  of  the 
sea. 

2  And  all  the  acts  of  his  strength  and  of 
his  might,  and  the  exposition  of  the  greatness 
of  Mordecai,  wherewith  the  king  made  him 
great,  behold  they  are  writtt-n  in  the  book  of 
the  chronicles  of  the  kings  of  Media  and 
Persia. 

3  For  Mordecai  the  Jew  was  the  second 
in  rank  after  king  Achashverosh,  and  great 
among  the  Jews,  and  acceptable  to  the  multi- 
tude of  his  brethren,  a  promoter  of  good  to 
his  people,  and  speaking  peace  to  all  its  seed 


THE  BOOK  OF  DANIEL, 


I       2  And  the  Lord  gave  up  into  his  hand  Ye- 

CHAPTER  T.  j  hoyakim  the  kingof  Judah,  with  part  of  the 

1  T[   In   the   third  year    of   the    reign    of    vessels  of  the  house  of  God:  and  he  brought 

Jehoyakim  the  king  of  Judah   came  Nebu-|  them  into  the  land  of  Shin'ar  into  the  house 

chadnezzar  the  king  of  Babylon  unto  Jerusa-'l  of  his   god,  namely,  he  brought  the  vessels 

lera,  and  besieged  it.**  "  into  the  treasure-house  of  his  god. 


'^  This  no  doubt  refers  to  the  biblical  canon,  and  mean.s     irruption  of  Nebuchadnezzar  must  have  taken  place  while 

that  the  history  of  Esther  was  added  thereto.  ,!  he  was  yet  co-regent  with  his  father,  on  his  expeditiuii 

*■  Philippson^iu  his  notes  to  this  verse,  proves  that  tliisij  against  the  Egyptians,  whom  be  subdued  in  the  following,' 

yy3 


DANIEL  I.  II. 


3  And  the  king  said  unto  A.shpenas,  tlie 
chief  of  his  eunuchs,  that  he  should  bring  out 
of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  of  the  royal 
seed,  and  of  the  nobles, 

4  (Certain)  lads  in  whom  there  should  be 
no  kind  of  blemish,  but  who  should  be  hand- 
some in  appearance,  and  intelligent  in  all 
wisdom,  and  acquainted  with  knowledge,  and 
understanding  science,  and  such  as  should 
have  the  ability  to  serve"  in  the  king's  pa- 
lace, and  that  these  should  be  taught  the 
learning  and  the  language  of  the  Chaldeans. 

5  And  the  king  ordered  for  them  a  daily 
provision  for  its  day  of  the  king's  food,  and 
of  the  wine  which  he  drank,  and  to  educate 
them  three  years,  so  that  at  the  end  thereof 
they  should  serve  before  the  king. 

6  Now  there  were  among  these  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Judah,  Daniel,  Chananyah,  Mishael, 
and  'Azaryah. 

7  And  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs  assigned 
them  names;  and  he  assigned  to  Daniel  the 
name  of  Belteshazzar;  and  to  Chananyah,  of 
Shadrach;  and  to  Mishael,  of  Meshach;  and 
to  'Azaryah,  of  'Abed-nego. 

8  But  Daniel  resolved*"  in  his  heart  that 
lie  would  not  defile  himself  with  the  food  of 
the  king,  nor  with  the  wine  which  he  drank: 
and  therefore  he  requested  of  the  chief  of  the 
eunuchs  that  he  might  not  need  to  defile 
himself. 

9  And  God  gave  Daniel  kindness  and 
mercy  before  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs. 

10  And  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs  said  unto 
Daniel,  I  fear  my  lord  the  king,  who  hath 
ordered  your  food  and  your  drink;  for  why 
should  he  see  your  fiice  sadder  looking  than 
that  of  the  lads  who  are  of  your  age?"  and 
ye  would  thus  endanger  my  head  with  the 
king. 

11  Then  said  Daniel  to  the  steward  whom 
the  chief  of  the  eunuchs  had  given  charge 
over  Daniel,  Chananyah,  Mishael,  and  'Azar- 
yah, 

12  Prove,  I  beseech  thee,  thy  servants,  ten 
days;  and  let  tliem  give  us  vegetables  to  eat, 
and  water  to  drink  ; 

13  And  then  let  our  countenances  be  look- 
ed at  before  thee,  and  the  countenance  of  the 


year,  when  at  the  death  of  his  father  he  became  sole  kinj; 
(if  Babylon.     Souk;  llabbius  suppose  it  refers  to  the  third 
year  of  Jchoyakim's  rebclliou. 
891 


lads  that  eat  the  food  of  the  king :  ar.d  as  thou 
mayestsee  (fitting),  so  deal  with  thy  servants. 

14  And  he  hearkened  unto  them  in  this 
matter,  and  proved  them  ten  daj'S. 

15  And  at  the  end  of  ten  days  their  coun- 
tenances appeared  better  and  fuller  in  flesh 
than  (that  of)  all  the  lads  who  ate  the  food 
of  the  kinir. 

16  And  the  steward  took  away  their  (a2> 
portioned)  food,  and  the  wine  that  they  were 
to  drink,  and  ga\'e  them  vegetables. 

17  But  as  regardeth  all  these  four  lads, 
God  gave  them  knowledge  and  intelligence 
in  all  learning  and  wisdom;  and  Daniel  had 
understanding  in  all  visions  and  dreams. 

18  And  at  the  end  of  the  days  (after) 
which  the  king  had  said  that  they  should  be 
presented,  the  chief  of  the  eunuchs  presented 
them  before  Nebuchadnezzar. 

19  And  the  king  spoke  with  them;  and 
there  was  not  found  among  them  all  any  one 
like  Daniel,  Chananyah,  Mishael,  and  'Azar- 
yah :  and  so  they  served  before  the  king. 

20  And  in  every  matter  of  wise  understand- 
ing, which  the  king  required  of  them,  he 
found  them  ten  times  superior  above  all  the 
magicians  and  astrologers  that  were  in  all 
his  kingdom. 

21  And  Daniel  continued  even  unto  the 
first  year  of  king  Cyrus. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ][  And  in  the  second  year  of  the  reign 
of  Nebuchadnezzar,  Nebuchadnezzar  dreamed 
dreams,  whereat  his  spirit  was  troubled,  and 
his  sleep  that  was  upon  hira  was  gone. 

2  Then  said  the  king  to  call  the  magicians, 
and  the  astrologers,  and  the  sorcerers,  and 
the  Chaldeans,  to  solve  for  the  king  his 
dreams:  and  they  came  and  placed  them- 
selves before  the  king. 

3  And  the  king  said  unto  them,  I  have 
dreamed  a  dream,  and  my  spirit  is  troubled 
to  know  the  dream. 

4  Then  spoke  the  Chaldeans  to  the  king 
in  Araniic,  0  king,  live  for  ever :  recite  the 
dream  to  thy  servants,  and  we  will  tell  the 
interpretation. 

5  The  king  answered  and  said  to  the  Chal- 

'  Lit.  "to  stand,"  and  so  elsewhere, 

"  Lit.  "laid  it  on  bis  heart." 

°  Sa'adyah,  "  like  you  in  height." 


DANIEL  ir. 


cliiinged 


Jeans.  Tno  decree  is  firmly  resolved  on  by 
'lie:  If  ye  do  not  make  known  unto  me  the 
dream  with  its  interpretation,  ye  shall  be  cut 
m  pieces,  and  ytmv  houses  shall  be 
into  a  dunghill. 

6  But  if  ye  tell  the  dreaui  and  its  inter- 
l-retation.  then  shall  ye  receive  gifts  and  re- 
wards and  great  honour  from  me.  Therefore 
tell  nie  tlie  dream   and  its  interpretation. 

7  They  answered  the  second  time  and  said, 
Lot  the  king  recite  the  dream  to  his  servants, 
and  we  wi.ll  tell  its  interpretation. 

S  The  king  answered  and  said,  I  know  of 
a  certainty  that  3'e  wish  to  gain  time,  because 
ye  see  the  decree  is  firmly  resolved  on  by  me : 

9  That"  if  ye  do  not  make  known  unto  me 
thy  dr-.5am,  there  is  but  one  sentence  for  j'ou; 
fof  ye  have  prepared  hing  and  deceptive 
■wer3>;  to  speak  before  me,  till  the  time  be 
changed.  Therefore  relate  to  me  the  dream, 
and  I  shall  know  that  ye  can  tell  me  its  in- 
terpretation. 

10  The  Chaldeans  answered  l)efore  the 
kmg,  and  said,  There  is  not  a  man  upon  the 
habitable  earth  that  can  tell  the  king's  mat- 
ter: wherefore  no  mighty  and  powerful  king 
ever  hath  asked  such  a  thing  of  any  magi- 
cian, or  astrologer,  or  Chaldean. 

11  And  the  matter  which  the  king  requii'- 
eth  is  difficult,  and  there  is  no  other  that  can 
tell  it  before  the  king,  except  the  gods,  whose 
dwelling  is  not  with  flesh. 

12  For  all  this  cause  the  king  became  an- 
gry, and  very  furious;  and  he  commanded 
to  destroy  all  the  wise  men  of  Babylon. 

13  And  the  law  went  forth  and  (some  of) 
the  wise  men  were  slain:  and  they  sought 
Daniel  and  his  companions  to  slay  them. 

14  ][  Then  made  Daniel  representations 
with  intelligence  and  prudence  to  Ar^och  the 
captain  of  the  king's  guard,''  who  was  gone 
forth  to  slay  the  wise  men  of  Babylon. 

15  He  commenced  and  said  to  Arjoch  the 
king's  commander,  Wherefore  is  the  law  so 
hasty"^  from  the  king?  Tlieu  made  Aryoch 
the  matter''  known  to  Daniel. 

16  But  Daniel  went  in,  and  requested  of 
the  king  that  he  would  give  him  time,  that 
he  might  tell  the  interpretation  to  the  king. 


'  Philippson,  "For  if  ye  do  not  make  known  to  lue  the 
dre;im,  'hs-p  is  this  your  .sole  object,  und  you  have  agreed 
50  speak^"  ,\\. 


17  ^  Then  went  Daniel  to  his  house,  and 
made  the  matter  known  to  Chananyah,  Mi- 
shael,  and  'Azaryah,  his  companions. 

18  In  order  that  they  might  pray  for 
mercy  of  the  God  of  heaven  concerning  this 
secret:  so  that  Daniel  and  his  companions 
might  not  be  destroyed  with  the  rest  of  the 
wise  men  of  Babylon. 

19  Thereupon  was  the  secret  revealed  unto 
Daniel  in  a  vision  of  the  night.  Then  did 
Daniel  bless  the  God  of  heaven. 

20  Daniel  commenced  and  said,  Ma}'  the 
name  of  God  be  blessed  from  eternitj'  and  to 
all  eternity-;  for  wisdom  and  might  are  his; 

21  And  he  changeth  times  and  seasons; 
he  removeth  kings,  and  raiseth  up  kings :  he 
giveth  wisdom  unto  the  wise,  and  knowledge 
to  those  that  possess  understanding.* 

22  He  it  is  that  revealeth  what  is  deep 
and  secret;  he  knoweth  what  is  in  the  dark- 
ness, and  the  light  dwelleth  with  him. 

23  To  thee,  0  God  of  my  father,  do  I  give 
thanks,  and  I  praise  thee,  who  hast  given  me 
wisdom  and  might,  and  because  thou  hast 
made  known  unto  me  what  we  prayed  for  of 
thee;  for  thou  hast  made  known  unto  us  the 
king's  matter. 

24  Therefore  did  Daniel  go  in  unto  Aryoch, 
whom  the  king  had  ordered  to  destroy  the 
wise  men  of  Babylon.  He  went  and  said  thus 
unto  him.  The  wise  men  of  Babylon  must 
thou  not  destroy:  bring  me  before  the  king, 
and  I  will  tell  luito  the  king  the  interpretar 
tion. 

25  ]f  Then  did  Aryoch  bring  Daniel  before 
the  king  in  haste,  and  thus  he  said  unto 
him.  Here  have  I  found  a  man  out  of  the 
children  of  the  exiles  of  Judah,  who  will 
make  known  unto  the  king  the  interpreta- 
tion. 

26  The  king  answered  and  said  to  Daniel, 
whose  name  was  Belteshazzar,  Art  thou  able 
to  make  known  unto  me  the  dream  which  I 
have  seen,  and  its  interpretation? 

27  Daniel  answered  in  the  presence  of  the 
king,  and  said,  The  secret  which  the  king 
hath  demanded  no  wise  men,  astrologers,  ma- 
gicians, or  soothsayers,  can  tell  unto  tht 
king; 


Rashi,  "the  eliicf  of  the  executioners." 
Rashi  and  Abeu  Ezra.      Others,  "severe." 
Philippson,  all  through,  i(pho  with  "order." 

894 


DANIEL  II. 


2"  Bui  tliere  is  a  God  in  heaven  that  re- 
vcaleth  secrets,  and  he  hath  made  known  to 
king  Nebuchadnezzar  what  is  to  be  in  the 
latter  days.  Thy  dream,  and  the  visions  of 
thy  head  upon  thy  couch,  were  these. 

29  Tf  As  for  thee.  0  king,  thy  thoughts, 
when  thou  wast  on  thy  couch,  rose  (within 
thee)  concerning  what  is  to  come  to  pass 
hereafter;  and  the  Revea'ler  of  secrets  hath 
made  known  to  thee  what  is  to  come  to  pass. 

30  But  as  for  me,  this  secret  hath  not  been 
revealed  to  me  because  of  any  wisdom  that 
is  in  me  more  than  in  all  other  living;  but  for 
the  sake  that  men  might  make  known  the  in- 
terpretation to  the  king,  and  that  thou  might- 
est  understand  the  thoughts  of  thy  heart. 

31  ^  Thou,  0  king,  sawest,  and  behold 
there  was  a  large  image;  this  image  was 
mighty,  and  its  brightness  was  excellent;  it 
stood  opposite  to  thee;  and  its  form  was  fear- 
inspiring. 

32  As  regardeth  this  image,  its  head  was 
of  fine  gold,  its  breast  and  its  arms  were  of 
silver,  its  belly  and  its  thighs  of  copper, 

33  Its  legs  of  iron,  its  feet  part  of  them  of 
iron  and  part  of  them  of  clay. 

34  Thou  didst  look  on  till  the  moment 
that  a  stone  tore  itself  loose,  not  through 
(human)  hands,  and  it  struck  the  image  upon 
its  feet  that  were  of  iron  and  clay,  and  ground 
them  to  pieces. 

35  Then  were  the  iron,  the  clay,  the  cop- 
per, the  silver,  and  the  gold  ground  up  toge- 
ther, and  became  like  the  chaff  of  the  sum- 
mer threshing-floors;  and  the  wind  carried 
them  away,  that  no  trace"  was  found  of  them ; 
and  the  stone  that  had  stricken  the  image  be- 
came a  mighty  mountain,  and  filled  the  whole 
earth. 

36  This  is  the  dream;  and  its  interpretar 
tion  will  we  relate  before  the  king. 

37  Thou,  0  king,  art  a  king  of  kings,  to 
whom  the  God  of  heaven  hath  given  king- 
dom, power,  and  strength,  and  honour: 

38  And  wheresoever  the  children  of  men 
ilwell,  hath  he  given*"  the  beasts  of  the  field 
and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven  into  thy  hand, 
and  hath  made  tliee  ruler  over  them  all. 
Thou  art  the  head  of  gold. 


'  Lit.  "No  place  for  them;"  Rashi  explains,  "their  for- 
mer place  was  not  known,  as  it'  they  had  never  heen  there."  | 
'  Fiirst.     Philippson  and  others,  " — children  of  men! 
8'J6  ' 


39  And  after  thee  there  will  arise  another 
kmgdom  inferior  to  thee;  and  another"  third 
kingdom  of  copper,  which  will  bear  rule  over 
all  the  earth. 

40  And  the  fourth  kingdom  will  be  as 
strong  as  iron;  forasmuch  as  iron  grindeth 
up  and  beateth  down  all  things,  and  as  iron 
that  breaketh  (every  thing),  will  it  grhid  up 
and  break  all  these. 

41  And  that  thou  sawest  the  feet  and 
toes,  part  of  them  of  potter's  clay,  and  part 
of  them  of  iron,  (signifieth)  that  it  will  be  a 
divided  kingdom,  although  there  will  be  in  it 
of  the  strength  of  the  iron;  forasmuch  as 
thou  sawest  the  iron  mingled  with  mir}'  clay. 

42  And  as  the  toes  of  the  feet  were  part 
of  them  of  iron,  and  part  of  them  of  clay;  so 
will  the  kingdom  be  partly  strong  and  partly 
brittle. 

43  And  whereas  thou  sawest  iron  mingled 
with  miry  clay:  so  will  they  mingle  them- 
selves among  the  seed  of  men ;  but  they  will 
not  cleave  firmly  one  to  another,  even  as  iron 
cannot  be  mingled  with  claw 

44  But  in  the  days  of  these  kings  will  the 
God  of  heaven  set  up  a  kingdom,  which  shall 
to  eternity  not  be  destroyed,  and  its  rule  shall 
not  be  transferred  to  any  other  people;  (but) 
it  will  grind  up  and  make  an  end  of  all  these 
kingdoms,  while  it  will  itself  endure  for  ever. 

45  Whereas  thou  sawest  that  out  of  the 
mountain  a  stone  tore  itself  loose,  not  through 
(human)  hands,  and  that  it  ground  up  the  iron, 
the  copper,  the  clay,  the  silver,  and  the  gold : 
the  great  God  hath  made  known  to  the  king 
what  is  to  come  to  pass  after  this.  And  the 
dream  is  reliable,  and  its  interpretation  cer- 
tain. 

46  ^  Then  did  king  Nebuchadnezzar  fall 
upon  his  face,  and  he  bowed  down  to  Daniel, 
and  ordered  that  they  should  .ofter  an  obla- 
tion and  sweet  odours  unto  him. 

47  The  king  answered  unto  Daniel,  and 
said.  Of  a  truth  it  is,  that  yonv  God  is  the 
Gdd  of  gods,  and  the  Lord  of  kings,  and  the 
revealer  of  secrets;  because  thou  hast  been 
able  to  reveal  tliis  secret. 

48  Then  did  the  king  elevate  Daniel,  and 
gave  him  many  great  presents,  and  made  him 


dwell,  the  beasts  of  the  field  and  the  fowls  of  the  heaven, 
hatli  he  given  (all)  into  thy  hand." 

'  Fiirst,  "and  a  third  kinirdom  thereafter." 


'^•ij 


».i*.ft-  '   ^"';i 


(" 


^^i 


DANIEL  IT.  III. 


imUh'  over  the  whole  province  of"  Babylon, 
and  (.Lief  of  the  superintendents  over  all  the 
wise  men  of  Babylon. 

40  Then  requested  Daniel  of  the  king,  that 
he  might  appoint  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and 
'Abed-nego,  over  the  public  service  of  the 
province  of  Balnion ;  but  Daniel  remained  in 
the  gate  of  the  king. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^  King  Nebuchadnezzar  made  an  image 
of  gold,"  the  height  of  which  was  sixty  cubits, 
and  the  breadth  of  which  was  six  cubits:  he 

.set  it  up  in  the  valley  of  Dura,  in  the  pro- 
vince of  Babylon. 

2  And  king  Xeljuchadnezzar  sent  to  a.ssem- 
blt  (his)  lieutenants,  the  superintendents, 
and  the  governors,  the  j  udges,  the  treasurers, 
the  counsellors,  those  learned  in  the  law.  and 
all  the  rulers  of  the  provinces,  to  come  to  the 
dedication  of  the  image  which  king  Nebu- 
chadnezzar had  set  up. 

o  Thereupon  were  assembled  the  lieute- 
nants, the  superintendents,  and  the  govei'n- 
ors,  the  judges,  the  treasurers,  the  counsellors, 
those  learned  in  the  law,  and  all  the  rulers' 
of  the  provinces,  unto  the  dedication  of  the 
image  that  king  Nelniehadnezzar  had  .set  up; 
and  they  stood  opposite  t(_)  tlie  image  that 
Nebuchadnezzar  had  set  up. 

4  Then  a  herald  called  out  with  a  loud'' 
voice,  To  30U  it  is  commanded,  0  people,  na- 
tions, and  languages, 

5  That  at  the  time  when  ye  do  hear  the 
sound  of  the  cornet,  flute,  guitar,  harp,  psal- 
tery, bagpipe,  and  all  kinds  of  music,  ye  shall 
fall  down  and  bow  yourselves  to  the  golden 
image  which  king  Nebuchadnezzar  hath  set 
up: 

6  And  whoso  doth  not  fall  down  and  bow 
himself  shall  in  the  same  hour  be  cast  into 
the  midst  of  a  burning  fiery  furnace. 

7  Therefore  at  the  same  time,  when  all 
the  people  heard  the  sound  of  the  cornet, 
flute,  guitar,  harp,  psaltery,  and  all  kinds 
of  music,  all  the  people,  the  nations,  and  the 
languages  fell  down  bowing  them.selves  to 
the  golden  image  which  king  Nebuchadnez- 
zar had  set  up. 

8  Therefore  at  the  same  time  certain  Chal- 


'  Philippson  suggests  that  it  was  probably  only  overlaid. 
'  Lit.  "  with  might." 

5  N 


dean  men  came  near,  and  nccused  the  Jews 
treacherously. 

9  They  commenced  and  said  to  king  Ne 
buchadnezzar.  0  king,  live  fur  ever. 

10  Thou,  0  king,  hadst  made  a  decree. 
that  every  man  that  should  hear  the  sound 
of  the  cornet,  flute,  guitar,  harp,  psaltery, 
and  bagpipe,  and  all  kinds  of  music,  should 
fall  down  and  bow  himself  to  the  golden 
image; 

11  And  that  whoso  should  not  fall  down 
and  bow  himself  should  be  cast  into  the 
midst  of  a  burning  fiery  furnace. 

12  There  are  certain  Jewish  men  whom 
thou  hast  appointed  over  the  public  service 
of  the  province  of  Balnlon,  Shadrach,  Me- 
shach, anil  'Abednego:  tliese  men,  O  king, 
have  not  paid  any  regard  to  thee;  thy  god 
they  do  not  worship,  and  to  the  golden 
image  wliich  thou  hast  set  up  they  do  not 
bow  themselves. 

13  ^  Then  ordered  Nebuchadnezzar  in 
rage  and  fuiy  to  bring  Shadrach,  Meshach, 
and  'Abed-nego.  Then  were  these  men 
brought  before  the  king. 

14  Nebuchadnezzar  connnenced  and  said 
unto  them,  Is  it  out  of  disrespect,"  0  Shar 
drach,  Meshach,  and  'Al)cd-nego?  My  god 
ye  do  not  worship,  and  to  the  golden  image 
which  I  have  set  up  ye  do  not  bow  your- 
selves? 

15  Now  then  if  ye  be  ready  at  the  time 
when  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  cornet,  flute, 
harp,  guitar,  psaltery,  and  bagpipe,  and  all 
kinds  of  music,  to  fall  down  and  bow  your- 
selves to  the  image  which  I  have  made, 
(well) ;  but  if  ye  bow  yourselves  not,  ye  shall 
be  cast  in  the  same  hour  into  the  midst  of  a 
burning  fiery  furnace:  and  who  is  the  God 
that  can  deliver  you  out  of  my  hpaid? 

16  Then  answered  Shadrach,  Meshach, 
and  'Abed-nego,  and  said  to  the  king,  0  Ne- 
buchadnezzar, we  have  no  need  to  answer 
thee  a  word  in  this  matter. 

17  Behold,  there  is  our  God  whom  we  wor- 
ship, he  is  able  to  deliver  us  from  the  burn- 
ing fiery  furnace:  and  out  of  thy  hand,  0 
king,  will  he  deliver  us. 

18  But  if  not,  then  be  it  known  unto  thee. 
0  king,  that  thy  god  will  we   not  worship, 


=  Rashi. 

'  Is  it  true'; 


Ilerxheinier,    "on    pmpos'j. 


Abe 


S'Jl 


DANIEL  III.  IV. 


ind  to  the  golden  image  which  thou  hast  set 
up  will  we  not  bow  ourselves. 

19  T[  Then  was  Nebuchadnezzar  filled  with 
f..r;> .  and  the  form  of  his  countenance  was 
changed  because  of  Shadrach,  Mesliach,  and 
'Abed-nego ;  (and)  he  commenced  and  ordered 
that  they  should  heat  the  furnace  thoroughly 
seven  times  more  than  it  was  wont"  to  be 
heated. 

20  And  lie  ordered  the  mightiest  men  m 
strength  that  were  in  his  army,  to  bind  Sha- 
drach, Meshacli,  and  'Abed-nego,  (and)  to 
cast  tliem  into  the  burning  fiery  furnace. 

21  Then  were  these  men  bound  in  their 
mantles,  their  under-garments,  and  their  tur- 
bans, and  their  other  garments,  and  were  cast 
into  the  midst  of  the  burning  fierj'  furnace. 

22  Now,  because  the  king's  command  was 
so  urgent,  and  the  furnace  exceedingly  heat- 
ed, the  flame  of  the  fire  slew  those  men  that 
carried  up  Shadracli,  Mesliach,  and  'Abed- 
nego. 

23  And  these  three  men,  Shadrach,  Me- 
sliach, and  'Alied-nego,  fell  down  bound  into 
the  midst  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace. 

24  ^  Then  was  king  Nebuchadnezzar  as- 
tonished, and  he  rose  up  in  haste,  (and)  ccmi- 
menced,  and  said  unto  liis  counsellors,  Did 
we  not  cast  three  men  bound  into  the  midst 
of  the  fire?  They  answered  and  said  unto 
the  king,  Certainly,  0  king. 

25  He  answered  and  said,  Lo,  T  see  four 
riien  unbound,  walking  in  the  midst  of  the 
fire,  and  tliere  is  no  injury  on  them;  and  tlie 
appearance  of  tlie  fourth  is  like  a  son  of  the 
gods. 

26  ^  Then  came  Nebuchadnezzar  near 
to  the  door  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace,  com- 
menced, and  said,  Shadracli,  Mesliach,  and 
'xibod-nego,  ye  servants  of  the  most  liigh  God, 
step  forth,  and  come  hither.  Then  stepped 
vShadrach,  Meshach,  and  'Abed-nego  forth 
out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire. 

27  And  the  lieutenants,  superintendents, 
and  governors,  and  the  king's  counsellors,  be- 
ing assembled  together,  saw  these  men,  over 
whose  bodies  the  fire  liad  had  no  power,  and 
the  hair  of  whose  head  was  not  singed,  whose 
mantles  were  not  changed,  and  on  wlioin 
there  was  not  come  the  smell  of  fire. 

*  Philippson,  "llian   thoy  s;iw  if.  was  heated."     llorx- 
liciiiicr,  "llian  (liey  liiiiml  it  rfi|uisite," 
8'J8 


28  Then  commenced  Nebuchadnezzar,  and 
said.  Blessed  be  the  God  of  Shadrach,  Me- 
shach, and  'Abed-nego,  who  hath  sent  his 
angel,  and  delivered  his  servants  that  had 
trusted  in  him,  and  had  transgressed  the 
king's  word,  and  yielded  up  their  bodies,  that 
the}'  might  no'  worship  nor  bow  themselves 
to  any  god,  except  their  own  God. 

29  Therefore  do  I  make  a  decree.  That 
every  people,  nation,  and  language,  that  may 
speak  any  thing  disrespectful  against  the  God 
of  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  'Abed-nego,  shall 
be  cut  in  pieces,  and  their  houses  shall  be 
changed  into  a  dunghill;  because  there  is  no 
other  God  tliat  can  deliver  like  this  one. 

30  Then  did  the  king  promote  Shadrach, 
Meshach,  and  'Abed-nego,  in  the  province  of 
Babylon. 

3P  ^  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king,  unto  all 
people,  nations,  and  languages,  that  dwell  on 
all  the  earth.  May  your  welfare  increase. 

32  The  signs  and  wonders  which  the  most 
high  God  hath  wrought  toward  me  I  find 
it  for  good  to  make  known. 

33  His  signs — liow  great  are  tliey!  and 
his  wonders — how  mighty  are  they !  his  king- 
dom is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  his  rule 
is  over  every  generation. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  I  Nebuchadnezzar  was  at  rest  in  my 
house,  and  flourishing  in  my  palace. 

2  I  saw  a  dream  which  terrified  me;  and 
the  thoughts  upon  my  couch  and  the  visions 
of  my  head  troubled  me. 

3  Therefore  made  I  a  decree  to  bring  be- 
fore me  all  the  wise  men  of  Babylon,  that 
they  might  make  known  unto  me  the  inter- 
pretation of  the  dream. 

4  Then  came  up  the  magicians,  the  astro- 
logers, the  Chaldeans,  and  the  soothsayers; 
and  the  dream  did  I  recite  l)efore  them ;  but 
its  interpretation  did  they  not  make  known 
unto  me. 

5  But  at  the  last  came  up  before  me  Da- 
niel, who.se  name  was  Belteshazzar,  after  the 
name  of  my  god,  and  in  whom  is  the  spirit 
of  the  holy  gods;  and  the  dream  did  I  recite 
before  him,  (saying,) 

6  0  Belteshazzar,  chief  of  the  magicians, 


■■  The  English  ver.sion  commences  here  chapter  iv.,  to 
which  verses  31-33  are  a  son  of  iutroductiou. 


DANIEL  IV. 


of  whom  I  know  that  the  spirit  of  the  holy 
gods  is  ill  thee,  and  that  no  secret  is  con- 
cealed* from  thee,  tell  me  the  visions  of  my 
dream  which  I  have  seen,  with  its  mterpreta- 
tion. 

7  And  the  visions  of  my  head  on  m\-  couch 
'A'eie,  (that)  I  saw,  and  behold,  theic  was  a 
tree  in  the  midst  of  the  earth,  and  its  height 
was  great. 

8  The  tree  grew,''  and  was  strong,  and  its 
height  reached  unto  heaven,  and  it  was  visi- 
ble" to  the  end  of  all  the  earth. 

9  Its  foliage  was  splendid,  and  its  fruit 
large,  and  on  it  was  food  for  all:  under  it 
sought  the  beasts  of  the  field  for  shade,  and 
in  its  boughs  dwelt  the  fowls  of  heaven,  and 
from  it  was  fed  all  llesh. 

lU  I  saw  in  the  visions  of  my  head  on 
my  couch,  and,  behold,  a  watcher  who  was 
also  a  holy  one  came  down  from  heaven.  ) 

11  He  called  with  might,  and  thus  he  said,  j 
Hew  down  the  tree,  and  lop  off'  its  branches, 
strip  oft'  its  leaves,  and  scatter  its  fruit;  let 
the  beasts  flee  aw^ay  from  under  it,  and  the 
fowls  from  among  its  branches: 

12  Nevertheless  leave  the  body  of  its  roots 
in  the  earth,  but  (bound)  with  fetters  of  iron 
and  copper,  among  the  grass  of  the  lield ;  and 
let  it  be  made  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven, 
and  let  its  portion  be  with  the  beasts  on  the  j 
herbage  of  the  earth ; 

13  Let  his  heart  be  changed  not  to  be  hu- 1 
man,  and  let  a  beast's  heart  be  given  mitol 
him;  and  let  seven  times  elapse  over  him. 

14  Through  the  resolve  of  the  watchers  is 
this  decree,  and  by  the  order  of  the  holy  ones 
is  this  decision :  to  the  intent  that  the  living 
mav  know  that  the  Most  High  ruleth  over 
the  kingdom  of  men,  and  that  he  can  give  it 
to  whom.soever  he  pleaseth,  and  can  set  up 
over  it  the  lowest  of  men. 

15  Tiiis  dream  have  I,  king  Nebuchadnez- 
zar, seen ;  but  thou,  0  Belteshazzar,  relate  its 
interpretation,  forasmuch  as  all  the  wise  men 
of  my  kingdom  are  not  able  to  make  known 
unto  me  the  interpretation;  but  thou  art 
able:  for  the  spirit  of  the  holy  gods  is  in 
thee. 

IG    Then  was    Daniel,   whose    name   was 


*  Rashi.     Aben  Ezra,  "can  conquer  thee."     Philipp- 
8Cn,  "no  secret  is  uncouquered  by  thee." 

'  Philip]..syi),  "the  tree  was  great  and  mighty." 


Belteshazzar,  astounded  for  one  hour,^  and 
his  thoughts  troubled  him.  The-  king  then 
commenced,  and  said,  Belteshazzar,  let  not 
the  dream,  or  its  interpretation,  trouble  thee. 
Belteshazzar  answered  and  said.  My  lord,  0 
that  the  dream  might  be  for  those  that 
hate  thee,  and  its  interpretation  ibr  thy 
enemies. 

17  The  tree  that  thou  hast  seen,  which 
grew,  and  was  strong,  the  height  of  which 
reached  unto  the  heaven,  and  which  was  visi- 
ble to  all  the  earth; 

18  The  foliage  of  which  was  splendid,  and 
the  fruit  of  which  was  large,  and  on  which 
was  food  for  all;  under  which  dwelt  the 
beasts  of  the  field,  and  in  the  boughs  of 
which  nestled  the  lowls  of  the  heaven : — 

11)  It  is  thou,  0  king,  that  art  grown  and 
liecome  strong;  and  thy  greatness  is  grown 
apace,  and  reacheth  unto  heaven,  and  thy 
dominion  is  to  the  end  of  the  earth. 

20  And  whereas  the  king  saw  a  watcher 
and  a  holy  one  coming  down  from  heaven, 
who  said.  Hew  the  tree  down,  and  destroy  it; 
yet  leave  the  body  of  its  roots  in  the  earth, 
but  (bound)  in  fetters  of  iron  and  copper, 
among  the  grass  of  the  field;  and  let  it  be 
made  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and  let 
its  portion  be  with  the  beasts  of  the  lield, 
till  seven  times  elapse  over  it: — 

21  This  is  the  interpretation,  0  king,  and 
this  is  the  resolve  of  the  Most  High,  ^vliicli 
will  come  over  my  lord  the  king: 

22  They  will  drive  thee  away  from  men, 
and  with  the  beasts  of  the  field  "is  thy  dwell- 
ing to  be,  and  they  will  suffer  thee  to  eat 
herbs  like  oxen,  and  they  will  suffer  thee  to 
be  made  wet  with  the  dew  of  heaven,  and 
seven  times  will  elapse  over  thee;  until  that 
thou  wilt  know  that  the  Most  High  ruletli 
over  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  givetli  it  to 
whomsoever  he  pleaseth. 

23  And  whereas  they  ordered  to  leave  the 
body  of  the  roots  of  the  tree:  thy  kingdom 
will  remain  unto  thee,  as  soon  as  thou  wilt 
know  that  the  Heavens  do  rule. 

24  Therefore,  0  king,  let  my  counsel  be 
agreeable  unto  thee,  and  atone  for  thy  sins 
by  righteousness,  and  for   thy  miquities   by 


°  Sa'adyah.     Lit.  "its  appearance."     Aben  Ezra,  "and 
its  branches  went,"  &.c. 

"^  Othersj  not  liteniUy,  "for  a  while." 

809 


DANIEL  IV.  V. 


showing  kindness  to  tlie  poor:  perhaps  thy 
prosperity  may  (tliereby)  endure  k)ng. 

25  All  this  came  over  king  Nebuchadnez- 
zar. 

26  Tf  At  the  end  of  twelve  months  he  was 
walking  upon  the  royal  palace  at  Babylon. 

27  The  king  commenced,  and  said,  Is  not 
this  Babjlon  the  great,  tlutt  I  myself  have 
built  for  a  royal  residence  by  the  might  of 
my  power,  and  for  the  lionour  of  my  ma- 
jesty? 

28  The  word  was  still  in  the  king's  mouth, 
when  there  tell  a  voice  from  heaven,  (say- 
irig,)  To  thee  it  is  said,  0  king  Nebucliad- 
nezzar,  The  kingdom  departeth  from  thee. 

29  And  from  men  will  they  drive  tliee 
away,  and  with  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall 
thy  dwelling  be;  herbs  like  oxen  will  they 
suffer  thee  to  eat,  and  seven  times  shall 
elapse  over  thee:  until  thou  wilt  know  that 
the  Most  High  ruleth  over  the  kingdom  of 
men,  and  giveth  it  to  whomsoever  he  pleaseth. 

30  At  the  same  liour  the  word  was  fulfilled 
upon  Nebuchadnezzar;  and  from  men  was  he 
driven  away,  and  herbs  like  oxen  had  he  to 
eat,  and  with  the  dew  of  heaven  was  his  body 
made  wet:  till  his  hair  was  grown  like 
eagles'  (feathers),  and  his  nails  were  like 
l)irds'  (chiws). — 

31  But  at  the  end  of  the  days  I  Nebuchad- 
nezzar lifted  up  my  eyes  unto  heaven,  and 
my  understanding  returned  unto  me,  and  I 
blessed  the  Most  High,  and  I  praised  and 
glorified  the  Ever-living,  whose  dominion  is 
iin  everlasting  dominion,  and  whose  kingdom 
is  over  every  generation  ; 

32  And  (by  whom)  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  are  regarded  as  nought ;  and  (who) 
according  to  his  jilcasure  doth  with  the  host 
of  heaven  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth: 
while  there  is  none  that  can  stay  his  hand, 
or  say  \mto  him.  What  doest  thou? 

33  At  the  same  time  my  understanding 
retm-ned  unto  me;  and  with"  the  glory  of  my 
kingdom,  my  honour  and  my  splendour  re- 
turned unto  me;  and  my  counsellors  and  my 
lords  sought  for  me:  and  I  was  replaced  in 
my  kingdom,  and  additioiuil  greatness  was 
a( 


Ided  unto  me. 


"  Salomon.  Others  do  not  translate  the  b  at  all.  Herx- 
hcimer,  "and  for  the  jrlory  of  my  kingdom,  ray  honour, 
and  my  .s|ilendour." 

"  llaslii  e-xiiiiiiiis,  lli;il   iiih  Ijult  iipened  IVom  tlic  Midduli 

9ijy 


34  Now  I  Nebuchadnezzar  praise  and  ex- 
tol and  glorify  the  King  of  heaven,  all  whose 
works  are  truth,  and  whose  ways  are  justice; 
and  who  is  able  to  bring  low  those  that  walk 
in  pride. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ][  King  Belshazzar  prepared  a  great 
feast  for  a  thousand  of  his  lords,  and  before 
these  thousand  did  he  drink  wine. 

2  Btlshazzar  ordered,  tlirongh  the  counsel 
of  the  wine,  to  bring  in  the  golden  and  silver 
vessels  which  his  father  Nebuchadnezzar  had 
taken  away  out  of  the  temple  wliich  was  in 
Jerusalem:  that  the  king,  and  his  lords,  his 
wives,  and  his  concubines,  might  drink  there- 
from. 

3  Then  they  brought  in  the  golden  vessels 
that  were  taken  away  out  of  the  temple  of 
the  house  of  God  which  was  at  Jerusalem; 
and  the  king,  and  his  lords,  his  wives,  and 
his  concubines,  drank  from  them. 

4  They  drank  wine,  and  praised  tlieir  gods 
of  gold,  and  of  silver,  of  copper,  of  iron,  of 
wood,  and  of  stone. 

5  At  that  same  hour  came  forth  fingers  of 
a  inan's  hand,  and  wrote  opposite  to  the 
chandelier  upon  the  plaster  of  the  wall  of 
the  king's  palace:  and  the  king  saw  the  part 
of  the  hand  that  wrote. 

6  Then  was  the  king's  colour  changed,  and 
his  thoughts  troubled  him:  so  that  the  bands'' 
of  his  loins  were  loosed,  and  his  knees  knock- 
ed one  against  the  other. 

7  Tiie  king  called  with  might  to  bring  in 
the  astrologers,  tlie  Chaldeans,  and  the  sooth- 
sayers. The  king  commenced,  and  said  to 
the  wise  men  of  Babylon,  Whatsoever  man 
will  read  this  writing,  and  tell  me  its  inter- 
pretation, shall  be  clothed  with  purple,"  and 
liave  a  chain''  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and 
shall  rule  as  the  third  in  the  kingdom. 

8  Then  came  in  all  the  wise  men  of  the 
king;  but  they  were  not  able  to  read  the 
writing,  nor  to  make  its  interpretation  known 
to  the  king. 

9  Then  was  king  Belshazzar  greatly  terri- 
fied, and  his  colour  was  changed  on  him,  and 
his  lords  were  confounded. 

fright  as  his  hody  shrank  together;  others,  that  his  .spinal 
joints  shrank  together. 

'  Others,  "scarlet." 

'  Otlu'i's,  "an  ornanient,"  like  a  crescent, 


Daniel  v. 


jO  (Now)  the  queen"  in  consequence  of 
the  word-  of  the  king  and  of  his  lords  came 
into  the  i);inquet-house;  the  queen  commenced 
and  i-aid,  0  king,  hve  for  ever;  let  thy 
thoughts  not  trouble  thee,  nor  let  thy. colour 
1  e.  clu\ng>i.'l : 

11  There  is  a  man  in  tin  kingdom  in 
\\honi  is  the  spirit  of  the  holy  gods;  and  in 
the  days  of  thy  father  enlightenment  and  in- 
lelligeiice  and  wisdom,  like  the  wisdom  of  the 
gods,  were  found  in  him;  and  king  Nebuchad- 
nezzar thy  father  appointed  him  chief  of  the 
magicians,  astrologers,  Chaldeans,  and  sooth- 
sayers:— yes,  thy  father,  0  king. — 

12  Forasmuch  as  a  superior  spirit,  and 
knowled-ie,  and  intelliirence,  interi)retini>'  of 
dreams,  and  solving  of  riddles,  and  of  untjing 
knotty  (doubts),  were  found  in  him,  in  Da- 
niel, to  whom  the  king  assigned  the  name  of 
Belteshazzar:  now  let  Daniel  be  called,  and 
he  will  tell  the  interpretation. 

13  ^  Then  was  Daniel  brought  in  before 
the  king:  the  king  commenced  and  said  unto 
3aniel,  A;  t  thou  Daniel,  who  art  of  the  chil- 
dren of  the  exiles  of  Judah,''  whom  the  king 
my  father  brought  out  of  Judah? 

14  And  I  have  heard  of  thee,  that  the 
spirit  of  the  gods  is  in  thee,  and  that  en- 
lightenment and  intelligence  and  superior 
wisdom  are  found  in  thee. 

15  And  now  the  wise  men,  the  astrologers, 
had  been  brought  before  me,  that  they  should 
read  this  writing,  and  make  known  unto  me 
its  interpretation;  but  they  were  not  able  to 
tell  the  interpretation  of  the  matter. 

16  But  1  have  truly  heard  concerning  thee, 
that  thou  art  able  to  give  interpretations,  and 
untie  knotty  (doubts)  :  now  if  thou  art  able 
tj  read  the  writing,  and  make  known  to  me 
its  interpretation,  thou  shall  be  clothed  with 
purple,  with  a  chain  of  gold  about  thy  neck, 
and  shalt  rule  as  the  third  in  the  kingdom. 

17  ^1  Then  answered  Daniel  and  said  be- 
fore the  king,  Let  thy  gifts  remain  in  thy 
possession,  and  bestow  thy  bounty  on  an- 
other: nevertheless  will  I  read  the  Avriting 
unto  the  king,  and  make  known  to  him  the 
interpretation. 

18  O  thou  king  I  the  most  high  God  gave 


'  Said  to  be  the  queen-mother,  Nitocris,  who  kuew  Da- 
niel Well,  though  he  was  forgotten  by  her  sou. 

'■'  In  'he  text,  Yi'hiul,  abridged  fnni]  Yiliiidali,  "Judah." 


kingdom,  and  greatness,  and  glory,  and  lion  >ui 
unto  Nebuchadnezzar  thy  father; 

19  And  because  of  the  greatness  that  he 
had  given  unto  him,  all  people,  nations,  and 
languages  trembled  a.nd  shook  before  him : 
whom  he  pleased  he  slew;  and  whom  he 
pleased  he  kept  alive;  and  whom  he  pleased 
he  lifted  up;  and  whom  he  pleased  he  brought 
low. 

20  But.  when  his  heart  was  lifted  up,  and 
his  spirit  hardened  to  deal  presumptuously, 
he  was  cast  down  from  the  throne  of  his 
kingdom,  and  his  dignity  did  thev  take  from 
him ; 

21  And  from  tlie  sons  of  men  was  he 
driven  forth,  and  his  heart  became  eipial 
with  (that  of)  the  beasts,  and  with  the  wild 
asses  was  his  dwelling;  they  suflered  liim  to 
eat  herbs  like  oxen,  and  with  the  dew  of 
heaven  wa^:  his  body  made  wet :  till  he  ac- 
knowledged that  the  most  higli  God  ruleth 
over  the  kingdom  of  men.  and  that  he  ap- 
pointeth  over  it  whomsoever  he  pleaseth. 

22  And  thou  his  son,  0  Belshazzar,  hast 
not  humbled  thy  heart,  though  thou  knewest 
all  this; 

23  But  against  the  Lord  of  heaven  hast 
thou  lifted  thyself  up;  and  the  vessels  of  his 
house  have  they  brought  before  thee,  and 
thou,  and  thy  lords,  thy  wives,  and  thy  con- 
cubines, have  drunk  wine  from  them ;  and 
the  gods  of  silver,  and  gold,  of  cojsper,  iron, 
wood,  and  stone,  which  neither  see,  nor  hear, 
nor  know,  hast  thou  praised;  and  the  God  in 
whose  hand  thy  soul  is,  and  whose  are  all 
thy  ways,  hast  thou  not  glorified : 

24  Thereupon  was  sent  from  before  him  the 
part  of  the  hand,  and  this  writing  was  noted 
down. 

25  And  this  is  the  writing  that  was  noted 
down,  M'ne,  M'ne,  T'kel,  Upharsin. 

26  This  the  interpretation  of  the  matter: 
M'xE,  Gt)d  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom,  and 
made  an  end  of  it. 

27  T'kel,  Thou  hast  been  weighed  in  the 
balances,  and  been  found  wanting. 

28  Press  ;°  Thy  kingdom  hath  been  di- 
vided, and  is  given  to  the  Medes  and  Persians. 

29  Then  gave  Belshazzar  the  order,  and 


'  oni)  These  letters  read  both  j/irsa,  "divide,"  and  J'n- 
i-ass,  "Persia;"  henee,  Uji/iarsiii  embraces  the  idea  of 
"division/'  and  surrender  to  the  "Persians." 

901 


DANIEL  V.  VT. 


they  clothed  Daniel  with  purple,  with  a  chain 
of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  they  made  a 
proclamation  concerning  him,  that  he  should 
rule  as  the  third  in  the  kingdom. 

30  In  that  very  nigiit  was  Belshazzar  the 
king  of  the  Chaldeans  slain. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1°  ^  And  Darius'  the  Median  obtained  the 
kingdom,  when  he  was  sixty  and  two  years 
old. 

2  Darius  deemed  it  proper,  and  he  set  over 
the  kingdom  one  hundred  and  twenty  lieute- 
nants, who  sliould  be  over  all  the  kingdom ; 

3  And  over  these,  three  presidents,  of 
whom  Daniel  was  one;  that  these  lieutenants 
should  give  accounts  unto  them,  so  tliat  the 
kina;  miaht  suffer  no  damage. 

4  Then  did  this  Daniel  excel  (all)  the  pre- 
sidents and  lieutenants,  because  a  superior 
spirit  was  in  him :  and  the  king  thought  to 
appoint  him  over  the  whole  kingdom. 

5  Then  sought  the  presidents  and  lieu- 
tenants to  find  a  pretext  against  Daniel  on 
accomit  of  the  management  of  the  kingdom; 
but  they  were  not  able  to  find  any  pretext  or 
fanlt,  forasmuch  as  he  was  faithful,  and  no 
kind  of  error  or  fault  was  to  be  found  on  him. 

G  Then  said  these  men.  We  shall  not  find 
any  pretext  against  this  Daniel,  except  Ave 
find  it  against  him  in  the  law  of  his  God. 

7  Then  came  these  presidents  and  lieuten- 
ants tumultuously  to  the  king,  and  thus  said 
they  unto  him.  King  Darius,  live  for  ever. 

8  All  the  presidents  of  the  kingdom,  the 
superintendents,  and  the  lieutenants,  the 
counsellors,  and  the  governors,  have  con- 
sulted togetlier  to  establish  a  r<nal  statute, 
and  t^)  make  a  firm  prohiljition,  that  whoso- 
ever will  ask  any  thing  by  prayer  of  any  God 
or  man  within  thirty  days,  save  of  thee,  0 
king,  shall  be  cast  into  the  den  of  lions. 

9  Now,  0  king,  establish  the  prohibition, 
and  sign  the  writing,  that  it  cannot  be 
changed,  according  to  the  law  of  the  Modes 
and  Persians,  which  is  not  to  be  i-epealed.° 

10  In  view  of  this  king  Darius  signed  the 
writing  and  the  prohibition. 

*  In  the  Ensjli.sh  version,  chapter  vi.  commences  at 
Terse  2. 

''  This  is  supposcfl  to  he  Cyaxarcs  II.,  son  of  Astyages, 
king  oi'  IVIcdia,  and  maternal  uncle  to  Cyrus,  who  allowed 
liim  the  title  of  his  conquest,  as  long  as  he  lived.  Darius 
'.'02 


11  Now  when  Daniel  knew  that  the  writ- 
ing was  signed,  he  went  up  unto  his  house, 
where  he  had  open  windows  in  his  upper  chnin- 
ber  in  the  direction  of  Jerusalem ;  and  three 
times  every  day  he  kneeled  upon  his  knees, 
and  prajed,  and  oftered  thanks  before  his 
God,  as  he  had  been  doing  before  that  time. 

12  Then  came  in  these  men  tumultuously, 
and  found  Daniel  praying  and  making  sup- 
plication before  his  God. 

13  Then  came  they  near,  and  spoke  before 
the  king  concerning  the  king's  prohibition, 
Hast  thou  not  signed  a  prohibition,  that  every 
man  that  will  pray  (for  aught)  of  any  God  or 
man,  within  thirty  days,  save  of  thee,  0  king, 
shall  be  cast  into  the  den  of  lions?  The  king 
answered  and  said,  The  thing  is  certainly  so, 
according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Per- 
sians, wliich  cannot  be  repealed. 

14  Then  answered  they  and  said  before 
the  king,  That  Daniel,  who  is  of  the  children 
of  the  exiles  of  Judah,  hath  paid  no  regard 
to  thee,  0  king,  nor  to  the  prohibition  which 
thou  hast  signed ;  but  three  times  every  day 
he  offereth  up  his  prayer. 

15  Then  the  king,  when  he  heard  this 
matter,  felt  very  much  distressed  within  him- 
self, and  on  account  of  Daniel  he  sought  an 
excuse**  to  deliver  him;  and  till  the  going 
down  of  the  sun  he  strove  hard  to  rescue 
him. 

16  Then  came  these  men  tumultuously 
unto  the  king,  and  said  unto  the  king,  Know, 
0  king,  that  it  is  the  law  of  the  Medes  and 
Persians,  That  every  prohiljition  and  statute 
which  the  king  hath  established  is'  not  to  be 
changed. 

17  Then  gave  the  king  the  order,  and  they 
brought  Daniel,  and  cast  him  into  the  den  of 
lions.  The  king  commenced  and  said  unto 
Daniel,  May  thy  God  whom  thou  worship- 
pest  continually,  truly  deliver  thee. 

18  And  a  stone  was  brought,  and  placed 
upon  the  mouth  of  the  den;  and  the  king 
sealed  it  with  his  own  signet^ring,  anil  with  the 
signet-ring  of  his  lords,  that  nothing  sliould  be 
changed  in  the  purpo.se  concerning  Daniel. 

19  Then  went  the  king  to  his  palace,  and 

in  Hebrew,  Darj/ave.th — in  cuneiform  writing,  Dari/Qi). 
vus — is  said  to  mean  king,  as  Cyaxares  II.  called  iiiiuself 
especially. — Philippson. 

°  Lit.  "which  will  not  depart." 

''  Rashi.    Sa'adyah,  Sd  for  3^  "heart," 


'set  his  lieart." 


DANIEL  VI.  VII. 


passed  the  night  fasting;  and  no  food"  was 
brouglit  before  him ;  antl  his  sleep  iied  I'rom 
him. 

20  Then  arose  the  king  by  the  morning- 
dawn,  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  and  went  m 
great  haste  mito  the  den  of  lions. 

21  And  wdien  he  came  near  to  the  den,  he 
cried  with  a  mournful  voice  unto  Daniel:  the 
king  commenced  and  said  to  Daniel,  0  Daniel, 
servant  of  the  living  God,  hath  th^'God,  whom 
thou  wovshippest  continually,  been  able  to  de- 
liver thee  from  the  lions? 

22  Then  spoke  Daniel  with  the  king,  0 
king,  live  for  ever. 

23  My  God  sent  his  angel,  and  locked  up 
the  mouths  of  the  lions,  and  they  have  not 
hurt  me;  forasmuch  as  before  him  innocency 
was  found  in  me;  and  also  before  thee,  O 
king,  had  I  done  nothing  injurious. 

21  Then  was  the  king  exceedingly  glad 
within  himself,  and  concerning  Daniel  he  or- 
dered to  bring  him  up  out  of  the  den.  So 
was  Daniel  brought  up  out  of  the  den,  and  no 
manner  of  hurt  was  found  upon  him,  because 
he  had  trusted  in  his  God. 

25  And  the  king  gave  the  order,  and  they 
brought  those  men  who  had  accused  Daniel 
treacherously,  and  they  cast  into  the  den  of 
lions  them,  their  children,  and  their  wives; 
and  they  had  not  yet  touched  the  bottom  of 
the  den  when  the  lions  had  the  mastery  over 
them,  and  ground  up  all  their  bones. 

26  Then  wrote  king  Darius  unto  all  peo- 
ple, nations,  and  languages,  that  dwell  on  all 
the  eartli.  May  3-our  welfare  increase. 

27  From  me  is  it  decreed.  That  in  all  the 
dominion  of  my  kingdom  men  shall  tremble 
and  have  fear  before  the  God  of  Daniel ;  for  he 
is  the  living  God,  and  endureth  for  ever,  and  it 
is  hi.s  kingdom  which  will  not  be  destroyed, 
and  his  dominion  will  be  unto  the  end  (of 
things) . 

28  He  delivereth  and  reseueth,  and  he  dis- 
playeth  signs  and  wonders  in  heaven  and  on 
earth,  he  who  hath  delivered  Daniel  from  the 
power  of  the  lions. 

29  So  this  Daniel  prospered  in  the  reign  of 
Darius,  and  in  the  reign  of  Cyrus  the  Persian. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  T[  In  the  first  year  of  Belshazzar  the 


Eashi.     Sa'adyah,  "music." 


king  of  Babylon,  Daniel  saw  a  dream  and 
the  visions  of  his  head  while  on  his  couch : 
afterward  he  wrote  down  the  dream,  relating 
the  principal  things. 

2  Daniel  commenced  and  said,  1  saw  in  luv 
vision  by  night,  and,  behold,  the  four  winds 
of  heaven  blew  fiercely  on  the  great  sea. 

3  And  four  great  beasts  came  up  from  the 
sea,  differing  one  from  another. 

4  The  first  was  like  a  lion,  and  had  eagle's 
wings:  I  looked  till  its  wings  were  plucked 
out,  and  it  was  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  and 
was  placed  upon  its  feet  as  a  man.  and  a 
human  heart  was  given  to  it. 

5  And  behold  there  was  another,  a  second 
beast,  like  a  bear,  and  on  one  side  was  it 
placed,  with  three  ribs  in  its  mouth  between 
its  teeth :  and  thus  they  said  unto  it.  Arise, 
eat  much  flesh. 

6  After  this  I  looked,  and  lo  there  was  an 
other,  like  a  leopard;  and  it  had  four  wings 
of  a  bird  on  its  back:  the  beast  had  also  four 
heads;  and  dominion  was  given  unto  it. 

7  After  this  I  looked  in  the  night  visions, 
and  behold  there  was  a  fourtli  beast,  dreadful 
and  terrible,  and  strong  exceedingly;  and  it 
had  great  iron  teeth :  it  devoured  and  ground 
up,  and  what  was  left  it  stamped  with  its 
feet;  and  it  was  diflerent  from  all  the  beasts 
that  were  before  it;  and  it  had  ten  horns. 

8  I  looked  carefully  at  the  horns,  and,  be- 
hold, another  little  horn  came  up  between 
them,  and  three  of  the  first  horns  were  pluck- 
ed up  by  the  roots  before  the  same;  and,  be- 
hold, there  were  eyes  like  the  eyes  of  man  in 
this  horn,  with  a  mouth  si^eaking  presumptu- 
ous things. 

9  I  was  looking  until  chairs  were  set  down, 
and  an  Ancient  of  days  seated  himself,  whose 
garment  was  white  as  snow,  and  the  hair  of 
whose  head  was  like  clean  wool;  his  chair 
was  like  flames  of  fire,  and  his  wheels  like 
fire  that  burnt ; 

10  A  stream  of  fire  issued  and  came  forth 
from  before  him;  thousand  times  thousands 
ministered  unto  him,  and  myriad  times  my- 
riads stood  betbre  him :  they  sat  down  to  hold 
judgment,  and  the  books  were  opened. 

11  I  looked  then,  because  of  the  sound  of 
the  presumptuous  words  which  the  horn  had 
spoken, — I  looked  till  the  beast  was  slain, 
and  its  body  destroyed,  and  given  over  to  the 


burning  fire. 


903 


DANIEL  VII.  VIII. 


12  But  concerning  the  rest  of  the  beasts, 
they  had  their  dominion  talven  away :  yet  a 
longer  duration  of  life  was  given  unto  them 
until  the  time  and  period."  | 

13  I  looked  in  the  nightly  ^■isions,  and,  be- 
hold, with   the   clouds   of  heaven   came   one  j 
like  a  son  of  man,''  and  he  attained  as  far  as 
the  Ancient  of  days,  and  they  brought  him 
near  before  him. 

14  And  there  were  given  him  dominion, 
and  dignity,  and  government,  and  all  peo- 
ple, nations,  and  languages  had  to  serve 
him  :  his  dominion  is  an  everlasting  dominion, 
which  shall  not  pass  away,  and  his  kingdom 
is  one  which  shall  never  be  destrojed. 

15  iy  My  spirit  was  deeply  shaken  within 
me,  Daniel,  in  the  midst  of  its  tenement,'' 
and  the  visions  of  my  head  trouljled  me. 

in  I  came  near  unto  one  of  those  that 
stood  ijy,  and  asked  him  something  certain 
concerning   all  this:    and   he    spoke    to    me. 


22  Until  the  Ancient  of  days  came,  and 
procured  justice  unto  the  saints  of  the  Most 
High ;  and  the  time  came  and  the  saints  took 
possession  of  the  kingdom. 

23  Thus  said  he.  The  fourth  beast  (f-i^ni- 
fieth  that)  a  fourth  kingdom  will  be-  upon 
earth,  which  is  to  be  diflerent  from  all  king- 
doms, and  will  devour  all  the  earth,  and  will 
tread  it  down,  and  grind  it  up. 

24  And  the  ten  horns  out  of  this  kii!3,dom 
(signify)  that  ten  kings  will  arise;  and  an- 
other will  rise  after  them,  and  he  will  be 
diflerent  from  the  first,  and  three  kings  -v.'i'il 
he  bring  low. 

20  And  he  will  speak  words  against  the 
Most  High,  and  the  saints  of  the  Most  BigL 
will  he  oppress,  and  think  to  change  the  fes- 
tivals'' and  the  law:  and  they  will  be  given 
up  into  his  hand  until  a  time  and  times  and 
half  a  time.' 

20  But  they*^  will  sit  down  to  hold  judi 


and  made  known  unto  me  the  interpretation  i  nient,  and  they  will  take  away  his  dominion, 

to  destroy  and  to  annihilate  it  unto  the  end. 

27  And  the  kingdom  and  the  dominion,  and 
the  power  over  the  kingdoms  under  the  whole 
heaven,  will  be  given  to  the  people  of  the 
saints  of  the  Most  High,  whose  kingdom  is 
an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  all  governments 
are  to  worship  and  obey  him. 

28  Thus  far  is  the  end  of  the  speech.''  As 
for  me  Daniel,  my  reflections  troubled  me 
greatly,  and  my  colour  was  changed  on  me; 
but  I  kept  the  speech  in  my  heart. 


of  the  things. 

17  These  great  beasts,  of  which  there  are 
four,  are  four  kings,  who  are  to  arise  on'  the 
earth. 

18  But  the  saints  of  the  Most  High  will 
ojjtain  the  kingdom,  and  possess  the  kingdom 
to  eternity,  even  to  all  eternity  for  ever. 

19  Then  I  desired  what  is  certain  concern- 
ing the  fourth  beast,  which  was  diflerent  from  , 
all  these  others,  exceedingly  dreadful,  whose  j 
teeth  were  of  iron,  and  whose  nails  of  copper;  j 
which    devoured,    ground    up,   and    stamped 
with  its  feet  what  was  left; 

20  And  concerning  the  ten  horns  that  were 
in  its  head,  and  concerning  the  other  which  \ 
came  up,  and  befon 
even 
and    a    mouth    which 


Inch  three  fell  down, — 
had  eyes, 
spoke    jjresumptuous 
thirigs,   and    whose   appearance   was 


wl 
concernnig  that  horn  which 


greater 


than  that  of  its  companions, 

21    I   had   seen   how  the   same   horn   had 


made  war  with  the  saints,  and  had  prevailed  ;  by  the  river  Ulai. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  In  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  king 
Belshazzar  a  vision  appeared  unto  me,  to  me 
Daniel,  after  that  which  had  appeared  unto 
me  at  the  first. 

2  And  I  saw  in  the  vision — and  it  came  to 
pass,  in  my  seeing,  that  I  was  at  Shushau 
the  capital,  which  is  in  the  province  of  'Elam; 
— and  I  saw  in  the  vision,  as  though  I  was 


against  them : 


3  And  I  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and  saw,  and, 


"  /.  c.  The  period  until  which  they  are  to  exist. 

"  Rashi  explains  tLi.s  to  mean  the  Messiah ;  Aben  Ezra, 
the  people  of  Israel. 

°  Lit.  "  .sheath,"  for  a  sword ;  here,  "  tenement,"  or 
"body." 

"  Lit.  "out  of  the  earth." 

*  Whether  the  wicked  king  spoken  of  be  Antiochus, 
Titus,  or  another  yet  to  come,  there  can  be  no  ddubt  that 
the  interpretation  of  Kashi  is  correct,  tliat  he  would  pur- 


pose  to  make  them  transgress  the  sabbaths,  festivals,  and 
the  law;   with  what  success  the  text  teaches  us. 

'  Rashi  conceives  these  numbers  to  be  indefinite;  but 
if  they  refer  to  Antiochus  (Epiphanes),  they  mean  three 
and  a  half  years,  during  which  it  is  said  he  abolished  ilic 
daily  sacrifices. 

'  i.  e.  Those  whose  right  it  is  to  do  so, — God's  angeU. 

"  i.  e.  'What  the  angel  had  told  him.  Others,  "tke 
matter." 


DANIEL  VIII. 


behold,  there  was  a  ram  standing  before  the 
river,  and  he  had  two  horns;  and  tlie  horns 
were  high;  but  one  was  higlier  than  the 
other,  and  the  higher  one  came  up  hast. 

4  I  saw  the  ram  butting  westward,  and 
northward,  and  southward;  so  that  all  the 
beasts  could  not  stand  liefore  him,  and  no  one 
was  there  to  deliv'er  out  of  his  hand:  and  he 
did  according  to  his  will,  and  became  great." 

5  And  as  I  v/as  looking  attentiveh',  be- 
hold, there  came  a  shaggy  lie-goat  from  the 
west  over  the  face  of  the  whole  earth,  with- 
out touching  the  ground  ;  and  the  goat  had 
a  sightly  large''  hoi'n  between  his  eyes. 

6  And  he  came  as  far  as  the  ram  that  had 
two  horns,  that  I  had  seen  standing  before 
the  river,  and  ran  at  him  with  his  furious 
power. 

7  And  I  saw  him  coming  close  unto  the 
ram,  and  he  became  bitterly  enraged  against 
him,  and  he  struck  the  ram,  and  broke  his 
two  horns;  and  there  was  no  power  in  the 
ram  to  stand  forward  before  him :  and  he  casit 
him  down  to  the  ground,  and  stamped  upon 
him;  and  there  was  no  one  to  deliver  the 
ram  out  of  his  hand. 

8  And   the  shaggy  he-goat    became  very 
great;  but  wdien  he  was  grown   strong,  the 
great  horn  was  broken  ;   and  there  came  up  \ 
four  sightly  large  ones   in  its  place   toward  ' 
the  four  winds  of  heaven. 

9  And  out  of  one  of  them  came  forth  a 
little  horn,  which  became  exceedingly  great, 
toward  the  south,  and  toward  the  east,  and 
toward  the  glorious  land." 

10  And  it  became  great,  even  up  to''  the 
host  of  the  heavens ;  and  it  cast  down  to 
the  ground  some  of  the  host  and  of  the  stai-s, 
and  trod  them  under  foot. 

11  Yea,  it  magnified  itself  even  up  to 
the  prince  of  the  host,  and  by  it"  the  conti- 
nual sacrifice  was  taken  away,  and  the  place 
of  his  sanctuary  was  cast  down. 

12  And  the  host  is'  given  up  together  with 

"  Philippson,  "he  became  ovcrbeariDg."  Fiirst,  "did 
great  things;"   so  also  verse  8,  &c. 

''  Lit.  "of  sight,"  which  strilces  the  eye;  as  given  here, 
after  Rashi,  "large."     Aben  Ezra,  "twisted." 

"  Palestine. 

■^  Philippson,  "against;"   so  also  verse  11. 

"  Herxhcimer,  "and  there  was  taken  away  from  him 
(God)  the  continual  sacrifice."     Eashi  again  refers  this  to 
Titus;  others,  to  Antiochus;  Sa'adyah,  to  the  Arabs  who 
took  Palestine  from  the  Greco-Roman  emperors, 
*  6  0 


the  continual  sacrifice,  by  reason  of  transg;- iv- 
sion :  and  it  casteth  down  the  truth  to  the 
ground,  and  it  doth  (this),  and  is  prosper- 
ous. 

13  Then  did  I  hear  a  certain  holy  one 
speaking,  and  a  holy  one  said  unto  the  un- 
known one  who  was  speaking,  For  how  long 
is  the  vision  concerning  the  continual  sacri- 
fice, and  the  wasting"  transgression,  to  give 
up  both  the  sanctuary  and  the  host  to  ba 
trodden  under  foot? 

14  And  he  said  unto  me.  Until  two  thou- 
sand and  three  hundred  evenings  and  morn- 
ings, when  the  sanctuary  shall  be  justified.'' 

15  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  I,  even  I 
Daniel,  saw  the  vision,  and  sought  for  under- 
standing, tliat,  behold,  there  was  standing  o}> 
posite  to  me  something  like  the  appearance 
of  a  man. 

16  And  I  heard  the  voice  of  a  man  be- 
tween (the  banks  of)  the  Ulai,  and  it  called, 
and  said,  Gabriel,  cause  this  one  to  under- 
stand this  appearance. 

17  So  he  came  close  to  where  I  stood;  and 
when  he  came,  I  was  terrified,  and  I  fell  upon 
ray  face;  but  he  said  unto  me,  Mark  it  well, 

0  son  of  man;  because  for  the  time  of  the 
end  is  the  vision. 

18  Now  as  he  was  speaking  with  me,  I  fell 
down  in  amazement  on  my  face  to  the  ground ; 
but  he  touched  me,  and  set  me  ujsright  where 

1  had  been  standing. 

19  And  he  said.  Behold,  I  will  make  known 
unto  thee  what  is  to  be  at  the  last  end  of  the 
indignation ;  for  it  is  for  the  appointed  time 
of  the  end. 

20  The  ram  that  thou  hast  seen,  him  with 
the  two  horns,  (signifieth)  the  kings  of  Media 
and  Persia. 

21  And  the  shaggy  he-goat  is  the  king  of 
Javan  ;  and  the  great  horn  which  is  between 
his  eyes  is  the  first  king. 

22  But  that  it  was  broken,  and  that  foiu- 
sprung  up  in  its  stead,  (signifieth  that)  four 

'  Herxheimer.  Rashi,  "Aud  a  period  is  set  to  the 
perpetual  sacrifice,"  &c.  Philippson,  i'tysn  "unto  wick- 
edness," or  "the  wicked."  Fiirst,  "And  a  military 
watch  was  placed  against  tlie  continual  sacrifice  in  arro- 
gance." In  the  original  there  is  a  change  in  the  con- 
struction, which  has  been  preserved  in  this  version. 

^  Rashi,  "the  dumb  transgression,"  ;'.  f.  idolatry. 

''  Rashi  explains,  "when  the  iniquity  of  Israel  shall  be 
atoned  for."  Fiirst,  "then  shall  the  sanctuary  be  victo 
rious."     Eng.  ver.  "cleansed." 


DANIEL   Vlir.  IX. 


kingdoms  will  sprinp  up  out  of  the  nation, 
but  not  with"  his  po^/er. 

23  And  in  the  latter  time  of  their  king- 
dom, when  the  transgressors  have  filled  their 
measure  of  guilt,''  there  will  arise  a  king  of 
an  impudent  iace,  and  understanding  deep 
schemes. 

24  And  his  power  will  be  mighty,  but  not 
by  his  own  power;''  and  he  will  ilestroy  won- 
derfully, and  will  prosper  wliile  he  doth 
(this) ;  and  he  will  destroy  very  many  and 
the  people  of  the  saints. 

25  And  through  his  intelligence,  and  be- 
cause he  prospereth,''  is  craftiness  in  his  hand; 
and  in  his  heart  will  he  magnify  himself,  and 
in  peace  will  he  destroy  many :  he  will  also 
stand  up  against  the  Prince  of  princes;  but 
without  a  human  hand  will  he  be  broken. 

26  And  the  appearance  of  the  evening  and 
the  morning  which  was  spoken  of  is  true ;  but 
do  thou  keep  the  vision  closed  up;  for  it  will 
come  to  pass  after  many  days. 

27  And  I  Danie 
several  days:  afterward  I  rose  np,  and  did 
the  king's  business;  and  I  was  depressed  be- 
cause of  the  appearance ;  but  no  one  observed 
it.* 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  In  the  first 'year  of  Darius  the  son  of 
Achashverosh,  of  the  seed  of  the  Medes,  who 
was  made  king  over  the  kingdom  of  the 
Chaldeans, 

2  In  the  first  year  of  his  reign,  I  Daniel 
searched  in  the  books  for  uiiderstandino-  con- 

o 

cerning  the  number  of  the  years  whereof  the 
word  of  the  Lord  had  come  to  Jeremiah  the 
prophet,  that  he  would  let  i)ass  full  seventy 
years  over  the  ruins  of  Jerusalem.' 

3  And  I  directed  my  face  unto  the  Lord 
God,  to  ask  by  prayer  and  supplications,  with 
fa.sting,  and  in  sackcloth,  and  ashes. 

4  And  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God, 
and  made  my  confession,  and  said,  0  Lord, 
the  great  and  terrible  God,  who  keepeth  the 
covenant  and  kindness   to   those   that  love 


grieved,  and  was    sick 


'  Meaning,  "they  shall  be  inferior." 

''  llasihi,  refen-ing  to  the  wicked  of  Israel.  Sa'adyah, 
"when  the  transgressore  (the  four  kings)  are  passed 
away."  Philippson  renders  as  we  do,  but  refers  it,  like 
Siv'adyah,  to  the  wicked  kings  of  the  Greeks. 

°  i.  r.  Strong  through  craft,  not  prowess.  "And  he  will 
destroy  very  many,"  is  rendered  by  others,  "the  mighty,'' 
referring  to  the  powerful  nations  as  conipured  with  Tsraoi. 
'JOO 


him,  and  to  those  that  kee})  his  command 
ments : 

5  We  have  sinned,  and  have  committed 
iniquity,  and  have  done  wickedly,  and  have 
rebelled,  and  have  departed  from  thy  com- 
mandments and  from  thy  ordinances; 

6  Nor  have  we  hearkened  unto  thy  ser- 
vants the  prophets,  who  spoke  in  thy  name 
to  our  kings,  our  princes,  and  our  fathers, 
and  to  all  the  people  of  the  land. 

7  Thine,  0  Lord,  is  the  righteousness,  but 
unto  us  belongeth  the  shame  of  face,  as  it  i.>. 
this  day, — to  the  men  of  Judah,  and  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  and  unto  all  Israel, 
those  that  are  near,  and  those  that  are  far 
ofl:',  through  all  the  countries  whither  thou 
hast  driven  them,  because  of  their  trespass 
which  they  have  trespassed  against  thee. 

8  0  Lord,  to  us  belongeth  the  shame  of 
face,  to  our  kings,  to  our  princes,  and  to  our 
fiithers;  because  we  have  sinned  against  thee. 

9  To  the  Lord  our  God  belong  merci-'s 
and  pardonings ;  for  we  have  rebelled  against 
him ; 

10  And  we  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of 
the  Lord  our  God,  to  walk  in  his  laws,  which 
he  set  before  us  through  means  of  his  ser- 
vants the  prophets. 

11  Yea,  all  Israel  have  transgressed  thy 
law,  and  have  departed  so  as  not  to  obey  thy 
voice:  therefore  was  poured  out  over  us  the 
curse,  with  the  oath  that  is  written  in  the 
law  of  Moses  the  servant  of  God ;  because  we 
had  sinned  against  him. 

12  And  he  hath  accomplished  his  words, 
which  he  had  spoken  concerning  us,  and  con- 
cerning our  judges  that  judged  us,  by  bring- 
ing upon  us  a  great  evil,  which  was  never 
done  under  the  whole  heaven  as  it  hath  been 
done  in  Jerusalem. 

13  As  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  Moses; 
all  this  evil  came  over  us :  yet  offered  we  not 
any  entreaty  before  the  Lord  our  (!od,  to  re- 
turn from  our  iniquities,  and  to  become  intel- 
ligent in  tliy  truth. 

14  Therefore  did  the  Lord  watch'^  over  the 


■  ''  Rashi.  Others,  "and  through  his  intelligence  lie 
will  cause  craftiness  to  prosper  in  his  hand." 

"  Rashi.  Others,  "I  was  astonished  (or  depressed)  at 
the  appearance,  but  no  one  understood  it." 

'  The  seer  was  then  in  about  the  year  69  of  this  period, 
or  one  year  before  the  reign  of  (lyrus,  who  gave  the  vr- 
mis.sion  to  rebuild  the  temple  in  his  first  year. 

^  Rashi,  Sa'adyah,  &c.,  "hastened  with,"  i^e. 


DANIEL    IX. 


evil,  aiiil  lie  brought  it  upon  us;  for  the  Lord 
our  (!()(1  is  righteous  becaui!'e  of  all  his  deeds 
which  he  hath  done;  but  we  have  not  olieyed 
his  voice. 

1-5  And  now,  0  Lord  our  God,  who  hast 
brought  forth  thy  people  out  of  the  land  of 
Egypt  witli  a  strong  hand,  and  hast  made 
thyself  a  (great)  name,  as  it  is  this  day :  we 
have  sinned,  we  have  done  wickedly. 

16  0  Lord,  according  to  all  thy  righteous- 
ness, I  beseech  thee,  let  thy  anger  and  thy 
fury  be  turned  away  from  thy  city  Jerusalem, 
thy  holy  mountain;  because  through  our  sins, 
and  through  the  iniquities  of  our  fathers,  Je- 
rusalem and  thy  people  are  become  a  reproach 
to  all  who  are  round"  about  us. 

17  And  now  listen,  0  our  God,  to  the 
prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplica- 
tions, and  cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy 
sanctuary  which  is  desolate,  for  the  sake*"  of 
the  Lord. 

18  Incline,  0  my  God,  thy  ear,  and  hear; 
open  thy  eyes,  and  look  on  our  desolations, 
and  the  city  whereupon  thy  name  is  called; 
for  not  (relying)  on  our  acts  of  righteousness 
do  we  present  humbly  our  supplications  be- 
fore thee,  but  (relying)  on  thy  great  mercies. 

19  0  Lord,  hear;  0  Lord,  forgive;  0  Lord, 
hearken  and  do  it ;  delay  it  not ;  for  thy  own 
sake,  0  my  God;  for  thy  name  is  called  upon' 
thy  city  and  upon  thy  people. 

20  And  while  I  was  yet  speaking,  and 
praying,  and  confessing  my  sin  and  the  sin 
of  my  people  Israel,  and  presenting  my  sup- 
plication humbly  before  the  Lord  my  God  be- 
cause of  the  holy  mountain  of  my  God: 

"  Rrtshi;  "our  neighbours." 
"'  Fiirst,  "because  thou  art  Lord." 
"  /.  e.  Both  are  devoted  to  the  acknowledgment  of  the 
Lord,  and  are  the  bearers  of  his  law  and  worship. — Phi- 

LIPPSON. 

^  Rashi,  literally,  "made  to  fly  in  flying.' 

•  Others,  "to  finish,"  as  though  it  were  nSjS  "to  bring 
to  an  end." 

'  So  the  Kcrl;  the  K<;tiU,  "to  seal  up." 

«  Meaning,  that  prophecy  and  visions  should  be  con- 
firmed throiTgh  the  glori'ius  falfilment.  Kashi  conceives 
that  the  angel  tells  Daniel  tiiat  after  the  return  of  Israel 
to  Palestine  there  should  be  another  destruction  by  Titus, 
the  captivity  subsequent  to  which  would  be  inflicted  to  re- 
move, through  sufferings,  the  sins  of  Israel,  after  which 
the  promised  glory  should  be  fully  accomplished.  An- 
cient Jewish  writers  thought  that  the  second  temple  stood 
120  years,  which  with  the  70  years  of  the  Babylonian  cap- 
tivity, make  490.  But  the  moderns  suggest,  and  among 
them   Dr.  Philippson,  that   the   temple  stood  600  years, 


21  Yea,  wliile  I  was  yet  speaking  in  prayer, 
the  man  Galiriel,  whom  I  had  seen  in  the 
vision  at  the  beginning,  came,  flying"  swiftly, 
near  me  about  the  time  of  the  evening  obla- 
tion. 

22  And  he  gave  me  understanding,  and 
spoke  with  me,  and  said,  0  Daniel,  now  am  I 
come  forth  to  make  the  intelligent  with  un- 
derstanding. 

23  At  the  begining  of  thy  supplications 
the  woi'd  went  forth,  and  I  am  come  to  tell 
it;  for  thou  art  greatly  beloved:  therefore 
uiiilerstand  the  matter,  and  have  understand- 
ing of  the  appearance. 

1;'4  Seventy  weeks  are  determined  upon 
thy  people  and  upon  thy  holy  city,  to  close 
up"  the  transgression,  and  to  make'  an  end 
of  sins,  ixnd  to  atone  ibr  inicpiity,  and  to  bring 
in  everlasting  righteousness,  and  to  seal  up* 
the  vision  and  prophecy,  and  to  anoint  the 
most  holy  thing. 

25  Know  therefore  and  comprehend,  that 
from  the  going  forth  of  the  word  to  restore 
and  to  build  Jerusalem  unto  the  anointed"  the 
prince  will  be  seven  weeks:  and  during  sixty 
and  two  weeks  will  it  be  again  built  with 
streets  and  ditches  (around  it),  even  in  the 
pressure  of  the  times. 

20  And  after  the  sixty  and  two  weeks 
will  an  anointed'  one  be  cut  off  without  ti 
successor  to  follow  him:  and  the  city  and 
the  sanctuary  will  the  people  of  the  prince 
that  is  coming  destroy;  but  his  end  will  come 
m  a  violent  overthrow ;  but  until  the  end  of 
the  war  devastations  are  decreed  (against  it)." 

27  And  he  will  make  a  strong  covenant 


wherefore  the  number  490  lacks  180  for  their  completion 
to  the  destruction  by  Titus.  So  also  must  this  chrono- 
logy destroy  the  assumption  that  it  terminates  with  the 
vulgar  era,  since  there  is  no  conceivable  period  from 
which  the  70  weeks  are  to  be  computed  to  deduct  them 
from  5:^0  years  which  elapsed  from  the  permission  of  Cy- 
rus to  restore  Jerusalem  till  then.  Dr.  Philippson  ac- 
cordingly thinks  the  period  terminates  with  the  downfall 
of  Antiochus.  But  we  cannot  in  this  note  go  over  all  his 
calculations. 

^  Ra.-^hi  and  other  commentators  refer  this  to  Cyrus, 
who  after  seven  year-weeks  and  three  years  permitted 
Jerusalem  to  be  built  up,  which  afterward  existed  under 
all  sorts  of  pressure  from  without,  Persians,  Greeks,  and 
Romans. 

'  After  Rashi  is  this  anointed  Agrippa  the  last  of  t  lo 
Herodian  princes;  Philippson,  however,  SaleucusPhilopa- 
tor,  who  was  poisoned  by  .\ntiochus,  and  who  then  usurp- 
ed his  goverment. 

'  Rashi.  explaining,  "Jerusalem  shall  experience  a  de- 

907 


DANIEL  IX.  X. 


with  tilt'  many  for  oinr  week;  and  in  tlie  half 
of  the  wtek  will  he  cause  the  sacrifice  and  the 
oblation  to  cease,  and  this  because  of  the  pre- 
valence* of  the  abominations  Avhich  bringeth 
devastation,  and  until  destruction  and  what 
is  decreed  shall  be  poured  out  upon  the 
waster. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ]f  In  the  third''  year  of  Cyrus  the  king 
of  Persia  a  word  was  revealed  unto  Daniel, 
whose  name  was  called  Beltcshazzar;  and  the 
word  is  the  truth,  but  the  time  appointed  is 
long  off:''  and  he"*  noted  the  word,  and  took 
notice  of  it  in  the  appearance. 

2  In  those  days  I  Daniel  was  mourning 
three  full  weeks. 

3  Costly  food  did  I  not  eat,  and  flesh  and 
wine  came  not  in  my  mouth,  nor  did  I  at  all 
anoint  myself,  till  three  whole  weeks  were 
elapsed. 

4  Tf  And  on  the  four  and  twentieth  day 
of  the  first  month,  while  I  was  by  the  side 
of  the  great  river,  which  is  Chiddekel, 

5  I  lifted  up  my  eyes,  and  looked,  and  be- 
hold there  was  a  certiiin  man  clothed  in 
linen,  and  his  loins  were  girded  with  fine 
gold  of  Uphaz  ;'■ 

6  And  his  body  also  was  like  the  chryso- 
lite, and  his  face,  like  the  appearance  of 
lightning,  and  his  eyes  were  like  torches  of 
fire,  and  his  arms  and  his  feet,  like  the  colour 
of  polished  copper,  and  the  sound  of  his  words 
was  like  the  noise  of  a  inultitiide. 

7  And  I  Daniel  saw  alone  this  appearance; 
but  the  men  that  were  with  me  did  not  see 
the  appearance:  nevei'theless  a  gi'eat  terror 
fell  upon  them,  so  that  they  fled  to  hide 
themselves. 

8  And  I  was  left  Ijy  myself  alone,  and  I 
saw  this  great  appearance,  and  there  remain- 
ed no  strength  in  me;  and  my  healthy  colour 
was  changed  on  me  into  corruption,  and  I  re- 
tained no  strength. 

cree  of  desolation."  Ftirst,  "and  till  the  end  there  is 
decreed  war  with  desolation."  Philippson,  "  and  till  the 
end  there  will  be  war,  misery  and  wastings." 

"  Ra.shi  explains  r|j3  "wing"  with  "what  is  high  like 
the  wing  of  a  bird,"  lionee  the  prevalence  or  victory  of 
idolatry.  Philippson  takes  DOtyo  as  the  nominative  to 
ri'DK''  "the  destroyer  will  cause  to  cease — because  of  the 
least  touch  of  idol  abominations,"  referring  to  tlie  defiling 
rf  the  trinple  by  the  idolatrous  sacrifices  of  Anti.ichus. 

•"  Jlashi  remarks  tli;;!  this  was  the  year  when  the  ene- 
908 


9  Tlien  heard  I  the  sotmd  of  his  word,-?; 
and  as  I  heard  the  sound  of  his  words,  I  tiank 
in  amazement  on  my  face,  with  my  face  t.'i 
ward  the  ground. 

10  And,  behold,  a  hand  touched  me,  flu-l 
it  moved  me  upon  my  knees  and  the  palmr 
of  my  hands. 

11  And  he  said  unto  me,  O  Daniel,  the 
man  greatly  beloved,  mark  well  the  words 
that  I  speak  unto  thee,  and  stand  on  thy 
standing-place;  for  now  have  I  been  sent 
unto  thee.  And  when  he  had  spoken  this 
word  unto  me,  I  stood  up  trembling. 

12  And  he  said  unto  me.  Fear  not,  Daniel; 
for  from  the  first  day  that  thou  didst  set  tlij 
heart  to  obtain  understanding,  and  to  fast  be- 
fore thy  God,  were  thy  words  heard:  and  I 
am  come  in  consequence  of  thy  words. 

13  But  the  prince  of  the  kingdom  of  Per- 
sia stood  up  against  me  one  and  twenty  daj?: 
but,  lo,  Michael,  one  of  the  chief  prii;ces, 
came  to  help  me;  and  I  obtained  the  victory' 
there  with  the  kings  of  Persia. 

14  Now  am  I  come  to  make  thee  undsr 
stand  what  is  to  befiill  thy  people  in  the  lat- 
ter days;  for  the  vision  is  yet  for  the  (com- 
ing) days. 

15  And  when  he  spoke  unto  me  such 
words,  I  directed  my  face  toward  the  ground, 
and  I  became  dumb. 

16  And,  behold,  something  like  the  form 
of  the  sons  of  men  touched  my  lips;  and  I 
opened  my  mouth,  and  I  spoke,  and  said  unto 
him  that  stood  opposite  to  me,  0  my  lord, 
because  of  the  appearance  my  pains  sudden- 
ly overcame  me,  and  I  have  retainer:  no 
strength. 

17  And  how  shall  the  servantof  this  raj  lord 
be  able  to  speak  with  this  my  lord?  And  as 
for  me,  from  that  moment  there  remained  no 
strength  in  me,  and  no  breath  was  left  in  me. 

18  Then  there  touched  me  again  sorr.c- 
thing  like  the  appearance  of  a  man,  and  he 
strengthened  me; 

niies  of  Judah  induced  the  king  to  stop  the  builJir.g  of 
the  temple,  (Ezra  iv.;)  hence  Daniel's  grief. 

'  Kashi.     Others,  "  it  concerneth  great  trouble." 

■^  Kashi,  "to  understand  the  word  and  to  note  it." 
Philippson,  "understand  thou  the  word  and  understand  it 
well  in  the  appearance,"  as  an  address  to  the  reader. 

'  Rashi,  "with  a  belt  set  with  jewels."  Fiirst,  "juvi- 
fied  gold." 

'  Philipp.son,  as  in  Gen.  xlix.  4  Others,  "!  va^  leli 
behind." 


DANIEL  X.  XI. 


19  And  he  said.  Fear  not,  0  man  great!}' 
beloved :  peace  be  unto  thee,  be  strong,  3ea.,  be 
strong.  And  when  lie  spoke  with  nie.  I  felt 
myself  strengthened,  and  said.  Let  ni}-  lord 
speak ;  for  thou  hast  strengthened  me. 

20  Then  said  he,  Knowest  thou  wherefore 
I  am  come  unto  thee?  and  now  will  I  return 
to  fight  with  the  prince  of  Persia ;  and  as 
I  am  going  forth,  lo,  the  prince  of  Javan  is 
coming. 

21  Nevertheless  will  I  tell  thee  what  is 
noted  down  in  the  writing  of  truth : — and 
there  is  none  tliat  holdeth  with  me  (to  as- 
sist me)  against  tliose,  except  Michael  jour 
prince. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  ^f  And  I  in  the  first  year  of  Darius  the 
Mede  had  my  station  to  assist  and  to  protect 
him. 

2  And  now  will  I  tell  thee  the  truth.  Be- 
hold, there  will  stand  up  yet  three  kings  of 
Persia ;  and  the  fourth  will  oljtain  far  greater 
riches  tlian  all  (these) ;  and  when  he  is  strong 
through  liis  riches  will  he  stir  up  all,  (name- 
ly,)" the  kingdom  of  Javan.'' 

3  And  then  will  stand  up  a  mighty  king, 
who  will  rule  with  great  dominion,  and  do 
according  to  his  pleasure. 

4  And  when  he  shall  have  stood,  his  kin"- 
dom  will  be  broken,  and  will  be  divided  to- 
ward the  four  winds  of  the  heavens,  and  not 
to  his  posterity,  nor  according  to  his  dominion 
vrhich  he  ruled;  for  his  kingdom  will  be 
torn  asunder,  even  for  others  beside  tliose. 

5  And  the  king  of  the  south  will  become 
strong,  yea,  he  who  is  one  of  his  princes;  but 
(another)  will  become  strong  against  him, 
and  will  rule:  a  great  dominion  will  his  domi- 
nion be. 

6  But  at  the  end  of  (some)  years  will  they 
associate  themselves  together;  and  the  daugh- 
ter of  the  king  of  the  south"  will  come  to  the 
king  of  the  north  to  make  a  settlement  of  dif- 
ficulties; but  she  will  not  retain  the  power 


of  the  support;'  neither  will  he  stand,  nci 
his  support;  but  she  will  be  given  up,  with 
those  that  had  lirought  her.  and  he  tiiat  l^e- 
gat  her,  and  he  that  strengthened'  her  in 
those  times. 

7  But  there  will  stand  up  a  sprout  of  her 
roots  in  his  place,  and  he  will  come  to  the 
army,  and  will  enter  into  the  stronghold  of 
the  king  of  the  north,  and  will  doal  with 
them,  and  prevail ; 

8  And  also  their  gods  with  their  molten 
images,'  with  their  precious  vessels  of  silver 
and  of  gold,  will  he  carry  into  captivity  to 
Egypt;  and  he  will  stand  off^  some  years 
from  the  king  of  the  north. 

9  But  this  one  will  then  enter  the  kingdom 
of  the  king  of  the  south,  and  then  return 
into  his  own  land. 

10  But  his  sons  will  commence  a  war,  and 
assemble  a  multitude  of  great  armies;  and 
one  will  certainly  enter,  and  overflow,  a?»-"" 
pass  along:  then  will  he  return,  and  mafet 
war  again,  even  to  his  strong-hold. 

11  And  the  king  of  the  south  will  be  raov- 
ed  with  bitter  wrath,  and  go  forth  .and  fight 
with  him,  even  with  the  king  of  the  north : 
and  he  will  set  forth  a  great  multitude;  bat 
the  multitude  (of  the  other)  will  be  gi-^i-n  up 
into  his  hand. 

12  And  the  multitude  will  be  lifled  up,'' 
and  his  heart  will  become  pi-oud;  and  he  Vvill 
Cia.st  down  myriads;  liut  he  will  not  !x? 
strengthened  by  it. 

13  And  the  king  of  the  north  will  return, 
and  set  forth  a  multitude  greater  than  the 
former  ;  and  at  the  end  of  the  times,  of  years, 
will  he  certainly  come  with  a  great  army 
and  with  much  riches. 

14  And  in  those  times  many  will  stand 
up  against  the  king  of  the  south :  also  the  re- 
bellious' sons  of  thy  people  will  lift  them- 
selves up  to  establish  the  vision;  but  they 
will  stumble. 

15  And  the  king  of  the  north  will  come, 
and  cast  up  a  mound,  and  capture  the  citv 


'  Sa'adyah.     Others,  "he  will  stir  up  all  against,"  &c. 
'■  Javan,  Greece  and  its  colonies.     Alexander  is  de- 
scribed in  the  sequel. 

'  South  and  north,  signify  Egypt  and  Syria. 

^  Lit.  "arm,"  the  symbol  of  strength. 

■■  PhilippsoD,  "had  taken  her"  (as  wife).     Commcnta- 


'  Rashi,  "princes." 

*  /.  e.  Be  at  peace  with  him.  Sa'adyah,  "will  coutinuo 
more  years  than,"  &c. 

'' Rashi.  Abeii  Ezra,  "will  be  carried  away,"  »'•  e. 
the  defeated  Syrian  army. 

'  Sa'adyah,    explaining,    "  who    have    rehollcd    acraiiist 


tors  agree  that  these  kings  were  Ptolemy  Philadelphus  [j  God."    Many  Jews  joined  Antioehus   as  tuough  thus  they 
pf  Egypt,  and  Autiochus  Tbeos  of  Syria.  could  bring  aboitt  the  fulfilment  of  the  go-J     -onhocies 


DANIEL  XI. 


defended  by  fortifications:  and  the  arms  of 
the  south  will  not  withstand,  and  as  regard- 
etli  his  cho.sen  jioople,  there  will  l^e  no  power 
(in  them)  to  withstand. 

16  But  he  that  cometh  against  them  will  do 
according  to  his  pleasure,  and  none  will  stand 
before  him;  and  he  will  place  him.self  in  the 
glorious  land,  which  will  be  altogether''  in  his 
hand. 

17  He  will  also  direct  his  face  to  enter 
with  the  strength  of  his  whole  kingdom,  hav- 
ing professions  of  peace''  with  him ;  and  thus 
will  he  do  it:  and  he  will  give  him  the 
daughter  of  his  wife  to  destroy  it;'  but  it  will 
not  stand,  and  it  will  not  remain  his. 

18  And  he  will  direct  his  face  unto  the 
isles,  and  capture  many;  but  a  chieftain  will 
cause  to  cease  his  reproach  against  him; 
without  his  giving  back  to  him  his*^  own  re- 
proach. 

19  Then  will  he  direct  his  face  toward  the 
strong-holds  of  his  own  land;  but  he  will 
stumble  and  fall,  and  will  no  more  be  found. 

20  And  there  will  stand  up  in  his  place  one 
who  will  cause  the  exactor  (of  taxes)  to  pass" 
through  the  glorious  (land)  of  the  kingdom; 
but  within  a  few  days  will  he  be  broken,  but 
not  in  anger,  nor  in  battle. 

21  And  there  will  stand  up  in  his  place  a 
despicable*^  person,  to  whom  they  assigned  not 
the  honour  of  the  kingdom;  but  he  will  come 
in  quietly,  and  lay  hold  of  the  kingdom  by 
Hatteries. 

22  And  the  powers  of  the  overflow  will  he 
swept  away  from  before  him,  and  will  be 
broken:  yea,  so  also  the  prince  in  covenant 
(with  him). 

2.3  And  from  the  time  of  his  as.sociating 
with  him  will  he  deal  deceitfully;  and  he 
will  come  up,  and  obtain  the  victory  with  a 
small  number  of  people. 

24  In  quiet  and  into  the  fattest  portion  of 
the  province  will  he  enter;  and  he  will  do 
what  his  fathers  have  not  done,  nor  his 
fothers'  fathers:  the  prey,  and  spoil,  and 
riches   will    he   divide    iVeely  to    them,   and 


•  llashi,  "he  will  destroy  it  by  bis  armies." 

^  Abuu  Ezra,  as  above,  ver.  6.     Ilasbi,  "righteous  ones 

with  him." 

"  i.  e.  The  kingdom  of  the  other;   but  he  will  have  no 

success  in  this  scheme. 

''  Fiirst,  "that  he  will  not  repeat  to  him  this  reproach." 
'  Rashi,  "who  will  drive  out,"  &c.,  alluding  to  the  As- 
910 


agamst 


the    strong-holds  will  he  devise  his 
plans,  but  only  till  a  certain  time. 

25  And  he  will  then  stir  up  his  power  and 
his  courage^  against  the  king  of  the  south 
with  a  great  army:  and  the  king  of  the  south 
will  prepare  himself  for  the  war  with  an  ex- 
ceedingly great  and  mighty  army;  but  he 
will  not  stand;  for  they  will  devise  (evil) 
plans  against  him. 

26  Yea,  they  that  eat  of  his  food  will 
bring  his  downfall,*"  and  the  army  of  the 
other  will  overflow;  and  many  will  fall  down 
slain. 

27  And  as  for  both  these  kings,  their  heart 
is  bent  on  mischief,  and  at  one  table  will 
they  speak  lies ;  but  it  shall  not  prosper ;  for 
the  end  is  jet  for  the  time  appointed. 

28  Then  will  he  return  into  his  land  with 
great  riches,  and  his  heart  will  be  against 
the  holy  covenant :  and  he  will  do  it,  and  re- 
turn to  his  own  land. 

29  At  the  time  appointed  will  he  return, 
and  enter  into  the  south;  but  not  as  in  the 
former  will  it  be  in  the  latter  time. 

30  For  there  will  come  against  him  the 
ships  of  Kittim;  and  he  will  become  faint- 
hearted, and  return,  and  will  rage  against 
the  holy  covenant;  and  he  will  do  it:  and 
he  will  return,  and  have  an  undei'standing 
with  those  that  forsake  the  holy  covenant. 

31  And  army  divisions  will  proceed  from 
him,  and  they  will  defile  the  sanctuary,  the 
fortress,  and  remove  the  continual  sacrifice, 
and  they  will  set  up  the  desolating  abomina- 
tion. 

32  And  such  as  act  wickedly  again.st  the 
covenant  will  he  corrupt  by  flatteries;  but 
the  people  that  do  know  their  God  will  be 
strong,  and  deal  (valiantly).' 

33  And  the  intelligent  among  the  people 
will  impart  understanding  to  many:  yet  they 
will  stumble  through  the  sword,  and  through 
flame,  through  captivity,  and  through  being 
plundered  for  some  time. 

34  But  in  their  stumbling  will  they  be 
aided  with  a  little  help;  but  many  will  join 


moneans,  and  the  end  of  the  family  wars  by  which  they 
were  overthrown. 

'  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  called  also  Epimanps,  or  mad- 
man, for  his  despicable  conduct. 

8  Lit.  "heart."  "  Lit.  "will  break  liini." 

'  llashi,  "will  lay  hold  of  the  fear  of  God,  and  act  ac- 
cording to  the  law." 


DANIP]L  XI.  XII. 


tliemselves  to  tlicm  witli  deceptive  flatte- 
ries. 

35  And  some  of  tlie  intelligent  Avill  t^tumlde, 
to  make  a  purilieation  among  them,  and  to  se- 
lect and  to  cleanse"  them,  until  the  time  of  the 
end;  because  it  is  yet  for  the  time  appointed. 

3G  And  the  king  will  do  according  to  his 
pleasure;  and  he  will  exalt  and  magnify  him- 
self above  every  god,  and  against  the  God  of 
gods  will  he  speak  incredible  things,  and  he 
will  prosper  till  the  indignation  be  at  an  end; 
for  that  which  is  determined  will  be  accom- 
pli.^hed.'' 

37  And  to  the  gods  of  his  fathers  will  he 
pay  no  regard ;  and  to  the  desire  of  women.' 
or  to  any  god  whatever  will  he  not  pay  an^- 
regard ;  for  above  all  will  he  magnify  himself. 

38  But  in  liis  place  will  he  pay  honour  to 
the  god  of  the  fortresses;**  and  to  a  god  whom 
his  fathers  knew  not  will  he  pay  honour  with 
gold,  and  silver,  and  \vith  precious  stones, 
and  costly  things. 

39  This  will  he  do  for  the  very  strong  for- 
tresses togetlier  with  the  strange  god:  who- 
e\er  will  acknowledge  him,  him  will  he  give 
much  honour ;  and  he  will  cause  such  to  rule 
over  many,  and  he  will  divide  out  the  land 
for  a  price. 

40  And  at  the  time  of  the  end  will  the 
king  of  the  south  push  against  him ;  and  the 
king  of  the  north  will  come  against  him  like 
a  storm-wind,  with  chariots,  and  with  horse- 
men, and  with  many  ships;  and  he  will  enter 
into  some  countries,  and  will  overflow  and 
pass  along. 

41  And  he  will  enter  into  the  glorious 
land,  and  much  will  be  overthrown;  but 
these  will  escape  out  of  his  hand,  even  Edom, 
and  MoJib,  and  the  first  portion  of  the  children 
of  'Amnion. 

42  And  he  will  stretch  forth  his  hand 
against  some  countries,  and  the  land  of 
Egypt  will  not  escape. 

43  And  he  will  have  control  over  the 
treasures  of  gold  and  of  silver,  and  over  all 


'  Lit.  "  make  ■white,"  wash  away  impurities. 

'  Sa'adj'ah.  "and  God  accomplish  the  evil  determined 
on  (against  the  enemies  of  Israel.") 

"  This  is  explained  by  modern  commentators  to  be  a  fe- 
male deity  worshipped  at  Ely mais,who,';e  temple  Antioehus 
endeavoured  to  plunder.  Rashi  explains,  in  part  allegori- 
cally,  "The  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob; — the  con- 
gregation of  Israel,  called, 'the  beautiful  of  women.' "Ac. 


the  costly  things  of  Egypt:  and  the  Libyans 
and  the  Ethioi)ians  will  follow  at  his  steps. 

44  But  reports  out  of  the  east  and  out  of 
the  north  will  terrify  him;  and  he  will  go 
forth  with  great  fury  to  destroy,  and  to  ex- 
terminate many. 

45  And  he  will  pitch  the  tents''  of  his  pa- 
lace between  seas  and  the  glorious  holy 
mountain;  and  he  will  come  to  his  end,  with- 
out one  to  help  him. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  And  at  that  time  will  Michael,  the  great 
prince  who  stiindeth  for  the  children  of  thy 
people,  stand  forth;  and  there  will  be  a  time 
of  distress,  sueli  as  hath  never  been  since  the 
existence  of  any  nation,  until  that  same  time; 
and  at  that  time  shall  thy  people  be  deli- 
vered, every  one  that  shall  be  found  written 
in  the  book. 

2  And  many  of  those  that  sleep  in  the 
dust  of  the  earth  shall  awake,  some  to  ever- 
lasting life,  and  some  to  disgrace  and  e\'er- 
lasting  abhorrence. 

3  And  the  intelligent  shall  shine  brilliantly 
like  the  brilliance  of  the  expanse  (of  the 
sky) ;  and  they  that  bring  many  to  righteous- 
ness shall  be  like  the  stars,  for  ever  and 
ever. 

4  -^  But  thou,  0  Daniel,  close  up  the 
words,  and  seal  the  book,  until  the  time  of 
the  end :  many  will  roam  about,*^  yet  shall 
knowledge  be  increased. 

5  Then  I  Daniel  looked,  and  behold,  there 
were  two  others  standing,  the  one  on  this 
side  of  the  bank  of  the  stream,  and  the  other 
on  that  side  of  the  bank  of  the  stream. 

6  And  one  said  to  the  man  clothed  in 
linen,  who  was  above  the  waters  of  the 
stream,  IIow  long  shall  it  be  to  the  end  of 
these  wonders? 

7  Then  heard  I  the  man  clothed  in  linen, 
who  was  above  the  waters  of  the  stream; 
and  he  lifted  up  his  right  hand  and  his  left 
hand   unto   the   heavens,  and  swore  by  the 

^  This  is  said  to  refer  to  the  Capitolian  idol,  to  which 
Antioehus  commenced  a  temple  in  Antioehia;  but  which 
he  did  not  complete. 

"  Meaning,  the  royal  tent  of  state  which  oriental  rulers 
carried  with  them  in  their  campaigns. 

'  As  in  'Amos  viii.  12;  they  will  seek,  pcrhap.*,  and 
not  find  divine  knowledge;  still  will  this  gradually  in- 
crease till  it  conquers  the  world.     (Sec  Isa.  xi.  9,  &c.} 

911 


EZRA  I. 


Ererliving  One  that  after  a  time,  times,  and 
a  half,  and  when  there  shall  be  an  end  to 
the  crushing  of  the  power  of  the  holy  people, 
all  these  things  shall  be  ended. 

8  And  I  heai'd  indeed,  but  I  understood  it 
not:  then  said  I,  0  my  lord,  what  shall  be 
the  end''  of  these  things? 

9  And  he  said,  Go  {thy  way),  Daniel;  for 
the  words  are  closed  up  and  sealed  till  the 
time  of  the  end. 

10  Many  shall  be  selected  and  cleansed, 
and  purified;  but  the  wicked  will  deal  wick- 


|]  edly,   and    none  of  the  wicked  will   under- 

I  stand;  but  the  intelligent  will  understand. 

|[      11  And  from  the  time  that  the  continual 

I I  sacrifice  will  be  removed,  even  to  set  up  the 
!'  desolating  abomination,  there  will  be  a  thou- 
;isand  two  hundred  and  ninety  days."" 

12  Happy  is  he  that  waiteth,  and  attain- 
eth  to  the  thousand  three  hundred  and  five 
and  thirty  days. 

13  But  thou,  go  (thy  way)  toward  the  end; 
and  thou  shalt  rest,  and  arise  again  for  thy 
lot  at  the  end  of  the  days. 


THE  BOOK  OF  EZRA, 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  And  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  the 
king  of  Persia,  at  the  time''  the  word  of  the 
Lord  by  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah  was  accom- 
plished, the  Lord  awakened  the  spirit  of 
Cyrus  the  king  of  Persia ;  and  he  caused  a 
proclamation  to  be  made  tlu'oughout  all  his 
kingdom,  and  also  by  means  of  writing,  say- 

2  Thus  hath  said  Cyrus  the  king  of  Per- 
sia, All  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  hatli  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Eeaven  given  unto  me ;  and 
he  hatli  directed  me  to  build  for  him  a  house 
at  Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah. 

3  Whoever  among  you  that  is  of  all  his 
])eople,  may  his  God  be  with  him,  and  let 
liim  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah, 
and  build  the  house  of  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel,  he  is  the  God  who"  is  in  Jerusalem. 

4  And  whosoever  remiiineth"  out  of  any 
place  where  he  hath  sojourned,  him  shall  the 
men  of  his  place  assist  with  silver,  and  with 
gold,  and  with  goods,  and  with  beasts,  beside 

•  Philippson,  "consequence,"  or  "result." 

''  This  verse  is  supposed  to  refer  to  the  time  during 

which  the  temple  was  desecrated  by  Antiochus,  till  its  re- 

ledication,  and  the  next  verse  to  the  death  of  Antiochus. 

Though  the  chronologists  are  not  very  clear  on  the  last 

point. 

913 


the  freewill    offering   for   the  house  of  God 
which  is  in  Jerusalem. 

5  Then  rose  up  the  chiefs  of  the  divisions 
of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  and  the  priests,  and 
the  Levites,  with  all  those  whose  sj^irit  God 
had  awakened,  to  go  ujs  to  build  the  house 
of  the  Lord  which  is  in  Jerusalem. 

6  And  all  those  that  were  round  about 
them  supplied  them*^  with  vessels  of  silver, 
with  gold,  with  goods,  and  with  beasts,  and 
with  precious  things,  beside  all  that  was  will- 
ingly oftered. 

7  ^  Also  king  Cyrus  brought  forth  the 
vessels  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  which 
Nebuchadnezzar  had  Ijrought  away  out  of 
Jerusalem,  and  had  placed  in  the  house  of 
his  god : 

8  Even  these  did  Cyrus  the  king  of  Persia 
bring  forth  through  tlie  liand  of  Mithredath 
the  treasurer,  and  counted  them  out  unto 
Sheshbazzar   the  prince   tor  Judah. 

9  And  tliis  is  their  number :  Thirty  chargers^ 
of  gold,  a  thousand  chargers  of  silver,  nine 
and  twenty  knives, 


°  Rashi.     Others,  "that  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah  might  be  fulfilled." 

■^  Aben  Ezra,  "which,"  referring  to  "house." 
"  llashi  and  Aben  Ezra  explains,  "out  of  poverty." 
'  Lit.  "strengthened  (them)  by  their  hands." 
»  !.  e.  Basins,  to  hold  the  blood  of  saci'iliceti, 


EZRA  I.  IT. 


10  Thirty  cups  of  gold,  silver  cups  of  a 
second  degree  four  hundred  and  ten,  other 
vessels  a  thousand. 

11  All  the  vessels  of  gold  and  of  silver 
were  five  thousand  and  four  hundred.  All 
these  did  Sheshbazzar"  bring  up  with  the 
exiles  that  were  brought  up  from  Babylon 
unto  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  ^  Now  these  are  the  children  of  the 
province  who  went  up  out  of  the  captivity  of 
the  exiles,  whom,  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of 
Babylon  had  carried  away  into  exile  unto 
Babylon,  and  who  returned  unto  Jerusalem 
and  Judah,  every  one  unto  his  city; 

2  Who  came  with  Zerubbabel,  Jeshua', 
Nehemiah,  Serayah,  Re'elayah,  Mordecai.  Bil- 
shan,Misspar, Bigvai,  Rechum,  Baanah.  The 
number  of  the  men  of  the  people  of  Israel 
was :'' 

3  The  children  of  Par'osh,  two  thousand 
one  hundred  seventy  and  two. 

4  The  children  of  Shephatyah,  three  hun- 
dred sevent}'  and  two. 

5  The  children  of  Arach,  seven  hundred 
seventy  and  five. 

6  The  children  of  Pachath-moab,  of  the 
children  of  Jeshua'  and  Joab,  two  tliousand 
eight  hundred  and  twelve. 

7  The  children  of  'P]lam,  one  thousand  two 
hundred  fifty  and  four. 

8  The  children  of  Zattbn.  nine  hundred 
and  forty  and  five. 

9  The  children  of  Zaccai,  seven  liundred 
and  sixty. 

10  The  children  of  Bani.  six  hundred  forty 
and  two. 

11  The  children  of  Bebai,  six  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

12  The  children  of  'Azgad,  one  thousand 
two  hundred  twenty  and  two. 

13  The  children  of  Adonikam,  six  hundred 
sixty  and  six. 

14  The  children  of  Bigvai,  two  thousand 
fifty  and  six. 


*  Aben  Ezra  supposes  this  to  be  Zerubbabel's  name  in 
Chaldeau. 

^  Pbilippson  observes  that  Nehemiah  (Heb.  AWJicni- 
j/ah,)  and  Mordecai  were  evidently  not  the  two  cele- 
brated characters.  Also  that  there  is  a  di.-;crepancy  be- 
tween the  names  here  given  and  in  Nehemiah  vii. ;  as  also 
ip  the  numbers,  which  here  are  29,818,  there  31,089, 
5  V 


15  The  children  of  'Adin,  lour  hundred 
fifty  and  four. 

iC  The  children  of  Ater  of  Hezekiah, 
ninety  and  eight. 

17  The  children  of  Bezai,  three  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

18  The  children  of  Jorah,  one  hundred 
and  twelve. 

19  The  children  of  Chashum,  two  hundred 
twenty  and  three. 

20  The  children  of  Gibbar,  ninety  and 
five. 

21  The  people''  of  Beth-lechem,  one  hun- 
dred twenty  and  three. 

22  The  men  of  Netophah,  fifty  and  six. 

23  The  men  of  'Anathoth,  one  hundred 
twenty  and  eight. 

24  The  people  of  'Azmaveth,  forty  and 
two. 

25  The  people  of  Kiryath-'arim,  Kephirah, 
and  Beeroth,  seven  hundred  and  forty  and 
three. 

26  The  people  of  Ramali  and  Geba',  six 
hundred  twenty  and  one. 

27  The  men  of  Michmass,  one  hundred 
twenty  and  two. 

28  "The  men  of  Beth-el  and  'Ai,  two  hun- 
dred twentv  and  tliree. 

29  The  people  of  Nebo,  fifty  and  two. 

30  The  children  of  Magbish,  one  hundred 
fifty  and  six. 

31  The  children  of  the  other  'Elani,  one 
thousand  two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 

32  The  children  of  Charim,  three  liundred 
and  twenty. 

33  The  people  of  Lod,  Chadid.  and  Ono, 
seven  hundred  twenty  and  five. 

34  The  people  of  Jericho,  three  hundred 
forty  and  five. 

35  The  people  of  Senaiih,  three  thousand 
and  six  hundred  and  thirty. 

36  The  priests  were:  The  children  of  Jeda'- 
yah,  of  the  house  of  Jeshua',  nine  hundred 
seventy  and  three. 

37  The  children  of  Imnier,  one  thousand 
fifty  and  two. 


when  added  together,  while  the  total  number  is  given  as 
42,360.  There  must  therefore  be  some  omissions  in  the 
lists,  and  perhaps  some  minor  families  have  been  left  out. 
"  It  will  be  observed  that  from  this  verse  to  34  the 
towns  are  mostly  mentioned  instead  of  the  parents;  there- 
fore we  have  rendered  "J3  with  "  people"  instead  of  chil- 
dren, 

913 


EZRA  II. 


38  The  children  of  Pashchur,  one  thousand 
two  hundred  forty  and  seven. 

39  The  children  of  Charini,  one  thousand 
and  seventeen. 

40  The  Levites  were:  The  children  of 
Jesluia'  and  Kadmiel,  of  the  children  of 
Hodavyah,  seventy  and  four. 

4>1  The  singers  were:  The  children  of  As- 
saph,  one  hundred  twenty  and  eight. 

42  The  children  of  the  gate-keepers  were: 
The  children  of  Shallura,  the  children  of  Ater, 
the  children  of  Talmon,  the  children  of  'Ak- 
kub,  the  children  of  Chatita,  the  children  of 
Shobai,  in  all  one  hundred  thirty  and  nine. 

43  The  temple-servants"  were:  The  children 
of  Zicha,  the  children  of  Chassupha,  the  chil- 
dren of  Tal)l»a'oth, 

44  The  children  of  Keross,  the  children  of 
Si'aha,  the  children  of  Padon, 

45  The  children  of  Lebanah,  the  children 
of  Chagabah,  the  children  of 'Akkub, 

46  The  children  of  Chagab,  the  children 
of  Shalmai,  the  children  of  Chanan, 

47  The  children  of  Giddel,  the  children  of 
Gachar,  the  children  of  Rea3ah, 

48  The  children  of  Eezin,  the  children  of 
Nekoda,  the  children  of  Gazzam, 

49  The  children  of  'Uzza,  the  children  of 
Paseiich,  the  children  of  Bessai, 

50  The  children  of  Assnah,  the  children  of 
Me'unim,  the  children  of  Nephussim, 

51  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children 
of  Chakupha,  the  children  of  Charchur, 

52  The  children  of  Bazluth,  the  children 
of  Mechida,  the  children  of  Charsha, 

58  The  children  of  Barkoss,  the  children 
of  Sissera,  the  children  of  Thamach, 

54  The  children  of  Neziach,  the  children 
of  Chatipha. 

55  The  children  of  Solomon's  servants 
Avere:  The  children  of  Sotai,  the  children  of 
Sophereth,  the  children  of  Peruda. 

56  The  children  of  Ja'alah,  the  children 
of  Darkon,  the  children  of  (liddel, 

57  The  children  of  She})hatyah,  the  chil- 
dren of  Chattil,  the  children  of  Pochereth- 
hazzebayim,  the  children  of  Ami. 

58  All  the  temple-servants,  and  the  chil- 


'  Heb   Nethinim. 

^  Tliis  evidently  Persian  word  is  said  to  mean  "ruler," 
or  "governor,"  from  lorsli,  "the  strong."      Some  su])[)ose 
it  to  be  Nehemiiih;   but  was  more  probably  Zerubbabel. 
914 


dren  of  Solomon's  servants,  were  three  luui- 
dred  and  ninety  and  two. 

59  ^  And  these  are  those  who  went  up  from 
Thel-melach,  Thel-charsha,  Kerub,  Addan, 
and  Immer;  but  they  could  not  tell  their 
family  division,  and  their  descent,  whether 
they  were  of  Israel : 

60  The  children  of  Delayah,  the  children 
of  Tobiyah,  the  children  of  Nekoda,  six  hun- 
dred fifty  and  two. 

61  And  of  the  children  of  the  priests: 
The  children  of  Chabayah,  the  children  of 
Ilakkoz,  the  children  of  Barzillai,  who  had 
taken  a  wife  from  the  daughters  of  Bar- 
zillai the  Gil'adite,  and  was  called  after  their 
name. 

62  These  sought  Inr  their  family-registers, 
but  they  were  not  found  :  wherefore  they 
were  excluded,  as  unfit,  from  the  priesthood. 

63  And  the  Thirshatha''  said  unto  them, 
that  they  should  not  eat  of  the  most  holy 
things,  till  there  should  stand  up  a  priest  with 
the  Urini  and  Thunnnim. 

64  The  whole  congregation  together  was 
forty  and  two  thousand  three  hundred  and 
sixty." 

65  Besides  their  men-servants  and  their 
maid-servants,  of  whom  there  were  seven 
thousand  three  hundred  thirty  and  seven  : 
they  had  also  two  hundred  singing  men  and 
singing  women. 

66  Their  horses  were  -scA'cn  hundred  thirty 
and  six;  their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and 
five; 

67  Their  camels,  four  hundred  thirty  and 
five;  their  asses,  six  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  twenty. 

68  ^  And  some  of  the  chiefs  of  the  divi- 
sions, when  they  came  to  the  house  of  the 
Lord  which  is  at  Jerusalem,  oftered  freewill 
gifts  for  the  house  of  God  to  set  it  up  in  its 
place : 

69  After  their  ability  they  gave  unto  the 
treasure  for  the  woi'k  sixty  and  one  thousand 
drachms'"  of  gold,  and  five  thousand  manehs 
of  silver,  and  one  hundred  coats  for  the 
priests. 

70  Tl  And  the   priests,   and  the    Levites, 


"  Philippson,  deeming  the  men  alnne  enumerated,  sup- 
poses the  whole  to  amount  to  about  '200,000  souls. 

'' The  Persian  Darike,  from  I)ara  and  Kaman,  "tbg 
king's  bow,"  either  of  gold  or  silver.      Heb,  Parkeiiion. 


EZRA  II.  III.  IV. 


and  some  of  the  people,  and  the  .singers,  and 
tlie  gate-keepers,  and  the  temple-servants, 
dwelt  in  their  cities,  and  all  Israel  in  their 
cities. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  And  when  the  seventh  month  drew  near, 
and  the  children  of  Israel  were  in  the  cities, 
the  people  gathered  themselves  together  as 
one  man  to  Jerusalem. 

2  Then  arose  Jeshua'  the  son  of  Jozadak, 
and  his  brethren  the  priests,  and  Zerubliabel 
the  son  of  Sheiilthiel,  and  his  brethren,  and 
they  built  the  altar  of  the  God  of  Israel,  to 
ofier  thereon  burnt-oflerings,  as  it  is  written 
in  the  law  of  Moses  the  man  of  God. 

3  And  they  erected  the  altar  uyion  its 
foundations;  for  there  was  fear"  upon  them 
because  of  the  people  of  these  countries;  and 
they  ofiered  thereon  burnt-ofierings  unto  the 
Lord,  burnt-oflferings  at  morning  and  at  even- 
ing. 

4  And  they  celebrated  the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles, as  it  is  written,  and  (offered)  the  daily 
burnt-ofierings  by  number,  according  to  the 
prescribed  manner,  the  offering  of  every  day 
on  its  day; 

5  And  afterward  the  continual  burnt-ofier- 
ing,  and  that  for  the  new  moons,  and  for  all 
the  feasts  of  the  Lord  that  are  hallowed,  and 
that  of  every  one  who  willingly  offered  a  free- 
will offering  unto  the  Lord. 

6  From  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month 
began  the^y  to  ofier  JKirnt-offerings  unto  the 
Lord:  although  the  foundation  of  the  temple 
of  the  Lord  had  not  yet  been  laid. 

7  Then  did  the}'  give  money  unto  the  ma- 
sons, and  to  the  carpenters;  and  food,  and 
drink,  and  oil,  unto  the  Zidonians  and  Ty- 
rians,  to  bring  cedar-trees  from  the  Lebanon 
by  sea  to  Joppa,''  according  to  the  permission 
of  Cj'rus  the  king  of  Persia  for  them. 

8  ^  And  in  the  second  year  of  their  com- 
ing unto  the  house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  in 
the  second  month,  did  Zerubbabel  the  son  of 
SheiUthiel,  and  Jeshua'  the  son  of  Jozadak, 
and  the  remainder  of  their  brethren  the 
priests  and  the  Levites,  and  all  they  that 
were  come  out  of  the  captivity  unto  Jerusa- 

*  Kashi  explains,  that  they  built  the  altar  before  the 
temple,  so  that  the  non-lM-aelites  should  have  no  cause 
to  calumniate  them,  as  their  whole  intention  was  evidently 
merely  to  restore  the  worship. 


lem  make  a  beginning;  and  they  appointed 
the  Levites,  from  twenty  years  old  and  up- 
wai'd,  to  superintend"  the  work  of  the  liouse 
of  the  Lord. 

9  Then  stood  forward  Jeshua'  with  his 
sons  and  his  brethren,  Kadmiiil  and  his  sons, 
the  sons  of  Judah,  as  one  man,  to  superintend 
the  workmen  in  the  house  of  God ;  (also) 
the  sons  of  Chenadad.  their  sons  and  their 
brethren  the  Levites. 

10  And  Avhen  the  builders  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  they  placed 
the  priests  in  their  apparel  with  trumpets, 
and  the  Levites  the  sons  of  Assapli  Avith 
cjinbals,  to  praise  the  Lord,  after  the  manner 
of  David  the  king  of  Israel. 

11  And  they  sang  responsively  in  praise 
and  thanksgiving  unto  the  Lord;  Ijecause  he 
is  good,  for  unto  everlasting  endureth  his 
kindness  toward  Israel.  And  all  the  people 
shouted  with  a  great  shout,  while  praising 
the  Lord  ;  because  the  foundation  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord  had  been  laid. 

12  But  many  of  the  priests  and  Levites 
and  chiefs  of  the  divisions,  the  aged,  who  had 
seen  the  first  house,  when  the  foundation  of 
this  house  was  laid  before  their  eyes,  wept 
with  a  loud  voice,  while  many,  shouting  for 
joy,  raised  aloud  their  voice: 

13  So  that  the  people  could  not  distinguish 
the  noise  of  the  shout  of  joy  from  the  noise 
of  the  weeping  of  the  people;  for  the  people 
shouted  with  a  loud  shout,  and  the  noise  was 
heard  ever  so  far  off'. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  Now  when  the  adversaries  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin  heard  that  the  children  of  the 
exile  w-ere  building  the  temple  unto  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel : 

2  Then  came  they  near  to  Zerubbabel,  and 
to  the  chiefs  of  the  divisions,  and  said  unto 
them,  Let  us  build  with  you;  for  like  30U 
will  we  seek  your  God;  and  unto  him''  do  we 
sacrifice  since  the  days  of  Essar-chaddon  the 
king  of  Asshur,  who  hath  brought  us  up 
hither. 

3  But  Zerubbabel,  and  Jeshua',  and  the 
rest  of  the  chiefs  of  the  divisions   of  Israel, 

"  Heb.  Yaplw. 

'  Eashi,  as  in  Psalm,  nsjoS  "to  chaunt  at,"  fee. 
^  So  the  Kcri;  the  Ki:lib  nSi  "and  not"  n.juld  require 
"for  we  do  not  sacrifice." 

U16 


EZRA  IV. 


paid  unto  them,  It  is  not  obligator}^  on  you  and 
on  us  to  build  a  house  unto  our  God ;  but  we 
ourselves  together  must  build  unto  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  as  king  Cyrus  the  king  of 
Persia  hath  commanded  us. 

4  Then  did  the  people  of  the  land  weaken 
the  hands  of  the  people  of  Judah,  and  fright- 
ened them  off  from  building  ; 

5  And  they  hired  against  them  counsellors, 
to  frustrate  their  purpose,  all  the  days  of 
Cyrus  the  king  of  Persia,  and  even  until  the 
reio'u  of  Darius  the  kin"'  of  Persia. 

6  ^  And  in  the  reign  of  Achashverosh,"  in 
the  beginning  of  his  reign,  they  wrote  an  ac- 
cusation against  the  inhabitants  of  Judah 
and  Jerusalem. 

7  ][  And  in  the  days  of  Artaxerxes  wrote 
Bishlam,  Mithredath,  Tabeel,  and  the  rest  of 
their  companions,  unto  Artaxerxes  the  king 
of  Persia:  and  the  writing  of  the  letter  was 
written  in  Aramic,  and  interpreted  in  Ara- 
mic. 

8  ^  Rechum  the  counsellor  and  Shimshai 
the  scribe  wrote  a  certain  letter  against  Jeru- 
salem to  Arta.xerxes  the  king,  as  folio weth  : 

9  Then  (wrote)  Rechum  the  counsellor, 
and  Shimshai  the  sci'ibe,  and  the  rest  of  their 
companions,  from  Din,  and  Apharsathach, 
Tarpel,  Apharass,  Erech,  Babylon,  Shushan, 
Dehav,  and  'Elam, 

10  And  the  rest  of  the  nations  whom  the 
great  and  honoured  Assuapper  had  Ijrought 
into  exile,  and  settled  in  the  cities  of  Sama- 
ria, and  the  rest  that  are  on  this  side  the 
river,  and  so  forth.'' 

11  ^  This  is  the  copy  of  the  letter  which 
they  sent  unto  him,  even  unto  king  Ar- 
taxerxes :  Thy  servants  the  men  on  this  side 
the  river,  and  so  forth. 

12  ^  Be  it  made  known  unto  the  king, 
that  the  Jews  who  removed  away  from  thee 
are  come  up  to  us  unto  Jerusalem  :  they  are 
building  the  rebellious  and  the  bad  city,  and 
are  completing  the  walls,  and  are  joining  toge- 
ther the  foundations. 

18  Be  it  now  known  unto  the  king,  that, 
if  this  city  be  rebuilt,  and  the  walls  be  com- 
pleted, they  will  not  give  tax,  tribute,  and 


°  Pliilippson  suggests  that  Achaslivcnisli  here  spoken 
of  i,s  the  I'seiido-Siiicrdis,  who  reigiK'd  a  short  time  after 
(^ainbyses,  here  called  Ar/drJis/mxhlJi,  Artaxerxes.  Fiir.st, 
however,  reverses  this  order. 

''  Fiirst.      llashi,  Kc'imtli,  as  ihe  name  of  a  plaee. 
91G 


toll,    and    the    royal    revenues   wiU    suffer 
damage. 

14  Now  because  we  eat  the  salt"  of  the 
palace,  and  it  is  not  jsroper  for  us  to  see  the 
king's  dishonour,  therefore  have  we  sent  and 
let  the  kijis;  know  this: 

15  That  search  may  be  made  in  ihe  book 
of  the  memorable  events  of  thy  fathers,  and 
thou  wilt  find  in  the  book  of  the  memorable 
events,  and  know  that  this  city  is  a  rebellious 
city,  and  hurtful  unto  kings  and  provinces, 
and  that  they  have  practised  sedition  within 
the  same  from  the  most  ancient  time;  for 
which  cause  this  city  was  destroyed. 

16  We  let  the  king  know  that,  if  this  city 
be  rebuilt,  and  its  walls  be  completed,  by  this 
means  thou  wilt  have  no  more  any  portion 
on  this  side  of  the  river. 

17  ][  Then  sent  the  king  a  reply  unto 
Rechum  the  counsellor,  and  to  Shimshai  the 
scribe,  and  to  the  rest  of  their  companions 
that  dwell  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  rest  of 
those  beyond  the  river.  Peace,''  and  so  forth. 

18  The  letter  which  ye  have  sent  unto  us 
hath  been  plainly  read  before  me. 

19  And  an  order  was  given  by  me,  and 
search  was  made,  and  it  was  found  that  this 
city  from  the  most  ancient  time  hath  lifted 
itself  up  against  kings,  and  that  rebellion  and 
sedition  have  been  practi.'^ed  therein. 

20  Arid  that  mighty  kings  have  been  over 
Jerusalem,  who  ruled  over  all  the  countries 
beyond  the  river;  and  that  tax,  tribute,  and 
toll  was  given  unto  them. 

21  Now  give  ye  the  order  to  stop  these 
men,  and  this  city  shall  not  be  built,  until 
the  order  be  given  from  me. 

22  Take  heed  now  that  ye  commit  no 
error  in  this:  that  not  any  injury  may  grow 
(out  of  this)  to  the  damage  of  the  kings. 

23  ^  Thereupon  so  soon  as  the  copy  of 
king  Artaxerxes'  letter  Avas  read  before  Re- 
chum, and  Shimshai  the  scribe,  and  their 
companions,  they  did  go  up  in  haste  to  Jeru- 
salem unto  the  Jews,  and  stopped  them  by 
force  and  power. 

24  Then  was  stopped  the  work  of  the 
house  of  God  which  is  at  Jerusalem,  and  it 


°  This  term  signifies  among  the  Persians  and  Hindoos 
to  he  in  some  one's  semce,  and  to  derive  support  from 
him. 

^  Otiii'rs  take  ztiw  not  as  peace,  but  as  the  name  of  ;v 
placi',  iSlt'/ain. 


EZRA  IV.  V.  VI. 


reinaiiu'd  interrupted  until   the    second  year 
of  the  reiiiii  of  Darius  tlie  kin"'  of  Persia. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  Then  prophesied  Ilaggai  the  prophet, 
and  Zechariah  the  son"  of 'Iddo,  the  prophets, 
unto  the  Jews  tliat  were  in  Judah  and  Jeru- 
salem, in  the  name  of  the  God  of  Israel,  con- 
cerning them. 

2  Then  rose  up  Zerubbabel  the  son  of 
Shealthiel,  and  Jeshua'  the  son  of  Jozadak, 
and  began  to  build  the  house  of  God  which  is 
in  Jerusalem;  and  with  them  were  the  pro- 
phets of  God  helping  them. 

3  At  the  same  time  came  to  them  Thath- 
nai,  the  governor  on  this  side  of  the  river, 
and  Shethar-bozenai,  and  their  companions, 
and  thus  they  said  unto  them,  "  Wlio  hath 
given  you  an  order  to  build  this  house,  and 
to  complete  these  walls  ?" 

4  Then  said  we  unto  them  after  this  man- 
ner, what  are  the  names  of  the  men  that 
erect  this  building.* 

5  But  the  e^e  of  their  God  was  upon  the 
elders  of  the  Jews,  so  that  the}-  did  not  stop 
them,  till  the  matter  came  to  Darius;  and 
they  then  returned  an  answer  by  letter  con- 
cerning this. 

6  A  copy  of  the  letter  which  Thathnai, 
the  governor  on  this  side  of  the  river,  and 
Shethar-bozenai,  and  his  companions,  the 
Apharsachites,  who  were  on  this  side  of  the 
river,  .sent  unto  king  Darius. 

7  They  sent  a  report  unto  him,  and  thus 
was  it  wi'itten  therein :  Unto  king  Darius  be 
all  peace. 

8  Be  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  we  went 
into  the  province  of  Judah,  to  the  house  of 
the  great  God,  which  they  are  building  with 
heavy  stones,  and  timber  is  laid  in  the  walls, 
and  this  work  is  urged  with  speed,  and  it 
prospereth  in  their  hands. 

9  Then  asked  we  these  elders,  and  after 
this  manner  said  we  unto  them.  Who  hath 
given  you  the  order  to  build  this  house,  and 
to  complete  these  walls? 

10  Also  their  names  did  we  ask  of  them, 
to  let  thee  know  them,  that  we  might  write 


'  i".  e.  The  grandson,  his  father  being  Berechyah.  The 
father's  name  is  often  omitted  in  Bible  genealogies. 

•■  Philippson.  Fiirst,  after  ]{ashi,  "They  also  spoke  to 
them  in  the  same  manner,  Who  are  these  men,"  &c. 

"  Ekbatana,  the  summer  residence  of  the  Persian  kings; 


down  the  names  of  the  men  that  aiv  at  their 
head. 

11  ^  And  in  this  manner  did  they  retm-n 
us  answer,  sa3ing,  We  are  the  servants  of  the 
God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  we  build  the 
house  that  was  built  before  this  many  .years, 
and  a  great  king  of  Israel  built  and  com- 
pleted it. 

12  But  since  our  fiithers  had  provoked  the 
God  of  heaven  unto  wrath,  he  gave  them  up 
into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of 
Babylon,  the  Chaldean,  and  he  destroyed  this 
house,  and  carried  the  })eople  as  exiles  into 
Babylon. 

13  However,  in  the  tirst  year  of  Cyrus  the 
king  of  Babylon,  king  Cyrus  gave  an  order 
to  build  this  hou.se  of  God. 

14  And  also  the  vessels  of  gold  and  silver 
of  the  house  of  God,  wliich  Nebuchadnezzar 
had  taken  out  of  the  temple  that  was  in  Jeru- 
salem, and  Ijrought  into  the  temple  of  Baby- 
lon, these  did  king  Cyrus  take  out  of  the 
temple  of  Babylon,  and  gave  them  unto  one, 
Sheshbazzar  by  name,  whom  he  had  ap- 
pointed as  governor; 

15  And  he  said  unto  him,  Take  these  ves- 
sels, go,  carry  them  into  the  temple  which 
is  in  Jerusalem,  and  let  the  house  of  God  be 
built  on  its  site. 

16  Tl  Then  came  this  same  Sheshbazzar, 
(and)  laid  the  foundation  of  the  house  of  God 
which  is  in  Jerusalem;  and  from  that  time 
even  until  now  they  have  been  building  it, 
but  it  is  not  yet  finished. 

17  And  now,  if  it  seem  good  to  the  king, 
let  search  be  made  in  the  king's  treasure- 
house,  which  is  there  at  Babylon,  whether  it 
be  so,  that  an  t)rder  was  given  by  king  Cyrus 
to  build  this  house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  and 
let  the  king  send  to  us  his  pleasure  concern- 
ing this  matter. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  ^  Then  gave  king  Darius  an  order,  that 
they  should  make  search  in  the  house  of  the 
books,  Avhere  the  treasures  were  laid  up  there 
in  Babylon. 

2  And  there  was  found  at  Achmetha,"  in 


the  decree  was  found  there,  not  in  Babylon — -Cyrus  hav- 
ing perhaps  issued  it  from  the  former,  or  it  was  traii,s- 
ferred  there  when  the  records  were  removed.  Rashi  ren- 
ders Achnie/ha  with  "closet,"  or  "vessel,"  in  which 
records  were  preserved. 

917 


EZRA  VI. 


the  castle  that  is  in  the  province  of  Media,  a 
roll,  and  therein  was  thus  written:  A  record." 

3  Tl  In  the  first  year  of  king  Cyrus,  king 
Cyrus  gave  an  order  concerning  the  house  of 
God  at  Jerusalem,  Let  the  house  be  built,  the 
place  where  they  used  to  oflTer  sacrifices,  and 
let  its  foundations  he  strongly  laid:  its  height 
shall  be  sixty  cubits,  its  breadth  sixty  cubits, 

4  With  three  rows  of  heavy  stones,  and  a 
row  of  new  timber;  and  let  the  expenses  be 
given  out  of  the  king's  house. 

5  And  also  let  the  golden  and  silver  ves- 
sels of  the  house  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnez- 
zar took  away  out  of  the  temple  which  is  in 
Jerusalem,  and  brought  unto  Babylon,  be  re- 
stored, and  brought  back  unto  the  temple 
which  is  in  Jerusalem,  every  one  to  its  place, 
and  let  them  be  put  in  the  house  of  God. 

6  T[  Now  Thathnai,  governor  beyond  the 
river,  Shethar-bozenai,  and  your  companions 
the  Apharsacliites,  who  are  beyond  the  river, 
be  ye  far  from  there : 

7  Let  the  work  of  this  house  of  God  alone; 
let  the  governor  of  the  Jews  and  the  elders 
of  the  Jews  build  this  house  of  God  on  its 
site.     "==== 

8  And  by  me  is  the  order  given  what  ye 
shall  do  to  the  elders  of  these  Jews  for  the 
building  of  this  house  of  God,  that  out  of  the 
king's  property,  arising  out  of  the  tax  beyond 
the  river,  the  expenses  shall  forthwith  be 
given  unto  these  men,  that  they  be  not  hin- 
dered. 

9  And  what  they  have  need  of,  both  young 
bullocks,  and  rams,  and  lambs,  for  the  burn1> 
offerings  unto  the  God  of  heaven,  wheat,  salt, 
wine,  and  oil,  according  to  the  requirement 
of  the  priests  who  are  at  Jerusalem,  shall  be 
given  unto  them  day  by  day,  without  fail: 

10  That  they  may  offer  sacrifices  of  sweet 
savours  unto  the  God  of  heaven,  and  pray  for 
the  life  of  the  king   and  of  his  sons. 

11  Also  is  by  me  the  order  given,  that  if 
any  man  should  alter  this  command,  timber 
shall  be  pulled  down  from  his  house,  and  be- 
ing set  up,  he  shall  be  hanged  thereon;  and 
his  house  shall  be  made  a  dunghill  for  this. 

12  And  may  the  God  that  causeth  his 
name  to  dwell  there  cast  down  every  king 

'  So    Fiirst;    /.  p.  the    record    bore    this    inscription. 
Others,  "wus  written  as  a  record." 
''  llerxheinier  explains,  "  this  decree." 
°  Chald.   Arliichsliiixh.th,   Artaxcrxos    TjdiiirlniMnus,   the 
'JJ8 


and  people  that  will  stretch  forth  their  hand 
to  alter,''  to  destroy  this  house  of  God  which 
is  in  Jerusalem.  I  Darius  have  given  the 
order:  let  it  be  done  speedily. 

13  ^  Then  did  Thathnai  the  governor  on 
this  side  of  the  river,  Shethar-bozenai,  and  their 
companions,  in  accordance  with  what  king 
Darius  had  sent,  act  in  this  manner  speedily. 

14  And  the  elders  of  the  Jews  built,  and 
they  prospered,  through  the  proishesying  of 
Haggai  the  prophet,  and  Zechariah  the  son 
of  'Iddo.  And  they  built,  and  completed  it, 
according  to  the  order  of  the  God  of  Israel, 
and  according  to  the  order  of  Cj'rus,  and  Da- 
rius, and  Artaxerxes"  the  king  of  Persia. 

15  And  this  house  was  finished  on  the 
third  day  of  the  month  Adar,  which  was  in 
the  sixth  3ear  of  the  reign  of  king  Darius. 

16  Then  celebrated  the  children  of  Israel, 
the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  and  the  rest  of 
the  children  of  the  exile,  the  dedication  of 
this  house  of  God  with  joy; 

17  And  they  offered  for  the  dedication  of 
this  house  of  God  one  hundred  bullocks,  two 
hundred  rams,  four  hundred  lambs;  and  for  a 
sin-offering  for  all  Israel,  twelve  he-goats,  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

18  And  they  stationed  the  priests  in  their 
orders,  and  the  Levites  in  their  divisions,  for 
the  service  of  God,  which  is  in  Jerusalem,  as 
it  is  written  in  the  book  of  Moses. 

19  ^  And  the  children  of  the  exile  pre- 
pared the  passover- (sacrifice)  on  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  first  month. 

20  For  the  priests  and  the  Levites  had 
purified  themselves,  as  one  man  were  all  of 
them  clean;  and  they  slaughtered  the  pass- 
over-sacrifice  for  all  the  children  of  the  exile, 
and  for  their  brethren  the  priests,  and  for 
themselves. 

21  And  then  did  the  children  of  Israel,  who 
were  returned  out  of  the  exile,  and  all  such 
as  had  separated  themselves  unto  them  from 
the  uncleanness  of  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
to  seek  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  eat  thereof. 

22  And  they  celebrated  the  feast  of  un- 
leavened bread  seven  days  with  joy;  for  the 
Lord  had  made  them  joyful,  and  had  turned 
the  heart  of  the  king  of  Asshur  toward  them, 

second  successor  of  Darius  Hystaspis.  Perhaps  the  king 
here  named  was  Xerxes,  as  Longimanus  became  king 
about  of)  years  after  this  time;  consequently  the  temple 
WHS  completed  by  Zernbbabcl  before  his  accessiou. 


EZEA  VI.  VIT. 


to  strengthen  tlieir  liaiuls  in  the  work  of  the 
house  of  God,  the  God  of  Israel. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  •'  And  after  tliese  things,  in  the  reign 
of  Artaxerxes  the  king  of  Persia,  'Ezra"  the 
son  of  Serajah,  the  son  of  'Azaryah,  the  son 
of  Chilkiyah, 

2  The  son  of  Shallum,  the  son  of  Zadok, 
the  son  of  Achitub, 

3  The  son  of  Amaryah,  the  son  of  'Azar- 
yah, the  son  of  Merayoth, 

4  The  son  of  Zeraehyah,  the  son  of  "Uzzi, 
the  son  of  Bukki, 

5  The  son  of  Abishua',  the  son  of  Phine- 
has,  the  son  of  Elazar,  the  son  of  Aaron  the 
chief  priest : 

6  This  'Ezra  went  up  from  Babylon ;  and 
he  was  a  practised  expounder''  in  the  law  of 
Moses,  which  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel  hath 
given;  and  the  king  gave  him,  according  to 
the  hand  of  the  Lord  his  God  upon  him,  all 
his  request. 

7  And  there  went  up  some  of  the  children 
of  Israel,  and  of  the  priests,  and  tlie  Levites, 
and  the  singers,  and  the  gate-keepers,  and 
the  temple-servants,  unto  Jerusalem,  in  the 
seventh  year  of  king  Artaxerxes. 

8  And  he  came  to  Jerusalem  in  the  fifth 
month,  which  was  in  the  seventh  year  of  the 
king. 

9  For  on  the  first  day  of  the  first  month 
was  the  commencement  of  the  expedition 
from  Babylon,  and  on  the  first  day  of  the 
fifth  month  came  he  to  Jerusalem,  according 
to  the  good  hand  of  his  God  upon  him. 

10  For  'Ezra  had  directed  his  heart  to  in- 
quire in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  to  do  it, 
and  to  teach  in  Israel  statutes  and  ordi- 
nances. 

11  ^  Now  this  is  the  copy  of  the  letter 
wliich  king  Artaxerxes  gave  unto  'Ezra  the 
priest,  the  expounder  of  the  law,  the  ex- 
pounder of  the  words  of  the  commandments 
of  the  Lord,  and  of  his  statutes  for  Israel. 

12  Artaxerxes,   the    king   of  kings,  unto 


'Ezra  the  priest,  the  expounder  of  the  law  of 
the  God  of  heaven,  the  perfect,  and  so  forth. 

13  By  me  is  the  order  given,  that  every 
one  who  is  freely  willing  in  my  kingdom  out 
of  the  people  of  Israel,  and  their  priests  and 
Levites,  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem,  may  go  up 
with  thee; 

14  Forasmuch  as  tliou  art  sent  on  the 
part  of  the  king,  and  of  his  seven  counsellors, 
to  make  inquiry  concerning  Judah  and  Jeru- 
salem, according  to  the  law  of  thy  God  which 
is  in  thy  hand ; 

15  And  to  carry  the  silver  and  gold,  which 
the  king  and  his  counsellors  have  freely  offer- 
ed unto  the  God  of  Israel,  whose  habitation 
is  in  Jerusalem, 

16  And  all  (freewill  offerings  of)  silver  and 
gold  that  thou  canst  find  in  all  the  province 
of  Baliylon,  with  the  freewill  ofl'erings  which 
the  people  and  the  priests  offer  willingly  for 
the  house  of  their  God  which  is  in  Jerusa- 
lem. 

17  Therefore  mayest  thou  buy  speedily 
with  this  money  bullocks,  rams,  lambs,  with 
their  meat-offerings  and  their  drink-ofi'erinus, 
and  ofier  them  upon  the  altar  of  the  liouse 
of  your  God  Avhich  is  in  Jerusalem. 

18  And  whatsoever  shall  seem  good  to 
thee,  and  to  thy  brethren,  to  do  with  the 
rest  of  the  silver  and  the  gold,  that  do  ac- 
cording to  the  will  of  your  God. 

19  And  the  vessels  which  have  been  given 
unto  thee  for  the  service  of  the  house  of  thy 
God,  deliver  thou  before  the  God  of  Jerusa- 
lem. 

20  And  the  remainder  that  will  j-et  be 
needful  for  the  house  of  thy  God,  which  thou 
shalt  have  occasion  to  procure,"  procure  out 
of  the  king's  treasure-house. 

21  And  by  me,  me  king  Artaxerxes,  is  tlie 
order  given  unto  all  the  treasurers  who  are 
beyond  the  river,  that  whatsoever  'Ezra  the 
priest,  the  expounder  of  the  law  of  the  God 
of  heaven,  may  demand  of  you,  shall  be  done 
speedily, 

22  Up  to  one  hundred  talents   of  silver, 


°  According  to  Zunz's  chruuologieal  tables,  there  elapsed  '' Rashi.  Lit.  "scribe,"  but  the  word  nijlD  soj^ihcr, 
58  years  between  the  finishing  of  the  temple  under  Zerub-  I  though  often  meaning  secretary  or  scribe,  signifies  also 
babel  and  Zeehariah  and  their  associates  to  the  inmiigra-  I,  one  learned  in  religion;  the  word  frequently  occurring  in 
tion  of  'Ezra  under  Arthachahasth,  as  he  is  called  here.  !'  the  Mishnah  □''laiO  "the  learned,"  or  "scholars;"  but  it 
But  Kashi  makes  him  identical  with  Darius — Arlhach-  is  also  possible  that  'Ezra  was  a  state  secretary  to  the 
shasth  being  taken  as  a  general  appellation  of  the  Persian  '  Persian  king,  wherefore  he  was  sent  to  Judah. 
kings;  and  others  deem  'Ezra  identical  with  Malachi.  °  Lit.  "to  give,"  "  (o  pay  out." 

919 


EZRA  VII.  VIII. 


and  up  to  one  liundred  cor.s  of  wheat,  and  up 
to  one  hundred  baths  of  wine,  and  up  to  one 
hundred  baths  of  oil,  and  salt  without  pre- 
scribing it. 

23  Whatsoever  is  ordered  by  the  God  of 
heaven  shall  be  carefully  done  for  the  house 
of  the  God  of  heaven ;  for  why  should  there 
be  wrath  against  the  kingdom  of  the  king 
and  his  sons? 

24  And  to  you  make  we  it  known,  that  on 
any  of  the  priests  and  Levites,  singers,  gate- 
keepers, and  temple-servants,  or  ministers  of 
this  house  of  God,  no  one  shall  be  empowered 
to  impose  any  tax,  tribute,  or  toll. 

25  And  thou,  'Ezra,  according  to  the  wis- 
dom of  thy  God  which  is  in  thy  hand,  ap- 
point judges  and  magistrates,  who  are  to 
judge  all  tlie  people  that  are  beyond  the 
river,  all  such  as  know  the  laws  of  thy  God; 
and  make  ye  them  known  to  those"  that 
know  them  not. 

26  And  if  there  be  an^y  one  wlio  will  not 
execute  the  law  of  thy  God,  and  the  law  of  the 
king,  let  justice  be  speedily  executed  upon  him, 
whether  it  be  unto  death  or  to  banishment,'' 
or  to  a  fine  on  goods,  or  to  imprisonment. 

27  Tl  Blessed  be  the  Lokd  the  God  of  our 
fathers,  who  hath  put  the  like  of  this  in  the 
heart  of  the  king,  to  glorify  the  house  of  the 
Lord  which  is  in  Jerusalem; 

28  And  who  hath  extended  kindness  unto 
me  before  the  king  and  his  counsellors,  and 
Ijefore  all  the  mighty  princes  of  the  king: 
and  I  strengthened  myself  according  to  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  my  God  upon  me,  and  I 
gathered  together  out  of  Israel  principal  men 
to  go  up  with  me. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  Tl  Now  these  are  the  chiefs  of  their  divi- 
sions, and  this  is  the  genealogy  of  those  that 
went  up  with  n)e,  in  the  reign  of  king  Ar- 
taxerxes,  from  Babylon. 

2  Of  the  sons  of  Phinehas,  Gershom;  of 
the  sons  of  Ithamar,  Daniel;  of  the  sons  of 
David,  Chattush; 

3  Of  the  sons  of  .Shechanyah,  (who  was) 
of  the  sons  of  Par'osh,  Zechariah;  and  with 


*  Kashi  explains  this  to  refer  to  the  judges.     By  this 
edict  the  Israelites  were  to  be  judged  after  the  Jewish, 
not   the   Persian   laws,  and  'Ezra  was   to  be  the   chief- 
justice,  but  not  the  civil  governor. 
920 


him   were    recorded    by  genealogy  of  males 
one  hundred  and  fifty. 

4  Of  the  sons  of  Pachath-moab,  El^elio- 
'enai  the  son  of  Zerachyah,  and  with  him 
were  two  hundred  males. 

5  Of  the  sons  of  Shechanyah,  the  son  of 
Yachaziel,  and  with  him  were  three  hundred 
males. 

6  And  of  the  sons  of  'Adin,  'Ebed  the  son 
of  Jonathan,  and  with  him  were  fifty  males. 

7  And  of  the  .sons  of 'Elam,  Jesha'yah  the  son 
of '  Athalyah,  and  with  him  were  seventy  males. 

8  And  of  the  sons  of  Shephatyah,  Zebad- 
}  ah  the  son  of  Michael,  and  with  him  were 
eighty  males. 

9  Of  the  sons  of  Joab,  'Obadiah  the  son  of 
Jechiel,  and  with  him  were  two  hundred  and 
eighteen  males. 

10  And  of  the  sons  of  Shelomith,  the  son 
of  Jossiphyah,  and  with  him  were  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  males. 

11  And  of  the  sons  of  Bebai,  Zechariah 
the  son  of  Bebai,  and  with  him  were  twenty 
and  eight  males. 

12  And  of  the  sons  of  'Azgad,  Jochanaii 
the  son  of  Hakkatan,  and  with  him  were  one 
hundred  and  ten  males. 

13  And  of  the  sons  of  Adonikam  the  last; 
and  these  are  their  names,  Eliphelet,  Je'iel, 
and  Shema'yah,  and  with  them  were  sixty 
males. 

14  And  of  the  sons  of  Bigvai,  'Uthai,  and 
Zabbur,  and  with  them  were  seventy  males. 

15  Tf  And  I  gathered  them  together  to  the 
river  that  runneth  into  the  Ahava,  and  we 
encamped  there  three  days:  and  I  looked 
about  among  the  people,  and  the  priests,  but 
of  the  sons  of  Levi  I  found  none  there. 

16  Then  sent  I  for  Eli'ezer,  for  Ariel,  for 
Shema'yah,  and  for  Elnathan,  and  for  Jarib, 
and  for  Elnathan,  and  for  Nathan,  and  for 
Zechariah,  and  for  Meshullam,  the  head  men ; 
also  for  Joyarib,  and  for  Elnathan,  men  of 
understanding.'' 

17  And  I  sent  them  with  a  charge  unto 
Iddo  the  chief  at  the  place  Cassiphia,  and  I 
laid  the  words  in  their  mouth  to  speak  unto 
Iddo,  and  to  his  brother,''  who  were  appoint- 

*•  Eashi,  "extermination." 
°  Rashi;  but  Fiirst,  "teachers." 

*  Eashi  would  translate  this  Achic,  as  a  proper  name, 
not  "his  brother." 


EZRA  VIII.  IX. 


efl"  at  the  j^lace  Cassiphia,  that  they  should 
bring  unto  us  ministers  for  the  house  of  our 
God. 

18  And  they  brought  unto  us  according  to 
the  good  hand  of  our  God  upon  us  a  man  of 
intelligence,  of  the  sons  of  Machli,  the  son  of 
Levi,  the  son  of  Israel,  namely,  Sherebyah, 
with  his  sons  and  his  brothers,  eighteen; 

19  And  Chashabyah,  and  with  him  Jesha'- 
yah  of  the  sons  of  Merari,  his  brothers  and 
their  sons,  twenty. 

20  ^  Also  of  the  temple-servants,  whom 
David  and  the  princes  had  assigned  for  the 
service  of  the  Levites  two  hundred  and 
twenty  temple-servants,  all  of  whom  were 
expressed  by  names. 

21  Then  did  I  proclaim  a  fast  there,  at  the 
river  Ahava,  that  we  might  afflict  ourselves 
before  our  God,  to  request  from  him  a  pros- 
perous journey''  for  us,  and  for  our  little  ones, 
and  for  all  our  substance. 

22  For  I  was  ashamed  to  ask  of  the  king 
an  army  and  horsemen  to  assist  us  against 
an  enemy  on  the  way;  because  we  had 
spoken  unto  the  king,  saying.  The  hand  of 
our  God  is  upon  all  those  that  seek  him  for 
good;  but  his  power  and  his  wrath  are 
against  all  those  that  forsake  him. 

23  So  we  fasted  and  besought  our  God  for 
this,  and  he  suffered  himself  to  be  entreated 
by  us. 

24  Then  set  I  apart  of  the  chiefs  of  the 
priests  twelve  persons,  Shei'ebyah,  Chashab- 
yali,  and  with  them  ten  of  their  brethren, 

25  And  I  weighed  out  unto  them  the  sil- 
ver, and  the  gold,  and  the  vessels,  the  offer- 
ing for  the  house  of  our  God,  which  the  king, 
and  his  counsellors,  and  his  princes,  and  all 
Israel  there  present,  had  offered. 

26  And  I  weighed  out  into  their  hand  of 
silver  six  hundred  and  fifty  talents,  and  of 
silver  vessels  one  hundred  talents,  of  gold  one 
hundred  talents; 

27  Also  twenty  cups  of  gold,  of  a  thou- 
sand drachms ;  and  two  vessels  of  fine  polish- 
ed copper,  valuable  as  gold. 

28  And  I  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  holy 
unto  the  Lord;  and  the  ves.sels  are  holy; 
and  the  silver  and  the  gold  are  a  freewill 


•  Rashi ;   the  Kctih  is  D'Jinjn,  which  gives   the   above 
version;  the  Keri,  however,  D'J'n:n  ncthinim,  the  "tem- 
ple-servants."    Ezra  could  only  persuade,  not  command 
5Q 


offering    unto   the   Lord    the    God   of  your 
fathers. 

29  Watch  ye,  and  guard  them,  until  ye 
weigh  them  out  before  the  chiefs  of  the 
priests  and  the  Levites,  and  the  chiefs  of 
the  divisions  of  Israel,  at  Jerusalem,  into 
the  chambers  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

30  And  the  priests  and  the  Levites  ac- 
cepted what  was  weighed  out  of  the  silver, 
and  the  gold,  and  the  vessels,  to  bring  the 
same  to  Jerusalem  to  the  house  of  our  God. 

31  ][  And  we  departed  from  the  river 
Ahava  on  the  twelfth  day  of  the  first  month, 
to  go  unto  Jerusalem:  and  the  hand  of  our 
God  was  over  us,  and  he  delivered  us  from 
the  hand  of  any  enemy,  and  of  such  as  lie  in 
wait  on  the  way. 

32  And  we  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  re- 
mained there  three  days. 

33  And  on  the  fourth  day  were  the  silver 
and  the  gold  and  the  vessels  weighed  out  in 
the  house  of  our  God  into  the  hand  of  Mere- 
moth  the  son  of  Uriyah  the  priest;  and  with 
him  was  El'azar  the  son  of  Phinehas;  and 
with  them  was  Jozabad  the  son  of  Jeshua', 
and  No'adyah  the  son  of  Binuui,  the  Levites; 

34  By  number  and  by  weight  of  every- 
thing: and  all  the  weight  was  written  down 
at  the  same  time. 

35  II  Those  that  came  out  of  the  captivity, 
the  children  of  the  exile,  offered  burnt-oflfer- 
ings  unto  the  God  of  Israel,  twelve  bullocks 
for  all  Isi-ael,  ninety  and  ,six  rams,  seventy 
and  seven  sheep,  twelve  he-goats  for  a  sin- 
offering:  all  as  burnt-offerings  unto  the 
Lord. 

36  And  they  delivered  the  king's  com- 
mands unto  the  king's  lieutenants,  and  to  the 
governors  on  this  side  of  the  river:  and  these 
endowed  the  people,  and  the  house  of  God. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  Now  when  these  things  were  accom- 
plished, the  jirinces  approached  me,  saying, 
The  people  of  Israel,  and  the  priests,  and  the 
Levites,  have  not  separated  themselves  from 
the  nations  of  the  lands,  notwithstanding 
their  abominations,  from  the  Canaanites,  the 
Hittites,    the    Perizzites,    the  Jebusites,    the 


any  of  those  who  remained  in  exile,  to  return;  and  nc 

doubt  the  greater  part  preferred  to  stay  behind. 

^  Rashi.     Lit.  "an  iipriglit  way." 

^    -=  ^  921 


EZRA  IX.  X. 


'Ammonites,  the    Moiibites,    the    Egyptians, 
and  the  Emorites; 

2  For  they  have  taken  of  their  daughters 
for  themselves  and  for  their  sons;  and  the 
holy  seed  have  mingled  themselves  with  the 
nations  of  these  lands;  and  the  hand  of  the 
princes  and  rulers  hath  been  the  first  in  this 
trespass. 

3  And  when  I  heard  this  thing,  I  rent  my 
garment  and  my  mantle,  and  I  plucked  out 
some  of  the  hair  of  my  head  and  of  my  beard, 
and  sat  down  astounded. 

4  And  then  asseml)led  themselves  unto 
me  every  one  that  trembled  at  the  words  of 
the  God  of  Israel,  because  of  the  trespass  of 
the  exiles:  and  I  sat  astounded  until  the 
evening  sacrifice. 

5  And  at  the  evening  sacrifice  I  rose  up 
from  my  fasting,  and  while  rending*  my  gar- 
ment and  my  mantle,  I  knelt  down  upon  my 
knees,  and  spread  out  my  hands  unto  the 
Lord  my  God. 

6  And  I  said,  0  my  God,  I  am  ashamed  and 
confounded  to  lift  up  my  face  unto  thee,  my 
God!  for  our  iniquities  are  increased  above 
our  head,  and  our  guiltiness  is  grown  up  as  far 
as  the  heavens. 

7  From  the  days  of  our  fathers  have  we 
been  in  a  great  guiltiness  even  until  this  day; 
and  through  our  iniquities  have  we  been  de- 
livered, we,  our  kings,  and  our  priests,  into 
the  hand  of  the  kings  of  the  lands,  to  the 
sword,  to  captivit}',  and  to  a  spoil,  and  to  the 
shame  of  fiice,  as  it  is  this  day. 

8  And  now  for  a  little  moment  hath  grace 
been  extended  from  the  Lord  our  God,  to 
preserve  us  a  remnant  to  escape,  and  to  give 
us  a  stake*"  in  his  holy  place,  that  our  God 
might  enlighten  our  eyes,  and  give  us  a  little 
reviving  in  our  bondage. 

9  For  we  are  bondmen :  yet  in  our  bond- 
age hath  our  God  not  forsaken  us,  but  hath 
extended  unto  us  kindness  before  the  kings 
of  Persia,  to  give  us  a  reviving,  to  exalt  the 
house  of  our  God,  and  to  erect  again  its  ruins, 
and  to  give  us  a  fence"  in  Judah  and  in  Jeru- 
salem. 

10  And  now  what  shall  we   say,  0  our 

"  Fiirst,  "and  with  my  rent  garment  and  mantle,"  &c. 

'  Lit.  "nail,"  /.  c  the  nail  or  .stake  by  whicli  the  ends 
nl'  a  tent  are  fastened  to  the  ground,  inctajihoric  for  some- 
thing not  easily  removed. 

'  As  rniind  a  shnepfold;   ('.  e.  protection. 
922 


God,  after   this?  fur  we    have   forsaken    thy 
commandments, 

11  Which  thou  hast  commanded  through 
means  of  thy  servants  the  prophets,  saying, 
The  land,  unto  which  ye  go  to  take  possession 
thereof,  is  a  land  defiled  through  the  defile- 
ment of  the  nations  of  the  lands,  through 
their  abominations,  with  which  they  have 
filled  it  from  one  end  to  another  through 
their  uncleanness. 

12  And  now  3'our  daughters  shall  ye  not 
give  unto  their  sons,  and  their  daughters 
shall  ye  not  take  for  your  sons,  and  ye  shall 
not  seek  their  peace  and  their  welfare  unto 
eternity :  in  order  that  ye  may  be  strong,  and 
eat  the  best  of  the  land,  and  leave  it  for  an 
inheritance  to  your  children  unto  eternity. 

13  And  after  all  that  is  come  over  us  for 
our  evil  deeds,  and  for  our  great  guiltiness, 
seeing  that  thou  our  God  hast  spared  us 
(punishing  us)  less  than  our  iniquities  (de- 
served), and  hast  given  us  such  deliverance 
as  this: 

14  Should  we  again  make  void  thy  com- 
mandments, and  make  marriage  with  these 
people  of  abominations?  wouldst  thou  not 
be  angry  with  us  even  to  make  an  end  of  us, 
so  that  there  would  not  be  anj'  remnant  or 
escape  ? 

15  ][  0  Lord,  God  of  Israel,  thou  art  right- 
eous; for  we  have  been  left  a  remnant  that 
hath  escaped,  as  it  is  this  day :  behold,  we 
are  before  thee  in  our  guiltinesses;  for  there 
is  no  standing''  before  thee  because  of  this. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1"  Tj  Now  when  'Ezra  prayed,  and  when 
he  made  his  confession,  wee^jing  and  casting 
himself  down  before  the  house  of  God,  there 
gathered  themselves  unto  him  out  of  Israel  a 
very  large  assembly  of  men  and  'v\'omen  and 
children;  for  the  people  wept  exceedingly 
much. 

2  ^  Thereupon  conunenced  Siiechanyah 
the  son  of  Jechiel,  of  the  sons  of  'Elam,  and 
said  unto  'Ezra,  We  have  indeed  trespassed 
against  our  God,  and  have  brought  home 
strange  wives  of  the  nations  of  the  land :  yet 


^  Meaning,  it  is  sure  that  God's  mercy  permitted  the 
people  to  escape  total  destruction;  but  this  new  transgres- 
sion would  cause  that  the  Lord  would  sweep  off  those 
who,  notwithstanding  the  merciful  chastisement,  could  so 
soon  forget  again  tlieir  God. 


EZRA  X. 


now  tlie're  is  hope  in   I.srael  concerning  this 
thing. 

3  And  now  let  us  make  a  covenant  with 
our  God  to  put  away  all  the  wives,  and  such 
as  are  born  of  them,  according  to  the  direction 
of  the  Lord,  and  of  those  that  tremlile  at  the 
commandment  of  our  God;  and  let  it  be  done 
according  to  the  law. 

4  Arise;  for  this  matter  is  obligatory  upon 
thee;  and  we  will  be  with  thee:  be  strong, 
and  do  it. 

5  ^  Then  arose  'Ezra,  and  caused  the 
princes  of  the  priests,  the  Levites,  and  of  all 
Israel,  to  swear  to  do  according  to  this  word. 
And  they  swore. 

6  Then  arose  'Ezra  from  before  the  house 
of  God,  and  went  into  the  chamber  of  Jocha- 
nan  the  son  of  Elyashib;  and  he  went  thither 
without  having  eaten  bread,  or  having  drunk 
water;  for  he  was  mourning  because  of  the 
trespass  of  the  exiles. 

7  And  they  made  proclamation  throughout 
Judah  and  Jerusalem  unto  all  the  children 
of  the  exile,  to  gather  themselves  together  at 
Jerusalem ; 

8  And  that  whosoever  should  not  come 
within  three  days,  according  to  the  resolve 
of  the  princes  and  the  elders,  all  his  substance 
should  be  devoted,  and  himself  separated  from 
the  congregation  of  the  exiles. 

9  ^  Then  were  all  the  men  of  Judah  and  i 
Benjamin  gathered  together  unto  Jerusalem 
within  three  dajs:  it  was  in  the  ninth  month, 
on  the  twentieth  day  of  the  month ;  and  all  l 
the  people  sat  in  the  open  place  before  the ' 
house  of  God,  trembling  because  of  this  mat- 1 
ter,  and  by  reason  of  the  showers  of  rain."       ; 

10  And  'Ezra  the  priest  rose  up,  and  said 
unto  them.  Ye  have  acted  unfiiithfuU}-,  and 
have  brought  home  strange  wives,  to  increase 
yet  more  the  guiltiness  of  Israel. 

11  Now  therefoi'e  make  confession  unto 
the  Lord  the  God  of  your  fathers,  and  do  his 
will;  and  separate  yourselves  from  the  na- 
tions of  the  earth,  and  from  the  strange 
wives. 

12  Then  answered  all  the  assembly  and 
said  with  a  loud  voice,  So  belt:  according  to 
thy  word  it  is  our  duty  to  do. 

13  But  the  people  are  many,  and  it  is  the 

*  Lit.  "rains;"  the  ninth  month,  Kislev,  (December,) 
IS  the  rainy  season  in  Palestine. 


rainy  season,  and  we  have  not  the  strengtii 
to  remain  in  the  street,  nor  is  this  a  work  for 
one  day  or  for  two  days;  for  we  are  many 
that  have  transgressed  in  this  matter. 

14  Let  however  our  princes  stand  forward 
for  all  the  congregation,  and  let  all  those  in 
our  cities  who  have  brought  home  strange 
wives  come  at  appointed  times,  and  with 
tliem  the  elders  of  each  and  every  city,  and  its 
judges,  until  the  fierce  wrath  of  our  God  be 
turned  away  from  us  for  this  whole  matter. 

15  Only  Jonathan  the  son  of 'Assahel  and 
Jachzeyah  the  son  of  Thikvah  withstood  this 
(proposal) :''  and  MeshuUam  and  Shabbethai 
the  Levite  assisted  them. 

16  And  the  children  of  the  exile  did  so. 
And  then  were  set  apart  'Ezra  the  priest, 
(and)  certain  chiefs  of  the  divisions,  for  their 
family  divisions,  and  all  of  them  (designated) 
by  their  names;  and  they  sat  down  on  the 
first  day  of  the  tenth  month  to  examine  the 
matter. 

17  And  they  made  an  end  with  all,  with 
the  men  that  had  brought  home  strange 
wives,  not  before  the  first  day  of  the  first 
month. 

18  ^  And  there  were  found  among  the 
sons  of  the  priests  that  had  brought  home 
strange  wives,  namely,  of  the  sons  of  Jeshua' 
the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  his  brethren:  Ma- 
'asseyah,  and  Eli'ezer,  and  Jarib,  and  Gedal- 
yah. 

19  And  they  gave  their  hand  to  put  away 
their  wives,  and  being  guilty,  (they  offered)  a 
ram  of  the  flock  for  their  trespass. 

20  And  of  the  sons  of  Immer:  Chanani, 
and  Zebadyah. 

21  And  of  the  sons  of  Charim:  Ma'asseyah, 
and  Elijah,  and  Shema'yah,  and  Jechiel,  and 
'Uzziyah. 

22  And  of  the  sons  of  Pashchur :  Elyo'enai, 
Ma'asseyah,  Ishmael,  Nethanel,  Jozabad,  and 
El'assah. 

23  Also  of  the  Levites:  Jozabad,  and 
Shim'i,  and  Kelayah,  the  same  is  Kelita, 
Pethachyah,  Judah,  and  Eli'ezer. 

24  And  of  the  singers,  Elyashib;  and  of 
the  gate-keepers,  Shallum,  and  Telem,  and 
Uri. 

25  And  of  Israel:  Of  the  sons  of  Par'osh, 


'  Rashi.     Lit.  "they  stood  upon  this,"  i.  e.  insisted  on 
the  original  proposition.  Philippson,  "And — insisted  on." 


923 


NEIIEMIAH  I. 


Eainyah,  and  Yiz/iyali.  and  Malkiyali,  and 
Miyamin,  and  El'azar,  and  Malkiyali,  and 
Ben ayah. 

2G  And  of  the  sons  of  'Elam :  Matthanyah, 
Zecharyah,  and  Jechiel,  and  'Abdi,  and  Jere- 
inoth,  and  FJiyali. 

27  And  of  the  sons  of  Zatthu  :  Elyo'enai, 
El^ashib,  Matthanyah,  and  Jeremoth,  and 
Zabad,  and  'Aziza. 

28  And  of  the  sons  of  Bebai :  Jehochanan, 
Chananyah,  Zabbai,  and  'Athlai. 

29  And  of  the  sons  of  Bani :  MeshuUani, 
Malhich,  and  'Adayah,  Jashub,  and  Sheal, 
and  Eamoth. 

30  And  of  the  sons  of  Pachath-inoab  :  'Ad- 
na,  and  Kelal,  Benayah,  Ma'asseyah,  Matthan- 
yah, Bezalel,  and  Binnui,  and  Menasseh. 

31  And  of  the  sons  of  Charini :  Eli'ezer, 
Yishiyah,  Malkiyali,  Shema'yah,  Shim'on, 

32  Benjamin,  Mallueh,  and  Shemaryah. 


33  Of  the  sons  of  Chashum:  Matthenai, 
Matthathah,  Zabad,  Eliphelet,  Jeremai,  Me- 
nasseh, and  Shim'i. 

34  Of  the  sons  of  Bani :  Ma'adai,  'Aniram, 
and  Uel, 

35  Benayah,  Bedeyah,  Keluhn, 

36  Vanyah,  Merenioth,  Elyashib, 

37  Matthanyah,  Matthenai,  and  Ja'assai, 

38  And  Bani,  and  Binnui,  and  Shim'i, 

39  And  Shelemyah,  and  Nathan,  and 
Adayah, 

40  Machnadbai,  Shashai,  Sliarai, 

41  'Asar'el,  and  Shelemyahu,  Shemaryah, 

42  Shallum,  Amaryah,  and  Joseph. 

43  Of  the  sons  of  Nebo :  Je'iel,  Mattliith- 
jah,  Zabad,  Zebina,  Jaddai,  and  Joel,  Bena- 
yah. 

44  All  these  had  taken  strange  wives;  and 
some  of  them  had  wives  by  whom  they  had 
children. 


THE  BOOK  OF  NEIIEMIAH. 


H'Onj    IGD. 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  ^  The  words  of  Nebemiah"  the  son  of 
Chachalyah.  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the 
month  Kislev,  in  the  twentieth  year,  as  I 
was  in  Shushan  the  capital, 

2  That  there  came  Chanani,  one  of  my 
brethrenMiimself  with  certain  men  of  Judah: 
and  I  asked  them  concerning  the  JeVrs  that 
had  escaped,  who  were  left  of  the  captivity, 
and  concerning  Jernsalem. 

.'!  And  they  said  unto  me.  The  remnant 
that  are  left  of  the  captivity  there  in  the  pro- 
vince are  in  great  misery  and  in  disgrace; 
and  the  wall  of  Jerusalem  is  broken  down, 
and  her  gates  are  burnt  with  fire. 

4  And  it  (-ame  to  pass,  when  I  heard  these 
words,  that  I  sat  down  and  wept,  and  raourn- 


*  Ileb.   N/rhimyah.       According    to    Zunz,    his   first 
journey  to  Palestine  took  place  in  tbe  year  of  the  world 
3544,  or  14  years  after  'Ezra's  expedition. 
924 


ed  some  days,  and  T  was  fasting,  and  praying 
before  the  God  of  heaven. 

5  And  I  said,  I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord  the 
God  of  heaven,  the  great  and  terrible  God, 
that  keepeth  the  covenant  and  kindness  for 
those  that  love  him  and  for  those  that  keep 
his  commandments : 

6  Let  thy  ear  now  be  attentive,  and  thy 
eyes  be  open,  I  entreat  thee,  to  hearken  unto 
the  pi-ayer  of  thy  servant,  which  I  am  jiray- 
ing  this  day  before  thee,  by  day  and  by  night, 
in  behalf  of  the  children  of  Israel  thy  ser- 
vants, and  (as)  I  confess  for  the  sins  of  the 
childien  of  Israel,  (with)  which  we  have 
sinned  against  thee  :  yea,  I  also  and  my  fa- 
ther's house  have  sinned. 

7  We  have  dealt  very  corruptly  toward 
thee;  and  we  have  not  kept  the  command- 


''  Rashi,  "one  of  my  friends;"  the  word  "brother"  be- 
ing often  used  in  this  sense,  as  also  tu  denote  any  near 
ruiutive. 


NEHEMIAH  I.  II. 


ments.  and  the  statutes,  and  the  ordinances, 
which  thou  didst  command  Moses  thy  ser- 
vant. 

8  Keinemher,  I  heseech  tliee,  the  word 
with  which  thou  didst  charge  Moses  thj  ser- 
vant, saying.  If  ye  become  truly  uul'aithtul,  I 
will  indeed  scatter  you  among  the  nations. 

9  But  if  ye  return  unto  me,  and  keep  my 
commandments,  and  do  them :  (then)  though 
your  outcasts  should  be  at  the  utmost  parts 
of  heaven,  from  there  will  I  gather  them, 
and  I  will  bring  them  unto  the  place  which  I 
have  chosen  to  let  my  name  dwell  there. 

10  And  they  are  thy  servants  and  thy 
people,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed  by  thy 
great  power,  and  by  thy  strong  hand. 

11  I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  do  let  thy  ear 
be  attentive  to  the  prayer  of  thy  servant, 
and  to  the  prayer  of  thy  servants,  who  are 
desirous  to  fear  thy  name;  and  grant  success, 
I  pray  thee,  to  thy  servant  this  day,  and  let 
him  find  mercy  in  the  sight  of  this  man. — 
But  I  was  butler"  by  the  king. 

CHAPTER  11. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  month 
Nissan,  in  the  twentieth  year  of  king  Ar- 
taxerxes,  that  wine  (stood)  before  him ;  and 
I  took  up  the  wine,  and  gave  it  unto  the 
king.  But  I  had  never  been  sad  in  his  pre- 
sence. 

2  Then  said  the  king  unto  me.  Why  is 
thy  countenance  sad,  seeing  thou  art  not 
sick?  this  is  nothing  but  an  illness  of  heart.*" 
Then  was  I  very  greatly  afraid. 

3  And  I  said  unto  the  king.  May  the  king 
live  for  ever:  why  should  not  my  counte- 
nance be  sad,  when  the  city,  the  place  of  my 
fathers'  sepulchres,  lieth  ruined,  and  her  gates 
are  consumed  by  fire? 

4  Then  said  the  king  unto  me.  For  what 
then  dost  thou  make  request?  Then''  did  I 
pray  to  the  God  of  heaven. 

5  And  I  said  unto  the  king.  If  it  seem 
good  to  the  king,  and  if  thy  servant  might  be 


*  Gen.  xl.  2,  &o.  Eng.  ver.  "cupbearer." 
^  Raslii  conceives  that  the  king  thought  Nehemiah  har- 
boured some  evil  desijrn  against  him.  "Illness  of  heart" 
may  mean  both  "a  bad"  and  "a  sorrowful  heart,"  where- 
fore we  have  chosen  it  to  express  the  doubtful  i'l.  Arn- 
heim,  "bad  heart;"  but  the  whole  passage  indirectly  in- 
dicates that  the  king  meant  "sadness"  or  "grief." 

"  Rashi  explains,  "I  said  before  the  king,  May  it  be 
the  will  of  the  God  of  heaven   that  thou  grant  my  re- ji 


pleasing  in  thy  presence,  (T  desire)  that  thou 
wouldst  send  me  unto  Judah,  unto  the  city 
of  my  fathers'  sepulchres,  that  I  may  build  it. 

6  And  the  king  said  luito  me,  while  (he 
queen  was  sitting  beside  him.  When''  is  thy 
journey  to  be  undertaken?  and  when  wilt 
thou  return?  So  it  pleased  the  king  to  let 
me  go;   and  I  indicated  to  him  a  time. 

7  And  I  said  unto  the  king.  If  it  seem 
good  to  the  king,  let  letters  be  given  unto  me 
for  the  governors  beyond  the  river,  that  they 
may  convey  me  over  till  the  thne  that  1  come 
into  Judah; 

8  Also  a  letter  mito  Assaph  the  keeper  of 
the  king's  forests,  that  he  may  give  me  tim- 
ber to  make  lieanis  tor  the  gates  of  the  fort- 
ress which  appertaineth  to  the  house,  and  lor 
the  wall  of  the  city,  and  for  the  house  that  I 
shall  move  into.  And  the  king  gave  (them) 
to  me,  according  to  the  good  hand  of  my  (lod 
upon  me. 

9  And  (so)  came  I  to  the  governors  beyond 
the  river,  and  I  gave  them  the  king's  letters. 
Now  the  king  had  sent  with  me  captains  of 
the  army  and  horsemen. 

10  ^  When  Sanballat  the  Choronite,  and 
Tobiyah  the  servant,  the  'Ammonite,  heard 
of  it,  it  displeased  them  exceedingly,  that 
there  was  come  a  man  to  seek  the  welfare 
of  the  children  of  Israel. 

11  So  came  I  to  Jerusalem,  and  remained 
there  three  days. 

12  Then  arose  I  in  the  night,  I  and  some 
few  men  with  me;  but  I  had  not  told  any 
man  what  my  God  had  put  in  my  heart  to 
do  for  Jerusalem;  nor  was  there  any  beast 
with  me,  save  the  beast  on  wliich  I  rode. 

13  And  I  went  out  through  the  gate  of 
the  valley  by  night,  even  toward  the  direction 
of  the  dragon-well,  and  to  the  dung-gate ;  and 
I  was  viewing"  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  which 
were  broken  down,  and  the  gates  whereof 
were  consumed  by  fire. 

14  Then  passed  I  on  to  the  gate  of  the 
fountain,  and  to  the  king's  pool;  but  there 

quest!"  Aben  Ezra,  on  the  contrary,  "I  had  already 
prayed;"  but  it  may  mean  the  silent  prayer  offered  up  in 
his  heart  just  as  he  addressed  the  king. 

^  Rashi.  Others,  "  For  how  long  is  thy  journey  to 
last?" 

•  Aben  Ezra,  reading  -^2V!  sober  with  a  sin;  but  Rashi, 
slwher,  with  a  shin,  "  made  a  breach  in,"  as  the  stones  ad- 
bered  hut  loosely,  owing  to  the  to'!?  having  been  sub- 
jected to  tire, 
*  025 


NEHEMIAH  II.  III. 


was  no  space  for  the  beast  that  was  under 
me  to  pass  through. 

15  Then  went  I  up  through  the  valley  in 
the  night,  and  I  was  viewing  the  wall,  and 
I  returned  and  entered  through  the  gate  of 
the  valk^y,  and  so  returned  home. 

16  And  the  rulers  knew  not  whither  I  was 
gone,  or  what  I  was  doing:  nor  had  I  as  yet 
told  it  to  the  Jews,  and  to  the  priests,  and  to 
the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the  rest 
of  the  superintendents  of  the  work. 

17  Then  said  I  unto  them,  Ye  see  the 
misery  in  which  we  are,  how  Jerusalem 
lieth  in  ruins,  and  its  gates  are  burnt  with 
fire:  come,  and  let  us  build  up  the  wall  of 
Jerusalem,  that  we  may  no  more  be  for  a 
reproach. 

18  And  I  told  them  of  the  hand  of  my 
God,  which  was  good  upon  me,  as  also  the 
king's  words  which  he  had  spoken  unto  me. 
And  they  said.  We  will  rise  up  and  build. 
So  they  strengthened  their  hands  for  the 
good  work. 

19  ^  But  when  Sanballat  the  Choronite, 
and  Tobiyah  the  servant,  the  'Ammonite, 
and  Geshem  the  Arabian,  heard  it,  they 
laughed  us  to  scorn,  and  despised  us,  and 
said,  What  is  this  thing  that  ye  are  doing? 
are  ye  rebelling  against  the  king? 

20  And  I  returned  them  an  answer,  and  said 
unto  them,  The  God  of  heaven  will  indeed 
give  us  prosperity,  and  we  his  servants  will 
truly  rise  up  and  build;  but  ye  have  no  por- 
tion, nor  right,  nor  memorial,"  in  Jeru.salem. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  ^  Then  rose  up  Elyashib  the  high  priest 
with  his  brethren  the  priests,  and  they  built 
the  sheep-gate;  they  sanctified  it,  and  set  up 
its  doors:  even  as  far  as  the  tower  of  Meah 
did  they  sanctify  it,  as  far  as  the  tower  of  Cha- 
nanel. 

2  And  by  his  side  built  the  men  of  Je- 
richo. And  by  his  (other)  side  built  Zaccur 
the  son  of  Imri. 

3  But  the  fish-gate  did  the  sons  of  Hasse- 
naiih  build:  they  also  laid  its  beams,  and  set 
up  its  doors,  its  locks,  and  its  bars. 


*  Arnheim,"  claim."  Philippson,  "merit  nor  memorial." 
^  Hcrxlieimer,  "built."     Arnlicim,  "laid  hand  on  the 
work."     Philippson,  "fortified." 

"  (■.  e.    The    house   where    he    re.sided;   va'2   then,  not 
WO  '  • 


4  And  alongside  of  them  repaired''  Mere- 
moth  the  son  of  Uriyali,  the  son  of  Kakkoz. 
And  alongside  of  them  repaired  Meshullam 
the  son  of  Berechyah,  the  son  of  Meshezabel. 
And  alongside  of  them  repaired  Zadok  the 
son  of  Ba'ana. 

5  And  alongside  of  them  repaired  the  Te- 
ko'ites;  but  their  principal  men  put  not  their 
necks  to  the  work  of  their  Lord. 

6  Moreover  the  old  gate  repaired  Yoyada' 
the  son  of  Passeach,  and  Meshullam  the  son 
of  Bessodeyah  :  they  laid  its  beams,  and  set 
up  its  doors,  and  its  locks,  and  its  bars. 

7  And  alongside  of  them  repaired  Melat- 
yah  the  Gib'onite,  and  Jadon  the  Meronothite, 
men  of  Gib'on  and  of  Mizpah,  unto  the  seat" 
of  the  governor  on  this  side  of  the  river. 

8  Alongside  of  him  I'epaired  'Uzziel  the 
son  of  Charhayah,  of  the  goldsmiths.  And 
alongside  of  him  repaired  Chan  any  ah  the  son 
of  one  of  the  apothecaries,  and  they  fortified'* 
Jerusalem  as  far  as  the  broad  wall. 

9  And  alongside  of  them  repaired  Repha- 
yah  the  son  of  Chur,  the  chief  of  the  half  of 
the  district  of  Jerusalem. 

10  And  alongside  of  them  repaired  Jeda- 
yah  the  son  of  Charumaph,  and  this  opposite 
to  his  house.  And  alongside  of  him  repaired 
Chattush  the  son  of  Chashabneyah. 

11  Another  division  did  Malkiyah  the  son 
of  Cliarim,  and  Chashub  the  son  of  Pachath- 
moJib,  repair,  as  also  the  tower  of  the  ovens. 

12  And  alongside  of  him  repaired  Shal- 
lum  the  son  of  Hallochesh,  the  chief  of  the 
other  half  of  the  district  of  Jerusalem,  he  and 
his  daughters. 

13  The  gate  of  the  valley  repaired  Chanun, 
and  the  inhabitants  of  Zanoiich:  they  built 
it,  and  set  up  its  doors,  its  locks,  and  its  bars, 
and  a  thousand  cubits  of  the  wall  as  far  as 
the  dung-gate. 

14  And  the  dung-gate  repaired  Malkiyah 
the  son  of  Rechab,  the  chief  of  the  distinct  of 
Beth-hakkerem:  he  built  it,  and  set  up  its 
doors,  its  locks,  and  its  bars. 

15  And  the  gate  of  the  fountain  repaired 
Shallum  the  son  of  Col-chozeh,  the  chief  of 
the  district  of  Mizpah :  he  built  it  and  covered 


merely  "chair"  or  "throne,"  but  the  "seat,"  or  "house." 
Herxheimer,  "belonging  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  go- 
vernor." 

^  Hasiii,  "filled  it  with  cartli,"     Ainli'^iiii,  "plastered" 


NEIIKMIAl 


it,  and  set  up  its  doors,  its  locks,  and  its  bars, 
and  the  wall  of  the  pool  of  Shelach"  by  the 
king's  garden,  and  as  far  as  the  stairs  that 
lead  down  from  the  city  of  David. 

16  Next''  to  him  repaired  Nehemiah  the 
son  of  'Azbuk,  the  chief  of  tlie  half  dis- 
trict of  Beth-ziir.  as  far  as  the  place  oppo- 
site to  the  sepulchres  of  David,  and  as  far  as 
the  pool  that  was  (newly)  made,  and  as  for 
as  the  house  of  the  mighty  men. 

17  Next  to  him  repaired  the  Levites  :  Re- 
chum  the  son  of  Bani.  Alongside  of  him  re- 
paired Chashabyah,  the  chief  of  the  half 
district  of  Ke'ilah,  for  his  district. 

18  Next  to  him  repaired  their  brethren  : 
Bavai  the  son  of  Chenadad.  the  chief  of  the 
(other)  half  district  of  Ke'ilah. 

19  And  there  repaired  alongside  of  him 
'Ezer  the  son  of  Jeshua',  the  chief  of  Mizpah, 
another  division,  opposite  to  the  ascent  to  the 
armoury  at  the  angle. 

20  Next  to  him  did  Baruch  the  son  of 
Zaccai"  earnestly  repair  another  division, 
from  the  angle  as  far  as  the  door  of  the  house 
of  Elyashib  the  high  priest. 

21  Next  to  him  repaired  Meremoth  the 
son  of  Uriyah  the  son  of  Hakkoz  another 
division,  from  the  door  of  the  house  of  Ely- 
ashib even  as  far  as  the  end  of  the  house  of 
Elyashib. 

22  And  next  to  him  repaired  the  priests, 
the  men  of  the  plain  (of  Jordan). 

23  Next  to  him  repaired  Benjamin  and 
Chashub  opposite  to  their  house.  Ne.xt  to 
him  repaired  'Azaryah  the  son  of  Ma'ase- 
yah  the  son  of  'Ananjah  alongside  of  his 
house. 

24  Next  to  him  repaired  Binnui  the  son 
of  Chenadad  another  division,  from  the  house 
of  'Azaryah  as  far  as  the  angle,  and  as  tar  as 
the  corner. 

25  Palal  the  son  of  Uzai  (repaired)  from 
opposite  to  the  angle,  and  the  tower  which 
standeth  out  from  the  king's  upper  house, 
that  was  by  the  court  of  the  prison.  Next 
to  him  Pedayah  the  son  of  Par'osh. 

26  And  tiie  temple-servants  dwelt  on  the 
hill  fort,  (and  they  built)*  as  far  as  opposite 


'  Elsewhere  written  Shiloiich. 
""  Arnheim.     Lit.  "after  him." 
'  So  the  Keri ;  the  Kef  lb  reads  Zah/jni. 
°  The   English  vei'sion    comuienees   hire 
and  so  also  Buxdorf 


"  Rashi. 
chapter   iv 


to  the  water-gate  toward  the  east,  and  th(> 
tower  that  standeth  out. 

27  Next  to  them  repaired  the  Teko'ites 
another  division  from  opposite  the  great 
tower  that  standeth  out,  and  as  for  as  the 
wall  of  the  hill  fort. 

28  From  above  the  horse-gate  repaired  the 
priests,  every  one  opposite  to  liis  house. 

29  Next  to  this  repaired  Zadok  the  son  of 
Immer  opposite  to  his  house.  And  next  to 
him  repaired  Sliema'yah  the  son  of  Shechan- 
yah,  the  keeper  of  the  east  gate. 

30  Next  to  him  I'epaired  Chananyah  the 
son  of  Shelem3'ah,  and  Chanun  the  sixth  son 
of  Zalaph  another  division.  Next  to  him 
repaired  Meshullam  the  son  of  Bereehyali 
opposite  to  his  chamber. 

31  Next  to  him  repaired  Malkiyah  the 
goldsmith's  son  as  far  as  the  house  of  the 
temple-servants,  and  of  the  merchants,  oppo- 
site to  the  mustei'ing-gate,  and  to  the  upper 
chamber  of  the  corner. 

32  And  between  the  upper  chamber  of  the 
corner  and  the  sheep-gate  repaired  the  gold- 
smiths and  the  merchants. 

33"  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  San- 
ballat  heard  that  we  were  building  the  wall, 
that  it  displeased  him,  and  he  became  very 
angry,  and  mocked  at  the  Jews. 

34  And  he  spoke  before  his  brethren  and 
the  army  of  Samaria,  and  said,  What  are 
these  feeble  Jews  doing?  will  people  suffer 
them  (to  build)?  will  they  sacrifice?  will 
they  complete  it  in  one  day?  will  they  re- 
vive*^  the  stones  out  of  the  heaps  of  the  rub- 
bish, seeing  that  they  have  been  burnt? 

35  And  Tobiyah  the  'Ammonite  was  near 
him,  and  he  said.  Even  what  they  are  build- 
ing, if  a  fox  were  to  run  up,  he  would  readily 
break  through  their  stone  wall. 

36  Hear,  0  our  God !  how  we  are  become  a 
scorn;  and  bring  their  reproach  back  upon 
their  own  head,  and  give  them  up  for  a  prey 
in  the  land  of  captivity. 

37  And  cover  not  np  their  iniquity,  and 
let  not  tlieir  sin  be  blotted  out  from  before 
thee;  for  they  have  taunted  (us)*^  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  builders. 

'  Meaning,  Will  the  Jews  be  able  to  give  solidity  again 
to  the  stones  of  the  wall  which  had  been  subject  to  fire, 
so  as  to  make  them  useful  for  building? 

^  Arnheim.  Herxheimer,  after  Pashi,  "for  the_y  vexed 
the  builders  to  tlicif  faces  " 


NEHEMIAH  III.  IV.  V. 


38  But  we  built  the  wall;  and  all  the  wall 
was  joined  together  up  to  the  half  thereof; 
for  the  people  had  a  heart*  to  work. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Sanballat 
and  Tobijah,  and  the  Arabians,  and  the  'Am- 
monites, and  the  Ashdodites,  heard  that  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  were  restored,  and  that 
the  breaches  began  to  be  closed  up,  that  it 
displeased  them  greatly. 

2  And  they  conspired  all  of  them  together 
to  come  to  fight  against  Jerusalem,  and  to  do 
it*"  an  injury. 

3  But  we  prayed  unto  our  God,  and  set  a 
watch  over  them"  day  and  night,  because  of 
the  others. 

4  And  Judah  said.  The  strength  of  the 
bearers  of  the  burden  is  failing,  and  there  is 
much  rubbish;  and  we  are  not  able  to  build 
on  the  wall. 

5  And  our  adversaries  said.  They  shall  not 
know,  nor  see,  until  we  come  in  the  midst  of 
them,  and  slay  them,  and  so  stop  the  work." 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Jews  who 
dwelt  near  them  came,  that  they  said  unto 
us  ten  times, "  From  all  places  whence  ye  may 
return  home  (they  intend  to  come)'*  over  us." 

7  I  placed  therefore  on  the  lower  parts  of 
the  place  on  the  naked  rocks"  behind  the  wall 
— there  I  placed  the  people  after  their  fami- 
lies with  their  swords,  their  spears,  and  their 
bows. 

8  And  I  looked  (about),  and  rose  up,  and 
said  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and 
to  the  rest  of  the  people.  Be  not  afraid  of 
them :  think  on  the  Lord,  the  great  and  ter- 
rible, and  fight  for  your  brethren,  your  sons, 
and  your  daughters,  your  wives,  and  your 
houses. 

9  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  our 
enemies  heard  that  it  was  known  unto  us,  God 
frustrated  their  counsel :  and  we  returned,  all 
of  us,  to  th(!  wall,  every  one  unto  his  work. 

10  And  it  came  to  pass  from  that  day 
forth,  that  the  half  of  my  young  men  wrought 
at  the  work,  while  the  other  half  of  them 


'  Othcr.s,  "courage." 

^  1^7  "to  him,"  Aben  Ezra  refers  either  to  Nehemiah 
or  to  the  people.  °  The  labourers. 

*  Aben  Ezra.     Rashi,  "on  every  plaee  (where  ye  may 
he  .seattered  in  building  the  walls)  ye  must  be  prepared 
to  come  to  us  (to  tight)." 
928 


to 


were  holding  the  spears,  the  shields,  and  the 
bows,  and  the  coats  of  mail ;  and  the  princes 
stood  behind  all  the  house  of  Judah. 

11  Those  that  built  on  the  wall,  and  those 
that  bore  burdens,  with  those  that  loaded, — 
every  one  with  one  of  his  hands  wrought  on 
the  work,  and  with  the  other  hand  held  a 
weapon. 

12  And  the  builders  had  every  one  his 
sword  fastened  around  his  loins  while  they 
were  building;  and  he  that  blew  the  cornet 
stood  alongside  of  me. 

13  And  I  said  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the 
rulers,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  people.  The 
work  is  great  and  extensive,  and  we  are 
separated  upon  the  wall,  distant  one  from 
another. 

14  In  what  place  (then)  ye  hear  the  sound 
of  the  cornet,  thither  must  ye  assemble  unto 
us :  our  God  will  fight  for  us. 

15  So  we  laboured  at  the  work,  while  the 
half  of  them  were  holding  the  spears  from 
the  rising  of  the  morning-dawn  till  the  stars 
apjDcared. 

16  Likewise  at  the  same  time  said  I  unto 
the  people.  Let  every  one  with  his  young 
man  lodge  within  Jerusalem,  so  that  they 
may  be  in  the  night  a  guard  to  us,  and  dur- 
ing the  day  for  the  labour. 

17  And  neither  I,  nor  my  brothers,  nor 
my  young  men,  nor  the  men  of  the  guard 
who  followed  me — none  of  us  took  off  our 
clothes,  no  one  leaving  them  off  even  for 
washing  himself 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Tf  And  there  arose  a  great  outcry  of  the 
people  and  of  their  wives  against  their  bre- 
thren the  Jews. 

2  And  there  were  some  that  said.  Our 
sons,  and  our  daughters,  (and)  ourselves  are 
many ;  and  we  must  buy"  corn,  that  we  may 
eat,  and  live. 

3  And  others  there  were  that  said,  We 
must  jjledge  our  fields,  our  vineyards,  and  our 
houses,  that  we  may  buy  corn,  in  the  famine. 

4  And  others  there   were   that  said.  We 


*  Philippson,  "  on  the  fortified  places." 

'  Ka.shi.  Aben  Ezra,  "except  when  a  man  went  to  the 
water  to  bathe." 

'  Meaning,  the  building  of  the  wall  compelled  them  to 
leave  their  fields;  and  hence  they  had  to  purchase  corn, 
which  their  means  did  not  permit  them. 


NEIIEMIAH  V.  VI. 


have  borrowed  money  for  the  king's  tax  on 
our  fields  and  vineyards. 

5  Yet  DOW  our  flesh  is  like  the  flesh  of  our 
brethren,  our  children  are  like  their  children  : 
and,  lo,  we  must  force  our  sons  and  our 
daughters  to  become  servants,  and  some  of 
our  daughters  are  forced  (to  become  so),  and 
our  hand  is  powerless;  and  our  lields  and 
our  vineyards  belong  to  others. 

6  And  it  displeased  me  greatly  when  I 
heard  their  complaint  and  these  words. 

7  Then  did  1  consult  with  my  heart,  and 
I  upbraided"  the  nobles,  and  the  rulers,  and 
said  unto  them,  ''Ye  exact  usur}-,  every  one 
of  his  brother!"  And  I  brought  together  a 
great  assembly  against  them. 

8  And  I  said  unto  them,  We  have  indeed 
ransomed  our  brethren  the  Jews,  who  had 
been  sold  unto  the  various  nations,  as  far  as 
our  means  went:  and  will  ye  yourselves  even 
sell  your  l:)rethren,  so  that  they  will  he  sold 
again''  unto  us?  And  they  remained  silent, 
and  found  no  answer. 

9  Then  said  I,  The  thing  is  not  good  which 
ye  are  doing:  ought  ye  not  to  walk  in  the 
fear  of  our  God,  because  of  the  taunting  of 
the  nations,  our  enemies? 

10  And  also  I,  my  brothers,  and  my  young 
men,  have  lent  them  money  and  corn :  I  pray 
you,  let  us  relinquish  this  loan. 

11  Give  back  to  them,  I  pray  3'ou,  even 
this  day,  their  fields,  their  vineyards,  their 
oliveyards,  and  their  houses,  also  the  hun- 
dredth" part  of  the  money,  and  of  the  corn, 
the  wine,  and  the  oil,  that  ye  have  lent  them. 

.  12  Then  said  they.  We  will  give  (all) 
back,  and  of  them  will  we  require  nothing: 
so  will  we  do  as  thou  sayest.  Then  I  called 
the  priests,  and  made  them  swear,  that  they 
would  do  in  accordance  with  this  promise. 

13  Also  my  lap  did  I  shake  out,  and  said, 
So  may  God  shake  out  every  man  that  per- 
formeth  not  this  promise,  from  his  house  and 
of  his  toil-gotten  wealth,  and  so  let  him  re- 
main shaken  out,  and  empty.  And  all  tlie 
assembly  said.  Amen,  and  they  praised  the 
Lord.  And  tlie  people  did  according  to  this 
promise. 

14  Moreover  from  the  day  that  (the  king) 


*  Lit.  "quarrelled  with." 

'  Herxheimer    after    Rashi ;    PLilippson,   "  and    shall 
they  be  sold  to  us  ?" 

6B 


had  enjoined  on  me  to  be  governor  in  the 
land  of  Judah,  from  the  twentieth  year  up  to 
the  two  and  thirtieth  year  of  king  Artaxer- 
xes,  (full)  twelve  years,  neither  I  nor  my  bro- 
thers ate  the  food  of  the  governor. 

15  But  the  former  governors  that  had  been 
before  me  had  made  it  heavy  for  the  people, 
and  had  taken  of  them  bread  and  wine,  be- 
side forty  shekels  of  silver:  yea,  even  their 
young  men  ruled  over  the  people;  but  I  my- 
self did  not  act  so,  because  of  the  fear  of  God. 

16  And  in  the  work  of  this  wall  also  did  I 
labour  actively;  and  we  bought  not  any 
fields;  and  all  my  young  men  were  assem- 
bled there  by  the  Avork. 

17  Moreover  of  the  Jews  and  rulers,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  men,  besides  tliose  that 
came  unto  us  from  the  nations  that  are  about 
us,  (ate)  at  my  table. 

18  And  that  which  was  prepared  for  one 
day  was  one  ox  and  six  choice  sheep;  also 
Ijirds  were  prepared  for  me,  and  once  in  ten 
days  all  sorts  of  wine  in  abundance:  yet  with 
all  this  I  required  not  the  food  of  the  go- 
vernor; because  the  service  lay  heavily  upon 
this  people. 

19  Remember  for  me,  my  God,  for  good, 
all  that  I  have  done  for  this  people. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  T[  Now  it  came  to  pass,  when  it  came  to 
the  hearing  of  Sanballat,  and  Tobiyah,  and 
Geshem  the  Arabian,  and  the  rest  of  our 
enemies,  that  I  had  built  the  wall,  and  that 
there  was  no  breach  left  th.erein,  although  up 
to  that  time  I  had  not  yet  set  up  the  doors 
in  the  gates, 

2  That  Sanballat  and  Geshem  sent  unto 
me,  saying,  Come,  let  us  meet  together  in 
Kephirim''  in  the  plain  of  Ono.  But  they 
were  thinkinsj;  of  doins;  me  mischief 

3  And  I  sent  messengers  unto  them,  say- 
ing, I  am  doing  a  great  work,  and  I  cannot 
come  down :  why  should  the  work  cease, 
while  I  leave  it  lying,  and  come  down  to 
you? 

4  And  they  sent  unto  me  after  this  manner 
four  times;  and  I  answered  them  after  the 
same  manner. 


°  That  is,  one  per  cent,  every  month.     Rashi,  "and  the 
quantit}-,  were  it  a  hundred,  of  money." 

''  Probably  the  town  Ke^hirah  in  Benjamin. 


929 


NEHEMIAH  VI.  VII. 


5  Then  sent  Sanballat  unto  me  in  like 
manner  the  fifth  time  his  young  man  with 
an  open  letter"  in  his  hand: 

G  Therein  was  written,  It  hath  been  heard 
among  the  nations,  and  Gashmu  saith  it,  that 
thou  and  the  Jews  think  of  rebelling;  where- 
fore thou  art  building  up  the  wall ;  and  that 
thou  art  to  be  king  unto  them,  according  to 
these  reports.* 

7  And  that  thou  hast  also  set  up  projjhets 
to  proclaim  concerning  thee  at  Jerusalem, 
saying,  He  is  king  in  Judah:  and  now  there 
may  be  reported  to  the  king  something  like 
these  words.  Now  therefore  come,  and  let  us 
take  counsel  together. 

8  Then  sent  I  unto  him,  saying,  "There 
hath  been  done  nothing  like  these  reports  of 
which  thou  speakest ;  but  out  of  thy  own 
heart  thou  inventest  them." 

9  For  they  all  wished  to  make  us  afraid, 
thinking.  Their  hands  will  be  withdrawn'' 
from  the  work,  so  that  it  wall  not  be  done. 
Now  therefore,  (0  God,)  strengthen  my 
hands. 

10  And  I  came  also  into  the  house  of 
Shema  yah  the  son  of  Delayah  the  son  of  Me- 
hetabel,  who  had  shut  himself  up;  and  he 
said,  Let  us  meet  together  in  the  house  of 
God,  within  the  temple,  and  let  us  lock  the 
doors  of  the  temple;  for  they  are  coming  to 
slay  thee:  yea,  in  the  night  are  they  coming 
to  slay  thee, 

11  And  I  said,  Should  a  man  like  me  flee? 
and  who  is  there  that  is  like  me,  that  would 
go  into  the  temple  and  live?  I  will  not  go  in. 

12  And  I  perceived  that,  lo,  God  had  not 
sent  him;  but  that  he  pronounced  this  pro- 
phecy over  me,  because  Tobiyah  and  Sanbal- 
lat  had  hired  him. 

13  Therefore  was  he  hired,  in  order  that  I 
should  become  afraid,  and  do  so,  and  sin,  and 
that  it  might  serve  them  for  an  evil  report, 
so  that  they  might  cast  reproach  upon  me. 

14  Tj  Think,  0  my  God,  of  Tobiyah  and 
Sanballat  according  to  these  their  works,  and 
also  of  No'adyah  the  prophetess,  and  the  rest 
of  the  prophets,  who  wished  to  make  me  afraid. 


"  An  open  letter,  being  only  sent  from  superiors  to  in- 
feriors in  the  East,  is  regarded  as  an  insult. 

*■  Lit.  "words."  Kashi  would  connect  these  last  words 
with  the  beginning  of  the  verso;  thus:  "and  there  was 
ivrittcn  in  it  in  accordance  with  these  words,  It  hath,"  &e. 

'  Arnheim,  "will  boconic  weak  at  the  wurk." 
930 


15  And  so  was  the  wall  finished  on  the 
twenty  and  fifth  day  of  the  month  Elul,  in 
fifty  and  two  days. 

16  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  our  ene- 
mies heard  this,  and  all  the  nations  that  were 
aljout  us  saw  it,  that  they  sank  greatly  in 
their  own  eyes;  and  they  perceived  that  by 
the    aid    of  our   God    had   this    work    betn 


wrought. 


17  Moreover  in  those  days  the  nobles  of 
Judah  despatched  frequently  their  letters 
unto  Tobijah,  and  those  of  Tobiyah  came 
unto  them. 

18  For  many  in  Judah  were  sworn  friends 
unto  him ;  because  he  was  the  son-in-law  of 
Shechanyah  the  son  of  Arach,  and  Jehocha- 
nan  his  son  had  taken  the  daughter  of  Meshul- 
1am  the  son  of  Bei-echyali. 

19  Also  his  good  deeds  were  they  report- 
ing before  me,  and  my  words  they  used  to 
carry  out  to  him  :  also  Tobiyah  sent  letters  to 
make  me  afraid. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ]y  And  it  came  to  jiass,  when  the  wall 
was  built,  that  I  set  up  the  doors;  and  then 
were  appointed  the  gatekeepers  and  the 
singers  and  the  (other)  Levites  (to  their 
offices). 

2  And  I  gave  my  brother  Chanani,  and 
Chananyah  the  commander  of  the  fortress, 
cliarge  over  Jerusalem;  for  he  was  esteemed 
a  faithful  man,  and  one  that  feared  God  these 
many  days.* 

3  And  I  said  unto  them,  Tlie  gates  of 
Jerusalem  must  not  be  opened  until  the  sun 
be  hot;  and  while  ye*  stand  by,  let  them 
shut  the  doors,  and  do  ye  bar  them;  and 
station  watches  of  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem, every  one  in  his  watch,  and  every  one 
opposite  to  his  house. 

4  But  the  city  was  roomy  in  space  and 
large :  while  the  people  therein  were  few,  and 
the  houses  were  not  yet  built. 

5  Tlien  did  my  God  put  it  into  my  heart, 
and  I  assembled  together  the  nobles,  and  the 
rulers,  and  the  people,  that  they  might  give  in 


'' llashi.  Others,  "by  many."  Kng.  ver.  "more 
than  many." 

"  Aben  Ezra.  Lit.  "they,"  referring  in  the  third  per- 
son to  Chanani  and  Chananyah.  Rashi,  "while  the 
gates  stand  open  they  should  not  niove  till  they  be  chisei} 
and  locked." 


NEHEMIAH   VII. 


their  genealogy;  and  I  found  a  register  of 
the  genealogy  of  those  who  were  come  up  at 
the  first,  and  I  found  written  therein : 

6  ^  These  are  the  children  of  the  pro- 
vince, that  came  up  out  of  the  captivity  of 
the  exiles,  whom  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king  of 

•  Babylon  had  carried  into  exile,  and  who  re- 
turned to  Jerusalem  and  to  Judah,  every 
one  unto  his  own  city; 

7  Who  came  with  Zerul)babel,  Jeshua', 
Nehemiah,  'Azaryah,  Ra'amyah,  Nachamani, 
Mordecai,  Bilshan,  Missjjereth,  Bigvai,  Ne- 
chum,  Ba'anah.  The  number  of  the  men  of 
the  people  of  Israel  was : 

8  The  children  of  Par'osh,  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  seventy  and  two. 

9  The  children  of  Shephatyah,  three  hun- 
dred seventy  and  two. 

10  The  children  of  Arach,  six  hundred 
fifty  and  two. 

11  The  children  of  Pachath-moab,  of  the 
children  of  Jeshua'  and  Joab,  two  thousand 
and  eight  hundred  and  eighteen. 

12  The  children  of  'Elam,  one  thousand 
two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 

13  The  children  of  Zatthu,  eight  hundred 
forty  and  five. 

14  The  children  of  Zaccai,  seven  hundred 
and  sixty. 

15  The  children  of  Binnui,  six  hundred 
forty  and  eight. 

16  The  children  of  Bebai,  six  hundred 
twenty  and  eight. 

17  The  children  of  'Azgad,  two  thousand 
three  hundred  twenty  and  two. 

18  The  children  of  Adonikam,  six  hun- 
dred sixty  and  seven. 

19  The  children  of  Bigvai,  two  thousand 
sixty  and  seven. 

20  The  children  of  'Adin,  six  hundi-ed 
fifty  aiid  five. 

21  The  children  of  Ater  of  Hezekiah, 
ninety  and  eight. 

22  The  children  of  Chashum,  three  hun- 
dred twenty  and  eight. 

23  The  children  of  Bezai,  tiiree  hundred 
twenty  and  four. 

24  The  children  of  Chariph,  one  hundred 
and  twelve. 

25  The  children  of  Gib'on,  ninety  and 
five. 

26  The  men  of  Beth-lechem  and  Neto- 
phahj  one  hundred  eighty  and  eight. 


27  The  men  of  'Anathotli,  one  hundred 
twenty  and  eight. 

28  The  men  of  Beth-'azmaveth,  foi  ty  ami 
two. 

29  The  men  of  Kiryath-ye'ariiii.  Kephi- 
rah,  and  Beeroth,  seven  hundred  fort}-  and 
three. 

30  The  men  of  Ramah  and  Gaba',  six  hun- 
dred twenty  and  one. 

31  The  men  of  Michmass.  one  hundred 
twenty  and  two. 

32  The  men  of  Betli-el  and  'Ai,  one  hun- 
dred twenty  and  three. 

33  The  men  of  the  other  Nebo,  fifty  and 
two. 

34  The  children  of  the  other  'Elam.  one 
thousand  two  hundred  fifty  and  four. 

35  The  children  of  Cliarim,  three  hundred 
and  twenty. 

36  The  people  of  Jericho,  three  hinidred 
forty  and  five. 

37  The  people  of  Lod.  Chadid,  and  Quo, 
seven  hundred  and  twenty"  and  one. 

38  The  people  of  Senaali.  three  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  thirty. 

39  The  priests:  The  children  of  Jeda'yah, 
of  the  house  of  Jeshua',  nine  hundred  seventy 
and  three. 

40  The  children  of  Inmier.  one  thousand 
fifty  and  two. 

41  The  children  of  Pashchur,  one  thou- 
sand two  hundred  forty  and  seven. 

42  The  children  of  Charim.  one  thousand 
and  seventeen. 

43  The  Levites :  The  children  of  Jeshua', 
of  Kadmiel,  of  the  children  of  Ilodevali, 
seventy  and  four. 

44  The  singers:  The  children  of  Assaph, 
one  hundred  forty  and  eight. 

45  The  gatekeepers:  The  children  of  Slial- 
lum,  the  children  of  Ater,  the  children  of 
Talmon,  the  children  of 'Akkub,  the  children 
of  Chatita,  the  children  of  Sliobai.  one  hun- 
dred thirty  and  eight. 

46  The  temple-servants:  The  children  of 
Zicha,  the  children  of  Chassupha,  the  children 
of  Tabba'oth, 

47  The  children  of  Keross,  the  children  of 
Si'a,  the  children  of  Padon, 

48  The  children  of  Lebana,  the  children 
of  Chagaba,  the  children  of  Salmai. 

49  The  children  of  ('hanan,  the  tliildren 
of  Giddel,  the  children  of  Gachar. 

931 


NEHEMIAH  VII.  VIII. 


50  The  children  of  Reayah,  the  children 
of  Rezin,  the  children  of  Nekoda, 

51  The  children  of  Gazzam,  the  children 
of  'Uzza,  the  children  of  Passeilch, 

52  The  cliildren  of  Bessai,  the  children  of 
Me'unim,  the  children  of  Nephishessini, 

53  The  children  of  Bakbuk,  the  children 
of  Chakupha,  the  children  of  Charchur, 

54  The  children  of  Bazlith,  the  children 
of  Mechida,  the  children  of  Charsha, 

55  The  children  of  Barkoss,  the  children 
of  Sissera,  the  children  of  Tliamach, 

56  The  children  of  Neziach,  the  children 
of  Chatipha. 

57  The  children  of  Solomon's  servants: 
The  children  of  Sotai,  the  children  of  Sophe- 
reth,  the  children  of  Perida, 

58  The  children  of  Ya'ala,  the  children  of 
Darken,  the  children  of  Giddel, 

59  The  children  of  Shephatyah,  the  chil- 
dren of  Chattil,  the  children  of  Pochereth- 
hazzebayim,  the  children  of  Amon. 

60  All  the  temple-servants,  and  the  chil- 
dren of  Solomon's  servants,  were  three  hun- 
dred ninety  and  two. 

61  Tl  And  these  v^'ere  they  who  came  up 
from  Thel-melach,  Thel-charsha,  Kerub,  Ad- 
don, and  Immer;  but  they  could  not  tell 
their  family  division  and  their  descent,  whe- 
ther they  were  of  Israel : 

62  The  children  of  Delayah,  the  children 
of  Tobiyah,  the  children  of  Nekoda,  six  hun- 
dred forty  and  two. 

63  And  of  the  priests:  The  children  of 
Chobayah,  the  children  of  Hakkoz,  the  chil- 
dren of  Barzillai  who  had  taken  a  wife  from 
the  daughters  of  Barzillai  the  Gil'adite,  and 
was  called  after  their  name. 

64  These  sought  for  tlieir  family  register, 
but  it  was  not  found:  wherefore  they  were 
excluded,  as  unfit,  from  the  priesthood. 

65  And  the  Thirshatha  said  unto  them, 
that  they  slv)uld  not  eat  of  the  most  holy 
things,  till  there  should  stand  uji  a  priest  with 
the  Urim  and  Tliummim. 

66  The  whole  congregation  together  was 
forty  and  two  thousand  three  hundred  and 
sixty  : 

67  Besides  these  were  their  man-servants 
and  their  maid-servants,  nf  whom  there  were 


'  Ainlioiii 
BWod." 

9aa 


'auil  cxi)l:uiH'd  all  that  it  omild  be  undor- 


seven  thousand  three  hundred  thirty  and 
seven  ;  and  they  had  two  hundred  and  forty 
and  five  singing  men  and  singing  women. 

68  Their  horses  were  seven  hundred  thirty 
and  six;  their  mules,  two  hundred  forty  and 
five; 

69  (Their)    camels,    four    hundred   thirty 
and   five;   (their)  asses,  six   thousand   seven 
hundred  and  twenty. 

70  And  a  portion  of  the  chiefs  of  the  divi- 
sions gave  unto  the  work.  The  Thirshatha 
gave  to  the  treasure,  of  gold  one  th(jusand 
drachms,  fifty  bowls,  five  hundred  and  thirty 
coats  for  the  priests. 

71  ][  And  some  of  the  chiefs  of  the  divi- 
sions gave  to  the  treasury  of  the  work,  of  gold 
twenty  thousand  drachms,  and  of  silver  two 
thousand  and  two  liundred  manehs. 

72  And  what  the  rest  of  the  people  gave 
was,  of  gold  twenty  thousand  drachms,  and 
of  silver  two  thousand  manehs,  and  priests' 
coats  sixty  and  seven. 

73  So  the  priests,  and  the  Levites,  and  the 
gatekeepers,  and  the  singers,  and  some  of 
the  people,  and  the  temple-servants,  and  all 
Israel,  dwelt  in  their  cities:  and  so  came 
round  the  seventh  month,  while  the  children 
of  Israel  were  in  their  cities. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  And  all  the  people  gathered  them- 
selves together  as  one  man  into  the  open 
place  which  is  before  the  water-gate;  and 
they  said  unto  'Ezra  the  expounder  that 
he  should  bring  forward  the  book  of  the 
law  of  Moses,  which  the  Lord  commanded 
to  Israel. 

2  Then  did  'Ezra  the  priest  bring  forward 
the  law  before  the  congregation  both  of  men 
and  women,  and  every  one  that  had  under- 
standing" to  listen  (attentively),  on  the  first 
day  of  tlie  seventh  month; 

3  And  he  read  therein  in  the  open  place 
which  is  before  the  water-gate  from  the  first 
daylight  until  midday,  before  the  men  and 
the  women,  and  those  that  could  understand :'' 
and  the  ears  of  all  the  people  were  directed 
unto  the  book  of  the  law. 

4  And  'Ezra  the  expounder  stood  upon  an 
elevated  stand  of  wood,  which  they  had  made 

''  Arnheiii),  "teachers,"  i.  e.  that  could  explain;  I'hi- 
li]i|isou,  "and  of  thojse  that  explained." 


NEHEMIAH  VIII.  IX. 


for  the  purpose:  and  beside  liini  stood  Mat' 
tliitliyali,  and  Sliema',  and  'Anayah,  and  Uri- 
yali,  and  Chilkiyah,  and  Ma'asseyah,  on  his 
right  liand;  and  on  his  left,  Peda^yali,  and 
Mishael,  and  Malkiyah,  and  Chashuni,  and 
Chashbadanah,  Zechariah,  (and)  MeshuHam. 
.  5  And  'Ezra  opened  tlie  book  before  the 
eyes  of  all  the  people;  for  he  was  (standing) 
higher  than  all  the  people;  and  as  he  opened 
it,  all  the  people  became  silent." 

6  And  'Ezra  blessed  the  Lord,  the  great 
God:  and  all  the  people  answered,  Amen, 
Amen,  with  lifting  uj)  their  hands;  and  they 
bowed  their  heads,  and  prostrated  themselves 
before  the  Lord  with  their  f\ices  to  the 
ground. 

7  Also  Jeshua',  and  Bani,  and  Sherebyah, 
Jamin,  'Akkub,  Shabbethai,  Ilodiyah,  Ma- 
'asseyah, Kelita,  'Azaryah,  Jozabad,  Chanan, 
Pelayah,  and  the  Levites,  explained  to  the 
people  the  law:  while  the  people  reniiiined 
where  they  stood. 

8  So  they  read  in  the  book,  in  the  law  of 
God  distinctly,  and  exhibiting  the  sense:  so 
that  (the  people)  understood  what  was  read. 

9  ^  Then  said  Nehemiah,  that  is  the  Tliir- 
shatha,''  and  'Ezra  the  priest  the  expounder, 
and  the  Levites  that  explained  to  the  people, 
unto  all  the  people.  This  day  is  holy  unto 
the  Lord  your  God:  mourn  not,  and  weep 
not.  For  all  the  people  were  weeping,  when 
they  heard  the  words  of  the  law. 

10  Then  said  he  unto  them,  Go  your  way, 
eat  fat  things,  and  drink  sweet  drinks,  and 
send  portions  unto  him  for  whom  nothing  is 
prepared;  for  this  day  is  holy  unto  our  Lord  : 
and  do  not  grieve  yourselves;  but  let  the  jo}- 
of  the  Lord  be  your  stronghold. 

11  So  the  Levites  quieted  all  the  people, 
saying,  Be  still !  for  the  day  is  holy ;  and  do 
not  grieve  yourselves. 

12  And  all  the  people  went  their  way  to 
eat,  and  to  drink,  and  to  send  out  portions, 
and  to  prepare  for  themselves  great  joy  ;  be- 
cause they  had  understood  the  words  which 
(the  others)  had  made  known  luito  them. 

13  ^  And  on  the  second  day  there  gathered 
themselves  together  the  chiefs  of  the  divisions 


'  Rashi  and  Aben  Ezra.    Arnhoim  and  others,  literally, 
"stood  up." 

'  Grovernor;  as  in  vii.  65,  it  refers  to  Zerubbabel. 

°  Abeu    Ezra,    "or,"   and   so    all    through.     Arnheim 


of  all  the  people,  the  priests,  and  the  Levites, 
unto  'Ezra  the  expounder,  to  obtain  again 
intelligence  of  the  words  of  the  law. 

14  And  they  found  written  in  the  law  that 
the  Lord  had  commanded  through  means  of 
Moses,  that  the  children  of  Israel  should 
dwell  in  booths  during  the  feast  in  the 
seventh  month. 

15  And  (they  ordered)  that  the\'  should 
publish  and  have  proclamation  made  through- 
out all  their  cities,  and  through  Jerusalem, 
saying.  Go  forth  unto  the  mountain  and 
fetch  olive-leaves,  and"  oleaster-leaves,  and 
myrtle-leaves,  and  palm-leaves,  and  leaves 
of  the  three-leaved  myrtle,  to  make  booths, 
as  it  is  written. 

16  And  the  people  went  forth,  and  brought 
them ;  and  they  made  themselves  booths, 
every  one  upon  his  roof,  and  in  their  courts, 
and  in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  God,  and  in 
the  open  place  by  the  water-gate,  and  in  the 
open  place  by  the  gate  of  Ephraim. 

17  And  all  the  congregation  that  were  re- 
turned out  of  the  captivity  made  booths,  and 
dwelt  in  the  booths;  for  since  the  days  of 
Jeshua'  the  son  of  Nun  until  that  day  the 
children  of  Israel  had  not  done  so.  And 
there  was  very  great  joy. 

18  And  he  read  in  the  book  of  the  law  of 
God,  day  by  day,  from  the  first  day  until  the 
last  day.  And  they  celebrated  the  feast 
seven  days,  and  on  the  eighth  day  the  solemn 
assembly,  after  the  prescribed  manner. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  And  on  the  twenty  and  fourth  day 
of  this  month  were  the  children  of  Israel  as- 
sendjled  with  fasting,  and  in  sackclothes,  and 
with  earth  upon  them. 

2  And  the  seed  of  Israel  separated  them- 
selves from  all  children  of  the  stranger?;; 
and  they  stood  forward  and  made  confession 
for  their  sins,  and  the  iniquities  of  their 
fathers. 

3  And  they  stood  up  in  their  standing- 
place,  and  read  in  the  book  of  the  law  of  the 
Lord  their  God  the  fourth  part  of  the  day; 
and  another  fourth  part  they  made   confes- 


renders  'S^r  with  "foliage,"  which  would  then  be  the 
branches  with  the  leaves;  otherwise,  vh}f  means  lea/,  not 
branch.  Phili'ppson,  "branches."  n3;r  |';7  is  the  well- 
known  three-leaved   myrtle,  not  "thick  trees." 

933 


NEHEMIAH  IX. 


sion,   and   prostrated   themselves   before    the 
Loud  their  God. 

4  ^  Then  stood  up  upon  the  stairs  of  the 
Levites,  Jeshua',  and  Bani,  Kadmiel,  She- 
banyah,  Bunni,  Sherebjah,  Bani,  and  Ke- 
nani,  and  they  cried  with  a  loud  voice  unto 
the  Lord  their  God. 

5  Then  said  the  Levites,  Jeshua',  and 
Kadmiel,  Bani,  Chashabne^ah,  Sherebyah, 
Hodiyah,  Shebanyah,  and  Pethachyah,  Arise ! 
bless  ye  the  Lord  your  God  from  eternity  to 
eternity.  And  let  men  bless  thy  glorious 
name,  which  is  exalted  above  all  blessing  and 
praise. 

6  Thou  indeed  art  the  Eternal  One  alone: 
it  is  thou  that  hast  made  the  heavens,  the  hea- 
vens of  heavens,  with  all  their  liost,  the  earth, 
and  all  that  is  upon  her,  the  seas,  and  all 
that  is  in  them,  and  thou  givest  life  to  them 
all;  and  the  host  of  the  heavens  bow  down 
before  thee. 

7  Thou  art  indeed  the  Lord  the  (true)  God, 
who  didst  choose  Abram,  and  bring  him  forth 
out  of  Ur  of  the  Chaldeans,  and  change  his 
name  to  Abraham ; 

8  And  thou  didst  fnid  his  heart  faithful 
before  thee;  and  thou  madest  with  him  the 
covenant  to  give  the  land  of  the  Canaanites, 
the  Hittites,  the  Emorites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
and  the  Jebusites,  and  the  Girgashites, — to 
give  it  to  his  seed;  and  thou  hast  performed 
thy  words;  for  thou  art  righteous. 

9  And  thou  didst  see  the  affliction  of  our 
fathers  in  Egypt,  and  their  cry  didst  thou 
hear  by  the  Red  Sea; 

10  And  thou  didst  display  signs  and  won- 
ders on  Pharaoh,  and  on  all  his  servants,  and 
on  all  the  people  of  his  land;  for  thou  knewest 
that  they  had  dealt  presumptuously  against 
them;  and  thou  didst  (thus)  make  thyself  a 
ntime,  as  it  is  this  day. 

11  And  the  sea  didst  thou  divide  before 
them,  so  that  they  })assed  through  tlie  midst 
of  the  sea  on  dry  land ;  and  their  pursuers 
didst  thou  throw  into  the  deeps,  like  a  stone 
in  mighty  waters. 

12  And  by  a  inUnv  of  cloud  didst  thou 
lead  them  in  the  day,  and  by  a  pillar  of  fire 
in  the  night,  to  give  light  unto  them  on  the 
way  whereon  they  should  go. 

*  Aben  Ezra;  meaning,  the  Canaanites  were  scattered 
BO  that  they  flod  buforo  Lsrael.      Ua.shi,  "and  thuu  gavest 
them  their  possesijiou  in  a  corner;"  explaining,  that  they 
934 


ong-sufFering,  and  abundant  in 


13  Also  on  mount  Sinai  earnest  thou  down, 
and  spokest  with  them  from  heaven ;  and  thou 
gavest  them  upright  ordinances,  and  truthful 
laws,  good  statutes  and  commandments; 

14  And  thy  holy  sabbath  madest  thou 
known  unto  them,  and  commandments,  sta- 
tutes, and  a  law  didst  thou  enjoin  on  them, 
by  the  hand  of  Moses  thy  servant. 

15  And  bread  from  heaven  didst  thou  give 
them  for  their  hunger,  and  water  out  of  the 
rock  broughtest  thou  forth  for  them  for  their 
thirst ;  and  thou  didst  order  them  to  go  in  to 
take  possession  of  the  land  concerning  which 
thou  hadst  lifted  up  thy  hand  to  give  it  unto 
them. 

16  And  they  and  our  fathers  acted  pre- 
sumptuously, and  hardened  their  neck,  and 
hearkened  not  to  thy  commandments. 

17  And  they  refused  to  obey,  and  remem- 
bered not  thy  marvellous  deeds  which  thou 
hadst  done  with  them;  but  they  hardened 
their  neck,  and  (spoke  of)  appointing  a  chief 
to  return  to  their  bondage,  in  their  rebellion ; 
but  thou  art  a  God  ready  to  pardon,  gracious 
and  merciful 
kindness,  and  forsookest  them  not. 

18  Yea,  although  they  had  made  for  them- 
selves a  molten  calf,  and  said,  'This  is  thy 
god  that  hath  brought  thee  up  out  of  Egypt,' 
and  had  practised  great  provocations  : 

19  Yet  in  thy  abundant  mercies  didst  thou 
not  forsake  them  in  the  wilderness ;  the  pillar 
of  cloud  departed  not  from  them  by  day,  to 
lead  them  on  the  way ;  nor  the  pillar  of  fire 
by  night,  to  give  them  light  on  the  way 
whereon  they  should  go. 

20  And  thy  good  spirit  thou  gavest  to 
make  them  intelligent,  and  thy  manna  thou 
withheldest  not  from  their  mouth,  and  water 
thou  gavest  them  for  their  thirst. 

21  And  forty  years  didst  thou  provide  for 
them  in  the  wilderness ;  they  lacked  nothing ; 
tlieir  clothes  did  not  wear  out,  and  their  feet 
swelled  not. 

22  Thou  gavest  them  also  kingdoms  and 
nations,  which  thou  didst  divide  into  various 
corners :"  and  they  took  possession  of  the 
land  of  Sichon,  even  the  land  of  the  king  of 
Cheshbon,  and  the  land  of  'Og  the  king  of 
Bash  an. 

(the  Israelites)  should  not  mingle  with  the  other  nations. 
Herxhcimor,    "  thou    gavest    tliem    possessions    on    ali 

sides." 


NE  HEM  I  AH  IX.  X. 


23  Ami  their  chiUlren  didst  thou  multiply 
like  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  tlien  broughtest : 
them   into  the  land,  concerning  which  thou 
hadst  ordered  their  lathers  to  enter  in  to  take 
jjossession  of  it. 

24  And  the  children  entered  in  and  took 
possession  of  the  land ;  and  thou  didst  hum- 
ble before  them  the  inhabitants  of  the  land, 
the  Cana'anites,  and  gavest  them  up  into 
their  hands,  with  their  kings,  and  tlie  na- 
tions of  the  land,  tliat  they  might  do  with 
them  according  to  their  pleasure. 

25  And  they  captured  fortified  cities,  and 
a  fiit  soil;  and  they  took  possession  of  houses 
full  of  all  good  things,  hewn-out  wells,  vine- 
yards, and  olive-yards,  and  fruit  trees  in  abun- 
dance ;  and  they  ate,  and  were  satisfied,  and 
became  fat,  and  delighted  themselves  in  thy 
great  goodness. 

20  Then  became  they  disobedient,  and  re- 
belled against  thee,  and  cast  th}-  law  behind 
their  back,  and  they  slew  thy  prophets  who 
had  warned  them  to  bring  them  back  unto 
thee,  and  they  practised  great  provocations. 

27  Thereupon  thou  gavest  them  up  into 
the  hand  of  their  adversaries,  wdio  oppressed 
them  :  and  in  the  time  of  their  distress  they 
used  to  cry  unto  thee,  and  thou  ever  heardest 
them  from  heaven ;  and  according  to  thy 
abundant  mercies  thou  wast  wont  to  give 
them  helpers,  who  helped  them  out  of  the 
hand  of  their  adversaries. 

28  But  when  (once  more)  they  had  rest, 
they  did  again  evil  before  thee :  wherefore 
thou  didst  leave  them  in  the  hand  of  their 
enemies,  so  that  they  had  dominion  over 
them ;  and  when  they  returned,  and  cried 
unto  thee,  thou  wast  wont  to  hear  them  from 
heaven,  and  thou  didst  ever  deliver  them  ac- 
cording to  thy  mercies  many  times. 

29  And  thou  gavest  them  warning  to  bring 
them  back  unto  thy  law  :  yet  they  acted  pre- 
sumptuously, and  hearkened  not  unto  thy 
conmiandments,  and  sinned  against  thy  or- 
dinances, which  a  man  is  to  do,  that  he  may 
live  through  them ;  and  they  rendered  their 
shoulder  rebellious,  and  hardened  their  neck, 
and  would  not  hear. 

30  Yet  thou  gavest  them  indulgence  man^- 
years,  and  didst  Avarn  them  through  thy 
spirit  by  means  of  thy  prophets ;  but  they  gave 

*  By  being  subject  to  foreign  control. 


no    ear :   therefore  didst  thou  give  them   u[) 
into  the  hand  of  the  nations  of  the  lands. 

31  Yet  in  thy  abundant  mercies  hast  thou 
not  made  an  entire  end  of  them,  and  thou 
hast  not  forsaken  tliem  ;  for  a  gracious  and 
merciful  God  art  thou. 

32  And  now,  our  God,  the  great,  the  mighty, 
and  the  terrible  God,  who  keepest  the  cove- 
nant and  kindness,  let  not  be  esteemed  as 
little  before  thee  all  the  hardship  that  hath 
befallen  us,  on  our  kings,  on  our  princes,  and 
on  our  priests,  and  on  our  prophets,  and  on 
our  fathers,  and  on  all  thy  people,  from  the 
days  of  the  kings  of  Assyria  until  this  day. 

33  Nevertheless  thou  art  righteous  in  all 
that  is  come  over  us ;  tor  thou  hast  acted 
(according  to)  truth,  but  we  have  done  wick- 
edly. 

34  Also  our  kings,  our  priests,  and  our 
fathers  have  not  executed  thy  law,  and  have 
not  listened  unto  thy  connnandments  and  thy 
testimonies,  wherewith  thou  didst  warn  them. 

35  But  they  in  their  kingdom,  and  in  thy 
abundant  goodness  which  thou  hadst  given 
unto  them,  and  in  the  ample  and  fat  land 
which  thou  liadst  given  up  before  them,  did 
indeed  not  serve  thee,  and  they  turned  not 
away  from  their  wicked  deeds. 

36  Behold,  we  are  this  day  servants:  and 
as  regardeth  the  land  that  thou  gavest  unto 
our  fathers  to  eat  its  fruit  and  its  good  things, 
behold,  we  are  servants  in  it;" 

37  And  it  yieldeth  its  products  in  abun- 
dance for  the  kings  whom  thou  hast  set  over 
us  because  of  our  sins ;  also  over  our  bodies 
have  they  dominion,  and  over  our  cattle  (also) 
at  their  pleasure,  and  we  are  in  great  dis- 
tress. 

CHAPTER  X.^ 

1  And  because  of  all  this,  we  make  a  faith- 
ful covenant,  and  write  it  down ;  and  on  the 
sealed  document  are  our  princes,  our  Levites, 
and  our  priests. 

2  And  with  those  whose  seal  was  affixed 
were,  Nehemiah  the  Tirshatha  the  son  of 
Chachal3ah,  and  Zidkiyah. 

3  (Then)  Serayah,  'Azaryah,  Jeremiah, 

4  Pashchur,  Amaryah,  Malkiyah, 

5  Chattush,  Shebanyah,  Malluch, 

6  Charim,  Meremoth,  'Obadiah, 


*  The  English  versiou  commences  chap.  x.  at  verse  2. 


NEHEMIAH  X. 


7  Daniel,  Ginnethon,  Banich, 

8  Meshullani,  Abiyah,  Mijamin, 

9  Ma'azyah,  Bilgai,  Shema'yah :  these  were 
the  priests. 

1(3  And  the  Levites  :  Jeshiia' the  son  of 
Azanyah,  Binnui,  of  the  sons  of  Clienadad, 
Kadmiel ; 

11  And  their  brethren,  Shebanyah,  Ho- 
diyah,  Kelita,  Palayah,  Chanan, 

12  Micha,  Kechob,  Chashabyah, 

10  Zaccur,  Sherebyah,  Shebanjali, 

14  Hodiyah,  Bani,  Beninu. 

15  The  chiefs  of  the  people :  Par'osh,  Pa- 
chath-moab,  'Elam,  Zattliu,  Bani, 

IG   Bunni,  'Azgad,  Bobai, 

17  Adoniyah,  Bigvai,  'Adin, 

18  Ater,  Chizkiyah,  'Azzur, 

19  Hodiyah,  Chashuni,  Bezai, 

20  Chariph,  'Anathoth,  Nebai, 

21  Magpi'ash,  Meshullam,  Chezir, 

22  Meshezabel,  Zadok,  Jaddua', 

23  Pelatyah,  Chanan,  'Anayah, 

24  Hoshea',  Chananvah.  Chasshub, 

25  Hallochesh,  Pilclia,  Shobek, 

26  Rechum,  Chashabnah,  Ma'asseyah, 

27  And  Achiyah,  Chanan,  'Anan, 

28  Malluch,  Cbarim,  Ba'anah. 

29  And  the  rest  of  the  people,  the  priests, 
the  Levites,  the  gatekeepers,  the  singers,  the 
temple-servants,  and  all  those  that  had  sepa- 
rated themselves  from  the  nations  of  the 
lands  unto  the  law  of  God,  their  wives,  their 
sons,  and  their  daughters,  every  one  having 
knowledge,  and  having  understanding, 

30  Held  firmly  with  their  brethren,  their 
nobles,  and  entered  into  a  curse,  and  into  an 
oath,  to  walk  i)i  the  law  of  God,  which  was 
given  through  means  of  Moses  the  servant  of 
God,  and  to  observe  and  to  do  all  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Eternal  One,  our  Lord, 
and  his  ordinances  and  his  statutes ; 

31  And  that  we  would  not  give  our  daugh- 
ters unto  the  people  of  the  land,  nor  take 
their  daughters  for  our  sons; 

32  And  that  if  the  people  of  tlie  land 
should  bring  wares  or  any  provisions  on  the 
sabbatii  ilay  to  sell,  we  would  not  buy  of 
them  on  tlie  sabbath,  or  on  (another)  holy 
day;  and  that  we  would  leave  (the  fields 
without  i'eai)ing  in)  the  seventh  year,  and 
(give  up)  every  loan  of  hand. 

33  And  we  established  for  us  as  one  of 
the  commandments  to  impose  on   ourselves 

930 


(to  give)  the  third  part  of  a  shekel  in  every 
year  for  the  service  of  the  house  of  our  God  ; 

34  For  the  shew-jjread,  and  for  the  con- 
tinual meat-offering,  and  for  the  continual 
burnt-offering,  (for  those  of)  the  sabbaths,  of 
the  new-moons,  for  the  appointed  feasts,  and 
for  the  holy  things,  and  for  the  sin-offerings 
to  make  an  atonement  for  Israel,  and  (for) 
all  the  work  of  the  house  of  our  God. 

35  And  we,  the  priests,  the  Levites,  and 
the  people,  cast  lots  concerning  the  procuring 
of  the  wood,  to  bring  it  into  the  house  of  our 
God,  unto  the  house  of  our  fathers,"  at  fixed 
times,  year  by  year,  to  burn  upon  the  altar 
of  the  Lord  our  God,  as  it  is  written  in  the 
law; 

36  And''  to  bring  the  first-fruits  of  our 
ground,  and  the  first-fruits  of  all  fruit  of  all 
trees,  year  by  year,  unto  the  house  of  the 
Lord; 

37  And  also  the  first-born  of  our  sons,  and 
of  our  (unclean)  cattle,  as  it  is  written  in  the 
law,  and  to  bring  the  first-born  of  our  herds 
and  of  our  flocks  to  the  house  of  our  God, 
unto  the  priests  that  minister  in  the  house  of 
our  God; 

38  And  that  we  would  bring  the  first  por- 
tion of  our  dough,  and  our  heave-offerings, 
and  this  of  the  fruit  of  all  manner  of  trees, 
of  wine  and  of  oil,  to  the  priests,  unto  the 
chambers  of  the  house  of  our  God,  and  the 
tithes  of  our  ground  unto  the  Levites;  and 
that  these  same  Levites  should  be  the  re- 
ceivers of  the  tithes  in  all  the  cities  of  our 
land-tillage ; 

39  And  that  the  priest  the  son  of  Aaron 
should  l3e  with  the  Levites,  when  the  Levites 
receive  the  tithes;  and  that  the  Levites  should 
bring  up  the  tithe  of  the  tithes  unto  the  house 
of  our  God,  to  the  chambers,  into  the  treasure- 
house. 

40  For  into  the  chambers  shall  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel  and  the  children  of  Levi  bring 
the  heave-ofi'ering  of  the  corn,  of  the  new 
wine,  and  the  oil,  and  there  shall  be  the  ves- 
sels of  the  sanctuary,  and  the  priests  that 
minister,  and  the  gatekeepers,  and  the  sing- 
ers: and  that  we  will  not  forsake  the  house  of 
our  God. 


'  Rashi  takes  this  to  be  another  term  fur  the  temple, 
which  was  already  isaiictificd  in  the  time  of  Israel's  fore- 
fathei's.  '■  This  connects-  witli  vcr.se  33. 


NEIIEMIAII  XT. 


CHAPTER  XL 


1  And  the  rulers  of  the  people  dwelt  at 
Jerusalem :  and  the  rest  of  the  people  cast 
lots,  to  bring  one  of  every  ten  to  dwell  in 
Jerusalem  the  holy  city,  and  the  nine  parts 
to  (remain)  in  the  (other)  cities. 

2  And  the  people  blessed  all  the  men, 
that  offered  themselves  voluntarily  to  dwell 
at  Jerusalem. 

3  *[[  Now  these  are  the  chiefs  of  the  pro- 
vince that  dwelt  in  Jerusalem;  but  in  the 
cities  of  Judah  dwelt  every  one  in  his  posses- 
sion in  their  cities,  (to  wit,)  Israel,  the  priests, 
and  the  Levites,  and  the  temple-servants,  and 
the  children  of  Solomon's  servants. 

4  And  at  Jerusalem  dwelt  certain  of  the 
children  of  Judah,  and  of  the  children  of 
Benjamin.  Of  the  children  of  Judah:  'Atha- 
yah  the  son  of  'Uzziyah,  the  son  of  Zecha- 
ri;di,  the  son  of  Amaryah,  the  son  of  She- 
l)hatyah,  the  son  of  Mahalalel,  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Perez ; 

5  And  Ma'asseyah  the  son  of  Baruch,  the 
son  of  Kol-chozeh,  the  son  of  Chazayah,  the 
son  of  'Adayah,  the  son  of  Joyai'ib,  the  son 
of  Zechariah,  the  son  of  Hashiloni; 

6  All  the  sons  of  Perez  that  dwelt  at 
Jerusalem  w^ere  four  hundred  sixty  and  eight 
valiant  men. 

7  Tf  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Benjamin: 
Sallu  the  son  of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Jo'ed, 
the  son  of  Pedayah"  the  son  of  Kolayah,  the 
son  of  Ma'asseyah,  the  son  of  Ithiel,  the  son 
of  Jessha'yah ; 

8  And  next  to  him  Gabbai,  Sallai;  nine 
hundred  twenty  and  eight. 

9  And  Joel  the  son  of  Zichri  was  overseer 
over  them ;  and  Judah  the  son  of  Hassenuah 
was  second  over  the  city 

10  ^  Of  the  priests:  Jedayah  the  son  of 
Joyarib,  Jachin; 

11  Serayah  the  son  of  Chilkiyah,  the  son 
of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Zadok,  the  son  of 
Merayoth,  the  son  of  Achitub,  the  superin- 
tendent of  the  house  of  God ;  j 

12  And  their  brethren  who  did  the  work 
of  the  house,  eight  hundred  twenty  and  two; 
and  'Adayah  the  son  of  Jerocham,  the  son  of 
Pelalyah,  the  son  of  Amzi,  the  son  of  Zecha- 
riah, the  son  of  Pashchur,  the  son  of  Malki- 
yah; 

13  And  his  brethren,  chiefs  of  the  divi- 

6S  ' 


sions,  two  hundred  forty  and  two;  and'Amash- 
sal  the  son  of  'Azarel,  the  son  of  Achsai,  the 
son  of  Mt'shilleuioth,  the  son  of  Immer; 

14  And  tlieir  brethren,  mighty  men  of  va- 
lour, one  hundred  twenty  and  eight;  and  the 
overseer  over  them  was  Zabdiel,  the  son  of 
Haggedolim. 

15  ^  Also  of  the  Levites:  Shema'yah  the 
son  of  Chasshub,  the  son  of 'Azrikam,  the  son 
of  Chashabyah,  the  son  of  Bunni ; 

16  And  Shabbethai  and  Jozabad,  of  the 
chiefs  of  the  Levites,  had  the  oversight  of  the 
outward  business  of  the  house  of  God; 

17  And  Matthaniah  the  son  of  Micha,  the 
son  of  Zal)di,  the  son  of  Assaph,  the  principal 
to  begin  the  thanksgiving  at  prayer;  and 
Bakbukyali  the  second  among  his  brethren 
and  'Alxla  the  son  of  Shammua',  the  .son  of 
Galal,  the  son  of  Jeduthun. 

18  All  the  Levites  in  the  holy  city  were 
two  hundred  eighty  and  four. 

19  And  the  gatekeepers,  Akkulj,  Talmon 
and  their  brethren  that  watched  at  the  gates, 
w'ere  one  hundred  seventy  and  two. 

20  And  tlie  residue  of  Israel,  of  the 
priests,  and  the  Levites,  were  in  all  the  cities 
of  Judah,  every  one  in  his  inheritance. 

21  But  the  temple-servants  dwelt  in  the 
hill-fort;  and  Ziclia  and  Gislipa  were  over 
the  temple-servants. 

22  And  the  overseer  of  the  Levites  at 
Jerusalem  was  'Uzzi  the  son  of  Bani,  the  son 
of  Chashabyah,  the  son  of  Matthanyah,  the 
son  of  Micha,  one  of  the  sons  of  Assaph,  the 
singers,  over  the  business  of  the  house  of 
God. 

23  For  the  king's  command  was  obligatory 
on  them;  and  there  was  a  fixed  rate  for  the 
singers,  the  requirement  of  every  day  on  its 
day. 

24  And  Pethachyah  the  son  of  Meshezal> 
el,  of  the  children  of  Zerach  the  son  of  Ju- 
dah, was  at  the  king's  hand  in  every  thing 
concerning  the  people. 

25  And  respecting  the  villages  with  their 
fields,  some  of  the  children  of  Judah  dwelt  at 
Kiryath-arba'  and  in  its  villages,  and  at  Di- 
bon  and  in  its  villages,  and  at  Jekabzeel  and 
in  its  villages, 

26  And  at  Jeshua',  and  at  Moladah,  and 
at  Betli-phelet, 

27  And  at  Chazar-shu'al,  and  at  Beer-she- 

ba'  and  in  its  villages, 

ya7 


NEHEMIAH  XI.  XII. 


28  And  at  Ziklag,  and  at  Mechonah  and 
in  its  villages, 

29  And  at  'En-rimmon,  and  at  Zor'ah,  and 
at  Yarrauth, 

30  Zanoach,  'Adullam,  and  in  their  vil- 
lage.s,  at  Lachish  and  its  fields,  at  'Azekah 
and  in  its  villages.  And  they  dwelt  from 
Beer-sheba'  as  far  as  the  valley  of  Hinnom. 

31  And  the  ehi'dren  of  Benjamin  (dwelt), 
beginning  from  Geba',  at  Michmash,  and  'Ay- 
ya,  and  Beth-el,  and  in  their  villages, 

32  'Anathoth,  Nob,  'Ananyah, 

33  Chazor,  Ramah,  Gittayim, 

34  Chadid,  Zebo'im,  Neballat, 

35  Lod,  and  Ono,  the  valley  of  the  carjjen- 
ters. 

36  And  of  th?  Levites  dwelt  certain  divi- 
sions in  Judah,  and  in  Benjamin. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Tf  And  these  are  the  priests  and  the  Le- 
vites that  came  up  with  Zerubbabel  the  son 
of  Sheillthiel,  and  Jeshua' :  Serayah,  Jere- 
miah, 'Ezra, 

2  Amaryah,  Malluch,  Chattush, 

3  Shechanyah,  Rechum,  Meremoth, 

4  'Iddo,  Ginnethoy,  Abiyah, 

5  Miyamin,  Ma'adyah,  Bilgah, 

6  Sliema'yah,  and  Joyarilj.  Jed'ayah, 

7  Sallu, 'Amok,  Chilkiyah,  Jed'ayah.  These 
were  the  chiefs  of  the  priests  and  of  their 
brethren  in  the  days  of  Jeshua'. 

8  ^f  And  the  Levites:  Jeshua',  Binnui, 
Kadraiel,  Sherebyah,  Judah,  and  Mattha- 
niah,  who  was  over  the  songs  of  thanksgiv- 
ing, he  and  his  l^rethVen ; 

9  And  Bakbukyah  and  'Unni,  their  bre- 
thren, were  opposite  to  them  in  the  watches. 

10  And  Jeshua'"  begat  Joyakim,  and  Joya- 
kim  begat  Elyashib,  and  Elyashib  begat  Joya- 
da', 

11  And  Joyada'  begat  Jonathan,  and  Jona- 
than begat  Jaddua'. 

12  And  in  the  days  of  Joyakim  were 
priests,  as  chiefs  of  the  divisions:  Of  Serayah, 
Merayah;  of  Jeremiah,  Chananyah; 

13  Of 'Ezra,  Meshullam;  of  Amaryah,  Je- 
hochanan; 

'  Rashi  remarks  that  all  these  were  high-priests;  there- 
fore it  is  suppo.sod  that  those  verses  10  and  11  were 
added  by  the  elders  after  Nclioiiiiah,  unless  the  Darius  of 
verse  22  was  Nothus,  nut  ("odomauus;  as  there  can  have 
heeu  two  Jadduas  high  priosts. 
'.t.m 


14  Of  Melichu,  Jonathan;  of  Shebanyah, 
Joseph ; 

15  Of  Charim,  'Adna;  of  Merayoth,  Chel- 
kai; 

16  Of 'Iddo,  Zechariah ;  of  Ginnethon,  Me- 
shullam ; 

17  Of  Aljiyah,  Zioliri;  t)f  Minyamin,  of 
Mo'adyah,  Piltai; 

18  Of  Bilgah,  Shammua';  of  Shem'ayah, 
Jehonatlian; 

19  And  of  Joyarib,  Matthenai;  of  Jeda'- 
yah,  'Uzzi; 

20  Of  Sallai,  Kallai;  of 'Amok,  'Eber; 

21  Of  Chilkiyah,  Chashabyah ;  of  Jeda'yah, 
Net  h  an  el. 

22  Of  the  Levites  in  the  days  of  Elyashib, 
Yoyada',  and  Yochanan,  and  Jaddua'.  are 
written  down  tlie  chiefs  of  the  divisions : 
also  those  of  the  priests  to  the  reign  of 
Darius  the  Persian. 

23  ^1  The  sons  of  Levi,  the  chiefs  of  the 
divisions  were  written  down  in  the  book  of 
the  chronicles,  even  until  the  days  of  Jocha- 
nan  the  son  of  Elyashib. 

24  And  the  chiefs  of  the  Levites  were: 
Chashabyah,  Shei-ebyah,  and  Jeshua'  the  son 
of  Kadraiel,  with  their  brethren  opposite  to 
them,  to  praise  and  to  give  thanks,  according 
to  the  command  of  David  the  man  of  God, 
section  by  section. 

25  Matthanyah,  and  Bakbukyali,  'Oba- 
diah,  Meshullam,  Talmon,  'Akkub,  were 
watching  gatekeepers  on  the  watch  at  the 
thi'esholds"  of  the  gates. 

26  These  were  in  the  days  of  Joyakim,  the 
son  of  Jeshua',  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  in 
the  days  of  Nehemiah  the  governor,  and  of 
'Ezra  the  priest,  the  expounder. 

27  Tl  And  at  the  dedication  of  the  wall  of 
Jerusalem  they  sought  the  Levites  out  of  all 
their  places,  to  brmg  them  to  Jerusalem,  to 
celebrate  the  dedication  with  joy,"  with 
thanksgivings,  and  with  singing,  cymbals, 
psalteries,  and  with  harps. 

28  And  there  gathered  themselves  toge- 
ther the  sons  of  the  singers,  both  out  of  the 
district  round  about  Jerusalem,  and  from  the 
villages  of  Netophah; 


"'  Rashi,  'iJDXD  as'i3D3.    Others,  "at the  treasury  cham- 
bers," from  nox    "  to  gather." 

°  Arnheim,  "and  a  joyful  festival  with  thanksgiv 
ing,"  &c.  The  same  rendering  is  also  adopted  by  Phi- 
lippsou  here  and  elfiewhere. 


NEHEMIAH  XII.  XIII. 


29  Also  from  Betli-liagilgal,  and  out  of  the 
fields  of  Geba'  and  Azniaveth ;  for  the  singers 
had  built  themselves  villages  round  about 
Jerusalem. 

30  And  the  priests  and  the  Levites  purified 
themselves,  and  then  they  purified  the  people, 
and  the  gates,  and  the  wall. 

31  Then  brought  I  up  the  princes  of  Judali 
upon  the  wall,  and  stationed  two  great  com- 
panies for  thanksgiving,  and  trains  to  walk 
on  the  right  hand  upon  the  wall  by  the  dung- 
gate  ; 

32  And  after  them  walked  Ilosha'yah,  and 
half  of  the  princes  of  Judah, 

33  And  'Azaryah,  'Ezra,  and  MeshuUam, 

34  Judah,  and  Benjamin,  and  Shema'yah, 
and  Jeremiah ; 

35  And  of  the  sons  of  priests'  with  trum- 
pets, Zechariah  the  son  of  Jonathan,  the  son 
of  Shema'yah,  the  son  of  Matthanyah,  the 
son  of  Michayah,  the  son  of  Zaccur,  the  son 
of  Assapli; 

36  And  his  brethren,  Shema'yah,  and '  Azar- 
el,  Milalai,  Gilalai,  Ma'ai,  Nethanel,  and 
Judah,  Chanani,  with  the  musical  instru- 
ments of  David  the  man  of  God;  and  'Ezra 
the  expounder  walked  before  them. 

37  And  over  the  fountain-gate,  and  straight 
before  them,  they  went  up  by  the  stairs  of 
the  city  of  David,  at  the  ascent  of  the  wall, 
above  the  house  of  David,  even  as  far  as  the 
watei'-gate,  eastward. 

38  And  the  other  company  for  thanksgiv- 
ing that  walked  in  the  opposite  direction  to 
them, — this  one  did  I  follow,  and  the  half 
of  the  people  upon  the  wall,  from  beyond 
the  tower  of  the  ovens  even  as  far  as  the 
broad  wall ; 

39  And  above  the  gate  of  Ephraim,  and 
above  the  old  gate,  and  above  the  fish-gate, 
and  the  tower  of  Chananel,  and  the  tower  of 
Meah,  even  as  far  as  the  sheep-gate;  and 
they  halted  at  the  prison-gate." 

40  So  did  the  two  companies  for  thanks- 


giving place  themselves  in  the  house  of  God, 
and  I,  and  the  half  of  the  rulers  with  me. 

41  And  the  priests,  Elyakim,  Ma'asseyah, 
Minyamin,  Michayah,  Elyo'enai,  Zechariah, 
and  Chananiah,  with  trumpets; 

42  And  Ma'asseyah,  and  Shema'3ah,  and 
El'azar,  and  'Uzzi,  and  Jehochanan,  and  Mal- 
kiyah,  and  'Elam,  and  'Ezer.  And  the  singers 
sang  aloud,""  with  Yisrachyah  as  their  over- 
seer. 

43  And  they  sacrificed  on  that  day  great 
I  sacrifices,  and  rejoiced;  for  God  had  caused 

them  to  rejoice  with  great  joy ;  and  also  the 
women  and  the  children  rejoiced:  so  that 
the  (shout  of)  joy  of  Jerusalem  was  heard 
even  at  a  great  distance  off. 

44  And  there  were  appointed  at  that  day- 
certain  men  as  superintendents  over  the  cham- 
bers for  the  treasuries,  for  the  heave-ofi'er- 
ings,  for  the  first-fruits,  and  for  the  tithes,  to 
gather  into  them  out  of  the  fields  of  the  cities 
the  portions  according  to  the  law  for  the 
priests  and  the  Levites;  for  Judah  had  joy 
on  the  priests  and  on  the  Levites  that  stood 
there, 

45  And°  kept  the  charge  of  their  God,  and 
j  the  charge  of  the  j^urification,  and  as  singers 
!  and  gatekeepers,  according  to  the  connnand 

of  Da\dd,  (and)  of  Solomon  his  son. 

46  For  in  the  days  of  David  and  Assaph 
of  old  there  were  chiefs  of  the  singers,  and 
songs  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  unto  God. 

I  47  And  all  Israel  in  the  days  of  Zerubba- 
i  bel,  and  in  the  days  of  Nehemiah,  gave  the 

portions  of  the  singers  and  the  gatekeeper, 

what  was  required  for  every  day  on  its  day ; 

and  they  sanctified  things  for  the  Levites; 

and  the  Levites  sanctified  (the  portion  due) 

for  the  children  of  Aaron. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ^  On  that  day  there  was  read  in  the  book 
of  Moses  before  the  ears  of  the  people;  and 
there  was  found  written  therein,  that  no  'Am- 


'  The  princes  and  priests  were  divided  into  two  compa- 
nies on  the  wall,  'Ezra  going  before  one,  and  Nehemiah 
following  the  other.  Thus  they  marched  in  a  row  oppo- 
site ways,  in  the  circuit  of  the  wall ;  the  Levites  playing 
upon  instruments  and  singing  praises  to  God,  and  the 
people  accompanying  them  on  each  side,  part  of  them  on 
the  wall,  and  part,  it  may  be  supposed,  by  the  side  of  it. 
When  they  met  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  city,  they 
marched  in  a  body  to  the  temple,  and  offered  sacrifices 
and  thanksgivings  with  rejoicings. 


''  Lit.  "  caused  to  be  heard"  (themselves). 

°  This  veKe  is  a  continuation  of  verse  44,  "  that  stood 
there  and  kept  the  charge."  &c. 

"  As  it  would  appear  that  Nehemiah  had  been  absent 
for  some  time  in  Persia,  whither  he  had  returned  after  a 
residence  in  Palestine  of  about  twelve  years,  the  transac- 
tion in  this  chapter  must  have  taken  place  on  the  second 
arrival  in  Palestine.  Perhaps  "that  same  day"  refers  to 
the  day  of  the  year,  the  first  of  the  seventh  month,  as 
above,  viii.  2. 

939 


NEHEMIAH  XIII. 


monite  or  Moilbite  should  come  into  the  con- 
gregation of  God  for  ever; 

2  Because  they  had  not  met  the  children 
of  Israel  with  bread  and  with  water,  but  had 
hh'ed  Bil'am  against  them,  that  he  should 
curse  them;  although  our  God  had  changed 
the  curse  into  a  blessing. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  they  had 
heard  the  law,  that  they  sejijarated  all  the 
alien  mixture  from  Israel. 

4  And  before  this,  Elyashib  the  priest,  ap- 
pointed" over  the  chambers  of  the  house  of 
our  God,  and  a  near  (of  kin)  unto  Tobiyah, 

5  Had  prepared  for  him  a  large  chamber, 
where  tliey  had  laid  in  former  times  the 
meat-offerings,  the  frankincense,  and  the  ves- 
sels, and  the  tithes  of  the  corn,  the  new  wine, 
and  the  oil,  which  was  ordained  for  the  Le- 
vites,  and  the  singers,  and  the  gatekeepers, 
and  the  heave-offering  of  the  priests. 

6  But  during  all  this  I  was  not  at  Jerusa- 
lem ;  for  in  the  two  and  thirtieth  year  of  Ar- 
taxerxes  the  king  of  Babylon  I  went  back 
unto  the  king,  and  after  the  lapse  of  some 
time  I  obtained  jjy  request  (leave)  of  the 
king;" 

7  And  I  came  to  Jerusalem,  and  perceived 
the  evil  that  Elyashib  had  done  tor  Tobiyah, 
in  preparing  for  him  a  chaml)er  in  the  courts 
of  the  house  of  God. 

8  And  it  displeased  me  greirtly:  wherefore 
I  cast  forth  all  the  household  vessels  of  Tobi- 
yah away  out  of  the  chamber. 

9  And  I  gave  the  order,  whereupon  tliey 
cleansed  the  chambers ;  and  I  had  bi-ought 
thither  again  the  vessels  of  the  house  of  God, 
with  the  meat^oftering  and  the  frankincense. 

10  And  I  perceived  that  the  portions  of 
the  Levites  had  not  been  given  (them) :  so 
tliat  the  Levites  and  the  singers,  that  used  to 
do  tlie  work,  were  fled  every  one  to  his  field. 

11  Then  contended  I  with  tlie  rulers,  and 
said,  Why  hath  the  house  of  God  become  for- 
saken? And  I  gathered  them  together,  and 
placed  them  on  their  posts. 

12  And  all  Jiulah  Ijrouglit  the  trtlie  of  the 
corn  and  the  new  wine  and  the  oil  unto  the 
treasuries. 

13  And  I  appointed   receivers   over   the 


treasuries,  Shelemyah  the  priest,  and  Zadok 
the  scribe,  and  Pedayah  of  the  Levites;  and 
with  them  acted"  Chanan  the  son  of  Zaccui', 

I  the  son  of  Matthanyah;  for  they  were  ac- 

J  counted  as  faithful,  and  it  was  their  duty  to 
make  a  distribution  among  their  brethren. 

i  14  Tl  Remember  me,  0  my  God,  concern- 
ing this,  and  wipe  not  out  my  pious  deeds 
which  I  have  done  for  tlie  house  of  my  God, 

ii  and  for  those  that  had  charge  of  it. 

15  In  those  da3s  I  saw  in  Judah  some 
treading  wine-presses  on  the  sabbath,  and 
bringing  in  sheaves,  and  lading  Ijurdens  on 
asses,  as  also  wine,  grapes,  and  figs,  and  all 
manner  of  burdens,  which  they  Ijrought  into 
Jerusalem  on  the  sabbath  day;  and  I  warned 
them  on  the  day  whereon  they  sold  provi- 
sions.'* 

16  Also  the  men  of  Tyre  (that)  dwelt 
therein  Ijrought  fish  and  all  Ivinds  of  wares, 
and  sold  (them)  on  the  sabbath  unto  the 
children  of  Judah  and  in  Jerusalem. 

17  Then  I  contended  with  the  nobles  of 
Judah,  and  said  unto  them.  What  evil  thing 
is  this  which  ye  are  doing,  and  profaning 
(thereby)  the  sabbath  day? 

18  Did  not  your  fathers  act  thus,  where- 
fore our  God  brought  over  us  all  this  evil, 
and  over  this  city?  and  ye  bring  yet  more 
wrath  over  Israel  by  profaning  the  sabbath. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  when  the 
i  shadows  were    lengthened'  in    the  gates  of 

Jerusalem  before  the  sabbath,  I  gave  the 
order,  whereupon  the  gates  ^^ere  locked,  and  I 
ordered  that  they  should  not  be  opened  till 
after  the  sabbath:  and  some  of  my  young 
men  did  I  place    at    the    gates,  that    there 

j  should  be  brought  in  no  burden  on  the  sab- 

I  bath-day. 

20  But  the  merchants  and  sellers  of  all 
kinds  of  wares  lodged  outside  of  Jerusalem 
once  or  twice. 

21  Thereupon  did  I  warn  them,  and  said 
unto  them,  Why  do  ye  lodge  along  the  wall? 
if  ye  do  so  again,  I  will  lay  hanils  on  you. 
From  that  time  forth  they  came  no  more  on 
the  sabbath. 

22  ^  And  I  ordered  the  Levites  that  they 
should   cleanse    themselves,  and    that   they 


Arnheimand  Philipp.son,  "residing  in 


"  [ler.xlunincr 
a  ciianiljer,"  &c 

''  Zuiii!,placesthijfsecondjourneyofNeheniiahin3564, 
eight  years  after  his  return. 
940 


"  ]jit   "And  by  their  liaiid." 

''  Arnheim,  "and  I  examined  witnesses  concerning-  the 
day,"  &c    I'hilippson, "  I  forbade  on  that  day  the  sale,"  &c. 
•  "Just  by  .sundown  " 


1   CHRONICLES  T. 


should  come  and  keep  watch  at  the  gates,  to 
sanctify  the  sabljath-chiy.  Also  this  remem- 
ber unto  me,  0  my  (iod,  and  shield  nie  ac- 
cording to  the  abundance  ot"  thy  kindness. 

23  In  those  days  also  I  saw  certain  Jews 
that  had  bi-ought  home  wives  of  Ashdod,  of 
Amnion,  and  of  Moilb: 

24  And  their  children  spoke  partly-  in  the 
speech  of  Ashdod,  and  did  not  understand  to 
speak  in  the  Jewish  language,  but  according  to 
the  language  of  one  or  the  other  people. 

25  And  I  contended  with  them,  and  cursed 
them,  and  smote  certain  of  them,  and  plucked 
out  their  hair,  and  made  them  swear  by  God, 
saying.  Ye  shall  not  give  your  daughters  unto 
their  sons,  nor  take  their  daughters  for  your 
sons,  nor  for  yourselves. 

26  Did  not  Solomon  the  kingof  Israel  sin  bv 
these  things?  and  although  among  the  many 
nations  there  was  never  a  king  like  him,  and  j 


beloved  as  he  was  by  his  (Jod,  and  (iod  had 
placed  him  as  king  over  all  Israel:  nevertheless 
even  him  did  the  alien  women  mislead  to  sin. 

27  Shall  we  then  hear  it  said  of  you,  that 
ye  do  all  this  great  evil,  to  trespass  against 
our  Clod  in  Ijringiiig  home  alien  wives? 

28  And  one  of  the  sons  of  Joyada',  the 
son  of  El^ashib  the  high  priest,  was  son-in- 
law  to  Sanl)allat  the  Choronite:  wherefore  I 
chased  him  away  from  me. 

29  Remember  (this)  unto  them,  O my  God, 
because  of  the  defilements  of  the  i)riestliood, 
and  of  the  covenant  of  the  priesthootl,  and 
of  the  Levites. 

30  Thus  cleansed  I  them  from  all  aliens, 
and  I  appointed  the  watches  of  the  priests  and 
the  Levites,  every  one  in  his  work; 

31  And  for  the  procuring  of  the  wood,  at 
fixed  times,  and  for  the  first-fruits.  Remem- 
ber this  unto  me,  0  my  God,  for  good. 


THE  FIRST  BOOK  OF  CHRONICLES, 


'X    D'tD'H    '-\21    1DD- 


CHAPTER  L 

1  ^  Adam.  Sheth,  Enosh, 

2  Kenan,  Mehalalel,  Jered, 

3  Enoch,  Methushelah,  Lemech. 

4  Noah,  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth. 

5  The  sons  of  Japheth:  Gomer,  and  Ma- 
gog, and  Madai,  and  Javan,  and  Thubal,  and 
keshech,  and  Thirass. 

6  And  the  sons  of  Gomer :  Ashkenas,  and 
Diphatli,  and  Thogarmah. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Javan :  Elishah,  and 
Tharshishah,  Kittim,  and  Rodanim. 

8  The  sons  of  Ham  :  Cnsh,  and  Misrayim, 
Put,  and  Canaan. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Cush :  Seba,  and  Chavi- 
lah,  and  Sabta,  and  Ra'mah,  and  Salitecha. 
And  the  sons  of  Ra'mah :  Sheba,  and  De- 
dan. 

10  And  Cush  begat  Nimrod:  this  one  be- 
gan to  be  a  mighty  man  upon  the  earth. 

11  And  Mizrayim  begat  the  Ludim,  and 


the  'Anamim,  and    the    Lehabim,    and    the 
Naphtuchim. 

12  And  the  Pathrussim.  and  the  Casslu- 
chim,  of  whom  came  the  Philistines,  and  the 
Caphthorim. 

13  T[  And  Canaan  begat  Zidon,  his  first- 
born, and  Heth, 

14  And  the  Jebusite,  and  the  Emorite.  and 
the  Girgashite, 

15  And  the  Hivite,  and  the  Arkitc,  and 
the  Sinite, 

16  And  the  Arvadite,  and  the  Zemarite, 
and  the  Chamathite. 

17  Tl  The  sons  of  Shem:  'Elam.  and  As- 
shur,  and  Arpachshad,  and  Lud,  and  Aram, 
and  'Uz,  and  Chul,  and  Gether,  and  Meshech. 

18  ^  And  Arpachshad  begat  Shelach,  and 
Shelach  begat  'Eber. 

19  And  unto  'Eber  were  born  two-  sons: 
the  name  of  the  one  was  Peleg;  because  in 
his  days  the  earth  was  divided;  and  his  bro- 
ther's name  was  Joktau, 

941 


1  CHRONICLES  I.  II. 


20  And  Joktan  begat  Almodad,  and  She- 
leph,  and  Chazarinaveth,  and  Jerach, 

21  And  Hadoram,  and  Uzal,  and  Diklah, 

22  And  'Ebal,  and  Abimael,  and  Sheba, 

23  And  Ophir,  and  Chavilah,  and  Jobab. 
All  these  were  the  sons  of  Joktan. 

24  ^  Shem,  Arpachshad,  Shelach, 

25  'Eber,  Peleg,  Re'u, 

26  Serug,  Nachor,  Terach, 

27  Abram,  the  same  is  Abraham. 

28  ^1  The  sons  of  Abraham:  Isaac,  and 
Ishma'el. 

29  ^  These  are  their  generations:  The 
first-born  of  Ishma'el,  Nebayoth,  then  Kedar, 
and  Adbeel,  and  Mibsam, 

30  Mishma',  and  Dumah,  Massa,  Chadad, 
and  Thema, 

31  Jetur,  Naphish,  and  Kedemah.  These 
are  the  sons  of  Ishmael. 

32  ^  And  the  sons  of  Keturah,  the  con- 
cubine of  Abraham:  she  bore  Zimran,  and 
Jokshan,  and  Medan,  and  Midian,  and  Yish- 
bak,  and  Shuach.  And  the  sons  Jokshan : 
Sheba,  and  Dedan. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Midian :  'Ephah.  and 
'Epher,  and  Chanoch,  and  Abida',  and  Elda"- 
ah.     All  these  are  the  sons  of  Keturah. 

34  ^  And  Abraham  begat  Isaac.  The 
sons  of  Isaac:  Esau  and  Israel. 

35  T[  The  sons  of  Esau:  Eliphaz,  Re'uel, 
and  Ye'ush,  and  Ya'lam,  and  Korach. 

36  The  sons  of  Eliphaz:  Thenian.  and 
Omar,  Zephi,  and  Ga'tam,  Kenas,  and  Thim- 
naV  ;xnd  'Amalek. 

37  Tl  The  sons  of  Re'uel:  Nachath,  Ze- 
rach,  Shammah,  and  Mizzah. 

38  And  the  sons  of  Se'ir:  Lotan,  and  Sho- 
bal,  and  Zib'on,  and  'Anah,  and  Dishon,  and 
Ezer,  and  Dishan. 

39  T[  And  the  sons  of  Lotan :  Chori,  and 
Homam :  and  the  sister  of  Lotan :   Thimna'. 

40  T[  The  sous  of  Shobal:  'Alyan,  and 
Manachath,  and  'Ebal,  Shephi,  and  Onam. 
And  the  sons  of  Zib'on :  'Ayah,  and  'Anah. 

41  ^  The  sons  of  'Anah:  Dishon.  And 
the  sons  of  Dishon:  Chamran,  and  Eshban, 
and  Yithran,  and  Cheran. 

42  1[  The  sons  of  Ezer:  Bilhan,  and  Za- 
'avan,  and  Ja'akan.  The  sons  of  Dishan: 
'Uz,  ahd  Aran. 


*  In  Gen.  xxxviii.,  Thimna'  is  the  concubine,  not  tlie 
son  of  Eliphaz. 
94a 


43  Tl  And  these  are  the  kings  that  reigned 
in  the  land  of  Edom  before  there  reigned  any 
king  over  the  children  of  Israel :  Bela'  the 
son  of  Be'or;  and  the  name  of  his  city  was 
Dinhabah. 

44  And  Bela'  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Jobab  the  son  of  Zerach  of  Bozrali. 

45  And  Jobab  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Chusham  of  the  land  of  Theman. 

46  And  Chusham  died,  and  there  reigned 
in  his  stead  Hadad  the  son  of  Bedad,  who 
smote  Midian  in  the  field  of  Moab;  and  the 
name  of  his  city  was  'Avith. 

47  And  Hadad  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Samlah  of  Massrekah. 

48  And  Samlah  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Saiil  of  Rechoboth  by  the  river. 

49  And  Saiil  died,  and  there  reigned  in 
his  stead  Ba'al-chanan  the  son  of  'Aclibor. 

50  And  Ba'al-chanan  died,  and  there  reign- 
ed in  his  stead  Hadad ;  and  the  name  of  his 
city  was  Pa'i;  and  the  name  of  his  wife 
was  Mehetabel,  the  daughter  of  Matred,  the 
daughter  of  Me-zahab. 

51  Hadad  died  also.  And  the  dukes  of 
Edom  were:  Duke  Thimna',  duke  'Alvah, 
duke  Jetheth, 

52  Duke  Aholibamah,  duke  Elah,  duke 
Pinon, 

53  Duke  Kenas,  duke  Theman,  duke  Mib- 
zar, 

54  Duke  Magdiel.  duke  "Iram.  These  are 
the  dukes  of  Edom. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  TJ  These  are  the  sons  of  Israel:  Reuben, 
Simeon,  Levi,  and  Judah,  Issachar,  and  Ze- 
bulun, 

2  Dan.  Joseph,  and  Benjamin,  Naphtali, 
Gad,  and  Asher. 

3  ][  The  sons  of  Judah  :  'Er,  and  Onan, 
and  Shelah,  the  three  (who)  were  bom  unto 
him  of  the  daughter  of  Shua'  the  Canaanitess. 
And  'Er,  the  first-born  of  Judah,  was  evil  in 
the  eyes  of  the  Lord  :  and  he  slew  him. 

4  And  Thamar  his  daughter-in-law  Ijore 
unto  him  Perez  and  Zerach.  All  the  sons  of 
Judah  were  five. 

5  The  sons  of  Perez :  Chezron  and  Chamul. 

6  T[  And  the  sons  of  Zerach :  Zimri,  and 
Ethan,  and  Heman,  and  Calcol,  and  Dara'; 
all  of  them  five. 

7  And    the    sons   of    Carmi :    'Achar  the 


1  CHRONICLES  II. 


tronbler  of  Israel,  who  trespassed  against  the 
'lovoted  things. 

8  And  the  sons  of  Ethan  :  'Azaryah. 

9  And  the  sons  of  Chezron,  that  were  born 
unto  liini :  Jerachraeel,  and  Ram,  and  Ke- 
Uibai. 

10  And  Ram  begat  'Amminadab,  and 
'Amminadab  begat  Machshon,  the  prince  of 
the  cliildren  of  Judah; 

1 1  And  Nachslion  begat  Sahiia,  and  Sahna 
begat  Bo'az, 

12  And  Bo'az  begat  'Obed,  and  'Obed  be- 
gat Jesse, 

13  And  Isliai  begat  his  first-born  EHab, 
and  Abinadab  the  second,  and  Shim'a  the 
third, 

14  Nathanel  the  fourth,  Raddai  the  fifth, 

15  Ozem  the  sixth.  David  the  seventh; 

16  And  their  sisters  were  Zeruyah,  and 
AbigayiL  And  the  sons  of  Zeruyah :  Ab- 
shai,  and  Joiib.  and  'Assahel.  three. 

17  And  Abigayil  bore  'Amassa:  and  the 
father  of  'Amassa  was  Jether  the  Ishme'elite. 

18  ^  And  Caleb  the  son  of  Chezron  begat 
(children)  of  'Azubah  his  wife,  and  of  Jeri'- 
oth;  and  these  are  her  sons:  Jesher,  and 
Shobab,  and  Ardon. 

1 9  And  'Azubah  died,  when  Caleb  took  unto 
himself  Ephrath,  who  bore  unto  him  Chur. 

20  And  Chur  begat  Uri,  and  Uri  begat 
Bezalel. 

21  And  afterward  came  Chezron  to  the 
daughter  of  Machir  the  father  of  Gii'ad,  and 
he  took  her  (for  wife)  when  he  was  sixty 
years  old;  and  she  bore  unto  him  Segub. 

22  And  Segub  begat  Ja'ir,  who  had  three 
and  twenty  cities  in  the  land  of  Gii'ad. 

23  But  Geshur  and  Aram  took  the  small 
towns  of  Ja'ir  from  them,  witli  Kenath,  and 
the  villages  thereof,  even  sixty  cities.  All 
these  (belonged  to)  the  sons  of  Machir  the 
father  of  Gii'ad. 

24  And  after  Chezron  was  dead  in  Caleb- 
ephratah,  then  bore  Chezron's  wife  Abiyah 
unto  him  Ashchur  the  father  of  Thekoa'. 

25  And  the  sons  of  Jerachmeel  the  first- 
born of  Chezron  were,  Ram  the  first-born, 
and  Bunah,  and  Oren,  and  Ozem,  and  Achi- 
yah. 

26  Yerachmeel  had  also  another  wife, 
whose  name  was  'Atarali  :  she  was  the 
mother  of  Onam. 

27  And  the  sons  of  Ram  the  lirst-lxirn  of 


Jerachmeel    were,    Ma'az,    and    Janiin,    and 
:Eker. 

28  And  the  sons  of  Onam  were,  Shammai, 
and  Jada'.  And  the  sons  of  Shammai :  Na- 
dab,  and  Abishur. 

29  And  the  name  of  the  wife  of  Abisiiui- 
was  Abichayil,  and  she  bore  unto  him  Acliljan. 
and  Molid. 

30  And  the  sons  of  Nadab:  Seled,  and  Ap- 
payim;  and  Seled  died  without  children. 

31  And  the  sons  of  Appayim  :  Yish'i.  And 
the  sons  of  Yish'i:  Sheshan.  And  the  sons 
of  Sheshan :  Achlai." 

32  And  the  sons  of  Jada  the  brother  of 
Shammai :  Jether,  and  Jonathan  ;  and  Jether 
died  without  children. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Jonathan  •.  Peleth,  and 
Zaza.     These  were  the  sons  of  Jerachmeel. 

34  Now  Sheshan  had  no  sons,  but  daugh'- 
ters.  And  Sheshan  had  a  servant,  an  Egyptian, 
whose  luime  was  Jarcha'. 

35  And  Sheshan  gave  his  daughter  unto 
Jarcha'  his  servant  for  wife:  and  she  bore 
unto  him  'Attai. 

36  And  'Attai  begat  Nathan,  and  Nathan 
begat  Zabad, 

37  And  Zabad  begat  Ephlal,  and  Ephlal 
begat  'Obed, 

38  And  'Obed  begat  Jehu,  and  Jeliu  Ijegat 
'Azaryah, 

39  And  'Azaryah  begat  Chelez,  and  Che- 
lez  begat  El'assah, 

40  And  El'assah  begat  Sissmai,  and  Siss- 
mai  begat  Shallum, 

41  And  Shallum  begat  Jekamyah,  and  Je- 
kamyah  begat  Elishama'. 

42  Now  the  sons  of  Caleb  the  brother  of 
Jerachmeel  were,  Mesha',  his  first-born,  who 
was  the  iather  of  Ziph,  and  of  the  sons  of 
Mareshah  the  father  of  Hebron. 

43  And  the  sons  of  Hebron:  Korach,  and 
Thappuach,  and  Rekem,  and  Shema'. 

44  And  Shema'  begat  Racham,  the  father 
of  Jorke'am;  and  Rekem  begat  Shammai. 

45  And  the  son  of  Shammai  was  Ma'on; 
and  Ma'on  was  the  father  of  Beth-zur. 

46  And  'Ephah,  Caleb's  concubine,  bore 
Charan,  and  Moza,  and  Gazez;  and  Charan 
begat  Gazez. 

47  And  the  sons  of  Jahdai:   Regem.  and 


'  Rashi  renders,  "  the    sons    of  Shesban  were   sicklj^ 
(and  died  childless), 

94S 


1  CHRONICLES  II.  III.  IV. 


Jotham,  and  Gesliam,  and  Pelet,  and  'Ephah, 
and  Siia'aph. 

48  Ma'achah,  Caleb's  concubine,  bore  She-" 
ber,  and  Tirchanab. 

49  She  bore  also  Sha'apb  the  father  of 
Madmannah,  Sheva  the  father  of  Machbena, 
and  the  father  of  Gib'a:  and  the  daughter  of 
Caleb  was  'Achsah. 

50  These  were  the  sons  of  CalelK  Ben- 
chur,  the  first-born  of  Ephratah,  Sliobal  the 
father  of  Kiryath-ye'arim, 

51  Salma  the  father  of  Beth-lechem,  Cha- 
reph  the  father  of  Beth-gader. 

52  And  Shobal  the  father  of  Kir'yath-ye'a- 
rim  had  sons :  Ilaroeh,  and  Chazi-hammenu- 
choth." 

53  And  the  families  of  Kir'yath-ye'arim  are 
the  Yithrites,  and  the  Puthites,  and  the  Shu- 
mathites,  and  the  Mishra'ites :  from  these 
came  the    Zor'athites,  and  the  Eshthaiilites. 

54  The  sons  of  Salma  :  Beth-lechem,  and 
the  Netophathites,  'Ataroth''  of  the  house  of 
Joab,  and  Chazi-hammanachthi,  the  Zoi-'ite. 

55  And  the  families  of  the  scribes"  who 
dwelt  at  Jabez :  the  Thirathites,  the  Shim'a- 
thites,  and  Suchathites.  These  are  the  Ke- 
nites  that  came  from  Chammath,  the  father 
of  the  house  of  Rechab. 

CHAPTER  TIL 

1  ^  And  these  were  the  sons  of  David,  who 
were  born  unto  him  in  Hebron  :  The  first- 
born, Amnon,  of  Achino'ara  the  Jizre'elitess; 
the  second,  Daniel,  of  Abigayil  the  Carmel- 
itess ; 

2  The  third,  Alxshalom  the  son  of  Ma'achah 
the  daughter  of  Thalmal  the  king  of  Geshur ; 
the  fourth,  Adoniyah  the  son  of  Chaggith; 

?>  The  fifth,  Shephatyah  of  Abltal ;  the 
sixth.  Yithre'am  of  'Eglah  his  wife. 

4  Six  were  Ijorn  unto  him  in  Hebron  :  and 
he  reigned  there  seven  years  and  six  months; 
and  thirty  and  three  years  he  reigned  in 
Jerusalem. 

5  ^[  And  theaa  were  born  unto  him  in 
Jerusalem  :  Shim'a,  aud  Sliobab,  and  Nathan, 
and  Solomon,  four,  of  Bathshua'  the  daugh- 
ter of  'Ammiel ; 

6  And  Yibchar,  and  Elishama',  and  Eli- 
phelet, 

*  Rashi,  "the  ruler  over  half  the  province  of  Menu- 
choth."  •>  Philipp.s(iii,  "'Atrolh,  Beth-joab." 

°  Others,  So^ihcrim,  uh  a  pnijicr  imuu. 
944 


7  And  Nogah,  and  Nepheg,  and  Japhia', 

8  And  Elishama',  and  Elyada,'  and  Eli- 
phelet,  nine. 

9  (These  were)  all  the  sons  of  David,  be- 
side the  sons  of  the  concubines,  and  Thamar 
their  sister. 

10  Tl  And  Solomon's  son  was  Rehobo'am, 
Abiyah  his  son,  Assa  his  son,  Jehoshaphat 
his  son, 

11  Joram  his  son,  Achazyahu  his  son, 
JoJish  his  son, 

12  Amazyahu  his  son,  'Azaryah  his  son, 
Jotham  his  son, 

13  Achaz  his  son,  Hezekiah  his  son,  Me- 
nasseh  his  son, 

14  Anion  his  son,  Josiah  his  son. 

15  And  the  sons  of  Josiah  were,  the  first- 
born Jochanan,  the  second  Jehoyakim,  the 
third  Zedekiah,  the  fourth  Shallum. 

16  And  the  sons  of  Jehoyakim  :  Jechon- 
yah  his  son,  Zedekiah  his  son. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Jechonyah :  Assir. 
Shealthiel  his  son, 

18  And  Malkiram,  and  Pedayah,  and  Shen 
azzar,  .Jekamyah,  Hoshama',  and  Nedabyah. 

19  And  the  sons  of  Pedayah*  were,  Zerub- 
babel,  and  Shim'i :  and  the  sons  of  Zerub- 
babel  were,  Meshullam,  and  Chananyah,  and 
Shelomith  their  sister ; 

20  And  Chashubah,  and  Ohel,  and  Berech- 
yah,  and  Chassad3^ah,  Jushab-chessed,  five. 

21  And  the  sons  of  Chananyah  :  Pelatyah, 
and  Jesha'yah  ;  the  sons  of  Rephayah,  the 
sons  of  Arnan,  the  sons  of  'Obadiah,  the  sons 
of  Shechanyah. 

22  And  the  sons  of  Shechanyah :  She- 
ma'yah ;  and  the  sons  of  Shema'yah  were, 
Chattush.  and  Yigal,  and  Bariach,  and  Ne'ar- 
yab,  and  Shaphat,  six. 

23  And  the  sons  of  Ne'aryah  :  Elyo'enai, 
and  Hezekiah,  and  'Azrikam,  three. 

24  And  the  sons  of  Elyo'enai  were,  Ho- 
davyahu,  and  Elyashib,  and  Pelayah,  and 
'Akkub,  and  Jochanan,  and  Delayah,  and 
'Anani,  seven. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Tl  The  sons  of  Judah:  Perez,  Chezron, 
and  Carmi,  and  Chur,  and  Shobal. 

2  And  Reayah  the  son   of  Shobal   begat 

*  Eedak  suggests  that  Pedayah  may  have  been  the  son 
of  Shoiilthiel,  wherefore  Zei'ubbabel  is  called  elsewhere  the 
son  of  Shealthiel. 


1  CHRONICLES  IV. 


Jachath  ;  and  Jacliath  begat  Acluiiuai,  and 
Laliad.  These  are  the  families  of  the  Zor'ath- 
ites. 

3  Tf  Aiid  these  were  (those  of)  the  father  of 
'Etain,  Jizre'el,  and  Yishnia,  and  Yidbash : 
and  the  name  of  their  sister  was  Hazzelel})oni. 

4  And  Penuel  the  father  of  Gedor,  and 
'Ezer  the  father  of  Chushah.  These  are  the 
sons  of  Cliur.  the  first-born  of  Ephratali,  the 
father  of  Beth-lechem. 

5  And  Ashchur  the  father  of  Thekoa  had 
two  wives,  Chehili  and  Na'arah. 

6  And  Na'arah  bore  him  Achuzzam,  and 
Chepher,  and  Themeni,  and  Halichashthari. 
These  were  the  sons  of  Na'arah. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Chehih  were,  Zereth,  and 
Zochar,  and  Ethnan. 

8  And  Koz  begat  'Anub  and  Hazzobebah, 
and  the  families  of  Acharchel  the  son  ol'  Ha- 
ruiu. 

9  And  Ja'bez  was  more  honoural)le  than 
his  brothers;  and  his  mother  called  his 
name  Ja'bez,  saying,  Because  I  bore  him  in 
pain. 

10  And  Ja'bez  called  on  the  God  of  Israel, 
saying.  Oh  that  thou  wouldst  bless  me  in- 
deed, and  enlarge  my  boundary,  and  that 
thy  hand  might  be  with  me,  and  that  thou 
wouldst  act  for  me  against  the  evil,  that  it 
may  not  give  me  pain  !  And  God  granted 
him  what  lie  had  asked  for. 

11  And  Kelub  the  brother  of  Shuchah  be- 
gat Mechir,  who  was  the  father  of  Eshthon. 

12  And  Eshthon  begat  Beth-rapha,  and 
Passeiich,  and  Techinnah  the  father  of  'Ir- 
nachash.     These  are  the  men  of  Rechah. 

13  And  the  sons  of  Kenas  :  'Othniel  and 
Serayah.  And  the  sons  of  'Othniel :  Cha- 
thath. 

14  And  Me'onothai  begat  'Ophrah  :  and 
Serayah  begat  Joiib,  the  father"  of  tlie  valley 
of  the  carpenters ;  for  they  were  carpenters. 

15  And  the  sons  of  Caleb  the  son  of  Je- 
phunneh  :  'Iru,  Elah,  and  Na'am.  And  the 
sons  of  Elah  :  Ukenas. 

IG  And  the  sons  of  Jehalelel :  Ziph,  and 
Ziphah,  Thireya,  and  Assarel. 

17  And  the  sons  of  'Ezi'ah :  Jether,  and 
Mered,   and    'Epher,   and   Jalon.      And    she 


'  The  word  "father"  here  used,  as  also  frequently  in 
these  genealogies,  means  ancestor  nf  the  people  of  the  place 
lueutioued. 

0  T 


conceived  (and  bore)''  Miriam,  and  Shammal, 
and  Yishbach  the  father  of  Eshtheinoa. 

18  And  his  wife  the  Jewess  bore  Jered  the 
father  of  Gedor,  and  Cheber  the  father  of 
Socho,  and  Jekuthiel  the  father  of  ZanoUch. 
And  these  are  the  sons  of  Bithyah  the  daugh- 
ter of  Pharaoh,  whom  Mered  had  ttiken  (for 
wife) . 

19  And  the  sons  of  the  wife  of  Hodiyah 
the  sister  of  Nacham:  The  lather  of  Kei'lah 
the  Garmite,  and  Eshthemoa  the  Ma'achath- 
ite. 

20  And  the  sons  of  Shimon  :  Annion,  and 
Rinnah,  Ben-chanan,  and  Thilon.  And  the 
sons  of  Yish'i  were,  Zocheth,  and  Ben-zoclietli. 

21  The  sons  of  Shelah  the  son  of  Judali: 
'Er  the  father  of  Lechah,  and  La'dah  the 
father  of  Mareshah,  and  the  families  of  the 
house  of  those  that  wrought  fine  linen,  of  the 
house  of  Ashbeti', 

22  And  Jokim,  and  the  men  of  Coze1)a, 
and  Joilsh,  and  Saraph,  who  had  dominion 
in  Motib,  and  Jashulai-lechem.  And  these 
are  ancient  things. 

23  There  were  the  potters,  and  those  that 
dwelt  in  plantations  and  sheepfolds :  for  the 
king's  sake  to  do  his  work  they  dwelt  there. 

24  ^  The  sons  of  Simeon  :  Nemuel,  and 
Jamin,  Jarib,  Zerach,  and  Saiil. 

25  Shallum  his  son,  Mibsam  his  son,  Mish- 
ma'  his  son. 

26  And  the  sons  of  Mishma' :  Hamuel  his 
son,  Zaccur  his  son,  Shim'i  his  son. 

27  And  Shim'i  had  sixteen  sons  and  six 
daughters;  but  his  brethren  had  not  many 
children,  nor  did  all  their  famih'  multiply, 
equal  to  the  children  of  Judah. 

28  And  thej'  dwelt  at  Beer-sheba',  and 
Moladah,  and  Chazar-shu'al, 

29  And  at  Bilhah,  and  at  'Ezem,  and  at 
Tholad, 

30  And  at  Bethuel,  and  at  Chormali,  and 
at  Ziklag, 

31  And  at  Beth-marcaboth,  and  Chazar- 
sussim,  and  at  Beth-biri,  and  at  Sha'arayim. 
These  were  their  cities  until  the  reign  of  David. 

32  And  their  villages  were  'Etam,  and 
'Ayin,  Rimmon,  and  Tochen,  and  'Ashan,  five 
cities ; 

''  It  is  probable  that  the  latter  part  of  verse  18  should 
be  transposed  before  this  passage,  so  that  "she"  spoken 
of  here  is  Billi\ah. 

945 


1  CHRONICLES  IV.  V. 


33  And  all  their  villages  that  were  round 
about  these  same  cities,  as  far  as  Ba'al.  These 
were  their  dwelling-places,  and  after  them 
are  thej  recorded." 

34  And  Meshobab,  and  Jamlech,  and  Jo- 
shah  the  son  of  Amazyah, 

35  And  Joel,  and  Jehu  the  son  of  Joshib- 
yah,  the  son  of  Serayah,  the  son  of  'Assiel, 

36  And  Elyo'enai  and  Ja'akobah,  and  Je- 
shochayah,  and  'Assayah,  and  'Adiel,  and 
Jessimiel,  and  Benayah, 

37  And  Ziza  the  son  of  Shiph'i,  the  son  of 
Allon,  the  son  of  Jedayah,  the  son  of  Shiniri, 
the  son  of  Shema'yah : 

38  These  mentioned  hy  their  names  were 
princes  in  their  families;  and  their  family 
divisions  spread  themselves  out  greatly. 

39  And  they  went  to  the  entrance  of  Ge- 
dor,  as  far  as  the  east  side  of  the  valley,  to 
seek  pasture  for  their  flocks. 

40  And  they  found  a  fat  and  good  pas- 
ture, and  the  land  was  roomy,  and  quiet,  and 
peaceable ;  for  descendants  of  Ham  dwelt 
there  before  that  time. 

41  And  then  came  these  written  down  by- 
name in  the  days  of  Hezekiah  the  king  of 
Judah,  and  smote  their  tents,  and  the  ha- 
bitations^ that  were  found  there,  and  de- 
stroyed them  utterly  unto  this  day,  and 
dwelt  in  their  stead;  because  there  was  pas- 
ture there  for  their  flocks. 

42  And  some  of  them,  even  of  the  sons  of 
Simeon,  five  hundred  men,  went  to  mount 
Se'ir  having  at  their  head  Pelatyah,  and 
Ne'aryah,  and  Rephayah,  and  'Uzziel,  the 
sons  of  Yish'i. 

43  And  they  smote  the  rest  of  the  'Amalek- 
ites''  that  were  escaped,  and  dwelt  there  unto 
this  day. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  ^  And  the  sons  of  Reuben  the  first-born 
of  Israel — for  he  was  the  first-born;  but, 
when  he  defiled  his  father's  l)ed,  was  his 
biithright  given  unto  the  sons  of  Joseph  the 
son  of  Israel :  so  that  the  genealogy  is  not  to 
be  reckoned  after  the  first-birth. 

2  For  Judah  became  the  mightiest  of  his 
brothers,    and   the    prince    descended    from 


•  Znnz. 

''  Others,  iiiit  "the  iiiliiibitaiits,"  but  "Me'unim,"  tbc 
people  of  Ma'on. 
946 


him:    while   the  first^birthright  belonged   to 
Joseph. — 

3  ^  The  sons  of  Reuben  the  first-born  of 
Israel  were,  Chanoch,  and  Pallu,  Chezron, 
and  Carmi. 

4  The  sons  of  Joel :  Shema'yah  his  son, 
Gog  his  son,  Shim'i  his  son, 

5  Michah  his  son,  Reayah  his  son,  Ba'al 
his  son, 

6  Beerah  his  son,  whom  Tilgath-pilneesser 
the  king  of  Assyria  carried  into  exile :  he  was 
the  prince  of  the  Reiibenites. 

7  And  his  brethren  by  their  families,  ac- 
cording to  their  genealogy  after  their  genera- 
tions, were,  the  chief,  Je'iel,  and  Zecharyahu, 

8  And  Bela'  the  son  of  'Azaz,  the  son  of 
Shema',  the  son  of  Joel,  who  dwelt  in  'Aro'er, 
and  as  far  as  Nebo  and  Ba'al-me'on; 

9  And  to  the  eastward  he  dwelt  as  fiir  as 
the  entrance  of  the  wilderness  from  the  river 
Euphrates;*  because  their  cattle  were  nume- 
rous in  the  land  of  Gil'ad. 

10  And  in  the  days  of  Saiil  they  made 
war  with  the  Hagarenes,  who  fell  by  their 
hand;  and  they  dwelt  in  their  tents  in  the 
whole  front  of  the  land  to  the  east  of  Gil'ad. 

11  T[  And  the  children  of  Gad  dwelt  along- 
side of  them,  in  the  land  of  Bashan  as  far  as 
Salchah. 

12  Joel  the  chief,  and  Shapham  the  next, 
and  Ja'nai,  and  Shaphat  in  Bashan. 

13  And  their  brethren  according  to  their 
family  divisions  were,  Michael,  and  Meshul- 
1am,  and  Sheba',  and  Jorai,  and  Ya'kan,  and 
Zia',  and  "Eber,  seven. 

14  ^  These  are  the  children  of  Abichayil 
the  son  of  Churi,  the  son  of  Jaroiich,  the  son 
of  Gil'ad,  the  son  of  Michael,  the  son  of  Jeshi- 
shai,  the  son  of  Jachdo,  the  son  of  Buz : 

15  Achi  the  son  of  Abdiel,  the  son  of  Guni, 
the  chief  of  their  family  division. 

16  And  they  dwelt  in  Gil'ad,  in  Bashan, 
and  in  its  minor  towns,  and  in  all  the  open 
districts  of  Sliaron,  as  far  as  their  terminations. 

17  All  these  were  recorded  by  their  gene- 
alogies in  the  days  of  Jotham  the  king  of 
Judah,  and  in  the  days  of  Jerobo'am  the  king 
of  Israel. 

18  ^   The  sons  of  Reuben,  and  the  Gad- 


°  t.  e.  From  the  defeat  which  they  suflFered  at  the  hriiuls 
of  Saiil,  the  first  king  of  Israel. 

''  i.  c.  The  desert  which  commences  there. 


1  CHRONICLES  V.  VI. 


ites,  and  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  of  valiant 
men,  men  able  to  beai-  shield  and  sword, 
and  to  draw  the  bow,  and  practised  in  war, 
were  four  and  forty  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  sixty,  that  went  out  to  the  ai-mj'. 

19  And  they  made  war  with  the  Haga- 
renes,  and  Jetur,  and  Naphish,  and  Nodab. 

20  And  they  obtained  help  against  them, 
and  the  Hagarenes  were  delivered  into  their 
hand,  and  all  that  were  with  them;  for  to 
God  the}-  cried  in  the  battle,  and  he  was  en- 
treated lay  them;  because  they  put  their  trust 
in  him. 

21  And  they  led  away  captive  their  cat- 
tle: of  their  camels  fifty  thousand,  and  of 
sheep  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand,  and 
of  asses  two  thousand,  and  of  human  Ijeings 
one  hundred  thousand. 

22  For  there  fell  down  many  slain ;  because 
the  war  was  of  God.  And  they  dwelt  in 
their  stead  until  the  exile. 

23  ^  And  the  children  of  the  half  tribe  of 
Menasseh  dwelt  in  the  land:  from  Bashan 
unto  Ba'al-chermon  and  Senir  and  mount 
Chermon  were  they  numerous. 

24  And  these  were  the  heads  of  their 
family  divisions:  namely,  'Epher,  and  Yish'i, 
and  Eliel,  and  'Azriel,  and  Jeremiah,  and 
Hodavyah,  and  Jachdiel,  mighty  men  of  va- 
lour, famous  men,  (and)  heads  of  their  family- 
divisions. 

25  ^  But  they  trespassed  against  the  God 
of  their  fathers,  and  went  astray  after  the 
gods  of  the  people  of  the  land,  whom  God 
had  destroyed  from  before  them. 

26  And  the  God  of  Israel  stirred  up  the 
spirit  of  Pul  the  king  of  Assyria,  and  the 
spirit  of  Tilgath-pilnesser  the  king  of  Assyria, 
and  he  carried  them  into  exile,  even  the 
Relibenites,  and  the  Gadites,  and  the  half 
tribe  of  Menasseh,  and  brought  them  unto 
Chalach,  and  Chabor.  and  Hara.  and  to  the 
river  Gozan,  even  until  this  day. 

27'  Tf  The  sons  of  Levi :  Gershon,  Kehat-h, 
and  Merari. 

28  ^[  And  the  sons  of  Kehath :  'Amrara, 
Yizhar,  and  Chebron,  and  'Uzziel. 

29  ^  And  the  children  of  'Amram :  Aa- 
ron, and  Moses,  and  Miriam.  And  the  sons 
of  Aaron:  Nadab,  and  Abihu,  El'azar,  and 
Ithamar. 

'  The  English  version  conHneuce.<  here  ohapttr  vi. 


30  El'azar  begat  Phineluus.  Phinehas  l)egat 
Abishua', 

31  And  Abishua'  begat  Bukki,  and  Uiikki 
begat  'Uzzi, 

32  And  'Uzzi  begat  Zerachyali.  and  Zcracli- 
yah  begat  Merayoth, 

33  Merayoth  begat  Amaryah.  anil  Aiiiar- 
yah  begat  Achitub, 

34  And  Achitub  begat  Zadnk.  and  Zadok 
begat  Achima'az, 

35  And  Achima'az  begat  'Azaryah,  and 
'Azar^ah  begat  Jochanan, 

36  And  Jochanan  begat  'Azaryah,  he  it  is 
that  officiated  as  priest  in  the  house  that 
Solomon  had  built  in  Jerusalem ; 

37  And  'Azaryah  begat  Aiuaiyah,  and 
Amaryah  begat  Achitub, 

38  And  Achitub  begat  Zadok,  and  Zadok 
begat  Shallum, 

39  And  Shallum  begat  Chilkiyah,  and 
Chilkiyah  begat  'Azaryah, 

40  And  'Azaryah  begat  Serayah,  and  Se- 
rayah  begat  Jehozadak, 

41  And  Jehozadak  went  away,  wlien  the 
Lord  carried  Judah  and  Jerusalem  into  exile 
through  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  T[  The  sons  of  Levi :  Gershom,  Kehath, 
and  Merari. 

2  And  these  ai-e  the  names  of  the  sons  of 
Gershom:  Libni,  and  Shim'i. 

3  And  the  sons  of  Kehath  were.  'Auiram, 
and  Yizhar,  and  Chebron,  and  'Uzziel. 

4  The  sons  of  Merari:  Machli,  and  Muslii. 
And  these  are  the  families  of  the  Levites  ac- 
cording to  their  fathers. 

5  Of  Gershom :  Liljni  his  son,  Jachath  his 
son,  Zimmah  his  son, 

6  Yoiich  his  son,  'Iddo  his  son,  Zerach  his 
son,  Yeiitherai  his  son. 

7  The  sons  of  Kehath:  'Amminadab  his 
son,  Koracli  his  son.  Assir  his  son, 

8  Elkanah  his  son,  and  Ebyassaph  his  son, 
and  Assir  his  son, 

9  Tachath  his  son,  Uriel  his  son,  'Uzziyah 
his  son,  and  Saiil  his  son. 

10  And  the  sons  of  Elkanah:  'Amassai, 
and  Achimoth, 

11  (And)  Elkanah.  The  sons  of  Elkanah  : 
Zophai  his  son,  and  Nachath  his  son. 

12  Eliiib  his  son,  Jerocham  his  son.  Elka- 

„  nab  his  son. 

'■HI 


1  CHRONICLES  VI. 


13  And  the  sons  of  Samuel :  the  first-born 
Vashni,  and  Abiyah. 

14  The  sons  of  Merari :  Machli,  Libni  his 
son,  Sliim'i  liis  son,  'Uzzali  his  son, 

15  Shini'a  his  son,  Chaggiyah  his  son,  'As- 
sayah  his  son. 

16  ^  And  these  are  those  whom  David 
appointed  for  the  purpose  of  conducting  the 
singing  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  after  the 
ark  had  a  resting-place. 

17  And  they  ministered  before  the  taber- 
nacle of  the  tent  of  the  congregation  with 
singing,  until  Solomon  built  the  house  of  the 
Lord  in  Jerusalem ;  and  they  acted"  accord- 
ing to  their  prescribed  manner  in  their  ser- 
vice. 

18  And  these  are  those  that  so  acted  with 
their  sons.  Of  the  sons  of  the  Kehathites : 
Heman  the  singer,  the  son  of  Joel,  the  son  of 
Samuel, 

19  The  son  of  Elkanah,  the  son  of  Je- 
rocham,  the  son  of  Eliel,  the  son  of  Toach, 

20  The  son  of  Zuph,  the  son  of  Elkanah, 
the  son  of  Machath,  the  son  of  'Amassai, 

21  The  son  of  Elkanah,  the  son  of  Joel, 
the  son  of  'Azaryah,  the  son  of  Zephanyah, 

22  The  son  of  Tachath,  the  son  of  Assir, 
the  son  of  Ebyassaph,  the  son  of  Korach, 

23  The  son  of  Yizhar,  the  son  of  Kehath, 
the  son  of  Levi,  the  son  of  Israel. 

24  ^  And  his  relative  Assaph  was  he,  who 
stood  on  his  right  hand,  (even)  Assaph  the 
son  of  Berachyah,  the  son  of  Shim'a, 

2-3  Tlie  son  of  Michael,  the  son  of  Ba'as- 
seyah,  the  son  of  Malkiyah, 

26  The  son  of  Ethni,  the  son  of  Zerach, 
the  son  of  'Adayah, 

27  The  son  of  Ethan,  the  son  of  Zimmah, 
the  son  of  Shim'i, 

28  The  son  of  Jachath,  the  son  of  Ger- 
shom,  the  son  of  Levi. 

29  ^  And  their  brethren  the  sons  of  Me- 
rari (stood)  on  the  left  hand  :  Ethan  the  son 
of  Kishi,  the  son  of  'Abdi,  the  son  of  Mallucli, 

30  The  son  of  Chashabyah,  the  son  of 
Amazyah,  the  son  of  Chilkiyah, 

31  The  son  of  Anizi,  the  son  of  Bani,  the 
son  of  Shamer, 

32  The  son  of  Machli,  the  son  of  Mushi, 
the  son  of  Merari,  the  son  of  Levi. 

33  And  their  brethren  the  Levites  were 


liit.  "stouil." 


y48 


superadded  for  all  manner  of  service  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  house  of  God. 

34  But  Aaron  and  his  sons  oflfered  upon 
the  altar  of  the  burnt-offering,  and  upon  the 
altar  of  incense,  (and  were)  for  all  the  work 
of  the  most  holy  place,  and  to  make  an  atone- 
ment for  Israel,  in  accordance  with  all  that 
Moses  the  servant  of  God  had  commanded. 

35  T[  And  these  are  the  sons  of  Aaron  : 
El'azar  his  son,  Phinehas  his  son,  Abishua' 
his  son, 

36  Bukki  his  son,  'Uzzi  his  son,  Zerachyah 
his  son, 

37  Merayoth  his  son,  Amaryah  his  son, 
Achitub  his  son, 

38  Zadok  his  son,  Achima'az  his  son. 

39  ^  And  these  are  their  dwelling-places 
with  their  castles''  in  their  boundaries :  unto 
the  sons  of  Aaron,  of  the  families  of  the  Ke- 
hathites ;  for  theirs  was  the  (first)  lot, — 

40  And  they  gave  unto  them  Hebron  in 
the  land  of  Judah,  with  its  open  spaces 
round  about  it. 

41  But  the  fields  of  the  city,  and  its  vil- 
lages, they  gave  to  Caleb  the  son  Jephunneh. 

42  11  And  to  the  sons  of  Aaron  they  gave 
(of)  the  cities  of  refuge  Hebron,  and  Libnah 
with  its  open  spaces,  and  Jattir,  and  Eshthe- 
moa',  with  its  open  spaces, 

43  And  Chilen  with  its  open  spaces,  Debir 
with  its  open  spaces, 

44  And  'Ashan  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Beth-shemesh  with  its  open  spaces. 

45  11  And  from  the  tribe  of  Benjamin, 
Geba'  v/ith  its  open  spaces,  and  'Alemeth 
with  its  open  spaces,  and  'Anathoth  with  its 
open  spaces.  And  all  their  cities  were  thir- 
teen cities  after  their  families. 

46  H  And  unto  the  sons  of  Kehath  that 
were  left  of  the  family  of  tliat  tribe,  (were 
given)  from  the  half  tribe,  the  half  tribe  of 
Menasseh,  by  lot,  ten  cities. 

47  U  And  to  the  sons  of  Gershom  after 
their  families,  from  the  tribe  of  Issachar,  and 
from  the  tribe  of  Asher,  and  from  the  tribe 
of  Naphtali,  and  from  the  tribe  of  Menasseh 
in  Bashan,  (were  given)  thirteen  cities. 

48  H  Unto  the  sons  of  Merari  after  their 
families,  from  the  tribe  of  Eeiiben,  and  from 
the  tribe  of  Gad,  and  from  the  tribe  of  Zebu- 
lun,  (were  given)  by  lot,  twelve  cities. 


'  '/tunz,  "  llirii>lu  iJ'CmIiIj;."'    I  l(rs,lii 


'  ti'iit-villages. 


1  CHRONICLES  Vll. 


49  And  the  children  of  Israel  gave  to 
the  Levites  these  cities  with  their  open 
spaces. 

50  And  they  gave  by  lot  from  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Judah,  and  from  the  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Simeon,  and  from  tlie  tribe  of 
the  children  of  Benjamin  these  cities,  which 
they  called  by  names. 

51  ^[  And  some  of  the  families  of  the  sons 
of  Kehath  had  the  cities  of  their  territory 
from  the  tribe  of  Ephraim. 

52  And  they  gave  unto  them,  (of)  the 
cities  of  refuge  Sechem  with  its  open  spaces 
in  the  nrountain  of  Eiihraim,  and  Gezer 
with  its  open  spaces, 

53  And  Jokme'am  witli  its  open  spaces, 
and  Betli-chorou  with  its  open  spaces, 

54  And  Ayalon  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Gath-rimmon  with  its  open  spaces. 

55  And  from  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh  : 
'Aner  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Bil'am  with 
its  open  spaces,  for  the  family  of  the  remain- 
ing portion  of  the  sons  of  Kehath. 

56  ]f  Unto  the  sons  of  Gershom  (were 
given)  from  the  family  of  the  half  tribe  of 
Menasseh,  Golan  in  Bashan  with  its  open 
spaces,  and  'Ashtaroth  with  its  open  spaces. 

57  Tf  And  from  the  tribe  of  Issachar  :  Ke- 
desh  with  its  open  spaces,  Dobratli  with  its 
open  spaces, 

58  And  Ramoth  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
'Anera  with  its  open  spaces. 

59  ^  And  from  the  tribe  of  Aslier  :  Mashal 
with  its  open  spaces,  and  'Abdon  with  its 
open  spaces, 

60  And  Cliukok  with  its  open  spaces,  and 
Rechob  with  its  open  spaces. 

61  ][  And  from  the  tribe  of  Naphtali :  Ke- 
desh  in  Galilee  with .  its  open  spaces,  and 
Chammon  with  its  open  spaces,  and  Kir- 
yathayim  with  its  open  spaces. 

62  *i\  Unto  the  remaining  portion  of  the 
children  of  Merari  (were  given)  from  the 
tribe  of  Zebulun,  Rimmono  with  its  open 
spaces,  Tabor  with  its  open  spaces. 

63  And  on  the  other  side  the  Jordan  by 
Jericho,  on  the  east  side  of  Jordan,  from  the 
tribe  of  Reuben,  Bezer  in  the  wilderness  with 
its  open  spaces,  and  Jahzah  with  its  open 
spaces, 

64  And  Kedemoth  with  its  open  spaces, 
and  Mepha'ath  with  its  open  spaces. 

65  Tl  And  from  the  tribe  of  Gad  :  Ramoth 


in   Gila'd  with  its  open   spaces,  and  MiU'liiu 
nayim  with  its  open  spaces, 

06  And  Cheshbon  with  its  open  spaces, 
and  Ja'azer  with  its  open  spaces. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

1  ]|  And  the  sons  of  Issachar  were,  Tola', 
and  Puah,  Yashub,  and  Shimron,  tour. 

2  And  the  sons  of  Tola' :  'Uzzi,  and  Re- 
phayah,  and  Jeriel,  and  Jachmai,  and  Yibsam, 
and  Shemuel,  heads  of  their  family  divisions, 
of  Tola',  being  valiant  men  of  might,  after 
their  descent.  Their  number  in  the  days  of 
David  was  two  and  twenty  thousand  and  six 
hundred. 

3  ^  And  the  sons  of 'Uzzi:  Yizrachyah. 
And  the  sons  of  Yizrachyah  :  Michael,  and 
'Obadiah,  and  Joel,  Y^ishiyah,  five,  chief  men 
all  of  them. 

4  And  with  them  according  to  their  de- 
scent, after  their  family  divisions,  were  bands 
of  the  army  for  war,  six  and  thirty  thousand 
men ;  for  they  had  many  wives  and  sons. 

5  And  their  bret.hren  of  all  the  families  of 
Issachar  were  valiant  men  of  might,  eighty 
and  seven  thousand  reckoned  by  their  gene- 
alogies in  all. 

6  ^  Of  Benjamin  :  Bela',  and  Becher,  and 
Jedi'ael,  three. 

7  And  the  sons  of  Bela' :  Ezbon,  and  'Uzzi, 
and  'Uzziel,  and  Jerimoth,  and  'Iri,  five,  heads 
of  t\imily  divisions,  being  mighty  men  of  va^ 
lour;  and  they  were  reckoned  by  their  gene- 
alogies twenty  and  two  thousand  and  thirty 
and  four. 

8  ^  And  the  sons  of  Beclier :  Zeniirali,  and 
Jo'ash,  and  Eli'ezer,  and  Elyo'enai,  and  'Omri, 
and  Jeremoth,  and  Abiyah,  and  'Anathoth, 
and  'Alemeth.  All  these  are  the  sons  of 
Becher. 

9  And  reckoned  by  their  genealogy  after 
their  descent,  heads  of  their  family  divisions, 
mighty  men  of  valour,  there  were  twenty 
thousand  and  two  hundred. 

10  ^1  And  the  sons  of  Jedi'ael  :  Bilhan. 
And  the  sons  of  Bilhan  :  Je'ush,  and  Benja- 
min, and  Ehud,  and  Kenaanah,  and  Zetliau, 
and  Tharshish,  and  Achishachar. 

11  All  these  the  sons  of  Jedi'ael,  by  the 
heads  of  their  divisions,  being  mighty 
men  of  valour,  were  seventeen  thousand 
and  two  hundred,  fit  to  go  out  to  the  army 
lor  war. 

949 


1  CHRONICLES  VII.  VIII. 


12  And  Sluippim,  and  Chuppiin,  the  chil- 
dren of  'Ir,  and  Chushim,  the  sons  of  Acher.* 

13  ^  The  sons  of  Naphtali:  Jachziel,  and 
Guni,  and  Jezer,  and  Shallum,  the  sons  of 
Bilhah. 

14  ^  The  sons  of  Menasseh:  Assriel, 
whom  (his  wife)''  bore;  his  concubine  the 
Aramitess  bore  Machir  the  father  of  Gil'ad. 

15  And  Machir  took  for  wife  (the"  sister) 
of  Chuppim  and  Shuppim,  whose  sister's 
name  was  Ma'achah.  And  the  name  of  the 
second  was  Zelophchad  :  and  Zelophchad  had 
daugliters. 

16  And  Ma'achah  the  wife  of  Machir  bore 
a  son,  and  she  called  his  name  Peresh;  and 
the  name  of  his  brother  was  Sheresh;  and 
his  sons  were  Ulam  and  Eekem. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Ulam :  Bedan.  These 
were  the  sons  of  Gil'ad,  the  son  of  Machir, 
the  son  of  Menasseh. 

18  And  his  sister  Hammolechetli  bore 
Ishhod,  and  Abi'ezer,  and  Machlah. 

19  And  the  sons  of  Shemida'  were,  Ach- 
yan,  and  Shechem,  and  Likchi,  and  Ani'am. 

20  ^  And  the  sons  of  Ephraim:  Shuthe- 
lach,and  Bered  his  son,  and  Tachath  his  son, 
and  El'adah  his  son,  and  Tachath  his  son, 

21  And  Zabad  his  son,  and  Shuthelach  his 
son,  and  'Ezer,  and  El'ad,  whom  the  men  of 
Gath  that  were  born  in  that  land  slew,  when 
they  came  down  to  take  away  their  cattle. 

22  And  Ephraim  their  father  mourned 
many  days,  and  his  brethren  came  to  com- 
fort him. 

23  And  he  went  in  to  his  wife,  and  she 
conceived,  and  bore  a  son,  and  he  called  his 
name  Beri'ah,  because  misfortune*  had  come 
into  his  house. 

24  And  his  daughter  was  Sheerah,  who 
built  Beth-choron  the  lower,  and  the  upper, 
and  Uzzen-sheerah. 

25  And  Rephach  was  his  son,  also  Resheph, 
and  Telach  his  son,  and  Tachan  his  son, 

26  La'dan  his  son,  'Ammihud  his  son, 
Elishama'  his  son, 

27  Non  his  son,  Jehoshua'  his  son. 

28  And  their  possessions  and  dwelling- 
places  were,  Beth-el  and  its  vilhiges,  and  at 

'  Others  render,  "Chushim  the  son  of  another," 
namely,  Dan,  as  otherwise  no  account  is  given  of  this 
tribe.  Dr.  Philippson  and  others  suggest  that  Dan  is 
not  mentioned  because  thi.s  tribe  first  introduced  idolatry. 
(See  Judges  xviii.) 
9.'>0 


the  east  Na'aran,  and  at  the  west  Gezer, 
with  its  villages,  and  Shechem  with  its  vil- 
lages, as  far  as  Gazzah  and  its  villages. 

29  Antl  Ijy  the  borders  of  the  children  of 
Menasseh:  Beth-shean  and  its  villages,  Ta'- 
nacli  and  its  villages,  Megiddo  and  its  vil- 
lages, Dor  and  its  villages.  In  these  dwelt 
the  children  of  Joseph  the  son  of  Israel. 

30  ^  The  sons  of  Asher:  Yimnah,  and 
Yishvah,  and  Yishvi,  and  Beri'ah,  and  Seracb 
their  sister. 

31  And  the  sons  of  Beri'ah:  Cheber,  and 
Malkiel,  who  is  the  fixther  of  Birzayith. 

32  And  Cheber  begat  Yaphlet,  and  Sho- 
mer,  and  Chotham,  and  Shu'a  their  sister. 

33  And  the  sons  of  Yaphlet:  Passach,  and 
Bimhal,  and  'Ashvath.  These  are  the  chil- 
dren of  Yaphlet. 

34  And  the  sons  of  Shemer:  Achi,  and 
Rohgah,  and  Chubbah,  and  Aram. 

35  And  the  sons  of  his  brother  Helem : 
Zophacli,  and  Yimna',  and  Shelesh,  and 
'Amal. 

36  The  sons  of  Zophach:  Suach,  and  Char- 
nepher,  and  Shu'al,  and  Beri,  and  Yimrah, 

37  Bezer,  and  Hod,  and  Shamma,  and 
Shilshali,  and  Yithran,  and  Beera. 

38  And  the  sons  of  Jether:  Jephunneh, 
and  Pisspah,  and  Ara. 

39  And  the  sons  of  'Ulla:  Arach,  and 
Chaniel,  and  Rizya. 

40  All  these  were  the  children  of  Asher, 
heads  of  their  famil}-  divisions,  selected 
mighty  men  of  valour,  chiefs  of  the  princes. 
And  being  recorded  according  to  their  gene- 
alogy for  the  army  for  the  war,  their  number 
was  of  men  twenty  and  six  thousand. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  Benjamin  begat  Bela'  his  firstr 
born,  Ashbel  the  second,  and  Achrach  the 
third, 

2  Nochah  the  fourth,  and  Rapha  the 
fifth. 

3  And  Bela'  had  sons,  Addar,  and  Gera, 
and  Abihud, 

4  And  Abishua',  and  Na'aman,  and 
Achotich, 

"•  The  words  "his  wife"  are  not  in  the  text. 

°  These  words  too  are  not  in  the  text,  which  is  quite 
obscure. 

''  nj;n3  Beri'ah,  derived  from  ritnj  Bera'ah  "evil," 
"misfortune,"  &c. 


1  CHRONICLES  VIII.  IX. 


5  And  Gera,  and  Shepliuphan,  and  Cliu- 
ram. 

6  And  these  are  the  sons  of  P]chud:  these 
are  the  heads  of  the  family  divisions  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Geba',  wlio  were  exiled  to 
Manachath; 

7  Both  Na'aman,  and  Achijah;  and  Gera, 
— he  exiled  them,  and  begat  'Uzza,  and  Achi- 
chud. 

S  And  Shacharayim  begat  children  in  the 
fields  of  MoJib,  after  he  had  sent  them  away 
— Chushira  and  Ba'ara  his  wives. 

9  And  he  begat  of  Chodesh  his  wife,  Jobab, 
and  Zibya,  and  Mesha,  and  Malkam, 

10  And  Je'uz,  and  Shabvah,  and  Mirmah. 
These  were  his  sons,  heads  of  tamily  divi- 
sions. 

11  And  of  Chushim  he  begat  Abitnb,  and 
Elpaal. 

12  And  the  sons  of  Elpa'al:  'Eber,  and 
Mish'am.  and  Shemer,  who  built  Ono,  and 
Lod,  with  its  villages; 

13  And  Beri'ah,  and  Shema,  who  were 
the  hetuls  of  the  family  divisions  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  Ayalon;  these  were  those  who 
drove  away  the  inhabitants  of  Gath ; 

14  And  Achyo,  Shashak,  and  Jeremoth, 

15  And  Zebadvah,  and  'Arad,  and  'Eder, 

16  And  Michael,  and  Yishpah,  and  Jocha, 
the  sons  of  Beri'ah ; 

17  And  Zebadyah,  and  Meshullam,  and 
Chiski,  and  Cheber, 

18  And  Yishmerai,  and  Yizliah,  and  Jolmb, 
the  sons  of  Elpa'al ; 

19  And  Jakim,  and  Zichri,  and  Zal)di, 

20  And  Eli'enai,  and  Zillethai,  and  Eliel, 

21  And  'Adayah,  and  Berayah,  and  Shim- 
rath,  the  sons  of  Shim'i ; 

22  And  Yishpan,  and  'Eber,  and  Eliel, 

23  And  'Abdon,  and  Zichri,  and  Chanan, 

24  And  Chananyah,  and  'Elam,  and  'An- 
thothiyah, 

25  And  Yiphdeyah,  and  Penuel,  tlie  sons 
of  Shashak ; 

26  And  Shamsherai,  and  Shecharyali,  and 
'Athalyah, 

27  And  Ja'areshyah,  and  Eliyah,  and 
Zichri,  the  sons  of  Jerocham. 

28  These  were  the  heads  of  the  family 
divisions,  by  their  generations,  chief  men. 
These  dwelt  in  Jerusalem. 

29  \  And  at  Gib'on  dwelt  the  father  of 
Gib'on,  whose  wife's  name  was  Ma'achah ; 


3(1  And  his  first-l)()in  son  Aluloii,  lln-u 
Zur,  and  Kish,  and  lia'al,  and  Nadab, 

31  And  Gedor,  and  Achyo,  and  Zecher. 

32  And  Mikloth  begat  Shimah.  And 
these  also  dwelt  alongside  of  their  brethren 
in  Jerusalem,  with  their  brethren. 

33  ][  And  Ner  begat  Kish,  and  Kish  begat 
Saiil,  and  Saiil  begat  Jehonathan  and  Malki- 
shua',  and  A])inadal),  and  Eshba'al. 

34  And  the  son  of  Jehonathan  was  Meril> 
ba'al;   and  Merib-ba'al  begat  Michah. 

35  And  the  sons  of  Michah  were,  Pithon, 
and  Melech,  and  Tareil",  and  Achaz. 

36  And  Achaz  begat  Jeho'addah;  andJeho- 
'addah  begat  'Alemeth,  and  'Azmaveth.  and 
Ziniri;  and  Ziniri  begat  Moza; 

37  And  Moza  begat  Bin'ah;  Eapha  was 
his  son,  El'assah  his  son,  Azel  his  son. 

38  And  Azel  had  six  sons,  and  these  are 
their  names,  'Azrikam,  Bocheru,  and  Ishmael, 
and  She'aryah,  and  'Obadiah,  and  Chanan. 
All  these  were  the  sons  of  Azel. 

39  And  the  sons  of  'Eshek  his  brother 
were,  Ulam  his  first-born,  Je'ush  the  second, 
and  Eliphelet  the  third. 

40  And  the  sons  of  Ulam  were  mighty 
men  of  valour,  who  drew  the  bow,  and  liad 
man}'  sons,  and  sons'  sons,  one  hundred  and 
fifty.  All  these  are  of  the  sons  of  Benja- 
min. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Tf  So  all  Israel  were  recorded  bj-  their 
genealogies;  and,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  book  of  the  kings  of  Israel;  but  (the 
men  of)  Judah  were  carried  away  into  exile 
to  Babylon  for  their  unfaithfulness. 

2  And  the  first  inhabitants  that  (d^\elt 
again)  in  their  possessions  in  their  cities, 
were  the  Israelites,  the  priests,  the  Levites, 
and  the  temple-servants. 

3  And  in  Jerusalem  dwelt  some  of  tlie 
children  of  Judah,  and  of  the  children  of  Ben- 
jamin, and  of  the  children  of  Ephraim,  and 
Menasseh. 

4  'Uthai  the  son  of 'Ammihud,  the  son  of 
'Onu'i,  the  son  of  Imri,  the  son  of  Bani,  of 
the  children  of  Perez  the  son  of  Judah. 

5  And  of  the  Shilonites :  'Assayah  the 
first-born,  and  his  sons. 

6  And  of  the  sons  of  Zerach  :  Je'uel,  and 
their  brethren,  six  hundred  and  ninety. 

7  And  of  the  sons  of  Benjamin  :  Sallu  the 

951 


1  CHKONICLES  IX. 


Bon  of  MeshuUam,  the  son  of  Ilodavjah,  the 
son  of  Hassenuah, 

8  And  Yibnejah  the  son  of  Jerocham,  and 
Ehih  the  son  of  'Uzzi,  the  son  of  Michri,  and 
Meshullam  the  son  of  Shephatj-ah,  the  son 
of  Re'uel,  the  son  of  Yibnijah ; 

9  And  their  brethren,  according  to  their 
generations,  nine  hundred  and  fifty  and  six. 
All  these  men  were  chiefs  of  the  divisions 
of  tlieir  family  divisions. 

10  *[]  And  of  the  priests  :  Jeda'yah,  and  Je- 
hoyarib,  and  Jachin, 

11  And  'Azaryah  the  son  of  Chilkiyah,  the 
son  of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Zadok,  the  son 
of  Merayoth,  the  son  of  Achitub,  the  ruler 
of  the  house  of  God. 

12  ^  And  'Adayah  the  son  of  Jerocham, 
the  son  of  Pashchur,  the  son  of  Malkiyah,  and 
Ma'sai  the  son  of  'Adiel,  the  son  of  Jachzerah, 
the  son  of  Meshullam,  the  son  of  Meshille- 
mith,  the  son  of  Immor; 

lo  And  their  bretln'en,chiefs  of  their  family 
divisions,  were  one  thousand  and  seven 
hundred  and  sixty,  very  able  men^  for  the 
work  of  the  service  of  the  house  of  God. 

14  ][  And  of  the  Levites  :  Shema'yah  the 
son  of  Chasshub,  the  son  of  'Azrikam,  the  son 
of  Chashabyah,  of  the  sons  of  Merari ; 

15  And  Bakbakkar,  Cheresh,  and  Galal, 
and  Matthanyah  the  son  of  Micha,  the  son 
of  Zichri,  the  son  of  Assaph  ; 

16  And  'Obadiah  the  son  of  Shema'yah, 
the  son  of  Galal,  the  son  of  Jeduthun ;  and 
Berechyah  the  son  of  Assa,  the  son  of  El- 
kanah,  that  dwelt  in  the  villages  of  the 
Netophathites. 

17  And  the  gatekeepers  were,  Shallum, 
and  'Akkub,  and  Talmon,  and  Achiman,  and 
their  brethren,  Shallum  being  the  chief; 

18  And  up  to  this  time  they  are  in  the 
king's  gate  to  the  eastward  :  they  are  the  gate- 
keepers for  the  camps  of  tiie  children  of  Levi. 

19  And  Shallum  the  son  of  Kort',  the  son 
of  Ebyassaph,  the  son  of  Korach,  and  his 
brethren,  of  tlie  house  of  his  father,  the 
KoHihites,  being  over  the  work  of  the  ser- 
vice, were  the  watchmen  at  the  threshold  of 
the  tabernacle :  and  their  fathers,  being  over 


*  Lit.  "mif^lity  men  of  valour,"  which  phrase  is  often 
used  to  oxpn'.sH  a  peculiar  fitness  for  an  employment. 

"  During  the  juurueys  in  the  wilderness  the  Kehathites 
had  the;  charge  of  the  sacred  vessels,  the  ark,  &c. 
(Num.  iv. ) 


the  camp*"  of  the  Lord,  were  the  watchmen 
at  the  entrance  (thereof). 

20  And  Phinehas  the  son  of  El'azar  was 
the  ruler  over  them  in  times  past ;  (and)  the 
Lord  was  with  him. 

21  (And)  Zechariah  the  son  of  Meshelem- 
yah  was  gatekeeper  at  the  entrance  of  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation. 

22  All  of  these  selected  to  be  gatekeepers 
at  the  thresholds  were  two  hundred  and 
twelve.  These  were  recorded  according  to 
their  genealogy  in  their  villages ;  (and  they 
were)  those  (whom)  David  and  Samuel  tlu} 
seer  did  ordain  in  their  trust." 

2-5  Both  the}'  and  their  children  had  the 
oversight  over  the  gates  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  (namely,)  the  house  of  the  tabernacle, 
as  watches. 

24  On  four  quarters  were  the  gatekeepers, 
toward  the  east,  the  west,  the  north,  and  the 
south. 

25  And  their  brethren,  who  were  in  their 
villages,  had  to  come  after  every  seven  days 
from  time  to  time  in  common  with  these. 

20  For  in  (their)  trust  were  these''  four 
chief  gatekeepers — these  Levites,  and  they 
were  (appointed)  over  the  chambers  and  trea- 
suries of  the  hou.se  of  God. 

27  And  they  lodged  round  about  the  house 
of  God ;  because  upon  them  rested  the  c^uty  of 
watching,  and  they  had  the  supervision  of 
the  opening  thereof  each  and  every  morning. 

28  And  some  of  them  had  the  charge  of 
the  vessels  for  the  service ;  for  by  number  did 
they  bring  them  in,  and  by  number  did  they 
carry  them  out. 

29  Some  of  them  also  were  appointed  over 
the  vessels,  and  over  all  the  vessels  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  over  the  fine  flour,  and  the 
wine,  and  the  oil,  and  the  frankincense,  and 
the  spices. 

-30  And  some  of  the  sons  of  the  priests  pre- 
pared the  mixture  of  the  spices. 

.31  And  Matthitli3ah,  one  of  the  Levites, 
who  was  the  first-born  of  Shallum  the  Kor- 
chite,  had  the  trust  over  the  meat-offerings 
that  were  baked  in  the  pans. 

32  And  others  of  their  brethren,  of  the  sons 

"  Zunz  after  Redak,  "  for  perpetuity."  Herxhcimer, 
"for  their  fidelity." 

*  The  four  nu'utioned  in  verso  17.  Zunz,  "  for  con- 
stantly were  there  only  the  four  chief  porters,  these  are 
the  Levites;"  meaning,  the  others  were  alternately  absent. 


1  CHRONICLES  IX.  X.  XI. 


of  the  Keliatliites,  were  over   tlie  orders  of 
the  shew-bread,  to  prepare  it  every  .sabbath. 

33  Tf  But  these  the  singers,  the  chiefs  of 
the  divisions  of  the  Levites,  remained  in  the 
chambers  free  of  service ;  for  day  and  night 
were  they  obliged  to  engage  in  that  work. 

34  These  are  the  chiefs  of  the  divisions  of 
the  Levite,s,  being  the  chiefs  for  their  genera- 
tions :  these  dwelt  at  Jerusalem. 

35  ^  And  in  Gib'on  dwelt  the  father  of 
Gib'on,  Je'iel ;  and  the  name  of  his  wife  was 
Ma'achah  ; 

3G  And  his  first-born  son  was  'Abdon,  then 
Zur,  and  Kish,  and  Ba'al,  and  Ner,  and 
Nadab, 

37  And  Gedor,  and  Achyo,  and  Zechariah, 
and  Mikloth. 

38  And  Mikloth  begat  Shimam.  And  they 
also  dwelt  alon"side  of  their  brethren  at  Je- 
riisalem,  with  their  brethren. 

39  Tl  And  Ner  begat  Kish ;  and  Kish  be- 
gat Saiil ;  and  Saiil  begat  Jehonathan,  and 
Malki-shua',  and  Abinadab,  and  Eshba'al. 

40  And  the  /;on  of  Jehonathan  was  Merib- 
ba'al:  and  Merib-ba';ii  begat  Michah. 

41  And  the  sons  of  Michah  were,  Pithon, 
and  Melech,  and  Thachreii'. 

42  And  Achaz"  begat  Ja'rah  ;  and  Ja'rah 
begat  'Alemeth,  'Azniaveth,  and  Zimri;  and 
Zimri  begat  Moza; 

43  And  Moza  begat  Bin'a;  and  Rephayah 
his  son,  El'assah  his  son,  Azel  his  son. 

44  And  Azel  had  six  sons,  and  these  are 
their  names,  'Azrikam,  Bocheru,  and  Ishmael, 
and  She'aryah,  and  'Obadiah,  and  Chanan : 
these  were  the  sons  of  Azel. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^  Now  the  Philistines  fought  against  Is- 
rael :  and  the  men  of  Israel  tied  from  before 
the  Philistines,  and  there  fell  down  (many) 
slain  on  mount  Gilboa  . 

2  And  the  Philistines  pursuing  them  over- 
took Saul  and  his  sons ;  and  the  Philistines 
smote  Jonathan,  and  'Abinadab,  and  Malki- 
shua',  the  s(»n,.  of  Saiil. 

3  And  the  battle  was  heavy  against  Saiil, 
and  he  was  found  Ijy  the  archei's,  and  he  was 
greatly  in  dread  of  the  archers. 

4  And  Saiil  said  to  his  armour-bearer, 
Draw    thy   sword,   and    thrust   me    through 


■■'  Another  soa  of  Michah.     (Seu  viii.  'So.) 
5U 


I  therewith  ;  I'-st  these  unoirciimcised  come  and 
wantonly  ill-use  me.  But  his  armour-bearer 
would  not;  for  he  was  greatly  afraid:  where 
fore  Saiil  took  the  sword  and  fell  upon  it. 

5  And  when  liis  arnujur-bearer  saw  that 
Saiil  was  dead,  then  fell  he  likewise  on  the 
sword,  and  died. 

6  Thus  died  Saiil  and  his  three  sons;  and 
all  his  household  died  together. 

7  And  when  all  the  m.:n  of  Israel  that 
I  were  in  the  valley  saw  that  they  had  tied, 
I  and  that  Saiil  and  his  sons  were  dead :  they 

forsook  their  cities,  and  fled,  and  the  Philis- 
tines came  and  dwelt  in  them. 

8  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the  morrow,  that 
the  Philistines  came  to  strip  the  slain;  and 
they  found  Saiil  and  his  sons  fallen  on  mount 
Gilboa. 

9  And  they  stripped  him,  and  they  carried 
away  his  head,  and  his  armour,  and  sent 
them  into  the  land  of  the  Philistines  round 
about,  to  publish  it  to  their  idols,  and  to  the 
people. 

10  And  they  put  his  armour  in  the  house 
of  their  gods,  and  his  skull  they  fastened  in 
the  temple  of  Dagon. 

11  ][  And  when  all  Yabesh-girad  heard 
all  that  the  Philistines  had  done  to  Saiil: 

12  Then  arose  all  the  valiant  men,  and 
carried  away  the  body  of  Saiil  and  the  bodies 
of  his  sons,  and  brought  them  to  Yabesh;  and 
they  buried  their  bones  under  the  terebinth 
in  Yabesh,  and  they  fasted  seven  days. 

13  And  (so)  died  Saul  for  his  unfaithful- 
ness which  he  had  committed  against  the  Lord, 
because  of  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he 
had  not  kept,  and  also  for  asking  one  of  a 
familiar  spirit  to  inquire  of  the  same; 

14  And  had  not  inquired  of  the  Lord  : 
therefore  he  slew  him,  and  turned  over  the 
kingdom  unto  David  the  son  of  Jesse. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

1  *[[  Then  did  all  Israel  gather  themselves 
unto  David  unto  Hebron,  saying.  Behold,  thy 
bone  and  tli}-  flesh  are  we. 

2  Already  yesterday  and  even  before,  even 
when  Saiil  was  king,  thou  wast  he  that  led 
out  and  brought  in  Israel :  and  the  Lord  thy 
God  said  unto  thee,  Thou  shalt  indeed  feed 

i  my  people  Israel,  and  thou  shalt  be  truly  a 

I  chief  over  my  people  Israel. 

I      3  Thus  came  all  the  elders  of  Israel  to  the 

963 


1  CHRONICLES  XI. 


king  to  Hebron;  and  David  made  a  covenant 
with  them  in  Hebron  before  the  Lord;  and 
they  anointed  David  as  king  over  Israel,  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord  through 
means  of  Samuel. 

4  ^  And  David  and  all  Israel  went  to 
Jerusalem,  which  is  Jebus;  and  there  were 
the  Jebusites,  the  inhabitants  of  the  land. 

5  And  the  inhabitants  of  Jebus  said  to 
David,  Thou  shalt  not  come  in  hither. 
Nevertheless  David  captured  the  strong-hold 
of  Zion,  the  same  is  the  City  of  David. 

6  And  David  said,  Whosoever  doth  smite 
the  Jebusites  at  first  shall  be  head  and  chief. 
Then  did  Joab  the  son  of  Zeruyah  go  up  at 
first,  and  became  head-man. 

7  And  David  dwelt  in  the  castle :  there- 
fore they  called  it.  "The  City  of  David." 

8  And  he  built  the  city  round  about,  even 
from  the  Millo  as  far  as  the  surrounding  dis- 
trict, and  Joab  i  epaired  the  rest  of  the  city. 

9  And  David  went  on,  and  became  greater 
and  greater,  and  tlie  Lord  of  hosts  was  with 
him. 

10  ^  These  also  are  the  principals  of  the 
mighty  men  whom  David  had,  who  lield  firndy 
with  him  in  his  kingdom,  with  all  Israel,  to 
make  him  king,  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord  concerning  Israel. 

11  And  this  is  the  number  of  the  mighty 
men  whom  David  had:  Jashob'am,  the  son 
of  Chachmoni,  the  chief  of  the  captains, 
who  lilted  up  his 
dred  slain  at  one  time 

12  And  after  him  was  Efazar  the  son  of 
Dodo,  the  Achochite,  who  was  one  of  the 
three  mighty  men. 

13  He  was  with  David  at  Pas.s-dammim, 
tuid  the  Philistines  were  gathered  together 
there  to  battle,  and  there  was  a  piece  of 
ground  full  of  barley;  and  the  people  had 
fled  from  before  the  Philit*tines. 

14  And  they  placed  themselves  in  the 
midst  of  that  piece  (of  ground),  and  they  de- 
livered it,  and  smote  the  Pliilistin<»s;  and  the 
Lord  helped  (them)  with  a  great  victory. 

15  And  these  three,  the  chiefs  of  the  thirty, 
went  down  to  the  rock  to  David,  to  the  cave 
of 'Adullam;  and  the  camp  of  tlie  Philistines 
was  pitched  in  the  valley  of  KephaJini. 

16  And  David  was  then  in  the  strong-hold, 
and  an  outpost  of  the  Pliilistines  was  then  at 
Beth-lechein. 

9.54 


spear  against  three  hun- 


17  And  David  longed,  and  said.  Oh  that 
some  one  would  bring  me  water  to  drink  out  of 
the  well  of  Beth-lechem,  which  is  by  the  gate! 

18  And  the  three  broke  through  the  camp 
of  the  Philistines,  and  drew  water  out  of  the 
well  of  Beth-lechem,  which  was  by  the  gate, 
and  carried  it,  and  brought  it  to  David ;  but 
David  would  not  drink  thereof,  and  poured  it 
out  unto  the  Lord. 

19  And  he  said.  Far  be  it  from  me,  before 
my  God,  that  I  should  do  this:  shall  I  drink 
the  blood  of  these  men  that  went  at  the  risk 
of  their  lives?  for  at  the  risk  of  their  lives 
did  they  bring  it;  and  thus  he  Mould  not 
drink  it.  These  things  did  the  three  mighty 
men. 

20  And  Abshai  the  brother  of  Joab  was 
the  chief  of  these  three;  and  he  lifted  up  his 
spear  against  three  hundred  slain,  and  had  a 
name  among  the  three. 

21  Of  the  three,  he  was  more  honoured 
than  the  two,  wherefore  he  became  their  cap- 
tain: he  nevertheless  attained  not  unto  the 
three  (in  prowess). 

22  Banayah  the  son  of  Jehoyada',  the  son 
of  a  valiant  man,  great  in  many  acts,  of  Kab- 
zeel:  he  it  was  that  smote  the  two  lionlike 
heroes  of  Moab;  he  also  went  down  and 
smote  a  lion  in  the  midst  of  a  pit  on  a  day 
when  it  snowed. 

23  And  he  smote  an  Egyptian,  a  man  of 
great  stature,  five  cubits  high;  and  in  the 
Egyptian's  hand  was  a  spear  like  a  weaver's 
beam ;  and  he  went  down  to  him  with  a 
staff",  and  he  snatched  the  spear  out  of  the 
Egyptian's  hand,  and  slew  him  with  his  own 
spear. 

24  The.-e  things  did  Benayah  the  .son  of 
Jehoyada';  and  he  had  a  name  among  the 
mighty  men. 

25  Behold,  he  was  indeed  moie  honoured 
than  the  thirty;  hut  he  attained  not  to  the 
first  three.  And  David  appointed  him  over 
his  private  council. 

2G  And  the  mighty  nii-n  of  tlie  armies 
were,'Assahel  the  brother  of  Joiib.  Elchanan 
the  son  of  Dodo  of  Beth-lechem. 

27  Sliammoth  the  Harorite,  Clielez  tlie 
Pelonite. 

28  'Ira  the  son  of  'Ikkesh  the  Theko'ite, 
Abi'ezer  the  'Antothite, 

29  Sibbechai  the  Chushathite,  "Ilai  the 
Achochite, 


1  CHRONICLES  XI.  Xll. 


30  Maharal  the  Netopliathite,  Clieled  the 
soil  of  Ba'anah  the  Netophatliite, 

31  Ithai  the  son  of  Ribai  of  Gib'ah,  of  the 
children  of  Benjamin,  Benayah  the  Pir'a- 
tlionite, 

32  Churai  of  the  Nachale-Ga'ash,  Abiel 
the  'Arbathite, 

33  'Azmaveth  the  Bacharumite,  Elyachba 
the  Sha'albonite, 

34  Bnai-hashem  the  Gizonite,  Jonathan 
the  son  of  Shage  the  Hararite, 

35  Achiara  the  son  of  Sachar  the  Hararite, 
EHphal  the  son  of  Ur, 

36  Chepher  the  Mecherathite,  Achiyah  the 
Pelonite, 

37  Chezro  the  Carmelite,  Na'arai  the  son 
of  Ezbai, 

38  Joel  the  brother  of  Nathan,  Mibcliar 
the  son  of  Hagri, 

39  Zelek  the  'Ammonite,  Nachrai  the  Be- 
rothite,  the  armour-bearer  of  Joab  the  son  of 
Zeruyah, 

40  'Ira  the  Yithrite,  Gareb  the  Yithrite, 

41  Uriyah  the  Hittite,  Zabad  the  son  of 
Achlai, 

42  'Adina  the  son  of  Shiza  the  Reiibenite, 
a  chief  of  the  Reiibenites,  and  with  him  were 
tliirty  (men), 

43  Chanan  the  son  of  Ma'achah,  and  Josha- 
phat  the  Mithnite, 

44  'Uzziya  the  'Ashterathite,  Shama'  and 
Je'iel  the  sons  of  Chothan  the  'Aro'erite, 

4 -J  Jedi'acl  the  son  of  Shimri,  and  Jocha 
his  brother,  the  Thizite, 

46  Eliel  the  Machavite,  and  Jeribai,  and 
Joshavyah,  the  sons  of  Elna'am,  and  Yithmah 
the  Moabite, 

47  Eliel,  and  'Obed,  and  Ja'assiel  the  Me- 
zol)ayite. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  ][  And  these  are  those  that  came  to 
David  to  Ziklag,  while  he  yet  kept  himself 
close  because  of  Saiil  the  son  of  Kish :  and 
they  were  among  the  mighty  men,  confede- 
rates* for  the  war, 

2  Who  were  armed  with  bows,  and  could 
use  both  the  right  and  the  left  hand  in  (hurl- 
ing) stones  and  shooting  arrows  with  the 
bow,  even  of  the  brethren  of  Saiil  out  of  Ben- 
jamin. 


*  Lit.  "helpers." 
"  Kedak.     Others, 


'was  over  a  hundred,"  &c. 


3  The  chiefs  were  Achi'ezer,  then  Joiish. 
the  sons  of  Hashema'ah  the  Gib'athite;  and 
Jeziel,  and  Pelet,  the  sons  of 'Azmaveth;  and 
Berachah,  and  Jehu  the  'Anthothite, 

4  And  Yishma'yah  the  Gib'onite,  a  mighty 
man  among  the  thirty,  and  over  the  thirty; 
and  Jeremiah,  and  Jachaziel,  and  Jochanan, 
and  Jozabad  the  Gederathite, 

5  El'uzai,  and  Jerinioth,  and  Be'alyah,  and 
Shemaryahu,  and  Shephatyahu  the  Chari- 
phite, 

6  Elkanah,  and  Yishiyahu,  and  'Azarel, 
and  Jo'ezer,  and  Jashob'am,  the  Korchites, 

7  And  Jo'elah,  and  Zebadyah,  the  sons  of 
Jerocham  of  Gedor. 

8  And  of  the  Gadites  there  separated  them- 
selves unto  David  into  the  strong-hold  in  the 
wilderness  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  men 
of  the  army  for  the  war,  that  could  handle 
shield  and  lance,  whose  faces  were  like  the 
faces  of  lions,  and  were  as  the  roebucks  upon 
the  mountains  in  swiftness. 

9  'Ezer  was  the  chief,  'Obadiah  the  second, 
Eliab  the  third. 

10  Mishmannah  the  fourth,  Jeremiah  the 
fifth, 

11  'Attai  the  sixth,  Eliel  the  seventh, 

12  Jochanan  the  eighth,  Elzabad  the  ninth, 

13  Jirmi\aliu  the  tenth,  Machbanai  the 
eleventh, 

14  ^  These  were  of  the  sons  of  Gad,  the 
chiefs  of  the  army:  one  of  the  least  could 
fight''  with  a  hundred,  and  the  greatest  with 
a  thousand. 

15  These  are  those  that  passed  over  the 
Jordan  in  the  first  month,  when  it  had  over- 
flowed all  its  banks;  and  they  put  to  flight 
all  the  men  of  the  valleys,  both  toward  the 
east,  and  toward  the  west. 

16  And  there  came  some  of  the  children 
of  Benjamin  and  of  Judah  as  far  as  the 
strcrg-ho'd  unto  David. 

i  I  And  David  went  out  to  meet  them,  and 
commenced  and  said  unto  them,  If  ye  be  come 
for  peace  unto  me,  to  help  me,  my  heart 
shall  be  inclined  toward  you  to  unite  with 
you  ;  but  if  it  be  to  betray  me  to  my  adver- 
saries while  there  is  no  violence  in  my  hands, 
then  may  the  God  of  our  fitliers  look  on  and 
decide  it. 

18  Then  a  spirit"   invested  'Amassai,  the 


°  Rashi  and  Rcdak 
pulse,"  not  prophecy. 


explain  it  with   "will,"  or  "im- 


»ji 


1  CHRONICLES  XII.  XIII. 


chief  of  the  captains,  (who  said,)  Thine  are 
we,  David,  and  with  thee,  0  son  of  Jesse ; 
peace,  peace  be  unto  thee,  and  peace  be  to 
every  one  that  helpeth  thee ;  for  thy  God 
lielpeth  thee.  Then  David  received  them, 
and  phiced  them  at  the  head  of  the  troop. 

19  ][  And  some  of  Menasseh  went  over  to 
David,  when  he  came  with  the  Pliilistincs 
against  Saiil  to  battle;  but  he  helped  them 
not;  for  upon  consultation  did  the  lords  of 
the  Phihstines  send  him  away,  saying,  With 
our  heads  will  he  go  over  to  his  master  Saiil. 

20  As  he  was  going  over  to  Ziklag,  there 
went  over  to  him  of  Menasseh,  'Adnach,  and 
Jozabad,  and  Jedi'ael,  and  Michael,  and  Joza- 
Itad,  and  Elihu,  and  Zillethai,  captains  of  the 
thousands  that  belonged  to  Menasseh. 

21  And  they  were  those  that  heljjed  David 
against  the  band  (of  'Amalekites) ;  for  they 
were  all  mighty  men  of  valour,  and  they  be- 
came officers  in  the  army. 

22  For  all  the  time,  day  by  day,  people 
used  to  come  to  David  to  help  him,  until 
the  camp  became  great,  like  the  camp  of 
God. 

23  ^  And  these  are  the  numbers  of  the 
hea,ds  of  those  ready  armed  for  the  host  that 
came  to  David  to  Hebron,  to  turn  over  the 
kingdom  of  Saiil  to  him,  according  to  the 
order  of  the  Lord. 

24  Tf  The  children  of  Judah  that  bore 
shield  and  spear  were  six  thousand  and  eight 
hundred,  ready  armed  for  the  ho.st. 

25  ^  Of  the  children  of  Simeon,  mighty 
men  of  valour  for  the  host,  seven  thousand 
and  one  hundred. 

20  ^1  Of  the  children  of  Levi  four  thou- 
sand and  six  hundred. 

27  ^  And  Jehoyada'  was  the  leader  of  the 
family  of  Aaron,  and  with  him  were  three 
tliousand  and  seven  hundred. 

28  ]|  Also  Zadf)k,  a  young  man,  mighty  of 
valour,  and  his  family  division  twenty  and 
two  chiefs. 

29  ^  And  of  the  children  of  Benjamin,  the 
brethren  of  Saiil,  three  thousand  ;  tor  till  that 
time  the  greatest  part  of  them  had  kept  the 
charge  of  the  house  of  Saiil. 

00  ^1  And  of  the  children  of  Ephraim 
twenty  thousand  and  eight  hundred,  mighty 
men  of  valour,  men  of  fjxme  in  their  family 
divisions. 

01  ^f  And  of  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh 


eighteen  thousand,  who  had  been  expres.sed 
by  name,  to  come  to  make  David  king. 

32  ^  And  of  the  children  of  Issachar,  those 
who  had  understanding  of  the  times,''  to  know 
what  Israel  ought  to  do, — their  lieads  were 
two  hundred;  and  all  their  brethren  were 
ready  at  tlieir  order. 

33  Tl  Of  Zebulun,  such  as  went  forth  to 
the  host,  arrayed  for  battle,  with  all  manner 
of  weajwns  of  war,  fifty  thousand  ;  and  these 
were  ready  to  place  themselves  in  battle  ar- 
ray with  an  undivided  heart. 

34  ^  And  of  Naphtali  one  thousand  cap- 
tains, and  with  them  were  with  sliield  and 
spear  thirty  and  seven  thousand. 

35  ^  And  of  the  Danites  arrayed  for  ])at^ 
tie  twenty  and  eiglit  thousand  and  six  hun- 
dred. 

36  ][  And  of  Asher,  such  as  went  forth 
to  the  host  to  put  themselves  in  battle  array, 
forty  thousand. 

37  ^  And  from  the  other  side  of  the  Jor- 
dan, of  the  Reiibenites,  and  tlie  Gadites,  and 
the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  with  all  manner 
of  weapons  of  the  host  for  war,  one  hundred 
and  twenty  thousand. 

38  All  these  men  of  war,  that  placed  them- 
selves in  battle  array,  came  with  an  entire 
heart  to  Hebron,  to  make  David  king  over 
all  Israel :  and  also  all  the  rest  of  Israel  were 
of  one  heart  to  make  David  king. 

39  And  they  were  there  with  David  three 
days  eating  and  drinking;  for  their  brethren 
had  prepared  for  them. 

40  And  also  those  that  were  nigh  unto  them, 
as  far  as  Issachar  and  Zebulun  and  Naphtali, 
brought  in  bread  on  asses,  and  on  camels,  and 
on  mules,  and  on  oxen,  food  made  of  meal, 
cakes  of  tigs,  and  bunches  of  raisins,  and 
wine,  and  oil,  and  oxen,  and  sheep  in  abun- 
dance;  for  there  was  joy  in  Israel. 

CHAPTER  XIIL 

1  ]|  And  David  consulted  with  the  officers 
of  the  thousands  and  hundreds,  and  with 
every  leader. 

2  And  David  said  unto  all  the  congrega 
tion  of  Israel,  If  it  seem  good  unto  you,  and 
if  it  be   of  the  Lord  our  God,  let  us  send 


"  R;islii  explains,  "who  were  capable  to  give  advice." 
The  Talmudists  refer  this  to  the  knowledge  of  the  caleu- 
dar,  in  which  the  men  of  Issachar  are  said  to  have  excelled 


1  CHEONICLES  XIII.  XIV. 


widely  about  unto  our  brethren  who  are  left 
in  all  the  lands  of  Israel,  and  with  them  unto 
the  priests  and  Levites  who  are  in  their  cities 
and  open  districts,  that  they  may  gather 
themselves  together  unto  us. 

3  And  let  us  bring  round  the  ark  of  our 
God  to  us ;  for  Ave  have  inquired  not  at  it"  in 
the  days  of  Saiil. 

4  And  all  the  congregation  said  that  this 
should  be  done ;  for  the  thing  was  right  in 
the  eyes  of  all  the  people. 

5  So  David  assembled  all  Israel  together, 
from  Shichor  of  Egypt  even  unto  the  entrance 
of  Chenuith,  to  bring  the  ark  of  God  from 
Kiry  ath-ye'arim . 

6  And  David  went  up,  with  all  Israel,  to 
Ba'alah,  (that  is)  to  Kirjath-yearini,  which 
belonged  to  Judah,  to  bring  up  thence  the 
ark  of  God  the  Lord,  that  dwelleth  be- 
tween the  cherubim,  whose  name  is  called 
(on  it). 

7  And  they  conveyed  the  ark  of  God  in  a 
new  wagon  out  of  the  house  of  Abinadab  : 
and  'Uzza  and  Achyo  guided  the  wagon. 

8  And  David  and  all  Israel  played  before 
God  with  all  their  might,  and  with  singing, 
and  on  harps,  and  on  psalteries,  and  on  tam- 
bourines, and  with  cymbals,  and  with  trum- 
pets. 

9  And  when  they  came  as  far  as  the  thresh- 
ing-tloor  of  Kidon,  'Uzza  put  forth  his  hand  to 
take  hold  of  the  ark ;  for  the  oxen  shook  it. 

10  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
against  'Uzza,  and  he  smote  him,  because 
he  had  put  forth  his  hand  toward  the  ark  : 
and  he  died  there  before  God. 

11  And  it  was  grievous  to  David,  because 
the  Lord  had  suddenly-  taken  away  'Uzza; 
and  he  called  that  place  Perez-'uzza  [Breach 
of 'Uzza]  until  this  day. 

12  And  David  was  afraid  of  God  that  day, 
saying,  How  shall  I  bring  home  to  me  the 
ark  of  God  ? 

13  So  David  removed  not  the  ark  unto 
himself  into  the  city  of  David,  but  had  it 
carried  round  into  the  house  of  'Obed-edom 
the  Gittite. 

14  And  the  ark  of  God  remained  in  the 
house  of  'Obed-edom,  in  his  house,  three 
:nojiths.  And  the  Lord  blessed  the  house  of 
'Obed-edom,  and  all  that  belonged  to  him. 

"  I^uuz,  "have  not  sought  him,"  i.  r.  God. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  ][  And  Churam  the  king  of  Tyre  sent 
messengers  to  David,  and  trees  of  cedars,  and 
masons  and  carjjenters,  to  build  him  a  house. 

2  And  David  felt  conscious  that  the  Lord 
had  established  him  as  king  over  Israel ;  for 
his  kingdom  was  exalted  on  high,  because  of 
his  people  Israel. 

3  ^  And  David  took  yet  more  wives  at 
Jerusalem  ;  and  David  begat  more  sons  and 
daughters. 

4  And  tlicse  are  the  names  of  the  children 
that  he  had  in  Jerusalem  :  Shammua',  and 
Shobab,  Nathan,  and  Solomon, 

5  And  Yiljchar,  and  Elisliua",  and  Elpalet, 

6  And  Nogali,  and  Nepheg,  and  Yaphia', 

7  And  Elishama',  and  Be'elyada',  and  Eli- 
phalet. 

8  T[  But  when  the  Philistines  heard  that 
David  had  been  anointed  as  king  over  all 
Israel,  all  the  Philistines  came  up  to  sei-k 
David:  and  David  heard  of  it,  and  went  out 
against  them. 

9  And  the  Philistines  came  and  spread 
themselves  out  in  the  valley  of  Rephaim. 

10  And  David  asked  counsel  of  God,  saying. 
Shall  I  go  up  against  the  Philistines?  and 
wilt  thou  deliver  them  into  my  hand  ?  And 
the  Lord  said  unto  him.  Go  ujj ;  and  I  will 
deliver  them  into  thy  hand. 

1 1  And  the\'  came  up  to  Ba'al-perazim  ; 
and  David  smote  them  there.  Then  David 
said,  God  hath  broken  down  my  enemies 
through  my  hand  as  a  breach  (is  made)  l^y 
water :  therefore  they  called  the  name  of  that 
place  Ba'al-perazim.'' 

12  And  they  left  behind  there  their  gods, 
and  David  gave  the  order,  and  they  were 
burnt  with  fire. 

13  Tl  And  the  Philistines  (came)  once  again, 
and  spread  themselves  out  in  the  valley.* 

14  And  David  asked  again  counsel  of  God; 
and  God  said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  not  go  up 
after  them :  turn  about  from  them,  and  come 
upon  them  opposite  to  the  mulberry-trees, 

15  And  it  shall  be,  when  thou  hearest  the 
sound  of  walking  on  the  tops  of  the  mulberry- 
trees,  that  then  thou  shalt  go  out  to  battle; 
for  God  will  be  gone  forth  before  thee  to 
smite  the  camp  of  the  Philistines. 


Tbi-'  vallcv  of  breaches. 


957 


1  CHRONICLES  XIV.  XV. 


16  And  David  did  as  God  had  commanded 
him ;  and  they  smote  the  camp  of  the  PhiHs- 
tines  from  Gib'on  as  far  as  Gezer. 

17  And  the  fame  of  David  went  out  into 
all  the  lands;  and  the  Lord  laid  the  dread  of 
him  upon  all  the  nations. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  And  (David)  made  himself  houses  in  the 
city  of  David,  and  he  prepared  a  place  for 
the  ark  of  God,  and  pitched  for  it  a  tent. 

2  ^  Then  said  David,  None  shall  carry 
the  ark  of  God  but  the  Levites;  for  of  ihem 
hath  the  Lord  made  choice  to  carry  the  ark 
of  God,  and  to  minister  unto  him  for  ever. 

3  ][  And  David  assembled  all  Israel  to 
Jerusalem,  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
unto  its  place,  which  he  had  prepared  for  it. 

4  And  David  gathered  together  the  chil- 
dren of  Aaron,  and  the  Levites. 

5  ^  Of  the  sons  of  Kehath:  Uriel  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  one  hundred  and 
twenty. 

6  T[  Of  the  sons  of  Merari:  'Assayah  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  two  hundred  and 
twenty. 

7  ^  Of  the  sons  of  Gershom:  Joel  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  one  hundred  and 
thirty. 

8  T[  Of  the  sons  of  Elizaphan :  Shema'yah 
the  chief,  and  his  brethren  two  hundred. 

9  TI  Of  the  sons  of  Hebron:  Eliel  the 
chief,  and  his  brethren  eighty. 

10  ^  Of  the  sons  of  'Uzziel :  'Amminadab 
the  chief,  and  his  brethren  one  hundred  and 
twelve. 

11  ^  And  David  called  for  Zadok  and 
Ebyathar  the  priests,  and  for  the  Levites,  for 
Uriel,  'Assayah,  and  Joel,  Shema'yah,  and 
Eliel,  and  'Amminadab, 

12  And  he  said  unto  them.  Ye  are  the 
chiefs  of  the  family  divisions  of  the  Levites : 
sanctify  yourselves,  ye  and  your  brethren, 
and  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel  unto  (the  place  which)  I  have  prepared 
ibr  it. 

13  Tor,  because  ye  (did)  it  not  at  the  first, 
the  Lord  our  God  made  a  breach  among  us; 
because  we  had  not  sought  him  after  the  pre- 
scribed manner. 

14  So  the  priests  and  the  Levites  sanctified 
themselves  to  bring  uj)  the  ark  of  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel. 

958 


15  And  the  children  of  the  Levites  bore 
the  ark  of  God,  as  Moses  had  commanded  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  on  their 
shoulders,  by  means  of  barrows  placed  upon 
them. 

16  ^  And  David  said  to  the  chiefs  of  the 
Levites  to  appoint  their  brethren  the  singers 
with  instruments  of  music,  psalteries  and 
harps  and  cymbals,  to  sing  aloud,  by  lifting 
up  the  voice  for  J03'. 

17  ^  So  the  Levites  appointed  Heman  the 
son  of  Joel,  and  of  his  brethren,  Assaph  the 
son  of  Berech_yahu,  and  of  the  sons  of  Merari 
their  brethren,  Ethan  the  sou  of  Kushayahu; 

18  And  with  them  their  brethren  of  the 
second  degree,  Zecharyahu,  Ben,  and  Ja'aziel, 
and  Shemiramoth,  and  Jechiel,  and  'Unni, 
Eliiib,  and  Benayahu,  and  Ma'asseyahu,  and 
Matthithyahu,  and  Eliphelehu,  and  Mikne- 
yahu,  and  Obed-edom,  and  Jeiel,  the  gate- 
keepers. 

19  Namely,  the  singers,  Heman,  Assaph, 
and  Ethan,  to  play  aloud  with  cymbals  of 
copper ; 

20  And  Zechariah,  and  'Aziel,  and  Shemi- 
ramoth, and  Jechiel,  and  'Unni,  and  Eliiib, 
and  Ma'asseyahu,  and  Benayahu,  with  psal- 
teries on  'Alaraoth; 

21  And  Matthithyahu,  and  Eliphelehu, 
and  Mikneyahu,  and  'Obed-edom,  and  Je'iel, 
and  'Azazyahu,  with  harps  on  the  Sheminith 
to  play  as  leaders." 

22  And  Kenanyahu  was  the  chief  of  the 
Levites  in  conducting  the  singing:  he  in- 
structed in  conducting  the  singing,  because 
he  was  skilful. 

23  And  Berechyah  and  Elkanah  were 
gatekeepers  for  the  ark. 

24  And  Shebanyahu,  and  Joshaphat,  and 
Nethanel,  and  'Amassai,  and  Zecharyahu,  and 
Benayahu,  and  Eli'ezer,  the  priests,  did  blow 
on  the  trumpets  before  the  ark  of  God;  and 
'Obed-edom  and  Jechiyah  were  gatekeepei-s 
for  the  ark. 

25  T[  And  it  was  David,  with  the  elders 
of  Israel,  and  the  officers  over  the  thousands, 
who  went  to  bring  up  the  ark  of  the  cove- 
nant of  the  Lord  out  of  the  house  of  'Obed- 
edom  with  joy. 

26  ]f  And    it    came    to    pass,   wlien   (mkI 

'  Zunz.  These  were  the  leaders  in  the  nrchcstnij  the 
others,  musicians. 


1  CHRONICLES  XV.  XVI. 


liolped  the  Levites  who  carried  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  that  they  offered 
seven  bullocks  and  seven  rams. 

27  And  David  was  clothed  with  a  rol)e  of 
fine  linen,  and  (so  were)  all  the  Levites  that 
carried  the  ark,  and  the  singers,  and  Kenan- 
jah  the  chief  in  conducting  the  singing  of 
the  singers;  but  David  had  also  upon  him  an 
ephod  of  linen. 

28  Thus  all  Israel  brought  up  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord  with  shouting,  and 
with  the  sound  of  the  cornet,  and  with  trum- 
pets, and  with  cymbals,  playing  aloud  on  psal- 
teries and  harps. 

29  And  it  happened,  as  the  ark  of  the 
covenant  of  the  Lord  came  as  far  as  the  city 
of  David,  that  Michal  the  daughter  of  Saul 
looked  through  the  window,  and  saw  king 
David  dancing  and  playing,  and  she  despised 
him  in  her  heart. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  And  they  brought  in  the  ark  of  God, 
and  set  it  in  the  midst  of  the  tent  that  David 
had  pitched  for  it;  and  they  offered  burnt- 
ofi'erings  and  peace-offerings  before  God. 

2  And  when  David  had  made  an  end  of 
offering  the  burnt-offerings  and  the  peace- 
oflerings,  he  blessed  the  people  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord. 

3  And  he  dealt  out  to  every  one  of  Israel, 
both  man  and  woman,  to  every  one  a  loaf  of 
bread,  and  a  piece  of  flesh,  and  a  flagon  of 
wine. 

4  Tl  And  he  placed  before  the  ark  of  the 
Lord  several  of  the  Levites  as  ministers,  and 
to  chaunt  hynnis,  and  to  give  jiraise  and 
thanks  unto  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel: 

5  Assaph  the  chief,  and  next  to  him  Ze- 
chariah  ;  Je'iel.  and  Shemiramoth,  and  Jechiel, 
and  Matthithyah,  and  Eliiib,  and  Benayahu, 
and  'Obed-edom;  and  Je'iel  witli  psalteries 
and  with  harps;  but  Assaph  played  aloud 
with  the  cymbals. 

6  And  Benayahu  and  Jachaziel  the  priests 
were  with  the  trumpets  continually  before 
tlie  ark  of  the  covenant  of  G(jd. 

7  On  that  day — then  did  David  appoint 
for  the  first  time"  to  give  thanks  to  the  Lord 
through  means  of  Assaph  and  his  brethren. 

'  Zunz,  BfNia  "through  the  chief;"  but  Kedak  would 
render  it,  "for  Assaph  to  eommenee,"  so  that  the  others 
'.-esponded, 


8  ]|  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  call  on 
his  name;  make  known  among  the  people 
his  deeds. 

9  Sing  unto  him.  sing  praises  unto  hini: 
speak  of  all  his  wonderful  works. 

10  Glorify  yourselves  in  his  holy  name: 
let  the  heart  of  those  rejoice  that  seek  the 
Lord. 

11  Inquire  after  the  Lord  and  his  strength : 
seek  his  presence  evermore. 

12  Remember  his  wonderful  works  which 
he  hath  done,  his  tokens,  and  the  decrees  of 
his  mouth; 

13  0  ye  seed  of  Israel  his  servant,  ye  chil- 
dren of  Jacob,  his  elect. 

14  He  is  the  Lord  our  God:  over  all  the 
earth  are  his  decrees. 

15  Remember  ye  for  ever  his  covenant, 
the  word  which  he  hath  commanded  to  the 
thousandth  generation, 

16  Which  he  covenanted  with  Almdiain, 
and  his  oath  unto  Isaac: 

17  And  which  he  established  unto  Jacob 
as  a  statute,  unto  Israel  as  an  everlasting 
covenant ; 

18  Saying,  Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land 
of  Canaan,  as  the  portion  of  your  inherit- 
ance ; 

19  When  ye  were  but  few  men  in  number; 
yea,  very  few,  and  strangers  in  it. 

20  And  when  they  wandered  from  one 
nation  to  another,  and  from  one  kingdom  to 
another  people: 

21  He  suffered  no  man  to  oppress  them; 
yea,  he  reproved  kings  for  their  sake. 

22  Saying,  "  Touch  not  my  anointed,  and 
do  my  prophets  no  harm." — 

23  Sing  unto  the  Lord  all  ye  lands:  an- 
nounce from  day  to  day  his  salvation. 

24  Relate  among  the  nations  his  olorv: 
among  all  the  people  his  wonderful  deeds. 

25  For  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly 
praised;  and  he  is  to  be  feared  above  all 
gods. 

26  For  all  the  gods  of  the  people  are  idols; 
but  the  Lord  hath  made  the  heavens. 

27  Majesty  and  honour  are  in  his  presence 
strength  and  gladness  are  in  his  place. 

28  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord,  0  ye  families 
of  people,  ascribe  unto  the  Lord  glory  and 
strength. 

29  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord  the  glorj-  due 
unto  his  name;  take  up  a'l  offering,  and  conie 


1  CHRONICLES  XVI.  XVII. 


into  his  presence ;  bow  down  before  the  Lord 
in  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

30  Tremble  before  him,  all  ye  lands !  Also 
the  world  standeth  firmly,  that  it  be  not 
moved. 

31  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and  let  the 
earth  be  glad;  and  let  men  say  among  the 
nations,  The  Lord  reigneth. 

32  Let  the  sea  roar,  with  all  that  filleth  it : 
let  the  fields  rejoice,  and  all  that  is  therein. 

33  Then  shall  the  trees  of  the  forest  sing 
joyfully  at  the  presence  of  the  Lord  ;  because 
he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth. 

34  0  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord;  for  he 
is  good;  because  unto  everlasting  endureth 
his  kindness. 

35  And  say  ye,  Save  us,  0  God  of  our  sal- 
vation, and  gather  us  together,  and  deliver 
us  from  the  nations,  that  we  may  give  thanks 
to  thy  holy  name,  to  glorify  our.selves  in  thy 
praise. 

36  Blessed  be  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
from  everlasting  even  unto  everlasting.  And 
all  the  people  said,  Amen,  and  praise  unto 
the  Lord. 

37  ^  And  he  left  there  in  charge  before 
the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  Assaph 
and  his  brethren,  to  minister  before  the  ark 
continually,  at  the  work  of  every  day  on  its 
day, 

38  And  'Obed-edom  with  their  brethren, 
sixty  and  eight,  and  'Obed-edom  the  son  of 
Jeduthun  and  Cliossah  to  be  gatekeepers; 

30  And  Zadok  the  priest,  and  his  brethren 
tlie  priests,  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord, 
in  the  high-place  that  was  at  Gib'on, 

40  To  (ifler  burnt-offerings  unto  the  Lord 
upon  the  altar  of  the  burnt^offering  continual- 
ly at  morning  and  at  evening,  and  this  in  ac- 
cordance with  all  that  is  written  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  commanded  con- 
cerning Israel ; 

41  And  with  them  Heman  and  Jeduthun, 
and  the  rest  that  were  selected  who  were  ex- 
[)ressed  by  name,  to  give  thanks  to  the  Lord, 
Ijeciiusc  unto  everlasting  endureth  his  kind- 
ness ; 

42  And  with  them,  with  Heman  and  Je- 
duthun, the  trumpets  and  cymbals  to  })lay 
aloud,  and  the  musical  instruments  of  God; 
and  the  sons  of  Jeduthun  to  be  lor  the  ser- 
vice at  the  gate. 

43  And  all  the  people  went  every  man  to 

DUO 


his  house;  and  David  turned  about  to  bless 
his  house. 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

1  Tf  And  it  came  to  jjass,  when  David 
dwelt  in  his  house,  that  David  said  unto 
Nathan  the  prophet,  Lo,  I  dwell  in  a  iicu.se 
of  cedar,  while  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord  is  under  curtains. 

2  And  Nathan  said  unto  David,  All  that 
is  in  thy  heart  do;  for  God  is  with  thee. 

3  ^  And  it  came  to  2J<iss  during  that  night, 
that  the  woi'd  of  God  came  unto  Nathan,  say- 
ino' 

4  Go  and  say  unto  David  my  servant, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Not  thou  shalt 
build  for  me  the  house  to  dwell  in; 

5  For  I  have  not  dwelt  in  a  house  since 
the  day  that  I  brought  up  Israel  even  until 
this  day;  but  have  been  (moving)  from  tent 
to  tent,  and  from  (one)  tabernacle  (to  an- 
other) . 

6  In  all  the  places  where  I  moved  about 
among  all  Israel,  did  I  speak  a  word  to  any 
one  of  the  judges  of  Israel,  whom  I  had  or- 
dained to  feed  my  people,  saying.  Why  have 
ye  not  built  for  me  a  house  of  cedar? 

7  Now  therefore,  thus  shalt  thou  say  unto 
my  servant,  to  David,  Thus  hath  said  the 
Lord  of  hosts,  I  took  thee  away  from  the 
sheepcote,  from  lieliind  the  ilocks,  to  be  a 
ruler  over  my  people  Israel ; 

8  And  I  have  been  with  thee  whitherso- 
ever thou  didst  go,  and  I  have  cut  oft"  all  thy 
enemies  from  thy  presence,  and  I  have  made 
thee  a  name,  like  the  name  of  the  great  men 
who  are  on  the  earth ; 

9  And  I  have  procured  a  ])lace  for  my 
people  Israel,  and  I  have  planted  them,  that 
they  may  dwell  in  a  place  of  their  own,  and 
be  no  more  ti'oubled;  and  that  the  children 
of  wickedness  shall  not  waste  them  any  more, 
as  aforetimes, 

10  And  (as  it  was)  since  the  time  that  I 
ordained  judges  to  be  over  my  people  Israel; 
and  I  have  humbled  all  thy  enemies;  and 
now  I  tell  thee  that  the  Lord  will  build  for 
thee  a  house. 

11  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that,  when 
thy  days  will  be  completed  that  thou  nuist 
go  (to  sleep)  with  thy  lathers,  I  will  set  up 
thy  seed  after  thee,  who  shall  be  of  thy  sons, 
and  I  will  establish  his  kintrdom. 


1  CHRONICLES  XVII.  XVIII. 


12  lie  it  is  that  sliall  build  for  ine  a  house, 
and  I  will  staljlish  hi.s  throne  for  ever. 

13  I  too  will  be  to  him  as  a  father,  and  he 
sIhUI  indeed  be  unto  me  as  a  son :  and  my 
kindness  will  1  not  cause  to  depart  from  him, 
as  I  caused  it  to  depart  from  him  that  was 
befoi'e  thee; 

14  But  I  will  place  him  firmly  in  my 
house  and  in  my  kingdom  for  evermore ;  and 
his  throne  shall  be  established  for  e^•er. 

15  In  accordance  with  all  these  words, 
and  in  accordance  with  all  this  vision,  so  did 
Nathan  speak  unto  David. 

16  ^  Then  went  king  Da\id  in  and  sat 
down  before  the  Lord,  and  he  said.  Who  am 
I,  0  Lord  God,  and  what  is  m\-  house,  that 
thou  hast  brought  me  as  far  as  liitherward? 

17  And  this  was  (yet)  too  small  a  thing 
in  thy  eyes,  0  God;  and  thou  hast  spoken 
concerning  thy  servant's  house  for  a  distant 
time,  and  hast  regarded  me  as  though  I  be- 
longed to  the  rank  of  a  man  of  high  degree, 
O  Lord  God. 

18  What  can  David  add  yet  more  (to 
speak)  unto  thee  of  the  lionour  of  thy  ser- 
vant? since  thou  knowest  well  thy  servant. 

19  0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  thy  servant, 
and  in  accordance  with  thy  own  heart,  hast 
thou  done  all  this  great  thing,  to  make  known 
all  these  great  things. 

20  0  Lord,  there  is  none  like  thee,  and 
there  is  no  god  beside  thee,  in  accordance 
with  all  that  we  have  heard  with  our  ears. 

21  And  Avho  is  like  thy  people  Israel,  the 
only  nation  on  the  earth  which  God  went  to 
redeem  for  himself  as  a  people,  to  acquii'e  for 
thyself  a  name  for  great  and  terrible  deeds, 
by  driving  out  nations  from  before  thy  peo- 
ple, W'hich  thou  hadst  redeemed  out  of  Egypt? 

22  And  thou  hast  instituted  thy  people 
Israel  unto  thyself  as  a  people  for  ever;  and 
thou,  Lord,  art  indeed  become  their  God. 

23  And  now,  0  Lord,  let  the  thing  that 
thou  hast  spoken  concerning  thy  servant  and 
concerning  his  house  be  verified  forever,  and 
do  as  thou  hast  spoken. 

24  Yea,  let  it  be  vei'ified,  and  let  thy  name 
be  magnified  unto  everlasting,  that  men  may 
say,  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  the  (Uk\  of  Israel, 
even  a  God  for  Israel;  and  may  tlie  house  of 
David  thy  servant  be  established  before  thee. 

25  For  thou,  O  my  God,  hast  revealed  to 
the  ear  of  thy  servant  that  thou  wnlt  build 

5  V 


for  him   a  house:  therefore  hath  thy  seivant 
found  him.self  able  to  pray  before  thee. 

26  And  now,  0  Lord,  thou  art  the  (true) 
God,  and  thou  hast  spoken  concerning  tli\- 
servant  this  goodness: 

27  And  now  hast  thou  Ijeen  pleased  to 
Ijless  the  house  of  thy  servant,  that  it  may 
continue  for  ever  before  thee;  for  thou,  O 
Lord,  hast  blessed,  and  (it  will  remain)  bless- 
ed for  ever. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  T[  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
David  smote  the  Philistines,  and  humbled 
them ;  and  he  took  Gath  and  its  dependent 
towns  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistines. 

2  And  he  smote  Moilb,  and  the  ALjJibites 
Ijecame  David's  servants,  bringing  presents. 

3  David  also  .^mote  Iladar'ezer  the  king  of 
Zobah  at  Chamath.  as  he  went  to  establish 
his  dominion  at  the  river  Euphrates. 

4  And  David  captured  from  him  a  thousand 
chariots,  and  seven  thousand  horsemen,  and 
twenty  thousand  men  on  foot;  and  Da^•id 
hamstringed  all  the  chariot-teams,  but  re- 
served of  them  a  hundred  eliariot-teams. 

5  And  the  Syrians  of  Damascus  came  to 
aid  Hadar'ezer  the  king  of  Zobah,  when 
David  slew  of  the  Syrians  two  and  twenty 
thousand  men. 

6  Then  did  David  put  (garrisons)  in  Syria 
of  Damascus,  and  the  Syrians  became  unto 
David  seivants,  bringing  pi'esents.  And  the 
Lord  helped  David  whithersoever  he  went. 

7  And  David  took  the  quivers  of  gold  that 
were  on  the  servants  of  Hadar'ezer,  and 
brought  them  to  Jerusalem. 

8  And  from  Tibchath,  and  from  Kun, 
cities  of  Hadar'ezer,  did  David  take  exceed- 
ingly much  copper;  thereof  made  Solomon 
the  copper  sea.  and  the  pillars,  and  the  ves- 
sels of  copper. 

9  ^  And  when  To'u  the  king  of  Chamath 
heard  that  David  had  smitten  all  the  host  of 
Hadar'ezer  the  king  of  Zobah : 

10  Then  did  he  send  Iladoram  his  son 
unto  king  David,  to  ask  him  after  his  well- 
being,  and  to  bless  him,  because  he  had 
fought  against  Iladar'ezer,  and  smitten  him; 
for  Hadar'ezer  had  been  engaged  in  wars 
with  To'u;  and  (he  had  with  him)  all  man- 
ner of  vessels  of  gold  and  silver  and  copper. 

11  Also   these    did    king    David    sanctify 


1  CHRONICLES  XVIII.  XIX. 


unto  the  Lord,  Avith  the  silver  and  the  gold 
that  he  had  carried  away  from  all  the  nations, 
from  Edom,  and  from  Moiib,  and  from  the 
children  of  'Amnioii,  and  from  the  Philistines, 
and  from  'Amalek. 

12  And  Abshai  the  son  of  Zerujah  smote 
of  the  Edoinites  in  the  valley  of  salt  eighteen 
thousand  (men). 

13  And  he  jjut  garrisons  in  Edom,  and  all 
the  Edomites  became  servants  unto  David. 
And  the  Lord  helped  David  whithersoever 
he  went. 

14  And  David  reigned  over  all  Israel,  and 
he  did  what  is  just  and  right  unto  all  his 
people. 

15  And  Joa1>  the  son  of  Zeruyah  was  over 
the  arn\y,  and  Jehoshaphat  the  son  of  Achi- 
lud,  recorder. 

16  And  Zadok  the  son  of  Achitub,  and 
Abimelech  the  son  of  Ebyathar,  were  (the) 
priests;  and  Shavsha  Avas  scribe; 

17  And  Benayahu  the  son  of  Jehoyada' 
was  over  the  Kerethites  and  the  Pelethites; 
and  the  sons  of  David  were  the  first  at  the 
side  of  the  king. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  tliis.  that 
Nachash  the  king  of  the  children  of  'Amnion 
died,  and  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

2  And  David  said,  I  will  show  kindness 
unto  Chanun  the  son  of  Nachash,  because 
his  father  showed  kindness  unto  me.  And 
David  sent  messengers  to  comfort  him  con- 
cerning his  lather.  And  the  servants  of 
David  came  unto  the  land  of  the  children  of 
'Amnion  to  Clianun,  to  comfort  him. 

3  And  the  princes  of  the  children  of  'Am- 
mon  said  unto  Chanun,  Doth  David  honour 
thy  father  in  thy  eyes,  tliat  he  hath  sent 
comforters  unto  thee?  are  not  his  servants 
come  unto  thee  in  order  to  search  out,  and  to 
overthrow,  and  to  sju'  out  the  land? 

4  Chanun  thereupon  took  Davids  servants, 
and  shaved  them,  and  cut  off  their  garments 
in  the  middle  as  far  as  the  hip-bone,  and  sent 
them  awa3^ 

5  And  some  people  went  and  told  David 
concerning  these  men.  And  he  sent  (per- 
sons) to  meet  them;  liecause  the  men  were 
greatly  ashamed;  and  the  king  said,  Tariy 
at  Jericho  until  your  beard  Im'  grown,  and 
then  return. 


6  ^   And  when  the  children  of  'Amnion 

I  saw  that  they  were  beconte  in  bad  odour 
with    David,    Chanun    and   the   children   of 

;  'Amnion  sent  a  thousand  talents  of  silver  to 
hire  for  themselves  from  Mesopotamia,  and 
from  Syria-ma'achah,  and  from  Zobr.h,  cha- 
riots and  horsemen. 

7  And  they  hired  for  themselves  thirty 
and  two  thousand  (warriors  in)  chariots,  and 
the  king  of  Ma'acliah  and  his  peo])le:  and 
they  came  and  encamped  before  Medeba. 
And  the  children  of  'Amnion  gathered  them- 
selves together  out  of  their  cities,  and  came 
to  the  battle. 

8  Tl  And  when  David  heard  of  it,  lie  sent 
Joiib,  and  all  the  army  (and)  the  mighty  men. 

9  And  the  children  of  'Amnion  came  out, 
and  put  themselves  in  battle  array  at  the 
entrance  of  the  city :  and  the  kings  that  were 
come  were  liy  themselves  in  the  field. 

10  When  now  Joab  saw  that  the  front  of 
battle  was  against  him  before  and  Ijehind.  he 
made  a  selection  from  all  the  chosen  men  of 
Israel,  and  arrayed  himself  against  the  Sy- 
rians. 

11  And  the  rest  of  the  people  he  delivered 
into  the  liand  of  Abshai  his  brother,  and 
they  arrayed  themselves  against  the  children 
of  'Amnion. 

12  And  he  said.  If  the  Syrians  be  too 
strong  for  nie,  then  shalt  thou  bring  me 
help;  but  if  the  children  of  'Amnion  be  too 
strong  for  thee,  then  will  I  help  thee. 

13  Be  strong,  and  let  us  strengthen  our- 
selves in  behalf  of  our  people,  and  in  behalf 
of  the  cities  of  our  God,  and  may  the  Lord 
do  that  which  seemeth  good  in  his  eyes. 

14  And  Joab  drew  nigh  and  the  people 
that  were  with  him  in  front  of  the  Syrians 
unto  the  battle,  and  they  fled  from  before 
him. 

I  15  And  when  the  children  of  'Amnion  saw 
that  the  Syrians  were  fled,  then  did  they  also 
fly  before  Abshai  his  brother,  and  entered 
into  the  city.  And  Joab  went  back  to  Jeru- 
salem. 

10  Tl  And  when  the  Syrians  saw  that  they 
were  smitten  before  Israel,  they  sent  messen- 
gers, and  brought  out  the  Syrians  that  were 
beyond  the  river;  and  Shophach  the  captain 
of  the  army  of  Hadar'ezer  went  before  them. 

17  .\nd  when  it  was  told  to  David,  he 
iigatln'red  all  Israel  together,  and  passed  o^'er 


1  CHRONICLES  XIX.  XX.  XXT. 


the  Jordan,  and  came  up  with  them,  and  ar- 
rtiyed  himself  against  them.  So  when  Da\ad 
had  arrayed  himself  against  the  Syrians  (for) 
battle,  they  fought  with  him. 

18  And  the  Syrians  tied  from  before  Israel: 
and  David  slew  of  the  Syrians  (the  men  of) 
seven  thousand  chariots,  and  forty  thousand 
men  on  foot,  and  Shophach  the  captain  of  the 
army  he  put  to  death. 

19  And  when  the  vassals  of  Hadar'ezer 
saw  that  they  were  smitten  before  Israel,  they 
made  peace  with  David,  and  served  him;  and 
the  Syrians  would  not  help  the  children  of 
'Ammon  any  more. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass,  at  the  time  of 
the  return  of  the  same  season  of  the  year,  at 
the  time  when  kings  go  forth,  that  Joab  led 
out  the  power  of  the  army,  and  destroyed  the 
country  of  the  children  of  'Annnon,  and  he 
came  and  besieged  Rabbah.  But  David  re- 
mained behind  at  Jerusalem.  x\nd  Joab 
smote  Rabbah,  and  pulled  it  down. 

2  And  David  took  the  crown  of  Malkam 
from  ofl"  his  head,  and  tbund  it  to  weigh  a 
talent  of  gold,  and  thereon  a  precious  stone ; 
and  it  was  set  on  the  head  of  David:  and  the 
Ijooty  of  the  city  he  brought  out  in  great 
abundance. 

3  And  the  people  that  were  therein  he 
brought  forward,  and  cut  them  with  saws, 
and  with  iron  threshing-wagons,  and  with 
axes;  and  thus  did  David  unto  all  tlie  cities 
of  the  children  of  'Amnion;  and  David  re- 
turned then  with  all  the  people  unto  Jerusa- 
lem. 

4  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
there  arose  a  battle  atGezer"  with  the  Philis- 
tines: then  smote  Sibbechai  tlie  Chushathite 
Sippai,  one  of  the  children  of  the  Rapha ;  and 
they  were  humbled. 

5  T[  And  there  was  again  a  battle  with 
the  Philistines,  when  Elchanan  the  son  of 
Yair  smote  Laclimi  the  brother  of  Goliath  the 
(littite,  the  staff  of  whose  spear  was  like  a 
weaver's  beam. 

6  ^  And  there  was  again  a  battle  at  Gath, 
where  was  a  man  of  (great)  stature,  whose 
fuigers  and  toes  were  six  on  each  (hand  and 


foot),  four  and  twenty  (in  all);  and  he  also 
was  born  to  the  Rapha. 

7  And  he  defied  Israel ;  but  Jonathan  the 
son  of  Shim'a  the  brother  of  David  smote  him. 

8  These  were  born  unto  the  Rapha  in 
Gath,  and  they  fell  by  the  hand  of  David, 
and  by  the  hand  of  his  servants. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^  And  the  Accuser  stood  up  against  Is- 
rael, and  incited  David  to  count  Israel. 

2  And  David  said  to  Joab,  and  to  the 
princes  of  the  people.  Go,  number  Israel  from 
Beer-sheba'  even  to  Dan.  and  bring  their 
number  to  me,  that  I  may  know  it. 

3  Then  said  Joab,  Ma}-  the  Loku  add  unto 
his  people,  how  many  soever  they  be,  a  hun- 
dred-fold more :  are  they  not  all,  my  lord  the 
king,  my  lord's  sei'vants?  why  then  will  my 
lord  require  this  thing?  why  shall  it  be  a 
cause  of  guiltiness  for  Israel? 

4  Nevertheless  the  king's  word  remained 
firm  against  JoJib;  and  Joab  went  out,  and 
moved  about  throughout  all  Israel,  and  came 
(back)  to  Jerusalem. 

5  ^  And  Joab  gave  up  the  sum  of  the 
number  of  the  peojile  unto  David:  and  there 
were  (in)  all  Israel  a  thousand  times  thou- 
sand and  one  hundred  thousand  men  that 
drew  the  sword;  and  (of)  Judah  were  four 
hundred  and  seventy  thousand  men  that 
drew  the  sword. 

G  But  Levi  and  Benjamin  did  he  not  count 
among  them  ;  for  tlie  king's  word  was  abomi- 
nable to  Joiib. 

7  And  this  thing  was  displeasing  in  the 
eyes  of  (Jod,  and  he  smote  Israel. 

8  ^  And  David  said  unto  God,  1  lune 
sinned  greatly,  because  I  have  done  this 
thing;  but  now,  I  Ijeseech  thee,  cause  the 
iniquity  of  thy  servant  to  pass  away;  for  I 
have  acted  very  foolishl}'. 

9  T[  And  the  Lord  spoke  unto  Gad.  David's 
seer,  saying, 

10  Go  and  speak  unto  David,  saying.  Thus 
hath  said  the  Lord,  Three  things  do  I  (jfl^er 
thee:  choose  for  thyself  one  of  them,  and  I 
will  do  it  unto  thee. 

11  So  Gad  came  to  David,  and  said  unto 
him,  Thushath  said  the  Lord,  Select  for  thyself, 


*  2  Samuel  xxi.  18,  in  the  parallel  passage  it  is  Gob; !  either  copied  a  different  authority,  or  the  place  (or  per- 
but  in  this,  a.s  in  many  other  instances,  the  chronicler  li son)  was  called  by  more  than  one  name. 

9G3 


1  CHRONICLES  XXI.  XXII. 


12  Whetlier  there  shall  be  three  years 
famine ;  or  three  months,  to  be  destroyed  be- 
fore thy  adversaries,  so  that  the  sword  of  thy 
enemies  overtake  thee;  or  that  during  three 
days  the  sword  of  the  Lord,  even  the  pesti- 


22  Then  said  David  to  Oman,  "Grant  me 
the  site  of  this  threshing-floor,  that  I  may 
build  thereon  an  altar  unto  the  Lord  :  for 
the  full  jnnce  shalt  thou  give  it  unto  me, 
so  that  the  plague  may  be  stayed  from  the 


lence,  shall  be  in  the  land,  and  an  angel  of  1' people." 
the  Lord  destroying  throughout  all  the  bound-  23  And  Oman  said  unto  David.  Take  it 
arifs  of  Israel?  And  now  retiect  what  word  for  thyself,  and  let  my  lord  the  king  do  what 
I  shall  bring  back  to  him  that  hath  sent  is  good  in  his  eyes:  lo,  I  give  the  oxen  for 
me.  burnt-ofteriugs,  and  the  threshing-rollers  for 

13  ]|  And  David  said  unto  Gad,  I  am  in.  wood,  and  the  wheat  for  the  meat-ofiering; 
a  great  strait:  let  me  fall  then  into  the  hand  ^' the  whole  do  I  give  (thee), 
of  the  Lord;  for  his  mercies  are  very  great; 
Ijut  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  of  man. 


24   And    king   David  said  to  Oman,   No: 

but  I  will  surely  buy  it  at  the  full  value;  for 

14  So  the  Lord  sent  a  pestilence  in  Israel,  jj  I  will  not  take  what  is  thine  for  the  Lord,  so 

and    there    fell    of  Israel   seventy  thousand  |  as    to   oiler    burnt-offerings    without  paying 

men. 


15  And  God  sent  an  angel  unto  Jerusalem 
to  destroy  it;  but  as  he  was  destroying,  the 
Lord  locjked  on,  and  he  bethought  himself  of 
the  evil,  and  said  to  the  angel  that  destroyed, 
It  is  enough:  now  stay  thy  hand.  And  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  was  standing  by  the  thresh- 
ing-floor of  Oman  the  Jebusite. 

16  ^  And  David  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and 
saw  the  angel  of  the  Lord  standing  between 
the  earth  and  tlie  heavens,  with  liis  sword 
drawn  in  his  hand,  stretched  out  over  Jeru- 
salem. Then  fell  David,  with  the  elders 
Avrapt  in  sackcloth,  upon  their  fiices. 

17  And  David  said  unto  God,  Was  it  not 
I  that  ordered  to  count  the  people?  and  I 
am  the  one  that  have  sinned  and  have  done 
evil  indeed;  but  these  sheep,  what  have  they 
done?  0  Lord  my  God,  let  thy  hand,  I  pray 
thee,  be  against  me,  and  against  my  father's 
house,  but  not  against  thy  people,  that  there 
should  be  a  plague. 

18  ^  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  spoke  to 
Gad  to  say  to  David,  that  David  should  go 

up,  to  erect  an  altar  unto  the   Lord  on  the ''the  Lord  the  (true)  tJod,  and  this  is  the  altar 
threshing-floor  of  Ornan  the  Jebusite.  jjfor  the  burnt-oflering  for  Israel. 

19  And  David  went  up  by  the  wcu'd  ofjj      2  |[  And  David  ordered  to  gather  together 
Gad,  which  he  had  spoken  in  the  name  of;ithe  strangers  that  were  in  the  land  of  Israel : 


theretbr. 

25  So  David  gave  to  Ornan  for  the  place 
six  hundred  shekels  of  gold  by  weight. 

2G  And  David  built  there  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord,  and  oflered  burnt^offerings  and 
peace-ofi'erings,  and  he  called  on  the  Lord: 
and  he  answered  him  from  heaven  by  fire 
upon  the  altar  of  burnt-ofi'ering. 

27  Tl  And  the  Lord  spoke  to  the  angel, 
and  he  put  back  his  sword  into  its  sheath. 

28  At  that  time  when  David  saw  that  the 
Lord  had  answered  him  on  the  threshing- 
floor  of  Ornan  the  Jebusite,  then  did  he  sacri- 
fice there. 

29  But  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord,  which 
Moses  had  made  in  the  wilderness,  and  the 
altar  of  the  burnt-offering,  were  at  that  time 
in  the  high-place  at  Gib'on. 

30  But  Da\'id  was  not  able  to  go  before  it 
to  incjuire  of  God;  for  he  was  afraid  because 
of  the  sword  of  the  angel  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  ^  And  David  said.  This  is  the  house  of 


the  Lord. 

20  And  when  Ornan  turned  back,  and  saw  ■• 
the   angel,   then   did   he   and   his   foiu-   sons 
with  him  hide  themselves.      Now  Ornan  was 
threshing  wheat. 


and   he  appointed  (them)   to   be  masons  to 
hew  cut  stones  to  build  the  house  of  God. 

3  And  iron  in  aljundance  lor  the  nails  i!)r 
the  doors  of  the  gates,  and  for  the  joinings, 
did  David  pr(']);n"e;  and  copper  in  aliundance. 


21   And  as  David  came  up  to  Oman,  Ornan!  (which)  could  not  be  weighed; 
looked  up  and  saw  David;  and  he  went  out  j      4   Also   cedar-ti-ees  (which)   could  not  be 
of  the  threshing-floor,  and  bowed   himself  to 'counted;   for  the  Zidonians  and  the  Tvrians 

David  with  his  face  to  the  gioiuid.  ,diadbroughtcedar-trees  in  abundance  to  David, 

'.104 


1  CHRONICLES  XXII.  XXIII. 


5  ^  And  David  said,  Solomon  my  son  is 
3'oung  and  tender,  and  the  house  tliat  is  to 
be  built  (in  honour)  of  the  Lord  must  be 
exceedingly  great,  for  fame  and  for  glory 
throughout  all  the  countries:  1  will  therefore 
make  preparation  for  it.  So  David  made 
abundant  preparation  before  his  death. 

G  And  he  called  for  Solomon  his  son,  and 
charged  him  to  Ijuild  a  house  for  the  LorD; 
the  God  of  Israel. 

7  Tl  And  David  said  to  Solomon,  My  son, 
as  for  me,  it  was  in  my  mind  to  build  a  house 
unto  the  name  of  the  Lord  my  God; 

8  But  there  came  concerning  me  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  saying,  Blood  in  abundance  hast 
thou  shed,  and  great  wars  hast  thou  made: 
thou  shalt  not  build  a  house  unto  my  name, 
because  much  blood  hast  thou  shetl  upon  the 
earth  before  me. 

9  Behold,  a  son  will  be  born  to  thee,  he  it 
is  who  shall  be  a  man  of  rest;  and  I  will 
give  him  rest  from  all  his  enemies  on  e^'ery 
side;  foi  St)lomon  [The  Peaceful]  shall  be 
his  name,  and  peace  and  quietness  will  1  be- 
stow on  Israel  in  his  days. 

10  He  it  is  who  shall  build  a  house  unto 
my  name;  and  he  shall  be  unto  me  as  a  son, 
and  I  will  be  unto  him  as  a  father;  and  I 
will  establish  the  throne  of  his  kingdom  over 
Israel  for  ever. 

11  Now,  my  son,  may  the  Lord  be  with 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  prosjjcr,  and  build 
the  house  of  the  Lord  thy  God,  as  he  hath 
spoken  concerning  thee. 

12  Only  may  the  Lord  give  thee  intelli- 
gence and  understanding,  and  a-ive  thee 
charge  over  Israel,  so  that  thou  mayest  ob- 
serve the  law  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

13  Then  wilt  thou  prosper,  if  thou  observe 
to  practice  the  statutes  and  the  ordinances 
which  the  Lord  commanded  Moses  concern- 
ing Israel:  be  strong,  and  of  good  courage; 
be  not  afraid,  nor  be  thou  ilisinayed. 

14  And,  behold,  during  my  allliction  have 
I  prepared  for  the  house  of  the  Lord  one 
hundred  thousand  talents  of  gold,  and  a  thou- 
sand times  thousand  talents  of  silver;  and  of 
copper  and  iron  (as  much  as)  cannot  be 
weighed;  for  in  (such)  abundance  was  it: 
and  wood  and  stone  have  I  prepared;  and 
thou  must  add  thereto. 

15  Moreover  there  are  with  thee  in  abun- 
dance workmen,  hewers  and  workers  of  stone 


and  timber,  and  all  manner  of  skilful  men 
tor  ever}-  kind  of  work. 

16  The  gold,  the  silver,  and  the  copper, 
and  the  iron  cannot  be  numbered:  arise, 
(therefore,)  and  be  doing,  and  may  the  Lord 
be  with  thee. 

17  And  David  gave  a  charge  to  all  the 
princes  of  Israel  to  help  Solomon  his  son, 
(saying,) 

18  Behold  the  Lord  j'our  God  is  with  you ; 
and  he  hath  given  you  rest  on  every  side; 
for  he  hath  given  up  into  my  hand  the  in- 
habitants of  the  land,  and  the  land  is  sul)- 
dued  before  the  Lord,  and  before  his  people. 

I  19  Now  direct  your  heart  and  your  soul 
to  seek  the  Lord  your  God;  and  arise,  and 
build  ye  the  sanctuary  of  the  Lord  the  (true) 
God,  (in  order)  to  bring  the  ark  of  the  cove- 

'  nant  of  the  Lord,  and  the  holy  vessels  of 
God,  into  the  house  that  is  to  be  built  unto 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  ^  And  when  David  was  old  and  full  of 
clays,  he  niade  Solomon  his  son  king  over 
Israel. 

I  2  And  he  gathered  together  all  the 
princes  of  Israel,  with  the  priests  and  the 
Levites. 

I  3  And  then  were  numbered  the  Levites 
from  thirty  years  old  and  upwai'd :  and  their 
number  by  their  polls,  of  men,  was  thirty 

j  and  eight  thousand. 

4  Of  these  were  twenty  and  four  thousand 
to  superintend  the  work  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord;  and  six  thousand  were  officers  and 
judges; 

5  And  four  thousand  were  gatekeepers; 
and  four  thousand  those  who  praised  the 
Lord  with  the  instruments  which  I"  have 
made,  to  praise  therewith. 

6  ^  And  David  divided  them  into  divi- 
sions after  the  sons  of  Levi,  after  Gershon, 
Kehath,  and  Merari. 

7  ]|  Of  the  Gershunites:  La'dan,  and 
Shim'i. 

8  T[  The  sons  of  La'dan:  The  chief  was 
Jechiel,  and  Zetham,  and  Joel,  three. 

9  ^  The  sons  of  Shim'i:  Shelomith,  and 
Chaziel,  and  Haran,  three.  These  were  the 
chiefs  of  the  families  of  La'dan. 


i.  e.  David;  an  extract  from  a  speech  of  bis. 

900 


1  CHRONICLES  XXIII.  XXIV. 


10  ^  And  the  sons  of  Sliini'i  were,  Jacliath, 
Zina,  and  Je'usli,  and  Beri'ah.  These  four 
were  the  sons  of  Shim'i. 

11  And  Jachath  was  the  chief,  and  Zizah 
the  second;  but  Je'ush  and  Beri'ah  had  not 
many  sons:  therefore  were  they  accounted 
as  one  family  division  in  the  numbering. 

12  ]|  The  sons  of  Kehath :  'Amram,  Yiz- 
har,  Hebron,  and  'Uzziel,  four. 

13  ^  The  sons  of  'Amram:  Aaron  and 
Moses;  and  Aaron  was  set  apart,  to  sanctify 
Iiim  as  most  holy,  he  with  his  sons  for  ever, 
to  burn  incense  before  the  Lord,  to  minister 
unto  him,  and  to  l)less  in  his  name  for 
ever. 

14  But  as  regardeth  Moses'  the  man  of 
God,  his  sons  were  named  after  the  tribe  of 
Levi. 

15  ^  The  .sons  of  Moses  w^ere,  Gershom, 
and  Eli'ezer. 

16  Of  the  sons  of  Gershom,  Shebuel  was 
the  chief. 

17  And  the  sons  of  Eli'ezer  were,  Rechab- 
yah  the  chief.  And  Eli'ezer  had  no  other 
sons;  but  the  sons  of  Rechabyah  became  ex- 
ceedingly numerous. 

18  ]|  Of  the  sons  of  Yizhar,  was  Shelomith 
the  chief. 

19  ^  The  sons  of  Hebron :  Jeriyahu  the 
chief,  Amaryah  the  second,  Jachaziel  the 
third,  and  Jekam'am  the  fourth. 

20  Tl  The  sons  of  'Uzziel:  Michah  the 
chief,  and  Yishiyah  the  second. 

21  T[  The  sons  of  Merari:  Machli,  and 
Mushi.  The  sons  of  Machli:  El'azar,  and 
Kish. 

22  And  El'azar  died,  and  had  no  sons,  but 
daughters;  and  the  sons  of  Kish,  their  bre- 
thren, took  them  (for  wives). 

2.3  The  sons  of  Mushi :  Machli.  and  'Eder, 
and  Jeremoth,  three. 

24  These  were  the  sons  of  Levi  after  their 
family  divisions,  even  the  chiefs  of  the  fami- 
lies, as  they  were  counted  by  numbering  the 
names  after  their  polls,  that  did  the  work 
for  the  service  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  from 
twenty  years  old  and  upward. 

2;")  For  David  said,  The  Luun  the  God  of 
Israel  hath  given  rest  unto  his  people,  and 
he  dwelleth  in  Jerusalem  for  evermore. 

26  And  also  the  Levites  are  no  more  bound 
to  carry  the  tabernacle,  and  all  its  vessels  for 
the  service  thereof. 

966 


27  Therefore  by  the  last  words  of  David 
were  there  numbered  of  the  Levites  those 
who  were  from  twenty  years  old  and  above ; 

28  Because  their  station  was  to  be  at  the 
side  of  the  sons  of  Aaron  for  the  service  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  in  the  courts,  and  in 
the  chambers,  and  by  the  purification  of  all 
holy  things,  and  the  work  of  the  sei'vice  of 
the  house  of  God; 

29  And  for  the  shew-bread,  which  was  put 
in  rows,  and  for  the  fine  flour  for  meat-offer- 
ing, and  for  the  unleavened  cakes,  and  for 
that  which  is  baked  in  the  pan,  and  for  that 
which  is  sodden,  and  for  all  manner  of  dry 
and  wet  measure; 

30  And  to  stand  every  morning  to  thank 
and  praise  the  Lord,  and  so  also  at  evening, 

31  And  at  all  the  offering  of  burnt-offerings 
unto  the  Lord  on  the  sabbaths,  on  the  new 
moons,  and  on  the  appointed  feasts,  accord- 
ing to  the  number,  and  after  the  manner 
prescribed  for  them,  continually  before  the 
Lord; 

32  And  that  they  should  keep  the  charge 
of  the  tabernacle  of  the "  congregration,  and 
the  charge  of  the  sanctuary,  and  the  charge 
of  the  sons  of  Aaron  their  brethren,  in  the 
service  of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  And  the  divisions  of  the  sons  of  Aaron 
were :  The  sons  of  Aaron  w-ere  Nadab,  and 
Abihu,  El'azar,  and  Ithamar. 

2  But  Nadab  and  Abihu  died  before  their 
father,  and  they  had  no  children:  and  El'azar 
and  Ithamar  became  priests. 

3  And  David  divided  them  off  with  Zadok 
of  the  sons  of  El'azar,  and  Achimelech"  of 
the  sons  of  Ithamar,  to  their  office  in  their 
service. 

4  And  the  sons  of  El'azar  were  found  more 
numerous  in  the  chiefs  of  males  than  the 
sons  of  Ithamar;  and  they  divided  them  ac- 
cordingly. Of  the  sons  of  El'azar  there  were 
.sixteen  chiefs  of  the  family  divisions,  and  of 
the  sons  of  Ithamar,  eight  lor  their  fomily 
divisions. 

5  And  they  divided  them  off  by  lot,  both 
the  first  and  the  last;  for  the  governors  of 
the  sanctuary,  and  governors  (of  the  house) 


*  No  doubt  Abyathar,  liore  and  elsewhere  called  after 
his  father,  instead  of  the  ",scin  of  Aehinieleeh." 


1   CHRONICLES  XXIV.  XXV. 


of  God,  were  from  tlie  sons  of  EFaZcar,  ;iii(i 
from  the  sons  of  Ithamar. 

G  ^  And  Shema'yah  the  son  of  Nethanel 
the  scribe,  one  of  the  Levites,  wrote  them 
down  before  the  king,  and  the  princes,  and 
Zadok  the  pi-iest.  and  Achimelecli  the  son  of 
Ebvathar,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  famiUes  of 
the  priests  and  Levites:  one  family  division 
being  drawn  of  El'azar,  and  one  being  equally 
drawn  of  Ithamar. 

7  ][  And  there  came  out  the  first  lot  for 
Jehoyarib,  for  Jeda'yah  the  second, 

8  For  Charim  the  third,  for  Se'orim  the 
fourth, 

9.  For  Malkiyah  the  fifth,  for  Miyamin  the 
sixth, 

10  For  riakkoz  the  seventh,  for  Abiyah 
the  eiglith. 

11  For  Jeshua'  the  ainth,  for  Shechanjahu 
the  tenth, 

12  For  Elyashih  the  eleventh,  for  Jakim 
the  twelfth, 

13  For  Chuppah  the  thirteenth,  for  Je- 
shebab  the  fourteenth, 

1-4  For  Bilgah  the  tifteetith,  for  Iinnier  the 
sixteenth, 

15  For  Chezir  the  seventeenth,  lor  Hap- 
pizzez  the  eighteenth. 

IG  For  Pethachyah  the  nineteenth,  for 
Ezekiel  the  twentieth, 

17  For  Jachin  the  one  and  twentieth,  for 
Gnmul  the  two  and  twentieth, 

18  Fur  Delayahu  the  three  and  twentieth, 
for  Ma'azyahu  the  four  and  twentieth. 

19  ^j  This  was  their  office  in  their  service 
to  come  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  according 
to  the  manner  prescribed  to  them,  under  the 
supervision  of  Aaron  their  father,  as  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel  had  commanded  him. 

20  And  of  the  rest  of  the  sons  of  Levi 
there  were,  of  the  sons  of 'Amram :  Shubael. 
Of  the  sons  of  Shubael:  Jechdeyahu. 

21  Concerning  Rechabyahu,  of  the  sons  of 
Rechabyahu   the  chief  was  Yishiyah. 

22  Of  the  Yizharites  was  Shelomoth :  of 
the  sons  of  Shelomoth  was  Jachath. 

23  And  the  sons  (of  Hebron)  :  Jeriyah, 
Amaryahu  the  second,  Jachaziel  the  third, 
Jekam'am  the  fourth. 


°  Redak,  ''  Aboth"  as  a  name,  "  Aboth  the  chief." 
•"This    obscuro    passage    is  explained    by    Rashi,  "  to 
exalt  the  horn  of  prophecy ;"  Redak,  "  of  Israel," — -neither 
of  which  gives  a  good  sense.     Herxheinier  renders  freely, 


24  (Of)  the  sons  of  'Uzziel,  Michah :  of 
the  sons  of  Michah,  Shamir. 

25  The  brother  of  Michah  was  Yishiyah: 
of  the  sons  of  Yishiyah,  Zecharyahu. 

26  The  sons  of  Merari  were  Machli  and 
Mushi:   the  sons  of  Ja'aziyahu,  Beno. 

27  The  sons  of  Merari  by  Ja'aziyahu: 
Beno,  and  Shoham,  iind  Zaccur.  and  'Ibri. 

28  Of  Machli:  El'azar,  who  had  no  sons. 

29  Of  Kish :  The  son  of  Kish  was  Jerach- 
meel. 

30  And  the  sons  of  Mushi  were  Machli, 
and  'Eder,  and  .Terimoth.  These  wei-e  the 
sons  of  the  Levites  after  their  family  divi- 
sions. 

31  These  likewise  cast  lots  in  the  same 
mnmier  as  their  brethren  the  sons  of  Aaron 
in  tlie  presence  of  king  David,  and  Zadok, 
and  Achimelech,  and  the  chiefs  of  the  fami- 
lies of  the  priests  and  Levites,  even  the  prin- 
cipal of  the  families*  equally  with  his  youngest 
brother. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  David  also  divided  off  with  the  chiefs 
of  the  host  for  the  service  of  the  soiis  of 
Assaph,  and  of  Heman,  and  of  Jeduthuu, 
those  who  uttered  praise  (accompanied)  with 
harps,  with  psalteries,  and  with  cymbals:  nnd 
their  number  was  of  the  men  (that  did)  the 
work  in  their  service, 

2  Of  the  sons  of  Assaph:  Zaccur.  aud 
Josejjh,  and  Nethanyah,  and  Asharelah,  the 
sons  of  Assaph  under  the  supervision  of  As- 
saph, who  uttered  praise  under  the  supervi- 
sion of  the  king. 

3  Of  Jeduthun,  the  sons  of  Jeduthun:  Ge- 
dalyahu,  and  Zeri,  and  Jesha'yahu,  Chashab- 
yaliu,  and  Matthithyahu,  six,  under  the  super- 
vision of  their  father  Jeduthun,  who  uttered 
praise  with  a  harp,  in  order  to  give  thanks 
and  to  utter  praise  unto  the  Lord. 

4  Of  Heman,  the  sons  of  Heman:  Bukki- 
yahu,  Matthanyahu,  'Uzziel,  Shebuel,  and 
Jerimoth,  Chananyah,  Chanani,  Eliiithah, 
Giddalti,  and  Romamti-'ezer,  Joshbekashah, 
Mallothi,  Ilothir,  and  Machiz'oth; 

5  All  these  sons  of  Heman  the  king's  seer 
in  the  words  of  God,  were  to  lift  up  the  horn." 

"who  praised  with  the  words  of  God  :"  this  is  not  accnr^- 
'  ing  to  the  words.     Zuiiz,  "that  according  to  the  words 

of  God  (hi.s)  horn  mifjht  be  lifted  up."     It  means,  pro- 
!  bably,  who  instructed  him  in  the  word  of  God. 

967 


1  CHRONICLES  XXV.  XXVI. 


And  God  gave  to  Heman  fourteen  sons  and 
three  daughters. 

G  All  these  were  under  the  supervision  of 
their  father  at  the  singing  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  with  cymbals,  psalteries,  and  harps,  for 
the  service  of  the  house  of  God,  under  the 
supervision  of  the  king,  Assaph,  Jeduthun, 
and  He  man. 

7  And  their  number,  with  their  brethren 
that  were  practised  in  singing  unto  the  Lord, 
even  all  that  were  acquainted  (therewith), 
was  two  hundred  eighty  and  eight. 

8  And  they  cast  lots,  division  against 
(division),"  the  small  as  well  as  the  great,  the 
one  acquainted  with  his  business  together 
with  the  scholar. 

9  ^  And  there  came  forth  the  first  lot  for 
Assaph  for  Joseph ;  Gedalyahu  was  the  second, 
he  with  his  brethren  and  sous,  being  twelve; 

10  Tf  The  third  was  Zaccur,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

11  ^  The  fourth  was  for  Yizri,  his  sons, 
and  his  bretliren,  being  twelve; 

12  ^  The  fifth  was  Nethanyahu,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  l)eing  twelve; 

13  Tl  The  sixth  was  Bukkiyahu,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

14  ^  The  seventh  was  Jessarelah,  his 
sous,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

15  Tl  The  eighth  was  Jesha'yahu,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

16  ^  The  ninth  was  Matthanyahu,  his 
sous,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

17  ^  The  tenth  was  Shim'i,  his  sons,  and 
his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

18  ^  The  eleventh  was  'Asarel,  his  sons, 
and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

19  ^  The  twelfth  was  for  Chashabyah,  his 
sons,  and  his  breilu'en,  being  tvs'elva; 

20  1[  The  thirteenth  was  SLubael,  his 
sons,  and  his  bret'aren,  being  twelve; 

21  ^[  The  fourteenth  w;is  Matthithyahu, 
his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

22  ']]  The  fifteenth  was  for  Jeremoth,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

2o  ^  The  sixteenth  was  for  Chauanyahu, 
his  .sous,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

24  'W  The  seventeenth  was  for  Joshbeka- 
shiJi,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 


•  So  Rashi,  who  supplies  this  word;  but  Zunz,  "  con- 
ccrDiug  the  dutl>»  of  thci?  office,  the  losst  eqvially  with 
the  great,  the  teacher  with  the  scholar." 
9U« 


25  ][  Tlie  eighteenth  was  for  Chanani,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve ; 

26  Tf  The  nineteenth  was  for  Mallothi,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

27  ^  The  twentieth  was  for  Eliyathah,  his 
sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

28  ^  The  one  and  twentieth  was  for  Ho- 
thir,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  being  twelve; 

29  ^  The  tw^o  and  twentieth  was  for  Gid- 
dalthi,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  being 
twelve ; 

30  ^  The  three  and  twentietli  was  for 
Machasioth,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  being 
twelve ; 

31  ][  The  four  and  twentieth  Avas  for  Ro- 
mamthi-'eser,  his  sons,  and  his  brethren,  be- 
ing twelve. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  ^  Concerning  the  divisions  of  the  gate- 
keepers (who  were)  of  the  Korchites :  Me- 
shelemyahu  the  son  of  Kor^,  of  the  sons  of 
Assaph. 

2  And  Meshelem3ahu  had  sons:  Zecliar- 
yahu  the  first-born,  Jedi'ael  the  second,  Zebad- 
yahu  the  third,  Jathniel  the  fourth. 

3  'Elam  the  fifth,  Jehochanan  the  sixth, 
Elyeho'enai  the  seventh. 

4  And  'Obed-edom  had  sons:  Shema'yah 
the  first-born,  Jehosabad  the  second,  Joiich 
the  third,  and  Sachar  the  fourth,  and  Ne- 
thanel  tlie  fifth, 

5  'Amniiel  the  sixth,  Issachar  the  seventh, 
Pe'ulthai  the  eighth;  for  God  had  blessed 
him. 

6  Also  unto  Shema'yah  his  son  there  were 
Ijorn  sons,  that  were  rulers  for  the  house  of 
their  father;  for  they  were  mighty  men  of 
valour. 

7  The  sons  of  Shema'yah  were  'Othni,  and 
Rephael,  and  'Obed,  (and)  Elsabad,  his  bro- 
thers (were)  valiant  men,  Elihu,  and  Semiich- 
yahu. 

8  All  these  were  of  the  sons  of  'Obed-edom  : 
they  and  their  sons  and  their  bretliren  were 
valiant  men  in  strength  for  the  service,  l)eing 
sixty  and  two  (descendants)  of 'Obed-edom. 

9  And  Meshelemyahu  had  sons  and  bre- 
thren, valiant  men,  eighteen. 

10  Also  Chossah,  of  the  children  of  Merari, 
had  sons:  Shimri  the  chief,  for  (though")  he 
was  not  the  first-born,  yet  his  father  made 
him  the  chief; 


1  CHRONICLES  XXV  1.  XX\at. 


11  (liiikisiilm  the  second,  Tebalyahu  tlu' 
third,  Zecharyahu  the  fourth;  all  the  sons  and 
brethren  of  Chossah  were  thirteen. 

12  These  divisions  of  the  gatekeepers,  after 
the  chief  men,  had  the  watch  along  with  their 
brethren,  to  minister  in  the  house  of  the  Loiin. 

13  And  they  cast  lots,  the  small  as  well  as 
the  great,  accordmg  to  their  family  divisions, 
for  each  and  every  gate. 

14  And  the  lot  at  the  east  fell  for  Slielem- 
yahu.  Anil  for  Zecharyahu  his  son,  an  intelli- 
gent counsellor,  they  cast  lots,  and  his  lot 
came  out  at  the  north. 

15  For  'Obed-edom  at  the  south;  and  to 
his  sons  (was  assigned)  the  house  of  Assup- 
pini." 

10  For  Shuppim  and  for  Chossah  at  the 
west,  by  the  gate  Shalleclieth,  on  the  ascend- 
ing causeway,  watch  alongside  of  watch. 

17  At  the  east  were  six  Levites,  at  the 
north  four  for  every  day,  at  the  south  four 
for  every  day,  and  for  (the  house  of)  Assup- 
pim  alwa3"S  two. 

18  At  the  Parbar  on  the  west,  four  at  the 
causeway,  and  two  at  the  Parbar. 

19  These  are  the  divisions  of  the  gate- 
keepers of  the  sons  of  the  Korchites,  and  of 
the  sons  of  Merari. 

20  And  of  the  Levites,  Achiyah  was  over 
the  treasuries  of  the  house  of  God,  and  over 
the  treasuries  of  the  holy  things. 

21  (As  concerning)  the  sons  of  La'dan,  the 
sons  of  the  Gershunites  of  La'dan,  the  chiefs 
of  the  families  of  La'dan  the  Gershunite,  were 
the  Jechielites. 

22  The  sons  of  Jechieli,  Zetham,  and  Joel 
his  brother,  were  over  the  treasuries  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

23  Of  the  'Amramites,  of  the  Yizharites, 
of  the  Hebronites,  and  of  the  'Uzzielites, 

24  (Was)  even  Shebuel  the  son  of  Ger- 
shom,  the  son  of  Moses,  superintendent  of 
the  treasuries. 

25  And  his  brethren  by  Eli'ezer:  Rechab- 
yahu  his  son,  and  Jesha'yahu  his  son,  and 
Joram  his  son,  and  Zichri  his  son,  and  She- 
lomitli  his  son. 

26  This  Shelomoth  and  his  brethren  were 
over  all  the  treasuries  of  the  holy  things, 
which   king  David  had    sanctified,  together 


•  Kashi  regards  this  as  a  proper  name;  but  Zunz,  "of 
the  guards."     Herxheimer,  "treasury." 
5  W 


with  the  chiefs  of  the  family  divisions,  the 
captains  over  the  thousands  and  the  huji- 
dreds,  and  the  captains  of  the  army. 

27  Out  of  the  wars,  and  out  of  the  booty 
did  they  sanctify  to  maintain  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

28  And  all  that  Samuel  the  seer,  and  Saiil 
the  son  of  Kish,  and  Abner  the  son  of  Ner, 
and  Joid)  the  son  of  Zeruyah,  had  sanctified, 
whatsoever  (any  one)  had  sanctified,  was 
under  the  supervision  of  Shelomith  and  of 
his  brethren. 

29  Of  the  Yizharites  were  Kenanyahu  and 
his  sons  for  the  outward  business  over  Israel, 
for  officers  and  judges. 

30  Of  the  Hebronites  were  Chashabyahu 
and  his  brethren,  valiant  men,  a  thousand 
and  seven  hundred  (in  number),  appointed 
over  the  affairs  of  Israel  on  this  side  of  the 
Jordan  to  the  west,  for  all  the  business  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  the  service  of  the  king. 

31  Of  the  Hebronites  was  Jeriyah  the 
chief,  for  the  Hebronites,  according  to  their 
generations  by  families.  In  the  fortieth  year 
of  the  reign  of  David  were  they  inquired  into, 
and  there  were  found  among  them  mighty 
men  of  valour  at  Ja'zer  of  Gil'ad. 

32  And  his  brethren,  valiant  men,  were 
two  thousand  and  seven  hundred  chiefs  of 
families:  and  king  David  appointed  them 
over  the  Reiiljenites,  the  Gadites,  and  the 
half  tribe  of  Menasseh,  for  every  matter  per- 
taining to  God,  and  the  affairs  of  the  king. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  And  (these  are)  the  children  of  Israel 
after  their  number,  (to  wit,)  the  chiefs  of 
the  family  divisions  and  the  captains  of  tlie 
thousands  and  the  hundreds,  and  their  officers 
that  served  the  king  in  every  matter  of  the 
divisions,  that  came  in  and  went  out  month 
by  month,  throughout  all  the  months  of  the 
year,  every  division  being  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

2  ]|  Over  the  first  division  for  the  first 
month  was  Jashob'am  the  son  of  Zabdiel; 
and  in  his  division  were  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

3  (He)  of  the  children  of  Perez  was  the 
chief  of  all  the  captains  of  the  armies  for  the 
first  month. 

4  T[  And  over  the  division  of  the  second 
month  Avas  Dodai  the  Achochite,  and  of  his 

909 


1  CHRONICLES  XXVII. 


division  was  Mikloth  also  the  ruler;  and  in 
his  division  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

5  Tl  The  third  captain  of  the  army  for  the 
third  month  was  Benayahu  the  son  of  Jelio- 
yada',  the  priest,  the  chief;  and  in  his  divi- 
sion Avere  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

6  This  Benayahu  was  the  mighty  among, 
the  thirty,  and  (set)  over  the  thirty;  and  of 
his  division  was  'Ammizabad  his  son. 

7  Tl  The  fourth  for  the  fourth  month  was 
'Assahel  the  brother  of  Joalj,  with  Zebadyah 
his  son  after  him;  and  in  his  division  were 
twenty  and  four  thousand. 

8  T[  The  fifth  for  the  fifth  month  was  the 
captain  iShamhuth  the  Yizrachite;  and  in  his 
division  were  twenty  and  four  thousand. 

9  ^  The  sixth  for  the  sixth  month  was 
'Ira  the  son  of  'Ikkesh  the  Theko'ite ;  and 
in  his  division  were  twenty  and  four  thou- 
sand. 

10  ]y  The  seventh  for  the  seventh  month 
was  Chelez  the  Pelonite,  of  the  children  of 
Ephraim;  and  in  his  division  were  twenty 
and  four  thousand. 

11  ][  The  eighth  for  the  eighth  month 
was  Sibbechai  the  Chushathite,  of  the  Zar- 
chites;  and  in  his  division  were  twenty  and 
four  thousand. 

12  ^  The  ninth  for  the  ninth  month  was 
Abi'ezer  the  'Anthothite,  of  Benjamin;  and 
in  his  division  were  twenty  and  four  thou- 
sand. 

13  ^  The  tenth  fn-  the  tenth  month  was 
Maliarai  the  Netophathite,  of  the  Zarchites; 
and  in  his  division  were  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

14  ^[  The  eleventh  for  the  eleventh  month 
Avas  Benayah  the  Pir'athonite,  of  the  children 
of  Ephraim;  and  in  his  division  were  twenty 
and  four  thousand. 

15  T[  The  twelfth  for  the  twelfth  month 
was  Cheldai  the  Netophathite,  of  'Othniel; 
and  in  his  division  were  twenty  and  four 
thousand. 

1()  ^  Moreover  over  the  tribes  of  Israel: 
Of  the  Reubenites  was  ruler  Eli'ezer  the  son 
of  Zichri ;  of  the  Simeonites,  Shephatyahu  the 
son  of  Ma'achah ; 

17  Of  the  Levites,  Chashabyah  the  son  of 
Kamuel ;  of  (the  sons  of)  Aaron,  Zadok ; 

18  Of  Judah,  Eliliu,  one  of  the  brothers  of 
David;  of  Issachar,  'Ouiri  the  son  of  Michael; 

19  Of  Zebulun.  Yi.shma'yahu   the  son  of 


'Obadyahu;  of  Naphtali,  Jerimoth  the  son  of 
'Azriel ; 

20  Of  the  children  of  Ephraim,  Iloshea, 
the  son  of  'Azazyahu;  of  the  half  tribe  of  Me- 
nasseh,  Joel  the  son  of  Pedayahu; 

21  Of  the  half  tribe  of  Menasseh  in  Gil'ad, 
Yiddo  the  son  of  Zecharyahu;  of  Benjamin, 
'Ja'assiel  the  son  of  Abner; 

22  Of  Dan,  'Azarel  tlie  son  of  Jerocham. 
These  were  the  princes  of  the  tribes  of  Israel. 

23  But  David  took  not  their  number  from 
twenty  years  old  and  under;  because  the 
LoKU  liad  said  he  would  multiply  Israel  like 
the  stars  of  the  heavens. 

24  Joiib  the  son  of  Zeruyah  l^egan  to  num- 
ber (them) ;  but  he  finished  not,  and  there 
came  wrath  because  of  it  against  Israel :  and 
the  numlier  was  not  entered  in  the  account 
of  the  chronicles  of  king  David. 

25  ^  And  over  the  king's  treasures  was 
'Azmaveth  the  son  of  'Adiel;  and  over  the 
storehouses  in  the  fields,  in  the  cities,  and  in 
tlie  villages,  and  in  the  castles,  was  Jehona- 
than  the  son  of  'Uzziyahu. 

26  Tl  And  over  those  that  did  the  work  of 
the  field,  in  the  tillage  of  the  ground,  was 
'Ezri  the  son  of  Kelub. 

27  ^  And  over  the  vineyards  was  Shim'i 
the  Ramathite;  and  over  what  was  in  the 
vineyards,  as  regardeth  the  supplies  of  wine, 
was  Zabdi  the  Shiphmite. 

28  ^  And  over  the  olive-trees  and  the 
sycamore-trees  that  were  in  the  lowlands 
was  Ba'al-chanan  the  Gederite;  and  over  the 
supplies  of  oil  was  Jo'ash. 

29  T[  And  over  the  herds  that  fed  in  Sha- 
ron was  Shitrai  the  Sharonite;  and  over  the 
herds  that  were  in  the  valleys  was  Shaphat 
the  son  of  'Adlai. 

30  ^[  And  over  the  camels  was  Obil  the 
Ishma'elite;  and  over  the  she-asses  was  Yech- 
deyahu  the  Meronothite. 

ol  Tl  And  over  the  Hocks  was  Jaziz  the 
Ilagerene.  All  these  were  the  rulers  of  the 
property  which  belonged  to  king  David. 

32  ^1  Also  Jonathan  David's  uncle  was  a 
counsellor,  being  a  man  of  understanding  and 
acrpiainted  with  law;  and  Jechiel  the  son  of 
Chachmoni  was  with  the  king's  sons; 

33  And  Achithophel  was  the  king's  coun- 
sellor; and  (Jhushai  the  Arkite  was  the  king's 
friend; 

34  Andafter  A(;hithophel  (came)  Jehoyada' 


970 


1  CHRONICLES  XXVII.   XXVIII. 


the  son  of  Beuayahu  and  Ebyatliar;  and  tlie 
captain  of  the  khig's  array  was  Joab. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  ^  And  David  assembled  all  the  princes 
of  Israel,  the  princes  of  the  tribes,  and  the 
captains  of  the  divisions  that  ministered  to 
the  king,  and  the  captains  of  the  thousands, 
and  the  captains  of  the  hundreds,  and  the 
rulers  of  all  the  property  and  the  cattle  of 
the  king  and  of  his  sons,  with  the  courtrser- 
vants,  and  the  mighty  men,  and  with  all  the 
valiant  men  of  the  army,  unto  Jerusalem. 

2  Then  arose  king  David  upon  his  feet, 
and  said,  Hear  me,  my  brethren,  and  my 
people!  I  had  in  my  heart  to  build  a  house 
of  rest  for  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  the  footstool  of  our  God,  and 
I  had  made  preparations  to  build; 

."  But  Cod  said  unto  me,  Thou  shalt  not 
build  a  bouse  unto  my  name;  because  thou 
art  a  man  of  war,  and  blood  hast  thou  shed. 

4  Yet  the  Lokd  the  God  of  Israel  made 
choice  of  me  out  of  all  the  house  of  my  father 
to  be  king  over  Is-i'ael  for  ever;  for  of  Judah 
had  he  made  choice  as  ruler;  and  among  the 
hou:e  of  Judah,  of  the  house  of  my  father; 
and  among  the  sons  of  my  fother  had  he 
pleasure  in  me  to  make  (me)  king  over  all 
Israel : 

5  And  of  all  my  sons, — for  the  Lord  hath 
given  me  many  sons, — hath  he  made  choice 
of  Solomon  my  son,  to  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  over  Israel. 

6  And  he  hath  said  unto  me,  Solomon  thy 
son  it  is  that  shall  build  my  house  and  my 
courts;  for  I  have  made  choice  of  him  to  be 
as  a  son  unto  me,  and  I  will  be  indeed  to 
him  as  a  father. 

7  Moreover,  I  will  firmly  establish  his 
kingdom  for  everlasting,  if  he  be  strong  to 
execute  my  commandments  and  my  ordi- 
nances as  it  is  this  day. 

8  And  now  before  tbe  eyes  of  all  Israel, 
the  congregation  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
hearing  of  our  God,  (I  admonish  you)  ol)serve 
and  seek  for  all  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord  your  God :  in  order  tliat  ye  may  keep 
possession  of  this  good  land,  and  leave  it  for 
an  inheritance  unto  your  children  after  you 
for  ever. 

9  And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  know  thou 
the  God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  an 


entire  heart  and  with  a  willing  soul;  for  all 
hearts  doth  the  Lord  search,  and  every  ima- 
gination of  the  thoughts  doth  he  understand : 
if  thou  seek  him,  he  will  let  himself  be  fomid 
by  thee ;  but  if  thou  forsake  him,  he  will  cast 
thee  off  for  ever. 

10  See  now  that  the  Lord  hath  made 
choice  of  thee  to  build  a  house  for  the  sanc- 
tuary: be  strong  and  do  it. 

11  ^  Then  gave  David  to  Solomon  his  son 
the  pattern  of  the  poi'ch,  and  of  its  apart- 
ments, and  of  its  treasuries,  and  of  upper 
chambers,  and  of  its  inner  chambers,  and  of 
the  place  of  the  cover  of  the  ark, 

12  And  the  pattern  of  all  that  he  had  in 
his  spirit,  concerning  the  courts  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  concerning  all  the  chambei-s 
round  about,  concernmg  the  treasuries  of  the 
house  of  God,  and  concerning  the  treasuries 
of  the  holy  things ; 

1.3  Also  concerning  the  divisions  of  the 
priests  and  the  Levites,  and  concerning  all 
the  work  of  the  service  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  and  concerning  all  the  vessels  of  ser- 
vice of  the  house  of  the  Lord; 

14  Concerning  the  golden  vessels,  after  the 
weight  of  tbe  gold,  for  all  the  vessels  of  all 
manner  of  service ;  concerning  all  the  vessels 
of  silver  after  the  weight,  for  all  the  vessels 
of  every  kind  of  service ; 

15  Also  the  weight  for  the  candlesticks  of 
gold,  and  for  their  lamps  of  gold,  after  the 
weight  for  every  candlestick,  and  for  its 
lamps;  and  concerning  the  candlesticks  of 
silver  after  the  weight,  for  the  candlestick, 
and  for  its  lamps,  according  to  the  use  of 
every  candlestick ; 

16  And  the  gold  after  the  weight  for  the 
tables  of  the  rows  of  shewbread,  for  every 
table;  and  the  silver  for  the  tables  of  silver; 

17  Also  (concerning)  the  forks,  and  the 
bowls,  and  the  supporters  of  pure  gold ;  and 
concerning  the  golden  cups  after  the  weight 
for  every  cup ;  and  concerning  the  silver  cups 
after  the  weight  for  every  cup ; 

18  And  concerning  the  altar  of  incense 
the  refined  gold  after  the  weight;  and  con- 
cerning the  pattern  of  the  chariot  of  the 
golden  cherubim,  which  spread  out  (their 
wings),  and  cover  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of 
the  Lord. 

19  All  (this,  said  David,)  was  put  in  writing 
from  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  who  gave  me  in- 

97] 


1  CHRONICLES  XXVIII.  XXIX. 


titi'uction   (respecting)  all   the  works   of  the 
pattenr. 

20  ^  And  David  said  to  Solomon  his  son, 
Be  strong,  and  of  good  courage,  and  do  (the 
work);  fear  not,  and  be  not  dismayed;  for 
the  Lord  God,  (yea,)  my  God,  is  with  thee: 
he  will  not  fail  thee,  nor  forsake  thee,  until 
thou  have  finished  all  the  work  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

21  And,  behold,  the  divisions  of  the  priests 
and  the  Levites  are  there  for  all  the  service 
of  the  house  of  God ;  and  with  thee  are  in  all 
manner  of  workmanship  all  kinds  of  men 
distinguished  in  wisdom,  for  every  manner  of 
service;  and  the  princes  and  all  the  people 
are  ready  (to  obey)  all  thy  words. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  And  king  David  said  unto  all  the 
assembly,  Solomon,  the  only  son  of  mine 
whom  God  hath  made  choice  of,  is  yet  young 
and  tender,  and  the  work  is  great;  because 
not  for  man  is  the  palace  to  be,  but  for  the 
Lord  God. 

2  But  with  all  my  might  have  I  made 
read}  for  the  house  of  my  God,  the  gold 
for  the  things  of  gold,  and  the  silver  for  the 
things  of  silver,  and  the  copper  for  the  things 
of  copper,  the  iron  for  the  things  of  iron,  and 
the  wood  for  the  things  of  wood;  onyx  stones, 
and  stones  to  be  set,  bright  stones,  and  those 
of  divers  colours,  and  all  manner  of  precious 
stones,  and  marble  stones  in  abundance. 

3  Moreover,  because  I  have  set  my  affec- 
tion on  the  house  of  my  God,  have  I  acquired 
as  my  own  propert}-  gold  and  silver;  (and 
this)  have  I  given  to  the  house  of  my  God, 
over  and  above  all  that  I  have  prepared  for 
the  holy  house: 

4  Three  thousand  talents  of  gold,  of  the 
gold  of  Ophir,  and  seven  thousand  talents  of 
refined  silver,  co  overlay  the  walls  of  the 
houses ; 

5  All  that  is  needed  of  gold  and  of  silver, ' 
and  for  every  n.anner  of  work  (to  be  made) 
by  the  hands  of  artificers.     And  who  (now) 
is  willing  to  consecrate   his  hand  this  day 
unto  the  Lord? 

6  Thereupon  offered  voluntarily  the  chiefs 
of  the  family  divisions  and  the  princes  of  the 
tribes  of  Israel,  and  the  captains  of  the  thou- 


sands and  of  the  hundreds,  with  the  super- 
visors of  the  king's  work ; 

7  And  they  gave  for  the  service  of  the 
house  of  God  of  gold  five  thousand  talents 
and  ten  thousand  drachms,  and  of  silver  ten 
thousand  talents,  and  of  copper  eighteen 
thousand  talents,  and  of  iron  one  hundred 
thousand  talents. 

8  And  those  with  whom  stones  were  found 
gave  them  to  the  treasury  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  under  the  supervision  of  Jechiel  tlie 
Gershunite. 

9  Then  did  the  people  rejoice,  because  they 
had  voluntarily  offered ;  for  with  an  undivided 
heart  did  they  offer  to  the  Lord:  and  also 
king  David  rejoiced  with  great  joy. 

10  Tl  And  David  blessed  the  Lord  before 
the  eyes  of  all  the  congregation;  and  David 
said.  Blessed  be  thou,  0  Lord  the  God  of 
Israel  our  father,  from  everlasting  even  unto 
everlasting. 

11  Thine,  0  Lord,  are  the  greatness,  and 
the  might,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory," 
and  the  majesty,  yea,  all  that  is  in  the  hear 
vens  and  on  the  earth:  thine,  0  Lord,  is  the 
kingdom,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  the  head 
above  all. 

12  And  riches  and  honour  come  from  thee, 
and  thou  rulest  over  all ;  and  in  thy  hand  are 
power  and  might;  and  it  is  in  thy  hand  to 
make  great,  and  to  give  strength  unto  all. 

13  And  now,  0  our  God,  we  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

14  For  who  am  I,  and  what  is  my  people, 
that  we  should  possess  the  power  to  offer 
voluntarily  after  this  sort?  for  from  thee  is 
every  thing,  and  out  of  thy  own  have  we 
given  unto  thee. 

15  For  strangers  are  we  before  thee,  and 
sojourners,  as  were  all  our  fathers:  like  a 
shadow  are  our  days  on  the  earth,  and  there 
is  no  hope  (of  abiding) .'' 

IG  0  Lord  our  God!  all  this  abundant  store 
which  we  have  prepared  to  build  for  thee  a 
house  for  thy  holy  name,  is  out  of  thy  own 
hand,  and  thine  is  all. 

17  And  I  know,  my  God,  that  thou  probest 
the  heart,  and  uprightness  thou  receivest  in 
favour.  As  for  me,  in  the  uprightness  of 
my  heart  have  I  voluntarily  offered  all  these 
things;  and  now  thy  people,  that  are  present 


Herxhei'  tr,  "exiellcn'O,  I'Icriiity,  anil  s]il<iii|nii 
972 


Ziinz,  "(in  earth  fast  fli-etiii" 


2  rnRoxirT>ES  t. 


here,  do  I  see  witli  joy  offering'  voluntarily 
unto  thee. 

18  0  Lord,  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
of  Israel,  our  fathers,  ^^I'oserve  this  for  ever 
as  the  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  the 
heart  of  thy  people,  and  direct  their  heart 
firmly  unto  thee. 

19  And  unto  Solomon  my  son  do  thou 
give  an  undivided  heart,  to  keep  thy  com- 
mandments, thy  testimonies,  and  thy  sta- 
tutes, and  to  do  all,  and  to  build  the  palace, 
for  which  I  have  made  pre^jaration. 

20  ^  And  David  said  to  all  the  assembly. 
Bless  now  tlie  Lord  your  God.  And  all 
the  assembly  blessed  the  Lord  the  God 
of  their  fathers,  and  bent  down  their  heads, 
and  prostrated  themselves  to  the  Lord,  and 
to  the  king. 

21  And  they  sacrificed  sacrifices  unto  the 
Lord,  and  they  oflei'ed  burnt-ofterings  unto 
the  Lord,  on  the  morrow  after  that  day,  one 
thousand  bullocks,  a  thousand  rams,  a  thou- 
sand sheep,  with  their  drink-ofierings,  and 
(other)  sacrifices  in  abundance  for  all  Israel; 

22  And  they  ate  and  drank  before  the 
Lord  on  that  day  with  great  joy.  And  they 
declared  the  second  time  Solomon  the  son  of 
David  to  be  king,  and  they  anointed  him 
unto  the  Lord  as  chief  ruler,  and  Zadok  as 
priest. 


23  Then  sat  Solomon  on  the  throne  of  the 
Lord  as  king  instead  of  David  his  fathei-.  and 
he  was  prosperous;  and  all  Israel  obeyed 
him. 

24  And  all  the  princes,  and  the  mighty 
men,  and  also  all  the  sons  of  king  David, 
submitted"  themselves  unto  ving  Solomon. 

25  And  the  Lord  made  Solomon  exceed- 
ingly great  before  the  eyes  of  all  Israel;  and 
he  bestowed  u[)on  liim  a  royal  majesty  such 
as  liad  not  been  on  any  king  over  Israel  be- 
fore him. 

26  ^  Thus  did  David  the  son  of  Jesse 
reign  over  all  Israel. 

27  And  the  time  that  he  reigned  over 
Israel  was  forty  years:  in  Hebron  he  reigned 
seven  ^ears,  and  in  Jerusalem  he  reigned 
thirty  and  three  (years). 

28  And  he  died  in  a  good  old  age,  full  of 
days,  riches,  and  honour:  and  Solomon  his 
son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

29  And  the  acts  of  kin^  David,  the  first 
and  the  last,  behold,  they  are  written  in 
the  history  of  Samuel  the  seer,  and  in  the 
history  of  Nathan  the  prophet,  and  in  the 
history  of  Gad  the  seer, 

I  30  Together  with  all  his  reign  and  his 
'  mighty  deeds,  and  the  times  that  passed  over 
-  him,  and  over  Israel,  and  over  all  the  king- 
jdoms  of  the  (various)  countries. 


THE  SECOND  BOOK  OF  CHRONICLES, 


'3  D'yn  nm  "lao- 


CHAPTER  I. 


1  *\\  And  Solomon  tlie  son  of  David 
sti'engthened  himself  in  his  kingdom,  and 
the  Lord  his  God  was  with  him,  and  caused 
him  to  become  exceedingly  great. 

2  Then  said  Solomon  unto  all  Israel,  to 
the  captains  of  the  thousands  and  of  the  hun- 
dreds, and  to  the  judges,  and  to  every  prince 
in  all  Israel,  the  chiefs  of  the  family  divi- 
sions (that  they  should  go  with  him). 

3  Thereupon  went  Solomon,  and  all  the 


assembly  with  him.  to  the  high-jDlace  that 
was  at  Gib'on ;  for  there  was  the  talx'rnacle 
of  the  congregation  of  God,  which  Moses  the 
servant  of  the  Lord  had  made  in  the  wilder- 
ness. 

4  Nevertheless  the  ark  of  God  had  David 
brought  up  from  Kiryath-ye'arim  to  (the  place 
which)  David  had  prepared  for  it;  for  he  had 
pitched  a  tent  for  it  at  Jerusalem. 

5  But  the  copper  altar,  which  Bezalel  the 


'  Heb.  '•  placed  the  liuud  uuder  kini:;  Solomon," 

973 


2  CHRONICLES  I.  II. 


son  of  Uri,  the  son  of  Chur,  had  made,  he 
placed  before  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord: 
and  Solomon  and  the  assembly  sought  for  it. 

6  And  Solomon  sacrificed  there  on  the 
copper  altar  before  the  Lord,  which  was  at 
the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  offer- 
ed upon  it  a  thousand  burnt-offerings. 

7  ^  In  that  night  did  God  appear  unto 
Solomon,  and  said  unto  him,  Ask  what  I 
shall  give  thee. 

8  And  Solomon  said  unto  God,  Thou  hast 
shown  unto  David  my  father  great  kindness, 
and  hast  made  me  king  in  his  stead. 

9  Now,  0  Lord  God,  let  thy  word  unto 
David  my  father  be  verified;  for  thou  hast 
made  me  king  over  a  people  as  numerous  as 
the  dust  of  the  earth. 

10  Give  me  now  wisdom  and  knowledge, 
that  I  may  go  out  and  come  in  before  this 
people;  for  who  could  (otherwise)  judge  this 
thy  great  people? 

11  ^  And  God  said  unto  Solomon,  Where- 
as this  hath  been  in  thy  heart,  and  thou  hast 
not  asked  riches,  wealth,  or  honour,  nor  the 
life  of  thy  enemies,  and  hast  not  even  asked 
long  life ;  but  hast  asked  for  thyself  wisdom 
and  knowledge,  that  thou  mayest  judge  my 
people,  over  whom  I  have  made  thee  king: 

12  (Therefore)  are  the  wisdom  and  the 
knowledge  granted  unto  thee;  and  riches, 
and  wealth,  and  honour,  will  I  give  thee, 
such  as  no  kings  that  have  been  before  thee 
have  had,  and  the  like  of  which  after  thee 
none  shall  have. 

13  Then  came  Solomon  from  the  high- 
place  that  was  at  Gib'on  to  Jerusalem,  from 
before  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and 
reigned  over  Israel. 

14  ][  And  Solomon  brought  together  cha- 
riots and  horsemen;  and  he  had  a  thousand 
and  four  hundred  chariots,  and  twelve  thou- 
sand horsemen,  and  he  placed  them  in  the 
chariot^cities,  and  with  the  king  at  Jerusa- 
lem. 

15  And  the  king  rendered  the  silver  and 
gold  at  Jerusalem  like  stones,  and  cedar-trees 
he  rendered  as  the  sycamore-trees  that  are  in 
(he  lowlands  for  abundance. 

16  And  Solomon  had  his  horses  brought 
(nit  of  Egypt;  a  company  of  the  king's  mer- 
chants bought  a  quantity  at  a  price. 


'The  English  version  commences  here  chapter  ii. 
974 


17  And  they  brought  up,  and  fetched  out 
of  Egypt  a  chariot  for  six  hundred  shekels  of 
silver,  and  a  horse  for  a  hundred  and  fifty : 
and  so  for  all  the  kings  of  the  Hittites,  and 
for  the  kings  of  Syria,  did  they  bring  them 
out  by  their  means. 

18"  And  Solomon  ordered  to  build  a  house 
for  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  a  house  for  his 
royal  residence. 

CHAPTER  II. 

1  And  Solomon  numbered  seventy  thou- 
sand men  to  bear  burdens,  and  eighty  thou- 
sand stonecutters  in  the  mountain,  and  as 
superintendents  over  them  three  thousand 
and  six  hundred. 

2  ^  And  Solomon  sent  to  Churam  the 
king  of  Tyre,  saying.  As  thou  hast  dealt  with 
David  my  father,  and  didst  send  him  cedars 
to  build  him  a  house  to  dwell  therein,  (even 
so  deal  with  me).*" 

3  Behold,  I  am  building  a  house  to  the 
name  of  the  Lord  my  God,  to  sanctify  it  to 
him,  to  burn  before  him  incense  of  spices^ 
and  for  the  continual  rows  of  show-ljread,  and 
for  the  burnt-oflferings  at  morning  and  even- 
ing, on  the  sabbaths,  and  on  the  new-moons, 
and  on  the  stated  festivals  of  the  Lord  our 
God:  this  being  for  ever  obligatory  on  Is- 
rael. 

4  And  the  house  which  I  am  building  is 
great;  for  greater  is  our  God  than  all  the 
gods. 

5  But  who  possesseth  the  power  to  build 
him  a  house?  for  the  heavens  and  the  hea- 
vens of  heavens  cannot  contain  him:  and 
who  am  I  then,  that  I  should  build  him  a 
house,  save  only  to  burn  incense  before  him? 

6  And  now  send  me  a  skilful  man  to  work 
in  gold,  and  in  silver,  and  in  copper,  and  in 
iron,  and  in  pui'ple,  and  crimson,  and  blue, 
and  that  understandeth  how  to  engrave  with 
the  skilful  men  that  are  with  me  in  Judah 
and  in  Jerusalem,  whom  David  my  father 
hath  provided. 

7  Send  me  also  cedar-trees,  fir-trees,  and 
sandal-wood,  from  the  Labanon;  for  I  know 
well  that  thy  servants  have  the  skill  to  cut 
the  trees  of  Lebanon :  and,  behold,  my  ser- 
vants shall  be  with  thy  servants, 

8  Even  to  prejjare  I'ov  me  timljer  in  abun- 

^  These  words  are  not  in  the  tcjft. 


'1  CHRONICLES  TI.  TTT. 


dance;  for  the  house  wliieli  T  am  building  is 
to  be  wonderfull}'  great. 

9  And.  behold,  for  the  hewers  that  cut 
the  timber  -will  I  give  unto  thy  servants 
twenty  thousand  coi's  of  threshed  wheat,  and 
twenty  thousand  cors  of  barley,  and  twenty 
thousand  baths  of  wine,  and  twenty  thousand 
baths  of  oil. 

10  ^  Then  answered  Churam  the  king  of 
Tyi'e  in  writing,  and  he  sent  it  to  Solomon. 
Out  of  the  love  of  the  Lord  for  his  people 
hath  he  set  tliee  as  king  over  them. 

11  And  Churam  said.  Blessed  be  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  that  hath  made  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  who  hath  given  to  king  David 
a  wise  son,  endowed  with  intelligence  and  un- 
derstanding, who  is  to  build  a  house  unto  the 
Lord,  and  a  house  for  a  royal  residence. 

1:2  x'\ud  now  have  I  sent  a  skilful  man, 
endowed  with  understanding,  namely,  Chu- 
ram-Abi, 

13  The  son  of  a  woman  from  the  daughters 
of  Dan,  while  his  father  was  a  man  of  Tyre, 
skilful  to  woi'k  in  gold,  and  in  silver,  in  cop- 
per, in  iron,  in  stone,  and  in  wood,  in  purple, 
in  blue,  and  in  fine  linen,  and  in  crimson; 
also  to  execute  any  manner  of  engraving,  and 
to  devise  every  kind  of  woiiv  of  art  which 
may  be  given  to  him,  together  with  thy  skil- 
ful men,  and  skilful  men  of  my  lord  David 
thy  father. 

14  And  now  the  wheat,  and  the  barley, 
the  oil,  and  the  wine,  of  which  my  lord  hath 
spoken,  let  him  send  unto  his  servants : 

15  And  we  will  truly  cut  down  trees  out 
of  the  Lebanon,  as  much  as  thou  mayest 
need;  and  we  will  bring  them  to  thee  in 
floats  by  sea  to  Joppa;  and  thou  shalt  carry 
them  up  to  Jerusalem. 

16  T]  And  Solomon  numbered  all  the 
strange  men  that  were  in  the  land  of  Israel, 
after  the  numbering  wherewith  David  his 
father  had  numbered  them;  and  they  were 
found  to  be  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
and  three  thousand  and  six  hundred. 

17  And  he  made  of  them  seventy  thou- 
sand bearers  of  burdens,  and  eighty  thousand 
stonecutters  in  the  mountain,  and  three  thou- 
sand and  six  hundred  superintendents  to  set 
the  people  to  work. 

CHAPTER  III. 
1  ^  And  Solomon  began  to  build  the  house 


of  the  Lord  in  Jerusalem  on  mount  Moriah, 
where  He  had  appeared  unto  David  his  father, 
on  the  place  that  David  had  prepared  in  the 
threshing-floor  of  Oman  the  Jebusite. 

2  And  he  began  to  build  cm  the  sec(md 
day  of  the  second  month,  in  the  fourth  year 
of  his  reign. 

3  Now  in  this  manner  was  the  foundation 
laid  of  the  house  of  God  (at  its)  building  (by) 
Solomon :"  The  length  by  cubits  after  the 
first  measure''  wa-s  sixty  cubits,  and  the 
breadth  twenty  cubits. 

4  And  the  porch  that  was  in  the  front  of 
the  length  was  accordina'  to  the  breadth  of 
the  house,  twenty  cul)its,  and  the  height  was 
a  hundred  and  twenty:  and  he  overlaid  it 
within  with  pure  gold. 

5  And  tlie  great  house  he  ceiled  with  lir- 
wood,  which  he  overlaid  with  pure  gold,  and 
he  wrought  thereon  palm-trees  and  chains. 

6  And  he  overlaid  the  house  with  costly 
stones  for  ornament:  and  the  gold  was  gold 
of  Parvayim. 

7  And  he  covered  the  house,  the  beams, 
the  sills,  and  its  walls,  and  its  doors,  w^ith 
gold :  and  he  engraved  cherubim  on  the  walls. 

8  ^  And  he  made  the  most  holy  house, 
its  length  being  in  front  of  the  breadth  of  the 
house,  twenty  cubits,  and  its  breadth  twenty 
cubits:  and  he  covered  it  with  fine  gold, 
(amounting)  to  six  hundred  talents. 

9  And  the  weight  of  the  nails  (amounted) 
to  fifty  shekels  of  gold.  And  the  upper 
chambers  he  covered  wnth  gold. 

10  TI  And  he  made  in  the  most  holy  house 
two  cherubim  of  sculpture  work,  and  they 
overlaid  them  with  gold. 

11  And  regarding  the  wings  of  the  cheru- 
bim their  length  was  twenty  cubits;  the  wing 
of  the  one  amounting  to  five  cubits,  reaching 
to  the  wall  of  the  house;  and  the  other  wing 
of  five  cubits,  reaching  to  the  wing  of  the 
other  cherub. 

12  And  the  wing  of  the  other  cherub  was 
five  cubits,  reaching  to  the  wall  of  the  house ; 
and  the  other  wing  of  five  cubits  was  joined 
closely  to  the  wing  of  the  other  cherub. 

13  The  wings  of  these  cherubim  (as  they 


•  Zunz.  Redak,  "And  these  are  the  measurements  by 
which  Solomon  was  counselled  to  build  tlie  house  of 
God." 

'  ;',  €,  The  measure  in  use  amons  ancient  Israel. 

■      '  975 


2  CHRONICLES  111.  IV. 


were)  spread  out  were  tvveutj  cubits:  and 
they  were  standing  on  their  leet,  and  their 
faces  were  inward. 

14  Tl  And  he  made  the  vail  of  blue,  and 
purple,  and  crimson,  and  fine  linen,  and 
wrought  thereon  cherubim. 

15  •[  And  he  made  before  the  house  two 
pillars  of  thirty  and  five  cubits  in  length,  and 
the  capital  that  was  on  the  top  of  each  of 
them  was  five  cubits. 

16  ^  And  he  made  chains  in  the  debir; 
and  (others  which)"  he  placed  on  the  top  of 
the  pillars;  and  he  made  a  hundred  pome- 
granates, and  placed  them  on  the  chains. 

17  And  he  set  up  the  pillars  in  front  of 
the  temple,  one  on  the  right  hand,  and  the 
other  on  the  left;  and  he  called  the  name  of 
that  on  the  right  hand  Jachin,  and  the  name 
of  that  on  the  left  Bo'az. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  He  made  also  an  altar  of  copper,  twenty 
cubits  being  its  length,  and  twenty  cubits  its 
breadth,  and  ten  cubits  its  height. 

2  ^  He  made  also  the  molten  sea,  being  ten 
cubits  from  the  one  brim  to  the  other,  round- 
ed all  about,  and  it  was  five  cubits  in  lieight : 
and  a  line  of  thirty  cubits  did  encompass  it 
round  about. 

3  And  likenesses  of  oxen*"  were  under  it, 
encompassing  it  all  round  about,  ten  in  a 
cubit,  encircling  the  sea  round  about:  the 
oxen  were  in  two  rows  (and  were)  cast  (with 
it),  when  it  was  cast. 

4  It  was  standing  upon  twelve  oxen,  three 
looking  toward  the  north,  and  three  looking 
toward  the  west,  and  three  looking  toward 
the  south,  and  three  looking  toward  the  east; 
and  the  sea  was  resting  above  upon  them, 
and  all  their  hinder  parts  were  inward. 

5  And  its  thickness  was  a  hand's  breadth, 
and  its  brim  like  the  brim  of  a  cup,  with  lily- 
buds;  and  it  could  hold  and  contain  three" 
thousand  baths. 

6  ^  He  made  also  ten  lavers;  and  he 
1  (laced  five  on  the  right  hand,  and  five  on 
t  he  left,  to  wash  in  them :  what  belonged  to 
the  burnt-offering  they  rinsed  oflT  at''  them; 
but  the  sea  was  for  the  priests  to  wash  in. 

*  These  words  are  supplied  according  to  Redak. 
''  In   1  Kings  vii.  '24,  we  read,  "colocjnths,"  perl]a|)s 
that  "\p3  Bakiir  is  another  name  for  the  same. 

'  In  1  Kings  vii.  '2G,  there  is  iiicDlioued  2000;  perhaps 
»76 


7  ^  And  he  made  ten  candlesticks  of  gold 
according  to  their  prescribed  manner;  and  he 
placed  (them)  in  the  temple,  five  on  the  right 
side,  and  five  on  the  left. 

8  ^  He  made  also  ten  tables,  and  he  set 
them  in  the  temple,  five  on  the  right  side, 
and  five  on  the  left.  And  he  made  a  hun- 
dred bowls  of  gold. 

9  ^  And  he  made  the  court  of  the  priests, 
and  the  great  out-court,  and  doors  for  the 
out-court,  and  their  doors  he  overlaid  \\ith 
copper. 

10  And  the  sea  he  placed  on  the  right 
side  toward  the  east,  opposite  to  the  south. 

11  ^  And  Churam  made  the  pots,  and  the 
shovels,  and  the  basins.  And  Churam  made 
an  end  of  doing  the  work  which  he  made  for 
king  Solomon  in  the  house  of  God : 

12  The  two  pillars,  and   the  bowls,  and  ■ 
the  capitals  on  the  top  of  the  two  pillars,  and 
the  two  networks  to   cover   the  two  bowl- 
shaped  capitals  which  were  on  the  top  of  the 
j)illars ; 

13  And  the  four  hundred  pomegranates  for 
the  two  networks,  two  rows  of  pomegranates 
for  each  network,  to  cover  the  two  bowl- 
shaped  capitals  which  were  upon  the  front  of 
the  pillars. 

14  The  bases  also  did  he  make,  and  the 
lavers  made  he  upon  the  bases. 

15  The  one  sea,  and  the  twelve  oxen 
under  it, 

16  And  the  pots  also,  and  the  shovels, 
and  the  forks,  and  all  their  instruments,  did 
Churam-Abiv  make  for  king  Solomon  for  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  of  polished  copper. 

17  In  the  plain  of  the  Jordan  did  the  king 
cast  them,  in  the  clay-ground  between  Suc- 
coth  and  Zeredathah." 

18  ^  And  Solomon  made  all  these  vessels 
in  very  great  abLuidance ;  for  the  weight  of 
the  copper  was  not  inquired  into. 

19  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vessels  that 
pertained  to  the  huu.se  of  God  ;  and  the  jiltar 
of  gold  also,  and  the  tables  whereon  the  show- 
bread  (was  set) ; 

20  And  the  candlesticks  with  tlicir  lamps, 
to  light  them  after  the  prescribed  manner  be- 
fore the  debir,  of  pure  gold. 

in  the  Babylonian  measure,  usual  afler  the  exile,  three 
baths  were  only  equal  to  lico  in  ancient  IsraiO. 

''  Knshi.      Others,  "in  them." 

"  In  1  Kings  vii.  40,  "Zarethan." 


2  CHRONICLES  IV.  V.  VI. 


21  And  the  floAvers,  and  the  hinips,  and 
the  tongs,  were  of  gold,  the  purest  of  gold ; 

22  And  the  knives,  and  the  basins,  and 
the  spoons,  and  the  censers  were  of  pure  gold ; 
and  the  entrance  of  the  house,  its  inner  doors 
for  the  most  holy  place,  and  the  doors  oi'  the 
house  of  the  temple,  were  of  gold. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  T[  And  so  was  ended  all  the  work  which 
Solomon  made  for  the  house  of  the  Lord;  and 
Solomon  brought  in  the  things  sanctified  by 
David  his  fixther;  and  the  silver,  and  the 
gold,  and  all  the  vessels,  he  placed  in  the 
treasuries  of  the  house  of  God. 

2  Then  did  Solomon  assemble  the  elders 
of  Israel,  and  all  the  heads  of  the  tribes,  the 
princes  of  the  divisions  of  the  children  of 
Israel,  unto  Jerusalem,  to  bring  up  the  ark 
of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  out  of  the  city  of 
David,  which  is  Zion. 

3  And  all  the  men  of  Israel  assembled 
themselves  unto  the  king  at  the  feast  which 
is  (in)  the  seventh  month. 

4  And  all  the  elders  of  Israel  came,  and 
the  Levites  took  up  the  ark. 

5  And  they  brought  up  the  ark,  and  the 
tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  and  all  the 
holy  vessels  that  were  in  the  tabernacle :  these 
did  the  priests  and  the  Levites  bring  up. 

6  And  king  Solomon,  and  all  the  congre- 
gation of  Israel  that  were  assembled  unto 
him  were  before  the  ark,  sacrificing  sheep 
and  oxen,  which  could  not  be  numbered  nor 
told  for  multitude. 

7  And  the  priests  brought  in  the  ark  of 
the  covenant  of  the  Lord  unto  its  place,  into 
the  debir  of  the  house,  into  the  most  holy 
place,  under  the  wings  of  the  cherubim. 

8  And  the  cherubim  spread  forth  their 
wings  over  the  j^l^ce  of  the  ark,  and  the 
cherubim  covered  the  ark  and  its  staves  from 
above. 

9  And  they  had  made  the  staves  so  long 
that  the  ends  of  the  staves  were  seen  (stand- 
ing out)  from  the  ark  in  the  front  of  the 
debir;  but  they  were  not  seen  without;  and 
they  have  remained  there  until  this  day. 

10  There  was  nothing  in  the  ark  save  the 
two  tables  which  Moses  had  placed  (therein) 
at  Horeb,  where  the  Lord  made  a  covenant 
with  the  children  of  Israel,  when  they  came 
out  of  Egypt. 

6  X 


11  ][  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  priests 
were  come  out  of  the  holy  place ;  for  all  the 
priests  that  were  present  had  sanctified  them- 
selves, the  divisions  not  having  been  observ- 
ed;— 

12  And  the  Levites  the  singers,  all  toge- 
ther, of  Assaph,  of  Ileman,  of  Jeduthun,  with 
their  sons  and  their  brethren,  arrayed  in 
white  linen,  having  cymbals  and  psalteries 
and  harps,  stood  at  the  east  side  of  the  altar, 
and  with  them  were  one  hundred  and  twenty 
priests  blowing  on  trumpets; — 

13  And  it  came  thus  to  pass,  as  the  trum- 
peters and  singers  were  as  one,  to  make  one 
sound  to  be  heard  in  praising  and  thanking 
the  Lord;  and  when  they  lifted  up  their 
voice  (accompanied)  with  trumpets  and  cym- 
bals and  instruments  of  music,  and  in  praising 
the  Lord,  For  he  is  good ;  because  unto  ever- 
lasting endureth  his  kindness:  that  the  house, 
even  the  house  of  the  Lord,  was  filled  with 
a  cloud; 

14  And  the  priests  were  not  able  to  stand 
to  minister  because  of  the  cloud;  for  the 
gloi'y  of  the  Lord  had  filled  the  house  of 
God. 

CHAPTER  VL 

1  ^[  Then  said  Solomon,  The  Lord  said 
that  he  would  dwell  in  the  thick  darkness. 

2  And  I  have  indeed  built  a  dwelling- 
house  for  thee,  and  have  settled  a  place  for 
thy  abode  for  ever." 

3  And  the  king  turned  his  face,  and  bless- 
ed the  whole  congregation  of  Israel,  and  all 
the  congregation  of  Israel  was  standing. 

4  And  he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  Israel,  who  spoke  with  his  mouth 
unto  David  my  father,  and  hath  with  his 
hands  fulfilled  it,  when  he  said, 

5  Since  the  day  that  I  brought  forth  my 
people  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  I  did  not 
make  choice  of  any  city  out  of  all  the  tribes 
of  Israel  to  build  a  house,  that  my  name 
might  be  therein ;  nor  did  I  make  choice  of 
any  man  to  be  a  ruler  over  my  people  Israel ; 

6  But  I  have  made  choice  of  Jerusalem, 
that  my  name  might  be  there;  and  I  have 
made  choice  of  David  to  be  over  my  people 
Israel. 

7  And  it  was  in  the  heart  of  David  my 

father  to  build  a  house  for  the  luinie  of  the 

Lord   the  God  of  Israel. 

977 


2  CHRONICLES  VI. 


8  But  the  Lord  said  unto  David  my  father, 
Whereas  it  was  in  thy  heart  to  build  a  house 
unto  my  name,  thou  didst  well  in  that  it  was 
in  thy  heart: 

9  IS^evertheless  thou  shalt  nut  thyself  build 
the  house;  but  thy  son  that  shall  come  forth 
out  of  thy  loins,  he  shall  build  the  house  unto 
m>'  name. 

10  And  the  Lord  hath  fulfilled  his  word 
that  he  hath  spoken;  and  I  am  risen  up  in 
the  stead  of  David  my  lather,  and  I  sit  on 
the  throne  of  Israel,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken, 
and  I  have  built  the  house  unto  the  name  of 
the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel. 

11  And  I  have  placed  there  the  ark, 
wherein  is  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  which 
he  hath  made  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

12  And  he  now  placed  himself  before  the 
altar  of  the  Lord  in  the  presence  of  all  the 
congregation  of  Israel,  and  spread  forth  his 
hands ; 

13  For  Solomon  had  made  a  laver  of  cop- 
per, and  had  placed  it  in  the  midst  of  the 
out-court,  five  cubits  being  its  length,  five 
cubits  its  breadth,  and  three  cubits  its  height; 
and  he  placed  himself  upon  it,  and  kneeled 
down  upon  his  knees  in  the  presence  of  all 
the  congregation  of  Israel,  and  spread  forth 
his  hands  toward  heaven ; 

14  And  he  said,  0  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
there  is  no  god  like  thee  in  the  heavens,  or 
on  the  earth,  thou  who  keepest  the  covenant, 
and  the  kindness  for  thy  servants  that  walk 
before  thee  with  all  their  heart; 

15  Who  hast  kept  for  thy  servant  David 
my  father  that  which  thou  hadst  promised 
iiiia;  and  thou  spokest  with  thy  mouth,  and 
xiast  fulfilled  it  with  thy  hand,  as  it  is  this 
day. 

16  And  now,  0  Lord,  God  of  Israel, 
keep  for  thy  servant  David  my  father  that 
which  thou  hast  spoken  concerning  him,  say- 
ing. There  shall  never  fail  thee  a,  man  in  my 
sight  who  sitteth  on  the  throne  of  Israel;  if 
thy  children  but  take  heed  to  their  way  to 
walk  in  my  law,  as  thou  hast  walked  before 
me. 

17  And  now,  O  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel, 
let  thy  word  be  verified,  which  thou  hast 
spoken  unto  thy  servant,  unto  David. 

18  For,  in  truth,  will  God  then  dwell  with 
men  on  the  earth?  behold,  the  heavens  and 
the  heavens  of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee: 

978 


hoAv  much  less  then  this  house  that  I  have 
built ! 

19  Yet  wilt  thou  turn  thy  regard  unto  the 
prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to  his  supplication. 

0  Lord  my  God,  to  listen  unto  the  entreaty 
and  the  prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth 
before  thee: 

20  That  thy  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this 
house  day  and  night,  toward  the  place  of 
which  thou  hast  said  that  thou  wouldst  put 
thy  name  there ;  that  thou  mayest  listen  unto 
the  prayer  which  thy  servant  will  pray  at 
this  place. 

21  And  listen  thou  to  the  supplications  of 
thy  servant,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  which 
they  will  i)ray  at  this  place:  and  oh,  do  thou 
hear  from  thy  dwelling-place,  from  heaven; 
and  hear,  and  forgive. 

22  If  any  man  trespass  against  his  neigh- 
bour, and  an  oath  be  laid  upon  him  to  cause 
him  to  swear,  and  the  oath  come  before  thy 
altar  in  this  house : 

23  Then  do  thou  hear  from  heaven,  and 
act,  and  judge  th}'  servants,  by  requiting  the 
wicked,  to  bring  his  way  upon  his  own  head; 
and  by  justifying  the  righteous,  to  give  him 
according  to  his  righteousness. 

24  *i\  And  if  thy  people  Israel  be  struck 
down  before  the  enemy,  because  they  have 
sinned  against  thee,  and  they  return  and  con- 
fess thy  name,  and  pray,  and  make  supplica- 
tion before  thee  in  this  house : 

25  Then  do  thou  hear  from  heaven,  and 
forgive  the  sin  of  th}'  people  Israel,  and  cause 
them  to  return  unto  the  land  which  thou  hast 
given  to  them  and  to  their  fathers. 

26  ^1  When  the  heavens  be  shut  up,  and 
there  be  no  rain,  Ijecause  they  have  sinned 
against  thee,  and  they  pray  toward  this  place, 
and  confess  thy  name,  and  turn  from  their 
sin,  because  thou  hast  afflicted  them: 

27  Then  do  thou  hear  in  heaven,  and 
forgive  the  sin  of  thy  servants,  and  of  thy 
people  Israel;  for  thou  wilt  direct  them  unto 
the  good  way,  wherein  they  should  walk;  and 
give  then  rain  upon  thy  land,  which  thou 
hast  given  unto  thy  people  for  an  inheritance. 

28  ^1  If  there  be  fiunine  in  the  land,  if 
thei-e  be  pestilence,  blasting,  or  mildew,  if 
there  be  locusts,  or  caterpillars;  if  their 
enemies  besiege  them  in  their  land,  in  their 

'  gates;  at   whatsoever   plague,   and   at  whut- 

1  soever  sickness  j 


2  CHRONICLES  VI.  VII. 


29  What  prayer  and  what  supplication 
eoever  be  made  by  any  man,  or  by  all  th}' 
people  Israel,  when  they  shall  be  conscious 
every  man  of  his  plague  and  his  pain,  and 
he  then  spread  forth  his  hands  toward  this 
house : 

30  Then  do  thou  hear  from  heaven  the 
place  of  thy  dwelling,  and  forgive,  and  give 
to  every  man  in  accordance  with  all  his  ways, 
as  thou  mayest  know  his  heart;  for  thou, 
thyself  alone,  knowest  the  heart  of  the  chil- 
dren of  men ; 

31  In  order  that  they  may  fear  thee,  to 
walk  in  thy  ways,  all  the  days  that  they  live 
on  the  face  of  the  land  which  thou  hast  given 
unto  our  fathers. 

32  ^  But  also  to  the  stranger,  who  is  not 
of  thy  people  Israel,  but  cometh  out  of  a  far- 
off  country  for  the  sake  of  thy  great  name, 
and  of  thy  mighty  hand,  and  of  thy  out^ 
stretched  arm, — if  they  come  and  pray  in  this 
house, — 

33  Mayest  thou  likewise  listen  from  hea- 
ven, from  the  place  of  thy  dwelling,  and  do 
according  to  all  that  the  stranger  will  call 
on  thee  for:  in  order  that  all  people  of  the 
earth  may  know  thy  name,  both  to  fear  thee, 
as  do  th}^  people  Israel,  and  to  understand 
that  this  house,  which  I  have  built,  is  called 
by  thy  name. 

34  ^  If  thy  people  go  out  to  battle  against 
their  enemies  on  the  way  on  which  thou 
mayest  send  them,  and  they  do  pray  unto 
thee  in  the  direction  of  this  city  which  thou 
hast  chosen,  and  of  the  house  that  I  have 
built  unto  thy  name: 

35  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven  their 
prayer  and  their  supplication,  and  procure 
them  justice. 

36  If  they  sin  against  thee, — for  there  is 
no  man  that  may  not  sin, — and  thou  be  angry 
with  them,  and  give  them  up  before  the  ene- 
my, so  that  their  captors  carry  them  away 
captive  unto  a  land  far  off  or  near; 

37  And  if  they  then  take  it  to  their  heart 
in  the  land  whither  they  have  been  carried 
captive,  and  repent  and  make  supplication 
unto  thee  in  the  land  of  their  captivity,  say- 
iiig,  We  have  sinned,  we  have  committed  ini- 
quity, and  have  acted  wickedly ; 

38  And  they  return  unto  thee  with  all 
their  heart  and  with  all  their  soul  in  the 
land  of  their   captivity,  whither  they  have 


been  carried  captive,  and  they  pray  in  the 
direction  of  their  land,  which  thou  hast  given 
unto  their  lathers,  and  of  the  city  which  thou 
hast  chosen,  and  toward  the  house  which  I 
have  built  unto  thy  name : 

39  Then  hear  thou  from  heaven,  from  the 
place  of  thy  dwelling,  tlieir  prayer  and  their 
supplications,  and  procure  them  justice,  and 
forgive  thy  people  for  what  the_\-  have  sinned 
against  thee. 

40  Now,  my  God,  let  I  beseech  thee,  thy 
eyes  be  open,  and  thy  ears  be  attentive  unto 
the  prayer  on  this  place. 

41  And  now  arise,  0  Lord  God,  unto 
thy  resting-place,  thou,  and  the  ark  of  th\^ 
strength:  let  thy  priests,  0  Lord  God,  clothe 
themselves  with  salvation,  and  let  thy  pious 
servants  rejoice  in  happiness. 

42  0  Lord  God,  turn  not  away  the  face  of 
thy  anointed :  remember  the  pious  deeds  of 
David  thy  servant. 

CHAPTER  Vn. 

1  ^  And  when  Solomon  had  made  ai;  end 
of  praying,  a  fire  came  down  from  he.wen, 
and  consumed  the  burnt-offering  and  tlie 
sacrifices;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  fi.led 
the  house. 

2  And  the  priests  were  not  able  to  enter 
into  the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  because  the  glory 
of  the  Lord  had  filled  the  Lord's  house. 

3  And  all  the  children  of  Israel  were  look- 
ing on  as  the  fire  came  down,  and  the  glory 
of  the  Lord  (was  resting)  upon  the  house ;  and 
they  kneeled  down  with  their  faces  to  the 
ground  upon  the  pavement,  and  prostrated 
themselves,  and  gave  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
for  he  is  good;  because  unto  everlasting  en- 
dureth  his  kindness. 

4  And  the  king  and  all  the  people  offered 
sacrifices  before  the  Lord. 

5  And  king  Solomon  offered  a  sacrifice  of 
twenty  and  two  thousand  oxen,  and  a  hun- 
dred and  twenty  thousand  sheep:  and  so 
they  dedicated  the  house  of  God,  the  king 
and  all  the  people. 

6  And  the  priests  were  standing  on  their 
stations,  and  the  Levites  with  the  instruments 
of  the  music  of  the  Lord,  which  king  David 
had  made  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
because  unto  everlasting  endureth  his  kind- 
ness, with  the  song  of  praise  of  David  in 
their  han'I-  md  the  priests  blew  the  truiu- 

y79 


2  CHRONICLES  VII.  VIII. 


pets    opposite  to   them,  and  all  Israel  were 
Btandmg. 

7  ^  And  Solomon  hallowed  the  interior 
of  the  court  that  was  before  the  house  of  the 
Lord;  for  he  prepared  there  the  burnt-offer- 
ings, and  the  fat  of  the  peace-offerings;  be- 
cause the  copper  altar  which  Solomon  had 
made  was  not  able  to  contain  the  burnt-offer- 
ings, and  the  meat-offerings,  and  the  fat. 

8  And  Solomon  held  the  feast  at  that  time 
seven  days,  and  all  Israel  with  him,  a  very 
great  assembly,  from  the  entrance  of  Chamath 
unto  the  river  of  Egypt. 

9  And  they  held  on  the  eighth  day  a 
solemn  assembly;  for  the  dedication  of  the 
altar  they  held  seven  days,  and  the  feast 
seven  days. 

10  Tl  And  on  the  three-and-twentieth  day 
of  the  seventh  month  he  dismissed  the  people 
unto  their  tents,  joyful  and  glad  of  heart  be- 
cause of  the  good  that  the  Lokd  had  done  for 
David,  and  for  Solomon,  and  for  Israel  his 
people. 

11  Thus  did  Solomon  con^lete  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  king's  house;  and  (in) 
all  that  came  into  Solomon's  heart  to  make 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  own 
house,  he  prospered. 

12  ^f  Then  appeared  the  Lord  to  Solomon 
during  the  night,  and  said  unto  him,  I  have 
heard  thy  prayer,  and  I  have  made  choice  of 
this  place  for  myself  as  a  house  of  sacrifice. 

13  If  I  shut  up  the  heavens  that  there  be 
no  rain,  or  if  I  give  a  charge  to  the  locusts 
to  devour  off  the  land,  or  if  I  send  a  pesti- 
lence among  my  people; 

14  And  if  my  people,  over  whom  my  name 
is  called,  do  then  humble  themselves,  and 
pray,  and  seek  my  presence,  and  turn  away 
from  their  evil  ways:  then  will  I  also  hear 
from  heaven,  and  I  will  forgive  their  sin,  and 
will  heal  their  land. 

15  Now,  my  eyes  shall  be  open,  and  my 
ears  attentive  unto  the  prayer  on  this  place. 

16  And  now  I  have  chosen  and  hallowed 
this  house,  that  my  name  may  be  there  for 
ever;  and  my  eyes  and  my  heart  shall  be 
there  at  all  times. 

17  And  as  for  thee,  if  thou  wilt  walk  be- 
fore me,  as  David  thy  father  hath  walked, 
so  as  to  do  in  accordance  with  all  that  I 
have  commanded  thee,  and  wilt  keep  my 
statutes  and  my  ordinances  : 

980 


18  Then  will  I  establish  the  throne  of  thy 
kingdom,  just  as  I  have  covenanted  with 
David  thy  father,  saying.  There  shall  nev>ir 
fail  thee  a  man  to  be  ruler  in  Israel. 

19  But  if  ye  will  indeed  turn  away,  and 
forsake  ni}'  statutes  and  my  conmiandments, 
which  I  have  set  before  30U,  and  will  go  and 
serve  other  gods,  and  bow  down  to  them : 

20  Then  will  I  pluck  them  up  out  of  my 
land  which  I  have  given  unto  them;  and  this 
house,  which  I  have  hallowed  for  my  name, 
will  I  cast  away  from  my  sight,  and  I  will 
render  it  to  be  for  a  proverb  and  for  a  by-word 
among  all  the  people. 

21  And  this  house,  which  hath  been  so 
exalted,  shall  become  an  astonishment  to 
every  one  that  passeth  by  it:  so  that  he  will 
say.  Why  hath  the  Lord  done  thus  unto  this 
land,  and  unto  this  house? 

22  And  men  shall  then  say.  For  the 
cause  that  they  forsook  the  Lord  the  God  of 
their  fathers,  who  had  brought  them  forth 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  they  took 
hold  of  other  gods,  and  bowed  down  to 
them,  and  served  them :  therefore  hath  he 
brought  upon  them  all  this  evil. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of 
twenty  years,  when  Solomon  had  built  the 
house  of  the  Lord  and  his  own  house, 

2  That  (as  regardeth)  the  cities  which 
Churam  had  restored  to  Solomon,  Solomon 
built  them,  and  caused  the  children  of  Israel 
to  dwell  there. 

3  And  Solomon  went  to  Chamath-zobah, 
and  prevailed  against  it. 

4  And  he  built  Thadmor  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  aJl  the  treasure-cities,  which  he 
built  in  Chamath. 

5  And  he  built  the  upper  Beth-choron,  and 
the  lower  Beth-choron,  fortified  cities^  witli 
walls,  gates,  and  bars; 

6  And  Ba'alath,  and  all  the  trea^nre-citie.s 
that  Solomon  had,  and  all  the  cities  for  clia 
riots,  and  the  cities  for  horsemen,  and  all  the 
(other)  desire  of  Solomon  which  he  desii'ed 
to  build  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  the  Lebanon, 
and  throughout  all  the  land  of  his  dominion. 

7  All  the  people  that  were  left  of  the  Hit- 
tites,  and  the  Emorites,  and  the  Perizzites, 
and  the  Hivites,  and  the  Jebusites,  who  were 
not  of  Israel, 


'2  CHRONICLES  VIII.  IX. 


S  Out  of  their  childroii,  who  were  left  after 
them  in  the  land,  whom  the  children  of  Israel 
had  not  destroyed — these  did  Solomon  levy 
lis  tributary  (labourers)  until  this  day. 

9  Yet  of  the  children  of  Israel  did  Solo- 
mon make  no  bondmen  for  his  work;  but 
tliey  were  men  of  war,  and  chiefs  of  his  cap- 
tains, and  officers  of  his  chariots  and  of  his 
horsemen. 

10  And  these  were  the  chiefs  of  the  super- 
intendents whom  king  Solomon  had,  (even) 
two  hundred  and  fifty,  who  ruled  over  the 
people. 

11  And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  did  Solo- 
mon bring  up  o'.:l  of  the  city  of  David  unto 
the  house  that  he  had  built  for  her;  for  he 
said,  No  wife  of  mine  shall  dwell  in  a  house 
of  David  the  king  of  Israel,  because  they  are 
holy,  because  there  came  (once)  jnto  them 
tlifc  3.rk  g!"  the  Lord. 

12  ^  Then  did  Solomon  offer  burnt-offer- 
ings unto  the  Lord  on  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
which  he  had  built  before  the  porch, 

13  Even  according  to  what  was  the  due  of 
(every)  day  on  its  day,  offering  according  to 
the  commandment  of  Moses,  on  the  sabbaths, 
and  on  the  new-moons,  and  on  the  stated 
festivals,  three  times  in  the  year,  on  the  feast 
of  unleavened  bread,  and  on  the  feast  of 
weeks,  and  on  the  feast  of  tabernacles. 

14  And  he  stationed,  according  to  the  pre- 
scription of  David  his  father,  the  divisions  of 
the  priests  at  their  service,  and  the  Levites 
at  their  stations,  to  praise  and  minister  next 
to  the  priests,  in  the  requirement  of  every 
day  on  its  day,  and  the  gatekeepers  in  their 
divisions  at  every  gate;  for  so  was  the  charge 
of  David  the  man  of  God. 

15  And  they  departed  not  from  the  charge 
of  the  king  concerning  the  priests  and  Le- 
vites resptjcting  every  matter,  and  respecting 
the  treasuries. 

16  And  (so)  was  all  the  work  of  Solomon 
successful  from*  the  day  of  founding  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  even  until  it  was  finished. 
(So)  was  perfected  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

17  ^  Then  went  Solomon  to  'Ezyon-geber, 
and  to  Eloth,  at  the  searshore  in  the  land  of 
Edom. 

18  And  Churam  sent  him  by  means  of  his 

*  Kashi.     Zunz,  "from  the  day  of  founding — till  he 
had  quite  fompleted  the  house  of  the  LoRD  "  i 


servants  ships,  and  servants  that  had  know- 
ledge of  the  sea;  and  they  went  with  tl'.e  ser- 
vants of  Solomon  to  Opliir,  and  they  fetched 
away  thence  four  luuub'ed  and  fifty  talents  of 
gold,  and  brought  the  same  to  king  Solomon. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  ^  And  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  heard 
of  the  fame  of  Solomon,  she  came  to  j)rove 
Solomon  with  riddles  at  Jerusalem,  witli  a 
very  great  train,  and  with  camels  bearing 
spices,  and  gold  in  abundance,  and  precious 
stones:  and  when  she  was  come  to  Solomon, 
she  spoke  with  him  of  all  that  was  on  her 
heart. 

2  And  Solomon  solved  for  her  all  her  ques- 
tions: and  there  was  nothing  hidden  from 
Solomon  which  he  did  not  tell  her. 

3  And  when  the  queen  of  Sheba  saw  the 
wisdom  of  Solomon,  and  the  house  that  he 
had  built, 

4  And  the  food  of  his  table,  and  the  sitting 
of  his  servants,  and  the  attendance  of  his 
ministers,  and  their  apparel,  and  his  cup- 
bearers, and  their  apparel;  and  his  ascent 
by  which  he  went  up  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord:  there  was  no  more  spirit  in  her. 

5  And  she  said  to  the  king,  The  truth 
(only)  was  the  word  that  I  heard  in  my  own 
land  of  thy  acts,  and  of  thy  wisdom. 

G  And  1  believed  not  in  their  words,  until 
I  came,  and  my  eyes  saw  (all);  and,  behold, 
the  one-half  of  the  greatness  of  thy  wisdum 
hath  not  been  told  me :  thou  excellest  the  re- 
port which  I  have  heard. 

7  Happ3'  are  thy  men,  and  happy  are 
these  thy  servants,  who  stand  before  thee 
continually,  and  hear  thy  wisdom. 

8  Blessed  be  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  hath 
had  delight  in  tliee  to  place  thee  on  lii.s 
throne,  as  a  king  for  the  Lord  thy  God ;  be- 
cause thy  Goc^  loved  Israel,  to  sustain  them 
for  ever,  therefore  hath  he  placed  rhee  om  r 
them  as  knij;.  to  exercise  justice  and  righte- 
ousness'?. 

9  And  she  gave  to  the  king  one  hundixd 
and  twenty  talents  of  gold,  and  spices  in 
very  great  abundance,  and  precious  stones; 
and  there  never  were  any  such  spif;es  as 
those  which  the  queen  of  Sheba  gave  to  king 
Solomon. 

10  And  also  the  servants  of  Churam.  :uid 

the   .servants   of  Solomon,  who  brought  gold 

'.)hi 


2  CHRONICLES  IX.  X. 


from  Gphir,  brought  sandal-tiees  and  precious 
stones. 

11  And  the  king  made  of  the  .sandal-trees 
steps*  for  the  house  of  the  LoKD,  and  for  the 
king's   palace,  and  harps   and   psalteries  for! 
singers :  and  there  were  never  seen  the  like 
of  them  before  in  the  land  of  Judah. 

12  And  king  Solomon  gave  unto  the  queen  | 
of  Sheba  all  her  pleasure,  whatsoever  she 
asked,  beside  (a  return  for)  that  which  she 
had  brought  unto  the  king.  And  she  turned 
about  and  went  away  to  her  own  country, 
she  and  her  servants. 

13  ^  Now  the  weight  of  gold  that  came  to 
Solomon  in  one  year  was  six  hundred  and 
sixty  and  six  talents  of  gold ; 

14  Besides  what  the  travelling  tradesmen 
and   the    merchants    brought.     And   all   the  | 
kings  of  Arabia  and   the  governors  of  the 
country    brought    gold   and    silver   to    Solo- 
mon. 

15  And  king  Solomon  made  two  hundred 
targets  of  beaten  gold:  six  hundred  shekels 
of  beaten  gold  he  used  for  each  one  target. 

16  And  (he  made)  three  hundred  shields 
of  beaten  gold;  three  hundred  shekels  of  gold 
he  u.sed  for  each  one  shield.  And  the  kuig 
put  them  in  the  house  of  the  forest  of  Leba- 
non. 

17  The  king  also  made  a  great  throne  of 
ivory,  ?iid  overlaid  it  with  pure  gold. 

18  And  the  throne  had  six  steps,  with  a 
f'.'otstool   of  gold,  fastened   into   the   throne;! 
anl  there  were  arms  on   either  side,  on  the 
place  of  the  ?ieat;  and  two  lions  stood  beside! 
the  arms; 

19  And  twfilve  lions  stood  there  upon  the 
six  steps  on  both  sides:  there  waa  not  the 
like  made  in  any  kingdom. 

'^0  And  all  king  Solomon's  drinking  ves- 
sels were  of  gold,  and  all  the  vessels  of  the 
house  of  the  forest  of  Lebanon  were  of  pure 
gold:  no  silver  was  valued  in  the  days  of 
Solomon  at  the  least. 

21  For  the  king's  ships  went  to  Tharshish 
with  the  servants  of  (Jhurani :  once  in  three 
years  did  the  Tharsliish-ships  u.se   to   come  j 
home  laden  with  gold,  and  silver,  ivory,  and 
apes,  and  |jeacocks. 

22  And  king  Solomon  became  greater  than 


'  lu  1  Kings  X.  12,  we  read  "a  railing,"  wlionce  it  is 
probable  that  it  means  here  the  .same  on  the  .stairs. 
982 


all  the  kings  of  the  earth  for  riches  and  wit»- 
dom. 

23  And  all  the  kings  of  the  earth  sought 
the  presence  of  Solomon,  to  hear  his  wi.sdom 
which  God  liad  put  in  his  heart. 

24  And  they  brought  every  man  his  pre- 
sent, vessels  of  silver,  and  vessels  of  gold,  aud 
gai'ments,  armour,  and  spices,  horses,  and 
mules;   (and)  so  year  by  year. 

25  Tl  And  Solomon  had  four  thousa;;i 
stalls  for  horses  and  chariots,  and  twelve 
thousand  horsemen,  whom  he  quartered  in 
the  cities  for  chariots,  and  near  the  king  at 
Jerusalem. 

20  And  he  was  ruling  over  all  the  king« 
from  the  river  even  unto  the  land  of  the 
Philistines,  and  as  far  as  the  boundaty  of 
Egypt. 

•27  And  the  king  rendered  silver  in  Jeru- 
salem like  stones,  and  the  cedar-trees  he  ren- 
dered like  the  sycamore-trees  that  are  in  the 
lowlands,  for  abundance. 

28  And  men  were  bringing  out  horses  for 
Solomon  from  Egypt,  and  from  all  lands. 

29  And  the  remainder  of  the  acts  of  Solo- 
mon, the  first  and  the  last,  behold,  they  are 
written  in  the  history  of  Nathan  the  prophet, 
and  in  the  prophecy  of  Achiyah  the  Shilonite, 
and  in  the  visions  of  Ye'do  the  seer  concern- 
ing Jerobo'am  the  son  of  Nebat. 

30  And  Solomon  reigned  in  Jerusalem 
over  all  Israel  forty  years. 

31  And  Solomon  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David  his 
father:  and  Rehobo'am  his  .son  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  ^[  And  Rehobo'am  went  to  Shechem; 
for  to  Shechem  were  all  Israel  come  to  make 
him  king. 

2  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jerobo'am 
the  son  of  Nebat  heard  of  it,  for  he  was  in 
E^ 

of 

of  Egypt. 

3  And  they  sent  and  called  him:  and  so 
came  Jerobo'am  with  all  Israel  and  spoke  to 
Rehobo'am,  saying, 

4  Thy  father  made  our  yoke  hard;  but 
now  do  thou  make  lighter  the  hard  service 
of  thy  father,  and  his  heavy  yoke  which  he 
put  upon  us,  and  we  will  serve  thee. 


tiie  son  01  rseoat  nearu  oi  u,  lor  ue  was  m 
Egypt,  whither  he  had  tied  from  the  presence 
of  king  Solomon,  that  Jerobo'am  returned  out 


2  CHRONICLES  X.  XI. 


5  And  he  said  unto  them.  After  but  three 
days,  then  return  unto  me 
went  avv.iy. 

6  Then  consulted  king  Rehobo'am  with 
the  old  men  that  had  stood  before  Solomon 
his  father  while  he  yet  lived,  saying.  How  do 
yon  advise  that  I  should  return  an  answer  to 
this  people? 


7  And   they  spoke   unto   him,   saying.   If 


thou  wilt  be  kind  to  this  people,  and  please 
them,  and  speak  to  them  good  words:  then 
will  they  be  servants  unto  thee  for  all  times. 

8  But  he  forsook  the  counsel  which  the 
plu  men  had  given  him,  and  consulted  with 
the  young  men  that  were  grown  up  with 
him,  and  who  stood  before  him. 

9  And  he  said  unto  them,  How  do  you 
counsel  how  we  should  give  an  answer  to 
this  people,  who  have  spoken  to  me,  saying, 


ed  the  king,  aayir,^".  What  portion  have  we 
And  the  people  in  David?  nor  have  we  an  inheritance  in  the 
son  of  Jess6:  every  man  to  your  tents,  0  Is- 
rael; now,  sec  to  thy  own  house,  David.  So 
did  all  Israel  go  to  their  tents. 

17  But  as  for  the  children  of  Israel  who 
dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Jndah,  over  them  did 
Eehob(./um  reign. 

18  ^[  Then  sent  king  Rehobo'am  Hadoram 
who  was  over  tlie  tril)ute;  but  the  children 
of  Israel  stoned  him  with  stones,  that  he 
died.  Therefore  king  Rehobo'am  made  speed 
with  his  might  to  get  upon  his  chariot,  to  tiee 
to  Jerusalem. 

19  ^  So  did  Israel  rebel  against  the  house 
of  David  unto  this  day. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

1  And  when  Rehobo'am  was  come  to  Jeru- 


Make  lighter  the  yoke  which  thy  fother  did  I  salem,  he  assembled  the  house  of  Judah  and 


put  upon  us? 

10  Then  spoke  with  him  the  young  men 
that  Avere  gi'own  up  Avith  him,  saying,  Thus 
must  thou  say  unto  the  people  that  have 
spoken  unto  tliee,  saying.  Thy  father  made 
our  yoke  heavy,  but  do  thou  make  it  lighter 
unto  us:  thus  must  thou  say  unto  them,  My 
little  finger  is  thicker  than  my  father's  loins. 


Benjamin    a   hundred    and    eighty  thousand 
chosen  men,  warriors,  to  figlit  against  Israel, 

;  to  bring  back   the  kingdom  again  to  Reho- 

I  bo'am. 

2  ^  But  the  word  of  the  Lord  catne  unto 
Shema'yahu  the  man  of  God,  saying, 

3  Say  unto  Rehobo'am  the  son  of  Solomon, 
the   king   of  Judah,  and   unto   all   Isrnel   in 


11   And  now  (if)  my  father  hath  burdened  t,  Judah  and  Benjamin,  sayin 
you  witli  a  heavy  yoke,  I  will  add  to  youril      4   Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Ye  shall  not 
yoke:    (if)  my  father  hath  chastised  you  with  j|  go  up,  nor  fight  with  your  brethren:  return 
whips,   then   will    I    (do    it)    with    .scorpion- 
thorns. 

r.-'  When  now  Jerobo'am  and  all  the  peo- 
j-le  came  to  Rehobo'am  on  the  third  day,  as 
the  king  had  spoken,  saying.  Return  to  me 
on  the  third  day : 

13  The  king  answered  them  harshly;  and 
king  Rehobo'am  forsook  the  counsel  of  the 
old  men ; 

14  And  he  spoke  to  them  after  the  counsel 
of  the  young  men,  saying.  My  father  made 
your  yoke  heavy,  and  I  will  add  thereto;  my 
father  chastised  3'ou  with  whips,  but  I  will 
(do  it)  with  scorpion-thorns. 

15  And  the  king  hearkened  not  unto  the 
l)eople;  for  it  was  so  brought  about  from 
God,  in  order  that  the  Lord  might  fulfil  his 
word,  which  he  had  spoken  by  means  of 
Achiyahu  the  Shilonite  unto  Jerobo'am  the 
son  of  Nebat. 

16  So  when  all  Israel  saw  that  the  king 
hearkened  not  unto  them,  the  people  answer- 


every  man  to  his  house;  for  fi'om  me  hath 
this  thing  been  brought  about.  And  they 
hearkened  to  the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  re- 
turned from  c:oino;  against  Jerobo'am. 

5  T[  And  Rehobo'am  dwelt  in  JerusalfiT.^ 
and  built  cities  as  fortresses  in  Judnh. 

6  He  built,  namely,  Beth-lechem,  and 
'Etam,  and  Thekoii', 

7  And  Beth-zur,  and  Socho,  and  'Adullam, 

8  And  Gatli,  and  Mareshah,  and  Ziph, 

9  And  Adorayim  and  Lachish,  and  Azc- 
kah, 

10  And  Zor'ah,  and  Ayalon,  and  Hebron, 
which  are  in  Judah  and  in  Benjamin,  foi'tilitd 
cities. 

11  And  he  strengthened  the  strong-holds, 
and  put  commandei's  in  them,  and  stores  of 
food,  and  oil  and  wine; 

12  And  in  each  and  every  city  (he  placed) 
shields  and  spears,  and  made  them  exceed- 
ingly strong:   and   thus  remained  with  him 

Judah  and  Benjamin. 

988 


2  CHRONICLES  XI.  XII. 


13  ^  And  the  priests  and  the  Levites  that 
were  in  all  Israel  presented  themselves  to 
him  out  of  all  their  territory. 

14  For  the  Levites  left  their  open  districts 
and  their  possession,  and  Avent  to  Judah  and 
Jerusalem;  because  Jerobo'am  and  his  sons 
cast  them  off  from  executing  the  priest's  office 
unto  the  Lord, 

15  And  (because)  he  ordained  for  himself 
priests  for  the  high-places,  and  for  the  evil 
spirits,  and  for  the  calves  which  he  had 
made. 

16  And  after  them  (came)  out  of  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel  such  as  directed  their  heart  to 
seek  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel:  these  came 
to  Jerusalem,  to  sacrifice  unto  the  Lord,  the 
God  of  their  fiithers. 

17  And  they  strengthened  the  kingdom  of 
Judah,  and  brought  power  to  Rehobo'am,  the 
son  of  Solomon,  during  three  years;  for  they 
walked  in  the  way  of  David  and  Solomon 
during  three  years. 

18  ^  And  Rehobo'am  took  himself  as  wife 
Machalath  the  daughter  of  Jerimoth  the  son 
of  David,  (and)  AJjichayil  the  daughter  of 
Eliilb  the  son  of  Jesse; 

19  And  she  bore  to  him  sons:  Je'ush,  and 
Shamaryah,  and  Zaham. 

20  And  after  her  did  he  take  Ma'achah  the 
daughter  of  Abshalom;  and  she  bore  to  him 
Abiyah,  and  'Attai,  and  Ziza,  and  Shelomith. 

21  And  Rehobo'am  loved  Ma'achah  the 
daughter  of  Abshalom  more  than  all  his 
wives  and  his  concubines;  for  he  had  taken 
eighteen  wives  and  sixty  concubines;  and 
he  begat  twenty  and  eight  sons,  and  sixty 
daughters. 

22  And  Rehobo'am  appointed  Aljiyah  the 
son  of  Ma'achah  to  be  the  chief,  to  be  ruler 
among  his  brethren;  because  (he  desired)  to 
make  him  king. 

23  And  he  dealt  understandingly,  and  dis- 
persed all  his  children  throughout  all  the 
countries  of  Judah  nnd  Benjamin,  unto  all 
the  fortified  cities  ;  and  he  gave  them  food  in 
abundance  and  he  recjuired  (for  them)  a 
multitude  of  wives. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1  And  it  came  to  ])i)ss.  when  Rehobo'am 
had  established  the  kingdom,  and  when  he 
had  become  strong,  that  he  forsook  the  law 
of  the  Lord,  and  all  Israel  with  him 

081 


2  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the  fifth  year 
of  king  Rehobo'am,  that  Shishak  the  king  of 
Egypt  came  up  against  Jerusalem. — because 
they  had  acted  faithlessly  against  tlie  Lord, — 

3  With  twelve  hundred  chariots  and  sixty 
thousand  horsemen :  and  innumerable  were 
the  people  that  came  with  him  out  of  Egypt 
— the  Lubim,  the  Sukkiyim,  and  the  Ethi- 
opians. 

4  And  he  captured  the  fortified  cities 
which  pertained  to  Judah,  and  he  came  as  far 
as  Jerusalem. 

5  *\\  And  Shem'ayah  the  prophet  came  to 
Rehobo'am,  and  the  princes  of  Judah,  that 
were  gatliered  together  to  Jerusalem  because 
of  Shishak,  and  said  unto  them.  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord,  Ye  have  indeed  forsaken  me, 
and  therefore  have  I  also  relinquished  you 
into  the  hand  of  Shishak. 

G  Thereupon  the  princes  of  Israel  and 
the  king  humbled  themselves;  and  they  said, 
The  Lord  is  righteous. 

7  And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  they  had 
humbled  themselves,  then  came  the  word  of 
the  Lord  to  Shem'ayah,  saying,  "  They  have 
humbled  themselves:  I  will  not  destroy 
them ;  but  I  will  permit  some  little  to  escape 
from  them;  and  my  wrath  shall  not  be  poured 
out  over  Jerusalem  by  the  hand  of  Shishak." 

8  However  they  shall  be  servants  unto 
him,  and  they  shall  know  my  service,  and 
the  service  of  the  kingdoms  of  the  (various) 
countries. 

9  Tl  And  so  came  up  Shishak  the  king  of 
Egjpt  against  Jerusalem,  and  he  took  away 
the  treasures  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  treasures  of  the  king's  house  :  every  thing 
did  he  take  away;  and  he  took  away  the 
shields  of  gold  which  Solomon  had  made. 

10  And  king  Rehobo'am  made  in  their 
stead  shields  of  copper,  and  committed  them 
for  keeping  into  the  hand  of  the  chiefs  of  the 
runners,  who  kept  guard  at  the  door  of  the 
king's  house. 

11  And  it  happened  whenever  the  king 
went  into  the  house  of  the  Lord,  tliat  the 
runners  came  and  bore  them,  and  carried 
them  back  into  the  apartment  of  the  runners. 

12  And  when  he  had  humbled  himself,  the 
wrath  of  tlie  Lord  turned  from  him,  so  that 
he  destroyed  him  not  to  make  an  end  (of 
him) :  and  also  in  .Tudah  were  some  good 
things  (found). 


2  CHRONICLES  XII.  XIII. 

13   Ti    And  king  ReholKKim  strengthened  :' titude;  and  with  you  are  golden  calves,  which 


himself  in  Jerusalem,  and  reigned;  for  Reho- 
bo'am  was  one  and  forty  years  old  when  he 
became  king,  and  seventeen  years  did  he 
reign  in  Jerusalem,  the  city  which  the  Lord 
had  chosen  out  of  all  the  tribes  of  Israel,  to 
put  his  name  there.  And  his  mother's  name 
was  Na'auuih  the  'Amnion itess. 

14  And  he  did  the  evil ;  because  he  di- 
rected not  his  heart  to  seek  the  Lord. 

15  ^[  And  the  acts  of  Rehobo'am,  tlie  first 
and  the  last,  behold,  they  are  written  in  the 
history  of  Shem'ayah  the  prophet,  and  of 
'Iddo  the  seer  concerning  the  genealogies. 
And  the  wars  of  Rehobo'am  and  Jerobo'am 
(lasted)  all  the  days. 

16  And  Rehobo'am  slept  with  his  fatliers, 
and  was  buried  in  the  city  of  David:  and 
Abiyah  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  ]|  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  king  Jero- 
bo'am became  Abiyah  king  over  Judah. 

2  Three  years  he  reigned  in  Jerusalem: 
and  his  mother's  name  was  Michayahu  the 
daughter  of  Uriel  of  Gib'ah.  And  there  was 
war  between  Abijali  and  Jerobo'am. 

o  And  Abijah  joined  the  battle  with  an 
army  of  valiant  men  of  war,  even  of  four 
hundred  thousand  chosen  men:  Jerobo'am 
also  set  the  battle  in  array  against  him  with 
eisrht  hundred  thousand  chosen  men,  Ijeing 
mighty  men  of  ^'alour. 

4  ^j  And  Abigail  stood  up  above  mount 
Zemarayim,  Avhich  is  in  the  mountain  of 
Ephraim,  and  said,  Hear  me,  0  Jei'obo'am, 
and  all  Israel; 

5  Ought  ye  not  to  know  that  the  Lord  the 
God  of  Israel  hath  given  the  kingdom  over 
Israel  to  David  for  eternity,  }ea,  to  him  and 
to  his  .sons  by  a  covenant  of  salt? 

6  But  there  rose  up  Jerobo'am  the  son 
of  Nebat,  the  servant  of  Solomon  the  son  of 
David,  and  rebelled  against  his  lord. 

7  T[  And  there  were  gathered  unto  him  idle 
men,  worthless  persons,  and  put  themselves 
in  violent  resistance  against  Rehobo'am  the 
son  of  Solomon:  while  Rehobo'am  was  young 
and  tender  hearted,  and  could  not  sustain 
himself  before  them. 


Jeroljo'am  hath  made  for  you  as  gods. 

9  Have  ye  not  cast  out  the  priests  of  the 
Lord,  the  sons  of  Aaron,  and  the  Levites, 
and  have  made  yourselves  priests  like  the 
people  of  the  (various)  lands?  so  that  who- 
soever Cometh  to  consecrate  himself  with  a 
young  bullock  and  seven  rams  can  become 
a  priest  to  things  that  are  no  gods? 

10  But  as  for  us,  the  Lord  is  our  God,  and 
we  have  not  forsaken  him ;  and  the  priests, 
who  minister  unto  tlie  Lord,  are  the  sons  of 
Aaron;  and  the  Levites  are  at  their  (appoint- 
ed) work; 

11  And  they  bum  unto  the  Lord  burnt- 
offerings  every  morning  and  every  e\'ening 
and  incense  of  sweet  spices;  and  the  rows  of 
the  show-bread  (do  they  place)  upon  the 
pure  table;  and  there  is  the  candlestick  of 
gold  with  its  lamps,  to  light  the  same  every 
evening;  for  we  keep  the  charge  of  the  Lord 
our  God,  while  ye  ha^•e  truly  forsaken  him. 

12  And,  behold,  with  us  at  our  head  is 
the  (true)  God,  with  his  priests  with  trum- 
pets for  blowing  the  alarm,  to  sound  an  alarm 
against  you.  0  children  of  Israel,  do  not 
fiiiht  amiinst  the  Lord  the  God  of  your 
fathers ;   ibr  ye  will  not  prosper. 

13  But  Jerobo'am  caused  an  ambush  to 
come  around  behind  them:  so  they  them- 
selves were  before  Judah,  and  the  ambush 
was  behind  them. 

14  And  when  Judah  turned  round,  behold, 
they  had  the  battle  before  and  behind:  and 
they  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and  the  priests 
blew  with  the  trumpets. 

15  And  then  gave  the  men  of  Judah  a 
shout:  and  it  came  to  pass,  as  the  men  of 
Judah  shouted,  that  God  struck  down  Jero- 
Ijo'am  and  all  Israel  before  Abiyah  and  Ju- 
dah. 

16  And  the  children  of  Israel  fled  from 
before  Judah,  and  God  gave  them  up  into 
their  hand. 

17  And  Aljiyah  and  his  people  smote  them 
with  a  great  defeat,  and  there  fell  down  slain 
of  Israel  five  hundred  thousand  chosen  men. 

18  Thus  were  the  children  of  Israel  hum- 
bled at  that  time :  and  tlic  children  of  Judah 
became  powerful,  because   they  relied   upon 


8  And  now  ye  think  to  sustain  yourselves ;  the  Lord  the  God  of  their  fathers, 
before  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  iii  the  hand  J      19  And  Abiyah  made  pursuit  after  Jero- 
of  tlie  sons  of  David;  and  ye  are  a  great  mul-  Ibo'am,  and  captured  cities  from   him.  Bethel 


a  V 


985 


2  OllRONlCLKS  XIII.  XIV.  XV. 


with  its  villages,  and  Jeshanah  with  its  vil- 
lages, and  "Ephrayin  with  its  villages. 

20  And  Jeroh(j'ani  did  iK^t  recover  strength 
again  in-the  days  of  Abiyahii:  and  the  Lord 
struck  him,  and  he  died. 

21  ^  But  Abiyahu  became  strong,  and  he 
took  himself  fourteen  wives,  and  begat  twenty 
and  two  sons,  and  sixteen  dauuhters. 

22  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Abiyah,  and 
his  ways,  and  his  speeches,  are  written  in  the 
writing  of  the  prophet  'Iddo. 

23"  And  Abiyah  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David: 
and  Assa  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 
In  his  days  the  land  had  repose  ten  years. 

(JFIAPTER  XIV. 

1  ^  And  Assa  did  what  is  good  and  right 
in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God. 

2  And  he  removed  the  .altars  of  the  strange 
(gods),  and  the  high-places,  and  l)roke  up  tlie 
statues,  and  cut  down  the  groves ; 

3  And  he  ordered  Judah  to  seek  the  Lord 
the  God  of  their  fathei-s,  and  to  execute  the 
law  and  the  coinmandment. 

4  Also  he  removed  out  of  all  the  cities  of 
Judah  the  high-places  and  the  sun-images: 
and  the  kingdom  had  repose  before  him. 

5  And  he  built  fortified  cities  in  Judah; 
for  the  land  had  repose,  and  no  one  had  war 
with  him  in  those  years;  because  the  Lord 
had  given  him  rest. 

6  Therefore  he  said  unto  Judah,  Let  us 
Iniilil  these  cities,  and  surround  them  with 
walls,  and  towers,  gates,  and  bars:  the  land 
is  yet  before  us;  because  we  have  sought  the 
Lord  our  God, — we  have  sought  him,  and 
he  hath  given  us  rest  on  every  side."  So  they 
built  and  prospered. 

7  T[  And  Assa  had  an  army  that  Itore  tar- 
gets and  spears,  out  of  Judah  three  hundred 
tliousand;  and  out  of  Benjamin,  that  bore 
shields  and  drew  the  bow,  two  hundred  and 
eighty  thousand:  all  these  were  mighty  men 
of  valour. 

S  And  there  came  out  against  them  Zerach 
the  Ktliiopiaii  with  an  army  of  a  thousand 
times  thousand,  and  three  hundred  chariots; 
and  lu!  came  as  far  as  Mareshah. 

9    Then  went  Assa  out  against  him,  and 


The  English  version  commeuces  here  chapter  xiv. 
'JHfi 


they  set   themselves    in    battle-array  in   the 
valley  of  Zephathah  near  Mareshah. 

10  And  Assa  called  unto  the  Lord  his 
God,  and  said,  Lord,  nothing  can  hinder  tlieo 
to  help,  whether  it  be  the  mighty,  or  those 
that  have  no  power:  help  us,  0  Lord  our 
God;  for  on  thee  do  we  rely,  and  in  thy  name 
are  we  come  against  this  multitude.  0  Lord, 
thou  art  our  God !  no  mortal  can  place  a  re- 
straint against  thee. 

11  Tf  Thereupon  did  the  Lord  strike  down 
the  Ethiopians  before  Assa,  and  before  Ju- 
dah :  and  the  Ethiopians  fled. 

12  And  Assa  and  the  people  that  were  with 
him  pursued  them  as  far  as  Gerar:  and  there 
fell  of  the  Ethiopians  (so  many),  that  they 
could  not  recover  themselves;  for  they  were 
broken  down  before  the  Lord,  and  before  his 
camp;  and  they  carried  away  exceedingly 
much  booty. 

13  And  they  smote  all  the  cities  I'ound 
about  Gerar;  foi'  the  dread  of  the  Lord  was 
upon  them  :  and  they  plundered  all  the  cities; 
for  abundant  spoil  was  in  them. 

14  And  also  the  tents  of  (the  owners  of) 
cattle  did  they  smite,  and  they  carried  away 
sheep  in  abundance,  and  camels,  and  returned 
to  Jerusalem. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

1  And  as  for 'Azaryahu  the  son  of  Oded 
— on  him  came  the  spirit  of  God; 

2  And  he  went  out  to  meet  Ass.a,  and  said 
unto  him.  Hear  me,  0  Assa,  and  all  Judah 
and  Benjamin,  The  Lord  is  with  you,  wliile 
ye  renuiin  with  him;  and  if  ye  seek  him,  he 
will  let  himself  be  found  by  you;  but  if  ye 
forsake  him,  he  will  forsake  you. 

3  ^  And  many  days  (had  elapsed)  for 
Israel,  (they  being)  without  the  true  God, 
and  without  a  teacliing  priest,  and  without 
law. 

4  But  they  returned  Avhen  they  were  in 
distress  unto  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  and 
they  sought  him,  and  he  let  himself  be  found 
by  them. 

5  And  in  those  times  there  was  no  peace 
to  him  that  went  out,  and  to  him  that  came 
in;  l)ut  there  were  great  confusions  among  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  countries. 

(5  And  nation  was  dashed  to  pieces  against 
nation,  and  city  against  city;  for  God  ilid 
confcMind  them  with  all  kind  of  distress. 


2  CHRONICLES  XV.  XVI. 


7  But  as  for  3011,  be  ye  strong,  and  let  not 
vour  hands  be  weak;  for  there  is  a  reward 
for  your  doing. 

8  ^  And  wlien  Assa  heard  these  words, 
and  the  prophecy  of  'Oded  the  prophet,  he 
was  strengthened,  and  he  put  away  the 
abominable  idols  out  of  all  the  land  of  Judah 
and  Benjamin,  and  out  of  the  cities  Avhich  he 
liad  captured  from  tlie  mountain  of  Ephraim; 
and  he  renewed  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  that 
was  before  the  porch  of  the  Lord. 

9  And  he  assembled  all  Judah  and  Benja- 
min, and  those  that  sojourned  with  them  out 
of  Ephraim  and  Menasseh,  and  out  of  Simeon; 
for  the}'  had  joined  him  out  of  Israel  in  abun- 
dance, when  they  saw  that  the  Lord  his  God 
was  with  him. 

10  ^  And  so  they  assembled  themselves 
at  Jerusalem  in  the  third  month,  in  the 
fifteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  Assa. 

11  And  they  sacrificed  unto  the  Lord  on 
the  same  day,  of  the  booty  which  they  had 
brought,  seven  bundled  oxen  and  seven  thou- 
sand sheep. 

12  And  tliey  entered  into  the  covenant  to 
seek  the  Lord  the  God  of  their  fathers  with 
all  their  heart  and  v/itli  all  their  soul ; 

13  So  that  whosoever  would  not  seek  the 
Lord  the  God  of  Israel  should  be  put  to 
death,  from  the  small  even  up  to  the  great, 
whether  it  be  man  or  woman. 

14  And  the}-  swore  unto  the  Lord  with  a 
loud  Miirc  and  with  (joyful)  shouting,  and 
witli  trumpets,  and  with  cornets. 

15  And  all  Judali  rejoiced  because  of  the 
oath;  for  with  all  their  heart  had  they  sworn, 
and  with  their  whole  desire  did  they  seek 
him.  and  he  let  himself  be  found  by  them: 
and  the  Lord  gave  them  rest  on  every  side. 

16  And  also  concerning  Ma'achah  the 
mother  of  king  Assa,  he  removed  her  from 
being  queen,  because  she  had  made  a  scan- 
dalous image  for  the  gi'ove;  and  Assa  cut 
down  her  scandalous  image,  and  had  it 
ground  up,  and  burnt  it  by  the  brook  Ki- 
dron. 

17  But  the  high-places  were  not  removed 
out  of  Israel:  nevertheless  the  heart  of  Assa 
was  entii'e  all  his  days. 

18  And  he  brought  the  things  which  his 
father  had  sanctified,  and  his  own  sanctified 
things,  into  the  house  of  God, — silver,  and 
gold,  and  vessels. 


19  And  there  tvas  no  war  until  the  five- 
and-thirtieth  year  of  the  reign  of  A.ssa. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  ^  In  the  six-and-thirtieth  year  of  the 
reign  of  Assa,  came  up  Ba'sha  the  king  of  Is- 
rael against  Judah,  and  built  Ramah,  in  order 
not  to  suffer  any  one  to  go  out  or  come  in  to 
Assa  the  king  of  Judah. 

2  Then  did  Assa  bring  out  silver  and  gold 
out  of  the  treasuries  of  the  house  of  the  Lord 
and  of  the  king's  house,  and  sent  (them)  to 
Ben-hadad  tlie  king  of  Syria,  who  dwelt  at 
Damascus,  saying, 

3  A  covenant  is  between  me  and  thee,  as 
between  my  father  and  thy  father:  behold,  I 
have  sent  unto  thee  silver  and  gold;  go,  break 
thy  covenant  with  Ba'sha  the  king  of  Israel, 
that  he  may  withdraw  from  me. 

4  And  I3en-hadad  hearkened  unto  king 
Assa,  and  sent  the  captains  of  the  armies 
that  he  had  against  the  cities  of  Israel,  and 
they  smote  'lyon,  and  Dan,  and  Abel-may im, 
and  all  the  treasure-cities  of  Naphtali. 

•5  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Ba'sha  heard 
this,  that  he  left  off  the  building  of  Ramah, 
and  stopped  his  work. 

6  Ti  And  king  Assa  took  then  all  Judah; 
and  the}'  caiiied  away  the  stones  of  Ramah, 
and  its  timber,  wherewith  Ba'sha  had  built; 
and  he  built  tlierewith  Geba'  and  Mizpah. 

7  ]|  And  at  that  time  came  Chanani  the 
seer  to  Assa  the  king  of  Judah,  and  said  unto 
him.  Because  thou  hast  relied  on  the  king  of 
Syria,  and  hast  not  relied  on  the  Lord  thy 
God:  therefore  is  the  army  of  the  king  of 
Syria  escaped  out  of  thy  hands. 

8  Were  not  the  Ethiopians  and  the  Lubim 
a  numerous  army,  with  chariots  and  horse- 
men in  great  abundance?  yet,  because  thou 
didst  rely  on  the  Lord,  he  gave  them  up  mto 
thy  hand. 

9  For  as  regardeth  the  Lord,  his  eyes  roam 
throughout  the  whole  earth,  to  hold  strongly 
with  those  whose  heart  is  entire  toward 
him :  thou  hast  done  foolishly  for  this  reason ; 
because  from  this  time  forth  there  will  be 
wars  with  thee. 

10  Then  became  Assa  incensed  toward  tiie 
seer,  and  put  him  in  a  prison-house;  for  he 
was  in  a  rage  with  him  because  of  this.  And 
Assa  oppressed  some  of  the  people  at  the 
same  time. 

987 


2  CHRONICLES  XVI.  XVII.  XVIII. 


11  And,  behold,  the  acts  of  Assa,  the  first 
and  the  last,  lo,  they  are  written  m  the  book 
of  the  kings  of  Jiidah  and  Israel. 

12  ^  And  Assa  became  sick  in  the  thirty- 
and-ninth  year  of  his  reign  in  his  feet,  his 
disease  being  exceedingly  severe :  yet  even  in 
his  disease  he  sought  not  to  the  Lord,  but 
(applied)  to  the  physicians. 

13  And  Assa  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
died  in  the  one-and-fortieth  year  of  his  reign. 

14  And  they  buried  him  in  his  own  sepul- 
chres, which  he  had  dug  for  himself  in  the 
city  of  David,  and  they  laid  him  in  the  couch 
which  was  filled  with  sweet  odours  and 
divers  kinds  of  spices  mixed  by  the  apothe- 
cary's art;  and  they  made  for  him  a  burning 
uncommonly  great. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  ]|  And  Jehoshapliat  his  son  became 
king  in  his  stead,  and  strengthened  himself 
against  Israel. 

2  And  he  placed  forces  in  all  the  fortified 
cities  of  Judah.  and  placed  garrisons  in  the 
land  of  Judah,  and  in  the  cities  of  Ephraim, 
which  Assa  his  father  had  captured. 

3  And  the  Lord  was  with  Jehosliaphat; 
because  he  walked  in  the  first  ways  of  David 
his  father,  and  sought  not  after  the  Be'alim; 

4  On  the  contrary,  after  the  God  of  his 
father  did  he  seek,  and  iii  his  commandments 
did  he  walk,  but  not  after  the  doings  of  Israel. 

5  Therefore  did  the  Lord  establish  the 
kingdom  in  his  hand;  and  all  Judah  gave 
presents  to  Jehoshaphat ;  and  he  had  riches 
and  honour  in  abundance. 

6  And  his  heart  raised  itself  up  in  the 
ways  of  the  Lord,  and  he  removed  moreover 
the  high-places  and  groves  out  of  Judah. 

7  T[  And  in  the  third  year  of  his  reign  he 
sent  his  princes,  even  Bon-chayil.  and  'Oba- 
diah,  and  Zechariah,  and  Nethanel,  and  Mi- 
chayahu,  to  teach  in  the  cities  of  Judah. 

8  And  with  them  were  the  Levites,  Shema'- 
yahu,  and  Nethanyaliu,  and  Zebadyahu,  and 
'Assahel,  and  Shemiramoth.  and  Jehonathan, 
and  Adoniyahu,  and  T()])iyahu,  and  Tob- 
adoniyah,  the  Levites;  and  with  them  Eli- 
shama'  and  Jehoram,  the  priests. 

9  And  they  tauglit  in  Judali,  and  with 
tliem  was  the  book  of  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
and  they  moved  about  through  all  the  cities 
of  Judah,  and  tauglit  tlie  people. 

i»S8 


10  And  the  dread  of  the  Lord  was  upon 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  lands  that  were  round 
about  Judah,  so  that  they  made  no  war  witli 
Jehoshaphat. 

11  Also  from  the  Philistines  did  people 
bring  unto  Jehoshapat  presents  and  silver, 
as  tribute:  also  the  Arabians  brought  him 
small  cattle,  rams  seven  thousand  and  seven 
hundred,  and  he-goats  seven  thousand  and 
seven  hundred. 

12  ][  And  Jehoshaphat  went  on  becoming 
exceedingly  great,  and  he  built  in  Judah 
castles  and  treasure-cities. 

13  And  he  had  great  works  in  the  cities 
of  Judah,  and  men  of  war,  mighty  in  valour, 
in  Jerusalem. 

14  ^  And  these  are  their  numbers  accord- 
ing to  their  tamily  divisions:  Of  Judah,  of 
the  captains  of  the  thousands  was  'Adnali  the 
chief,   anil  with    him  were    mighty  men    of 

j  valour,  three  hundred  thousand. 
r      15   Tl  And   next  to   him  was  Jehochanan 
i  the  chief,  and  with  him  were  two  hundred 
and  eighty  thousand. 

16  And   next  to  him  was  'Amassyah   the 
i  son  of  Zicln-i,  who  voluntarily  offered  himself 

unto  the  Lord;  and  with  him  were  two  hun- 
dred thousand  mighty  men  of  valour. 

17  And  of  Benjamin,  the  mighty  valiant 
Elyada',  and  with  him  were  those  armed  with 
bow  and  sliield  two  hundred  thousand. 

18  And  next  him  was  Jehozabad,  and  with 
him  were  one  hundred  and  eighty  thousand 
ready  armed  for  the  host. 

19  Tl  These  were  those  that  ministered  l-o  the 
king,  besides  those  wliom  the  king  had  placed 
in  the  fortified  cities  throughout  all  Judah. 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1  ]f  And  Jehoshaphat  had  riches  and 
honour  in  abundinice,  and  he  intermarried 
with  Achab. 

2  And  he  went  down  after  (some)  years 
to  Achab  to  Samaria.  And  Achab  killed  for 
him  sheep  and  oxen  in  abundance,  and  for 
the  people  that  were  with  him,  and  persuad- 
ed him  to  go  up  to  Ramoth-gil'ad. 

3  Then  said  Achab  the  king  of  Israel  unto 
;  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah,  Wilt  thou  go 

with  me  against  Eamoth-gil'ad?  And  he 
said  to  him,  I  (will  be)  like  thee,  and  my 
people  (shall  be)  as  thy  people;  and  we  will 
be  with  thee  in  tlie  1  Kittle. 


2  rilRONlCLES  XVIIT. 


4  And  Jeliosliapliat  said  unto  the  king  of 
Israel,  Inquire,  I  pray  thee,  to-day  (first)  of 
the  word  of  the  Lord. 

5  Then  (hd  the  king  of  Israel  assemble  tlie 
prophets,  four  hundred  men,  and  said  unto 
them.  Shall  we  go  to  Ramoth-gil'ad  to  battle, 
or  shall  I  forbear?  And  they  said,  Co  up,  .and 
God  will  deliver  (it)  into  the  hand  of  tlie  king. 

6  And  Jehoshaphat  said,  Is  there  not  here 
a  prophet  of  the  Eternal  Ijesides,  that  we 
might  inquire  of  him? 

7  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jeho- 
shaphat, There  is  yet  one  man,  by  whom  we 
may  inquire  of  the  Lord;  but  I  hate  him; 
for  he  never  prophesieth  any  good  concerning 
me,  but  at  all  times  evil:  it  is  Michayhu  the 
son  of  Yimla.  And  Jehoshaphat  said,  Let 
not  the  king  say  so. 

8  Then  called  the  king  of  Israel  a  certain 
court-officer,  and  said,  •'  Hasten  hither  Mi- 
chayhu the  son  of  Yinda." 

9  And  the  king  of  Israel  and  Jehoshaphat 
the  king  of  Judah  were  sitting  each  on  his 
throne,  dressed  in  their  ro^yal  garments,  and 
they  were  sitting  in  a  threshing-floor  at  the 
entrance  of  the  gate  of  Samaria:  and  all  the 
prophets  prophesied  l^efore  them. 

10  And  Zedekiah  the  son  of  Kena'anah 
had  made  himself  horns  of  iron ;  and  he  said, 
Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  With  these  shalt 
thou  push  the  Syrians  until  thou  have  niade 
an  end  of  them. 

11  And  all  the  prophets  prophesied  so, 
saying.  Go  up  against  Ramoth-gil'ad,  and  pros- 
per, and  the  Lord  will  deliver  it  into  the 
king's  hand. 

12  And  the  messenger  that  went  to  call 
Michayhu  spoke  to  him,  saying.  Behold,  the 
words  of  the  prophets  are  with  one  voice  good 
for  the  king:  so  do  let  thy  word,  I  pray  thee, 
be  like  (that  of)  any  one  of  them,  and  speak 
something  good. 

13  And  Michayhu  said,  As  the  Lord  liveth,  ( 
truly  what  my  God  may  say,  that  will  I  speak.  I 

14  And  when  he  was  come  to  the  king, 
the  king  said  unto  him,  Michah,  shall  we  go 
to  Ramoth-girad  to  battle,  or  shall  I  forbear?  j 
And  he  said.  Go  ye  up,  and  prosper,  and  may 
they  be  delivered  into  your  hand. 

15  And  the  king  said  to  him.  How  many 
times  yet  must  I  adjure  thee  that  thou  shalt 
not  speak  to  me  any  thing  but  the  truth  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord? 


16  Then  said  he,  I  saw  all  Israel  scattered 
over  the  mountains,  as  Hocks  that  have  not  a 
shepherd:  and  the  Lord  said,  These  have  no 
master;  let  them  return  ever}^  man  to  his 
house  in  peace. 

17  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  to  Jehosha- 
phat, Did  I  not  say  unto  thee  that  he  would 
not  prophesy  concerning  me  any  good,  but 
(only)  for  evil? 

18  T[  And  he  said.  Therefore  hear  ye  the 
word  of  the  Lord:  I  saw  the  Lord  sitting  on 
his  throne,  and  all  the  host  of  heaven  stand- 
ing on  his  right  and  his  left. 

19  And  the  Lord  said.  Who  will  persuade 
Achab  the  king  of  Israel,  that  he  may  go  up 
and  fall  at  Ramoth-girad?  And  one  said — 
one  saying  after  this  maimer,  and  another 
saying  after  that  manner. 

20  Then  came  there  forth  a  spirit,  and 
placed  himself  before  the  Lord,  and  said,  I 
will  persuade  him.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
him.  Wherewith? 

21  And  he  said,  I  will  go  forth,  and  I  will 
become  a  lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  all  his 
prophets.  And  he  said.  Thou  wilt  persuade 
him,  and  also  prevail:  go  forth,  and  do  so. 

22  And  now,  behold,  the  Lord  hath  put  a 
lying  spirit  in  the  mouth  of  these  thy  pro- 
phets; but  the  Lord  hath  spoken  evil  con- 
cerning thee. 

23  And  Zedekiali  the  son  of  Kena'anah 
went  near,  and  struck  Michayhu  on  the 
cheek,  and  said.  Which  is  the  way  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  passed  away  from  me  to  spealc 
with  thee? 

24  And  Michayhu  said.  Behold,  thou  slialt 
see  it  on  that  day  when  thou  shalt  go  into 
the  innermost  chamber  to  hide  thyself 

25  And  the  king  of  Israel  said.  Take  ye 
Michayhu,  and  carry  him  back  unto  Anion 
the  governor  of  the  city,  and  to  Jolish  the 
king's  son ; 

26  And  say  ye,  Thus  hath  said  the  king. 
Put  this  man  in  the  prison,  and  feed  him 
with  sparing  bread  and  with  sparing  water, 
until  I  return  in  peace. 

27  And  Michayhu  said,  If  thou  return  at 
all  in  peace,  then  hath  the  Lord  not  spoken 
through  me.  And  he  said.  Hear  it,  0  all  ye 
nations ! 

28  ^  And  the  king  of  Israel  went  up  with 
Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah  to  Ramoin- 
gil'ad. 


2  CHRONICLES  XVIII.  XIX.  XX. 


29  And  the  king  of  Israel  said  unto  Jeho- 
shaphat,  I  will  disguise  myself,  and  enter  into 
the  battle ;  but  do  thou  put  on  thy  rojal  gar- 
ments. And  the  king  of  Israel  disguised  him- 
self, and  they  went  into  the  battle. 

30  And  the  king  of  Syria  had  commanded 
the  captains  of  the  chariots  that  he  had, 
saying.  Fight  ye  not  with  the  small  or  with 
the  great,  save  only  with  the  king  of  Israel 
alone. 

31  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  captains 
of  the  chariots  saw  Jehoshaphat,  that  the^- 
said,  This  is  the  king  of  Israel.  And  they 
encompassed  him  to  fight;  and  Jehoshaphat 
cried  out,  and  the  Lokd  helped  him;  and 
God  induced  them  to  go  a^ay  Irom  him. 

32  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  caji- 
tains  of  the  chariots  perceived  that  it  was 
not  the  king  of  Israel,  that  they  turned  back 
from  following  him. 

33  But  a  certain  man  drew  his  bow  at  a 
venture,  and  struck  the  king  of  Israel  between 
the  joints  and  the  armour :  wherefore  he  said 
to  the  chariot-driver,  Tin-n  aljout,  and  carry 
ne  out  of  the  camp ;  for  I  am  wounded. 

34  And  the  battle  increased  on  that  day: 
and  the  king  of  Israel  stayed  (himself)  up  in 
the  chariot  against  the  Syrians  until  the  even- 
ing, and  he  died  at  the  time  of  the  sun's  go- 
ing down. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1  11  And  Jehoshaphat  the  king  of  Judah 
returned  to  his  house  in  peace,  to  Jerusalem. 

2  And  there  came  out  to  meet  him  Jehu 
the  son  of  Chanani  the  seer,  and  said  to  king 
Jehoshaphat,  Shouldst  thou  help  the  wicked, 
and  love  those  that  hate  the  Lord?  and  be- 
cause of  this  there  is  Avrath  over  thee  from 
Ijefore  the  Lord. 

3  Nevertheless  there  are  good  things  found 
on  thee;  because  thou  hast  removed  the 
Asheroth  out  of  the  land,  and  hast  directed 
thy  heart  firinly  to  seek  God. 

4  Tl  And  Jelioshaphat  remained  at  Jerusa- 
lem; but  he  went  out  again  through  the  peo- 
ple from  Beer-sheba'  as  far  as  the  mountain 
of  Ephraim,  and  caused  them  to  return  unto 
the  Lord  the  God  of  their  fathers. 

5  And"  he  appointed  judges  in  the  land  in 
aU  the  fortified  cities  of  Judah,  in  city  by 
city. 

6  And  he  said  to  the  judges,  Look  (well) 

990 


at  what  ye  are  doing;  because  not  for  man 
are  ye  to  judge,  but  for  the  Lord,  who  is  with 
you  in  pronouncing  judgment. 

7  And  now  let  the  dread  of  the  Lord  be 
upon  you:  take  heed  and  act;  for  with  the 
Lord  our  God  there  is  no  injustice,  nor  re- 
spect for  persons,  nor  taking  of  bribes. 

8  But  also  in  Jerusalem  did  Jehoshaphat 
appoint  some  of  the  Levites,  and  the  priests, 
and  of  the  chiefs  of  the  family  divisions  of  Is- 
rael, for  the  (giving  of)  the  judgment  of  the 
Lord,  and  for  controversies,  when  they  re- 
turned to  Jerusalem. 

9  And  he  charged  on  them,  saying,  Thus 
shall  ye  do  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  in  faith- 
fulness, and  with  an  undivided  heart. 

10  And  whatsoever  controversy  may  come 
to  you  from  3  our  brethren  that  dwell  in  their 
cities,  between  blood  and  blood,  between  law 
and  commandment,  statutes  and  ordinances, 
ye  shall  truly  warn  them  that  they  incur 
not  guilt  against  the  Lord,  and  so  there  come 
wrath  over  you,  and  over  your  brethren  :  so 
must  ye  do,  and  ye  will  not  incur  guilt. 

11  And,  behold,  Amar\aliu  the  chief  priest 
is  over  you  for  every  matter  of  the  Lord;  and 
Zebadyahu  the  son  of  Yishma'el,  the  ruler  for 
the  house  of  Judah,  for  every  matter  of  the 
king;  and  the  Levites  are  officers  before  you. 
Be  strong  and  act,  and  may  the  Lord  be  with 
the  good. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
the  children  of  Moilb,  and  the  children  of 
'Amnion,  and  with  them  some  of  the  'Am- 
monim,*  came  against  Jehoshaphat  to  batr 
tie. 

2  And  there  came  some  and  told  unto 
Jehoshapliat,  saying.  There  is  coming  against 
thee  a  great  multitude  from  beyond  the  sea, 
from  Syria;  and,  behold,  they  are  in  Chaza- 
zon-thamar,  which  is  'En-gedi. 

3  Tlien  became  Jehoshaphat  afraid,  and  he 
directed  his  face  to  seek  the  Lord;  and  he 
proclaimed  a  fast  over  all  Judah. 

4  And  (the  people  of)  Judah  gathered 
themselves  together,  to  ask  (help)  of  the 
Lord  :  also  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Judah  did 
they  come  to  seek  the  Lord. 


'  Some  suppose  this  to  mean  "  the  Me'uuiiu,"  Iho  in- 
habitants nf  Arabia  Petraea. 


2  CHRONICLES  XX. 


5  And  Jc'lioKhapliat  stood  forward  in  the 
assembl}'  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem,  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  before  tlie  new  court, 

6  And  he  said,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  our 
fathers,  behold,  thou  art  God  in  the  heavens, 
and  thou  rulest  over  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
nations;  and  in  thy  hand  are  the  power  and 
might,  aaid  there  is  none  that  can  withstand 
thee. 

7  Behold,  it  is  thou,  0  our  God,  who  hast 
driven  out  the  inhabitants  of  this  land  from 
before  th  y  people  Israel ;  and  thou  gavest  it  to 
the  seed  of  Abraham  thy  friend  to  eternity. 

8  And  they  have  dwelt  therein,  and  have 
built  I'or  thee  therein  a  sanctuary  for  thy 
name,  saying, 

9  If  there  should  come  over  us  any  evil, 
the  sword,  punishment,  or  pestilence,  or 
famine,  (tlien)  will  we  stand  before  this 
house,  and  in  thy  presenile,  for  th}-  name  is 
in  this  house,  and  we  will  cry  unto  thee  out 
of  our  .distress,  and  thou  wilt  hear  and 
help. 

10  And  now,  behold,  the  children  of 'Am- 
nion and  Moab  and  mount  Se'ir,  against  whom 
thou  wouldst  not  sutler  Israel  to  come,  when 
they  came  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  but  they 
turned  aside  from  them,  and  desti\)>ed  them 
not : — 

11  And  behold,  they  recompense  us,  by  j 
comina'  to  drive  us  out  of  thv  inheritance, ' 
which  thou  hast  given  us  to  possess. 

12  0  our  God,  wilt  thou  not  execute 
justice  on  themV  lor  there  is  no  power  in  us 
against  this  great  multitude  that  is  coming 
against  us;  and  we  indeed  know  not  what 
we  are  to  do;  but  upon  thee  are  our  eyes 
(directed). 

13  And  all  Judah  were  standing  before 
the  Lord,  also  their  little  ones,  their  wives, 
and  their  sons. 

14  ^1  And  upon  Jacbaziel  the  son  of  Ze- 
charyahu,  the  son  of  Benayah,  the  son  of 
Je'iel,  the  son  of  Matthanyah,  the  Levite,  of 
the  sons  of  Assaph,  came  the  spirit  of  the 
Lord  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly ; 

15  And  he  said,  Listen  ye,  all  Judah,  and 
ye  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  and  thou  king 
Jehoshaphat,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord  unto 
you.  Be  3'e  not  afraid  and  be  not  dismayed 
because  of  this  great  multitude ;  for  not  unto 
you  belongeth  the  battle,  but  unto  God. 

16  To-morrow  go  ye  down  against  them: 


behold,  they  come  up  by  the  ascent  of  ZIz; 
and  ye  will  find  them  at  the  end  of  the  val- 
ley, in  front  of  the  wilderness  of  Jeruel. 

17  Ye  shall  not. need  to  fight  in  this  ])lace: 
stand  firndy,  stand  still,  and  see  the  salvation 
of  the  Lord  with  you,  0  Judah  and  Jerusa- 
lem: fear  not,  and  be  not  dismayed;  to-mor- 
row go  out  to  meet  them,  and  the  Lord  will 
be  with  you. 

18  And  Jehosha[)liat  bowed  his  head  with 
his  face  to  the  ground :  and  all  Judah  and  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  I'ell  down  before  the 
Lord,  to  prostrate  themselves  unto  the  Lord. 

19  And  then  arose  the  Levites,  of  the  chil- 
dren of  the  Kehathites,  and  of  the  cliildren 
of  the  Korcliites,  to  praise  the  Lord  the  G(xl 
of  Israel  with  a  very  loud  voice. 

20  Arid  the}-  I'ose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  went  Ibrth  into  the  wilderness  of  Thekoli': 
and  as  they  went  forth,  Jehoshaphat  stood 
forward  and  said.  Hear  me,  0  Judah,  and  }  e 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem;  believe  in  the 
Lord  }oui'  God,  and  ye  will  have  perma- 
nence; believe  his  jtrophets,  and  ye  will 
prosper. 

21  And  he  consulted  with  his  people,  and 
he  appointed  singers  inito  the  Lord,  and  those 
that  should  praise  in  the  holy  ornaments,  as 
the}-  went  out   before  the  armed  array,  and 

I  said,  Give  thanks  unto  the   Lord;  for   unto 
everlasting  endureth  his  kindness. 
j      22  And  at  the  time  when  they  began  with 
j  the  song  and  the  praise,  the  Lord  set  an  ara- 
I  bush  against  the  cliildren  of  'Amnion,  Moab, 
[  and    mount    Se'ir,   who    were    come    against 
:  Judah,  and  they  were  smitten. 
I      23  And  the  children  of  'Amnion  and  Moab 
stood   up   against  the  inhabitants   of  mount 
Se'ir,    utterly   to  annihilate  and   to   destroy 
them ;   and  when  the}'  had  made  an  end  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Se'ir,  they  helped  to  de- 
stroy one  another. 

24  And  when  Judah  came  toward  the 
watchtower  in  the  wilderness,  they  looked 
toward  the  multitude,  and,  behold,  they  were 
dead  bodies  ftxUen  to  the  earth,  and  none  had 
escaped. 

25  And  then  came  Jehoshaphat  and  his 
people  to  plunder  their  booty*,  and  they 
found  among  them  in  abundance  both  riches 
and  dead  bodies,  and  costly  vessels,  which 
they  stript  ofl'  for  themselves,  more  than 
they  could  carry  away :  and  they  were  three 

991 


2  CHRONICLES   XX.  XXI. 


days  in  plundering  the  booty,  for  it  was  so 
much. 

26  And  on  the  fourth  day  they  assembled 
themselves  in  the  valley  of  Berachali;  for 
there  they  blessed  the  Lord:  therefore  did 
they  call  the  name  of  this  place,  The  valley 
of  Berachah  [Blessing],  until  this  day. 

27  Then  returned  all  the  men  of  Judah 
and  Jerusalem,  and  Jehoshaphat  at  their 
head,  to  return  to  Jerusalem  with  joy;  for 
the  Lord  had  caused  them  to  rejoice  over 
their  enemies. 

28  And  they  came  to  Jerusalem  with  psal- 
teries and  with  harps  and  with  trumpets  unto 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

29  And  a  dread  from  God  was  on  all  the 
kingdoms  of  (those)  countries,  when  the}' 
heard  that  the  Lord  had  fought  with  the 
enemies  of  Israel. 

30  So  the  kingdom  of  Jehoshaphat  had 
repose,  and  he  God  gave  him  rest  all  round 
about. 

31  ^  And  (so)  did  Jehoshaphat  reign  over 
Judah:  thirty  and  five  years  old  was  he 
when  he  became  king,  and  twenty  and  five 
years  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mother's  name  was  'Azubah  the  daughter  of 
Shilchi. 

32  And  he  walked  in  tlie  way  of  his  father 
Assa,  and  turned  not  aside  from  it,  doing 
what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

33  Nevertheless  the  high-places  were  not 
removed;  for  the  people  liad  not  yet  directed 
their  heart  firmly  unto  the  God  of  their 
fathers. 

34  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoshaphat, 
the  first  and  the  last,  behold,  they  are  written 
in  the  history  of  Jehu  the  son  of  Chanani, 
which  was  entered  in  the  book  of  the  kings 
of  Israel. 

35  And  after  this  did  Jehoshaphat  the 
king  of  Judah  connect  liimself  with  Achaz- 
yah  the  king  of  Israel,  the  same  who  acted 
very  Avickedly ; 

36  And  he  connected  liimself  with  him  to 
make  ships  to  go  to  Tharshish:  and  they 
made  ships  in  'Ezyon-geber. 

37  Then  prophesied  Eli'ezer  the  son  of 
Dodavahu  of  Mareshah  against  Jehosliaphat, 
saying,  Becau.se  tliou  hast  connected  thyself 
with  A(;hazyahu,  the  Lord  hath  broken  down 
thy  works.  And  the  sliips  were  Avrecked,  so 
that  thev  were  not  able  to  go  to  Tharshish. 

992 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

1  And  Jehoshaphat  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  was  buried  with  his  t;ithers  in  the  city 
of  David.  And  Jehoram  his  son  became  king 
in  his  stead. 

2  And  he  had  brothers  the  sons  of  Jeho- 
shaphat: 'Azaryah,  and  Jechiel,  and  Zechar- 
yahu,  and  'Azaryahu,  and  Michael,  and  She- 
phatyahu,  all  these  being  sons  of  Jehoshaphat 
the  king  of  Israel. 

3  And  their  father  gave  them  many  gifts 
(consisting)  of  silver,  and  of  gold,  and  of  pre- 
cious things,  with  fortified  cities  in  Judah; 
but  the  kingdom  gave  he  to  Jehoram;  be- 
cause he  was  the  first-born. 

4  ^  Now  when  Jehoram  was  risen  up  over 
the  kingdom  of  his  fiither,  and  had  strength- 
ened himself,  he  slew  all  his  brothers  with 
the  sword,  and  also  some  of  the  princes  of 
Israel. 

5  Thirty  and  two  years  v/as  Jehoram  old 
when  he  ijecame  king,  and  eight  years  did  he 
reign  in  Jerusalem. 

6  And  he  walked  in  the  way  of  the  kings 
of  Israel,  as  had  done  the  house  of  Achab; 
for  the  daughter  of  Achab  had  he  for  wife : 
and  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

7  Yet  would  the  Lord  not  destroy  the 
house  of  David,  on  account  of  the  covenant 
which  he  h.ad  made  Avith  David,  and  as  he 
had  said  to  give  to  him  a  government  and  to 
his  sons  at  all  times. 

8  In  his  days  Edom  revolted  from  under 
the  power  of  Judah,  and  they  appointed  a 
king  over  themselves. 

9  Then  did  Jehoram  go  over  with  his 
princes,  and  all  the  chariots  were  with  him; 
and  he  rose  up  by  iiight,  and  smote  the 
Edomites  who  compassed  him  about,  and  the 
captains  of  the  chariots. 

10  Yet  Edom  revolted  from  under  the 
power  of  Judah  even  until  this  day:  thi'u 
did  Libnah  revolt  at  the  same  time  from 
under  his  power;  because  he  had  forsaken 
the  Lord  the  God  of  his  fathers. 

11  He  also  made  high-places  in  the  moun- 
tains of  Judah,  and  caused  the  inhal)itants  of 
Jerusalem  to  go  astray,"  and  misled  Judah. 

12  ^  And  there  came  unto  him  a  writing 


"  To  commit,  idolatry  and  the  eousequcut  immoralities 


2  CHRONICLES  XXT.  XXTT. 


from  Elijah"  the  prophet,  s^ajiiig,  Thus  hntli 
said  the  Lord  the  God  of  David  thy  father, 
Inasmuch  as  thou  hast  not  walked  in  tlie 
ways  of  Jehoshaphat  thy  father,  and  in  tlie 
ways  of  Assa  the  king  of  Judah, 

13  But  hast  walked  in  the  way  of  the 
kings  of  Israel,  and  hast  caused  Judah  and 
the  inhabitiuits  of  Jerusalem  to  tio  astray,  as 
the  house  of  Achab  hath  caused  (others)  to 
go  astray,  and  hast  also  slain  thy  brothers  of 
thy  father's  house,  who  were  better  than  thy- 
self: 

14  Behold,  the  Lord  will  inflict  a  great 
plague  on  thy  people,  and  on  thy  children, 
and  on  thy  wives,  and  on  all  thy  posses- 
sions; 

15  And  thou  shalt  be  (afllicted)  with  great 
diseases  by  a  disease  of  thy  bowels,  until  thy 
bowels  pass  out  (froni  thee)  by  reason  of  the 
disease  days  upon  davs.'' 

16  And  the  Lord  stirred  up  against  Jeho- 
ram  the  spirit  of  the  Philistines,  and  of  the 
Arabians,  that  are  alongside  of  the  Cushim: 

17  And  they  went  up  against  Judah,  and 
made  an  incursion  into  it,  and  carried  away 
all  the  substance  that  was  found  in  the  king's 
house,  and  also  his  sons,  and  liis  wives;  and 
there  was  not  left  unto  him  any  son,  save 
Jehoiichaz,  the  youngest  of  his  sons. 

18  And  after  all  this  did  the  Lord  afflict 
him  in  his  bowels  with  a  disease  which  was 
incurable. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  from  days  to  days, 
and  when  the  (fixed)  time  was  expired,  after 
two  years,  that  his  bowels  passed  out  (from 
him)  b}'  reason  of  his  disease  :  so  he  died  of 
evil  diseases.  And  his  people  made  no  burn- 
ing for  him,  like  the  burning  for  his  fathers. 

20  Thirty  and  two  years  old  was  he  when 
he  became  king,  and  eight  years  did  he  reign 
in  Jerusalem,  and  departed  without  joy :"'  and 
tliey  Ijuried  him  in  the  city  of  David,  but  not 
in  the  sepulclires  of  the  kings. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

1  And  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  made 
Aehazyahu  his  youngest  son  king  in  his 
stead;    for    the    predatory    band    that    was 

"  Redak  supposes  that  Elijah  after  his  translation  ap- 
peared to  a  disciple,  and  ordered  him  to  write  this  letter. 
Others,  that  it  was  another  prophet  so  called.  Again, 
tlmt  it  wns  written  before  Elijah's  translatiiui. 

f>  Z 


come  with  the  Arabians  to  the  camp  Lv{\ 
slain  all  the  eldest.  So  Ijecame  Acha/yairu, 
the  son  of  Jehoram  the  king  of  Judah,  king. 

2  ^  Forty  and  two''  years  old  was  Aehaz- 
yahu when  he  became  king,  and  one  yec?v 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem:  and  liis  mother's 
name  was  'Athalyahu  the  (grand-)daughtcv 
of  "Omri. 

3  Also  he  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  house 
of  Achab;  for  his  mother  was  his  counsellor 
to  act  wickedly. 

4  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord  like  the  house  of  Achab;  for  these 
wei'e  his  counsellors  after  the  death  of  his 
father  to  his  destruction. 

5  He  walked  also  after  their  counsel,  and 
went  with  Jehoram  the  son  of  Achab  the 
king  of  Israel  to  war  against  Chazaiil  the 
king  of  Syria  at  Ramoth-girad:  and  tlic 
Syrians  smote  Joram. 

6  And  he  returned  to  be  healed  in  Yizre'el 
because  of  the  wounds  which  had  been  given 
him  at  Ramali,  when  he  fought  with  Chazacl 
the  king  of  Syria.  And  'Azaryahu  the  son 
of  Jehoram  the  king  of  Judah  went  down  to 
see  Jehoi'am  the  son  of  Achab  at  Yizre'el,  be- 
cause he  was  sick. 

7  But  from  God  was  the  confusion  of 
Aehazyahu  that  he  should  come  to  Joram : 
and  when  he  was  come,  he  went  out  with 
Jehoram  against  Jehu  the  son  of  Nimslii, 
whom  the  Lord  had  anointed  to  cut  oft'  the 
house  of  Achab. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jehu  was  exe- 
cuting judgment  on  the  house  of  Achab,  that 
he  found  the  princes  of  Judah,  and  the  sous 
of  the  brotliers  of  Aehazyahu,  that  ministered 
to  Aehazyahu,  and  he  slew  them. 

9  And   he    sought   Achazvahu,  and   they 


was  hiding 


Imnse 


If 


HI 


caught  him  while  he 

Samaria,  and  they  brought  him  to  Jehu,  a.ml 
i  they  slew  him.  and  buried  him;  because  they 
said.  He  is  a  son  of  Jehoshaphat,  who  sought 
the  Lord  with  all  his  heart.  And  there  was 
none  of  the  house  of  Aehazyahu  who  had 
sullicient  power  (to  obtain)  the  kingdom. 

10  ^  And  when  'Athalyahu  the  motliei 
of  Aehazyahu  saw  that  her  son  was  dead,  she 


'  This    phrase    is    explained  variously :    Zunz, 
time  to  time."     Herxheinier,  "in  two  years." 
°  Rashi.     Others,  "without  being  regretted." 
"  In  2  Kings  viii.  26,  "twenty-two."     The  date 
difficult  to  be  reconciled. 

99<i 


'froii 


2  CHKONICLES  XXII.  XXIII. 

arose  and  ext^niiinated  all  the  rojal  seed  of    had  commanded,  and  they  took  every  man 
the  liouse  of  Judali.  i  his  men  that  came  in  on  the  sabbath,  with 

11  ^  But  Yehoshab'iith,  the  daughter  of  |  those  that  were  to  be  relieved  on  the  sabbath; 
the  king,  took  Joash  the  son  of  Achazyahu,  lor  Yehoyada'  the  priest  had  not  dismissed 
and  stole  him   away  from  the  midst  of  the  ,  the  divisions. 

king's  sons  that  were  slain,  and  put  him  and  l|      9  Tj   And  Yehoyada'  the  priest  gave  to  the 
his  nurse  into  the  bed-chamber.     So  did  Ye-  |  captains  of  the  hundreds  the  spears,  and  the 


hoshab'ath,  the  d.aughter  of  king  Jehoram_ 
the  wife  of  Yehoyiida'  the  priest, — for  she 
was  the  sister  of  Achaz_yahu, — hide  him 
from  'Athalyahu,  so  that  she  slew  him  not. 

12  And  he  was  with  them  in  the  house  of 
God  hidden  six  years,  while  'Athalyah  was 
reigning  over  the  land. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1  Tf  And  in  the  seventh  year  Yehoyada' 
strengthened  liimself,  and  took  the  captains 
of  the  hundreds,  'Azaryah  the  son  of  Jero- 
cham,  and  Yishma'el  the  son  of  Jehochanan, 
and  'Azaryahu  the  son  of  'Obed,  and  Ma'asse- 
yahu  the  son  of  'Adayahu,  and  Elishaphat 
the  son  of  Zichri,  witli  him  into  a  covenant. 

2  And  they  moved  about  in  Judah,  and 
gathered  the  Levites  together  out  of  all  the 
cities  of  Judah,  and  the  heads  of  the  families 
of  Israel;  and  they  came  to  Jerusalem. 


3  And  all  the  congregation  nuide  a  cove- 
nant in  the  house  of  God  with  the  king. 
And  he  said  unto  them.  Behold,  the  king's 
son  shall  be  king,  as  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
concerning  the  sons  of  David. 

4  This  is  the  thing  that  ye  shall  do,  A 
third  part  of  you  that  enter  in  on  the  sab- 
bath, of  the  priests  and  of  the  Levites,  shall 
be  gatekeepers  at  the  thresholds; 

5  And  a  third  part  shall  be  at  the  king's 
house;  and  a  third  ])art  at  the  foundation- 
gate;  and  all  the  people  shall  be  in  the  courts 
of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

6  But  let  none  come  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  save  the  priests,  and  they  that  minister 
of  the  Levites:  they  shall  enter,  lor  they  are 
holy;  but  all  the  people  shall  keep  the  charge 
of  the  Lord. 

7  And  the  Levites  shall  encompass  the  king  j  pie  unto  the  Lord. 
round  about,  every  man  with  his  weapons;!  17  And  then  came  all  the  people  into  the 
in  his  hand;  and  he  who  cometh  into  the  ;I  house  of  Ba'al,  and  pulled  it  down,  and  his 
house  shall  be  put  to  death ;  and  be  ye  with  i  altars  and  his  images  did  they  break  in 
the  king  when  he  cometh  in,  and  when  he  '  pieces,  and  Matthan  the  priest  of  Baal  they 
goeth  out.  j  slew  before  the  altars. 

8  And  tlie  Levites  and  all  Judah  did  in  ac- j       18  And  Yehoyada'  placed  the  supervision 
cordancc  with  all   llial   Yiiioyada'  the  priest'  over  tlie   house  of  the  Lord  into   the  hand 

9U4 


shields,   and   the    quivers,   that  belonged    to 
king  David,  which  were  in  the  house  of  God. 

10  And  he  placed  all  the  people,  every 
man  having  his  weapon  in  his  hand,  from  the 
right  side  of  the  liouse  to  the  left  side  of  the 
house,  along  by  the  altar  and  the  temple,  all 
round  about  the  king, 

11  Then  did  they  bring  forth  the  king's 
son,  and  put  upon  him  the  crown,  and  (gave 
him)  the  testimony,  and  they  made  him  king. 
And  Yehoyada'  and  liis  sons  anointed  him, 
and  said.  Long  live  the  king. 

12  Tj  And  when  'Athalyah  heard  the  noise 
of  the  people  running  and  praising  the  king, 
she  came  to  the  people  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

13  And  she  looked,  and  behold,  the  kijig 
stood  upon  his  stand  at  the  entrance,  and  the 
jarinces  and  the  trumpets  were  around  the 
king;  and  all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced, 
and  blew  on  trumpets ;  also  the  singers  (were 
there)  leading  with  instruments  of  music  in 
the  songs  of  praise ;  and  'Athalyah  rent  her 
clothes,  and  said,  "Treason,  treason." 

14  ^[  But  Yehoyada'  the  priest  ordered  the 
captains  of  the  hundreds,  the  commanders  of 
the  army,  to  go  out,  and  said  unto  them, 
Lead  her  forth  to  witliin  the  ranges;  and  he 
that  followeth  her  shall  be  put  to  death  with 
the  sword.  For  the  priest  had  said.  Ye  shall 
not  put  her  to  death  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

15  And  they  made  way  for  her:  and  she 
went  to  the  entrance  of  the  horse-gate  by  the 
king's  house,  and  they  put  her  to  death  there. 

IG  ^1  And  Yehoyada'  made  a  covenant  be- 
tween him,  and  between  all  the  jieople,  and 
between  the  king,  that  they  should  be  a  peo- 


2  CHRONICLES  XXIII.  XXIV. 


of  the  priests,  the  Levites,  whom  David  had 
divided  ofl"  over  the  house  of  the  Lord,  to 
ofler  the  burnt-oflerings  of  the  Lord,  as  it  is 
written  in  the  Law  of  Moses,  with  rejoicing 
and  with  singing,  after  the  manner  of  David. 

19  And  he  appointed  the  gatekeepers  over 
the  gates  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  that  none 
unclean  in  any  thing  should  enter  therein. 

20  And  he  took  the  captains  of  the  hun- 
dreds, and  the  nobles,  and  the  governors  over 
the  people,  and  all  the  people  of  the  land, 
and  he  brought  down  the  king  from  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  they  came  through 
the  midst  of  the  upper  gate  into  the  king's 
house;  and  they  caused  the  king  to  sit  upon 
the  throne  of  the  kingdom. 

21  And  all  the  people  of  the  land  rejoiced, 
and  the  city  was  quiet;  but  'Athalyahu  they 
had  slain  with  the  sword. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  ^  Seven  years  old  was  Joash  when  he 
became  king,  and  forty  years  did  he  reign  in 
Jerusalem:  and  the  name  of  his  mother  was 
Zibyah  of  Beer-sheba'. 

2  And  Joiish  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  all  the  days  of  Yehoyada'  the 
priest. 

3  ^  And  Yehoyada'  took  for  liimself "  two 
wives,  and  he  begat  sons'  and  daughters. 

4  And  it  came  to  pass  after  this,  that 
Yoash  had  it  in  his  mind  to  renew  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

5  And  he  gathered  together  the  priests 
and  the  Levites,  and  said  to  them,  Go  out 
unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  and  gather  from  all 
IsraeP  money  to  repair  the  house  of  your  God 
from  year  to  year,  and  ye  shall  make  haste 
in  this  matter.  But  the  Levites  made  no 
haste. 

6  ][  Then  called  the  king  for  Yehoyada' 
the  chief,  and  said  unto  him,  Why  hast  thou 
not  required  from  the  Levites  to  bring  in  out 
of  Judah  and  out  of  Jerusalem  the  contribu- 
tion (fixed  by)  Moses  the  servant  of  the  Lord, 
and  of  the  congregation  of  Israel,  for  the 
tabernacle  of  the  testimony? 

7  For  the  sons  of  the  wicked  'Athalyahu 
have  made  breaches  (in)  the  house  of  God; 


'So  Rashi.     English  version  and   others,  "fur  him, 
«■  e.  the  king. 

''  Meaning,  those  belonging  to  his  guMTiiiiifiil. 


and  also  the  holy  things  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord  have  they  applied  to  the  Be'alim. 

8  And  at  the  king's  order  they  made  a 
chest,  and  placed  it  at  the  gate  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord  on  the  outside. 

9  And  they  made  a  proclamation  through 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  to  bring  in  to  the  Lord 
the  contribution  (fixed  by)  Moses  the  servant 
of  God  upon  Israel  in  the  wilderness. 

10  And  all  the  princes  and  all  the  people 
rejoiced,  and  they  brought  it  in,  and  cast  it 
into  the  chest,  until  it  was  full." 

11  Now  it  came  to  pass,  that  at  what  time 
the  chest  was  brought  unto  the  king's  office 
by  the  hand  of  the  Levites,  and  when  they 
saw  that  there  was  much  money,  then  came 
the  king's  scribe  and  the  high-pi'iest's  othcer 
and  emptied  the  chest,  and  took  it  up,  and 
brought  it  back  to  its  place.  Thus  did  they 
day  by  day,  and  gathered  money  in  abun- 
dance. 

12  And  the  king  and  Yehoyada'  gave  it  to 
those  who  overlooked  the  service  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  and  these  hired  masons  and  car- 
penters to  renew  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
also  to  the  workers  in  iron  and  copper  to  re- 
pair the  house  of  the  Lord. 

13  So  the  workmen  wrought,  and  the  work 
was  restored  through  their  means,  and  they 
replaced  the  house  of  God  in  its  (former) 
state,  and  strengthened  it. 

14  And  when  they  had  completed  it,  they 
brought  before  the  king  and  Yehoyada'  the 
rest  of  the  money,  and  they  made  of  it  ves- 
sels for  tlie  house  of  the  Lord,  the  vessels  of 
the  service  and  for  the  sacrificing,'^  and  the 
spoons,  and  (other)  vessels  of  gold  and  silver. 
And  they  ofi'ered  burnt-oft'erings  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord  continually  all  the  days  of  Yeho- 
yada'. 

15  ^j  And  Yehoyada'  became  old,  and  was 
full  of  days,  and  died :  he  was  old  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  years  when  he  died. 

16  And  they  buried  him  in  the  city  of 
David  among  the  kings;  because  he  had  done 
a  good  thing  in  Israel,  and  toward  God,  and 
his  house. 

17  Ti  But  after  the  death  of  Yehoyada' 
came  the  princes  of  Judah,  and  bowed  them- 


"  Zunz.     Lit.  "  until  there  wa.s  an  end." 
'  R:islii   niid   Redak,  niSi'm  "and  pestles,"  for  piiiid- 
iug  the  spices 


2  CHRONICLES  XXIV.  XXV. 


.selves  down*  to  the  king.     Then  did  the  king- 
hearken  unto  them. 

18  And  they  forsook  the  house  of  the  Lord 
1he  God  of  their  fathers,  and  served  the  Ashe- 
rim  and  the  idols:  and  there  came  wrath 
over  Judah  and  Jerusalem  for  this  their 
guiltiness. 

19  And  he  sent  prophets  among  them,  to 
bring  them  back  again  unto  the  Lord;  and 
they  gave  them  warning;  but  they  did  not 
give  ear. 

20  And  the  spirit  of  God  endued  Zecha- 
riah  the  son  of  Yehoyada'  the  priest,  and 
he  stood  up  above  the  people,  and  he  said 
unto  them,  Thus  hath  said  the  (true)  God, 
Why  transgress  ye  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord?  ye  cannot  prosper  so;  because  (as) 
ye  have  forsaken  the  Lord,  he  hath  also 
forsaken  you. 

21  And  they  conspired  against  him,  and 
stoned  him  with  stones  at  the  command  of 
the  king  in  the  court  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

22  And  king  JoJish  did  not  remember  the 
kindness  which  Yehoyada'  his  father  had 
shown  to  him,  but  slew  his  son.  And  when 
he  died,  he  said.  The  Lord  will  see  (this), 
and  require  (my  blood). 

23  ^  And  it  came  to  pass  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  year,  that  the  army  of  Syria  came 
up  against  him :  and  they  came  to  Judah 
and  Jerusalem,  and  destroyed  all  the  princes 
of  the  people  from  among  the  people,  and  all 
their  spoil  they  sent  ofl"  unto  the  king  of  Da- 
nuiscus. 

24  Indeed  with  a  small  company  of  men 
did  the  army  of  Syria  come;  but  the  Lord 
delivered''  into  their  hand  an  army  exceed- 
ingly numerous;  because  they  had  forsaken 
the  Lord  the  God  of  their  fathers.  And  on 
Joiish  they  executed  punishment. 

25  And  when  these  were  gone  away  from 
him — for  they  left  him  (suffering)  with  great 
diseases — his  own  servants  conspired  against 
jiini  because  of  the  blood  of  the  sons  of  Yeho- 
yada' the  priest,  and  slew  him  on  his  bed, 
and  he  died:   and  they  buried  him  in  the 


"  Hoixheinier  explains,  "tlioy  askcil  in  the  moist  siib- 
liiissive  inauner  for  permission  to  practise  idolatry" 

"'  Aeconling  to  2  Kings  xii.  IS,  tlio  Syrians  did  not 
light  any  battle;  as  Joiish  bought  them  ofl'.  Still  the 
■ilaughter  of  the  principal  men  and  indignity  against  the 
king  may  have  also  taken  place, 

yyti 


city  of  David,  but  they  buried  him  not  in  the 
sepulchres  of  the  kings. 

26  And  these  are  those  that  conspired 
against  him:  Zabad"  the  son  of  Shim'ath 
the  'Ammonitess,  and  Yehozabad  the  son  oi 
Shimrith  the  Moiibitess. 

27  Now  concerning  his  sons,  and  the  great 
prophecy  concerning  him,  and  the  founding 
of  the  house  of  God.  behold,  they  are  written 
in  the  story  of  the  book  of  the  kings.  And 
Amazyahu  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  ^  When  twenty  and  five  years  old  did 
Amazyahu  become  king,  and  twenty  and  nine 
years  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his 
mother's  niune  was  Yeho'addan  of  Jerusalem. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  yet  not  with  an  entire  heart. 

3  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  kingdom 
was  finnly  established  to  him,  that  he  slew 
his  servants  that  had  killed  the  king  his 
fatlier. 

4  But  their  children  he  put  not  to  death; 
but  (did)  as  it  is  written  in  the  law  in  the 
book  of  Moses,  that  the  Lord  had  commanded, 
saying,  The  fathers  sliall  not  die  for  the  chil- 
dren, nor  shall  the  children  die  for  the  flithers, 
but  every  man  shall  die  for  his  own  sin. 

5  ^  And  Amazyahu  gathered  Judah  toge- 
ther, and  stationed  them  after  their  family 
divisions,  after  the  captains  over  the  thou- 
sands, and  after  the  captains  over  the  hun- 
dreds, of  all  Judah  and  Benjamin;  and  he 
numbered  them  from  twenty  years  old  and  up- 
ward, and  found  theur  (to  be)  three  hundred 
thousand  chosen  men,  able  to  go  forth  to  the 
army,  that  could  handle  spear  and  shield. 

6  He  hired  also  out  of  Israel  one  hun- 
dred thousand  mighty  men  of  valour  for  one 
hundred  talents  of  silver. 

7  But  a  man  of  God  came  unto  him,  say- 
ing, 0  king,  let  not  the  army  of  Israel  go 
with  thee;  for  the  Lord  is  not  with  Israel, 
(with)  all  the  children  of  Ephraim. 

8  But  if  thou  wilt  go,  (and  be  ever  so)  ac- 
tive"*    (and)    strong  for  the   battle:  God  will 

°  In  2  Kings  xii.  22,  Yn:ticlinr,  the  son  of  Shim'ath, 
and  Yehozabad,  the  son  of  S/ionur,  a  variation  not  un- 
usual in  tiie  books  of  Chronicles. 

''  After  Zunz.  Rashi,  "For  if  thou  wilt  go,  do  wli:it 
thou  intcndest,  try  to  be  strong  for  the  battle:  still  will 
God,"  &c. 


L'  CHRONICLES  XXV. 


cause  thee  tc  stuiuhle  liefoiv  the  enemy;  for 
there  is  poAvor  with  God  to  help,  and  to  cause 
to  stumhle. 

9  Then  said  Amazyahu  to  the  man  of 
God,  But  wliat  is  to  be  done  for  the  hundred 
talents  which  I  have  given  to  the  hand  of 
Israel?  And  the  man  of  God  said,  Tlie  Lord 
hath  (enough  in  his  power)  to  give  tliee  much 
more  than  this. 

10  Then  did  Amazyahu  separate  them,  (to 
wit,)  the  band  that  was  come  to  him  out  of 
Ephraim,  that  they  might  go  to  their  place: 
wherefore  their  anger  was  greatly  kindled 
against  Judah,  and  they  returned  to  their 
home  in  burning  anger. 

11  ^  And  Amazyahu  strengthened  him- 
self, and  led  forth  his  people,  and  went  to  the 
Valley  of  Salt,  and  smote  of  the  children  of 
Seir  ten  thousand  (men). 

12  And  ten  thousand  did  the  children  of 
Judah  take  captive  alive,  and  brought  them 
to  the  top  of  the  rock,  and  cast  them  down 
fiom  the  top  of  the  rock,  so  that  they  all  were 
crushed. 

13  But  the  men  of  the  band  whom  Amaz- 
yahu had  sent  back,  that  they  should  not  go 
with  him  to  battle,  spread  themselves  about  in 
the  cities  of  Judah,  from  Samaria  even  unto 
Beth-choron,  and  smote  of  them  three  thou- 
sand (persons),  and  plundered  much  spoil. 

14  IT  And  it  came  to  pass,  after  Amazyahu 
was  come  honie  from  smiting  the  Edomites, 
that  he  brought  tlie  gods  of  the  children  of 
Se'ir,  and  set  them  up  unto  himself  as  gods, 
and  before  them  he  used  to  prostrate  himself, 
and  unto  them  he  used  to  Ijurn  incense. 

15  Wherefore  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was 
kindled  against  Amazyahu,  and  he  sent  unto 
him  a  prophet,  who  said  unto  him,  Why 
hast  thou  sought  after  the  gods  of  the  people, 
that  have  not  delivered  their  own  people  out 
of  thy  hand? 

16  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he  was  speak- 
ing unto  him,  that  he  said  unto  him.  Have 
we  ever  appointed  thee  as  a  counsellor  to  the 
king?  forbear  this:  why  shouldst  thou  be 
smitten?  Then  did  the  prophet  forbear;  and 
he  said,  I  know  that  God  hath  resolved  to 
destroy  thee,  because  thou  hast  done  this, 
and  hast  not  hearkened  unto  my  counsel. 

17  ^  Then  held  Amazyahu  the  king  of 
Judah  a  council,  and  sent  to  Joash,  the  son 
of  Jehnlichaz,  the  son  of  Jehu,  the  king  of 


Israel,  saying,  Come,  let  us  look  one  luiotlier 
in  the  face. 

18  And  Joiish  the  king  of  Israel  sent  to 
Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah,  saying.  The 
thornbush  that  was  in  the  Lebanon  sent  to 
the  cedar  that  was  in  the  Lebanon,  saving, 
Give:  thy  daughter  to  my  son  for  wife.  And 
there  passed  along  the  wild  bea,st°  that  were 
in  the  Lebanon,  and  trod  down  the  thorn-liush. 

19  Thou  hast  thought,  Lo,  thou  hast  smit- 
ten Edom;  and  thy  heart  hath  lifted  thee 
up  to  acquire  much  glory:"  now  stay  in  thy 
house;  why  wilt  thou  meddle  with  misfor- 
tune, that  thou  mayest  fall,  thou,  and  Judah 
with  thee? 

20  But  Amazyahu  would  not  heai';  for  it 
was  (ordained)  by  God,  in  order  to  deliver 
them  into  the  hand  (of  Joiish);  because  they 
had  sought  after  the  gods  of  Edom. 

21  Thereupon  did  Joash  the  king  of  Israel 
go  up:  and  they  looked  one  another  in  the 
face,  he  and  Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah,  at 
Beth-shemesh,  which  belongeth  to  Judah. 

22  And  Judah  was  defeated  before  Israel, 
and  they  tied  every  man  to  his  tents. 

23  And  Joash  the  king  of  Israel  caught 
Amazyahu  the  king  of  Judah,  the  son  of 
Joiish,  the  son  of  Jehoachaz,  at  Beth-she- 
mesh ;  and  he  brought  him  to  Jerusalem, 
and  made  a  breach  in  the  wall  of  Jerusalem, 
from  the  gate  of  Ephraim  unto  the  corner- 
gate,  four  hundred  cubits. 

24  And  (taking)  all  the  gold  and  the  sil- 
ver, and  all  the  vessels  that  were  found  in 
the  house  of  God  with  'Obed-edora,  and  the 
treasures  of  the  king's  house,  and  the  children 
of  the  chiefs  as  hostages,  he  returned  to  Sa- 
maria. 

25  ^  And  Amazyahu  the  son  of  Joiish  the 
king  of  Judah  lived  after  the  death  of  Joiish 
the  son  of  Jehoiichaz  the  king  of  Israel  fifteen 
years. 

26  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Amazyahu 
the  first  and  the  last,  behold,  they  are  fully 
written  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of  Judah 
and  Israel. 

27  Now  from  the  time  tliat  Amazyahu 
departed  from  following  the  Lord,  they  raised 
a  conspiracy  against  him  in  Jerusalem :  where- 


*  Rasbi,   from   in:)   "honour,"    or   "glory-"     Redak, 
"to  make  more  wars,"  from  ^^^  "heavy,"  "multifaxi 
ous."     Zunz,  "to  the  exte«t  of'bccnming  obdurate." 

y<J7 


2  CHRONICLES  XXV.  XXVI. 


fore  he  fled  to  Laehish;  but  they  sent  after 
him  to  Laehish,  and  slew  liim  there. 

28  And  they  carried  him  on  horses,  and 
buried  him  with  his  fathers  in  the  city  of 
Judah. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1  And  all  the  people  of  Judah  took  'Uzzi- 
yahu,  who  was  then  sixteen  years  old,  and 
made  him  king  instead  of  his  father  Amaz- 
yahu. 

2  He  it  was  that  built  Eloth,  and  brought 
it  back  to  Judah,  after  the  king  slept  with  his 
fathers. 

3  ^  Sixteen  years  old  was  'Uzziyahu  when 
he  became  king,  and  fifty  and  two  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Yecholyah  of  Jerusalem. 

4  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  his 
father  Amazyahu  had  done. 

5  And  he  was  (inclined)  to  seek  God  in  the 
days  of  Zecharyahu,  who  had  understanding 
in  the  visions  of  God ;  and  during  the  time 
that  he  sought  the  Lord,  God  caused  him  to 
prosper. 

6  And  he  went  forth  and  made  war  against 
the  Philistines,  and  he  broke  down  the  wall 
of  Gath,  and  the  wall  of  Jabneh,  and  the 
wall  of  Ashdod;  and  he  built  cities  in  (the 
country  of)  Ashdod,  and  among  the  Philis- 
tines. 

7  And  God  helped  him  against  the  Philis- 
tines, and  against  the  Arabians  that  dwelt  in 
Gur-ba'al,  and  the  Me'unim. 

8  And  the  'Ammonites  gave  presents  to 
'Uzziyahu:  and  his  name  extended  even  to 
the  entrance  of  Egypt;  for  he  became  exceed- 
ingly Strong. 

n  And  'Uzziyahu  built  towers  in  Jerusa- 
lem, above  the  corner-gate,  and  above  the 
valley-gate,  and  at  the  angle,  and  made  them 
strong. 

10  He  built  also  towers  in  the  desert,  and 
hewed  out  many  wells;  for  he  had  much  cat- 
tle, both  in  the  lowlands  and  in  the  plain; 
(also)  husbandmen,  and  vintners  in  the  moun- 
tains, and  in  Carmel;  for  he  loved  husbandry. 

11  ^f  Moreover  'Uzziyah  had  an  army  of 
fighting  men,  that  went  out  to  the  host  by 
bands,  according  to  the  number  of  those  mus- 
ttied  of  them  through  the  hand  of  Je'iel  the 
scribe  and  Ma'asseyahu  the  ovei'seer,  under 

998 


the   supervision  of  Chananyahu,  one  of  the 
king's  captains. 

12  The  whole  number  of  the  chiefs  of  the 
family  divisions  of  the  mighty  men  of  valour 
was  two  thousand  and  six  hundred. 

13  And  under  their  supervision  was  an 
efficient  army,  (of)  three  hundred  thousand 
and  seven  thousand  and  five  hundred,  that 
made  war  with  mighty  power,  to  help  the 
king  against  the  enemy. 

14  And  'Uzziyahu  prepared  for  them,  for 
all  the  host,  shields,  and  spears,  and  helmets, 
and  coats  of  mail,  and  bows,  and  stones  for 
slinging. 

15  And  he  made  in  Jerusalem  artificial 
contrivances,  contrived  by  a  skilful  man,  to 
be  (stationed)  on  the  towers  and  upon  the 
ramparts,  to  shoot  ofl'  arrows  and  great  stones. 
And  his'  name  extended  ever  so  far  abroad ; 
for  he  was  marvellously  assisted,  till  he  be- 
came strong. 

16  But  when  he  was  strong,  his  heart  was 
lifted  up  to  his  destruction;  and  he  became 
unfaithful  against  the  Lord  his  God,  and  went 
into  the  temple  of  the  Lord  to  burn  incense 
upon  the  altar  of  incense. 

17  And  there  went  in  after  him  'Azaryahu 
the  priest,  and  with  him  were  priests  of  the 
Lord,  valiant  men,  (to  the  number  of)  eighty; 

18  And  they  stood  forward  against  king 
'Uzziyahu,  and  they  said  unto  him,  It  is  not 
for  thee,  0  'Uzziyahu,  to  burn  incense  unto 
the  Lord,  but  for  the  priests  the  sons  of 
Aaron,  who  are  consecrated  to  burn  incense : 
go  out  of  the  sanctuary;  for  thou  hast  tres- 
passed; and  it  will  not  be  for  thy  honour 
from  the  Lord  God. 

19  But  'Uzziyahu  became  wroth,  and  in 
his  hand  was  a  censer  to  burn  incense :  and 
while  he  was  wroth  with  the  priests,  the 
leprosy  even  broke  out  on  his  forehead  before 
the  priests  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  above 
the  altar  of  the  incense. 

20  And  when  "Azaryahu  the  chief  priest, 
with  all  the  priests,  turned  about  toward  him, 
behold,  he  was  leprous  on  liis  forehead,  and 
they  hurried  him  away  from  there:  yea,  he 
also  made  haste  to  go  out,  because  the  Lord 
had  afflicted  him. 

21  And  king  'Uzziyahu  was  a  leper  initil 
the  day  of  his  death,  and  dwelt  in  the  leper- 
house,  as  a  leper;  for  he  was  excluded  from 
the  house  of  the  Lord:  and  Jotham  liis  son 


2  CHRONICLES  XXVI.  XXVII.  XXVIII. 


was  over  the  king's  house, 
people  of  the  land. 

22  And  tlie  rest  of  the  acts  of  'Uzziyahu, 
tte  first  and  the  hist,  did  Isaiah  the  prophet, 
the  son  of  Amoz,  write. 

23  And  'Uzziyahu  slept  with  his  fathers, 
nnd  they  buried  him  with  liis  fathers  in  the 
burial-field  which  belonged  to  the  kings;  for 
they  said.  He  is  a  leper:  and  Jotham  his  son 
tecanie  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  ^  Twenty  and  five  years  old  was  Jotham 
when  he  became  king,  and  sixteen  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Yerushah,  the  daughter  of  Zadok. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  his 
father  'Uzziyahu  had  done:  only  he  entered 
not  into  the  temple  of  the  Lord.  But  the 
people  acted  still  corruptly. 

3  He  it  was  that  built  tiie  upper  gate  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  on  the  wall  of  the 
hill-fort  he  built  much. 

4  Moreover  he  built  cities  in  the  moun- 
tain of  Judah,  and  in  the  forests  he  built 
castles  and  towers. 

5  And  he  likewise  fought  with  the  king 
of  the  sons  of  'Ammon,  and  prevailed  against 
them.  And  the  children  of  'Ammon  gave 
him  in  that  same  year  one  hundred  talents 
of  silver,  and  ten  thousand  kors  of  wheat,  and 
ten  thousand  of  barley.  So  much  did  the 
children  of  'Amnion  pay  unto  him  again,  both 
in  the  second  year,  and  in  the  third. 

6  So  Jotham  became  strong;  because  he 
directed  his  ways'  before  the  Lord  his  God. 

7  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jotham,  and 
all  his  wars,  and  his  ways,  lo,  they  are  writ- 
ten in  the  book  of  the  kings  of  Israel  and 
Judah. 

8  ^  Five  and  twenty  years  old  was  he 
when  he  became  king,  and  sixteen  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem. 

9  And  Jotham  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
they  buried  him  in  the  city  of  David :  and 
Achaz  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1  T[  Twenty  years    old  was  Achaz  when 


(iuid)  judged  the  ]1  he  became  king,  and  sixteen  years  did  Iii> 
reign  in  Jerusalem;  and  he  did  not  what  is 
right  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord,  like  David  his 
father ; 

2  But  he  walked  in  the  ways  of  the  kings 
of  Israel,  and  made  also  molten  images  for 
the  Be'alim. 

3  And  he  also  burnt  incense  in  the  valley 
of  the  son  of  Ilinnom,  and  burnt''  his  sons  in 
the  fire,  after  the  abominable  acts  of  the  na- 
tions that  the  Lord  had  driven  out  from 
before  the  children  of  Israel. 

4  And  he  sacrificed  and  burnt  incense  on 
the  high-places,  and  on  the  hills,  and  under 
every  green  tree. 

5  Wherefore  the  Lord  his  God  gave  him 
up  into  the  hand  of  the  king  of  Syria;  and 
they  defeated  his  people,  and  carried  away  a 
great  multitude  of  them  captives,  and  brought 
them  to  Damascus.  And  also  into  the  hand 
of  the  king  of  Israel  was  he  given  up,  and  he 
defeated  his  people  with  a  great  slaughter. 

6  And  Pekach  the  son  of  Remalyahu  slew 
in  Judah  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand 
in  one  day,  all  being  valiant  men;  because 
they  had  Ibrsaken  the  Lord,  the  God  of  their 
fathers. 

7  ^  And  Zichri,  a  mighty  man  of  Ephraim, 
slew  Ma'asseyahu  the  king's  son,  and  'Azri- 
kam  the  governor  of  tlie  house,  and  Elkanah 
the  second  in  rank  to  the  king. 

8  And  the  children  of  Israel  led  away  cap- 
tive from  their  brethren  two  hundred  thou- 
sand, women,  sons,  and  daughters,  and  also 
much  booty  did  they  plunder  from  them, 
and  they  brought  the  booty  to  Samaria. 

9  But  there  was  a  prophet  of  the  Lord, 
'Oded  was  his  name;  and  he  went  out  to 
meet  the  host  that  was  coming  to  Samaria, 
and  said  unto  them,  Behold,  because  of  the 
fury  of  the  Lord  the  God  of  your  fathers 
against  Judah,  hath  he  given  them  up  into 
your  hand,  and  ye  have  slain  among  them  in 
a  rage  that  reacheth  as  far  as  the  heavens. 

10  And  now  ye  think  to  force  the  children 
of  Judah  and  Jerusalem  to  become  bond-men 
and  bond-women  unto  \ou;  but  surely  are 
there  not  with  you,  even  with  you,  trespasses 
against  the  Lord  your  God? 

11  And  now  hear  me,  and  restore  the  cap- 


*  i'.  e.  His  course  of  life  was  pleasing  to  God,  by  follow- 
ing the  commandments. 


'  Zunz,  as  in  2  Kings  xvi.  3,  "  he  led  his  sons  through 

the  fire." 

999 


2  CHRONICLES  XXVIII.  XXIX. 


tives,  whom  ye  have  taken  captive  IVom  jour 
brethren;  for  the  fierce  wrath  of  the  LoKD  is 
over  you. 

12  ^  Then  arose  certain  men  of  the  heads 
of  the  children  of  P]phraim,  'Azaryahu  the  son 
of  Jehochanan,  Berechyahu  the  son  of  Me- 
shillemoth,  and  Jechizkiyahu  the  son  of  Shal- 
lum,  and  'Amassa  the  son  of  Chadlai,  against 
those  that  were  come  from  the  army, 

13  And  they  said  unto  them,  Ye  shall  not 
bring  in  the  captives  hither;  for  in  addition 
to  the  guiltiness  against  the  Lord  (resting) 
on  us,  ye  think  to  add  unto  our  sins  and  unto 
our  guiltiness;  for  great  is  the  guiltiness 
(resting)  on  us,  and  there  is  fierce  wrath 
over  Israel. 

14  So  the  armed  men  abandoned  the  cap- 
tives and  the  spoil  before  the  princes  and  all 
the  assembly. 

15  And  then  arose  the  men  who  have 
been  expressed  by  name,  and  took  hold  of 
the  captives,  and  all  that  were  naked  among 
them  they  clothed  from  the  booty;  and  they 
gave  them  garments  and  shoes,  and  gave 
them  to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  anointed  them, 
and  carried  all  the  feeble  of  them  upon  asses, 
and  brought  them  to  Jericho,  the  city  of 
palm-trees,  near  their  brethren ;  and  then  did 
they  return  to  Samaria. 

16  ^  At  that  time  sent  king  Achaz  unto 
the  kings  of  Assyria  to  help  him. 

17  Moreover  the  Edomites  came  again  and 
defeated  (the  men  of)  Judah,  and  carried 
away  captives. 

18  And  the  Philistines  invaded  the  cities 
of  the  lowlands,  and  of  the  south  of  Judah, 
and  captured  Beth-shemesh,  and  A^alon,  and 
Gederoth,  and  Socho  with  its  villages,  and 
Thimnah  with  its  villages,  and  Gimzo  with 
its  villages;  and  they  dwelt  there. 

19  For  the  IjOrd  humbled  Judah  on  ac- 
count of  Achaz  the  king  of  Israel;  for  he 
made  Judah  unruly,  and  acted  very  faith- 
lessly against  the  Lord. 

20  Then  came  against  him  Tilgath-pilnees- 
fcer  the  king  of  Assyria,,  and  distressed  him, 
but  strengthened  him  not. 

21  Although  Achaz  took  away  a  portion 
(out)  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  (out)  of 
the  house  of  the  king,  and  of  the  princes,  and 
gave  it  unto  the  king  of  Assyria:  he  yet  gave 
him  no  assistance. 

22  And  in  the  time  that  he  distressed  him, 

1000 


became    he   yet   more  faithless    against  the 
Lord, — yea,  he,  king  Achaz; 

23  And  he  sacrificed  unto  the  gods  of  (the 
people  of)  Damascus,  who  had  smitten  him; 
and  he  said,  Because  the  gods  of  the  kings  of 
Syria  do  help  them,  (therefore)  will  I  sacri- 
fice unto  them,  that  they  may  help  me.  But 
they  only  became  to  him  a  stumbling-block 
for  him  and  for  all  Israel. 

24  And  Achaz  gathered  up  the  vessels  of 
the  house  of  God,  and  cut  in  pieces  the  ves- 
sels of  the  house  of  God,  and  locked  up  the 
doors  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  he  made 
for  himself  altars  in  every  corner  of  Jerusalem. 

25  And  in  each  and  every  city  of  Judah 
made  he  high-places  to  burn  incense  unto 
other  gods;  and  he  provoked  to  anger  the 
Lord  the  God  of  his  fathers. 

26  And  the  rest  of  his  acts  and  of  all  his 
ways,  the  first  and  the  last,  behold,  they  are 
written  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of  Judah 
and  Israel. 

27  And  Achaz  slept  with  his  fathers,  and 
they  buried  him  in  the  city,  in  Jerusalem; 
for  they  brought  him  not  into  the  sepulchres 
of  the  kings  of  Israel:  and  Hezekiah  his  son 
became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1  ^  Hezekiah  became  king  when  five  and 
twenty  years  old,  and  twenty  and  nine  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem.  And  his  mother's 
name  was  Abiyah,  the  daughter  of  Zecharyahu. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  in  accordance  with  all  that  David 
his  father  had  done. 

3  He  it  was  that  in  the  first  year  of  his 
reign,  in  the  first  month,  opened  the  doors  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  repaired  them. 

4  And  he  brought  in  the  priests  and  the 
Levites,  and  gathered  them  together  into  the 
open  Y>\ace  at  the  east; 

5  And  he  said  unto  them.  Hear  me,  ye  Le- 
vites, sanctify  yovn-selves  now,  and  sanctify 
the  house  of  the  Lord  the  God  of  your  fathers, 
and  carry  forth  tin-  unclean  tiling  out  of  the 
sanctuary. 

6  For  our  fathers  have  dealt  faithlessly', 
and  have  done  what  is  evil  in  the  e^yes  of  the 
Lord  our  God,  and  have  forsaken  him  ;  and 
they  have  turned  away  their  faces  from  the 
habitation  of  the  Lord,  and  turned  their  backs. 

7  They  had  also  locked  up  the  doors  of  the 


2  CHRONICLES  XXIX. 


porch,  and  put  out  the  lamps,  and  incense 
have  they  not  burnt,  and  the  burnt-offerings 
have  they  not  oflfered  in  the  sanctuary,  unto 
the  God  of  Israel. 

8  Wherefore  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
Judah  and  Jerusalem,  and  he  hath  rendered 
them  to  be  a  horror,  an  astonishment,  and  a 
hissing,  as  ye  see  with  your  eyes. 

9  And,  lo,  our  fathers  have  fallen  by  the 
sword,  and  our  sons,  and  our  daughters,  and 
our  wives  are  in  captivity  because  of  this. 

10  Now  it  is  in  my  heart  to  make  a  cove- 
nant for  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  that  his 
fierce  wrath  may  turn  away  from  us. 

11  My  sons,  be  not  negligent  now;  for  of 
you  hath  tlie  Lord  made  choice  to  stand  be- 
fore him,  to  minister  unto  him,  and  that  ye 
might  be  unto  him  ministers  and  those  that 
burn  incense. 

.  12  Then  arose  the  Levites,  Machath  the 
son  of  'Amassai,  and  Joel  the  son  of  'Azar- 
yahu,  of  the  sons  of  the  Kehathites;  and  of 
the  sons  of  Merari,  Kish  the  son  of  'Abdi, 
and  'Azaryahu  the  son  of  Jehallelel ;  and  of 
the  Gershunites,  Joiich  the  son  of  Zimmah, 
and  'Eden  the  son  of  JoJich ; 

13  And  of  the  sons  of  Elizaphan,  Shimri, 
and  Je'iel ;  and  of  the  sous  of  Assapli,  Zechar- 
yaliu   and  Matthanyahu; 

14  ^  And  of  the  sons  of  Heman,  Jechiel 
and  Shim'i;  and  of  the  sons  of  Jeduthun, 
Shema'yah   and  'Uzziel; 

15  And  they  gathered  together  their  bre- 
thren, and  they  sanctified  themselves,  and 
came,  according  to  the  command  of  the  king, 
by  the  words  of  the  Lord,  to  cleanse  the 
house  of  the  Lord. 

16  And  the  priests  went  into  the  inner 
part  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  to  cleanse  it; 
and  they  brought  out  every  thing  unclean 
which  they  found  in  the  temple  of  the  Lord 
into  the  court  of  the  house  of  the  Lord;  and 
the  Levites  received  it,  to  carry  it  out  abroad 
unto  the  brook  Kidron. 

17  And  they  commenced  on  the  first  day 
of  the  first  month  to  sanctify;  and  on  the 
eighth  day  of  the  month  they  came  to  the 
porch  of  the  Lord,  and  they  sanctified  the 
house  of  the  Lord  in  eight  days;  and  on  the 
sixteenth  day  of  the  first  month  they  made 
an  end." 

*  Their  own  purification  lasted  eight  days,  and  that  of 
the  temple  the  .s-xme  time. 

C  A 


18  ^  Then  went  they  in  the  inner  [»art 
(of  the  palace)  to  king  Hezekiah,  and  said. 
We  have  cleansed  all  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  altar  of  burnt-offering,  and  all  its 
vessels,  and  the  table  of  show  bread,  and  all 
its  vessels. 

19  Moreover  all  the  vessels,  which  king 
Achaz  had  cast  aside  during  his  reign  in  his 
faithlessness,  have  we  put  in  order  and  sanc- 
tified: and,  behold,  they  are  before  the  altar 
of  the  Lord. 

20  ^  Then  arose  king  Hezekiah  early,  and 
gathered  together  the  princes  of  the  city,  and 
went  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

21  And  they  brought  seven  bullocks,  and 
seven  rams,  and  seven  sheep,  and  seven  he- 
goats,  as  a  sin-ofiering  for  the  kingdom,  and 
for  the  sanctuary,  and  for  Judah.  And  he 
ordered  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests  to  offer 
(them)  on  the  altar  of  the  Lord. 

22  So  they  slaughtered  the  bullocks,  and 
the  priests  received  the  blood,  and  sprinkled 
it  on  the  altar;  and  they  shaughtered  the 
rams,  and  they  sprinkled  the  blood  upon  the 
altar;  they  also  slaughtered  the  sheep,  and 
they  sprinkled  the  blood  upon  the  altar. 

23  And  they  brought  near  the  he-goats  of 
the  sin-offering  before  the  king  and  the  con- 
gregation; and  they  laid  their  hands  upon 
them : 

24  And  the  priests  slaughtered  them,  and 
they  made  an  expiation  with  their  blood 
upon  the  altar,  to  make  an  atonement  for  all 
Israel;  because  for  all  the  people,  said  the 
king,  should  be  the  burnt-offering  and  the 
sin-ofiering. 

25  And  he  stationed  the  Levites  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  with  cymbals,  Avith  psal- 
teries, and  with  harps,  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  David,  and  of  Gad  the  king's  seer, 
and  Nathan  the  prophet;  because  from  the 
Lord  was  this  commandment  by  means  of  his 
prophets. 

26  T[  And  the  Levites  stood  with  the  in- 
struments of  David,  and  the  priests  with  the 
trumpets. 

27  And  Hezekiah  ordered  to  offer  the 
burnt-offering  on  the  altar.  And  when  the 
burnt-offering  began,  the  song  of  the  Lord 
began  (also)  with  the  trumpets,  and  with  the 
instruments  of  David  the  king  of  Israel. 

28  And  all  the  assembly  prostrated  them- 
selves, and  the  song  sounded,  and  the  trum- 

1001 


\ 


2  CHRONIOLES  XXIX.  XXX. 


peters   blew:  all   this    (contimied)    until   the 
buint^oftering  was  completed. 

^9  And  when  they  had  made  an  end  of 
offering,  the  king  and  all  that  were  present 
with  him  kneeled  down  and  prostrated  them- 
selves. 

30  And  king  Hezekiah  and  the  princes  then 
said  to  the  Levites  to  sing  praises  unto  the 
Lord  with  the  words  of  David,  and  of  Assaph 
the  seer.  And  they  sang  praises  with  great 
joy,  and  they  bowed  their  heads  and  pros- 
trated themselves. 

31  T[  Then  commenced  Hezekiah,  and 
said,  Now  have  ye  consecrated  yourselves 
unto  the  Lord:  come  near  and  bring  sacrifices 
a'.;d  thanksgiving-oflerings  unto  the  house  of 
the  Lord.  And  the  assembly  brought  in 
sacrifices  and  thanksgiving-oflerings,  and 
every  one  who  was  liberal  of  heart,  burntr 
offerings. 

32  And  the  number  of  the  burnt-offerings, 
which  the  assembly  brought,  was  seventy 
bullocks,  one  hundred  rams,  (and)  two  hun- 
dred sheep :  as  a  burnt-offering  unto  the  Lord 
were  all  these. 

33  And  the  hallowed  sacrifices  were  six 
hundred  oxen  and  three  thousand  sheep. 

.'!4  Only  the  priests  were  too  few,  so  that 
they  could  not  flay  all  the  burut-oflerings : 
Avherefore  their  brethren  the  Levites  assisted 
tliem,  till  the  work  was  ended,  and  until  the 
other  })riests  could  sanctify  themselves;  for 
the  Levites  were  of  upright  heart  to  sanctify 
themselves  more  than  the  priests. 

35  But  there  were  also  burnt-offerings  in 
abundance,  with  the  fat  of  the  peace-offer- 
ings, and  the  drink-offerings  for  the  burnt- 
offei'ings.  So  was  (again)  established  the  ser- 
vice of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

36  And  Hezekiah  rejoiced,  with  all  the 
l)eople,  over  that  which  God  had  pi^epared  for 
the  people;  because  the  thing  occurred  sud- 
denly. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

1  ^  Then  sent  Hezekiah  to  all  Israel  and 
Judah,  and  he  also  wrote  letters  to  Ephraim 
and  Menasseh,  that  they  should  come  to  the 
house  of  the  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  to  prepare 
the  passover-sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  the  God 
of  Israel. 

2  And    the    king    held  a  consultation,  as 

also  his  ]irinces,  and  all  the  assembly  in  Joru- 

n)()2 


salem,  to  prepare  the  passover-sacrifice  in  the 
second  month. 

3  For  they  were  not  able  to  prepare  it  at 
that  time ;  because  the  priests  had  not  sanc- 
tified themselves  sufficientl}-,  nor  had  the  peo- 
ple gathered  themselves  together  to  Jerusa- 
lem. 

4  And  the  thing  seemed  right  in  the  eyes 
of  the  king  and  in  the  eyes  of  all  the  assem- 
bly. 

5  So  they  established  a  decree  to  cause  a 
pi'oclaination  to  be  made  throughout  all  Is- 
rael, from  Beer-sheba'  even  as  far  as  Dan, 
that  they  should  come  to  prepare  the  pass- 
o\er-sacrifice  unto  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
at  Jerusalem;  because  for  a  long  time  past 
they  had  not  prepared  it  as  it  was  written. 

6  So  the  runners  went  with  the  letters 
from  the  hand  of  the  king  and  liis  princes 
throughout  all  Israel  and  Jiidah,  and  accord- 
ing to  the  command  of  the  king,  saying, 
0  ^children  of  Israel,  return  unto  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Israel, 
and  ke  will  return  to  the  remnant  of  you, 
that  are  escaped  out  of  the  power  of  the  kings 
of  Assyria. 

7  And  be  not  like  your  fathers,  and  like 
3'our  brethren,  who  acted  faithlessly  against 
the  Lord  the  God  of  their  fathers,  wherefore 
he  gave  them  up  to  become  an  (object  of) 
astonishment,  as  ye  see. 

8  Now  do  ye  not  harden  your  necks,  like 
your  fathers;  hold  out  your  hand  unto  the 
LoKD,  and  come  unto  his  sanctuary,  which  he 
hath  sanctified  for  ever,  and  serve  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  so  will  he  turn  away  from 
you  the  fierceness  of  his  wrath. 

9  For  if  ye  return  unto  the  Lord,  your 
brethren  and  your  children  will  find  mercy 
in  the  presence  of  their  captors,  so  that  they 
may  return  to  this  land;  for  the  Lord  your 
God  is  gracious  and  merciful,  and  will  not 
turn  away  his  countenance  from  you,  if  ye 
return  unto  him. 

10  ^  And  as  the  runners  were  passing 
from  city  to  city  through  the  country  of 
Ephraim  and  Menasseh  and  as  far  as  Zebu- 
lun,  they  were  laughing  them  to  scorn,  and 
mocking  at  them. 

11  Nevertheless  some  men  of  Asher  and 
Menasseh  and  of  Zebulun  humbled  them- 
selves, and  came  to  Jerusalem. 

12  Also  over  Judah  came  the  hand  of  God 


2  rilROXK'LES  XXX.  XXXI. 


to  give  unto  them  one  heart  to  do  the  com- 
mand of  the  king  and  of  the  princes,  by  the 
word  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  there  -was  gathered  together  at 
Jerusalem  a  numerous  people  to  keep  the 
feast  of  unleavened  bread  in  the  second 
month,  a  very  great  assembly. 

14  And  they  arose  and  removed  the  altars 
which  were  in  Jerusalem,  and  all  the  vessels 
for  burning  incense  did  they  take  away,  and 
they  threw  them  into  the  brook  Kidron. 

15  And  they  slaughtered  the  passovei'-sar 
crifice  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  second 
mouth :  and  the  priests  and  the  Levites  were 
ashamed,  and  sanctified  themselves,  and 
brought  burnt-offerings  unto  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

16  ^  And  they  stood  on  their  station  after 
their  prescribed  manner,  according  to  the  law 
of  Moses  the  man  of  God,  the  priest  sprinkling 
the  blood,  (which  they  received)  out  of  the 
liand  of  the  Levites. 

17  For  there  were  many  in  the  assembly 
that  had  not  sanctified  Hiemselves:  there- 
fore the  Levites  bad  the  charge  of  the  slaugh- 
tering of  the  passover-sacrifices  for  every  one 
that  was  not  clean,  to  sanctify  (the  same) 
unto  the  Lord. 

18  For  a  large  portion  of  the  people,  even 
many  out  of  Ephraim,  and  Menasseh,  Issa- 
char,  and  Zebulun,  had  not  cleansed  them- 
selves, but  ate  the  passover  not  as  it  is  writ- 
ten. However  Hezekiah  prayed  for  them, 
saying,  The  Lord  who  is  good  will  grant  par- 
don for  this 

19  To  every  one  that  hath  directed  his 
heart  to  seek  God,  the  Lord  the  God  of  his 
fathers;  though  he  be  not  (cleansed)  accord- 
ing to  the  purification  of  the  sanctuary. 

20  And  the  Lord  hearkened  to  Hezekiah, 
and  he  healed  the  people. 

21  T[  And  the  children  of  Israel  that  were 
present  at  Jerusalem  celebrated  the  feast  of 
unleavened  bread  seven  days  with  great  joy ; 
and  the  Levites  and  the  priests  praised  the 
Lord  day  by  day,  with  loud  instruments  be- 
fore the  Lord. 

22  And  Hezekiah  spoke  comfortingly  unto 
all  the  Levites  that  had  good  intelligence  of 
the  Lord:  and  they  ate  the  festive-offerings 
during  seven  days,  ofiering  peace-offerings, 
and  making  confession  to  the  Lord  the  God 
of  their  fathers. 


23  And  the  whole  assembly  took  counsel 
to  celebrate  other  seven  days:  and  they  cele- 
brated (these)  seven  days  with  joy. 

24  For  Hezekiah  king  of  Judah  had  provid- 
ed for  the  assemljl}'  one  thousand  bullocks  and 
seven  thousand  sheep;  and  the  princes  had 
provided  for  the  assembly  one  thousand  bul- 
locks and  ten  thousand  sheep :  and  the  priests 
sanctified  themselves  in  great  numbers. 

25  And  thus  rejoiced  all  the  assembly  of 
Judah,  and  the  priests  and  the  Levites,  and 
all  the  assembly  that  was  come  out  of  Israel, 
and  the  strangers  that  were  come  out  of  the 
land  of  Israel,  and  those  that  dwelt  in  Judali. 

26  And  there  was  great  joy  in  Jerusalem; 
for  since  the  time  of  Solomon  the  son  of 
David  the  king  of  Israel  had  the  like  not 
l)een  in  Jerusalem. 

27  Tl  Then  arose  the  priests  the  Levites 
and  blessed  the  people ;  and  their  voice  was 
listened  to,  and  their  prayer  came  to  His 
holy  dwelling-place,  even  unto  heaven. 

CHAPTER  XXXL 

1  And  when  all  this  was  finished,  all  Is- 
rael that  were  present  went  out  to  the  cities 
of  Judali,  and  broke  in  pieces  the  stp.tues, 
and  cut  down  the  groves,  and  pulled  dc  wn 
the  high-places  and  the  altars  out  of  all  Judah 
and  Benjamin,  and  in  Ephraim  and  Menas- 
seh, until  they  had  made  an  end  of  them  all. 
Then  returned  all  the  children  of  Israel  every 
man  to  his  possession,  to  their  own  cities. 

2  And  Hezekiah  stationed  the  divisions  of 
the  priests  and  the  Levites  after  their  divi- 
sions, every  man  according  to  his  service,  of 
the  priests  and  the  Levites,  for  burnt-oflerings 
and  for  peace-offerings,  to  minister,  and  to 
give  thanks,  and  to  praise  in  the  gates  of  the 
camps  of  the  Lord. 

3  The  king  also  gave  a  portion  from  his 
own  property  for  the  burnt-offerings,  (name- 
ly,) for  the  morning  and  evening  burnt-offer- 
ings, and  the  burnt-offerings  for  the  sabbaths, 
and  for  the  new-moons,  and  for  the  appointed 
feasts,  a.s  it  is  written  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 

4  Moreover  he  said  to  the  people,  to 
those  who  dwelt  in  Jerusalem,  to  give  the 
portion  of  the  priests  and  the  Levites,  in 
order  that  they  might  hold  firmly  to  the  law 
of  the  Lord. 

5  And  when  the  matter  was  spread  abroad. 
the  children  of  Israel  brought  in  abundance 

1003 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXI.  XXXII. 


the  first-fruits  of  corn,  of  the  new  wine,  and 
of  oil,  and  of  honey,  and  of  all  the  products 
of  the  field;  and  the  tithe  of  all  things  did 
they  bring  (likewise)  in  abundance. 

6  And  ai?  for  the  children  of  Israel  and 
Judah,  that  dwelt  in  the  cities  of  Judah,  they 
also  brought  in  the  tithe  of  oxen  and  sheep, 
and  the  tithe  of  holy  things  which  were  hal- 
lowed unto  the  Lord  their  God,  and  gave 
(them)  by  heaps. 

7  ^  In  the  third  month  did  they  begin  to 
lay  the  foundation  of  the  heaps,  and  in  the 
seventh  month  did  they  finish  them. 

8  And  when  Hezekiah  and  the  princes 
came  and  saw  the  heaps,  they  blessed  the 
Lord,  and  his  people  Israel.- 

9  ][  Then  made  Hezekiah  inquiry  of  the 
priests  and  the  Levites  concerning  the  heaps. 

10  Then  spoke  to  him  'Azaryahu  the  chief 
priest  of  the  house  of  Zadok,  and  said.  Since 
it  was  begun  to  bring  the  heave-offerings  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  there  hath  been 
enough  to  eat,  and  to  leave  in  great  abun- 
dance; for  the  Lord  hath  blessed  his  people: 
and  that  which  is  left  is  this  great  mass. 

11  ^  Then  ordered  Hezekiah  to  prepare 
chambers  in  the  house  of  the  Lord:  and  they 
prepared  them. 

12  And  they  brought  in  the  heave-offer- 
ings, and  the  tithes,  and  the  sanctified  things, 
in  faithfulness :  and  over  them  were  appoint- 
ed the  ruler  Conanyahu  the  Levite,  and  Shim'i 
his  brother  the  second  in  rank. 

13  And  Jechiiil,  and  'Azazyahu,  and  Na- 
chath,  and  'Assahel,  and  Jerimoth,  and  Joza- 
bad,  and  Eliel,  and  Yissmachyahu,  and  Ma- 
chath,  and  Benayahu,  were  overseers  under 
the  supervision  of  Conanyahu  and  Shim'i  his 
brother,  by  the  appointment  of  king  Heze- 
'kiah,  and  'Azaryahu  the  ruler  of  the  house 
of  God. 

14  And  Kor6  the  son  of  Yimnah  the  Le- 
vite, the  gatekeeper  at  the  east  side,  was  over 
the  freewill-offerings  of  God,  to  give  (to  him) 
the  heave-offerings  of  the  Lord,  and  the  most 
holy  things. 

15  And  under  his  supervision  were  'Eden, 
and  Minyamin,  and  Jeshua',  and  Shema'yahu, 
Amaryahu,  and  Shechanyahu,  in  the  cities 
of  the  priests,  in  faithfulness,  to  give  to  their 
brethren  after  the  divisions,  equally  to  the 
great  as  to  the  small; 

16  Besides    (these)    to  those  recorded  by 

1004 


their  genealogies  of  males,  from  three  years 
old  and  upward,  of  all  that  entered  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  the  daily  portion  on  its 
day,  for  their  service  in  their  charges  accord- 
ing to  their  divisions; 

17  And  likewise  to  the  priests  recorded  by 
their  genealogies  after  their  family  divisions, 
and  the  Levites  from  twenty  years  old  and 
upward,  in  their  charges  by  their  divisions; 

18  And  to  those  recorded  by  their  gene- 
alogies of  all  their  little  ones,  their  wives, 
and  their  sons,  and  their  daughters,  of  all  the 
assembly;  for  in  their  faithfulness  they  de- 
voted themselves  in  the  sanctuary. 

19  Also  of  the  sons  of  Aaron  the  priests, 
who  were  in  the  fields  of  the  open  districts 
of  their  cities,  in  each  and  every  city,  there 
were  men,  expressed  by  name,  who  had  to 
give  portions  to  all  the  males  among  the 
priests,  and  to  all  that  were  recorded  by  their 
genealogies  among  the  Levites. 

20  And  the  like  did  Hezekiah  in  all  Judah, 
and  he  did  what  is  good  and  right  and  true 
before  the  Lord  his  God. 

21  And  in  every  work  that  he  began  in 
the  service  of  the  house  of  God,  and  in  ire 
law,  and  in  the  commandments,  to  seek  his 
God,  he  acted  with  all  his  heart,  and  pros- 
pered. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1  ^  After  these  things  and  veritable  events 
came  Sennacherib  the  king  of  Assyria,  and 
invaded  Judah,  and  encamped  against  the 
fortified  cities,  and  thought  to  break  them 
open  for  himself 

2  And  when  Hezekiah  saw  that  Sennache- 
rib was  coming,  and  that  his  face  (was  direct- 
ed) for  war  against  Jerusalem, 

3  He  consulted  with  his  princes  and  his 
mighty  men  to  stop  up  the  waters  of  the 
springs  which  were  without  the  city:  and 
they  helped  him. 

4  And  there  were  gathered  together  a  very 
numerous  body  of  people,  and  they  stopped 
up  all  the  springs,  and  the  brook"  that  flowed 
through  the  midst  of  the  land,  saying.  Why 
should  the  kings  of  Assyria  come,  and  find 
much  water? 

5  Also  he  strengthened  himself,  and  built 
up  all  the  wall  where  it  was  broken  down,  and 

*  The  Shiloach  or  Gichon. 


2  rilRONICLES  XXXIT. 


hei<;;htened''  the  towers,  and  (built)  without 
another  wall,  and  fortified  the  Millo  of  the 
city  of  David,  and  made  weapons  in  abun- 
dance and  shields. 

6  And  he  appointed  war-officers  over  the 
people,  and  gathered  them  together  unto  him 
in  the  open  place  at  the  gate  of  the  citj',  and 
spoke  comfortingly  to  them,  saying, 

7  Be  strong  and  of  good  courage,  do  not 
fear  and  be  not  dismayed  because  of  the  king 
of  Assyria,  and  because  of  all  the  multitude 
that  is  with  him ;  for  with  us  there  is  One^ 
greater  than  with  him  : 

8  With  him  there  is  an  arm  of  flesh ;  but 
with  us  is  the  Lord  our  God  to  help  us,  and 
to  fight  our  battles.  And  the  people  relied 
upon  the  words  of  Hezekiah  the  king  of 
Judah. 

9  ]|  After  this  did  Sennacherib  the  king 
of  Assyria  send  his  servants  to  Jerusalem, 
while  he  was  himself  lying  before  Lachish, 
and  all  (the  chief  troops  of)  his  dominion 
with  him,  against  Hezekiah  the  king  of  Ju- 
dah, and  against  all  Judah  that  were  at  Jeru- 
salem, saying, 

10  Thus  hath  said  Sennacherib  the  king 
of  Assyria,  On  what  do  ye  trust,  that  ye  re- 
main besieged  in  Jerusalem? 

11  Doth  not  Hezekiah  mislead  you  to  give 
you  up  to  die  by  famine  and  by  thirst,  when 
he  saith,  The  Lord  our  God  will  deliver  us 
out  of  the  grasp  of  the  king  of  Assyria? 

12  Is  it  not  this  Hezekiah  that  hath  re- 
moved his  high-places  and  his  altars,  when 
he  said  to  Judah  and  to  Jerusalem,  saying. 
Before  one  altar  shall  ye  prostrate  yourselves, 
and  upon  it  shall  ye  burn  incense? 

13  Know  ye  not  what  I  have  done,  I  and 
my  fathers,  unto  all  the  people  of  (other) 
lands?  were  the  gods  of  the  nations  of  those 
lands  at  all  able  to  deliver  their  land  out  of 
my  hand? 

14  Who  among  all  the  gods  of  those  na- 
tions that  my  fathers  utterly  destroyed,  was 
it,  that  was  able  to  deliver  his  people  out  of 
my  hand,  that  your  God  should  be  able  to  de- 
liver you  out  of  my  hand  ? 

15  And  now  let  not  Hezekiah  deceive  you, 
and  let  him  not  mislead  you  in  this  manner, 


•  Herxheimer.      Zunz,  "erected  towers."     Eng.  ver. 
'and  raised  (it)  up  to  the  towers." 
^  Zuuz;  i.  e.  God.    Others,  "there  are  more  with  us." 


nor  believe  him ;  for  no  god  of  any  nation  or 
kingdom  whatever  was  able  to  delive;-  his 
people  out  of  my  hand,  and  out  of  the  liiuid 
of  my  fathers :  how  much  less  will  you  God.s, 
deliver  you  out  of  my  hand! 

16  And  yet  more  did  his  servants  speak 
against  the  Lord  God,  and  against  his  servant 
Hezekiah. 

17  He  wrote  also  letters  to  blaspheme 
against  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  and  to 
speak  against  him,  saying.  As  the  gods  of  the 
nations  of  (other)  lands,  who  have  not  deliver- 
ed tlieir  people  out  of  my  hand,  so  will  the 
God  of  Hezekiah  not  deliver  his  people  out 
of  my  hand. 

18  Then  did  they  call  out  with  a  loud 
voice  in  the  Jewish  language  unto  the  people 
of  Jerusalem  that  were  on  the  wall,  to  frighten 
them,  and  to  terrify  them :  in  order  that  they 
might  capture  the  city. 

19  And  they  spoke  of  the  God  of  Jerusa- 
lem, as  concerning  the  gods  of  the  nations  of 
the  earth,  the  work  of  the  hands  of  man. 

20  ^  And  king  Hezekiah  and  Isaiah  the 
son  of  Amoz  the  prophet  prayed  for  this 
cause,  and  they  cried  to  heaven. 

21  Tl  And  the  Lord  sent  an  angel,  who 
cut  off  every  mighty  man  of  valour  and 
leader  and  captain  in  the  camp  of  the  king 
of  Assyria:  and  when  he  was  returned  with 
shame  of  face  to  his  own  land,  he  went  into 
the  house  of  his  god,  and  (those)  that  were 
come  forth  from  his  own  bowels  felled  him 
there  with  the  sword. 

22  Thus  did  the  Lord  save  Hezekiah  and 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  out  of  the  hand 
of  Sennacherib  the  king  of  Assyria,  and  out 
of  the  hand  of  all,  and  guided  them  (safely) 
on  every  side. 

23  And  many  brought  presents  unto  the 
Lord  to  Jerusalem,  and  precious  things  to 
Hezekiah  the  king  of  Judah :  so  that  he  was 
exalted  before  the  eyes  of  all  the  nations  after 
that  time. 

24  Tl  In  those  days  fell  Hezekiah  sick  to 
the  death;  and  he  prayed  unto  the  Lord: 
and  he  spoke  unto  him,  and  he  gave  him  a 
wonderful  token. 

25  But  not  according  to  the  mercy  shown 
unto  him  did  Hezekiah  act  in  return;  for  his 
heart  was  lifted  up:  wherefore  there  came 
wrath  over  him,  and  over  Judah  and  Jeruss- 
lem. 

1005 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXTI.  XXXIII. 


26  Then  became  Hezekiah  humbled  be- 
cause of  the  liftmg  up  of  his  heart,  both  he 
and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem;  and  the 
wrath  of  the  Lord  came  not  upon  them  in 
the  days  of  Hezekiah. 

27  And  Hezekiah  had  riches  and  honour 
in  exceeding  abundance;  and  he  made  him- 
self treasuries  for  silver,  and  for  gold,  and  for 
precious  stones,  and  for  spices,  and  for  shields, 
and  for  all  manner  of  costly  vessels  ; 

28  And  storehouses  for  the  produce  of  corn, 
and  new  wine,  and  oil ;  and  stalls  for  all  kinds 
of  cattle,  and  sheepfolds  for  Hocks. 

29  Moreover  he  erected  for  himself  cities,  j 
and  (acquired)  possessions  of  flocks  and  herds 
in  multitude;  for  God  had  given  him  wealth 
in  great  abundance. 

30  This  same  Hezekiah  also  stopped  up 
the  upper  mouth  of  the  waters  of  Gichon,  and 
brought  them  straight  down  to  the  west  side 
of  the  city  of  David.  And  Hezekiah  pros- 
pered in  all  his  works. 

31  And  in  the  same  manner  in  the  busi- 
ness of  the  ambassadors  of  the  princes  of 
Babylon,  who  sent  unto  him  to  inquire  con- 
cerning the  wonder  that  had  happened  in  the 
land,  God  left  him,  to  prove  him,  to  know  all 
that  was  in  his  heart. 

32  •[[  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Hezekiah, 
and  his  pious  deeds,  behold,  they  are  written 
in  the  vision  of  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz,  the 
prophet,  (and)  in  the  book  of  the  kings  of 
Judah  and  Israel. 

33  And  Hezekiah  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  they  buried  him  in  the  highest  place  of 
the  sepulchres  of  the  sons  of  David :  and  all 
Judah  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem 
showed  him  honour  at  his  death.  And  Me- 
nasseh  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1  Tj  Twelve  years  old  was  Menasseh  when 
he  became  king,  and  fifty  and  five  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  after  the  abominable  acts  of  the 
nations  whom  the  Lord  had  driven  out  from 
before  the  children  of  Isi-ael. 

3  And  he  built  again  the  high-places  which 
Hezekiah  his  father  had  broken  down,  and 
he  erected  altars  for  the  Be'alim,  and  made 
Asheroth,  and  bowed  himself  down  to  all  the 
host  of  heaven,  and  served  them. 

1006 


4  And  he  built  altars  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord,  whereof  the  Lord  had  said,  In  Jerusa- 
lem shall  my  name  be  for  ever. 

5  And  he  built  altars  for  all  the  host  of 
heaven  in  the  two  courts  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord. 

6  And  he  caused  his  children  to  pass 
through  the  fire  in  the  valley  of  Ben-hin- 
nom;  he  also  observed  times,  and  employed 
enchantments,  and  used  witchcraft,  and  dealt 
with  (those  of)  a  familiar  spirit,  and  with 
wizards :  he  did  much  that  is  evil  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  to  provoke  him  to  anger. 

7  And  he  placed  a  carved  image  of  the 
idol  which  he  had  made  in  the  house  of  God, 
of  which  God  had  said  to  David  and  to  Solo- 
mon his  son,  In  this  house,  and  in  Jerusalem, 
which  I  have  made  choice  of  out  of  all  the 
tribes  of  Israel,  will  I  place  my  name  for  ever. 

8  11  Nor  will  I  any  more  remove  the  foot 
of  Israel  from  oft'  the  land  which  I  have  ap- 
pointed for  your  fathers;  but  only  if  the}' 
will  take  heed  to  do  all  that  I  have  com- 
manded them,  according  to  the  whole  law 
and  the  statutes  and  the  ordinances  by  the 
hand  of  Moses. 

9  But  Menasseh  led  Judah  and  the  in- 
habitants of  Jerusalem  astray,  to  do  worse 
than  the  nations  whom  the  Lord  had  de- 
stroyed from  before  the  children  of  Israel. 

10  ^  And  the  Lord  spoke  to  Menasseh, 
and  to  his  people;  but  they  listened  not. 

11  Wherefore  the  Lord  brought  over  them 
the  captains  of  the  army  belonging  to  the 
king  of  Assyria:  and  they  took  Menasseh 
prisoner  with  chains,  and  bound  him  with 
fetters,  and  led  him  off  to  Babylon. 

12  And  when  he  was  in  distress,  lie  be- 
sought the  Lord  his  God,  and  humbled  him- 
self greatly  before  the  God  of  his  fathers, 

13  And  he  prayed  unto  him,  and  he  per- 
mitted himself  to  be  entreated  by  him,  and 
heard  his  supplication,  and  brought  him  back 
to  Jerusalem,  unto  his  kingdom.  Then  did 
Menasseh  feel  conscious  that  the  Lord  is  in- 
deed the  (true)  God. 

14  And  after  this  he  built  a  wall  without 
the  city  of  David,  on  the  west  side  of  Gichon, 
in  the  valley,  even  to  the  entrance  of  the 
fish-gate,  and  about  the  hill-fort,  and  raised  it 
up  to  a  very  great  height;  and  he  place;! 
captains  of  the  army  in  all  the  fortified  cities 
of  Judah. 


2  CHRONirLES  XXXIII.  XXXIV. 


15  And  he  removed  the  strange  gods  and 
the  idol  out  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
all  the  altars  that  he  had  l)uilt  on  the  mount 
of  the  house  of  the  Lokd,  and  in  Jerusa- 
lem, and   he  cast  them  forth  to  without  the 

fit}'- 

16  And  he  rebuilt  the  altar  of  the  Lord, 
and  sacrificed  thereupon  peace-ofterings  and 
thanksgiving-offerings,  and  he  ordered  Judah 
to  serve  the  Lord  tlie  God  of  Israel. 

17  Nevertheless  the  people  sacrificed  on 
the  high-places,  but  only  unto  the  Lord  their 
God. 

18  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Menasseh, 
and  his  prater  unto  his  God,  and  the  words 
of  the  seers  that  spoke  to  him  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  behold,  they 
are  in  the  history  of  the  kings  of  Israel. 

T^  His  pra3er  also,  and  (how  God)  was 
entreated  of  him,  and  all  liis  sins  and  his 
foithlessness,  and  the  places  whereon  he  built 
high-places,  and  set  up  tiie  Asherim  and 
the  graven  images,  before  he  was  humbled : 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  history  of 
Chozai. 

20  And  Menasseh  slept  with  his  fathers, 
and  they  buried  him  in  his  own  house.  And 
Amon  his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

21  ^  Two  and  twenty  years  old  was  Amon 
when  he  became  king,  and  two  years  did  he 
reign  in  Jerusalem.  \ 

22  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord,  as  Menasseh  his  father  had  done; 
and  unto  all  the  carved  images  which  Menas- 
seh his  father  had  made  did  Amon  sacrifice, 
and  them  he  served; 

23  But  he  did  not  humble  himself  before 
the  Lord,  as  Menasseh  his  father  had  hum- 
bled himself;  for  he.  Amon,  made  his  guilti- 
ness great. 

24  And  his  servants  conspired  against 
him,  and  put  him  to  death  in  his  own  house. 

25  But  the  people  of  the  land  slew  all 
those  that  had  conspired  against  king  Amon ; 
and  the  people  of  the  land  made  Josiah  his 
son  king  in  his  stead. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1  ^  Eight  years  old  was  Josiah  when  he 
became  king,  and  thirty  and  one  years  did 
he  reign  in  Jerusalem. 

2  And  he  did  what  is  right  in  the  eyes  of 
t!ie  TjORD,  and  walked  in   the  wa3'S  of  David 


his  father,  and  turned  not  aside  to  the  rii;!it 
or  to  the  left. 

3  ^  And  in  the  eighth  year  of  his  reign, 
while  he  was  yet  a  lad.  he  l)egan  to  seek  after 
the  God  of  David  his  fether;  and  in  the 
twelfth  3ear  he  l)egan  to  purify  Judah  and 
Jerusalem  from  the  high-places,  and  the 
Asherim.  and  the  carved  images,  and  the 
molten  images. 

4  And  the}'  broke  down  in  his  presence  the 
altars  of  the  Be'alim;  and  the  sun-images, 
that  were  set  above  them,  he  cut  down;  and 
the  Asherim,  and  the  carved  images,  and  the 
molten  images,  he  broke  in  pieces,  and  ground 
down,  and  strewed  (the  same)  upon  the 
graves  of  those  that  had  sacrificed  unto  them. 

5  And  the  bones  of  priests  did  he  burn 
upon  their  altars;  and  he  purified  Judah  and 
Jerusalem. 

•  6  And  (so  did  he)  in  the  cities  of  Menas- 
seh. and  Pjphraim.  and  Simeon,  even  as  far  as 
Naphtali.  witli  their  mattocks."  round  about. 

7  And  when  he  had  broken  down  the 
altars  and  had  beaten  the  Asherim  and  the 
graven  images  into  powder,  and  cut  down  all 
the  sun-images  throughout  all  the  land  of 
Israel,  he  returned  to  Jerusalem. 

8  Tl  And  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  his 
reign,  when  he  had  purified  the  land  and 
the  house,  he  sent  Shaphan  the  son  of  Azal- 
yahu,  and  Ma'asseyahu  the  governor  of  the 
city,  and  Joach  the  son  of  Joachaz  the  re- 
corder, to  repair  the  house  of  the  Lord  his 
God. 

9  And  the}'  came  to  Chilkiyahu  the  high- 
priest,  and  gave  up  the  money  that  had  been 
brought  into  the  house  of  God,  which  the 
Levites  that  watched  at  the  threshold  had 
gathered  from  the  liand  of  Menasseh  and 
Ephraim,  and  from  all  the  remnant  of  Israel, 
and  from  all  Judali  and  Benjamin,  and  were 
returned  to  Jerusalem, — 

10  And  they  delivered  it  into  the  hand  of 
those  who  overlooked  the  workmen  that  had 
been  appointed  as  overseers  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord:  and  those  who  overlooked  the 
workmen,  who  did  the  work  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  gave  it  out,  to  repair  and  to  restore 
the  house; 

11  And  they  gave  it  to  the  carpenters  and 
to  the  builders,  to  buy  hewn  stone,  and  tim- 


*  Zunz,  "in  their  ruins." 


1007 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXIV. 


ber  tor  joists,  and  to  lay  the  beams  in  the 
houses  which  the  kings  of  Judah  had  de- 
stroyed. 

12  And  the  men  acted  faithfully  in  the 
work :  and  over  them  were  appointed  Jachath 
and  'Obadyahu,  the  Levites,  of  the  sons  of 
Merari;  and  Zechariah  and  Meshullam,  of 
the  sons  of  the  Kehathites,  to  supervise ;  and 
every  one  of  these  Levites  was  skilful  on  in- 
struments of  music. 

13  They  were  also  over  the  bearers  of  bur- 
dens, and  supervisors  over  all  that  did  the 
work  in  every  manner  of  service :  and  from 
the  Levites  there  were  also  scribes,  and  of- 
ficers, and  gatekeepers. 

14  And  when  they  took  out  the  money  that 
had  been  brought  into  the  hou,se  of  the  Lokd, 
Chilkiyahu  the  priest  found  the  book  of  the 
law  of  the  Lord  through  the  hand  of  Moses. 

15  Then  commenced  Chilkiyahu  and  said 
to  Shaphan  the  scribe,  The  book  of  the  law 
have  I  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.  And 
Chilkiyahu  gave  the  book  to  Shaphan. 

16  And  Shaphan  carried  the  book  to  the 
king,  and  brought  the  king  also  word  back 
again,  saying,  All  that  was  put  in  the  hand 
of  thy  servants,  have  they  truly  done. 

17  And  they  have  taken  out  the  money 
that  was  found  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and 
have  delivered  it  into  the  hand  of  the  ap- 
pointed overseers,  and  into  the  hand  of  those 
who  overlook  the  workmen. 

18  Then  told  Shaphan  the  scribe  the  king, 
saying,  A  book  hath  Chilkiyahu  the  priest 
given  me.  And  Shaphan  read  in  it  before 
the  king. 

19  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
heard  the  words  of  the  law,  that  he  rent  his 
clothes. 

20  And  the  king  commanded  Qiilkiyahu, 
and  Achikam  the  son  of  Shaphan,  and  'Ab- 
don  the  son  of  Michah,  and  Shaphan  the 
scribe,  and  'Assayah  a  servant  of  the  king's, 
saying, 

21  Go  ye,  inquire  of  the  Lord  in  my  be- 
half, and  in  behalf  of  those  that  are  left  in 
Israel  and  in  Judah,  concerning  the  words  of 
the  book  that  hath  been  found;  for  great  is 
the  fury  of  the  Lord  that  is  poured  out  against 
us,  because  our  iathers  did  not  keep  the  word 
of  the  Lord,  to  do  in  accordance  with  all  that 
is  written  in  this  book. 

22  ^   Then   went   Chilkiyahu    with   tho.se 

1008 


whom  the  king  (had  appointed),  to  Chuldah 
the  prophetess,  the  wife  of  Shall um  the  son 
of  Thokhath,  the  son  of  Chassrah,  the  keeper 
of  the  wardrobe ; — now  she  dwelt  in  Jerusa- 
lem in  the  suburb; — and  they  spoke  to  her 
in  that  wise. 

23  And  she  said  unto  them.  Thus  hath 
said  the  Lord  the  God  of  Israel,  Say  unto  the 
man  that  hath  sent  you  to  me, 

24  ][  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I 
will  bring  evil  upon  this  place,  and  upon  its 
inhabitants,  all  the  curses  that  are  written  in 
the  book  which  they  have  read  before  the 
king  of  Judah ; 

25  Because  they  have  forsaken  me,  and 
have  burnt  incense  unto  other  gods,  in  order 
to  provoke  me  to  anger  with  all  the  works 
of  their  hands:  therefore  is  ray  fury  poured 
out  upon  this  place,  and  it  shall  not  be 
quenched. 

26  And  with  respect  to  the  king  of  Judah, 
who  sendeth  you  to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  thus 
shall  ye  say  to  him,  Thus  hath  said  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel,  Concerning  the  words  which 
thou  hast  heard; 

27  Because  thy  heart  was  tender,  and  thou 
didst  humble  thyself  before  God,  when  thou 
heardst  his  words  against  this  place,  and 
against  its  inhabitants,  and  didst  humble  thy- 
self before  me,  and  rend  thy  clothes,  and  weep 
before  me:  I  have  also  truly  heard  it,  saith 
the  Lord. 

28  Behold,  I  will  gather  thee  unto  thy 
fathers,  and  thou  shalt  be  gathered  to  thy 
graves  in  peace,  and  thy  eyes  shall  not  look 
on  all  the  evil  which  I  am  bringing  over  this 
place,  and  over  its  inhabitants.  And  they 
brought  the  king  word  again. 

29  Tl  And  the  king  sent  and  gathered  to- 
gether all  the  elders  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

30  And  the  king  went  up  into  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  with  all  the  men  of  Judah,  and 
the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  priests, 
and  the  Levites,  and  all  the  people,  from  the 
great  to  the  small;  and  he  read  before  their 
ears  all  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  cove- 
nant which  had  been  found  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord. 

31  And  the  king  stood  up  on  his  stand, 
and  he  made  a  covenant  before  the  Lord,  to 
walk  after  the  Lord,  and  to  keep  his  com- 
mandments, and  his  testimonies,  and  his  sta- 
tutes, with   all   liis    heart    and  with   all   hia 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXIV.  XXXV. 


soul,  to  perforin  the  words  of  the  covenant 
that  are  written  in  this  book. 

32  And  he  caused  to  accede  to  it  every 
one  that  was  present  in  Jerusalem  and  Benjar 
min.  And  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusalem  acted 
in  accordance  with  the  covenant  of  God,  the 
God  of  their  fathers. 

33  And  Josiah  removed  all  the  abomina- 
tions out  of  all  the  countries  that  belonged  to 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  caused  all  that 
were  present  in  Israel  to  serve,  even  to  serve 
the  Lord  their  God.  All  his  days  did  they 
not  depart  from  following  the  Lord  the  God 
of  their  fiithers. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  ^  And  Josiah  kept  in  Jerusalem  the 
passover  unto  the  Lord:  and  they  slaughter- 
ed the  passover-sacrifice  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  the  first  month. 

2  And  he  placed  the  priests  in  their 
charges,  and  strengthened  them  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

3  And  he  said  unto  the  Levites  that  in- 
structed all  Israel,  who  were  holy  unto  the 
Lord,  Set  the  holy  ark  in  the  house  which 
Solomon  the  son  of  David  the  king  of  Israel 
did  build;  you  have  not  to  carry  it  any  more 
upon  your  shoulders:  now  serve  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  his  people  Israel. 

4  And  prepare  yourselves  by  3'our  family 
divisions,  according  to  your  courses,  after  the 
written  order  of  David  the  king  of  Israel,  and 
after  the  written  order  of  Solomon  his  son ; 

5  And  stand  in  the  holy  place  according 
to  the  divisions  of  the  family  divisions  of 
your  brethren  the  sons  of  the  people,  and 
after  the  division  of  the  families  of  the  Le- 
vites ; 

6  And  slaughter  the  passover-sacrifice,  and 
sanctify  yourselves,  and  prepare  it  for  your 
brethren,  to  do  according  to  the  word  of  the 
Lord  by  the  hand  of  Moses. 

7  ^  And  Josiah  set  apart  for  the  sons  of 
the  people,  of  the  flock,  lambs  and  kids,  all 
for  the  passover-sacrifices,  for  all  that  were 
present,  to  the  number  of  thirty  thousand, 
and  of  steers  three  thousand :  these  were  of 
the  king's  property. 

8  ^  And  his  princes  set  apart  (much)  as  a 
freewill  gift  for  the  people,  for  the  priests, 
and  for  the  Levites :  Chilkiyah,  and  Zechar- 
yahu,  and  Jechiel,  the  rulers  of  the  house  of 

«B 


God,  gave  unto  the  priests  for  the  passover- 
sacrifices  two  thousand  and  six  hundred 
(lambs  and  kids),  and  three  hundred  steers. 

9  And  Conanyahu,  and  Shenia'yahu  and 
Nethanel,  his  brothers,  and  Chashabyahu  and 
Je'iel  and  Jozabad,  the  chiefs  of  the  Levites, 
set  apart  unto  the  Levites  for  passover-sacri- 
fices five  thousand  (lambs  and  kids),  and  li\e 
hundred  steers. 

10  |[  So  the  service  was  established,  and 
the  priests  stood  on  their  station,  and  the  Le- 
vites in  their  divisions,  according  to  the  king's 
command. 

11  And  they  slaughtered  the  passover- 
sacrifice,  and  the  priests  sprinkled  (the  blood 
received)  from  their  hands,  and  the  Levites 
did  the  flaying. 

12  And  they  removed  the  burnt-offerings  to 
give  them  to  the  divisions  of  the  family  divi- 
sions of  the  sons  of  the  peo}:  le,  to  off'er  (them) 
unto  the  Lord,  as  it  is  written  in  the  book  of 
Moses.     And  so  did  they  with  the  steers. 

13  And  they  roasted  the  passover  by  the  fire 
in  accordance  with  the  prescribed  manner; 
but  the  holy  off'erings  they  seethed  in  pots,  and 
in  caldrons,  and  in  pans,  and  divided  them 
speedily  among  all  the  sons  of  the  people. 

14  And  afterward  they  prepared  for  them- 
selves, and  for  the  priests ;  because  the  priests 
the  sons  of  Aaron  (were  busied)  in  offering 
the  burnl>offerings  and  the  fat  until  night : 
thei'efore  the  Levites  prepared  for  themselves 
and  for  the  priests  the  sons  of  Aaron. 

15  And  the  singers  the  sons  of  Assaph 
were  on  their  station,  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  David,  and  Asgaph,  and  Heman, 
and  Jeduthun  the  king's  seer;  and  the  gate- 
keepers were  at  every  gate:  they  had  no 
need  to  depart  from  their  service;  because 
their  brethren  the  Levites  prepared  for  them. 

16  So  was  established  all  the  service  of 
the  Lord  on  the  same  day,  to  prepare  the 
passover-saci'ifice,  and  to  offer  burnt-offerings 
upon  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  according  to  the 
command  of  king  Josiah. 

17  And  the  children  of  Israel  that  were 
present  prepared  the  passover-sacrifice  at  that 
time,  and  (kept)  the  feast  of  unleavened 
bread  seven  days. 

18  And  there  was  not  holden  any  passover 
like  this  in  Israel  from  the  days  of  Samuel 
the  prophet ;  and  all  the  kings  of  Israel  did 

not  keep  such  a  passover  as  Josiah  kept,  with 

:oo9 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXV.  XXXVI. 


the  priests,  aud  the  Levites,  and  all  Judah 
and  Israel  that  were  present,  and  the  inhar 
bitauts  of  Jerusalem. 

19  T[  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  the  reign 
of  Josiah  was  this  passover  holden. 

20  After  all  this,  when  Josiah  had  restored 
the  temple,  came  up  Necho  the  king  of  Egypt 
to  fight  against  Karkemish  by  the  Euphrates, 
and  Josiah  went  out  against  him. 

21  But  he  sent  ambassadors  to  him,  say- 
ing, What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  thou  king 
of  Judah?  I  come  not  against  thee  this  day, 
but  against  the  house"  wherewith  I  have  war, 
and  God  hath  commanded  me  to  make  haste: 
forbear  thee  from  meddling  with  God  who  is 
with  me,  that  he  may  not  destro}-  thee. 

22  Nevertheless  did  Josiah  not  turn  his 
face  away  from  him,  but  disguised''  himself, 
to  fight  with  him,  and  hearkened  not  unto 
the  words  of  Necho  from  the  mouth  of  God ; 
and  he  came  to  fight  in  the  valley  of  Megiddo. 

23  And  the  archers  shot  at  king  Josiah: 
and  the  king  said  to  his  servants.  Carry  me 
away;  for  I  am  sorely  wounded. 

24  And  his  servants  carried  him  away 
out  of  that  chariot,  and  conveyed  him  in 
the  second  chariot  that  he  had;  and  they 
brought  him  to  Jerusalem,  and  he  died,  and 
was  buried  in  the  sepulchres  of  his  fathers. 
And  all  Judah  and  Jerusalem  mourned  for 
Josiah. 

25  ^  And  Jeremiah  lamented  for  Josiah ; 
and  all  the  singing  men  and  the  singing 
Avomen  spoke  of  Josiah  in  their  lamentations 
to  this  day,  and  they  instituted  them  as  a 
custom  in  Israel:  and,  behold,  they  are  writ- 
ten in  the  lamentations. 

26  And  the  I'est  of  the  acts  of  Josiah,  and 
his  pious  deeds,  in  accordance  with  what  is 
Avritten  in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 

27  And  his  acts,  the  first  and  the  last, 
behold,  they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
kings  of  Israel  and  Judah. 

CHAPTER  XXXVL 

1  Tl  And  the  people  of  the  land  took 
Jehoachaz  the  son  of  Josiah,  and  made  him 
king  in  his  father's  stead  in  Jerusalem. 

2  Twenty  and    three   years   old  was  Jo- 


•  i.  e.  The  rojal  house — that  of  Assyria,  with  whom  the 
Egyptians  had  frequent  wars. 
'  Zunz,  "he  persisted  to  fight." 
1010 


achaz   when    he    became    king,    and    three 
months  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem. 

3  And  the  king  of  Egypt  deposed  him  at 
Jerusalem,  and  imposed  a  fine  on  the  land  of 
a  hundred  talents  of  silver  and  a  talent  of 
gold. 

4  And  the  king  of  Egypt  made  Elyakim 
his  brother  king  over  Judah  and  Jerusalem, 
and  changed  his  name  to  Jehoyakim.  And 
Joachaz  his  brother  did  Necho  take  away, 
and  bring  him  to  Egypt. 

5  ^  Twenty  and  five  years  old  was  Jehoya- 
kim when  he  became  king,  and  eleven  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem ;  and  he  did  what 
is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  his  God. 

6  Against  him  came  up  Nebuchadnezzar 
the  king  of  Babylon,  and  he  bound  him  with 
fetters,  to  carry  him  away  to  Babylon. 

7  And  some  of  the  vessels  of  the  house  of 
the  Lord  did  Nebuchadnezzar  carry  to  Baby- 
lon, and  he  placed  them  in  his  temple  at 
Babylon. 

8  And  the  rest  of  the  acts  of  Jehoyakim, 
and  his  abominable  deeds  which  he  did,  and 
that  which  was  found  concerning  him,  be- 
hold, they  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
kings  of  Israel  and  Judah.  And  Jehoyachin 
his  son  became  king  in  his  stead. 

9  ^  Eight"  years  old  was  Jehoyachin  when 
he  became  king,  and  three  months  and  ten 
days  did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem;  and  he  did 
what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of  the  Lord. 

10  And  with  the  expiration  of  the  year 
did  king  Nebuchadnezzar  send,  and  had  him 
brought  to  Babylon,  with  the  costly  vessels  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord:  and  he  made  Zedekiah 
his  brother  king  over  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

11  *[[  Twenty  and  one  years  old  was  Zede- 
kiah when  he  became  king,  and  eleven  years 
did  he  reign  in  Jerusalem. 

12  And  he  did  what  is  evil  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Lord  his  God:  he  humbled  himself  not 
before  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  according  to  the 
order  of  the  Lord. 

13  And  also  against  king  Nebuchadnezzar 
did  he  rebel,  who  had  made  him  swear  by 
God;  but  he  stiffened  his  neck,  and  hardened 
his  heart  so  as  not  to  return  unto  the  Lord 
the  God  of  Israel. 


°  In  2  Kings  xxiv.  8,  we  have  "eighteen."  R^dak 
suggests  that  perhaps  his  father  made  him  assistant  ruler 
when  he  was  only  eight  years  old. 


2  CHRONICLES  XXXVI. 


14  Also  all  the  chiefs  of  the  priests  and 
the  people  committed  manifold  trespasses, 
like  all  the  abominable  acts  of  the  (foreign) 
nations;  and  they  defiled  the  house  of  the 
Lord  which  he  had  hallowed  in  Jerusalem. 

15  And  the  Loed  the  God  of  their  fathers 
sent  to  them  by  means  of  his  messengers, 
making  (them)  rise  early,  and  sending 
(them) ;  because  he  had  compassion  on  his 
people,  and  on  his  dwelling-place; 

16  But  they  mocked  at  the  messengers  of 
God,  and  despised  his  words,  and  scorned 
his  prophets,  until  the  fury  of  the  Lord 
arose  against  his  people,  till  there  was  no 
remed3^ 

17  And  he  brought  over  them  the  king  of 
the  Chaldeans,  who  slew  their  young  men 
with  the  sword  in  the  house  of  their  sanc- 
tuary, and  had  no  compassion  upon  young 
man  or  virgin,  the  old  man,  and  the  aged : 
all  did  he  give  into  up  into  his  hand. 

18  T[  And  all  the  vessels  of  the  house  of 
God,  the  great  and  the  small,  and  the  trea- 
sures of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the  trea- 
sures of  the  king  and  of  his  princes, — all 
these  did  he  carry  to  Babylon. 

19  And  they  burnt  the  house  of  God, 
and  broke  down  the  wall  of  Jerusalem,  and 
all  her  palaces  they  burnt  with  fire,  and  all 


her   costly  vessels  they  gave  up  to  destruc- 
tion. 

20  And  those  that  had  escaped  from  the 
sword  did  he  carry  into  exile  to  Babylon ; 
and  they  were  servants  to  him  and  to  his  sons 
until  the  kingdom  of  Persia  came  to  the 
government: 

21  To  fulfil  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the 
mouth  of  Jeremiah,  until  the  land  had  satis- 
fied its  sabbaths;"  all  the  days  of  its  desola- 
tion it  rested,  till  seventy  years  wei'e  com- 
pleted. 

22  ^  And  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  the 
king  of  Persia,  at  the  completion  of  the  word 
of  the  Lord  by  the  mouth  of  Jeremiah,  did 
the  Lord  stir  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus  the  king 
of  Persia,  so  that  lie  caused  a  proclamation 
to  be  made  throughout  all  his  kingdom,  and 
also  by  means  of  writing,  saying, 

23  Thus  hath  said  C3'rus  the  king  of  Per- 
sia, All  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth  hath  the 
Lord  the  God  of  heaven  given  me;  and  he 
hath  charged  me  to  build  him  a  house  in 
Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah.  Whoever 
there  is  among  you.  of  all  his  people,  may 
the  Lord  his  God  be  with  him,  and  let  him 
go  up. 


•  See  Lev.  xxvi.  34. 


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